Cheap Flights to Warsaw

Discover Warsaw

Since its complete destruction in WWII, Warsaw has risen from the ashes to become a cultural powerhouse of Europe. Sensitively reconstructed historic buildings sit happily alongside more modern skyscrapers, signifying the city’s pride in its history, its resilience and its energy.

The centrepiece of the city is the Palace of Culture, the tallest building in Poland and an exquisite example of Socialist Realist architecture. Many museums tell the story of the city’s turbulent past including the Warsaw Rising Museum, the Historical Museum of Warsaw and Pawiak Prison where political prisoners were held during the war. The Chopin Museum is a beautiful dedication to the famous composer while the Gestapo Headquarters Museum leaves visitors with a lasting impression and greater understanding of the war.

The Royal Castle near the cobbled streets and colourful houses of the UNESCO protected Old Town is a majestic structure while the Warsaw Ghetto is essential viewing for those with a passion for history. Arts are also plentiful, in the Centre for Contemporary Arts and the quirky Photoplasticon where 3D photo exhibitions swirl from the ceiling and change regularly.

Escape the city for a moment of calm in Park Lazienki with its stunning neo-classical palace that sits on a lake or to the Wilanow Palace gardens that are some of the most beautiful in the city. Explore the fragments of the Ghetto Wall or take a stroll down Krakowskie Przedmiescie, Warsaw’s most famous street.

Cafes, shops, theatres and restaurants bring life to Marszalkowska Street in the heart of the city while Zlote Tarasy or Golden Terraces are the place to find boutiques, fashions and kitsch items. The Galeria Mokotow and the Arkadia are some of the largest malls in Europe with everything under one roof. Chic shopping can be found in Chmielna Street where antiques and jewellery dazzle from the shop windows.

Today Warsaw is a far-cry from its Communist-era self. Today it is a thriving, happy city with alfresco concerts and fine dining, bars and clubs, innovative architecture and creative industry. While its history remains of prime importance, its zest for life has been rekindled to massive success.

The following information is correct as of January 2015 and is subject to change. Please check with the airline directly for complete accuracy.

Fly In

Warsaw Chopin Airport is located 6 miles outside Warsaw city centre and can be reached by car in approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Local buses depart from outside the arrivals hall and take passengers to the city centre in 30 minutes. Taxis are also available for hire outside the airport terminal.

What you need to know

Currency: The Polish Zloty

The Sprite Graffiti Fest brings together young people from many countries fond of one of the most provocative urban arts, that of drawing graffiti. It is held annually in June in the public garden around NDK.

Visas: UK and EU nationals do not require a visa to enter Poland. A passport valid for three months beyond the date of departure is required. Nationals of other countries may need an entry visa. More information can be obtained from a local embassy or from the Foreign Office website.

Laws: The legal age for purchasing and consuming alcohol in Poland is18. A strict smoking ban is in place in all indoor public areas including bars, cafes, restaurants, hotels, public transport and museums and galleries. Some small establishments allow smoking or have designated smoking rooms. .

Best Time to Visit

Characterised by very hot summers and cold snowy winters, some say Poland has the perfect climate. Those that want to feel the heat should visit between July and August, although this is peak season and flights will cost more. Skiers and snowboarders must visit from December to March for perfect power and après ski. Spring and autumn are quieter in terms of tourist numbers and often mean cheaper flights.

March is carnival time in Warsaw with food, floats and merriment. April sees the Beethoven Easter Festival, the anniversary of the Ghetto Uprising celebrations, the Warsaw Opera Festival and the Contemporary Art Forum. Book fairs come in May, Mozart and Chopin in June, Jazz and street arts in July and Jewish Film Festivals, Chamber Arts and more jazz in August. Autumn is heralded with more Chopin and Monteverdi while October brings with it the Warsaw Film Festival and the Baroque Opera Festival. As winter approaches the cinnamon and spice scented Christmas Fair comes to town along with the wonderful Human Rights in Film festival.