2-Day Warsaw Adventure: Offbeat Outdoors with Friends

Warsaw, Poland

2 days

Zamkowy square in the old town
The Swietokrzyski bridge with the city center in the distance
Palace of Science and Culture and Intercontinental hotel
Wilanow historical building
Church of St. Joseph of the Visitationists

About Warsaw, Poland

Experience the rich history and vibrant culture of Warsaw, Poland's capital. Walk through the picturesque Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing beautiful Baroque and Gothic architecture. Visit the Royal Castle and Wilanów Palace, reflecting the city's royal past. Explore the Warsaw Uprising Museum and POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews for a deep dive into Poland's history. Enjoy a stroll in Łazienki Park, home to peacocks and red squirrels. Savor traditional Polish cuisine in charming local restaurants. Warsaw's nightlife is buzzing with trendy bars and clubs. With its blend of history, culture, and modernity, Warsaw offers a unique travel experience.

2-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring the History and Culture of Warsaw

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the Warsaw Uprising Museum. This museum offers a deep dive into the history of the city during World War II. It's an off-the-beaten-path experience that will give you a unique perspective on Warsaw's past.

Lunch

Enjoy a traditional Polish lunch in a local eatery. Try pierogi, bigos, or golabki, all staples of Polish cuisine. The food in Warsaw is hearty and delicious, perfect for refueling after a morning of exploration.

Afternoon

Head to the Praga District, known for its alternative vibe and street art. Explore the post-industrial buildings turned into art spaces and cultural venues. Don't miss the Neon Museum, home to a collection of Cold War-era neon signs.

Dinner

Have dinner in a local restaurant in the Praga District. The area is known for its vibrant food scene, with many restaurants serving modern takes on traditional Polish dishes.

Evening

End your day with a visit to a local pub. Warsaw's nightlife is lively and diverse, with a range of bars and clubs to suit all tastes. Enjoy a local beer or a shot of Polish vodka to cap off your day.

Morning

Start your second day with a visit to the Wilanow Palace. This beautiful baroque palace is surrounded by stunning gardens, perfect for a morning stroll. The palace also houses a museum with a collection of art and historical artifacts.

Lunch

Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant near the Wilanow Palace. The area is known for its high-quality restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, from traditional Polish to international.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring the Kabaty Woods. This large forest area is perfect for hiking, biking, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of Warsaw. There are several trails to choose from, suitable for all fitness levels.

Dinner

Have dinner in a restaurant in the Mokotow district. This area is known for its trendy eateries and vibrant nightlife, making it a great place to spend your last evening in Warsaw.

Evening

End your trip with a visit to a local jazz club in the Mokotow district. Warsaw has a thriving jazz scene, and there's no better way to experience it than in a cozy club with live music.

Attractions in Itinerary (5)

Warsaw Uprising Museum

1
Warsaw Uprising Museum

The Warsaw Uprising Museum is a dedicated to the Warsaw Uprising of 1944, offering a comprehensive look at one of the most important events in Warsaw's history.

Attractions
Museums
Praga District

2
Praga District

Praga is a district of Warsaw, Poland. It is located on the east bank of the river Vistula. First mentioned in 1432, until 1791 it formed a separate town with its own city charter. Its atmospheric streets, artists' workshops, and chic gastro spots, make it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Neighborhoods
Cultural Experiences
Neon Museum

3
Neon Museum

The Neon Museum is dedicated to the documentation and preservation of Poland's cold war era neon signs. It is located in the Soho Factory, Praga district of Warsaw.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
Wilanow Palace

4
Wilanow Palace

Wilanow Palace is a royal palace located in the Wilanow district, Warsaw. It survived Poland's partitions and both World Wars, and so serves as a reminder of the culture of the Polish state as it was before the misfortunes of the 18th century. It is one of Poland's most important monuments.

