Warsaw Quick Guide To the Must-dos & Food Spots

Welcome to Warsaw! As Poland’s capital and largest city, there’s so much to explore for you. From the beautifully rebuilt Old Town to modern neighbourhoods and beautiful green parks, Warsaw is a city that blends old with new. In this Warsaw Quick Guide, I’ll highlight must-see activities, share my favourite food spots, and provide a detailed 4-day itinerary based on my 2023 trip. Plus, I’ve included insights from two Polish friends who lived and studied here, making this guide a great resource for anyone looking to experience the best of Warsaw. Let’s dive in!

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Warsaw Quick Guide: Tips & Overview

• Where to stay: As I went on a spontaneous solo trip I opted for a low-budget option. I stayed at OkiDoki Hostel close to the Old Town
• Best Months to Visit: I’d personally recommend spring or fall for a city trip, however, it’s great all year round
• Must-Dos: Explore Old Town, Attend a Pierogi Cooking class, Climb the Clock tower of St. Annes Church, Do a free walking tour
• Best Places to Eat: Bulke przes Bibulke, Zapiecek, Der Elefant
• Quick facts: 1.9 million people – Polish – Polish Zloty

Disclaimer: This blog post contains unpaid promotional links. I only recommend products and services that I’ve personally used and genuinely like.

How to get there

You can fly in via Warsaw Chopin or Warsaw Modlin airport. Due to cheaper airfares I opted to fly in via Warsaw Modlin airport. It is a bit further out of the city, however, it was still quite easy to get to the Centre. I opted to take the bus from Modlin airport going into Warsaw. On the Warsaw Modlin airport website, you can find more information. I did not pre-book and it was no issue at all.

How to get around

Warsaw is generally a very walkeable city, however, there is also the option to rent a bike or use e-scooters. Personally, I was mostly walking everywhere. For destinations further from the Old Town, I used e-scooters, which felt safe and was quite fun.

Where to stay

As I went on a spontaneous solo trip I opted for a low-budget option and decided for a hostel. I stayed at the Oki Doki Old Town Hostel, which was very close to the Old Town city centre.

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Things to do & see

Palace of Science and Culture (observatory platform):

Designed by the same architect behind New York’s Empire State Building, this Warsaw landmark looks like a mini version of its famous counterpart. Head up to the observatory platform for fantastic views of the city and see the resemblance for yourself!

Royal route (Palace square – Royal castle – Pilsudski Square)

This historic route connects some of Warsaw’s most iconic landmarks. It is starting from the Royal Castle, where Polish kings once resided, and stretching through elegant streets filled with historic buildings, shops, and cafés. Walking along the Royal Route offers a glimpse into Warsaw’s rich history and architectural beauty.

Old Town:

Did you know that Warsaw’s Old Town was almost entirely destroyed during World War II? Luckily, an architect had hidden the plans for the area, so it could be rebuilt to its former beauty. Today, the Old Town is a stunning mix of colorful, well-kept buildings and charming cobblestone streets that are simply beautiful to explore.

Barbican and city walls:

The Barbican is one of the few remaining relics of the city situated between the Old and New Town. It offers a glimpse into Warsaw’s medieval past and provides a picturesque backdrop for photos.

Warsaw University Library Garden:

A garden on the roof of a university library? Sounds like a cool idea and it actually is. This hidden gem convinces with its unique design, scenic views of the city, and peaceful atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot to relax and take a break from sightseeing.

Royal Lazienki Park:

A visit to this stunning park is like stepping into the grean oasis of the city. The Palace on the Isle, surrounded by water, is a beautiful building that adds to the park’s charm. It’s a perfect place for a walk among nature and historic architecture.

Krasinski Palace Gardens:

These gardens, adjacent to the beautiful Krasinski Palace, offer a serene escape in the heart of the city. The well-kept lawns, fountains, and trees make it a lovely spot for a relaxing walk or some quiet moments.

Hala Koszyski (Food Market):

This trendy food hall is a must-visit for foodies. Housed in a beautifully restored historic market hall, Hala Koszyki offers a variety of dining options, from local Polish dishes to international cuisine, all in a vibrant and stylish setting.

Praga neighborhood:

Often referred to as Warsaw’s bohemian district, Praga is known for its eclectic mix of old and new. With its historic houses, street art, and lively cultural scene, Praga offers a different perspective on Warsaw, making it a fascinating area to explore.

Shopping:

Zlote Tarasy – located in the heart of the city, Złote Tarasy offers a wide range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, making it a great spot for shopping while exploring the city.

Additional Things to do

Pierogi cooking class:

I really like doing cooking classes when I am travelling to learn more about the country’s cuisine and famous dishes. When visiting Poland it was no question that I will try and book a Pierogi cooking class, as Pierogi is the number one Polish dish. Comfort food that is simply delicious and fun to make.

