warsaw tour guides

Adventurous city tours

Take a warsaw ride in a retro nysa van, daily warsaw guided tours, we provide transportation with a unique retro-van.

After a few hours, each guest is richer, with an extraordinary experience. Jump on board of our Nysa and get your Adventure in Warsaw!

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Apart from love for Warsaw, we have

Retro transportation, over 10 years of experience, 5 stars on tripadvisor, guides with character, offer of individual excursions, off the beaten path, communism tour, group tours.

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Cathydavies2015.

Absolutely the best tour! Amazing tour guide who keep the information extremely interesting! The stop at the milk bar for lunch was one of the best parts!

I agree to the processing of my personal data provided in the above form for commercial and marketing purposes by Adventure Warsaw.

Mon. - Fr. |   9:00-17:00

+48 606 22 55 25, adventure warsaw.

Warsaw, Nowogrodzka 7/9 m 30

Work hours : Mon-Fr, 9:00-17:00

[email protected]

+48 664 828 243

+48 511 048 448

Life Under Communism Museum

Warsaw, Piękna Street 28/34 ( Constitution Square - entrance to the right of KFC)

tel +48 511 044 808

[email protected]

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Rebuilt and rejuvenated after WWII on the edge of the Vistula River, Warsaw fuses steel scrapers and the facades of medieval Poland in one fine cityscape. Get a local tourHQ guide to show you around.

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Warsaw Tour Guides

Amit Chandra

Amit Chandra

Thank you for making it here. My name is Amit Chandra - also known as Whistling Hound across ...

Marta Rzeznik

Marta Rzeznik

My job is my hobby and my hobby is my job. Born, grew up in Warsaw, graduated in history of art ...

Hubert Pawlik

Hubert Pawlik

Hello and welcome to my Country - Poland. I’m Hubert Pawlik, a licensed Warsaw ...

Aleksandra Mackiewicz

Aleksandra Mackiewicz

Magdalena Gornicka-Kopec

Magdalena Gornicka-Kopec

Me and my husband are both guides for almost 17 years. We love our city - Warsaw,as our country and ...

Tomasz Kurczewski

Tomasz Kurczewski

Born in Warsaw, have lived here for most of my life. I love this city. Can take you on ...

Renata Kopczewska

Renata Kopczewska

Here I am - Renata, ready to guide you in Warsaw and in the Mazovia region, where I was born, ...

Jakub Madejski

Jakub Madejski

Hello, my name is Jakub and I am a licensed guide in Warsaw. I studied history at the University of ...

Opa Trip

I’m a director of tours and activities agency . We offer unique experiences and original tours ...

Anna Pawlina

Anna Pawlina

I have been a Warsaw tour guide since 2005. I like most working directly with the travellers so ...

Katarzyna Moser

Katarzyna Moser

Hi, my name is Katarzyna and I am happy to have you here. My job is my passion. I am a ...

Agata Czarminska

Agata Czarminska

Hola!Soy Agata. Me gusta la naturaleza, la navegación y mi pais. Si buscas una guia con ...

Ewa Bratosiewicz

Ewa Bratosiewicz

My name is Ewa. I am proud to be a professional tour guide of Warsaw as well as ...

Malgosia Binkowska

Malgosia Binkowska

I would like to invite you to visit my beautiful country and experience its rich art ...

MONIKA DOROSZKIEWICZ

MONIKA DOROSZKIEWICZ

I'm a certified Incentive Specialist, an independent consultant, tour director worldwide as ...

Katarzyna Czekaj

Katarzyna Czekaj

I am a tour guide in Warsaw and nearby.

Clustered around a wiggling bend in the mighty Vistula River, Poland’s capital forms the country’s bustling economic hub. It’s noticeably less historic than its compadres to the north and south, and has undergone massive rebuilding projects since nigh on total destruction during World War Two—a fact that’s left its proud locals to claim it as the forefront of this burgeoning country’s modernistic drive. Consequently, downtown Warsaw is a tooting, traffic sea of New York-esque roadways and cosmopolitan coffee shops, where suited bankers stroll between crowds of beer-drinking locals, and Art Nouveau rises loom over the iconic parks. Don’t miss the Palace of Culture, or the Łazienki gardens, with their glorious monuments and curiously Oriental vibe. Further afield, the exquisite palatial grounds of Wilanów stand a stone’s throw from the Vistula banks, hearkening back to a time when the ditties of Chopin still echoed throughout the town. Eager visitors should also ask their Warsaw tourist guide for tips on the Old Town hub that lingers, reconstructed to the north end of town, and the countless hidden side streets leading away from it, which can be found laden with the baroque rises of the Borch Palace and Collegium Nobilium, and peppered with the crumbling remnants of the infamous ghetto wall.

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THE 10 BEST Warsaw Private Tours

Private tours in warsaw.

  • Historical & Heritage Tours
  • Sightseeing Tours
  • Cultural Tours
  • Private Tours
  • Up to 1 hour
  • 1 to 4 hours
  • 4 hours to 1 day
  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • Chinese (Traditional)
  • Likely to Sell Out
  • Special Offers

warsaw tour guides

  • The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

warsaw tour guides

1. Private Tour: Warsaw City Sightseeing by Retro Fiat

warsaw tour guides

2. The 10 Tastings of Warsaw With Locals: Private Food Tour

warsaw tour guides

3. Private Historical Tour of Warsaw by a Retro Fiat with Pickup

warsaw tour guides

4. Tour of the Warsaw Ghetto

warsaw tour guides

5. Private Day Trip From Warsaw: Łowicz Mazovian Countryside

warsaw tour guides

6. Best of Warsaw - private tour by retro minibus with hotel pickup

warsaw tour guides

7. Private Cruise on Vistula in Warsaw for 9 with our Helmsman

warsaw tour guides

8. Private Tour Through Hidden Gems of Warsaw with Hotel Pickup

warsaw tour guides

9. Wolfs Lair - Hitlers hideout

warsaw tour guides

10. Private Warsaw’s Old Town Guided Tour

warsaw tour guides

11. Treblinka Death Camp 6 Hour Private Tour from Warsaw

warsaw tour guides

12. Wolf's Lair & Treblinka Tour in 1 day from Warsaw

warsaw tour guides

13. Private Cruise on Vistula in Warsaw for 4 with our Helmsman

warsaw tour guides

14. Majdanek Concentration Camp & Lublin Full Day Private Tour from Warsaw

warsaw tour guides

15. Łódź - 1-day tour to the most surprising Polish city (from Warsaw)

warsaw tour guides

16. Warsaw for WWII Buffs - private tour with hotel pickup

warsaw tour guides

17. Must-do sites in Warsaw: retro car private tour with hotel pickup

warsaw tour guides

18. Private Tour: Warsaw City Sightseeing by retro minibus

warsaw tour guides

19. Skip-the-Line Polin Museum Warsaw Jewish History Tour

warsaw tour guides

20. Wolf’s Lair Private Day Trip from Warsaw

warsaw tour guides

21. Warsaw Uprising Museum (1944) + POLIN Museum: PRIVATE TOUR /inc. Pick-up/

warsaw tour guides

22. Skip-the-line Lazienki Park & Palace Private Tour and Cruise

warsaw tour guides

23. Auschwitz day tour from Warsaw by private car with lunch

warsaw tour guides

24. Private Off the Beaten Path trip in Warsaw

warsaw tour guides

25. Warsaw to Auschwitz and Krakow Old Town Full-Day Trip by Car

warsaw tour guides

26. Jewish Warsaw

warsaw tour guides

27. Warsaw Private Tour By Car & Walk

warsaw tour guides

28. Warsaw Vodka Night Private Tour by Retro Fiat

warsaw tour guides

29. Private Tour: Warsaw's Communist History by Retro Fiat

warsaw tour guides

30. Warsaw Ghost Walking Tour

What travelers are saying.

