Warsaw, the beautiful capital of Poland, has developed into a top tourist destination.
It combines the history of the old city with the impressive skyscrapers of the new city. Warsaw it’s quite affordable destination, as it has accommodation and food options for all budgets, which is why it is attracting more and more tourists from everywhere.
From Greece in just over two hours you will find yourself in Warsaw with its lush parks, cobbled streets and colourful buildings.
In 1944 the Nazis completely destroyed Warsaw. The local residents managed to rebuild it from scratch and make it look exactly as it used to. That’s why Warsaw’s Old Town has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Transportation in Warsaw
The attractions in Warsaw Old Town are all within walking distance of each other and you will get around them on foot. To explore the rest of the city, there is the metro and buses, which run quite frequently.
For short distances, there is a 20-minute ticket and it costs 3.40 zloty (€0.80). A one-day ticket costs 15 zloty (about €3.50) for zone 1, while for zone 1+2 a one-day ticket costs 26 zloty (about €6).
For more ticket options and prices, you can check here.
Attractions in Warsaw
Palace of Culture and Science
The Warsaw Palace of Arts and Culture is one of the most impressive buildings you’ll come across in Poland’s capital city.
You’ll pay around €5.85 to get up to the observation deck, and the view will take your breath away. Ps. The best time to enjoy the view is at sunset.
Royal Route
The Royal Route is the route you’ll walk to get to Warsaw’s Old Town.
Along the route, you will encounter the statue of Copernicus, the Church of the Holy Cross where Chopin’s heart is located, Branicki Palace, Warsaw University, the Presidential Residence and several churches.
In addition to the sights you will admire the colourful buildings and find many restaurants and cafes.
Warsaw Old Town
Warsaw’s Old Town is an attraction in itself. The best thing to do is to get lost in its cobbled streets and explore every corner of the city.
You’ll start your walk from the Castle Square, one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. It is surrounded by colourful well-preserved buildings that take you back to another era.
You can climb the bell tower of St. Anna’s Church for just 10 zloty (about €2.30) and from there you’ll have the best view of the Old Town.
If you enter the Warsaw Castle you will be impressed by its architecture, but also by the variety of exhibits you will encounter.
Entrance costs 60 zloty (about 14€).
Continuing your walk you will find yourself in front of the Warsaw Cathedral. If you want to enter, the entrance is free of charge.
Behind the Cathedral is the Wishing Bell, the bell that was intended for the Church of the Jesuit Fathers in Jarosław, but due to a defect it was never placed in its final destination.
Today it is an attraction full of stories and legends. It is said that you have to touch the bell, make a wish and walk around the bell three times to bring good luck.
Leaving the bell you will reach the Old Town Square, which is surrounded by dozens of restaurants and souvenir shops. In the middle of the square you’ll find a fountain with a statue of the mermaid, and next to it will be several hawkers selling paintings.
Walking past the square you’ll find the Warsaw Barbican, the fortified castle wall that forms the border between the old and new city of Warsaw.
It is one of the few remaining pieces of the wall that once surrounded Warsaw.
Krasiński Palace
The 1683 Baroque palace was reconstructed after World War II and is surrounded by lush gardens.
Opposite is the Supreme Court of Poland. In front of the Supreme Court is the Warsaw Uprising Monument, dedicated to the fighters who fell to the Nazis in 1944.
Warsaw Uprising Museum
One of the city’s major attractions is the Warsaw Uprising Museum, an important historical monument.
The museum is particularly well thought out has many exhibits that take you back in time and captures what the people went through at the hands of the Germans in the most descriptive way possible.
Entrance costs 30 zloty (7€).
Royal Łazienki Park
One of the most beautiful and green parks I have come across is undoubtedly Royal Łazienki Park.
You’ll find ponds, statues, squirrels and peacocks!
Some of the nicest spots are the Chinese Garden, Ujazdów Castle and the Chopin Monument.
Of course you can’t miss the Lazienki Palace, a summer palace dating back to the 18th century and built in the lake.
Mermaid’s Statue
The statue of the mermaid with a sword and shield is the trademark symbol of Warsaw and was created in 1939. It stands in the park next to the Vistula River and nearby you will find the Copernicus Science Centre and several places to eat.
Warsaw University Library Garden
The Warsaw University Library Garden is open to the public, with free admission, and you can take a stroll to admire the tranquility in the heart of the city.
Where to eat in Warsaw
GOŚCINIEC Polskie Pierogi
If you want to eat traditional Polish dishes – at quite affordable prices – visit GOŚCINIEC Polskie Pierogi.
I tried pierogi with meat filling and potato pancakes with pork and goulash sauce with peppers and mushrooms. The portions were quite large and the food was delicious.
5 ciastek
When I visit a country, I always go to try food from the bakeries. 5 ciastek is a tiny bakery-pastry shop with freshly baked puff pastries and pastries. Locals choose it too, so you know it’s definitely worth it.
Hala Koszyki
Hala Koszyki is a closed market with dozens of shops and street food to try any cuisine you want.
From burgers with fries, fish and salads to vegan options and desserts, you’ll find anything you want.
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What you need to know about your trip to Warsaw
- The currency of Poland is the zloty.
- Warsaw has plenty of sights to see. In my opinion you need 3 full days to tour it, but ideally I recommend 4 to be relaxed.
- You can walk around most of the sights, you may need a transfer for the more distant sights like the mermaid statue.
If you want to see more of my trip to Warsaw, visit my Instagram profile.
