Looking for the best things to do in Warsaw, Poland during your visit? We’ve got you covered with this travel guide!
Warsaw took me by surprise. I feel like the Polish capital is a well-kept secret that very few travellers know about, however, what I found was a cool city with an up-and-coming art scene, lots of unique attractions, and a bit of a Soviet edge.
Visiting Warsaw made me think of a younger version of Berlin before it became popular. In my eyes, Warsaw is just as cool, brimming with possibilities, and it won’t be long before others also realize and start flocking there.
Here’s my list of things to do in Warsaw, and I hope it’ll inspire you to give this city a visit because it turned out to be one of my favourite European stops of the summer!
Things to do in Warsaw, Poland
1. Take a historical tour in a Nysa Van
I have to admit, prior to travelling to Warsaw, I knew very little about Poland’s history so joining Adventure Warsaw proved to be a great way to learn the basics. Our guide managed to pack several hundred years of history into just a few hours, but what made it stick in my head was that he showed us rather than told us.
We visited streets that showcased what Warsaw’s architecture looked like before the war, we saw where the dividing walls that marked the boundaries of Warsaw’s Ghetto stood, and we stared at the bullet holes that still scar many walls. Also, our guide knew a thing or two about keeping us engaged so he kept asking us questions that forced us to think and look at the clues in front of us to figure out the answer. That’s a sign of a good teacher!
Also, can I just point out that we were driving around Warsaw in a bubblegum pink Nysa Van from the Soviet Era. That was a pretty cool experience (right up there with riding in a bright orange Trabant during my recent visit to Germany).
After the historical tour of Warsaw, we stopped off at Czar PRL, which is a small museum that depicts life in Poland under communist rule; it reminded me a lot of the DDR Museum in Berlin, though on a much smaller scale.
You can book a similar city tour aboard a Retro Fiat. This private 4-hour tour takes you to some of Warsaw’s top attractions, including Castle Square, Soviet-era architecture and the Old Town.
2. Have lunch at a Milk Bar
Milk bars are the best thing ever! The name is a little misleading because you don’t go there to drink milk, nor do you go there to drink alcohol. A Polish milk bar is kind of like a cafeteria where you can eat simple dishes, many of which are dairy-based. You can also get a few non-dairy dishes, so don’t let that keep you away!
The first milk bar in Warsaw opened up in 1896, but they became even more popular after the First World War since they offered cheap but nourishing food. Its popularity soared once more after the Second World War, and now they are once again trendy.
A milk bar isn’t like your average restaurant. How it works is that you order your food, pay for it at the cash register, grab a tray, pick up your order through a little window, and then take everything back to your table. Super casual and also extremely affordable!
Eating at a milk bar is one of those classic things to do in Warsaw, Poland during your visit – at least for one meal.
On my first milk bar experience I got to sample potatoes with meatballs, coleslaw, a pink beetroot soup, and fruit juice. I recommend trying Bar Prasowy. This is one of the many foodie experiences you can enjoy in Warsaw.
This Warsaw street food tour is a fun introduction to Polish cuisine. You get to try 10 foods including sweet and savoury dishes, plus 1 Polish vodka and 1 Polish beer!
3. Shop for Communist-inspired clothes
Communism is back in style? When it comes to fashion, it is.
Having minored in German Studies when I was in university, one of the things I found fascinating was the concept of Ostalgie – the nostalgia East Germans felt for life under the Soviet system once the wall came down and the system collapsed.
Well, it appears that the East Germans are not alone because Poland has been experiencing its own wave of nostalgia for all things Soviet and nowhere does this manifest itself more clearly than in the fashion. Soviet chic is now in style.
Pan Tu Nie Stał is one of the clothing stores leading the trend, and it means ‘You weren’t standing here’. The store’s name is a reference to the long lines people got used to standing in during the Soviet era.
4. Attend a Chopin concert
Fryderyk Chopin was born in 1810 in Żelazowa Wola, near Warsaw, and he is one of the most renowned composers and pianists of the Romantic era.
You can experience his music at the Fryderyk Concert Hall, one of Warsaw’s most beautiful music venues. You can listen to his études, nocturnes and polonaises, played in the intimate feel of a 19th-century salon.
In this 1-hour concert, you’ll get to listen to Chopin’s most famous works. The concert takes place in Fryderyk Concert Hall, a 19th-century style salon.
5. Visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum
If you want to learn a bit more about Warsaw’s history and how the people fought back during the Second World War, you should check out the Warsaw Uprising Museum.