Eileen C

Top Tours in Warsaw, Poland

Warsaw tours.

  • Historical & Heritage Tours
  • Sightseeing Tours
  • Cultural Tours
  • Up to 1 hour
  • 1 to 4 hours
  • 4 hours to 1 day
  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • Chinese (Traditional)
  • Likely to Sell Out
  • Special Offers
  • The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

warsaw tour guides

1. From Warsaw Auschwitz and Krakow one day tour by train with pick up and drop off

warsaw tour guides

2. Warsaw Food Tasting Tour with Delicious Poland

warsaw tour guides

3. Small-Group Historical Guided Tour of Warsaw with pick up/drop off. Public Tour.

warsaw tour guides

4. Discover Vistula River in Warsaw

warsaw tour guides

5. Chopin Concerts everyday at the Fryderyk Concert Hall

warsaw tour guides

6. Krakow: Guided City Tour by Golf Buggy (with hotel pickup)

warsaw tour guides

7. Old Town Warsaw Walking Tour

warsaw tour guides

8. Warsaw's No 1 cooking class-Polish dumplings with liqueur tasting

warsaw tour guides

9. Private Tour: Warsaw's Jewish Heritage by Retro Fiat

warsaw tour guides

10. Life Behind the Iron Curtain Warsaw Walking Tour

warsaw tour guides

11. Warsaw Private Walking Tour

warsaw tour guides

12. Warsaw Morning, Guided, Panoramic View, public city tour with hotel pick up

warsaw tour guides

13. Private Tour: Warsaw City Sightseeing by Retro Fiat

warsaw tour guides

14. Guided Tour to Auschwitz-Birkenau from Warsaw

warsaw tour guides

15. #1 Pub Crawl Warsaw with Premium Open Bar

warsaw tour guides

16. The 10 Tastings of Warsaw With Locals: Private Food Tour

warsaw tour guides

17. Medieval Warsaw Smartphone App Self-Guided GPS Walking Tour

warsaw tour guides

18. Half-Day Polish Food Walking Tour with Guide and Dinner

warsaw tour guides

19. Fryderyk Chopin's Birthplace Half Day Private Tour from Warsaw

warsaw tour guides

20. Warsaw In A Nutshell: Walking Tour

warsaw tour guides

21. Taste of Poland - Old Town food tour and guided walk in one

warsaw tour guides

22. Private Historical Tour of Warsaw by a Retro Fiat with Pickup

warsaw tour guides

23. Indoor Shooting Range in Warszawa

warsaw tour guides

24. Tour of the Warsaw Ghetto

warsaw tour guides

25. Historical Walking Tour of Jewish Warsaw

warsaw tour guides

26. Private Day Trip From Warsaw: Łowicz Mazovian Countryside

warsaw tour guides

27. Traditional Polish Cooking Class in Warsaw

warsaw tour guides

28. CHOPIN - Painted by Candlelights with Wine: Warsaw Concert 7:00pm

warsaw tour guides

29. Best of Warsaw - private tour by retro minibus with hotel pickup

warsaw tour guides

30. World of Illusion Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket

What travellers are saying.

sharee

warsaw tour guides

we never cancel tours due to bad weather

Orange umbrella free tour is the first and the best rated regular walking tour in warsaw. we run our tours every day, all year round. you can book one of the tours listed below:, old town free tour, monday-saturday at 10 am, best of warsaw free tour, sat-sun 10:30 am, mon-fri 3 pm, ww2 in warsaw free tour, sunday, monday, wednesday, friday at 1:30 pm, jewish warsaw free tour, saturday, tuesday, thursday at 1:30 pm, treblinka private car tour, 160 eur per group, praga by locals paid tour, from 80 eur per group, treasure hunt game in the old town, 20 eur per person, private walking tours, tours for organized groups, from 150 eur, free tours in cracow, explore cracow with orange umbrellas, weekly schedule, april – december 2024.

Starting point: Sigismund’s Column in Castle Square Book

World War 2 in Warsaw

Best of warsaw, jewish warsaw.

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warsaw tour guides

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OUR GUIDES’ RECOMMENDATIONS

People like you orange umbrella tours.

I’ve been on many free walking tours all across Europe and today’s Old Town tour with Goska was by far one of the best I’ve been on! Much better than the one in Krakow I did a few days ago with the main competitor. Goska was a very informative guide and in contrast with other guides, it didn’t sound like she was just going through all her facts and knowledge, but really brought it like if you are visiting the Old Town with a local that is your friend. She also brought pictures to illustrate her stories and added some personal notes. I highly recommend the free tours with Orange Umbrella and very much looking forward to the Jewish Warsaw tour I’m going to join tomorrow.

I love Orange Umbrella! We lived in Warsaw for more than 2 years and often used or recommended these tours to friends and family members. The guides are always locals and friendly. They provide a unique perspective about Warsaw’s history! Definitely recommended! And nice to give a tip at the end for the guide’s good work!

gerberagirl76, Great Britain

Anna and Gawel are very prepared and friendly guides. The tours we have followed (“old town” and “jewesh warsaw”) have made us discover and appreciate the many events, aspects and curiosities of the city to which we are fond of. Walking along the streets with their guide is a real pleasure and a real discovery. We highly recommend it for the quality of the guides and the knowledge you can acquire

We did three tours with them — old town tour with Beata, Jewish heritage tour with Gawel, and alternate Warsaw with Joanna who took us to Praga. They were all amazing, full of wonderful stories about Warsaw. No stop at a cafe or souvenir shop and buy this or that – just content based tour that we really enjoyed. Very smart way to see and learn about Warsaw. And, getting some local tips. Highly recommended!!

For the Warsaw at war free orange umbrella walking tour we had Piotr and he was fabulous. The passion that he spoke of in the pride for him to be Polish made me proud to be in an ancestral country. He let us take our time and gave us a few moments when it was overwhelming and sad like at the ghetto wall. Could’ve listen to him all day. So interesting so passionate about everything that he was teaching us. Read the trip advisor reviews before I went I was so excited to have Piotr. He lived up to their reviews. And exceeded it in some areas. I gave 100 zlotys as a donation. Well worth it thank you Piotr also went on the old town walking tour. Both tours were fabulous and incredible amount to history in these countries that needs to be shared. Polish people are very proud of people and it shows in everything they do.

travellersmith2015, Canada

We did 3 tours with Orange Umbrella. They were all excellent. Our first tour of Old town was with “Kate”. She has a wonderful understanding of her subject matter. Next, we did a tour with Gawel who was very informative. I think that tour was about WWII. And then, we did a tour about the Jews in Warsaw again, with Kate. I highly recommend this tour company. It was recommended to me and I’ll pass on the recommendation.

hikingnana, USA

I’m so glad I decided to do the old town walking tour, Gosia was a fantastic guide. Either you travel alone or in a group these walking tours are really a must do in Warsaw. I learned so many things about the city, its history, the habits and so many more… Everything is totally different when you see it with a local’s eye, I was so excited that I also had the alternative Praga tour, which was great as well! I had so fun! Thanks a lot Gosia and Piotr, keep on doing this excellent work! George from Greece

yiorgos160, Georgia

A ‘must’ for the short-time visitor to the city. My wife and I are sure that all the guides from Orange Umbrella are good at their roles but felt extremely lucky to have had Beata as our guide – she was excellant. The morning tour of the Old Town was so good – with local knowledge plus the history – put-over so well that we joined the later afternoon tour with the same guide. The afternoon tour, titled WWII in Warsaw, maintained thesame high standard. We were extremely grateful. The tours are billed as ‘free’ and they are, but we beieve that a tip at the end should be measured to the satisfaction gained. Well-done Beata. A gem.

