A few weeks ago, I went back to Poland for my second trip to the country. After visiting Krakow a few years ago, I am back in Poland to visit Warsaw, its capital. Krakow is a city that particularly marked me, so I was looking forward to visiting Warsaw.
Three days spent in the Polish capital allowed me to discover a large number of things to see and do in Warsaw. In this article I will give you some advice on preparing for a stay in Warsaw before presenting the activities and things to do in Warsaw and finally some itineraries for visiting the city in 1, 2 or 3 days.
We will also discuss the accommodation side, although the question of Where to sleep in Warsaw will give rise to an article dedicated to the subject.
Visit Warsaw:
> Practical tips for visiting Warsaw
> What to see and what to do in Warsaw?
> Visit Warsaw in 1, 2 or 3 days
> Where to sleep in Warsaw?
Practical tips for visiting Warsaw
So let's start with practical advice for a successful visit to Warsaw. Best times to visit Warsaw, its airports, transport or even the zloty, the Polish currency.
- When to visit Warsaw?
- Flight and access to the city center from Warsaw airport
- How long to visit Warsaw?
- The Zloty: the Polish currency
When to visit Warsaw?
The first question to ask yourself before leaving for Warsaw is "When to go to Warsaw?" »
The climate of Poland is a continental climate. Particularly mild in summer, the rains are rare during this period and the temperatures are pleasant, with an average around 26 degrees during the months of July and August.
The period from May to September is therefore the best time to visit Warsaw.
Winter is harsh. Temperatures are mostly negative during the months of December, January and February. These fall very quickly from October onwards, only to become more pleasant again in April.
Even if, for me, winter is clearly not the best time to visit Warsaw, this season can, nevertheless, have its charm in case of visiting the city under the snow. Be careful all the same to anticipate the cold and take warm clothes, hats or even gloves.
Flight and access to the city center from Warsaw airport
The city of Warsaw has two airports. Warsaw-Chopin Airport, located about 10 kilometers from the city center of Warsaw, and Warsaw-Modlin Airport, located about 40 kilometers from the center of Warsaw.
The combination of these two airports makes Warsaw accessible from major European cities. From France, for example, you can fly directly to Warsaw from Paris, Nice, Marseille or even Lyon depending on the season.
If you are looking for a flight to Warsaw, I recommend Skyscanner which I myself use to find flights on my travels.
We will now see how to reach the city center of Warsaw from its main airports.
Getting to Warsaw city center from Warsaw-Chopin airport
Warsaw Chopin Airport being the closest to Warsaw, it is very easy to get to the city center and vice versa.
- The bus
Two bus lines will allow you to reach the city center of Warsaw from Frederic Chopin airport. Lines 175 and 188. The most central bus stop is the “centrum” stop. It will take you about 30 minutes to get to the city center of Warsaw. Count a little more than one euro for this trip.
These two lines run all day, every 30 minutes. A night line runs, line N32 replacing line 175.
Tickets can be purchased directly from the bus driver. - The train
Since 2012, it is possible to reach the city center of Warsaw from the airport via a train line. Two companies allow this journey but tickets purchased at the entrance to the station are valid for both companies. Allow 25 minutes for the trip. The city center stop is Warszawa Srodmiescie. - The private shuttle
Certainly more expensive, this solution will allow you to reach the city center quickly. Depending on the location of your hotel but also on the number of people, this solution can be interesting. The shuttle will drop you off directly at your hotel. To consult the prices of the shuttle transfer, you can follow this link.
Getting to Warsaw city center from Warsaw-Modlin airport
Now let's move on to Warsaw-Modlin Airport. Arrival airport if you have opted for a flight with the low cost airline Ryanair. This airport is located about 40 kilometers from the center of Warsaw. There too, several solutions are possible to reach the center of the city.
