Poland

Warsaw

Warsaw is a phoenix city that rebuilt itself into a vibrant capital.

Local time
UTC+1
Population
1.8M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$
Moderate
  • Food$$$$$About $48 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
  • Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $134 a night for two
  • Transport$$$$$About $4.5 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇵🇱 PLN =
Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

WAWWarsaw Chopin AirportMain airport, 8 km south of the centre.
HowCostTime
Train (SKM/S2)Warszawa Śródmieście / Centralnaaround 5-10 zł20-30 min
Fastest link to the centre.
Bus (line 175)City centrearound 5 zł30-40 min
Cheap daytime option.
TaxiCity centre40-60 zł20-30 min
Use official taxi rank.
Uber/BoltCity centre35-55 zł20-30 min
Pick-up at designated zones.
WMIWarsaw Modlin AirportLow-cost airport, 35-40 km north of the centre.
HowCostTime
Shuttle bus + regional trainWarszawa Centralna22.40 zł combined ticketup to 90 min
Bilet Lotniskowy covers Zone 1 for 75 min.
Contibus busCity centre40 złaround 60 min
Buy at arrivals or on board.
TaxiCity centre120-160 zł40-55 min
Long ride; agree price first.
Uber/BoltCity centre100-150 zł40-55 min
Check availability at the airport.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Warsaw

Getting around

Metro for cross-city hops; trams and buses fill the gaps; ride apps for late nights.

  • Metro ★Two lines (M1 north-south, M2 east-west) run every 3–10 min until midnight, later on Fri-Sat.
  • BusAbout 200 bus routes and 30 tram lines share one ZTM ticket system. Validate on board.
  • TramAround 30 tram lines across the city, on the same ZTM tickets as buses and metro.
  • Taxi / ride appsUber, Bolt and Free Now work in Warsaw; taxis are metered.
  • Rental carDriving is busy. Carry licence, insurance and registration documents at all times.
  • Walking ★The centre is walkable and bike-friendly; no ferry needed in the city.
Recommended stay★ 2 nights (3 days)

Two nights cover the Old Town, the main museums and a food evening; add a night for Praga or Wilanów.

Best for
  • HistoryOld Town, the Rising Museum and the ghetto trail.
  • CultureMuseums, Chopin and the rebuilt old city.

Weather by month

2°-3°Jan🌧 13d
5°-2°Feb🌧 11d
9°0°Mar🌧 11d
14°4°Apr🌧 11d
19°9°May🌧 12d
24°14°Jun🌧 10d
25°15°Jul🌧 13d
25°16°Aug🌧 11d
20°11°Sep🌧 10d
14°7°Oct🌧 12d
7°2°Nov🌧 10d
4°0°Dec🌧 11d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Temperate continental climate: cold winters, warm summers, and rain spread through the year.

  • Best time: May to SeptemberWarm days around 19–25°C and long evenings. Ideal for walking and outdoor cafés.
  • Cold winters (December to February)Highs of 2–5°C and lows near or below freezing. Pack a proper coat, hat and gloves.
  • Rain all yearAbout 10–13 rain days every month. Carry a small umbrella or rain jacket any season.
  • Big swings between seasonsFrom near 0°C in January to 25°C in July. Check the forecast before you pack.
  • Spring and autumn are mildApril, May, September and October are comfortable for sightseeing with a light layer.
  • What to packLayers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes for cobblestones; warm boots and gloves in winter.

Landmarks 14

Must-see · 7

  1. 1

    Warsaw Old Town

    The reconstructed heart of the city, rebuilt brick by brick after WWII and now a UNESCO site. It is the essential first stop for any visitor. Go early in the morning to enjoy the squares before the crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Palace of Culture and Science

    A towering Soviet-era landmark that dominates the skyline and houses museums, theatres and a viewing terrace. Head up to the terrace for panoramic views, ideally around sunset. Buy tickets on arrival.