DavidB027, Great Britain

Went on several, all amazing! Would recommend 100% if you want to learn and see the city. The guides are great.

Do you know which tour you want to join?

All you need to do now is save yourself a spot.

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Are you looking for a guide in Warsaw?

We are a group of Warsaw City guides who are fascinated by our subject. We organize trips in  six languages: Polish, English, French, Italian, Russian and Spanish and we aim to show places and buildings of interest to everyone and to help to understand the complicated history of our city; which we think is well worth your while. All of our guides are specialized in many topics, they are locals, love Warsaw and speak foreign languages fluently. But if you don’t believe us check out our Trip Advisor 😉

We have worked with individual tourist as well as with big companies and institutions, among others: The National Bank of Poland, Roche, Swiss Chamber Poland, Maersk Poland, The University of Warsaw, TransAtlantic Festival to mention just a few.

But why to take a guide in Warsaw?

Because it is a city full of mazes and contrasts. It was destroyed during The Second World War on an unimaginable scale, and then arose like the Phoenix from the ashes. Today the city is a mixture of old houses, beautiful palaces, stunning parks, monumental social realism and buzzing modernity. It will be our pleasure to help you explore the many faces of Warsaw. We will take you around Jewish Warsaw and also tell you about the colourful lovelives of Polish monarchs, take you around the best social hotspots and much, much more. So pick one of our regular walks or take part in our free walking-tours or join our original scooter tours.

Need tips on where to eat good dinner, the best cakes, or you don’t know where to find a good hotel/hostel? We can help! Just email or call us.

To find out more visit Warsaw Scooter Tour site – www.scooterwarsawtour.com .

You’re welcome to join us!

  • The Old Town
  • The Royal Route
  • Fascinating Praga
  • The Royal Baths
  • The Royal Castle
  • Wilanów Palace and gardens
  • Warsaw Uprising
  • Jewish Warsaw – Tour Through the Deserted City
  • Communist Warsaw
  • Tailor-made tour
  • For schools and kindergartens
  • Outside Warsaw
  • Jewish Heritage
  • For beginners
  • Art & Culture

Are you going to Warsaw? Do you want to see the most iconic spots here? Or maybe you’ve already seen the Old Town and the Royal Route and would like to discover some less obvious corners? Are you interested in Jewish heritage? In Chopin’s music? In modern street art? Visit the city with me – the  professional  local  city guide who knows all of the most interesting attractions and hidden gems .

Private tours in warsaw for individuals and families – standard or tailor-made,, based on specific interests and requirements, picking up from the airport , railway station, etc., genealogy tours all over poland, one-day tours outside warsaw, for driving tours, i use opel zafira , a comfortable, air-conditioned mpv with 6 passengers’ seats., have a look at the tours here and choose something for you. if you need something else please contact me  directly and describe your expectations., see you in warsaw, find your tour:, warsaw essentials in 3 hours.

City Tour, For beginners

During this tour I’d like to show you all must-see spots in the historical part...

Highlights of Warsaw in 5 Hours

Art & Culture, City Tour, For beginners, Jewish Heritage

This tour is especially recommended for the first-time visitors. You will see the city highlights...

Warsaw Jewish Heritage

City Tour, Jewish Heritage

The tour focuses on the traces of the Jewish community in Warsaw, their history, their...

Warsaw Ghetto and Treblinka Death Camp

Jewish Heritage, Outside Warsaw

The tour focuses at two symbols of the Nazi’s “Reinhard Operation”, aimed at extermination of...

A day with Chopin – Warsaw and Countryside

Art & Culture, Chopin, Outside Warsaw

You  will see the places where Chopin lived with his family, where he was educated,...

Nomadic Matt: Travel Cheaper, Longer, Better

Warsaw Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

A sunset view overlooking the historic Old Town of Warsaw, Poland

Warsaw is a bustling, revitalized city that has cast off the long shadow of communism. While a lot of grim, gray architecture remains, I found Warsaw to be a lively place with plenty to keep you busy. There’s a growing culinary scene, a wild nightlife, and lots of budget-friendly activities in (and around) the city.

Stroll down the boulevards, explore the wealth of Chopin’s music, admire traditional art pieces, and soak up this modern city — all for a fraction of what you’d pay in Western Europe!

While Krakow gets all the attention, I really enjoyed my time in Warsaw.

This travel guide to Warsaw will help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit!

Table of Contents

  • Things to See and Do
  • Typical Costs
  • Suggested Budget
  • Money-Saving Tips
  • Where to Stay
  • How to Get Around
  • How to Stay Safe
  • Best Places to Book Your Trip
  • Related Blogs on Warsaw

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Warsaw

The colorful buildings in the Old Town of Warsaw, Poland as seen from above

1. Wander the Old Town

The streets of the Old Town offer a nice contrast to the modern, bustling city that surrounds them. The area suffered heavy damage during World War II so many of the medieval buildings have been reconstructed, but it’s nevertheless a great place to start your trip. The Old Town is also a UNESCO World Heritage. Start in the colorful Old Town Market Square and go from there. You have tons of choices when it comes to museums and historical sites; the Royal Castle is located here, as is the Museum of Warsaw.

2. Explore the Chopin Museum

Frederic Chopin (1810-1849) is one of the most famous composers in history and his works can still be heard in concert halls across the globe. Chopin grew up in Warsaw before the November Uprising of 1830 and this museum provides an overview of his life and work. Admission is 23 PLN and is free on Wednesdays. This museum is temporarily closed for renovations until April 2023.

3. See the Royal Castle

Located at the entrance to the Old Town, the Royal Castle was the former residence of the Polish monarchs. Construction began in 1598 and lasted over 20 years. The castle was partially destroyed (and looted) by the Nazis in 1939 and then was almost completely destroyed in 1944 during World War II under direct orders from Hitler. It has since undergone extensive restoration and is now a museum and home to royal apartments, paintings, and an ornate interior design. Admission is 40 PLN and is free on Wednesdays.

4. Learn about the Warsaw Uprising

Opened in 2004, this museum is home to hundreds of artifacts from the Warsaw Uprising of 1944, when Polish citizens rebelled against German occupation. The uprising lasted 63 days and was the largest resistance during World War II. Some 15,000 members of the Polish resistance were killed, as well as 2,000-17,000 German troops. The museum has tons of clothing, letters, and interactive films. Admission is 25 PLN.

