3-Day Warsaw Itinerary: What To See, Do and Eat

When we planned a long layover in Warsaw, Poland, we only had a vague idea of what to do and places to see.

We had pegged Warsaw as being a bit drab and anticipated spending most of our time tucked away in our apartment recouping from recent travels.

When we wandered out of our accommodation for sustenance, we were utterly astounded by the picturesque cityscape.

One after another, all of our adverse assumptions about the Polish capital were overturned. Warsaw’s story – from royal to uprising to rebuilding – is captivating and piqued our interest.

We filled our days by visiting renowned attractions, exploring intriguing districts and sampling the local cuisine. In the end, we were completely enamored.

Focusing on our top experiences, we created this 3-Day Warsaw Itinerary to showcase the best of the city!

 

Warsaw 3 Day Itinerary

Our itinerary for Warsaw is jam-packed with top things to do and sightseeing tips. Later in the article, we share a Warsaw map as well as logistical travel advice.

 

Day 1: Iconic Warsaw

Start your 3 days in Warsaw by getting the lay of the land. Discover prominent sights in the city’s most historic quarter, then take in an elevated view before feasting on a classic Polish meal.

 

Morning: Old Town Warsaw and Royal Route

Originating as a fishing village, by the 13th century the Old Town had evolved into a thriving center of trade.

In the late 16th century, Warsaw became the royal capital – and it truly flourished in the 18th century under the reign of King Stanislaw August Poniatowski.

During World War II and the 1944 Uprising, Warsaw was reduced to rubble. The city had to be painstakingly put back together, piece by piece.

Today, the pristinely preserved Old Town memorializes its medieval era and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its resilience.

 

Things To See in Warsaw Old Town

The cobblestone lanes are a wonderful place for just wandering – but there are a few attractions that are not to be missed.

The striking red-brick Barbican is one of the last remnants of the city walls. Tickets are required to enter, but you don’t need to go inside to grasp its strength.

The Old Market Square, which has been around as long as the city itself, is steeped in history. Surrounded by colorful tenement houses, the plaza’s most intriguing feature is the sword-wielding mermaid, the city’s official guardian.

We also suggest strolling down atmospheric Swietojanska to step inside St. John’s Cathedral and the Jesuit Church of the Gracious Mother of God.

 

Warsaw Castle Square

Castle Square is Warsaw’s most captivating plaza. The vast space is dominated by the Royal Castle, which once served as the residence of Polish kings.

Today, the not-so-humble abode hosts a magnificent museum featuring restored rooms and masterpiece paintings (there are even two by Rembrandt). Tickets are required to enter.

In the center of Castle Square is the towering Sigismund’s Column. First erected in 1644, it honors King Sigismund III Vasa, who relocated Poland’s capital from Krakow to Warsaw in 1596.

 

Royal Route

A main thoroughfare since the 15th century, the Royal Route links three regal residences: Royal Castle, Lazienki Royal Park and Wilanow Palace.

We recommend walking the two-mile stretch to Lazienki Park – which is comprised of three continuous (but distinct) streets: Krakowskie Przedmiescie, Nowy Swiat and Ujazdowskie.

Alternatively, you can ride along the route by hopping on a bus (#116 or #503) or just snag an Uber.

 

Krakowskie Przedmiescie

A wide boulevard notable for its grand architecture, it is home to extravagant churches and ornate palaces. In our opinion, it’s the most beautiful section of the Royal Route.

Top things to see are the Baroque St. Anne’s and Carmelite churches, the elegant Presidential Palace and the University of Warsaw.

Staszic Palace and the Nicholas Copernicus Statue mark the south end of Krakowskie Przedmiescie.

 

Nowy Swiat (and Lunch)

Along Nowy Swiat, you will notice a dramatic shift in architecture. Here, the colorful buildings are uniform in style, with boutique shops, cafes and restaurants occupying the ground floors.

While there are a copious number of excellent places to eat on Nowy Swiat, we suggest getting a taste of Polish street food.

At Bystro Zapiekanki, they excel at Polish-style pizza baguettes. The menu features superb flavor combinations, but you can’t go wrong with a Classic (topped with ketchup and roasted onion, of course).

