Recently visited Warsaw the capital of Poland for a few days and doing sightseeing in the Old Town. Since the city does not get that much attention worldwide, so I have decided to share my experience with my travel community.
How To Get There
Most international visitors arrive at Chopin International Airport which lies on a spur of the city’s cheap and efficient metro. Log distance train and bus routes connect Warsaw to the rest of Europe.
By Train – The best way to get to the city center from the Chopin International Airport is taking the rail link. It takes about 20 minutes to get to the Central Railway station and you will be able to transfer from there to your specific destination.
By Bus – I took a bus from the airport to the city center (Dw Centralny station) and then 5 minutes walk to my hotel. Bus ticket can be bought from the Tourist counter (I paid Zt 4.40 valid for 75 minutes, US$ 1 = Zt 3.8).
Taxi – There is a lot of meter taxi and broadly available in the city. I have used them on multiple occasions and never had a bad experience. Price is reasonable and they are reliable too.
UBER – Personally I preferred using Uber as no need to deal with cash or flag down one. It was convenient to make a reservation at the hotel, restaurants, and airports and they were relatively cheaper than metered Taxi fare.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Poland is in Summer from June to September, or in Fall October to November when the temperatures are comfortable, during this seasons megacity experience less rainfall and premier events are in full motion.
Useful Information
SIM Card – For a smoother and smarter travel experience, I would recommend buying a local SIM card soon you land at Warsaw airport. It definitely helps me finding places of interests when I am on the road and also getting directions during my walking tours. Getting it is not difficult in Poland as long as you have an unlocked GSM phone. T-Mobile is widely popular among tourists. Best uses are for making local calls, receiving calls and accessing the internet.
ATM – There are Money Exchange places in at Chopin International Airport but I prefer to get cash from ATMs. There are a few located throughout the terminals on both levels. To be on the safe side call your bank before your trip or update online banking section that you will be using your ATM/Debit Card during your travel.
12 Things To Do In Warsaw
Visit Old Town
Old Town of Warsaw is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and most picturesque part of the city. My trip would have been incomplete without visiting the centuries-old historic center. Even though it was totally destroyed during world war II but I couldn’t tell by looking at its current form. The restoration work was done so precisely that it has its original look and feel. The cobblestone streets and narrow alleys, historic buildings, squares, museums, churches, Royal Castle all make it a center of attraction in Warsaw.
Lazienki Park
Lazienki Park also known as Royal Baths Park is the largest park in Warsaw, Poland, area about 76 hectares in the middle of the city. The park and the palace complex has many amazing historic monuments, some of them established in the 17th century.
Old Town Market Place
The Market Square of Old Town Warsaw is one of the best place that should not be missed while visiting this great city. The 90 x 73-meter square was established in the 13th century surrounded by great traditional Polish restaurants and cafes. Mermaid Statue (Syrenka) the protector of the city of Warsaw was right in the middle of Market Square was interesting.
Royal Castle
This is an iconic building of Poland. once was the residence of Polish king dating back to 14th. century. Totally reconstructed after world war II. There are guided tours available to explore differential of the castle.
Castle Square
Castle Square is one of the best places in Old town to hang out. Located right in front of the Royal Castle where you find the huge 22 meters high bronze statue that was erected in 1644. This places as some of the nicest restaurants that worth a visit.
Palace of Culture and Science
The Palace of Culture and Science is located in the center of Warsaw, a gift from Joseph Stalin. Opened in 1955, as of today it is the tallest building in Poland. I have visited the observation deck on the 30th floor, allows a unique panoramic view of the city, especially after dark.
Lazienki Palace
The Lazienki Palace is a beautiful palace in Warsaw’s Royal Baths Park built on a man-made island standing between two lakes. It was a preferred residence of the Polish royal family that was built between 1774 – 1778 by the order of kingStanislaw August Poniatowski.
Krakowskie Przedmieście
This Krakowskie Prazedmiescie is one of the most prestigious and well-known streets in Warsaw Old Town. Starting from the Royal Castle in the Old Town until it blends into the famous ul. Nowy Świat.
Taras Widokowy
If you like to enjoy the bird’s eye stunning scenery of the Old Town then Dzwonnica Taras Widokowy is the right place to be. But it’s hard to get all the way up, need some strong will and a little stamina. After walking 150 stairs up to the very top of the tower, you will experience Warsaw’s probably most breath-taking view.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Not far away from the Old Town Square, I walked over to a wide-open space that reminds me of Beijing Tiananmen Square. It was Sunday afternoon, saw people skateboarding in the wide open square. Not a bad day Sunny but with scattering cloud in the sky makes you feel comfortable.
Nowy Świat Street
Nowy Świat is one of the most popular streets in Warsaw. It is part of the Royal Route that starts from old town’s Royal castle where it changes its name to Krakowskie Przedmieście and ends to Three Crosses Square.
Holy Cross Church
The Church of the Holy Cross is located right on Krakowskie Przedmieście opposite the Warsaw University campus. This Roman Catholic church is one of the most notable Baroque churches in Warsaw
Where to stay in Warsaw, Poland
Mercure Warszawa Grand, Warsaw
Located in the center of Warsaw, within just a 7-minute drive from the beautiful Old Town Square, Mercure Warszawa Grand offers modern, spacious rooms. All rooms in the Mercure Warszawa Grand are air-conditioned. Extra facilities at the hotel include a steam room, fitness center, and dry cleaning. The hotel is conveniently located nearby many embassies, e.g., the Embassy of the United States of America. Mercure Warszawa Grand is located 0.9 mi from the Łazienki Park, the National Museum, and one of Warsaw’s most famous shopping streets, Nowy Świat. Warszawa Centralna Railway Station is just a 10-minute walk away.
Novotel Warszawa Centrum, Warsaw
Offering panoramic views of Warsaw, the modern-looking Novotel Warszawa Centrum is located in central Warsaw, a 5-minute walk from the Central Railway Station. The hotel serves a varied breakfast. WiFi is offered throughout this 4-star hotel. The rooms also have a work area and armchairs or a sofa. The hotel also offers a Wellness Center with a sauna and a wide choice of fitness equipment. It is located on the top floor, where guests can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the Polish capital. Novotel Centrum is located opposite the Palace of Culture and Science. Centrum Metro Station and many bus and tram stops are only steps away.
My Opinion and Last Word
Have you been to Warsaw, Poland? Any cool tips to share?
I loved being in Warsaw, Poland, and want to go back again. I hope my story has motivated you to visit Poland.
Please leave a comment below! I’d love to hear from you to improve my knowledge.
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