5. Wander around the Lazienki Park

Designed in the 17th century, this park is home to a small palace that sits on an artificial island. There are several pavilions, an amphitheater, and lots of places to sit, relax, and enjoy the day. It takes a long time to stroll around and is beautiful when the sun is shining. Bring a book, pack a picnic, and lounge the day away!

Other Things to See and Do in Warsaw

1. take a free walking tour.

One of the best things you can do when you arrive in a new city is to take a walking tour. It’s a great way to get the lay of the land and learn about the culture, people, and history of the destination. Orange Umbrella offers daily free tours that provide much more insight than any guidebook. Plus, you can connect with an expert local guide who can answer all your questions. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!

2. Visit the Powazki Cemetery

Established in 1790, this cemetery is the final resting place of many important figures in Polish history, including the family of Frederic Chopin (he is buried in Paris, though his heart was brought back to Poland when he died in 1849), some of Chopin’s early teachers, Krzysztof Komeda (a famous jazz composer), and Nobel Prize winner Wladyslaw Reymontamong others. It’s the city’s oldest cemetery and the sculptures and architecture surrounding the tombs are both serene and eerie. It makes for a quiet place for a stroll.

3. Admire St. Anne’s Church

St. Anne’s Church (Kosciol Swietej Anny) is one of Warsaw’s oldest buildings. Construction started in 1454 and the building has survived several wars (the roof was destroyed a few times but the rest has remained intact). The Neo-Classical facade dates to the 1780s and the interior is lavishly designed in the High-Baroque style. There are also some stunning hand-painted frescoes inside as well. Admission is free but dress respectfully as it is a place of worship.

4. Tour the Gestapo Headquarters Museum

Officially known as the Mausoleum of Struggle and Martyrdom, this museum focuses on the conflict between the Polish resistance and the Gestapo. It has a profound exhibit that takes you through the old detention cells which were used to hold and torture prisoners. Prisoners were subjected to beatings, attacked with dogs, and even electrocuted. And if they didn’t cooperate, their family would be brought in and tortured before their very eyes. It’s a sobering place but one that shouldn’t be missed. Admission is free.

5. Visit the Museum of Modern Art

Established in 2005 and located only a short walk from the Central Railway Station, this small museum features contemporary art by Polish and international artists. I’m not much of a modern art fan, but there are some cool exhibitions here as well as some thought-provoking art. Admission is just 15 PLN and there are regular guided tours in English. Check the website for more details, including what temporary exhibits are available.

6. Check out the National Museum

This museum is one of the largest in the country. It boasts a substantial collection of ancient art (including 11,000 pieces of Greek, Egyptian, and Roman works), Medieval art, Polish paintings, sculptures, works from international artists, and a collection of Chinese art with over 5,000 pieces. They also have some paintings from Adolf Hitler’s private collection. Admission to both the permanent and temporary galleries is 20 PLN and guided tours are 300 PLN.

7. Relax in Multimedia Fountain Park

The Multimedia Fountain Park is comprised of two fountains that spray water in choreographed patterns to music. One fountain is a massive 2,200 square meters, and the other is 120 meters in length. Kids can play in a nearby water playground and watch the water shoot into the air to the music, which varies from Chopin to Lady Gaga. Each Friday and Saturday night in the summer, there is a light show to accompany the waterworks (in the winter it’s just a light show since the water is frozen). It’s a popular spot in the summer so expect crowds.

8. Tour the Copernicus Science Center

The Copernicus Science Center, named after the famous Polish astronomer and polymath, is one of the most modern science centers in Europe (it was Copernicus who first suggested the sun, not the Earth, was at the center of the universe). Located on the bank of the Vistula River, it has over 450 interactive exhibits, allowing visitors to take part in all sorts of experiments involving light, sounds, electricity, and more. It’s a great place to visit with kids. There’s a planetarium here as well. Admission is 37 PLN on weekdays and 39 PLN on weekends and holidays.

9. Visit the POLIN

The Museum of the History of Polish Jews is a new museum with both permanent and temporary exhibitions as well as performances and workshops about Jewish history and culture. The museum documents the history of the Jews in Poland from the Middle Ages to the present. Over 90% of the Jewish population in Poland was killed by the Nazis in World War II and the museum was built on the spot where the Warsaw Ghetto was located (be sure to take a walking tour of the area to learn more about the Warsaw Ghetto and the fate of Jews in Poland during the World War II). Admission is 30 PLN and entry is free on Thursday.

10. Visit the Palace of Culture and Science

This is the most iconic building in the city, dominating the city skyline and looming over the city. It’s the tallest building in Poland, home to 42 floors, theaters, a multi-screen cinema, museums, and much more. The building was a “gift” to Poland from the Soviet Union in 1955 and many people want to demolish it for that reason (Poland suffered heavily under Stalin). It offers a great view of the city from the 30th floor (there is an observation deck there which is free to access with the Warsaw Pass; it’s 25 PLN without it). Access to the building is free.

  For more information on other cities in Poland, check out these guides:

  • Krakow Travel Guide

Warsaw Travel Costs

A wide, regal palace surrounding by green grass on a sunny day in Warsaw, Poland

Hostel prices – A bed in a dorm with 8-10 beds starts around 90 PLN per night. Private rooms cost around 200 PLN. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have kitchens if you want to cook your own food.

Campgrounds can be found outside the city (and there are plenty of campgrounds throughout the country as well). Expect to pay around 40 PLN per night for a basic tent plot without electricity.

Budget hotel prices – A double bed in a budget hotel with free Wi-Fi and a TV costs around 275 PLN per night. Many include a simple free breakfast as well.

Airbnb is available in Warsaw with private rooms starting at 90 PLN per night (though they usually average double that). Entire homes and apartments start at 180 PLN per night but, again, they often cost double (or more). Be sure to book early to secure the best deal.

Food – Polish meals are quite hearty, usually containing potatoes, meat (pork and chicken), and seasonal produce like beets or cabbage. Stews and soups (like borscht, a beet soup) are popular and can be found at most local restaurants. Pierogis are also a common staple and can be found everywhere for cheap. For some traditional Polish food, try beef tongue or pork knuckles. The country also has lots of traditional desserts too, like paczki (a Polish donut) and makowiec (poppy-seed cake).

Most cheap meals of traditional cuisine (served at local restaurants called bar mleczny or “milk bars”) cost around 35 PLN. For a three-course meal with a drink and table service, expect to pay 90 PLN. Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs 26 PLN for a combo meal.

A large pizza costs around 25-30 PLN while Chinese food costs around 15-20 PLN. Zapiekanki , a popular Polish street snack that’s like a pizza baguette, costs 5-6 PLN.

Beer costs around 14 PLN while a latte or cappuccino is around 13 PLN. Bottled water is 6 PLN.

If you buy groceries and cook your own meals, expect to pay around 165 PLN per week for basic staples like pasta, rice, seasonal vegetables, and some meat. The cheapest grocery store is Biedronka, which you can find almost everywhere. Outdoor markets are also a great and cheap place to get fresh produce and other local products.

Backpacking Warsaw Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget of 185 PLN per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all your meals, limit your drinking, take public transportation to get around, and do some cheap activities like free walking tours and visiting the free museums. If you plan on drinking, add 15-30 PLN to your budget per day.

On a mid-range budget of 375 PLN per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb or private hostel room, eat out more at cheap milk bars, enjoy a couple of drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like visiting the Uprising Museum.

On a “luxury” budget of 725 PLN or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, take more taxis, and do whatever guided tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in PLN.

