Best Day Trips from Warsaw
The Polish capital of Warsaw is a fascinating place to explore. Occupying a kind of crossroads in Eastern Europe, this is a city that has seen a lot of history over the years, from the Mongol invasion to the Polish Lithuanian Commonwealth era to the ravages of World War II. Plus, Warsaw is also an excellent place to enjoy the culture and cuisine of Poland.
Drop off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage, and you'll be able to enjoy the historic buildings of Warsaw's restored Old Town, along with the best museums in Warsaw. But once you've seen everything the city has to offer, there's much more to see in this region of Eastern Europe. The best day trips from Warsaw can show you historical monuments, gorgeous lakes and national parks, and even an underground city.
How to get out of Warsaw
Warsaw Central Station, located just outside the historic center of Poland's capital city, is the central hub of Warsaw's extensive public transport network. Check out our guide on how to get around Warsaw if you need any help navigating the city. The station can also be a great jumping-off point for day trips from Warsaw, as regional and intercity trains can take you to many of the destinations on this list.
However, depending on what you want to do, guided tours or even car rental may be a better option. A guided tour can take you directly to some of the most interesting day trip locations outside the city without you having to worry about getting there yourself. Plus, many will pick you up at your hotel or another convenient central spot. On the other hand, renting a car gives you unparalleled freedom and is the best option if you want to explore the more natural side of Poland.
From Warsaw to Bialowieza National Park
One of the last surviving ancient forests in Europe, this UNESCO World Heritage site has barely been altered by humans in more than 800 years. The primeval forest is home to an extraordinary range of wildlife, including the European bison, the continent's heaviest land animal. The park is full of hiking, biking, and horse riding trails where you can lose yourself in this ancient wilderness and see how Europe looked centuries ago. That makes this the perfect day trip from Warsaw if you want to take a break from the city and recharge your batteries in nature.
How to get to Bialowieza National Park
It's about a three-hour drive from Warsaw to the National Park. Public transportation out here is patchy at best, and a car is definitely the best way to get there. Having your own wheels will make it much easier to explore everything this large park has to offer.
From Warsaw to Malbork Castle
This imposing 13th-century castle was once the seat of the Teutonic Order, a religious military group that controlled much of northern Europe during the Middle Ages. The castle, which is the world's largest brick structure, is an excellent example of medieval fortress architecture. Today, it houses a museum that tells the story of the castle's history and the Teutonic Order.
A visit to Malbork Castle is a must for anyone interested in European history, and it makes for a great day trip from Warsaw.
How to get to Malbork Castle
It will take you around three hours and 30 minutes to get to the castle by car from Warsaw. On the other hand, you can take the train, which is actually quicker at two hours. It's a 17-minute walk from Malbork Station to the Castle, or you can get a bus if you don't feel like walking.
From Warsaw to Wilanow Palace
This grand palace was built in the 17th century as a country residence for Polish king John III Sobieski. The opulent palace, which is surrounded by beautiful gardens, is one of the most important baroque buildings in Poland. Today, it houses a museum devoted to the art and history of the Polish royal family.
A visit to Wilanow Palace is a great way to learn about Polish history and culture, and it makes for a lovely day trip from Warsaw. Fans of Baroque architecture won't want to miss this one, but it's also an interesting place to visit for the fascinating history it represents.
How to get to Wilanow Palace
It's only a 20-minute drive to the Palace from central Warsaw. Alternatively, you can take bus number 519, which leaves from close to Warsaw Central Station and reaches the palace in around 30 minutes.
From Warsaw to the Wieliczka Salt Mine
This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the oldest working mines in Europe, and it's also one of the most unusual. The mine, which produced salt for more than 700 years, is now a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the underground tunnels and chambers, see sculptures and chapels made out of salt, and even take a dip in a saline lake.
A guided tour explains more about how the mines came to be and how this underground city formed over the years, built by the workers who lived often harsh lives underground. Easily one of the most fascinating day trips from Warsaw, this is an unmissable journey to a completely unique place and one of the most interesting historical monuments from Poland's rich history.
How to get to the Wieliczka Salt Mine
You can reach this historic site by either train or car, but either way, expect the journey to take around three and a half hours.
