Warsaw

Discover Warsaw, a city nestled on the Vistula River and capital of Poland. In addition to the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers many places of historical interest.
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Poland’s capital, Warsaw, is a city of contrasts with sumptuous Baroque palaces and a meticulously reconstructed historical centre after the devastation of World War II.

Warsaw’s resilient character is reflected in its eclectic architecture, ranging from socialist-style buildings to modern glass and steel structures.

Reminders of the rich Jewish heritage extinguished by the Nazis lie to the west. The main attractions, however, lie on the western bank of the Vistula River, which runs through the city from south to north, where you can enjoy numerous sights embracing different architectural styles.

The Old Town has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and is a unique example of post-war reconstruction, while the skyscrapers of the financial district testify to the economic dynamism of modern Poland.

Don’t miss the Royal Route, the Chopin Museum, some magnificent palaces and the former Jewish ghetto. The skyline of the business district is still dominated by the enormous Palace of Culture and Science donated to the nation by Stalin. Warsaw is also home to two of the most beautiful city parks in Central Europe, true green lungs of the Polish capital.

Delicious restaurants, great nightclubs and a packed calendar of events await you in what has become a European crossroads for culture, finance and music.

Things to do in Warsaw

Warsaw offers a fascinating mixture of attractions ranging from history to contemporary art, from traditional culture to modern innovation. The city has an extraordinarily rich cultural heritage, with carefully reconstructed monuments coexisting with modern architectural structures, creating a fascinating contrast that characterises the unique identity of the Polish capital.

Old Town (Stare Miasto)

The historical heart of Warsaw, the Old Town represents a triumph of the human spirit over destruction. Completely razed to the ground during World War II, it has been meticulously reconstructed using the paintings of vedutista Bernardo Bellotto as a reference. The Market Square (Rynek Starego Miasta), with its characteristic colourful houses, is the pulsating centre of this district.

The narrow cobbled streets branching off the square lead to small churches, traditional restaurants and craft boutiques. The Column of Sigismund III Vasa, the city’s oldest monument, stands majestically in front of the Royal Castle. During the summer season, the numerous outdoor cafés and street musicians create a lively and festive atmosphere.

Royal Castle

The Royal Castle in Warsaw is an outstanding example of post-war architectural reconstruction. The building, the official residence of Polish monarchs for centuries, now houses a museum with an impressive collection of period furniture, artwork and historical memorabilia.

The Royal Apartments are particularly remarkable, with their richly decorated rooms including the Throne Room and the Knights’ Hall. The Painting Gallery houses works by renowned artists, including two famous paintings by Rembrandt. The castle gardens, overlooking the Vistula River, offer a pleasant space to relax and admire the architecture of the building.

Palace of Culture and Science

This socialist realism-style skyscraper, a gift from the Soviet Union to Poland, has become a controversial but undeniably iconic symbol of Warsaw. Standing 237 metres tall, the building houses theatres, museums, cinemas and a panoramic terrace on the 30th floor offering spectacular views of the city.

The building also houses the Studio Theatre and the Dramatyczny Theatre, as well as numerous conferences and cultural events throughout the year. The contrast between this Stalinist building and the modern skyscrapers surrounding it perfectly represents the historical stratification of the city.

POLIN – Museum of the History of Polish Jews

This state-of-the-art museum tells a thousand years of Jewish history in Poland through eight multimedia galleries. The building itself is an architectural masterpiece, with its glass and copper façade symbolising the parting of the Red Sea.

The permanent exhibition uses interactive technology and historical reconstructions to tell stories of coexistence, persecution and rebirth. Particularly touching is the section dedicated to the Warsaw Ghetto and the Holocaust. The museum regularly organises cultural events, lectures and educational workshops.

Łazienki Park

The largest park in Warsaw, Łazienki is an oasis of tranquillity in the heart of the city. The park is home to the magnificent Palace on the Island, a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture surrounded by a picturesque lake. During the summer, free Chopin concerts under the famous composer’s monument attract residents and tourists alike.

The park also includes the Amphitheatre, the Myślewicki Palace and numerous historical pavilions. Peacocks roaming freely and friendly squirrels add a touch of magic to the park’s atmosphere.

Krakowskie Przedmieście Street

This elegant historical artery is part of the Royal Street that connected the Royal Castle to the summer residence in Wilanów. Today it is one of the most prestigious streets in Warsaw, lined with historical palaces, Baroque churches and university buildings.

Along the street are important institutions such as the University of Warsaw, the Church of the Holy Cross (which houses Chopin’s heart) and the Presidential Palace. During the summer, the street becomes pedestrianised at weekends, turning into a lively public space.

Guided and free tours of Warsaw

Discover Warsaw through the eyes of expert guides who will take you on a tour of the city's hidden treasures. Participating in a guided visit or a free tour will allow you to capture the true essence of Warsaw.

Free tour of Warsaw

The free tours are a viable alternative to traditional guided tours. They work like this: participation is free and at the end of the visit you can leave a tip at your discretion. Below you will find our favourite free tour, otherwise you can see the full list by visiting this page.