Warsaw Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Warsaw is an affordable city so there aren’t too many tips out there to help you save money. That said, here are a few ways you can save money while you visit Warsaw:

  • Eat at Milk Bars – If you’re eating out, stick to the mleczny (milk bar). These are no-frills and cafeteria-style where you order from a counter, but it’s a great way to save money and take in the scene. Expect plates of hearty pierogis, homemade soups, plenty of meat, and a local beer for around 35 PLN.
  • Get the Warsaw Pass – For 119 PLN, the single-day Warsaw Pass provides free public transportation and access to all of the city’s main attractions. It’s a great deal if you plan on seeing a lot. There is also a two-day pass for 159 PLN and a three-day pass for 189 PLN.
  • Watch your drinking – Warsaw is known for its partying and pub crawls and long nights out. While booze is cheap here, nights out can add up quickly. Start off by grabbing your favorite drinks from a grocery store first whenever possible. You’ll save a ton compared to the bar.
  • Take a free walking tour – Free tours from companies like Orange Umbrella are a great way to explore the city while learning about its history, culture, and architecture. Just be sure to tip!
  • Use ridesharing apps – Ridesharing apps like BlaBlaCar are a great way to get around the country for cheap. You simply download the app, find someone looking for passengers, and go! Everyone is rated and verified and it’s usually more convenient (and cheaper) than other forms of transportation. For travel within the city, use Uber. It is cheaper than the local taxis if you’re leaving the city to explore.
  • Stay with a local – While accommodation is not expensive in Warsaw, Couchsurfing is a great way to lower your accommodation costs. Not only will you save some money by getting a free place to stay but you’ll also be able to make a local friend and get insider knowledge about the city!
  • Bike share – For 10 PLN, you can register with the bike-share company Vetrulio. After you sign up, bike use is free for 20 minutes, making it essentially free to bounce around the city during your visit. After 20 minutes, it’s just 1 PLN for the first hour and 3 PLN for the next hour.
  • Bring a water bottle – The tap water in Warsaw is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Warsaw

Warsaw has a handful of hostels in town and they’re all comfortable, safe, and sociable. Here are my suggested places to stay:

  • Oki Doki Old Town
  • Warsaw Centrum Hostel
  • Safestay Warsaw
  • Chillout Hostel

How to Get Around Warsaw

People wandering around the Old Town of Warsaw, Poland

Public transportation – Buses and trams are the most common way to get around and run from 5am-11pm. They cost 3-5 PLN depending on how far you go. These tickets last 75 minutes. 90-minute tickets are available for around 7 PLN. For a day pass, prices start at 15 PLN per person while a 3-day pass starts at 36 PLN.

From the Warsaw Chopin Airport to the city center the quickest way is by train and the journey takes 20-minutes. Fares start at 3.40 PLN for a 20-minute ticket while a single ticket costs 4.40 PLN. The public bus is also available for 4.40 PLN or you can take an airport shuttle for 67 PLN per person.

The subway in Warsaw is fast and reliable. Prices for the subway are the same as the bus/tram prices above. Validated tickets let you transfer between each mode of transportation (as long as your ticket time hasn’t expired).

Taxi – Taxis are common and safe, with prices starting at 8 PLN and going up 3 PLN per kilometer. Just make sure you use official taxis as there are often illegal taxis that try to take fares (and who overcharge). Official taxis have the company logo and phone number on the car. They also use a meter.

To ensure you get a reputable company, have your hotel/hostel call a taxi before you go just to be safe.

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Warsaw and is cheaper than using taxis. Stick to Uber if you need a private ride.

Bicycle – For 10 PLN, you can register for Vetrulio, a bike-rental company in Warsaw. After you sign up, bike use is free for 20 minutes, making it essentially free to bounce around the city during your visit. After 20 minutes (and up to an hour) it’s just 1 PLN and then 3 PLN for the next hour.

There are also scooter share programs that cost 2 PLN to start and then 0.55 PLN per minute after that.

Car rental – You don’t need a car to get around Warsaw, however, if you plan on exploring the region you can find rentals for around 100 PLN per day for a multi-day rental. Drivers must have had their license for at least one year and an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for citizens of certain countries.

When to Go to Warsaw

The best (and most popular) time to visit Warsaw is during the summer, from June to August. Temperatures are hot and rain is infrequent. Expect daily highs around 25°C (77°F). There are crowds, but they aren’t nearly as oppressive as what you find in Western Europe. Just be sure to book ahead so you don’t miss out on the cheapest accommodation.

The shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) are great times to visit as well. You’ll beat the crowds and have much milder temperatures, with temperatures ranging from 14-19°C (57-67°F) in the spring and 3-12°C (39-54°F) in the fall. You’ll get more rain but you’ll get the stunning autumn colors in the fall and lots of blooming flowers in the spring which make for a stunning backdrop to your trip.

Winter in Warsaw is cold, with temperatures dropping below 0°C (32°F) during the day and down to -5°C (23°F) overnight. Snow is common, which can affect conditions if you’re traveling by car. In short, I wouldn’t recommend a winter visit unless you plan on leaving the city to go skiing or take part in other winter activities.

How to Stay Safe in Warsaw

Poland is consistently ranked one of the safest countries in the world (it ranks higher than Italy, Spain, and Australia in terms of safety).

Of course, you should still take some precautions while you’re here. Keep your valuables secure and out of sight when riding public transportation and while you’re in popular tourist areas.

Taxi scams in Warsaw are rare, but always make sure your driver is using the meter. If they aren’t, ask them to stop and find a taxi that will.

ATM skimming can occur here so always make sure you use verified ATMs. If you can, go into the bank to withdraw your money (as opposed to using outdoor ATMs that are easier to tamper with).

If you rent a car, don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. Break-ins are rare but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone at night intoxicated, etc.).

If you’re worried about getting ripped off, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you experience an emergency, dial 112.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Warsaw Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

  • Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
  • Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
  • Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
  • HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
  • Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
  • The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
  • Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
  • FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
  • SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
  • LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
  • Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
  • Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
  • BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Warsaw Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Europe and continue planning your trip:

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We chose a trip to Poland due to the fact that my family comes from Poland. It was the best choice. Our guide showed us the house where my family once live...

Packed with a bizarre mix of gleaming office buildings and grey, Communist-era apartment blocks, WARSAW (Warszawa) often bewilders backpackers. Yet if any city rewards exploration, it is the Polish capital. North of the lively centre are stunning Baroque palaces and the meticulously reconstructed Old Town; to the south are two of Central Europe’s finest urban parks; and in the east lie reminders of the rich Jewish heritage extinguished by the Nazis.

Chopin Museum

Drinking and nightlife, entertainment, jewish ghetto and cemetery, łazienki park, museum of the history of the polish jews, national museum, old and new town squares, the old town, palace of culture and science, royal castle, the royal way, warsaw uprising museum, wilanów palace.

Warsaw became the capital in 1596 and initially flourished as one of Europe’s most prosperous cities. In 1815, however, the Russians conquered the city and, despite a series of rebellions, it was not until the outbreak of World War I that this control collapsed. Warsaw again became the capital of an independent Poland in 1918, but the German invasion of 1939 meant this was to be short-lived. Infuriated by the 1944 Warsaw Uprising, Hitler ordered the total destruction of the city, leaving 850,000 Varsovians dead and 85 percent of Warsaw in ruins. Rebuilding is an ongoing process.