The Warsaw Uprising took place in 1944 and it was an operation led by the Polish Home Army to liberate Warsaw from Nazi Germany. The two main goals of this operation were to: 1) drive the Germans out of the city, and 2) to try to liberate Warsaw before the Soviets did so that the Poles could maintain sovereignty and the Soviet-backed Polish Committee of National Liberation would not assume control.
The Warsaw Uprising was perfectly timed so that it would coincide with the Soviet Union’s Red Army approaching the eastern suburbs of the city, but well, the Soviets stopped short just on the other side of the river and kind of left the Home Army hanging. Only 1,200 men from the Red Army crossed over the river bank into the city (many of them Poles fighting in the Red Army), but these numbers were never reinforced. The Soviets ignored Polish attempts to establish radio contact, and meanwhile, the Polish Resistance Army kept fighting for 63 days (on an operation that was meant to last just a few days) with little to no support from the outside. Today the symbol of the Warsaw Uprising can still be seen in flags across the city.
You can also visit the Warsaw Uprising Monument, a landmark bronze artwork commemorating the sacrifice of anti-Nazi resistance fighters in the summer 1944. It is located across the street from Krasiński Palace, but keep in mind that it’s in a different part of the city from the Warsaw Uprising Museum.
Visiting this museum is one of the best things to do in Warsaw, Poland for a deeper understanding of the city’s history.
6. Check out the signs at the Neon Muzeum
If you’re looking for unusual things to do in Warsaw, Poland then you need to check out the Neon Muzeum. This is hands down one of the most unusual museums I have ever visited.
The Neon Muzeum was started by David Hill and Ilona Karwinska, who are on a quest to save Polish Cold War Neon. During my visit, I learned that during the 60s and 70s, Warsaw experienced an era of ‘neonisation’, which illuminated the city and also changed its aesthetic. These days neon isn’t quite as popular so many of the historic signs are being torn down, which is why David and Ilona are trying to save and restore these, because these signs essentially chronicle a very unique period in history.
Their museum is located in SOHO Factory over in Praga, which is on the other side of the Vistula River. Not many travellers venture there, but if you want to explore the heart of Warsaw’s up-and-coming art district, this is a place that you don’t want to miss.
7. Enjoy a stroll down Łazienki Park
Łazienki Park is the largest park in Warsaw and the name means ‘Baths’ thanks to the bathing pavilion that was located on these very grounds. The park is also part of the Royal Route, which was a communication route that ran southward from the Old Town back in the days when snail mail was the only way to get urgent messages across.
The park itself is stunning and it’s home to many landmarks like the Palace on the Water, the Theatre on the Isle, the Old and New Orangery, and many others. If you’re lucky, you might even find an incredibly regal peacock roaming around. It’s a nice place for a bike ride, or even a picnic if you have the time.
8. Soak in the city views from the Palace of Culture and Science
The Palace of Culture and Science is a building that’s loved by some and hated by others. It is a behemoth of Stalinist architecture and it’s kind of hard to miss considering there aren’t many skyscrapers to impede your view.
The building was given as a “gift from the Soviet people to the Polish nation”, but in reality, it was a form of propaganda and the Polish people also had to absorb the construction costs. You can see why they aren’t big fans… However, while the building is a grave reminder of the past, it’s also a heritage building and quite a, dare I say, beautiful structure.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about Soviet-era politics and seeing some of the rooms where key meetings took place, then a guided tour is a really great way to hear the stories and see the areas that would otherwise be off-limits. After the tour, you can ride the elevator up to the 30th floor where you get some nice views of the city.
9. Visit the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews
The POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews sits on the site of the former Warsaw Ghetto and it documents the history of Polish Jews in a chronological timeline.
The exhibit starts out with a focus on the travelling merchants that came to Poland during the medieval period and it spans several hundred years through to the Holocaust and the Post War Years.
It’s a moving museum that will leave you close to tears in more than one spot.
10. Take a Polish cooking class and learn to make pierogi
I’m a major foodie, so taking a Polish cooking class where I learned to make pierogi from scratch was a lot of fun. The class started with a big meal (you can’t have people in the kitchen going hungry!) where we sampled a Polish spread that included bread, cheeses, deli meats, pickled herring, and vegetables. Once we couldn’t eat any more food, it was time to start cooking.
The chef, Michal, taught us to make 3 different fillings for our pierogi: ground beef and onions, cheese and potatoes, and strawberries for dessert. It took us about 3 hours to prepare all the food and then we devoured it in a matter of minutes. Our pierogi may not have looked perfect, but they tasted oh-so-good!
