Warsaw, Poland

Here’s a detailed 3 to 5-day itinerary for visiting Warsaw, Poland, a city that beautifully blends its historic past with modern urban energy. From its vibrant Old Town to its burgeoning culinary and arts scene, this itinerary covers Warsaw’s top attractions, cultural highlights, and best local experiences, with options for day trips to nearby historical towns.

Day 1: Exploring Warsaw’s Old Town

• Morning:

  • Begin your journey in Warsaw’s Old Town (Stare Miasto), a UNESCO World Heritage site rebuilt after WWII. Start at Castle Square (Plac Zamkowy) and see Sigismund’s Column, one of the city’s most famous landmarks.

  • Visit the Royal Castle (Zamek Królewski), the former residence of Polish monarchs. Explore its lavish rooms, such as the Great Assembly Hall and Throne Room, and view its art collection, including works by Rembrandt and Bernardo Bellotto.

  • Afterward, head to Old Town Market Square (Rynek Starego Miasta) and see the Mermaid Statue (Syrenka), a symbol of Warsaw. The square’s colorful townhouses are perfect for a coffee break at a café.

• Afternoon:

  • Have lunch at Bazyliszek, a traditional Polish restaurant where you can try classic dishes like pierogi and żurek.

  • Visit St. John’s Archcathedral, the city’s oldest church, and explore the crypts where significant Polish figures are buried.

  • Walk through the Barbican, a medieval fortress, then stroll along Krakowskie Przedmieście, part of the Royal Route, lined with palaces, churches, and cultural landmarks.

• Evening:

  • Dine at Restauracja Podwale 25, a cozy restaurant near the Barbican serving hearty Polish fare.

  • After dinner, take a relaxing walk along the Vistula River Boulevards for picturesque views of the illuminated Old Town and Warsaw’s skyline.

    
    

Day 2: History and Culture in Warsaw

• Morning:

  • Begin at Łazienki Park (Łazienki Królewskie), Warsaw’s largest park, featuring serene landscapes, gardens, and the Palace on the Isle, a stunning neoclassical palace. Don’t miss the Chopin Monument located in the park.

  • Afterward, visit Ujazdowski Castle and its Centre for Contemporary Art, which showcases modern Polish and international art.

• Afternoon:

  • Lunch at Belvedere, an upscale restaurant inside Łazienki Park, offering gourmet Polish cuisine in a beautiful setting.

  • Next, visit the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, a modern museum tracing over 1,000 years of Jewish history in Poland. The Holocaust Gallery and the reconstructed roof of the Gwoździec Synagogue are particularly moving.

• Evening:

  • Enjoy dinner at AleGloria, a stylish restaurant known for modern Polish cuisine with local ingredients.

  • For an evening cultural experience, attend a concert at the Warsaw Philharmonic or, during the summer, catch a free Chopin Concert at Łazienki Park near the monument.

    
    

Day 3: Warsaw’s Modern Side and Museums

• Morning:

  • Start at the Warsaw Uprising Museum, where interactive exhibits tell the story of the 1944 Warsaw Uprising against Nazi occupation.

  • Next, visit Plac Europejski and admire the modern architecture of the Warsaw Spire, symbolizing the city’s transformation. Explore the area’s fountains, sculptures, and open spaces.

• Afternoon:

  • Have lunch at Hala Koszyki, a trendy food hall with a variety of international and Polish restaurants.

  • Visit the iconic Palace of Culture and Science (Pałac Kultury i Nauki), a relic from the Communist era. Take the elevator to the 30th-floor observation deck for panoramic views of the city.

  • If time permits, explore Zachęta National Gallery of Art, known for its cutting-edge exhibitions of Polish and international contemporary art.

• Evening:

  • Dine at Senses, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering an artistic take on modern Polish cuisine.

  • After dinner, visit W Oparach Absurdu, a quirky bar in the Praga district, known for its bohemian vibe and eclectic decor.

    
    

Day 4: Day Trip to Wilanów Palace or Żelazowa Wola

• Option 1: Wilanów Palace

  • Morning: Visit Wilanów Palace, a baroque masterpiece located 30 minutes from Warsaw. Explore the lavish rooms and wander through the beautiful palace gardens.

  • Afternoon: Have lunch at Villa Foksal, an elegant restaurant, then explore more of the gardens or visit the nearby Poster Museum, home to a fascinating collection of poster art.

  • Evening: Return to Warsaw for dinner at Rozbrat 20, a modern European bistro.

• Option 2: Żelazowa Wola

  • Morning: Take a trip to Żelazowa Wola, the birthplace of Frédéric Chopin, located about an hour from Warsaw. Visit the Chopin Museum, set in a peaceful manor surrounded by gardens.

  • Afternoon: Lunch at Dwór Polski, a traditional restaurant, before returning to Warsaw.

  • Evening: Dine at Kieliszki na Hożej, a modern wine bar offering creative Polish dishes.

    
    

Day 5: Hidden Gems and Local Markets

• Morning:

  • Start your day at the Neon Museum in the Soho Factory in Praga. The museum preserves Poland’s Communist-era neon signs, providing a colorful glimpse into Warsaw’s past.

  • Explore the Praga District, known for its artsy vibe, street art, and local markets. Visit the Praga Museum of Warsaw to learn about the district’s history.

• Afternoon:

  • Have lunch at Stara Praga, a restaurant serving modern takes on traditional Polish dishes.

  • Spend the afternoon exploring the University of Warsaw Library’s rooftop gardens, which offer lovely views of the city and Vistula River. Alternatively, visit Hala Mirowska, a historic market where you can experience Warsaw’s bustling local life.

• Evening:

  • For your final dinner, dine at Butchery and Wine, a top restaurant specializing in steaks and modern European cuisine.

  • End your night at PiwPaw Beer Heaven, sampling from over 100 craft beers on tap, making it a perfect spot to conclude your Warsaw adventure.

    
    

Tips:

• Public Transport: Warsaw’s public transport system is highly efficient with trams, buses, and the metro. Consider the Warsaw City Card for unlimited public transport and discounts at many attractions.

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are ideal, with mild weather and fewer crowds.