  3. 3

    Royal Castle, Warsaw

    The former residence of Polish kings on Castle Square, richly restored with grand interiors. It anchors the Old Town and is a must for history lovers. Book tickets ahead in peak season to skip the queue.

  4. 4

    Łazienki Palace

    An elegant palace on an island in the middle of a beautiful park, surrounded by gardens and peacocks. It is a peaceful escape from the busy centre. Visit on a weekday morning for quieter paths.

  5. 5

    POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews

    A striking modern museum telling a thousand years of Jewish history in Poland. It is one of the city's most acclaimed cultural sights. Allow at least half a day and check opening days before you go.

  6. 6

    Warsaw Uprising Museum

    A powerful, immersive museum devoted to the 1944 uprising, with moving exhibits and artefacts. It is essential for understanding the city's modern identity. Book timed tickets in advance.

  7. 7

    Wilanów Palace

    A baroque royal palace with formal gardens on the city's southern edge. It makes a rewarding half-day trip away from the centre. Take a bus or taxi and go early to beat the crowds.

1Warsaw Old Town2Palace of Culture and Science3Royal Castle, Warsaw4Łazienki Palace5POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews6Warsaw Uprising Museum7Wilanów Palace

Cultural

Museum 2

Historical Square 1

Park 1

Urban Hub 1

Palace 4

Old Town 1

Modern History 1

Natural

River 1

Activities

Food 1

Football Stadium 1

Overview

History & significance

Highlights

    Day trips from Warsaw

    Toruń · 2 h 13 by train

    ★★★★☆ · Full day · 259 km from Warsaw

    Best way: Direct intercity trains reach Toruń Główny in 2h 13m, faster than the 3h bus, and the old town is a short walk or local bus from the station.

    Direct intercity trains from Warszawa Centralna reach Toruń Główny in roughly 2.5 to 3 hours; the old town is a short walk or local bus from the station.

    • Train ★2 h 13 · from $29-$55
    • Bus3 h 00
    • Car2 h 43 · taxi ≈ 790 PLN

    What to see

    • Medieval Old Town and Town Hall
    • Copernicus House Museum
    • Gothic Cathedral of SS. John
    • Vistula riverfront

    1 landmark quest to check off here

    Good to know

    • Book intercity tickets ahead, especially on weekends
    • The old town is a UNESCO-listed Gothic gem, best explored on foot
    • Allow a full day to see the cathedral, town hall and Copernicus sights

    Łódź · 58 min by train

    ★★★☆☆ · Full day · 136 km from Warsaw

    Best way: Frequent direct trains take just 58m, far quicker than the 1h 40m bus, and Łódź Fabryczna station is close to the centre.

    Frequent direct trains from Warszawa Centralna to Łódź Fabryczna take about 1.5 hours, with the station close to the city centre.

    • Train ★58 min · from €26
    • Bus1 h 40 · from $8-$13
    • Car1 h 32 · taxi ≈ 420 PLN

    What to see

    • Piotrkowska Street
    • Manufaktura complex
    • Poznański Palace
    • Central Museum of Textiles

    Good to know

    • Piotrkowska Street is the main draw, best on a warm day
    • Check train times for the last service back to Warsaw
    • Many museums close on Mondays

    Times and prices are typical one-way estimates (train and bus: Omio / Rome2Rio route data; taxi: local tariff × road distance, tolls extra). Exact prices are on the booking page.

    Plans

    Warsaw rewards visitors with a rebuilt Old Town, rich history and a lively food and nightlife scene. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

    How long?

    What do you enjoy most?

    2 nights · History ★ Recommended length

    First-time visitors who want the war story and the rebuilt city, at an easy pace.

    Tickets & tours
    ≈ PLN 240
    per person
    Taxis
    ≈ PLN 119
    per taxi, up to 4 people
    Day 1

    Old Town and the Royal Castle

    Tickets ≈ PLN 105 pp · taxis ≈ PLN 54
    1234
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. 1

      09:30–11:00 · Free to walk

      Warsaw Old Town Landmark quest

      Start early before the tour groups. The square is rebuilt, but the feel is real.

