About Warsaw
Warsaw, officially the Capital City of Warsaw, is the capital and most populous city of Poland. The metropolis stands on the river Vistula in east-central Poland. Its population is officially estimated at 1.87 million residents within a greater metropolitan area of around 3.5 million residents, which makes Warsaw the 7th most populous city in the European Union. The city area measures 517 square kilometres and comprises 18 districts, while the metropolitan area covers 6,100 square kilometres. Warsaw is classified as an alpha global city, a major political, economic and cultural hub, and the country's seat of government. It is also the capital of the Masovian Voivodeship.
Places to visit in Warsaw
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Warsaw Old Town
Historic · 1 mi from centreFaithfully rebuilt after its destruction in World War II, the old town features colorful houses around the Market Square and the Mermaid statue. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Royal Castle
Historic · 1 mi from centreThe reconstructed residence of Polish kings, with lavish state rooms and a gallery of detailed views of old Warsaw by Bellotto that helped guide the postwar rebuilding.
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Warsaw Uprising Museum
Museum · 1 mi from centreAn immersive museum about the 1944 uprising against German occupation, set in a former tram power station. Exhibits include a replica sewer passage, weapons and personal stories of fighters.
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POLIN Museum
Museum · 2 mi from centreA museum tracing a thousand years of Jewish life in Poland, from medieval settlement to the present. Its striking architecture and interactive galleries, including a painted synagogue ceiling, are highlights.
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Lazienki Park
Park · 1 mi from centreA large landscaped park with the Palace on the Isle, peacocks and the Chopin monument. Free piano recitals of Chopin's music are held near the monument on summer Sundays.
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Palace of Culture and Science
ViewpointA Soviet-era skyscraper in the city center with an observation terrace offering panoramic views of Warsaw. The building also houses theaters, cinemas, museums and a congress hall.
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Wilanow Palace
Historic · 6 mi from centreA baroque royal residence in the south of the city, built for King Jan III Sobieski, with formal gardens running down to a lake. It survived the war largely intact.
Top experiences in Warsaw
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 39 available.
Auschwitz Birkenau - Full-Day Guided Tour with Private Transport
From $379 per adult
Auschwitz-Birkenau - Full-Day Tour
From $157 per adult
Auschwitz Birkenau and Salt Mine - Full-Day Guided Tour with Private Transport
From $523 per adult
Warsaw Old Town - Private Walking Tour
From $102 per adult
Warsaw by Night
From $114 per adult
City Sightseeing Warsaw Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
From $35 per adult
Auschwitz-Birkenau from Warsaw by Train - Full-Day Tour
From $159 per adult
Auschwitz-Birkenau Private Tour from Warsaw with Chauffeured Car or Van
From $522 per adult
Warsaw Jewish Heritage - Private Tour
From $174 per adult
Krakow Cultural Capital of Poland From Warsaw - Private Tour
From $310 per adult
Wilanow Palace and Gardens - Private Tour
From $179 per adult
Chopin’s Concerts in a Unique Concert Hall - Ticket
From $43 per adult
Where to stay in Warsaw
Popular hotels in Warsaw, out of 374 properties you can book.
