Warsaw holidays
After a half-century behind the Iron Curtain, Poland’s capital has emerged as one of Europe’s most undersung getaways. Holidays to Warsaw are all about wandering the spires and cobbles of Old Town, home to the Royal Castle. But this isn’t a city obsessed with its past. From an expanding arts scene to edgy museums to buzz-worthy restaurants that go beyond meat and potatoes, see why Warsaw won’t stay a secret for long.
Warsaw holiday highlights
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Urban mermaids
You might not expect to find mermaids on holidays to Warsaw, but if you look closely you’ll see them everywhere. The Old Town is the best area for mermaid hunting – they pop up on buildings, lamp posts and signs. Tick these city icons off your sightseeing list in the Old Town Square and beside the Swietokrzyski Bridge.
Old Town charm
Colourful tenement buildings and traditional restaurants line the narrow streets of Warsaw’s atmospheric Old Town. The Market Place is the prettiest square in the capital and a great spot to kick off a city break to Warsaw. Learn about the rebuilding of the Old Town after World War II at the Heritage Interpretation Centre. This is also where you start the Old Town Cellars Route to discover the city’s medieval underworld.
Home of Chopin
For classical music fans, holidays to Warsaw aren’t complete without a bit of Chopin. The renowned 19th-century composer lived here during his youth. See one of his pianos and listen to live performances of his music in the Fryderyk Chopin Museum. For a more intimate experience, book tickets for a recital in the beautiful Fryderyk Concert Hall.
Warsaw: Know before you go
Language
Polish
Currency
Polish zloty (zł)
Time zone
UTC+1 (CET) and UTC+2 (CEST)
High season
July – August
Low season
January – February
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Find the best time to go to Warsaw
Weather in Warsaw
March – May: Spring in Warsaw can be unpredictable, with chill giving way to warm sunshine. Head to Łazienki Park for cherry blossoms, tulips and peacocks. Be prepared for occasional rain showers.
June – August: Summer temperatures average around 25°C. Park yourself on a sandy beach along the Vistula River. Thunderstorms are possible, so pack an umbrella.
September – November: Autumn brings gold and red foliage to the city, a quarter of which is covered in parkland. While days are mild, evenings can be chilly. Pack waterproofs.
December – February: Winters often dip below freezing, and snow is likely. Days are short. Come nightfall, head for Wilanów Palace, where art installations light up the royal gardens.
Events in Warsaw
Sunday Chopin Concerts (May to September): Chopin’s music was banned under Nazi occupation. Today, he is celebrated in Łazienki Park, where world-renowned pianists pay homage to the Polish composer.
Wianki Festival (June): Poland’s solstice celebrations are rooted in ancient Slavic traditions. Weave a wreath and compete to create the most beautiful design, then release it downriver for good luck.
Festival of Street Art (June or July): Theatre, dance and circus acts take over the streets for one free, fun weekend in summer.
Christmas markets (November to December): Bask in the Christmas cheer in festive Old Town at the city’s Christmas markets. Along with a mug of mulled wine, be sure to try ‘oscypek’, a smoky sheep’s cheese from the Tatra Mountains.
The best neighbourhoods in Warsaw
Things to do in Warsaw
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Family friendly things to do
Travelling with the whole tribe? There’s a heap of engaging things to do with family in Warsaw. Let your young ones run wild at Warsaw Zoo and check out the cannons and tanks at the Polish Army Museum. Imaginations will go into overdrive with high-voltage robot shows and live experiments in the Copernicus Science Centre.
Shopping
Shopping in Warsaw is a local pastime, so you’ll be in good company browsing the stores. Pick up something original in the trendy design shops on Mokotowska Street or rummage for antiques at the weekend Kolo Flea Market. If you’re after designer fashion at discounted prices, the outlet stores at Factory Annopol are a good choice.
Take in the culture
Get to know the city better by checking out the museums in Warsaw. Admire Polish masterpieces at the National Museum and see Cold War-era signs at the Neon Museum. Learn about a Nobel Prize-winning scientist at the Maria Sklodowska-Curie Museum, housed in her birthplace. Save money on museums and skip lines with the Warsaw Pass.
Nightlife
When it comes to nightlife, this old city is young at heart. The boulevards along the Vistula River are packed with some of the trendiest bars in Warsaw – come in summer for live music and outdoor partying. More intimate gigs are staged in the old Praga district, often in atmospheric tenement settings.
Places to eat
Satisfy cravings for local cuisine by tucking into meaty dumplings and craft beer in the Old Town and on Nowy Swiat Street. You’re not a true Varsovian until you’ve tried herrings with vodka chasers. Vegans are well catered for too, with many of the restaurants in Warsaw offering plant-based versions of Polish classics.
Free things to do
There are plenty of free things to do in Warsaw if you know where to look. On certain days of the week there’s no charge to enter several museums, including the popular POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews. For a cooling diversion, check out the free Multimedia Fountain Park or enjoy a beach picnic on the banks of the Vistula.
Plan your holiday to Warsaw
FAQs about Warsaw holidays
Polish is mostly what you'll hear when chatting with locals. From casual greetings to unique local expressions, you'll probably add a few new words to your vocabulary during your city break in Warsaw.
With an average rainfall of 10 cm, July is the wettest month to go on a Warsaw holiday. When the weather shifts, head indoors and make the most of the city's shopping malls, art galleries, cafes and more.
Plan your Warsaw trip for January and you'll be there when the weather is at its coolest. -10ºC (14ºF) is as cold as it gets.
Warsaw is generally seen as safe, but it's always good to take some precautions wherever you're going. Pay attention to your surroundings, particularly in crowded places, and keep your valuables secure and out of sight. Also use official transport services whenever you can during your holiday to Warsaw.
No matter how many times you visit, no trip to this city is ever the same. If checking out attractions is on your list of things to do in Warsaw, be sure to include Warsaw Royal Castle Gardens and The Royal Castle in Warsaw.
Most people plan their holidays to Warsaw between May and September when the weather is warm. Come in autumn to see the colourful foliage which is particularly impressive in Royal Lazienki Park. Warsaw does get cold over winter, but this is a great time to bag some flight and hotel bargains.
You'll be using the Polish złoty (PLN) for payments throughout your trip to Warsaw. Pay with a credit or debit card whenever possible, but keep some cash with you for businesses that don't accept cards.
With temperatures hitting highs of 27ºC (81ºF), July is the hottest month in Warsaw.
Considering a short break to Warsaw
Whether you're looking to splurge or save, how you travel will partly influence the cost. When budgeting for your Warsaw flights and hotels, weigh up your options, from flying economy or business class to booking cheap or luxury stays. When you go also matters, with some seasons offering better deals for a city break in Warsaw.
For the best panoramas on your city break in Warsaw, visit the Palace of Culture and Science observation deck. Or to see the Old Town from above, climb the St Anne’s Church bell tower. Want views without the crowds
More holiday inspiration
How to get cheap last-minute flights
How to get a flight upgrade
How to search for multi-city flights on Skyscanner
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