- Most bus
The bus is, by far, the most economical solution and also one of the simplest. Indeed a bus line Modlin Airport Bus makes trips between Warsaw-Modlin airport and the center of Warsaw. This drops you off at the foot of the Palace of Culture and Science. To reach the historic center of the city, you will then have to take the tram or walk a little. The journey is about 40 minutes long and will only cost you 9 PLN or about 2,10 €.
You can check the bus timetables and buy your tickets on the Modlin Bus website. - By train
Less convenient, you can take the train from Modlin station. This will require reaching this station, via a bus from the airport. Solution that I will not detail here because it is more expensive and less practical. - By shuttle
As for Warsaw-Chopin airport, it is possible to book a private shuttle that will take you to the center of the city. This solution is, of course, expensive except in the case of a group. If you are traveling with 6 or 8 people then this shuttle will cost you less than 10€ per person. The advantage is that it will be possible to have you dropped off at the foot of your hotel without any waiting at the airport. You can book your private shuttle here.
How long to visit Warsaw?
The other question that you will have to ask yourself before leaving for Warsaw concerns the length of your stay. For that you will first have to ask yourself if Warsaw represents the main part of your stay in Poland or just a stopover.
In the first case, if your trip is a city trip that will take place exclusively in Warsaw, then you can plan 2 to 3 days to visit the city and its surroundings. You will find at the bottom of this article, 3 itinerary ideas to visit Warsaw in 1 day, 2 days and 3 days.
If Warsaw is only one stage of a road trip in Poland, then a full day will be enough to visit most of Warsaw. Indeed, by way of comparison, I would recommend that you favor a city like Krakow which, in my opinion, has more interests from a tourist point of view.
The Zloty: the Polish currency
Let's dwell for a moment on the Polish currency. Please note, Poland does not use euros and has its own currency, the Zloty: PLN.
1 PLN is approximately equal to 0,20€. As in all countries that do not accept the euro, you will have to be VERY careful about bank charges. These can sometimes be very expensive.
For my part, I advise and strongly recommend the use of TransferWise. An application (and a website) that allows you to credit an account in the currency you want, in euros for example, at no cost. In a second step, you can, when you see fit, convert this sum into any currency at a real rate.
During the conversion, you will be asked to pay a fee, of the order of a few cents for €100, negligible compared to the fees charged by traditional banks.
To pay ? Nothing could be simpler, TransferWise provides you with a bank card to withdraw money (in the same currency, free of charge) but also to pay directly by bank card.
Adding money to your account is very simple: transfer, bank card and even Apple Pay.
What to see and what to do in Warsaw?
Now let's take a look at things to see and do in Warsaw. What to see during your stay in Warsaw?
What to see and what to do in Warsaw?- La place du marché - Old Town Square
- The Barbican and its fortifications
- La place Zamkowy
- Visit the Royal Castle in Warsaw
- Walk the royal road
- Admire the Saxon Gardens and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- Climb to the top of the Palace of Culture and Science
- Take a walk in Lazienki Park
- Chopin: Museum and concert
- Visit the museums of Warsaw
- Visit Wilanow Palace
- Take a trip to the Zloty Tarasy shopping center
- Go see the ruins of the former Jewish ghetto
- Taste local specialties
Market Square – Rynek Starego Miasta, the place to see in Warsaw
Let's go straight to the heart of the matter by going to one of the most popular places in the city, a must to visit in Warsaw: the old market square, called Rynek Starego Miastra. If you have already visited Krakow, you must know Rynek Square. That of Warsaw is truly different.
You will arrive on a much warmer, smaller square, also entirely surrounded by bars and restaurants.
One of the things that strikes the most when you arrive in Warsaw's Market Square is the set of colorful facades of the buildings that surround the square. In the center of the latter is one of the emblems of the city, the statue of the Mermaid of Warsaw.
Around this square we find, for example, the Warsaw Museum or an art gallery.
