Warsaw Visitor Guide 2024: Everything you need to know

Poland's capital Warsaw is located on the Vistula River in central Poland. The largest city in the country, Warsaw is home to many of Poland's most important institutions. It has also been a battleground through the centuries for the powers that sought to control central Europe. Warsaw's long history of occupation culminated in the tragic events of the twentieth century, when Warsaw was virtually destroyed by the occupying Nazis. The city then fell into Soviet hands and was shut off from the West until late in the twentieth century.

However, Warsaw has been painstakingly rebuilt. Now, the old town district is known as one of the most beautiful in Europe. Additionally, this fascinating history has left Warsaw with some unique attractions to visit. Whatever you're into, you won't run out of things to do in the Polish capital.

A weekend in Warsaw

9 Best Ways to Experience Warsaw in 2024

Poland’s capital Warsaw has been through the wringer. As a result, the city is a great place to explore history. But it’s also the perfect location to immerse yourself in Polish culture and celebrate the modern aspects of the country. If you want to get to know Warsaw better on your next trip, consider reaching out to the companies below. They can offer you a unique vantage point on the city you won’t get anywhere else. And don’t forget to drop off your unneeded luggage at a Bounce luggage storage in Warsaw. Traveling light means you’ll be more comfortable as you explore this fascinating town.

Best quirky tour — Adventure Warsaw

This company really does offer you an adventure in the Polish capital. For instance, one of the most popular tours travels through the city in a vintage Nysa Van. You can travel to some of the city’s most offbeat locations or discover more about the communist era on the Communism Tour. They have 11 different tours to choose from, so you’re sure to find something to entertain you. Contact them at biuro@mzprl.pl or 48 606 22 55 25.

Best excursions — Intopoland

The city of Warsaw is fascinating in its own right. But if you want to see more of what Poland has to offer, this is the company to call. They can take you on anything from a half day adventure to a multi-day experience that will let you visit the neighboring towns around Warsaw and see a different side to Poland. With tours based on Jewish culture, World War II, and other aspects of Polish life, there’s something for everyone. Contact them at office@intopoland.com or 48 692 287 390.

Best Segway tour — Segway City Tours

Segways have found their niche as tourist vehicles, and these two-wheeled modes of transport are a great way to see more of the city. This company offers six different tours that run from one and a half hours up to three hours, and are limited to only 10 people per tour. After a brief orientation on using your Segway, you’ll be guided through the city to see some of its most important and most beautiful locations. You can book a tour at office@segwaycitytours.pl or 48 600 310 320.

Best bike tour — Station Warsaw

Warsaw is a fairly flat city, and bikes are an excellent way to travel around and get to see more of the place. This company offers both bike and walking tours, and they focus on a range of different options. Explore Poland’s Royal Route, see traces of nature on the Wild River tour, or roll through the beautifully restored Old Town of Warsaw. Whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed a fun and fascinating time. Contact them at info@stationwarsaw.com or 48 661 368 758.

Best regional tour — Warsaw City Tours

This company offers a chance to explore the region around the capital city, but they also offer tours of the city itself. Of particular note is a unique train tour that runs through the city and gives you a one-of-a-kind vantage point of Warsaw and its surrounding area. If you want to see more of Poland on your trip, this is a great option. Contact them at info@warsawcitytours.info or 48 606 209 209.

Best minibus tour — Warsaw Behind The Scenes

With 10 tours to choose from, this locally-owned company can help you explore Warsaw. Climb on board their minibus for a half-day or full-day tour which will take you to both the city’s major sites and some of its lesser-known attractions. If you want to get a glimpse of everything the city has to offer and don’t want to do too much planning, this is a great option. Contact them at office@warsawscenes.com or 48 22 247 83 31.

Best food tour — Delicious Warsaw

Polish food doesn’t enjoy the same international reputation as French or Chinese cuisine. But delve a little deeper, and you’ll find that Poland has plenty of delicious dishes to offer. These food tours will take you away from the regular tourist traps and let you experience the authentic traditions of the country the way locals do. Tours run every day, and a limited to a maximum of 12 people, so you won’t feel crowded. Contact them to book at hello@deliciouspoland.com or 48 791 782 792.