Airport Hotel Okecie
From $95 per night
Polonia Palace
From $206 per night
Leonardo Royal Hotel Warsaw
From $114 per night
Campanile Prime Warszawa Centrum
From $121 per night
NYX Hotel Warsaw by Leonardo Hotels
From $194 per night
MDM Hotel City Centre
From $135 per night
Chopin Boutique
From $116 per night
Sangate Hotel Airport
From $110 per night
Golden Tulip Warsaw Airport
From $81 per night
Golden Tulip Warszawa Centrum
From $132 per night
H15 Boutique Warsaw a Member of Design Hotels
From $182 per night
Gromada Warszawa Centrum
From $114 per night
Best time to visit Warsaw
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Warsaw is May and August to September, when average daytime highs are around 68–78°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Warsaw weather forecast
- Wed 11 Nov 37° 33° 6%
- Thu 12 Nov 43° 33° 52%
- Fri 13 Nov 43° 35° 90%
- Sat 14 Nov 41° 32° 2%
- Sun 15 Nov 41° 30° 0%
- Mon 16 Nov 47° 33° 13%
- Tue 17 Nov 44° 35° 34%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Polish złoty (PLN)1 US dollar ≈ zł3.93
- Language
- Polish
- Calling code
- +48
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Europe/WarsawUTC+1
Upcoming public holidays in Poland
- Independence DayNarodowe Święto Niepodległości
- Christmas EveWigilia Bożego Narodzenia
- Christmas DayBoże Narodzenie
- St. Stephen's DayDrugi Dzień Bożego Narodzenia
- New Year's DayNowy Rok
- EpiphanyŚwięto Trzech Króli
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Warsaw
These are the airports closest to central Warsaw. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- WAW Warsaw Chopin Airport5 mi (8 km) from the city centre
- WMI Warsaw-Modlin Mazovia Airport22 mi (35 km) from the city centre
Getting around Warsaw
The public transport system in Warsaw is generally well-developed, with some 200 bus routes and 30 tram lines. The route descriptions on the tram stops are easy to follow (although bus stop notices are more complex), but it can last longer, however, to travel between destinations far from the city center. Warsaw has two underground metro lines, one going from south to north on the left bank, and the other from the east to the west.
Metro
Warsaw's metro system opened in 1995 and is one of the newest underground railway systems in Europe. Operated by Metro Warszawskie sp. z o.o. it runs daily from early morning until midnight at 3-10 minute intervals. On Friday and Saturday, the Metro runs until 03:00. Trains and stations are clean and neat. The system consists of two lines; the M1 going from Młociny to Kabaty, and the M2 going from Bemowo to Bródno.
Szybka Kolej Miejska
Szybka Kolej Miejska (SKM) runs on the railway tracks shared with other regional and long-distance trains. SKM trains can be distinguished by their white and ecru livery. SKM reaches many suburban locations outside of the boundaries of Warsaw, as well as the Chopin Airport. SKM stations are quite far from each other, so the trains are best used to traverse longer distances or travel to remote locations within the Warsaw metropolis.
Suburban trains
Warszawa Śródmieście is beneath Warsaw Centralna station: the only buildings at street level are lobbies for the escalators and lifts. It has trains:
Warsaw travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Warsaw?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Warsaw is May and August to September, when average daytime highs are around 68–78°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.
What is the weather like in Warsaw?
July is usually the warmest month in Warsaw, with average highs of 78°F (26°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 29°F (-2°C). The wettest month is typically July, with about 98 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Warsaw?
Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) is the closest airport, about 5 miles (8 km) from the centre of Warsaw. Other nearby airports include Warsaw-Modlin Mazovia Airport (WMI, 22 mi).
What currency is used in Warsaw?
Warsaw uses the Polish złoty (PLN). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ zł3.93.
What time zone is Warsaw in?
Warsaw uses the Europe/Warsaw time zone (currently UTC+1). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Warsaw?
The public transport system in Warsaw is generally well-developed, with some 200 bus routes and 30 tram lines. The route descriptions on the tram stops are easy to follow (although bus stop notices are more complex), but it can last longer, however, to travel between destinations far from the city center.
What are the best places to visit in Warsaw?
Top sights in Warsaw include Warsaw Old Town, Royal Castle, Warsaw Uprising Museum and POLIN Museum. Faithfully rebuilt after its destruction in World War II, the old town features colorful houses around the Market Square and the Mermaid statue. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What are the top things to do in Warsaw?
Popular experiences you can book in Warsaw include Auschwitz Birkenau - Full-Day Guided Tour with Private Transport, Auschwitz-Birkenau - Full-Day Tour and Auschwitz Birkenau and Salt Mine - Full-Day Guided Tour with Private Transport. Destina Holidays offers 39 tours and activities here.
Where should I stay in Warsaw?
Popular areas for hotels in Warsaw include Warsaw. Well-reviewed options include Airport Hotel Okecie and Polonia Palace.
How many hotels can I book in Warsaw?
Destina Holidays currently lists 374 properties in and around Warsaw, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