Opt for a guided tour!If you visit Warsaw for a short time then I advise you to opt for a guided tour of the city. Lasting 3 hours, you will have the opportunity to discover the essentials of Warsaw: Old Town, Royal Castle, Lazienki Park or the former Jewish ghetto. See the offers for a guided tour
- "/>
The Barbican and its fortifications
A barbican is a kind of small fortification at the entrance of a city, often rounded in shape and usually used to protect a door or a passage.
The Warsaw Barbican is very well preserved and is part of a set of fortifications, part of which is still present and visible in the city. It marks the passage between the Old Town of Warsaw and the New Town.
The Barbican has been converted into a museum. You can go up there and go around, then go down on the other side and exit opposite. The museum presents the history of the city and exhibits many snapshots of the time.
Not as tall as the tower of the Palace of Culture, the Warsaw Barbican still offers a nice view of the old town and its cobbled streets.
La place Zamkowy
From the Warsaw Market Square, take the small pedestrian street Swietojanska towards Zamkowy Square. In this very pleasant little shopping street is the Saint-Jean cathedral. Recently built (in 1930), the cathedral is intended to be a replica of the original cathedral destroyed during the Second World War.
Feel free to go inside the cathedral and take a look. The interior is particularly bright due to the white paint on its walls.
At the end of the street we come to Zamkowy Square. It is also one of the places to see in Warsaw.
This square is famous because it faces the Royal Castle of Warsaw, which we will soon talk about a little further down.
On the other side of the square, facing the castle, you will find restaurants and their terraces. In the center of Zamkowy Square is Sigismund's Column. Sigismund is the former king of Poland who, in 1596, made Warsaw the capital of Poland instead of Krakow. This column, 22 meters high, was built in 1644.
Visit the Royal Castle in Warsaw
The Royal Castle is the main monument of this Zamkowy square, it is also one of the most visited places in Warsaw. This castle, residence of the kings of Poland since 1596, date on which Warsaw became the capital of the country, can be visited. This is one of the emblems of the city, recognizable among all with its red tower.
Although the castle originally dates from the 1970th century, it was destroyed and rebuilt many times. Its last destruction dates from the Second World War. The current castle is recent since it was rebuilt in the XNUMXs.
During your visit to the castle, you will be able to contemplate its many ceremonial rooms, each more surprising than the next.
The visit to the castle will cost you 30 PLN or around 7€, add to that 18 PLN for the audio guide – around 4€. You can find more information about visiting times and days on the official website of the Royal Castle in Warsaw.
Skip-the-line ticket + guided tourA must in Warsaw, the royal castle can be visited alone or via a guided tour. It is possible to book this visit, in English, and online in order to learn more about the history of the castle. See the offers for a guided tour
Walk the royal road
Let's continue our journey along one of the most famous streets in the city of Warsaw, the Royal Route. This will take you from the royal castle, the former residence of kings, to the current presidential palace.
This road is dotted with places of interest. In fact, by taking it you will pass in front of the Sainte-Anne church in Warsaw, then in front of the Park Miniatur, a park exhibiting miniature replicas of the most important monuments of the region.
A little further on is the Chopin Point Warsaw with many performances and concerts on the theme of the most famous musician of the palace: Frédéric Chopin.
In front of these places, you will find countless restaurants and cafes with colorful facades.
Admire the Saxon Garden and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
The Saxon Garden, located in the Śródmieście district, is one of the first urban parks in Warsaw. You will certainly take the latter if you go from the historic center of Warsaw to the Palace of Culture and Science, on foot.
It is pleasant to walk in this wooded park to discover the tomb of the unknown soldier. Located under the last vestiges of the Saxon palace, the tomb, built in 1925, was erected in honor of the Polish soldiers who fought in the First World War. The tomb is continuously guarded by two soldiers.
Climb to the top of the Palace of Culture and Science
Among the well-known monuments in Warsaw is the Palace of Culture and Science. This huge building is a reminder of the city's Soviet past. Today, this building houses many museums, cinemas, conference and concert halls and even theatres. You can also climb to its top to admire the view of modern Warsaw and its skyscrapers or eat at the panoramic restaurant. I recommend going there at the end of the day to see the sunset.
