A lovely walk through Warsaw in Poland

Warsaw is the kind of city you fall in love with at first sight. It would seem that it is a small Polish capital, which is not yet spoiled by tourists. It’s a little quirky and even strange city. But I want to come here again. Let’s walk around Warsaw in Poland today, look at its quirky architecture and see the tiny charming details that the whole capital is packed with.

My photos and a brief overview of the city will help orient those who are planning a trip to the Polish capital and will bring back fond memories for those who have already been there.

Warsaw is a city of cobblestone streets and gingerbread houses, red tiles, colorful stucco, and Stare Miasto (Old Town) is the cutest, coziest, and most festive part of the Polish city.

Flipping through history: The youngest Old Town.

The colorful houses surrounding the square, huddled together, are adorned with flowers. They make the city seem naive, touching, and even a bit childlike. The Old Town is brimming with monuments, street musicians, and pedestals, making you feel as if you’ve stepped into the Middle Ages.

However, it turns out that Warsaw’s Old Town is the youngest Old Town in Europe. This is because the city was completely destroyed by the Nazis during World War II. Local authorities initially hesitated to rebuild, considering leaving the ruins as a warning to future generations, and even planned to move the capital to another city.

Eventually, they decided to restore the city from scratch. Every street, every house was recreated using old blueprints, photographs, and even memories. Today, every window, every tower spire is just a reconstruction.

Charming peculiarities of Warsaw.

In the summer, Warsaw is insanely beautiful—sunny, bright, and lovely. This city always holds many surprises and interesting adventures. Warsaw will delight everyone: thrill-seekers, romantics, musicians, and regular tourists alike, welcoming everyone “as one of their own.”

As you walk through Warsaw in Poland, you’ll notice that there are few major landmarks but plenty of tiny, sometimes barely noticeable ones. These are what make the city so charming.

For example, on the Market Square sits the Syrena (Mermaid)—the city’s symbol, even depicted on the flag. The story goes that there were two mermaid sisters swimming in the Baltic Sea. One is well-known for sitting on the Copenhagen waterfront, while the other came here to Warsaw. A rich man captured the mermaid, but a fisherman’s son helped her escape. In gratitude, she became the protector of the city’s people.

Another charming feature is Winnie the Pooh Street. Here, travelers with cameras often gather to admire the sign depicting Winnie the Pooh and Piglet holding hands, ready for another adventure. Poles call this street Kubusia Puchatka, which translates literally as Winnie the Pooh. In the evenings, it’s lit up with colorful lights.

Anything related to Chopin is marked with memorial plaques. There’s a bench that plays his compositions when you press a button, and on Medova Street, several cafes—like “Cinderella’s,” “Honorata,” and “Hole”—where Chopin used to drink coffee almost every day. On November 2, 1830, Chopin left for Vienna from the Wessels Palace in pursuit of fame. His heart rests in the Holy Cross Church.

If you’re looking for more whimsical and picturesque locations in Eastern Europe, I have posts that might interest you—cities like Medieval Bratislava, Majestic Budapest, the charming village of Szentendre, the resort city of Karlovy Vary, and the Ossuary in Kutná Hora. These locations are relatively close to each other, and you could include them in a trip around this part of Europe. You can’t see them all in just two or three days, but you could have an amazing one- or two-week journey.

Walking around Warsaw in Poland you realize it’s a green city with many parks and alleys. The most interesting and popular garden is an artificial one created on the roof of one of the libraries. This is another charming aspect of Warsaw. It’s one of the largest parks in Europe, not on the ground but on a rooftop. Exotic flowers grow here, paths wind through, and benches invite you to sit. Entrance is free from April to October.

Once, part of the city’s population was segregated into the Ghetto. This was the largest ghetto, housing 37% of the city’s population, with more than 400,000 people. Today, there’s a museum dedicated to the history of Polish Jews. The events of the Warsaw Ghetto are depicted in Roman Polanski’s film “The Pianist.” Everyone has seen it, right?Another charming sight is Kanonia Square, specifically the narrowest house with a facade of just two meters.