I booked the Pierogi cooking class via AirBnB. It is a high-rated option and I thought it was a good experience. We were mostly groups of two with some solo travellers as well. We prepared dumplings with a variety of fillings – both vegetarian and meat – however, each group focused on one type of filling. The class was a good opportunity to learn how to prepare the dough and also various techniques of folding the dumplings. At the end of the class, we enjoyed a plate full of pierogi, so make sure you come hungry.

Free Walking Tour:

I booked the Old Town tour via Orange Umbrella. It was a great way to get an overview of the Old Town and learn more about its history. They take you the most important sights like the Royal Castle, Saint John’s Cathedral, the Old Town Market, mediaeval city walls and the New Town. Hence, you will receive an taste of both sides of the city: past and present.

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Itinerary – Warsaw Quick Guide

Old Town and Royal Route – Day 1

• Arrival in the morning
• Explore the Old Town: Wander through the charming Old Town, including Barbican, Market Square (Rynek Starego Miasta), and Castle Square (Plac Zamkowy). Stroll through the picturesque small streets and alleys to get a feel of the city’s historic atmosphere.
• Lunch at Zapiecek (Old Town Location): Enjoy traditional Polish pierogis at this well-loved spot in the Old Town.
• Afternoon: Royal Route & Royal Castle: Walk along the historic Royal Route, starting at Palace Square, and visit the Royal Castle. Continue along Krakowskie Przedmieście, passing landmarks like St. Anne’s Church and the Presidential Palace.
• Pierogi Cooking Class: Participate in a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Polish pierogis.
• Evening: Return to Castle Square and climb the Sigismund’s Column for sunset views and picturesque photo opportunities.

City Tour and Praga District – Day 2

• Morning: Free Walking Tour: Start the day with a Free Walking Tour to get an overview of Warsaw’s history and key sights.
• Brunch at Café Kafka: Enjoy a relaxed brunch at Café Kafka, known for its cozy atmosphere and diverse menu.
• Early Lunch at a Milk Bar: Alternatively, experience a traditional Polish meal at a Milk Bar, such as Bar Mleczny Bambino, for an authentic and budget-friendly option.
• Afternoon: Warsaw University Library Garden: Visit this unique rooftop garden for a tranquil escape and beautiful city views.
• Explore the Praga Neighborhood: Discover Praga’s eclectic mix of old and new, with its historic tenement houses, street art, and lively cultural scene.
• Dinner at Der Elefant: Enjoy a refined dinner featuring excellent seafood and steaks in a stylish setting.

Day Trip to Kraków – Day 3

• Day Trip: Take a full-day excursion to Kraków to explore its historic center, visit Wawel Castle, and enjoy the vibrant Old Town. (Note: This requires an early start and can be done by train or a guided tour.)

Parks, Modern Warsaw, and Shopping – Day 4

• Breakfast at Bułkę przez Bibułkę: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at this charming café, known for its great food and cozy ambiance.
• Morning: Royal Łazienki Park: Head to the beautiful Royal Łazienki Park. Spend the morning strolling through the park, visiting the Palace on the Isle, and enjoying the gardens.
• Lunch at Hala Koszyki: Enjoy a diverse and trendy lunch at this revitalized food market, offering a variety of dining options.
• Afternoon: Palace of Science and Culture: Explore this iconic building and take in panoramic views of Warsaw from the observatory platform.
• Shopping at Złote Tarasy: Spend your afternoon shopping at Złote Tarasy, a modern mall located close to the Palace of Science and Culture, ideal for finding souvenirs and enjoying the vibrant shopping scene.
• Dinner at Soul Kitchen: End your visit with a yummy dinner.

This itinerary provides a balanced mix of history, culture and the best food spots – making the most of your time in Warsaw.

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Where to eat & drink

for lunch/dinner:

• Zapiecek: A popular spot for traditional Polish pierogis, with multiple convenient locations around the city.
• Milk Bars (Bar Mleczny, Bambino Bar, Polny Bar Mleczny etc.): These budget-friendly local eateries offer a taste of authentic Polish home-cooked meals in a nostalgic setting.
• Der Elefant: A stylish restaurant known for its excellent seafood and steaks, perfect for a sophisticated dining experience.
• Soul Kitchen: This trendy restaurant serves modern Polish cuisine with a creative twist, using seasonal and local ingredients.

Breakfast:

• Bułkę przez Bibułkę: A charming boho café with a cozy atmosphere, offering delicious breakfast options like the salmon bagel, which was an absolute delight.
• Manekin: Famous for its wide variety of crepes, this spot is ideal for a hearty breakfast or brunch with both sweet and savory options.
• Aioli: A lively café with a Mediterranean-inspired menu, great for a vibrant breakfast or brunch with a stylish vibe. Also great for lunch.
• Charlotte: A Parisian-style bakery and café offering freshly baked bread, pastries, and a great breakfast menu.

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I hope this Warsaw Quick Guide provided you with a great overview on all must-dos, must-sees as well as food spots. Do you have more tips? Share them in the comments below.