Many exhibitions take place in the various museums of the building. Remember to look at which exhibitions will take place during your stay.
Take a trip to the Zloty Tarasy shopping center
While strolling around the Palace of Culture and Science, you will not fail to see an astonishing glazed building in the shape of a wave. This is the Zloty Tarasy shopping center. If you are close to the place, why not take a look. The interior, design and bright, is worth a look.
Take a walk in Lazienki Park
Slightly out of the center of Warsaw's old town is the famous Łazienki Park. This real green lung is a place where it is very pleasant to walk and relax. Easily accessible by tram or bus, it takes about a quarter of an hour to get there from downtown Warsaw.
This park is huge and different buildings are to be seen. I advise you to look at the plans at the different entrances to this park to find your bearings and decide on the places you want to see. Among the most beautiful and emblematic, you have the Palace on the water, the Amphitheater on the Island or the old orangery. Between bodies of water, rivers and shaded areas, this park is very popular with both locals and tourists. In the summer season, sun loungers are spread all over the park, allowing you to enjoy good times.
Summer is also the season when you can attend many concerts near the famous statue of Chopin. Moreover, it is often his plays that are performed there.
Chopin: Museum and concert, the must-do in Warsaw
Speaking of this famous composer, a museum is also dedicated to him in Warsaw. Born in 1810 in a small village a few kilometers from the city, his parents came to live in Warsaw a few months after his birth.
Chopin's birthplace in Żelazowa Wola can be visited.
Regarding the Chopin Museum in Warsaw, it is one of the most important museums on this great composer.
It contains fun technologies for both adults and children, making this museum very interactive and accessible to everyone, whether you are a musician at heart or a complete novice. A step strongly recommended in your stay.
Attend a Chopin concert!Many places organize performances on the theme of Chopin. Impossible to leave Warsaw without attending one of this artist's concerts. For one hour, come and attend a concert of the most beautiful works of the Polish pianist. See offers for a Chopin concert
Museums to visit in Warsaw
The city of Warsaw has, of course, many museums to discover. Here is a small list of the main museums of the city:
- National Museum in Warsaw
The city's main museum, it exhibits art pieces from Poland and Eastern Europe from antiquity to the present day. Count 20 PLN to discover this museum. - Frederic Chopin Museum
Museum we mentioned a little earlier dedicated to one of the greatest Polish composers: Frédéric Chopin - Warsaw Museum
Located on the Market Square, the Warsaw Museum traces the history of the city over the centuries through objects, paintings or sculptures. - Wilanow Museum
Located in the Wilanow Palace, which we will talk about a little later, this museum tells us about illustrious people who have marked the history of Poland. - The Royal Castle
Through the many rooms of the castle, learn more about the royal history of Poland. - Warsaw Uprising Museum
A museum that traces the tragic history of the city during the Second World War. - Museum of Illusion
A museum full of fun and original experiments on illusions. This museum is located in the Market Square of Warsaw. An interesting visit to do in Warsaw with children. - Copernicus Science Center
A scientific museum with many activities around science, therefore a planetarium. - Museum of the History of Polish Jews
This museum traces the life and history of Polish Jews in Poland over the past 1000 years. Book your entry
Visit the Wilanow Palace: cultural visit to do in Warsaw
Located about 10 kilometers from the center of Warsaw, Wilanow Palace is one of the few period buildings. Despite several transformations over the various owners, the building was not damaged by the wars. This palace, dating from the XNUMXth century, is one of the architectural jewels of the city of Warsaw. Originally the king's residence, the place now hosts a museum as well as various cultural events. Visiting Wilanow Palace is an interesting activity to do in Warsaw.
Visit Wilanow Palace and its gardens via a guided tourOpt for a 2 or 3 hour guided tour in French of this XNUMXth century palace. One of the rare palaces that was not damaged by the bombardments of the Second World War.