Where to stay in Warsaw

The best area for a tourist to sleep is undoubtedly the Old Town, the district where most of Warsaw’s tourist attractions are located. This is the area where the largest number of luxury hotels are concentrated, although there are actually very few hotels.

In the neighbouring areas, however, you can stay comfortably and enjoy the many cafés, galleries and shops that enrich Warsaw. The Praga district in particular, located on the eastern bank of the Vistula River, is perfect for travellers seeking a more alternative and authentic atmosphere. The area is experiencing an artistic renaissance, with old industrial buildings converted into art galleries, trendy cafés and cultural spaces.

Funnily enough, Frederic Chopin Airport, 8 kilometres south of the city centre, can also be a good base for exploring Poland’s capital: connections to the centre are good and fast and hotels are of a good standard, as well as being cheaper.

If you’re looking for cheap hotels in Warsaw, it’s best to move outside the centre. This area is particularly popular with the many business travellers who come to the city throughout the year for trade fairs and business.

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Excursions around Warsaw

Wilanów Palace

The region around Warsaw offers numerous opportunities for interesting excursions. Renting a car is recommended to comfortably explore these destinations, although many can be reached by public transport. The variety of attractions ranges from historical residences to nature parks, offering a perfect complement to a visit to the capital.

Wilanów Palace

The Palace of Wilanów, often called the ‘Polish Versailles’, is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture located just 10 km from the centre of Warsaw. The palace, surrounded by beautiful Italian and English-style gardens, houses a valuable art collection and period furniture. The gardens are particularly impressive in autumn when they are tinged with warm colours.

Kampinos National Park

Only 30 minutes from the city centre, the Kampinos National Park offers a unique natural experience with its sand dunes, pine forests and wetlands. The park is criss-crossed by numerous hiking and biking trails, ideal for a day outdoors. The area is also rich in historical monuments related to the Polish resistance during World War II.

Zelazowa Wola

The birthplace of Fryderyk Chopin is about an hour’s drive from Warsaw. The house-museum surrounded by a romantic park offers regular concerts of classical music during the summer season. A visit allows you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere that inspired the great composer.

Czersk Castle

The ruins of Czersk Castle, the former seat of the Dukes of Masovia, are located 30 km from Warsaw. The medieval castle offers a panoramic view of the Vistula Valley and hosts historical re-enactment events during the summer.

Getting to Warsaw

Warsaw is Poland’s main transport hub. The city is served by an efficient public transport system that connects airports and train stations to the city centre, making travel easy for visitors.

Chopin Airport – Warsaw

Chopin Airport (WAW) is the main international airport, located just 8 km from the centre.

To get from the airport to the centre the most convenient way is by train on line S2, which takes 20 minutes to reach the Central Station. Alternatively, bus lines 175 and N32 (night) connect the airport to the centre in about 30 minutes. Finally, taxis take about 15-20 minutes to reach the centre.

Modlin Airport – Warsaw

Located 40 km from the centre,Modlin Airport (WMI) serves mainly low-cost airlines.

To get from the airport to the centre, the most practical way is the ModlinBus shuttle bus, which takes about 40 minutes to reach the centre. Alternatively, you can take the bus to Modlin station and then the train to Warsaw, but this will take about 1 hour. Finally, taxis take about 45 minutes to reach the centre.

Train connections

Warsaw Central Station (Warszawa Centralna) is a major railway hub with direct connections to all major Polish cities and several European capitals. High-speed trains connect Warsaw with Krakow (2.5 hours), Berlin (6 hours), Prague (8 hours) and Vienna (8 hours).

Warsaw Weather

What's the weather at Warsaw? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Warsaw for the next few days.

Wednesday 16
17°
24°
Thursday 17
16°
22°
Friday 18
14°
21°
Saturday 19
16°
26°
Sunday 20
20°
27°
Monday 21
19°
30°

Where is located Warsaw

Warsaw is located in the heart of central Poland, 350 km east of Berlin and about 300 km from Krakow, Poland's second largest city.

Insights on Warsaw

Things to do in Warsaw

Things to do in Warsaw

Comprehensive guide to the must-see attractions in Warsaw, the capital of Poland. From the UNESCO Old Town to museums and palaces that tell a troubled history.
When to go to Warsaw

When to go to Warsaw

Discover the best time to visit Warsaw: climate, events and festivals throughout the year. Guide to choosing when to plan your trip.
Where to stay in Warsaw

Where to stay in Warsaw

The best accommodation in Warsaw, from luxurious downtown establishments to boutique hotels in the Old Town, organised by neighbourhood.
Warsaw Modlin Airport

Warsaw Modlin Airport

A practical guide to Warsaw Modlin Airport with real-time information on arrival and departure times, connections to the city centre and accommodation in the surrounding area.
Warsaw Chopin Airport

Warsaw Chopin Airport

Practical guide to Warsaw Chopin Airport with real-time information on arrival and departure times, connections to the city centre and accommodation in the surrounding area.
Flights to Warsaw

Flights to Warsaw

Discover all flights to Warsaw: airlines, deals and direct connections from various European cities. Compare prices and find the best flight.

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