Attractions
Monuments
Landmarks
Museums
Kabaty Woods

5
Kabaty Woods

Kabaty Woods is a large forest reserve located in the southern part of Warsaw. It is a perfect place for walking, cycling, and picnicking. The forest is home to a variety of wildlife and plant species, making it a great spot for nature lovers.

Parks
Nature
Outdoor Activities

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Pierogi

Pierogi

These are traditional Polish dumplings, often filled with cheese, meat, or fruit. They are a must-try when visiting Warsaw.

Bigos

Bigos

Known as 'Hunter's Stew', Bigos is a hearty dish made with a variety of meats, sausages, and cabbage. It's a popular comfort food in Warsaw.

Zurek

Zurek is a sour rye soup often served in a bread bowl. It's a staple in Polish cuisine and a common dish in Warsaw.

Kielbasa

Kielbasa

Kielbasa is a Polish sausage that comes in many varieties. It's a popular street food in Warsaw.

Kotlet Schabowy

This is a breaded pork cutlet, similar to a schnitzel. It's a common main course in Warsaw.

Paczki

Paczki

Paczki are Polish doughnuts, often filled with jam or custard. They are a popular treat in Warsaw.

Golabki

Golabki

Golabki are cabbage rolls stuffed with meat and rice, a traditional dish in Warsaw.

Placki Ziemniaczane

These are Polish potato pancakes, often served with sour cream or a goulash-style topping. They are a common side dish in Warsaw.

Kasza Gryczana

This is buckwheat groats, a type of grain that is a staple in Polish cuisine. It's often served as a side dish in Warsaw.

Zapiekanka

Zapiekanka

Zapiekanka is a Polish open-faced sandwich, typically topped with mushrooms and cheese. It's a popular street food in Warsaw.

Wodka

Wodka

Wodka, or vodka, is a popular alcoholic beverage in Warsaw. Polish vodka is known for its high quality.

Kompot

Kompot

Kompot is a sweet non-alcoholic beverage made by boiling fruit in water with sugar. It's a traditional drink in Warsaw.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Warsaw, Poland as a tourist is from May to September. During these months, the weather is warm and pleasant, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The city also hosts numerous festivals and events during this period, adding to the overall experience. However, if you prefer less crowded periods, late spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) are also good times to visit.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

January 6

Sat

Epiphany

March 31

Sun

Easter Sunday

April 1

Mon

Easter Monday

May 1

Wed

Labor Day / May Day

May 3

Fri

Constitution Day

May 19

Sun

Whit Sunday

May 30

Thu

Corpus Christi

August 15

Thu

Assumption of Mary

November 1

Fri

All Saints' Day

November 11

Mon

Independence Day

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

December 26

Thu

Second Day of Christmas

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Warsaw has an extensive public transport system that includes buses, trams, and a metro system. The metro has two lines, M1 and M2, which cover a large part of the city. Buses and trams cover the entire city and its suburbs. Tickets can be purchased from kiosks, ticket machines, or directly on the bus or tram.

Taxis are plentiful in Warsaw and can be hailed on the street, booked by phone, or through a mobile app. All taxis are metered and rates are regulated by the city. Be sure to look for the official taxi sign on the roof and the rate card in the window.

Ridesharing services such as Uber and Bolt are available in Warsaw. These services can be booked through their respective mobile apps and offer a convenient and often cheaper alternative to traditional taxis.

Warsaw has a public bicycle sharing system called Veturilo. Bikes can be rented from numerous stations around the city using a credit card or the Veturilo mobile app. The city also has a network of bicycle lanes, making it a bike-friendly city.

Several car rental companies operate in Warsaw, offering a range of vehicles from compact cars to luxury vehicles. Renting a car can be a good option if you plan to explore areas outside of the city, but keep in mind that traffic can be heavy and parking can be difficult in the city center.

Many of Warsaw's attractions are located close to each other, especially in the city center, making walking a viable option. The city is pedestrian-friendly with plenty of sidewalks and pedestrian zones.

