Wondering if Warsaw is worth visiting?
You’re in the right place, because I’ve visited Warsaw twice now, once in summer 2022 with my cousin and again in summer 2024 with my cousin and my daughter Liv.
And yes, spoiler alert: I would absolutely go back again!
Warsaw surprised me in the best possible way. It was cleaner than I expected, cheaper than I expected, friendlier than I expected, and far prettier than the slightly “grey business capital” reputation it sometimes gets saddled with.
The colourful Old Town is beautiful and very Instagrammable, the Royal Castle Gardens are lovely, and the architecture is incredibly well looked after. But Warsaw is also modern, practical, calm and full of places that make you think, “Hang on, why are more people not talking about this city?”
In this guide, I’ll break down whether Warsaw is worth visiting, how long you need, where to stay, how easy it is from Manchester, what to eat, what to book, what I would do differently next time and if Warsaw is right for your next city break.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you book through one of my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep Touring Duo running and allows me to keep sharing honest travel guides like this.
Is Warsaw Worth Visiting?
Yes, Warsaw is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you want an affordable, clean and interesting European city break.
It works well for couples, friends, families with teens, food lovers and anyone who likes a city with more layers than first impressions suggest.
My first trip was more food, cocktails and a brilliant night out at Selavi. My second trip with Liv was slower, calmer and more family-friendly. Both worked.
That is one of the reasons I rate Warsaw so highly.
Warsaw At A Glance
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Best For | Couples, friends, families with teens, food lovers and affordable city breaks |
| Ideal Trip Length | 2–3 days for a first Warsaw city break |
| Best Area To Stay | Centrum, Śródmieście or near the Palace of Culture and Science |
| Closest Airport | Warsaw Chopin Airport is closest to the city centre. Modlin is further out. |
| Ryanair From Manchester | Ryanair flies into Warsaw Modlin, which is further from the centre |
| Airport Transfer Tip | Allow extra time when travelling between Modlin Airport and central Warsaw |
| Must Try Food | Pierogi at Zapiecek and loaded fries from The Fry at Elektrownia Powiśle |
| Would I Go Back? | Yes. I have already been twice and would happily return |
🏨 Ready to book your Warsaw stay?
Compare prices and check availability for your travel dates.
What Is Warsaw Really Like?
Warsaw is cleaner, calmer and prettier than I expected.
It is not tiny and chocolate-box cute in every area, but parts of the city are genuinely beautiful. The Old Town is colourful, charming and very photogenic, especially around Castle Square and the Old Town Market Square.
The Royal Castle area is another highlight. We visited the Royal Castle in Warsaw and the gardens, and they were beautiful. The architecture is wonderful, everything felt well preserved, and the gardens gave us a lovely slower moment away from the busier streets.
Warsaw also feels modern and very liveable. You get historic squares, wide roads, shopping areas, restaurants, food halls, gardens, big landmark buildings and lots of well-kept public spaces.
It has character, and I liked that far more than I expected.
Why Is Warsaw Worth Visiting?
Warsaw is worth visiting because it gives you history, food, culture, good hotels, pretty places to wander, easy flights from the UK and excellent value compared with many better-known European cities.
It also feels slightly underrated, which is always nice when you want a city break without fighting through crowds every five seconds.
Is Warsaw Cheaper Than Other European City Breaks?
In my experience, yes. Warsaw felt much cheaper than many other European city breaks I have taken.
Eating out was reasonable. Drinks were not ridiculous. Uber was affordable. Hotels felt better value than equivalent stays in many Western European capitals.
You can still spend money if you want boutique hotels, cocktails and smart restaurants. I am sadly very skilled at this. But overall, Warsaw felt very good value.
Is Warsaw Clean And Easy To Explore?
Yes, Warsaw felt incredibly clean and easy to explore.
The streets, parks, public areas and city-centre spaces all felt well looked after. There seemed to be a real respect for the city itself, which I loved.
Warsaw is more spread out than some city-break destinations, so staying centrally helps. But if you mix walking with Uber and public transport, it is very manageable.
Is Warsaw Good For History?