From Warsaw to Torun
Torun is a medieval city known for being the birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus, the 16th-century astronomer who developed the heliocentric model of the solar system. The city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it's one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Torun is also famous for its gingerbread, a delicious sweet treat that makes for a great souvenir.
A visit to Torun is a must for anyone interested in European history or astronomy, and it's a great day trip from Warsaw for those looking to get out of the city and explore some of Poland's charming small towns.
How to get to Torun
A direct train from Warsaw Central Station to Torun takes around two hours and 40 minutes, with several departures each day. Driving there will take around the same amount of time, so a train might be preferable so that you don't have to worry about parking.
From Warsaw to Auschwitz Concentration Camp
The Second World War left an indelible mark on Poland, and the Nazi concentration camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau is one of the most haunting monuments to the cruelty of this troubled period of history.
A visit to Auschwitz is a sobering experience, but it's an important one for understanding the history of the 20th century. This concentration camp is one of the most well-known and best preserved in Europe, and it's a harrowing but essential day trip from Warsaw. The on-site museum, dedicated to those who lost their lives in this terrible place, aims to make sure that this tragedy is never forgotten in the hope that it is never repeated.
How to get to Auschwitz
The former concentration camp lies a good distance from the city, requiring either a train ride or a drive of nearly four hours. A simpler way might be to take a guided tour that can bring you there and back.
From Warsaw to Kampinos National Park
This national park is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Warsaw and enjoy some time in nature. The park is home to a number of hiking and biking trails, as well as lakes and forests.
Kampinos National Park is a great day trip for those who want to spend some time outdoors, and it's a perfect place to escape the city for a day.
How to get to Kampinos National Park
This is one you'll want to drive to. It takes less than an hour to reach the National Park from Warsaw by car, but it's very handy to have your own vehicle so you can explore once you're there.
From Warsaw to the Masurian Lake District
This beautiful region in northeastern Poland is known for its large lakes, which make it a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing. The area is also home to a number of quaint towns and villages, as well as forests and nature reserves.
The Masurian Lake District is a great place to spend a few days, but it's also possible to visit on a day trip from Warsaw. Whether you want to relax by the water or explore the picturesque towns and countryside, this region makes for a perfect day trip from the city.
How to get to the Masurian Lake District
A drive of around two and a half hours will bring you to this pretty area. Public transportation infrastructure here is very patchy, so driving is by far the best way to get to the Lake District.
From Warsaw to Kazimierz
Located on the Vistula River, the historic town of Kazimierz, with its iconic ancient castle ruins, is one of the most popular day trips from Warsaw.
The town is best known for its Jewish history and culture, and it was once an important center of Jewish life in Poland. Today, Kazimierz is home to a number of synagogues, as well as the Museum of the History of Polish Jews.
Kazimierz is a must-visit for anyone interested in Jewish history or culture, and it's a great day trip from Warsaw for those looking to learn more about this important part of Polish history.
How to get to Kazimierz
Driving is the best way to reach this historic town. Alternatively, you could take a tour bus direct from Warsaw. Either way, the drive will take around two and a half hours.
From Warsaw to Poznan
Poznan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Poland, and it's easy to see why. This charming city is known for its beautiful Old Town, which is home to a number of historic sites and landmarks, such as the Old Market Square and the National Museum. Poznan is also a great place to shop, with a number of malls and markets located throughout the city.
Poznan is a great place to spend a few days, but it's also possible to visit on a day trip from Warsaw. Whether you're interested in history or shopping, Poznan makes for a perfect day trip from the city.
How to get to Poznan
Driving to Poznan will take you around three hours and 20 minutes. You can also take a direct train, which will get you there in just under three hours.
Conclusion
There are so many great things to do around Warsaw that it would be a shame to miss out on during your trip. Give some of these day trips a try, and you'll get to see much more of what makes this region so special. Whether you're a fan of history, food, culture, or natural surroundings, you'll find more than enough to enjoy with these excellent day trips from Warsaw.
And don't forget to leave your bags behind with Bounce. Traveling light will make it much easier to enjoy these great day trips from Warsaw for yourself.