During the warmer months, you can take a boat tour on the Vistula River. These tours offer a unique perspective of the city and are a relaxing way to get around.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currencyzł PLN

Time zoneUTC+1

Driving sideRight

Emergency phone112, 999

Drinking waterOpt for bottled water

Power sockets

Power socket type CPower socket type E

Voltage230 V

Things to know about Warsaw, Poland as a first time visitor

1

Warsaw is the capital and largest city of Poland, located in the east-central part of the country.

2

The official language is Polish, but English is widely spoken especially by younger people and professionals.

3

The currency in Poland is the Polish Zloty (PLN). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always good to have some cash on hand.

4

Poland is part of the European Union but not part of the Eurozone. This means they do not use the Euro as their currency.

5

Warsaw has a temperate-continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Average temperatures range from 25°F to 33°F (-4°C to 1°C) in winter and 64°F to 73°F (18°C to 23°C) in summer.

6

Public transportation in Warsaw is extensive and efficient, including buses, trams, and a metro system. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks, onboard, or via mobile apps.

7

Tipping is customary in Poland. It's common to leave a 10-15% tip in restaurants, cafes, and taxis.

8

Warsaw is generally safe for tourists, but like any large city, it's important to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

9

Poland is in the Central European Time Zone (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+1).

10

The electrical outlets in Poland are type E, with a standard voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. You may need a power plug adapter or voltage converter.

11

Warsaw has a rich history and culture. It's recommended to learn a bit about the city's past, including its role in World War II, before visiting.

12

Polish cuisine is hearty and diverse. Don't miss trying traditional dishes like pierogi (dumplings), bigos (hunter's stew), and paczki (Polish doughnuts).

13

Drinking alcohol in public places is strictly prohibited in Poland, except in designated areas like bars and restaurants.

14

Smoking is banned in public places in Poland, including restaurants, bars, and public transportation.

15

Pharmacies in Poland are called 'Apteka'. They are widely available and can provide assistance with minor health issues.

16

Poland has a universal healthcare system, but it's recommended for tourists to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses.

17

The tap water in Warsaw is safe to drink, but bottled water is widely available if you prefer.

18

Warsaw has a vibrant nightlife with many bars, clubs, and music venues. The city is also known for its jazz scene.

19

Shopping in Warsaw offers a mix of modern malls, designer boutiques, and traditional markets. VAT can be refunded for non-EU residents on purchases over a certain amount.

20

Poland has strict laws regarding the respect of national symbols, including the national flag and anthem. Disrespect can result in fines or imprisonment.

Basic Polish to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

Cześć

Cheh-sh-ch

Greeting someone

Goodbye

Do widzenia

Doh vee-dzen-ya

Saying goodbye

Please

Proszę

Proh-sheh

Making a request

Thank you

Dziękuję

Jen-koo-yeh

Expressing gratitude

Yes

Tak

Tahk

Agreeing or confirming

No

Nie

Nee-eh

Disagreeing or denying

Excuse me

Przepraszam

Pshe-pra-sham

Getting attention or apologizing

I don't understand

Nie rozumiem

Nee-eh ro-zoo-myem

When you don't understand something

Do you speak English?

Czy mówisz po angielsku?

Chy moo-vish po an-gyel-skoo?

Asking if someone speaks English

Where is...?

Gdzie jest...?

Gd-jeh yest?

Asking for directions

Bathroom

Łazienka

Wah-zhen-ka

Looking for a bathroom

Help

Pomoc

Poh-mots

In case of emergency

I'm lost

Zgubiłem się

Zgoo-byehm sheh

When you're lost

Can I have...?

Czy mogę dostać...?

Chy mo-geh doh-stah-ch?

Ordering something

How much does it cost?

Ile to kosztuje?

Ee-leh toh kosh-too-yeh?