Yes, Warsaw is a powerful city for history.
The Historic Centre of Warsaw was almost completely destroyed during the Second World War and then carefully rebuilt. Once you know that, the Old Town hits differently.
The colourful buildings and pretty squares are not just there to look good in photos. They represent a city that refused to be erased.
Some people might say, “Well, it is not really old then,” as if that makes it less impressive. I think it makes it more impressive.
🏛️ Want to know more about Warsaw’s story?
I’ve pulled together some of the most interesting facts about Warsaw, including its history, rebuilding and surprising details that make the city even more fascinating.
Is Warsaw Good For Food?
Yes. I had not expected Warsaw to be such a good food city, but it really is.
On my first visit, I tried pierogi properly for the first time at Zapiecek Polskie Pierogarnie in Warsaw Old Town. I had fruit-filled pierogi with a sweet cream (amazing!) and they were absolutely worth the queue outside.
Zapiecek is small, cosy and clearly popular. If people are queuing outside a little pierogi restaurant in the Old Town, chances are you are not about to have a sad beige dinner.
Warsaw is not just pierogi, though.
On our second trip, we made the long walk to Elektrownia Powiśle, had a good look around, ate loaded fries from The Fry in the basement food hall area and enjoyed drinks at one of the outdoor cafés.
Was loaded fries the most traditional Polish meal of the trip? No. Did they hit the spot after a long walk? Absolutely. Sometimes culture is dumplings. Sometimes culture is carbs in a basement food hall. I do not make the rules.
A highlight from my first visit was the now-closed Selavi. My cousin and I had a meal there before heading into the nightclub, and it was one of the best nights of the trip. Sadly, you cannot recreate that exact night out now, but it still shows the more stylish, grown-up side of Warsaw’s food and nightlife scene.
🍽️ Planning where to eat in Warsaw?
I’ve shared the places we tried, trendy restaurants down Nowy Świat, the most amazing brunch, loaded fries at Elektrownia Powiśle and a cheeky trip to Hard Rock Cafe Warsaw.
🥟 Want to try more Polish food?
A Warsaw food tour or pierogi class is a lovely way to try local dishes without guessing your way through menus.
Is Elektrownia Powiśle Worth Visiting?
Yes, especially if you want to see a more modern side of Warsaw.
We made the long walk over to Elektrownia Powiśle and had a good look around. It is a former power station turned shopping, food and lifestyle space, and it feels very different from the Old Town.
We ate loaded fries from The Fry in the basement food hall area, then had drinks at one of the outdoor cafés. It was relaxed, buzzy and a good way to see another side of the city.
It is probably not essential if you only have one day, but with two or three days, I would add it in.
Sim’s tip: It is a bit of a walk depending on where you are staying, so build it into your day. Comfortable shoes are your friend. Annoyingly.
Where Should You Try Pierogi In Warsaw?
If it is your first time in Warsaw, make time for pierogi in the Old Town.
I tried fruit-filled pierogi with a sweet sauce at Zapiecek Polskie Pierogarnie on my first trip, and they were well worth the small queue outside.
You can go savoury, sweet, traditional or slightly adventurous, but pierogi should absolutely be part of your Warsaw food plans.
Which Warsaw Museums Should You Plan Ahead For?
This is where I slightly failed on my own trip, so learn from me.
We wanted to visit one of the museums connected to Warsaw’s Jewish history and the former ghetto area, but I am sure it was closed on the Tuesday or Wednesday we wanted to go.
Next time, I would absolutely check museum opening times first and plan around them.
The museums I would prioritise next time are:
- POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews
- Warsaw Rising Museum
- Museum of Warsaw
- Any current exhibitions connected to the former Warsaw Ghetto area
Warsaw has such a powerful history that visiting at least one major museum would add a lot to the trip.
🏛️ Want to understand Warsaw’s history properly?
A guided history tour can help bring the Old Town, Jewish Warsaw, POLIN Museum area and Warsaw Uprising stories to life.
Where Did We Stay In Warsaw?
For both Warsaw trips, I stayed centrally, and I would absolutely recommend doing the same for a first visit.