      Open Always open · liveliest 10:00–22:00 · Source

    2. 1

      11:15–13:15 · ≈ PLN 70–90 adult; check current price and free days

      Royal Castle, Warsaw Landmark quest

      Closed some Mondays. Check on the day. Buy tickets at the door or online.

      Open Usually Tue–Sun, roughly 10:00–18:00 · closed some Mondays, check on the day · Source

    3. Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ PLN 17
    4. 2

      13:30–14:15 · ≈ PLN 15–35 for a full plate

      Bar mleczny (milk bar) lunch

      Cheap Polish lunch. Milk bars get busy around 13:00, so go a bit later.

      Open Usually weekdays 08:00–18:00, some open Saturday

    5. Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ PLN 17
    6. 3

      14:30–16:00 · Free · paid guided tours around PLN 50–80

      Old Town to New Town walk

      Walk north from the Old Town to the New Town. Look for the small memorials on the walls.

      Open Always open

    7. Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 14 min · ≈ PLN 20
    8. 4

      17:00–18:00 · Free to walk · boat trips charged

      Vistula River Landmark quest

      Walk down to the riverbank for sunset. Free and open all day.

      Open Riverbanks always open · boat trips mostly spring to autumn

    Day 2

    Uprising history in Wola

    Tickets ≈ PLN 135 pp · taxis ≈ PLN 66
    12345
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. 1

      09:30–11:30 · ≈ PLN 30–50 adult; check current price

      Warsaw Uprising Museum Landmark quest

      Go at opening to avoid school groups. Usually open daily, check on the day.

      Open Usually daily, roughly 10:00–18:00 · check on the day · Source

    2. Taxi · 766 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ PLN 15
    3. 2

      12:00–12:45 · Free

      Warsaw Uprising Mound viewpoint

      Short climb for a view over the city. Go in daylight.

      Open Always open; go in daylight

    4. Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ PLN 16
    5. 3

      13:15–14:00 · Free to enter · food paid per item

      Hala Mirowska food market

      Market food for lunch. Closed Sunday.

      Open Usually Mon–Sat morning to early evening · closed Sunday

    6. Taxi · 1375 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ PLN 15
    7. 4

      14:30–17:00 · ≈ PLN 50–70 adult; check current price and free day

      POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews Landmark quest

      The ghetto and Jewish history trail. Usually open daily, check on the day.

      Open Usually daily except some closures, roughly 10:00–18:00 · check on the day · Source

    8. Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ PLN 19
    9. 5

      17:30–18:30 · ≈ PLN 25–45 a plate in a casual bar mleczny or pierogarnia

      Pierogi (Polish dumplings) Landmark quest

      Dinner. Book ahead on weekends.

      Open Varies by place; milk bars often 08:00–18:00, restaurants later

    Swap in instead

    • Add a half-day in Praga: cross the river for street art, the zoo and the old bazaar area.
    • Day trip to Wilanów Palace and its gardens, south of the city; check opening hours on the day.
    • History fans can spend a full afternoon at the POLIN Museum and the Warsaw Uprising Museum.

    Getting around

    • Two metro lines (M1 north-south, M2 east-west) run every 3-10 min until midnight, later on Fri-Sat.
    • About 200 bus routes and 30 tram lines share one ZTM ticket system.
    • Buy tickets in machines, on some trams, or via the Jakdojade app; validate on board.
    • Ride apps Uber, Bolt and Free Now work in Warsaw; taxis are metered.
    • Driving is busy; carry licence, insurance and registration documents at all times.
    • The centre is walkable and bike-friendly; no ferry needed in the city.