This is one of the funnest things to do in Warsaw, Poland if you enjoy exploring a new place through its food.
In this 2-hour Warsaw cooking class, you learn to make pierogi, the local Polish specialty, plus you get to enjoy a Polish liqueur tasting.
11. Take a boat trip down the Vistula River
The Vistula is the longest river in Poland and it runs right through Warsaw. There are a lot of different water sports you can try during the summer months (we saw so many kayakers!), but we opted to take a small wooden boat for a leisurely ride. It just so happened that the water levels were extremely low during our visit, so it turned into a bit of a punting outing but it was still a lot of fun.
On this Vistula River boat tour, you can cruise aboard a replica of a former historical vessel. Along the way, you’ll see landmarks like the Copernicus Science Center, the Warsaw Mermaid, and the National Stadium.
12. Check out the rooftop gardens at the Warsaw University Library
A university campus doesn’t often end up on a list of top attractions, however, Warsaw’s University Library is an exception. They have created a beautiful little oasis on top of the library and you don’t have to be a student to access it. Just follow the steps leading up the slope on the left side of the building’s main entrance and you’re there.
13. Check out Warsaw’s food scene
Because I’m such a foodie and apparently eating at milk bars and learning to make pierogi wasn’t enough for my taste buds, I also got to check out the tremendous food scene around Warsaw. Two of my favourite places were Na Lato in Park Marszałka Edwarda Rydza-Śmigłego and Warszawa Wschodnia by Mateusz Gessler in SOHO Factory.
Na Lato means “for the summer” and it’s a place that started as a summer venue for food and drinks. I liked that their meals were light, fresh and appropriate for summer dining.
I also got to eat at Warszawa Wschodnia by Mateusz Gessler, which is a really cool dining spot if you find yourself in Praga. They had a nice mix of French and Polish food on the menu.
14. Experience the nightlife with a Pub Crawl
If you enjoy the nightlife, then one of the best things to do in Warsaw, Poland is to join a pub crawl!
I haven’t been on a pub crawl in a very long time. I kind of like quiet evenings spent at home with a book in hand, so if you give me the choice between a wild night out or an early night in bed with fuzzy pyjamas and a warm duvet, I’m going to choose the latter. However, Warsaw is meant to boast quite the nightlife, so off I went to see what the fuss was all about.
For this outing, I joined the Warsaw Pub Crawl and met a very international group of travellers from Morocco, Portugal, India, Australia, Germany, and Poland. There was even a blog reader in the mix who recognized me at the first bar!
The first stop of the night was a little underground bar in Nowy Swiat, where we got to know each other and it was quiet enough that we could have a conversation without screaming over the music. After a couple of drinks there, we headed down to the Vistula River, where little bars set up on the sand during the summer months. It was a really nice area with a mix of lawn chairs and wooden crates for furniture and a really relaxed and easygoing vibe.
This Warsaw pub crawl includes transportation aboard a Communist-era minibus. This is part bar crawl and part sightseeing tour, and it includes 3 vodka shots along the way.
15. Explore the Old Town on foot
I’m leaving the Old Town for last because this is likely the first place that visitors to Warsaw are drawn to. The Old Town is a beautiful place and believe it or not, 85% of it had to be rebuilt after the Second World War because little to nothing was left standing.
The Historic Centre of Warsaw is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its post-war reconstruction which mirrored the original buildings as closely as possible.
Despite being a “new” Old Town, it’s a place you’ll want to make time for, but if this is all you visit during your time in the city, you’re missing out on another completely different and cool side of Warsaw.
16. Stroll the Old Town Market Square
The Old Town Market Square, locally known as Rynek Starego Miasta, is worth checking out. This is one of the oldest parts of Warsaw and was the heart of the city in the Middle Ages.
Originally established in the late 13th or early 14th century, it has been the site of many significant events in Polish history.
Today, the square is a bustling area, full of restaurants, cafes, shops, and art galleries. It’s a hub for cultural events, markets, and outdoor performances, including traditional Polish fairs and festivals.
17. Tour Warsaw Royal Castle
Another attraction not to miss while you’re in the Old Town is the Royal Castle in Warsaw. The Castle Square is locally known as Plac Zamkowy.
The Royal Castle dates back to the 14th century, initially serving as the residence for the Masovian Dukes. Over the centuries, it has been the official residence of Polish monarchs and the seat of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth’s government.
The castle’s architecture has evolved over time, reflecting various styles like Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical. It has undergone numerous reconstructions, especially after being devastated by wars and uprisings.