On my first trip in 2022 with my cousin, we stayed at PURO Hotel Warszawa Centrum. It had more of a stylish, boutique feel and worked really well for a friends’ city break with food, cocktails and evenings out.
On my second trip in 2024 with Liv, we stayed at Novotel Warszawa Centrum. This was a more practical choice, but still really central, easy and comfortable. The view from our room across to the Palace of Culture and Science was a proper bonus, that coupled with the fact it was cheaper than PURO!
If I was visiting Warsaw again, I would still look around Centrum or Śródmieście first. Warsaw is easy to explore, but it is more spread out than you might expect, so staying central saves a lot of time and faff.
Once you have a rough idea of where you want to stay, these are the other bits I would sort before visiting Warsaw.
Useful Things To Book For Warsaw
You do not need to plan every second of your Warsaw city break, but there are a few things I would sort before you go.
A central hotel makes the trip much easier and it is worth checking tours, museum options and transfers in advance so you do not get caught out by opening days or awkward timings.
| 🏨 Central Warsaw hotels | Stay around Centrum or Śródmieście to make a first trip much easier. | Check hotels → |
| 🚶 Warsaw walking tours | Great for understanding the Old Town, Royal Castle area and city history. | Browse tours → |
| 🥟 Food tours or pierogi classes | A fun way to try more Polish food without guessing your way through menus. | Find food tours → |
| 🏛️ History tours and museums | Worth planning ahead so you do not get caught out by opening days like I did. | History tours → |
| 🚕 Airport transfers | Useful if you arrive late, travel with luggage or want everything sorted before landing. | Transfers → |
| 📱 Holafly eSIM | Handy for maps, Uber, restaurant bookings and avoiding roaming faff while you explore Warsaw. | Get an eSIM → |
Is Warsaw Safe For Tourists?
I felt safe in Warsaw on both of my visits, including when I travelled with Liv.
The city felt clean, calm and well looked after, which instantly makes a difference when you are wandering around somewhere new. On our second trip, we walked right through the city centre at around midnight and felt completely safe.
There were still plenty of people around enjoying the evening, but it did not feel rowdy or intimidating. There was also a visible police presence in the centre, which made everything feel well managed.
Obviously, Warsaw is still a capital city, so use normal city common sense. Keep an eye on your bag, watch your phone in busy areas and use Uber or official taxis if you are heading back late.
But personally, Warsaw felt very comfortable to explore.
Is Warsaw Good For Families With Teens?
Yes, I think Warsaw works really well for families with older children or teenagers.
When I visited with Liv in 2024, the pace was slower than my first trip with my cousin, but that did not make it less enjoyable. It just showed me a different side of the city.
We still ate well, explored plenty, stayed centrally, visited the Royal Castle and gardens and walked over to Elektrownia Powiśle. Because Warsaw felt clean, calm and easy to navigate, it worked really well as a family city break.
If you have a teen who enjoys cities, food, history and exploring without everything feeling too hectic, Warsaw is definitely worth considering.
Is Warsaw Good For Couples Or Friends?
Yes, Warsaw is great for couples or friends who want a city break with good food, pretty places to wander and decent nightlife.
My first Warsaw trip with my cousin had much more of that food, cocktails and late-night feel and the city was brilliant for it. Selavi was a real highlight and made Warsaw feel much more stylish and fun than I had expected.
For couples, I would look at a central boutique hotel, a lovely meal, a Chopin concert, a guided evening walk or a food tour.
🏨 Fancy a boutique-style Warsaw stay?
For couples or a friends’ city break, I would look for a stylish central hotel around Centrum or Śródmieście so you can walk, eat and explore without too much faff.
🎶 Want to make your Warsaw trip feel a bit more special?
A Chopin concert, evening walking tour or food tour is a lovely way to add something memorable without over-planning the whole trip.
What Should You Book Before Visiting Warsaw?
You do not need to plan every minute, but I would sort a few things before you go.
Should You Book Your Warsaw Hotel In Advance?
Yes, especially if you want a central location at a decent price.
