A first-timer’s guide to Warsaw, Poland’s capital

The capital of Poland, Warsaw has truly risen from the ashes after its emphatic destruction during World War II, and today it is a vibrant, future-facing destination with a real buzz about it. The city’s layers of history will always be present and important, but within the cultural mix, there are many innovative takes on art, entertainment, and leisure. It’s a thoroughly engaging capital city that more and more travelers are choosing for their next European city break. Here, find out the best things to do in Warsaw as you plan out a unique and authentic trip.

Understanding Warsaw’s historical significance

The capital city of Poland since the 16th century, Warsaw expanded out around the castle found in the present-day (restored) Old Town. During the ravages of the 20th century, Warsaw underwent near destruction at the hands of the Nazi Army. Incensed by the Warsaw Uprising of 1944, Hitler ordered an assault on the city.

This resulted in hundreds of thousands of citizens being killed and over 80% of the built environment being leveled. Rebuilding was a labor of love, and its success is a testament to the remarkable resilience of Poland and its people.

Key seasonal and cultural events for your diary

The summer months bring al fresco life to the streets and parks, and are the most joyful time of year to visit Warsaw. The annual Jazz at the Old Town Festival keeps the summer months of July and August swinging, and there are Chopin concerts in the park every Sunday.

If you can’t make it in summer, then December is also a lively month in the city, filled with Christmas markets and classical concerts.

Getting to and around Warsaw: public transport tips

Warsaw is an easy city to navigate, with applicable signage written in both English and Polish. Trams, subways and buses combine as part of an efficient transport network, which is simple to use and generally swifter than taxis during rush hour.

As in many European cities, Bolt wins over Uber as the App of choice. Traveling to Warsaw is easy; the airport is just 10km from the city center, and there are plenty of connections.

Top attractions in Warsaw

Warsaw’s Old Town: top sights and lesser-known gems

The most remarkable thing about Warsaw Old Town is that it was almost entirely reconstructed in the years following the war. In 1944, its grand squares, churches and townhouses built over centuries (from the 13th to the 20th) were 85% destroyed. In the aftermath, Poland’s citizens set about a meticulous program of reconstruction that lasted well into the 1960s. The Old Town is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the top attractions in Warsaw.

The heart of the area is Castle Square, a natural meeting point lined with cafes and busy with happenings. The square fronts onto the Royal Castle (reopened in the 1980s), ornate and magnificent; this is one of Warsaw’s top attractions. Either choose a guided tour or wander in awe through its resplendent rooms.

Explore the historical Jewish Quarter

The Old Town is a short walk from Warsaw’s historic Jewish Quarter, now delineated with on-street markers showing where the walls would have stood. Much of the neighborhood was destroyed, but one street and a synagogue remain intact, giving a hint of what this infamous part of the city would have looked like during the 1940s.

Top museums and galleries: from POLIN to the Warsaw Uprising Museum

For a sobering insight into the recent history of Warsaw, both the Museum of the History of Polish Jews (POLIN) and the Warsaw Uprising Museum are unmissable. POLIN is in the former Jewish ghetto and charts over a thousand years of Jewish history in Poland, leading up to the shocking events of the 20th century. There are many more galleries and museums to explore, including the cutting-edge Museum of Modern Art and the Neon Museum in Praga.

The Vistula River: sunbathing, swimming and scenic cruises

One of the more unique things to do in Warsaw is head to the beach for a game of volleyball or a spot of sunbathing. Many miles from the ocean, Warsaw has made the most of the wide Vistula River that passes through the city center. There are several man-made beaches to enjoy, along with nature walks, running and cycling tracks and jetties offering river boat cruises.

Serene green spaces: a day out at Łazienki and Wilanów Parks

If you crave green spaces and are wondering what to do in Warsaw, it’s simple: head for the park. The Wilanów Parklands are actually the grounds of an ornate palace, and the green spaces here are as manicured and varied in decorative style as the palace itself.

Łazienki Park is a former Royal hunting ground turned public space. Here, red squirrels dart up ancient oak trees and peacocks strut across the lawns.

Warsaw’s unique cultural experiences

Tour the striking Palace of Culture and Science

Housed in a communist-era classic, the Palace of Culture and Science (or PKiN for short), is a must-see in Warsaw. Inspired by the American Art Deco architectural style and completed in the 1950s, it is still one of Poland’s tallest buildings.

Head to the 30th floor for impressive city views, take a dip in the on-site swimming pool, then spend the evening at the theater before dancing the night away in the nightclub. All under one roof.

Discover art, shops and offbeat cafes in the vibrant Praga District

Praga lies on the right bank of the Vistula River and is a more edgy, working-class area than its polished left bank neighbors. Cross the river to explore street art and a burgeoning bohemian scene.

Formally derelict industrial buildings have shapeshifted into galleries, artist workshops, hip cafes, cutting-edge restaurant concepts, indoor markets and venues. It’s a fun and ever-changing part of town, where there’s always something new to discover.

Feast on Warsaw’s culinary scene

Warsaw is in the midst of a foodie moment, with exciting, design-led restaurants opening up at a pace. The dining landscape is fun and concept-driven, but also solid on quality, and there have been more than a few Michelin accolades dished out. For fine dining, book a table at Opasly Tom or Michelin-starred NUTA.

For cheap and cheerful, Warsaw’s famous milk bars serve up traditional Polish comfort food and are great places to try classic dishes such as potato pancakes and dumplings. Milk bars were introduced during the communist years, serving subsidized meals.

For a youthful party atmosphere, head to the weekend Night Market held in a disused train station. Street food stalls serve up global flavors and DJs keep the vibes high. Surprisingly, Warsaw is a very vegan-friendly city, ranked as one of Europe’s top vegan capitals by HappyCow.

A night out at Warsaw’s theaters and music venues

Nightlife in Warsaw is action-packed with bars and clubs galore. In summer, the parties move outside into parks and bars along the riverside. Techno enthusiasts can dance through the day, night and into the early hours at festival-like party venues and clubs.

For a calmer evening out, there are the city’s iconic theaters and classical music concerts. Chopin concerts are held every day at the Fryderyk Concert Hall, and the National Philharmonic hosts regular orchestral concerts. Jazz is popular too, with the two-month Jazz at the Old Town Festival held every summer.

Read more: A beginner’s guide to Poland

Frequently asked questions for trips to Warsaw

How many days are enough for Warsaw?

Visiting Warsaw for a long weekend will give you a good flavor of the city, but a week-long trip will allow for deeper exploration and a day trip or two.

What can I do in Warsaw in one day?

For a one-day Warsaw travel guide, we recommend starting your day in the atmospheric Old Town, roaming its historic streets and dipping into the Royal Castle. The Palace of Culture and Science is an awesome landmark, and catching the city view from the 30th floor is a Warsaw must-see. For a relaxing stroll, dinner and drinks, the Vistula River is a great destination.

When is the best time of year to visit Warsaw?

For the best overall Warsaw experience, visit in late spring, summer or early fall.

What sights should a first-time visitor to Warsaw see?

The Old Town, the Royal Castle, the Palace of Culture and Science and the Wilanów Park and Palace are all top tourist attractions in Warsaw.

Make it happen

A tailor-made trip to Poland reveals all of the very best things to do in Warsaw, in a way that works around your interests, travel style and budget. Get in touch with our local experts, who are passionate about their home country and on hand to help you craft the trip of a lifetime.