Perhaps the most significant event in its history was its destruction during World War II by the German forces. The castle was meticulously rebuilt after the war, a process that lasted until 1984. This reconstruction is seen as a symbol of Poland’s resilience and determination to preserve its culture and history.
That’s our list of the best things to do in Warsaw, Poland during your visit. Hopefully, this has given you some ideas of what to see and do around town. Wishing you happy travels!
Have you been to Warsaw?
Can you recommend any other things to do in Warsaw, Poland?
Many thanks to Fall In Love With Warsaw who helped organize part of my visit to the city.
Looks like a city that has lots of character and lots to offer.
Plenty to do. I spent a full week there and I still left feeling like I could have used a few more days.
Definitely not a place that was on my radar until now, but Warsaw looks amazing with a lot to explore. I would SO be down with a pierogi making class! I have a Ukranian grandmother, so I’d be interested to see how close they are to the Ukranian ones.
The pierogi class was so much fun! I loved that we got to play around with a few different fillings, and I’d also be curious to hear how the Ukrainian ones vary.
The colours of Warsaw looks amazing in summer! So vibrant!
So upset I didn’t get to see the university library rooftop. The view looks great! Kind of reminded me of ‘teletubies’ ?
That rooftop is a bit of a hidden gem. It’s really cool to see the mix of nature and architecture up there.
So much to do there! I only had one night in Warsaw when I was travelling in Eastern Europe in 2007 so didn’t get to see anything apart a bit of the downtown on the way to our hostel. Will definitely have to return one day
Yes, it has so much to offer! And as much as I enjoyed the Old Town, I loved getting to see the other side of the city.
WOW! So much to do in Warsaw! Bookmarking this for my next trip in that direction! 🙂
That’s nice to hear. I hope it’ll come in handy. 🙂
I have always had a weird little inkling that I wanted to visit Warsaw, and now I know why! Love this post and am definitely filing it away for future use 🙂
That’s nice to hear. I hope you’ll get to visit soon. 🙂
Love the look of Warsaw! The only city I’ve been to in Poland is Krakow, which is great, but I can’t wait to go back and see Warsaw and plenty of others.
I’ve been hearing so many great things about Krakow. That’s where I want to go next time I’m in Poland.
So glad you liked my city! :3
One of the highlights of my trip this summer! 🙂 I would love to go back to Poland and travel some more.
I am from Warsaw and I absolutely love this post! The way you showed Warsaw attractions not starting with an obvious Old Town (which is of course pretty but not the only place to see), you went much beyond typical tourists spots and I love how you loved it! 🙂 Really glad to read that. If you are here next time visit Wilanów Palace or Praga district too. Happy travelling!
Aww, I’m happy to hear you enjoyed the post. I had a great time in the city and I really hope more travellers head over that way because it has so much to offer. 🙂
I’ve been to Warsaw twice and I still think I haven’t seen enough of the city! I think the city is very cool indeed. Love milk bars, they have the simplest food and yet so delicious! Need to come back to Warsaw soon 🙂
The milk bars were great! I could have eaten there every day. 🙂
I was in Warsaw a couple of years back, and I agree! It was so beautiful! I think we went on the same tour as you, if not a very similar one, where we drove around in a blue van and learned about the history of the city. We also went to a milk bar, but I wasn’t that impressed as we got to taste a lot of different types of dumplings, which aren’t exactly my thing. I still have ever since I was there in 2012 though wanted to return! The people were so friendly and lovely, and the place was so vibrant and alive, which was such a nice thing to see, considering it’s dark and sad history!
It does sound like the same tour – I saw a few vans in different colours making their way around the city. Wasn’t it such an engaging way to learn about the history?
I went to Warsaw for the first time two years ago and LOVED it. You definitely hit up all the highlights – there’s SO much more to do and see in Warsaw than most people realize! I agree that it feels a lot like a “younger” version of Berlin. I absolutely loved the vibe! Reading this makes me want to go back right now.
you know you’re always welcome at my place Amanda 🙂 would be fun to have you around again!
I’m glad you also enjoyed your visit, Amanda! I’m surprised it isn’t a more popular stop on the Euro trail because it really is such a fun city. People will catch on eventually. 😉
I’m a great fan of Poland as not only is it only just 1.5 hours away from Berlin but I tend to go there every 2 years LOL! However, although I have been to all the other major Polish cities AND the Polish Baltic Sea, I am yet to travel to the capital city itself!
I know!
One of the attractions to me, is the river as I’m such a lover of natural flowing water and going by your post, I’ve been missing out!