For a first visit, compare hotels around Centrum or Śródmieście and avoid staying too far out unless you already know the city.
🏨 Looking for a central Warsaw hotel?
For a first visit, I would compare hotels around Centrum, Śródmieście or near the Palace of Culture and Science so you are close to transport, food and the main sights.
Should You Book Airport Transfers Before Visiting Warsaw?
You do not have to, but you should at least have a plan.
Uber worked well for me and cost around £20 from Warsaw Modlin Airport to the city centre. If you are arriving late, travelling with family or carrying lots of luggage, pre-booking a transfer may be worth it.
Should You Book Warsaw Museum Tickets Ahead?
If there is a museum you really want to visit, yes.
At the very least, check opening days before you travel. A closed museum can throw off your plans and nobody wants to stand outside muttering at Google Maps. I may or may not be speaking from experience.
Should You Book A Warsaw Walking Tour Or Food Tour?
If you like guided experiences, Warsaw is a good city for walking tours, food tours and history tours.
A trusted, local guide can help bring the city’s story to life, especially because Warsaw has so much layered history.
🎟️ Want to explore more of Warsaw?
A guided tour is a great way to understand the Old Town, Jewish Warsaw, local food and the history behind the city’s reconstruction.
Do You Need Travel Insurance For Warsaw?
Yes. Not exciting, but important.
Between flight delays, lost luggage, illness and general travel chaos, travel insurance is one of those boring adult things that suddenly becomes very interesting when something goes wrong.
Do You Need Phone Data Or Roaming In Warsaw?
Yes, or at least you need a plan.
I use GiffGaff and only get 5GB of roaming data, which disappears far too quickly when you are using maps, Uber, translation tools and restaurant bookings.
We use Holafly eSIMs when we travel, so we can stay connected without worrying about roaming surprises.
📱 Want to stay connected in Warsaw?
We use Holafly eSIMs when we travel, so we can use maps, Uber, translation tools and restaurant bookings without worrying about surprise roaming charges.
What Are The Downsides Of Visiting Warsaw?
I really like Warsaw, but no city is perfect.
Warsaw is more spread out than some city-break destinations, so a central hotel helps. Not every street is as pretty as the Old Town, and some areas feel more functional than beautiful.
The history can also feel heavy, especially when you start learning more about what happened during the Second World War.
And finally, early flights are only a bargain if everything goes to plan. Our early morning return flight turned into a seven-hour delay, which was not the elegant end to the trip I had imagined while booking it. Rookie error. Snacks next time.
Is Warsaw Better Than Krakow?
I have not been to Krakow yet, so I am not going to pretend this is a full Warsaw vs Krakow comparison.
My cousin has visited more of Poland and Krakow is definitely on my own list, but this post is based on my own time in Warsaw.
What I can say is this: Warsaw deserves to be seen as more than “the other Polish city”.
It has history, food, gardens, culture, good hotels, easy flights from Manchester and a very liveable, modern feel. If you want a cleaner, calmer and more affordable capital city break with a lot more going on than people expect, Warsaw is absolutely worth considering.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Warsaw?
Both of my visits were in summer, so that is the season I can personally vouch for. Mid August was around 24-29 degrees celsius and bearable when walking around.
Summer worked brilliantly. The evenings were long, the city felt lively and it was lovely being able to sit outside, walk around and enjoy the city.
| Season | What To Expect | My Take |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Milder weather, parks starting to bloom and fewer crowds | A good shoulder-season option |
| Summer | Warm weather, long evenings, outdoor atmosphere and events | The season I know and loved |
| Autumn | Cooler weather, golden parks and fewer tourists | Likely lovely for a calmer trip |
| Winter | Seriously cold weather, Christmas lights and markets | Could be magical, but pack properly! |
If you are planning around seasonal events, check the official dates for the year you visit. Schedules can change, and you do not want to build your plans around outdated information.
Would I Visit Warsaw Again?
Yes, I would absolutely visit Warsaw again.
I have already been twice, and both trips gave me a slightly different version of the city.
The first trip was more food, cocktails, nightlife and “how is Warsaw this good?” energy.