The main sights are on the western bank of the Wisła (Vistula) River where you’ll find the central business and shopping district, Śródmieście , grouped around Centralna station and the nearby Palace of Culture. The more picturesque Old Town (Stare Miasto) is just to the north.

There are plenty of good private hostels, mainly in Środmieście, most offering free internet, breakfast and free/cheap laundry services. Hotels tend to be pricier than elsewhere in Poland.

Top image © Triff/Shutterstock

Travel ideas for Poland, created by local experts

Explore the Liberation Route in Poland

11 days  / from 1613 USD

Explore the Liberation Route in Poland

Poland was the first country that Hitler invaded and with it starting World War II. Discover the Polish sites of World War II with this itinerary, from the Northern city of Gdansk where the first battle took place to the concentration camps of Auschwitz close to Krakow.

Warsaw’s most lavish tribute to its favourite son is the achingly modern Chopin Museum , east of Krakowskie Przedmieście at ul. Okolnik 1 ( w www.chopin.museum ). With interactive handsets to guide visitors through exhibits on the musician’s life, it’s a must for Chopin enthusiasts, but only 100 people are allowed into the museum at a time so tickets must be reserved in advance.

The bar scene in Warsaw has really taken off over the last decade, and the city now genuinely provides a great night out that rivals Prague and needn’t blow your budget. Praga, across the river, is a formerly dangerous neighbourhood that now boasts a lively, bohemian bar scene – an interesting alternative to the more glitzy hangouts you’ll find downtown. Check out the English-language Warsaw Insider (available in most hotels; w www.warsawinsider.pl ) for more information on nightlife and a monthly list of events.

The tipple most associated with Poland, vodka is actually in danger of being eclipsed in popularity by beer among young Poles, so it’s well worth seeking out the varieties you can’t find abroad before they disappear from Polish shops and bars completely. Traditionally served chilled and neat – although increasingly mixed with fruit juice –vodka can be clear or flavoured with anything from bison grass to mountain herbs to juniper berries or honey. There’s even been a revival of kosher vodkas, although whether their rabbinic stamps of approval are kosher themselves or just a marketing gimmick isn’t always obvious.

The city’s festivals enhance the celebratory vibe, especially the Warsaw “Summer Jazz Days” Festival, a series of outdoor concerts held throughout July and August.

Cinema Films are usually shown in their original language with Polish subtitles. Tickets 17–30zł.

Music Live bands are apt to appear in bars without any warning; W Oparach Absurdu and the Irish Pub are your best bets.

West of the New and Old towns is the former ghetto area, in which an estimated 380,000 Jews – one-third of Warsaw’s total population – were crammed from 1939 onwards. By the war’s end, the ghetto had been razed to the ground, with only around three hundred Jews and just one synagogue, the Nożyk Synagogue at ul. Twarda 6, left. You can still get an idea of what Jewish Warsaw looked like on the miraculously untouched ul. Próźna.

Take tram #22 from Centralna Station to ul. Okopowa 49/51 to reach the vast, overgrown Jewish Cemetery (Cmentarz Zydowski; Mon–Thurs 10am–5pm, Fri 9am–1pm, Sun 11am–4pm, closed Sat; 8zł), one of the few still in use in Poland.

About 2km south of the commercial district, on the eastern side of al. Ujazdowskie, is the much-loved Łazienki Park (bus #116, # 180 or #195 from Nowy Świat). Once a hunting ground, the area was bought in the 1760s by King Stanisław August, who turned it into a park and built the Neoclassical Łazienki Palace (Tues–Sun 9am–6pm; 17zł) across the lake. But the park itself is the real attraction, with its oak-lined paths alive with peacocks and red squirrels.

Located in the midst of the former ghetto area at Anielewicza 6, the Museum of the History of the Polish Jews (Wed–Mon 10am–6pm; 12zł; www.jewishmuseum.org.uk ) is worth visiting for the building alone – a futuristic glassy slab filled with organic, curvy surfaces. The display pays tribute to the rich Jewish civilization that flourished on the soil of Poland, until all but snuffed out by the Holocaust. The painted wooden ceiling of the 17th-century Gwozdziec synagogue is one obvious highlight. Opposite the museum is the Ghetto Heroes Monument , commemorating the doomed Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of April 1943, when lightly armed ghetto inhabitants took on the might of the German SS.

At the southern end of Nowy Świat and east along al. Jerozolimskie is the National Museum (Tues–Fri 10am–4pm, Sat & Sun 10am–6pm; 15zł, free Sat; w www.mnw.art.pl ), housing an extensive collection of medieval, Impressionist and modern art, as well as Christian frescoes from eighth- to thirteenth-century Sudan. Particularly striking is the fourteenth-century sculpture of the Pietà, which is more reminiscent of the Modernist distortions in the room nearby than Michaelangelo’s famed depiction of the same scene.

On ul. Świętojańska, north of the castle, stands St John’s Cathedral, the oldest church in Warsaw. A few yards away, the Old Town Square (Rynek Starego Miasta) is one of the most remarkable bits of postwar reconstruction anywhere in Europe. Flattened during the Uprising, its three-storey merchants’ houses have been rebuilt in near-flawless imitation of the Baroque originals. It’s also home to the Warsaw Historical Museum (closed at the time of writing, due to reopen by early 2014; w www.mhw.pl ), where an English-language film shows poignant footage of the vibrant, multicultural 1930s city and the ruins left in 1945. Crossing the ramparts heading north brings you to the New Town Square (Rynek Nowego Miasta) at the heart of the so-called New Town (Nowe Miasto), the town’s commercial hub in the fifteenth century but now a quiet spot to escape the bustling Old Town.

The title Old Town (Stare Miasto) is, in some respects, a misnomer for the historic nucleus of Warsaw. After World War II the beautifully arranged Baroque streets were destroyed, only to be painstakingly reconstructed so accurately that the area has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Old Town comes alive in the summer, as tourists, street performers and festivals take over the cobblestone streets. Plac Zamkowy (Castle Square), on the south side of the Old Town, is the obvious place to start a tour.

West of the National Museum lies the commercial heart of the city, the Centrum crossroads from which ul. Marszałkowska, the main north–south road, cuts across al. Jerozolimskie running east–west. Towering over everything is the Palace of Culture and Science , a post-World War II gift from Stalin whose vast interior now contains theatres, a swimming pool and a nightclub. The platform on the thirtieth floor (daily 9am–8pm, Fri & Sat till 11pm; 20zł; pkin.pl ) offers impressive views of the city.

On the east side of Castle Square is the thirteenth-century Royal Castle , now home to the Castle Museum ( w www.zamek-krolewski.pl ). Though the structure is a replica, many of its furnishings are originals. After passing the lavish Royal Apartments of King Stanisław August, you visit the Lanckoranski Gallery, which contains a fascinating range of aristocratic portraits including two paintings – Girl in a Picture Frame and Scholar at His Desk – by Rembrandt.

Lined with historic buildings, the road that runs south from pl. Zamkowy along the streets of Krakowskie Przedmieście and Nowy Świat to the palace of Wilanów, on the city’s outskirts, is the old Royal Way . One highlight is the Church of the Nuns of the Visitation , one of the few buildings in central Warsaw to have come through the war unscathed. Much of the rest of Krakowskie Przedmieście is occupied by university buildings, including several fine Baroque palaces and the Holy Cross Church . Sealed inside a column to the left of the nave is an urn containing Chopin’s heart.