Just be sure to save room for dessert, because just around the corner is A. Blikle, an old-fashioned sweet shop that has been operating from the same space since 1869.

After lunch, continue walking south to Three Crosses Square and the landmark St. Alexander’s Church (which resembles the Pantheon).

 

Ujazdowskie and Lazienki Park

The Royal Route continues onto Ujazdowskie, which is lined by foreign embassies, grandiose estates and the fabulous Lazienki Royal Park (also known as Royal Baths Park).

A summer residence for King Stanislaw II Augustus (the last king of Poland), the grounds are dotted with palaces, gardens and monuments.

Highlights of the park are the Palace on the Isle (now an art museum; tickets required) and the Statue of Fryderyk Chopin, Warsaw’s famous composer.

Free outdoor Chopin concerts are a fairly regular occurrence – but you can also listen to his music on the ‘Chopin Bench.’

The free-roaming peacocks are a long-standing tradition here as well – and seeking them out is one of the Unique Things To Do in Warsaw!

 

Afternoon: Warsaw Observation Deck

Now take in a view of Warsaw from one of the city’s best lofty perches: Palace of Culture and Science or the shiny new Varso Tower.

Built in 1955 and soaring to a height of 778 feet, the Palace of Culture and Science ranks as the second tallest building in Warsaw.

The landmark was not erected without controversy, as it was a ‘gift’ from Russia and originally named after Stalin.

Although his name was long ago removed, many still detest the art deco building, as it serves as a brutal reminder of communist rule.

Love it or hate it, it’s hard to argue with the phenomenal views from the 30th floor observation deck.

The building itself can be explored on a guided tour – and the brilliant Neon Sign Museum is one of the fun (and informative) attractions in Warsaw that we absolutely love.

Tickets are required for all activities, but even if you don’t intend to go inside, it’s worth getting a good look at the iconic structure from the exterior.

Just a block away is the brand new Varso Tower, which is not only the tallest building in Warsaw, but also in the European Union.

The Varso rooftop – called Highline Warsaw – offers a spectacular vista. Ticket prices are a bit steep, but discounted if you book online in advance.

 

Evening: Craft Beer and Classic Eats

Ease into the evening sampling some crafted brew, then end the night with a savory comfort meal.

The Warsaw craft beer scene is thriving – and multitap bars are the place to get a taste. Hoppy IPAs and fruit sours are a specialty in Poland, but breweries are not afraid to experiment.

Two of our favorite taprooms are the neighboring Kufle I Kapsle and Jabeerwocky. Both have a solid lineup of tasty Polish beer.

That said, PiwPaw Beer Heaven is a powerhouse of craft brew with an unbelievable 80 taps (and a really fun vibe).  

For dinner, we recommend Gospoda pod Zygmuntem on Nowy Swiat. This is the second location of the popular eatery and the atmosphere is the perfect accompaniment to their authentic Polish cuisine.

 

Day 2: Warsaw Beyond the Old Town

When visiting Warsaw for 3 days, you must see more than just the oldest part of the city! Today you will discover the Jewish Quarter, New Town, Vistula and Praga.

 

Morning: POLIN Museum and Jewish Warsaw

The modern, multimedia POLIN Museum is located in Poland’s former Jewish Ghetto. It provides an educational and engaging introduction to the history of the Jewish Quarter.

The venue relays the 1000-year-long story of Polish Jews – from life in the 18th century to the horrors of the Jewish Ghetto and the Holocaust.

While the displays are powerful and include information in English, we recommend renting an audio guide. Afterwards, tour the neighborhood on foot.

Few pre-war buildings remain, as most of the district was demolished in 1943 when the Warsaw Ghetto was destroyed. However, a walk will reveal a few bits and pieces from the past.

Remnants include Poland’s only Jewish theater, a pre-war synagogue and the Jewish Cemetery. For us, the most poignant reminders are fragments of the 10-foot-high wall and the Ghetto Heroes Monument.

This history here is dark – and not that easy to digest. On an organized tour – like this one – a local guide helps to make sense of what happened.