Don’t miss a visit to Praga. Not the Czech capital, but a district in Warsaw located on the right bank of the Vistula River. Praga is a very creative and unusual area, the oldest and most worn-out part of the city. As I mentioned in “The Pianist,” it was filmed here. This area was once considered unsafe, but today it is quite calm and quiet. Praga is popular for its wall art and graffiti. The district didn’t become more beautiful, but it certainly gained character.

If you want to visit Prague in the Czech Republic, check out my post for recommendations before your trip.

Where to see Warsaw from above?

To see the Old Town in all its glory, climb the tower of St. Anne’s Church. A more interesting but pricier option (no need to hide it) is to go up to the 30th floor of the Palace of Culture. From here, you can take stunning bird’s-eye view photos of the city.

Medieval town, narrow streets, old houses, monuments, museums and restaurants, wall art, streets with unusual names, and musical benches – that’s walk through Warsaw in Poland. Warsaw seems multifaceted, and that’s what makes it so appealing.

How to get to Warsaw, Poland.

By Air:

• The main international gateway to Warsaw is Warsaw Chopin Airport, located just 10 kilometers south-west of the city center. It’s Poland’s busiest airport and offers a wide range of services and amenities.
• Numerous airlines offer direct flights to Warsaw from major cities around the world, including New York, London, Paris, Berlin, and Moscow.
• If you’re coming from a city without a direct flight, you can easily connect through major European hubs like Frankfurt, Amsterdam, or Istanbul.
• A secondary airport, Warsaw Modlin Airport, is situated about 40 kilometers north-west of the city center. It’s primarily served by low-cost carriers such as Ryanair.

Check Aviasales to find the cheapest flights to Warsaw if you’re traveling from another country.

By Train:

• Warsaw is well-connected by rail to various European cities. If you enjoy scenic train rides and have the time, this can be a pleasant way to travel.
• Berlin to Warsaw: High-speed trains connect Berlin and Warsaw in about 6 hours.
• Vienna to Warsaw: Direct trains take approximately 8 hours.
• Prague to Warsaw: A direct train ride from Prague to Warsaw takes around 9 hours.

By Car:

• If you prefer the freedom of driving, Warsaw is accessible by well-maintained roads and highways.
• From Berlin: A drive from Berlin to Warsaw takes about 6 hours via the A2 motorway.
• From Prague: The journey from Prague takes around 8 hours.

I highly recommend traveling by car as it’s the most convenient and direct option. If you don’t have a car, you can rent one at very reasonable prices here.

Coziest hotels in Warsaw.

Here are some of the coziest hotels in the city that promise to provide a warm and welcoming experience.

H15 Boutique Hotel: Nestled in a historic building that once housed the Soviet embassy, H15 Boutique Hotel is a haven of luxury and comfort. This boutique hotel features spacious rooms with elegant décor, blending contemporary style with classic touches. The plush furnishings, soft lighting, and attentive service make it an ideal retreat after a day of exploring Warsaw. The on-site restaurant, Signature, offers exquisite dining options, adding to the overall cozy ambiance.

Mamaison Hotel Le Regina Warsaw: Located in the heart of the Old Town, Mamaison Hotel Le Regina exudes charm and sophistication. Housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century palace, the hotel combines historic elegance with modern amenities. The cozy rooms are decorated with a mix of antique and contemporary furnishings, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere. Guests can relax in the hotel’s spa or enjoy a delightful meal at La Rotisserie, the on-site restaurant known for its fine dining and intimate setting.

PURO Hotel Warsaw: For those seeking a contemporary and cozy stay, PURO Hotel Warsaw is an excellent choice. This modern hotel is known for its stylish design and relaxed atmosphere. The rooms are bright and airy, with comfortable beds and thoughtful amenities that make guests feel right at home. The communal spaces, including the lounge and the rooftop bar, are perfect for socializing or enjoying a quiet moment with a book. The friendly staff and attention to detail add to the overall cozy vibe.

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