For flashy boutiques and department stores, first explore the gleaming Złote Terasy shopping centre (replete with such Western titles as H&M and Zara), opposite the Palace of Culture and Science on ul. Emilii Plater, before passing through to the mainly pedestrianized streets of ul. Chimielna and ul. Nowy Świat.

The Hala Mirowska market on al. Jana Pawła II is the place to go for fresh fruits and vegetables (daily); antique hunters should head for the Kolo Antique Market on ul. Obozowa (trams #13 & #23 from the Old Town; Sun 7am–2pm), where you’ll find everything from war medals to old Christian icons.

About 1.5km west of Centrum is the Warsaw Uprising Museum at ul. Grzybowska 79 (Mon, Wed & Fri 8am–6pm, Thurs 8am–8pm, Sat & Sun 10am–6pm; 14zł, free Mon; w www.1944.pl ; tram #22 from Centralna Station). Set in a century-old brick power station, the museum retells the grim story of how the Varsovians fought and were eventually crushed by the Nazis in 1944 – a struggle that led to the deaths of nearly two hundred thousand Poles and the destruction of most of the city. Special attention is given to the equivocal role played by Soviet troops, who watched passively from the other side of the Wisła as the Nazis defeated the Polish insurgents. Only after the city was a charred ruin did they move across to “liberate” its few remaining inhabitants.

The grandest of Warsaw’s palaces, Wilanów (May–Sept Mon, Wed & Sat 9.30am–6.30pm, Tues, Thurs & Fri 9.30am–4.30pm, Sun 10.30am–6.30pm; Oct–April Mon & Wed–Sat 9.30am–4.30pm, Sun 10.30am–4.30pm; 20zł, free Sun Oct–April; w www.wilanow-palac.pl ), makes an easy excursion from the centre: take bus #180 south from Krakowskie Przedmieście or Nowy Świat to its terminus. Converted in the seventeenth century from a small manor house into the “Polish Versailles”, the palace displays a vast range of decorative styles, a mixture mirrored in the delightful palace gardens (daily 9am–sunset; 5zł, free Thurs).

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Warsaw Visit

Warsaw Visit – Your Warsaw Travel Guide

For many, Warsaw still has a Cold War reputation. But it is now a thriving, modern city. WarsawVisit will help you make the most of any trip to Poland’s fascinating capital.

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Make the most of your trip to Warsaw with our list of recommended hotels , a rundown of the best places to eat in Warsaw and our overview of essential attractions in Warsaw .

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Our itineraries will help you get the most out of a visit to Warsaw, see our One-Day Warsaw Itinerary , Two-Day Warsaw Itinerary and Three-Day Warsaw Itinerary pages to learn more. Our Things To Do In Warsaw guide is also full of recommendations.

Plan your Warsaw visit with Warsaw map of Warsaw’s attractions, restaurants, sightseeing and hotels.

Each type of landmark has a different colour marker on the map:

  • YELLOW: Warsaw Sightseeing
  • BLUE: Warsaw Hotels
  • RED: Warsaw Places To Eat – Michelin restaurants are DARK RED
  • ORANGE: Warsaw Nightlife
  • PURPLE: Shopping In Warsaw
  • GREEN: Warsaw Transportation

Click on a marker and it will give you the name of the landmark, with a brief description and links for more information and directions. You can pan, scroll, and zoom around the map, or use the + or – buttons in the bottom left of the map to zoom in and out.

Click on the icon in the top left corner for an index of every location, sorted by category. Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want. Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.

Each category is on a different layer, which can be switched on and off. So you can just see the Hotel or Restaurant pins, for example.

If you are using the map on your phone, open the Visit Warsaw map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.

  • Things To Do In Warsaw

Start Planning Your Warsaw Trip Now!

:: Get to know Warsaw with a professional guided tour – Get Your Guide has a large range of activities, including harbour tours and day trips.

:: Find available Warsaw hotels on Booking.com – you can usually reserve with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out and, if necessary, cancel for free.

:: Find Warsaw flights with 12go - a single search shows times and prices from all available airlines for your trip, saving you time and money.

:: An airport transfer is the hassle-free way to arrive. A driver will meet you in Arrivals and take you direct to your hotel.

:: World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world.

Warsaw Essentials

  • Packing List For Warsaw
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Old town in Warsaw, capitol of Poland.

A phoenix arisen from the ashes, Poland's capital impresses with its resilience, respect for history, contemporary style and sheer joie de vivre.

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Must-see attractions.

Wilanow Palace, summer residence of King John III Sobieski (17th century), Wilanow, Warsaw, Poland

Wilanów Palace

Warsaw’s top palace, 10km south of the city centre, was commissioned by King Jan III Sobieski in 1677. It has changed hands several times over the…

Palace of Culture and Science, Warsaw

Palace of Culture & Science

For over 60 years this socialist realist palace has dominated central Warsaw. A ‘gift of friendship’ from the Soviet Union, it was completed in 1955 and…

Castle Square in Warsaw

Royal Castle

This remarkable copy of the original castle blown up by the Germans in WWII is filled with authentic period furniture and original works of art…

Memorial, Warsaw Uprising.

Warsaw Rising Museum

This exceptional museum, housed in a former tram power station and its surrounding grounds, traces the history of the city's heroic but doomed uprising…

Museum of History of Polish Jews in Warsaw

POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews

Housed in one of Warsaw's best examples of contemporary architecture, this award-winning museum documents 1000 years of Jewish history in Poland. The…

Copernicus Science Centre

Copernicus Science Centre

The fully interactive, push-the-buttons-and-see-what-happens Copernicus Science Centre pulls off that tricky feat of being both hugely fun and educational…

Monument of Frederick Chopin

Łazienki Park

Pronounced wah-zhen-kee, this beautiful park includes manicured gardens, an ornamental lake, wooded glades and strutting peacocks. Once a hunting ground,…

Muzeum Fryderika Chopin

Fryderyk Chopin Museum

This multimedia museum within the baroque Ostrogski Palace showcases the work of Poland’s most famous composer. You’re encouraged to take your time…

Latest stories from Warsaw

warsaw tour guides

Oct 31, 2019 • 7 min read

A youthful energy in Warsaw is transforming this 700-year-old survivor into an ideal location for a central European city break.

in partnership with getyourguide

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  3. WARSAW timelapse. The capital of Poland. Warszawa

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  5. Exploring the Streets of Warsaw

  6. Ultimate Guide- Top 10 Warsaw Attractions

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  1. Warsaw guided tours, sightseeing, city games, events

    Best rated Warsaw guided tours by guests from all over the world. Visitors to the capital city get on the Nysa retro-minivan every day with our guide and discover Warsaw as it is: contrasting, diverse, beautiful in an unobvious way. After a few hours, each guest is richer, with an extraordinary experience. Jump on board of our Nysa and get your ...

  2. Best Tours by Local Guides in warsaw

    Discover warsaw on a private tour with a local tour guide. Book our guided tours in warsaw now & experience the best things to do in the city.