 

Lunch: Milk Bar

An enduring tradition leftover from the communist era, Milk Bar restaurants are fascinating relics – and the perfect place for lunch.

The government-subsidized cafeterias offer a full dose of history, culture and cuisine. There are at least three Milk Bars in the Jewish Quarter, but we like Dziki Bar Mleczny.

They churn out hearty portions of affordable Polish comfort food. While the menu typically varies by day, classic dishes – like pierogies, potato pancakes and beetroot soup – are standard.

That said, our go-to order at Milk Bars is schabowy (fried pork cutlet), nalesnki (rolled and stuffed pancakes) and Zurek (sour rye bread soup).

The menu is typically posted on the wall (often only in Polish) and you place your order with a cashier – then pick up your food from the counter. It can be a little intimidating, but we feel it’s a phenomenal local experience!

 

Afternoon: New Town

Developed in the 15th century (but completely reconstructed after World War II), New Town is directly north of Old Town.

Although it lacks major tourist attractions, we believe it’s worth walking through as you make your way to the riverside.  

The district is dotted with houses of worship – like the Church of the Holy Spirit, Church of St. Francis, the Visitation of the Virgin Mary and Field Cathedral.

You can also visit the childhood home and statue of Maria Sklodowska-Curie – a two-time Nobel Prize winner credited with discovering polonium and radium.

Also situated here is the much-loved Multimedia Fountain Park. Spectacular at night when you can really appreciate the show, the fountains are still quite a sight during daylight hours.

 

Mid-Afternoon: Vistula River

As the day begins to creep toward evening, head south on Vistula Boulevards to experience the city’s riverside.

You can rent a Veturilo (Warsaw’s public bike program) to pedal along the waterfront path or put your feet on the pavement for a leisurely stroll.

Either way, cross over to the Praga District by using the footbridge (or continue to Swietokryski Bridge if you want to see another Mermaid Statue).

 

Evening: Praga 

Formerly a rough-and-tumble working class neighborhood of block apartments and factories, Praga is now hip and artsy.

The dull monochrome has been brightened with vibrant street art murals and a range of eateries – from rustic to Michelin-mentioned – have taken up residence.

We highly encourage wandering in Praga, but the small and inexpensive Muzeum Warszawskiej Pragi is a good place to learn about the area’s history.

Stick around here for dinner. We recommend the W Oparach Absurdu, where we felt like we were being welcomed into a friend’s house with grandma cooking in the kitchen.

To return to the Old Town, you can hop on Tram #13 or #26…or retrace your steps across the footbridge for a sensational view of Warsaw at night!

 

Day 3: Warsaw History, Nature and Culture

On the last day of your 3-day Warsaw trip, learn about the 1944 Uprising, then get a breath of fresh air in one of the city’s green spaces and round out your day with an entertaining activity.

 

Morning: Uprising Museum

We thought we would quickly breeze through here, but were completely engrossed by the enthralling displays detailing the timeline of events.

On August 1, 1944, Polish insurgents revolted against the occupying Nazis in Warsaw. Even though they were outnumbered and ill-equipped, the clash was drawn out for two months.

In the end, 85% of Warsaw was destroyed and the remaining residents were moved into camps. Although defeated, their resilience is remembered.

The exceptional Uprising Museum tells the full story – from the circumstances that led up to the conflict to the aftermath – with captivating exhibits.

 

Lunch: Browary Warszawskie Food Hall

Situated in the brick arches of an old brewery cellar, this foodie oasis is a bustling space with more than 10 gastronomic concepts.

An ideal lunch spot if you want to switch things up a bit, vendors here dole out international food classics, like pizza, burgers, ramen and sushi.

It’s a social space with shared tables, giving you the chance to sit side-by-side with real Varsovians!

 

Afternoon: Warsaw Nature 

Now fill you lungs with fresh air in one of these pockets of green space. Two of our favorites are the Saxon Garden and the Library Rooftop.

The Saxon Garden dates to the 1730s, when King Augustus II the Strong designed the park in his favorite Baroque style.

