Warsaw
Visited in November 2014
At a glance
- Country
- Poland
- Region
- Masovian Voivodeship
- Population
- 1.9 million
- Best time to go
- May to September
- Main airport
- Warsaw Chopin (WAW)
- Coordinates
- 52.25°N, 21.00°E
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Overview
Warsaw was almost completely destroyed in the Second World War, and its comeback is the story you feel everywhere. The Old Town was rebuilt brick by brick from paintings and photographs, while Stalinist towers and glass skyscrapers rise around it.
It is a city of excellent museums, leafy parks and a food scene that runs from old-school milk bars to modern Polish tasting menus. Summer evenings on the Vistula riverbanks are a highlight.
Things to see
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Photo: Rhododendrites, CC BY-SA 4.0 Old Town
The painstakingly reconstructed market square and lanes, now a UNESCO site, with the mermaid statue at its heart.
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Photo: Chris Olszewski, CC BY-SA 4.0 Royal Castle
The rebuilt residence of Polish kings, with gilded state rooms and two Rembrandt paintings.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Adrian Grycuk, CC BY 3.0 pl Warsaw Uprising Museum
A powerful, immersive museum telling the story of the city's doomed 1944 revolt against the Nazi occupation.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Wojciech Kryński, CC BY-SA 3.0 pl POLIN Museum
A thousand years of Polish Jewish history in a striking building on the site of the former ghetto.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Marek and Ewa Wojciechowscy, CC BY-SA 3.0 Łazienki Park
A graceful royal park with a palace on the water, peacocks and free Chopin recitals on summer Sundays.
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Photo: Maciurella, CC BY-SA 4.0 Palace of Culture and Science
Stalin's controversial gift to the city. Ride up to the 30th-floor terrace for the best view in town.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Cnwb, Public domain Lunch at a milk bar
These canteens from the communist era still serve pierogi, soups and potato pancakes to a mixed crowd.
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Photo: Igor123121, CC BY 4.0 Walk the Vistula boulevards
The riverside promenade fills with bars, food trucks and sunset crowds from late spring.
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Photo: Adrian Grycuk, CC BY-SA 3.0 pl Explore Praga
Across the river, pre-war tenements, street art and the Neon Museum show a grittier side of the city.
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Photo: Chris Olszewski, CC BY-SA 4.0 Wilanów Palace
A baroque summer palace with formal gardens, a short bus ride south of the centre.
Find tours
Where to stay
Śródmieście
The city centre, well connected and close to most sights and restaurants.
Hotels in ŚródmieścieOld Town
Atmospheric and picturesque, though quieter at night and more touristy.
Hotels in Old TownPowiśle
Between the centre and the river, with cafés, bars and a younger feel.
Hotels in PowiślePraga
Characterful and better value, a short tram ride across the Vistula.
Hotels in Praga
Getting around
Two metro lines, trams and buses share one ticket system; tap a contactless card or use the Jakdojade app. The centre is easily walkable.
Trains from Chopin Airport reach the city centre in about 25 minutes. Modlin Airport, used by some budget airlines, is further out.
When to go
May to September brings warm weather and outdoor life on the river. Winters are cold and often grey, brightened by Christmas markets and lights in December. Spring and early autumn are pleasant and quieter.
Plan your trip to Warsaw
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.