    Where to stay

    • Śródmieście · ≈ PLN 220–550 a night
      Central and walkable. Close to the main station, the Palace of Culture and both metro lines.
    • Old Town · ≈ PLN 250–600 a night
      Stay inside the rebuilt UNESCO square. Pretty at night, but quieter and pricier for food.
    • Wola · ≈ PLN 180–420 a night
      Modern towers and the Rising Museum. Good value and fast metro links to the centre.
    • Mokotów · ≈ PLN 170–400 a night
      Green, calm and cheaper. Good for longer stays; a tram or metro ride to the sights.

    Food & drink

    • Try Polish classics: pierogi (dumplings), żurek (sour rye soup) and bigos (cabbage stew).
    • Milk bars (bar mleczny) serve cheap home-style meals, often under 25 PLN. Look for them near the centre.
    • Eat a zapiekanka on the street, and save room for pączki (doughnuts) at a bakery.
    • Book dinner in Śródmieście or Praga for the widest choice; prices vary, so check menus first.
    • Drink local: Polish beer and vodka are common. Tap water is safe to drink.

    Tips

    1. Buy standard ZTM tickets or use mobile apps like Jakdojade for all public transit
    2. The Old Town is entirely reconstructed but incredibly authentic and beautiful
    3. Milk bars (bar mleczny) offer excellent and highly affordable traditional Polish food
    4. Tap water is generally safe to drink
    5. Do not cross the street on a red light, even if it's clear — fines are strictly enforced
    Sources for prices and hours

    Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

    Tours & activities

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Vistula River
    • See Warsaw's skyline from the water
    • Relax on a wooden Galar boat
    • 2,131 reviews · 4.5 rating
    River cruiseTraditional boat

    Vistula River Cruise Aboard a Traditional Galar Boat

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.5 (2,131)

    Take this tour to unlock 2 landmark quests

    Warsaw Old Town
    Krakowskie Przedmieście
    • Explore the Old Town and Royal Route
    • Learn about Warsaw's history and legends
    • 1,855 reviews · 4.7 rating
    Walking tourLocal guide

    Old Town & Royal Route Highlights Walking Tour

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.7 (1,855)

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Warsaw Old Town
    • Discover the Old Town's highlights
    • Hear stories of the city's past
    • 1,071 reviews · 4.8 rating
    Budget-friendlyTop-rated

    Old Town Guided Walking Tour

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (1,071)

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews
    • Walk through the former ghetto area
    • Learn about Jewish Warsaw's heritage
    • 615 reviews · 4.9 rating
    Jewish historyWalking tour

    Jewish Warsaw & Stories from the Ghetto - Walking Tour

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (615)

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Warsaw Old Town
    • Experience the Old Town at sunset
    • Hear legends and magical stories
    • 40 reviews · 4.8 rating
    Golden hourSmall group

    Warsaw Old Town: Golden Hour Magic, Stories & Legends Tour

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (40)

    Souvenirs

    Chopin Chocolate

    PLN 75–90263 g tin · shop prices

    A Warsaw chocolate brand, and its packs often feature piano and Chopin designs that link the sweets to the city's most famous composer.

    Where: E. Wedel, Szpitalna Street
    Pick the piano-design pack if you want something that clearly says Warsaw.

    Bolesławiec Pottery

    PLN 70–1801 small cup · estimate

    Hand-painted stoneware from Bolesławiec in southwestern Poland, a regional craft that is also sold in Warsaw shops.

    Where: Ceramika Bolesławiecka specialty shop, Warsaw
    Buy one small cup first to check the glaze and painting before choosing larger pieces.

    Flights

    Dates are departure dates at each airport, which may differ from your itinerary arrival date. Select your flight and complete payment on Trip.com.

    Search flights · Trip.com

    Hotels

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    eSIM

    Get an eSIM for WarsawStay connected in Poland from day one · Airalo
    Compare all 5 plans · choose data and duration

    Check that your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked. Data-use estimates are a guide; verify coverage, activation rules and the final price on Airalo.

    Luggage storage

    Store your bags in WarsawDrop luggage at nearby shops and hotels · Bounce