With tree-lined, crisscrossing paths and a grand fountain, it’s a gorgeous place to get in touch with nature.

Warsaw’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is located within the park. If you visit at the top of the hour, you can watch the processional Changing of the Guard.

The rooftop of the University of Warsaw Library is another lush green space. As unlikely as it sounds, it’s absolutely true – and still a bit of a hidden gem.

Free to enter, the elevated garden boasts plants, paths, bridges, sculptures and 360-degree panoramic views.

 

Late Afternoon: Fun Warsaw Activities

After your refreshing time in nature, participate in one of the city’s fun cultural activities: Chopin’s music, a time warp apartment or a pierogi-making class.

Fryderyk Chopin, the world-famous, Romantic-era composer, grew up in Warsaw. Housed in Ostrogski Palace, the Chopin Museum presents a detailed account of his life and music. You can also attend a concert. 

At the Muzeum Życia w PRL – or Museum of Life Under Communism – you will travel back in time and into an apartment housing treasures from the communist era of the People’s Republic of Poland.

For a delightful afternoon with food, join a pierogi class. Learn the art of making Polish dumplings – and then dine on your creations!

 

Evening: Old Town at Night

The historic center of Warsaw is beautiful in daylight, but even more so under the glow of streetlamps.

Pop into Same Krafty and enjoy a beverage, then indulge in one last Polish meal at a classic and well-loved restaurant, Gosciniec Polskie Pierogi.

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Warsaw Itinerary Map

Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our map of Warsaw below.

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Warsaw Itinerary Travel Tips

Our Warsaw itinerary for 3 days details what to see, do and eat – but we have a few logistical tips that will help you plan your best trip!

 

Sightseeing Pass

Visiting the museums in Warsaw was a highlight of our trip! To keep our budget in check, we used the all-in-one Warsaw Pass.

Some institutions (like the Uprising Museum) also offer free days, so be sure to look for these as you make your sightseeing schedule!

 

How To Get Around

 

Warsaw is a city that can definitely be explored on foot. It’s flat and mostly has wide sidewalks. That said, we also used bikes and public transportation.

The transport network in Warsaw is convenient, efficient and inexpensive. With an option of buses, trams or their modern metro, it was always easy to get to our next destination.

 

How To Get to Warsaw

Unless you’re already in Poland, you will likely fly to Warsaw. The Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) is served by most major airlines with a few flights from low-cost carriers.

Alternatively, the less convenient Warsaw Modlin (WMI) is exclusively served by European budget airlines Ryanair and Wizz Air.

We typically start searching for cheap flights on Skyscanner – but be sure to read all of our money-saving tips before buying your ticket!

 

Where To Stay

We think the best place to stay in Warsaw is right in the heart of the Old Town. We booked an Airbnb – and it was nice to be able to make breakfast before setting off.

That said, there are many hotels in Warsaw, which may be a better option for short stays. The famous Hotel Bristol is absolutely fabulous– but a bit of a splurge.

We suggest searching for Warsaw hotels on Booking.com – and using our money-saving tips to find the best deals! 

 

What To Pack for Warsaw

Ready to start packing? Great! Check out our go-to packing hacks and let’s get going!

Walking Shoes: Pack your best travel shoes; I like these everyday trainers.

Travel Camera: We use a DSLR Canon Rebel – it’s a well-priced camera for budget travelers.

Day Pack: Zippered travel day bags – like these small backpacks – are ideal for long days of sightseeing.

Power Bank: Remember to pack a powerful portable battery for a mid-day boost!

Connectivity: Adjust your cellular plan or get a Pocket WiFi Device so that you’re on-line the moment your plane lands!

 

Final Poland Travel Advice

• Traveling from abroad? Read our top Tips for Planning a Europe Trip. 
• If you haven’t already obtained insurance, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.
• To stay organized during your vacation to Poland, use our Travel Planning Printables!

 
 

Start planning your trip to Poland! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

 

More Top Poland Destinations

• How To Plan a Trip to Krakow
• What To Do in Gdansk
• One Day in Poznan
• Things To Do in Wroclaw
• Best Polish Food To Eat

 

 

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