Thanks for sharing!
Super convenient for a weekend getaway then. 😉
In one single post, you have showed us what to do in Warsaw, thats a great effort. Thanks a ton.. this was very informative.
Hi, I love Warsaw, but I have ambiguous feeling. I love the fact you’ve discovered it and praised but now… people would go flocking Warsaw and it looses its secret state of being UNdiscovered. oh , life, life…
I was very interested to read this post, Audrey, as most people I know have told me to skip Warsaw when planning my Poland itinerary. (Don’t you hate it when people tell you that?) The city might not be as pretty as others in the country, but it looks like there’s certainly plenty to do and eat! I think I’ll have to check it out.
It shouldn’t be skipped at all! I hope more people will give it a chance after reading this. I know I sound like a broken record, but I thought Warsaw was so cool.
The Nysa Van caught my attention. Not that it’s pink, it’s so retro and you are ridiculously lucky to see one. You can see history all over it, well… aside from the color, but it’s cute. Your photos are great, you seem to enjoy your trip to Warsaw. Looks fun!
I’m heading to Poland this winter and your list makes me want to go even more. I’m not a fan of periogies but those homemade ones look delicious. I may have to seek out that cooking class as well as all the museums you mentioned!
Wow, the communist-inspired shop is really cool! Thank you for providing me the lists as I plan to visit Warsaw next year.
This is a great post! I’m going to Warsaw next week and will be using several of your tips. Thanks for the tip about the Milk Bars!
Where would you recommend staying?
I stayed in Mariensztat, which is a charming little square that is just down the street from the Old Town. I liked that it was a quiet residential area, but that I had a selection of attractions, restaurants and cafes just a short walk away.
Great post, I love your photos:) I have been to Warsaw about 2 months ago and I was very pleasantly surprised. I didn’t really expect much but the city and my trip turned out to be amazing! I went with some friends and we had so much fun! My favourite part was discovering new culinary places and flavours in local restaurants. My favourite places was in the Old Town and it is called Bubbles. They have amazing choice of different champagnes, sparkling wines and cocktails as well as delicious food. Amazing place:)
I read an almost identical article to this on another travel blog just now while researching Warsaw. The blogger is called Nomadic Samuel, and it seems a strange coincidence that he and you would have about an identical list, even down to the cooking classes, pink tour van, and the Milk Bar (exact same photos, also). Is this an honest review, or is this post totally sponsored? Is it just a form template post approved by the tourism board? I think that is very different from saying they “helped you plan the trip”. I am looking for honest advice, and this makes me question all of these recommendations (and both of your blogs in general).
Hey Cortney, Sam’s my husband.😉 We travel together so if you read both our blogs a lot of our experiences are going to be similar. Sorry if that was confusing for you. Wishing you a fun trip to Warsaw.
Hi there Audrey
Great post
Any idea what winter would be like in Warsaw?
or anyone else?
Cheers in advance
Anthony from Australia
Thanks for all the recommendations, they are really helpful! I hope to use them soon during my next trip to Warsaw this summer. I have been to Warsaw few times, as my husband’s family lives there and I love this city. It so diverse that everybody will be able to find something for themselves and it is impossible to be bored there. LAst time my boyfriend took me to a great restaurant with Polish food, so that I would get to know Polish flavours, and I honestly fell in love. The place was called the Akademia, and it was very elegant and romantic. They have Polish food, but also some European options, and combination of both. Everything was soo delicious! I can’t wait to go again and eat all the pierogi!
I’ve been living in Warsaw for few months already but your post still gives me a great insight into cool things to do in Warsaw. Thanks 🙂
About pubs its cool to ask locals about good places to go. Some of them are new and might be still hard to find on such websites like Tripadvisor. Thats how I found Drugie Dno multitap bar with polish craft beer. You can order small samples of everything they have currently on taps or just get yourself 0.5 glass of beer. It’s good to know that Poland is famous for its great beer.
Warsaw has to be up there with the most underrated – and surprising – city in Europe. I love the history, the food, but most of all it’s the culture. It’s not obvious at first what is going on, but once you track something interesting down – whether it’s an all-night party in a makeshift riverside bar or a hipster food market in an abandoned railway station – you feel like Warsaw is slowly revealing its secrets. The word is definitely out – Warsaw is a great place to visit.
I had a really nice evening having dinner at the Bubbles Bar in Warsaw. They’ve got so many starters on the menu that we had to order and try several of them. I was really pleased with the taste of snails – I’d never had them before and was really surprised. They also offer champagne tastings.