The second trip with Liv was slower, calmer and more family-friendly, but still just as enjoyable.
Next time, I would plan the museums properly, check opening days before travelling, and leave more time for slower exploring. I would also happily revisit the Old Town, the Royal Castle Gardens and Elektrownia Powiśle.
And yes, I would eat more pierogi. Obviously. I am only human.
Warsaw is clean, affordable, friendly, pretty, interesting and easy to reach from Manchester. It may not be the most obvious European city break, but that is part of the appeal.
Would I go back for a third visit?
Absolutely. And next time, I am sorting the museum opening times before I even pack my case.
FAQs About Visiting Warsaw
Is Warsaw worth visiting for a weekend?
Yes, Warsaw is worth visiting for a weekend. Two days is enough to see the Old Town, enjoy good food, visit the Royal Castle area and get a feel for the city. If you can stretch to three days, even better.
How many days do you need in Warsaw?
Two days works for a short trip, but three days is better. Three days gives you time for the Old Town, museums, Royal Castle Gardens, Elektrownia Powiśle, restaurants and a more relaxed pace.
Is Warsaw pretty?
Yes, Warsaw is very pretty in places, especially the colourful Old Town, Castle Square, Royal Castle area and gardens. It is not postcard-perfect everywhere, but the historic areas are beautiful and very photogenic.
Is Warsaw safe for tourists?
I felt safe in Warsaw on both visits, including when travelling with my daughter. We even walked through the city centre at around midnight and felt completely comfortable.
Is Warsaw good for families?
Yes, especially with older children or teenagers. Warsaw is clean, easy to get around, affordable and has a good mix of history, food, gardens and city attractions.
Is Warsaw good for couples?
Yes, Warsaw is a great choice for couples. There are stylish hotels, rooftop bars, good restaurants, pretty walks, gardens and plenty of places for a memorable night out.
Is Warsaw expensive?
I did not find Warsaw expensive. Compared with many Western European capitals, hotels, food, drinks and taxis felt much better value.
Which airport is best for Warsaw city centre?
Warsaw Chopin Airport is closest to the city centre, but Ryanair from Manchester flies into Warsaw Modlin. Modlin is further out, but I still found the transfer easy enough.
How do you get from Warsaw Modlin Airport to the city centre?
I used Uber from Warsaw Modlin Airport to the city centre and paid around £20 which was seriously reasonable. Public transport is also available, including buses and SKM trains.
Where should you stay in Warsaw for a first visit?
For a first visit, I would stay around Centrum, Śródmieście or near the Palace of Culture and Science. I stayed at PURO Hotel Warszawa Centrum on my first trip and Novotel Warszawa Centrum on my second and both made exploring Warsaw much easier.
What food should you try in Warsaw?
Pierogi are a must. I tried fruit-filled pierogi with sweet sauce at Zapiecek Polskie Pierogarnie in the Old Town and they were well worth the small queue outside. Zapiecek is a chain, with several dotted around Warsaw.
Is Elektrownia Powiśle worth visiting?
Yes, Elektrownia Powiśle is worth visiting if you have two or three days in Warsaw and want to see a more modern side of the city. We walked there, explored the food hall, ate loaded fries from The Fry and enjoyed drinks outside.
Is the Royal Castle in Warsaw worth visiting?
Yes, the Royal Castle and gardens are worth visiting, especially because they are easy to combine with the Old Town and Castle Square. The gardens were one of the lovelier slower moments from our trip.
Do people speak English in Warsaw?
In my experience, yes. English was widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and tourist areas. It is still polite to learn a couple of basic Polish phrases.
Is Warsaw better than Krakow?
I have not been to Krakow yet, so I cannot honestly compare them from personal experience. What I can say is that Warsaw is absolutely worth visiting in its own right and should not be dismissed as just Poland’s business capital.
Is Warsaw good in summer?
Yes, summer is a brilliant time to visit Warsaw. Both of my trips were in summer and I loved the longer evenings, outdoor atmosphere and relaxed city feel.
Would I visit Warsaw again?
Yes. I have already been twice and would happily return for a third trip.