Best walking tour — Walking Poland

Warsaw is a fabulous city to explore on foot, and this company makes sure you understand what you’re seeing with a variety of tours through the capital. They offer both public and private tours, and can help you explore the Royal Route, beautiful Old Town, or the newer side of modern Warsaw. Guides speak English and German as well as Polish, and they can explain what you’re seeing so that you get a fuller understanding of the city. Contact them at info@stadtfuehrer-warschau.com or 48 22 408 47 85.

Best themed tours — Wow! Tours

This company offers a range of different tours, including a tour of Warsaw’s Jewish history, its Communist period, its legends and folktales, and a tour of traditional crafts. They offer night tours and even helicopter tours. Additionally, they provide free Internet while in the city to anyone who takes their tours. If you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary, this is the company to call. Contact them at hello@wowtours.pl or 48511715776.

A weekend in Warsaw may not be enough to explore everything the city has to offer, but it will give you a good grasp of what there is to see. Drop off your bags at a Warsaw suitcase storage and start exploring, and you'll find lots to keep you occupied.

• Warsaw's Old Town is essentially a modern reconstruction, but you'd never know it. The old buildings were restored to their former glory using the original materials wherever possible. As a result, the Old Town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Market Square is the heart of the Old Town and is home to great restaurants and cafés.
• Explore seven hundred years of Polish history at the Royal Castle. This impressive fortification houses a museum that tells the story of Poland’s monarchy and the influence they had across Europe for centuries.
• Get some fresh air at Warsaw's largest park. Lazienki Park was once the location of the Royal baths and the property of the King of Poland. Now, it's the place where the people of Warsaw come to stretch their legs and relax close to the heart of the city.

Warsaw lockers

Warsaw's charming Old Town has to be explored on foot. And with an extensive transit network, you won't find it hard to get around the city and see some of the other attractions Warsaw has to offer. You can make things easier on yourself by leaving your bags at a Warsaw luggage storage service while you explore. Drop off unneeded possessions in safety and pick them up whenever you're ready.

Off the beaten path in Warsaw

Beyond the obvious attractions, Warsaw has plenty of more quirky things to see. Escape the crowds, drop off your bags at a Warsaw luggage locker, and try some of these lesser-known places.

• See the world's narrowest house at Keret House. Four feet wide at best and as narrow as twenty-eight inches at its skinniest, this unusual house is classified as an art installation to get around zoning laws. But it is indeed a house that is open to visitors to see this unique solution to city crowding.
• Explore the early history of cinema at the Fotoplastikon. This intriguing contraption dates back to 1905, and works by spinning slides inside a large cylinder while viewers peer inside to see the pictures move. Very few of these machines have survived, making this a unique place to visit.
• Visit one of the city's strangest museums at the Warsaw Poster Museum. This museum, opened in 1966 during the Communist era, was the first in the world dedicated to the poster. Now its extensive collection contains some of the best examples of this often-overlooked artform.

What to do alone in Warsaw

Warsaw is a great city to explore by yourself. You'll be able to navigate the crowds more easily and spend time exploring exactly what you want to see. Whether you're on a solo vacation or traveling for business, Warsaw will give you plenty to do by yourself. Drop off your bags at a Warsaw luggage locker and enjoy the Polish capital.

• For visitors from Western Europe or North America, Poland can seem extraordinarily cheap. As a result, Warsaw attracts its share of party animals. Set out on a pub crawl through Warsaw, and you'll meet people from around the world who come to enjoy its highly affordable capital city.
• Visit the Museum of the Warsaw Uprising. This museum tells the story of the Polish rebellion against Nazi occupation and the brutal reprisal that almost destroyed the city. Innovative exhibits include a reconstruction of the Warsaw sewers that the freedom fighters used to get around. The museum tells a tragic yet inspiring story that will make you appreciate what you have.
• Get a view over the city at the Palace of Culture and Science. The striking Stalinist building houses two museums, and one of the main attractions is the 30th floor terrace that lets you look out over Warsaw from above.

The best souvenirs in Warsaw

If you visited the Poster Museum, you may be inspired to take home some wall art of your own. Galeria Grafiki I Plakatu can help you pick out some unique art for your home. Alternatively, you can grab a bottle of Poland's national drink and celebrate one of its most famous sons at the time with a bottle of Chopin vodka. For something a little more kid-friendly, visit Wedel for a crash course in Polish chocolate. Or if you're looking for something handcrafted, such as traditional Polish dolls or ceramics, swing by Cepelia souvenirs for a great selection of handicrafts.