Asking for the price

Water

Woda

Voh-dah

Ordering water

Beer

Piwo

Pee-vo

Ordering beer

Wine

Wino

Vee-no

Ordering wine

Food

Jedzenie

Yed-zhen-ee-eh

Talking about food

Cheers

Na zdrowie

Nah zdroh-vyeh

Making a toast

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Underwear

  • Socks

  • T-shirts

  • Pants/Jeans

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Sweater or jacket

  • Pajamas

  • Scarf, gloves and hat (if in winter)

  • Toiletries

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Deodorant

  • Shampoo and conditioner

  • Body wash or soap

  • Razor and shaving cream

  • Makeup and makeup remover

  • Hairbrush or comb

  • Prescription medications

  • First aid kit

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport

  • Driver's license or ID card

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Cash and coins

  • Health insurance card

  • Travel insurance information

  • Hotel and/or car rental reservations

  • Maps and guidebooks

  • Emergency contacts and important addresses

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for smartphone

  • Headphones

  • Camera

  • Charger for camera

  • Power adapter and converter

  • Portable power bank

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Snacks

  • Bottled water

  • Travel pillow and blanket

  • Books or e-books for entertainment

  • Travel-sized laundry detergent

  • Plastic bags for dirty clothes

  • Umbrella

  • Sunglasses

  • Sunscreen

Weather Conditions

When planning a trip to Warsaw, Poland, it's important to consider the city's temperate seasonal climate. The weather can vary greatly throughout the year, so it's essential to pack accordingly. Winter, from December to February, can be quite cold with temperatures often dropping below freezing, around 23°F (-5°C). Snowfall is common during this period, so if you're planning a winter visit, pack warm clothing, including a heavy coat, scarves, gloves, and boots. Spring, from March to May, sees a gradual increase in temperatures, with averages ranging from 37°F (3°C) in March to 59°F (15°C) in May. This is a beautiful time to visit as the city comes alive with blooming flowers. Summer, from June to August, is the warmest season with temperatures often reaching up to 75°F (24°C). However, it can occasionally spike to 86°F (30°C). This is a great time for outdoor activities, but don't forget to pack light clothing, sunscreen, and a hat. Autumn, from September to November, is a transition period with temperatures gradually decreasing from 64°F (18°C) in September to 41°F (5°C) in November. The city is particularly beautiful in autumn with colorful foliage, but remember to bring a jacket and umbrella as rainfall is common. Regardless of when you visit, it's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip. Warsaw's weather can be unpredictable, and sudden changes can occur. Always pack a mix of clothing to accommodate for unexpected weather changes. Lastly, remember that Warsaw is a walkable city, so comfortable footwear is a must, regardless of the season. Enjoy your visit to this beautiful city!

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

3° / -6°

January is the coldest month in Warsaw, with frequent snow and frost.

February

4° / -5°

February is still cold with snowfall, but the days start to get longer.

March

8° / -2°

March sees the beginning of spring, with temperatures slowly rising and snow melting.

April

14° / 2°

April is a mild month with more sunshine, but there can be occasional rain showers.

May

20° / 7°

May is a pleasant month with blooming flowers and greenery, perfect for outdoor activities.

June

23° / 11°

June marks the start of summer, with long sunny days and warm temperatures.

July

25° / 13°

July is the warmest month in Warsaw, with occasional heatwaves and thunderstorms.

August

24° / 13°

August is slightly cooler than July, but still warm and sunny, ideal for sightseeing.

September

19° / 9°

September is the start of autumn, with cooler temperatures and beautiful fall foliage.

October

14° / 4°

October is a cool month with shorter days and colorful autumn leaves.

November

8° / 0°

November is a chilly month with shorter days and the first signs of winter.

December

4° / -4°

December is a cold month with short days, often with snowfall, perfect for Christmas markets.

Did you know?

Did you know that Warsaw, the capital of Poland, is also its largest city with a population of over 1.7 million people?

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