  3. THE TOP 10 Warsaw Tours & Excursions (UPDATED 2024)

    See all of Warsaw in one day with a Licensed Guide, private transport and skip-the-line tickets to top attractions included. Choose one of our excellent tour options tailored to your needs and interests: Available in: SPANISH, FRENCH, ITALIAN ENGLISH, GERMAN, RUSSIAN, POLISH 3-hour: Old Town Car Tour Explore top attractions in Warsaw by car, with sights such as the Market Square, Royal Castle ...

  4. THE 10 BEST Warsaw Tours & Excursions for 2024 (with Prices)

    LIKELY TO SELL OUT*. 3. Discover Vistula River in Warsaw. 34. City Tours. 50-60 minutes. On board our traditional ships, we will show a number of Warsaw attractions, such as: Copernicus Science Center, Warsaw …. Free cancellation. Recommended by 91% of travelers.

  5. Private Local Guides & Guided Tours in Warsaw

    Warsaw. Rebuilt and rejuvenated after WWII on the edge of the Vistula River, Warsaw fuses steel scrapers and the facades of medieval Poland in one fine cityscape. Get a local tourHQ guide to show you around. Search Cities in Poland. Warsaw Tour Guides.

  6. Find the Best Local Tour Guides in warsaw

    Explore warsaw with an experienced local tour guide from ToursByLocals. Book our 100% private guided tours now: personal, customized, and always at your own pace.

  7. The BEST Warsaw Tours and Things to Do in 2024

    2. Warsaw: Traditional Galar Cruise on The Vistula River. Climb aboard a replica of a traditional wooden boat and enjoy an intimate 1-hour sightseeing cruise on the Vistula River. Your tour departs from the Barka Atalanta - food & drink - Sen Nocy Letniej, where you will board the traditional 12-seater Galar ship.

  8. The BEST Warsaw Tours 2024

    The best Warsaw Tours are: Warsaw: Traditional Galar Cruise on The Vistula River. Warsaw: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. Warsaw: The City in a Nutshell Walking Tour. Warsaw: Pub Crawl with 1-Hour Open Bar. Warsaw: Tour to Krakow and Auschwitz by Train with Pickup.

  9. THE 10 BEST Warsaw Private Tours (with Prices)

    3. Private Historical Tour of Warsaw by a Retro Fiat with Pickup. 113. Historical Tours. 4 hours. Warsaw, an unconquered city, in the past the premises of dukes and kings, today the capital of Poland. The city, which was…. Free cancellation. Recommended by 100% of travelers.

  10. THE 30 BEST Warsaw Tours & Excursions (from £5)

    5. Krakow: Guided City Tour by Golf Buggy (with hotel pickup) 55. Historical Tours. 60-150 minutes. Sightseeing by electric vehicles (golf buggy), we have 28 languages on board and big knowleadge about Cracow and the history…. Free cancellation. Recommended by 100% of travellers. from.

  11. Warsaw Afternoon, panoramic view, guided, public city tour with pick up

    Half-day Tours in Warsaw: Check out 84 reviews and photos of Viator's Warsaw Afternoon, panoramic view, guided, ... Small-Group Historical Guided Tour of Warsaw with pick up/drop off. Public Tour. 257. from $49.54. Warsaw, Poland. Warsaw In A Nutshell: Walking Tour. 181. from $17.60. Warsaw, Poland.

  12. Home

    Orange Umbrella Free Tour is the first and the best rated regular walking tour in Warsaw. We run our tours every day, all year round. Free Walking Tours. Old Town; Best of Warsaw; Jewish Warsaw; World War 2 in Warsaw ... Gosia was a fantastic guide. Either you travel alone or in a group these walking tours are really a must do in Warsaw. I ...

  13. Guided Tours in Warsaw

    Guide in Warsaw. We organize individual sightseeing in Warsaw, tours for schools and companies.Take a walk with the best Warsaw tour-guides in the city! +48 691 658 632 [email protected]

  14. Warsaw Small-Group Historical Tour With Transportation 2024

    With this Warsaw tour, you can save time doing your own research and check off parks, plazas, and palaces in just a few hours. Led by a guide, the tour takes you to Lazienki Park, the Old Town, and the Ghetto area. Ride in a bus to save time and stop at notable locations such as the Monument to the Warsaw Uprising Fighters, the Warsaw Barbican, and the Royal Castle.

  15. Warsaw Private Tour Guide

    I offer: private tours in Warsaw for individuals and families - standard or tailor-made, based on specific interests and requirements. picking up from the airport, railway station, etc. genealogy tours all over Poland. one-day tours outside Warsaw. For driving tours, I use Opel Zafira, a comfortable, air-conditioned MPV with 6 passengers ...

  16. Warsaw City Guide

    05/13/2024 Keith Phillips. visit blog. Explore, Eat, Drink, Repeat: Powiśle in Warsaw. Ask the Concierge @Raffles Europejski Warsaw. Warsaw's most impartial, informative and up-to-date tourist guide since 2001. Available for free online, in print, via digital download and mobile app.

  17. Warsaw: Afternoon Public City Tour with Pickup and Drop-off

    Full description. Climb aboard a comfortable, coach and take in the sights of Warsaw on this guided sightseeing tour with hotel pickup and drop-off. Pass through the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Old Town, Castle Square, and the Praga District. Hop aboard the bus which has plenty of space to stretch out your legs and head to Old Town.

  18. Warsaw: Private Custom Tour With A Local Guide

    City Exploration. Embarking on the private custom tour of Warsaw opens up a world of exploration and discovery, allowing participants to explore the city's vibrant culture and rich history through the eyes of a knowledgeable local guide. This personalized experience offers more than just a typical tour; it provides an opportunity for culture ...

  19. Warsaw Travel Guide (Updated 2024)

    Warsaw Travel Guide. Last Updated: September 1, 2023. Warsaw is a bustling, revitalized city that has cast off the long shadow of communism. While a lot of grim, gray architecture remains, I found Warsaw to be a lively place with plenty to keep you busy. There's a growing culinary scene, a wild nightlife, and lots of budget-friendly ...

  20. Warsaw Travel Guide

    Chopin Museum. Warsaw's most lavish tribute to its favourite son is the achingly modern Chopin Museum, east of Krakowskie Przedmieście at ul.Okolnik 1 (w www.chopin.museum).With interactive handsets to guide visitors through exhibits on the musician's life, it's a must for Chopin enthusiasts, but only 100 people are allowed into the museum at a time so tickets must be reserved in advance.

  21. Warsaw Visit

    Start Planning Your Warsaw Trip Now!:: Get to know Warsaw with a professional guided tour - Get Your Guide has a large range of activities, including harbour tours and day trips.:: Find available Warsaw hotels on Booking.com - you can usually reserve with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out and, if necessary, cancel for free.:: Find Warsaw flights with 12go - a single search shows ...

  22. Warsaw Morning, Guided, Panoramic View, public city tour with hotel

    Get acquainted with the history and major sights of Warsaw on a small-group morning coach tour. Hear stories from the city's long and dramatic past as you visit the UNESCO-listed Old Town, Royal Castle, St. John's Cathedral, the Praga district, and other must-see destinations. Learn about Warsaw during Nazi occupation as you visit wartime landmarks like the former Jewish Ghetto and the ...

  23. Warsaw travel

    History. Everything you should see and do on a trip to Warsaw. Oct 31, 2019 • 7 min read. A youthful energy in Warsaw is transforming this 700-year-old survivor into an ideal location for a central European city break. in partnership with getyourguide.