This palace, as well as its sumptuous gardens are worth the detour. See the offers for a guided tour
Go see the ruins of the former Jewish ghetto
The former Jewish ghetto of Warsaw is sadly known for its dark past during the Second World War. Today, testimonies of this painful past can be found in scattered places in the Jewish quarter. At the time, a “ghost” street gave a particular atmosphere to the visit of this place, with giant photos of Jews who lived in this ghetto. Today, the buildings are being renovated one by one, gradually healing the wounds of the era.
Among the few vestiges, you will be able to find a piece of the wall of the Warsaw ghetto or even a building not yet renovated, chilling your back at the sight of these windows with broken panes or closed with plywood sheets, lifeless, and whose access is prohibited by large palisades. Only a few birds take advantage of this calm and its empty apartments. To see this building, go to Prozna Street.
Not far away is the Monument to the Heroes of the Ghetto, opposite the Museum of the History of Polish Jews.
Taste local specialties
Last activity to do in Warsaw, an essential activity in my opinion: taste some of the culinary specialties of Poland.
They are numerous but I will only tell you about the main ones here.
Les Pierogi
A must to taste during a stay in Warsaw, these kinds of filled ravioli, formerly cooked during the holidays, are now part of the daily life of the Poles.
Le Zurek
Zurek is THE traditional Polish soup. A sour soup cooked from a meat broth with dried mushrooms, sausage or even smoked bacon and boiled eggs. Zurek is a dish that was originally cooked at Easter time.
Visit Warsaw in 1, 2 or 3 days
Here are three itinerary suggestions for visiting Warsaw in 1 day, 2 days and 3 days.
Visit Warsaw in 1 day:
One day seems a bit short to visit the city of Warsaw. This will be enough if you want to discover its historic center and the main emblematic places of the city. Here are the suggestions of places to see in Warsaw in one day:
- Head to the historic center to discover Warsaw Market Square and its surroundings.
- Visit of the cathedral located a few dozen meters from Starego Miastra Square.
- Discovery of Zmakowy square and visit of the royal castle.
- Walk through the Saxon Garden towards the Palace of Culture and Science.
- Ascent of the Palace of Culture and Science.
- Evening concert of Chopin in the historic center of Warsaw.
Visit Warsaw in 2 days:
For a second day in Warsaw, several choices are available to you:
- The first will be to stay on the same route as day one but take advantage of the extra time to visit museums like the Chopin Museum, the National Museum in Warsaw, the Uprising Museum or, if you are traveling with children, the museum of illusion as well as the center of Science Copernic.
Also take the time to take a look at the barbican and its fortifications. - The second choice will be to carry out the program of the third day.
Visit Warsaw in 3 days:
Three days to visit Warsaw is enough. This will allow you to enjoy the center of Warsaw and its museums without rushing.
Our first two days are described above.
On this third day, let's move away from the center to discover Lazienki Park, easily accessible by tram. Stroll through this park, which is particularly pleasant in summer.
After this walk, let's continue to move away a little to visit the Wilanow Palace, a preserved jewel of Warsaw.
Where to sleep in Warsaw?
Let's end this article on the essentials of a visit to Warsaw with a focus on accommodation. We will only touch on the subject here since accommodation in Warsaw is the subject of a dedicated article: Where to sleep in Warsaw?
Here are the main areas to stay in Warsaw:
- Old Town
The old town of Warsaw, small cobbled streets, the cathedral and the royal castle. This district, although "old town" was completely rebuilt after the Second World War. A top choice place to sleep in Warsaw. This district offers a wide choice of hotels. - Powisle
Located south of the old town, this district is the presidential district where the presidential palace is located. Close to all the city's points of interest, this district offers a wide choice of high-end accommodation. - Palace of Culture and Science district
The most modern district of the city with buildings and other shopping centers. This lively district revolves around the Palace of Culture and Science. It is also a good place to stay in Warsaw.
Our article dedicated to the visit of Warsaw ends here, do not hesitate to tell us in the comments if you enjoyed this city.
