Travel Guide Warsaw
Warsaw, which became the capital of Poland at the end of the 16th century, is a historical crossroads of the roads linking Eastern and Western Europe. It is both the symbol of a painful national history and that of a Poland that is reinventing itself with strength. Situated on the banks of the Vistula River, the city was constantly at the heart of conflicts, from the middle of the 17th century until the end of the Second World War, when in 1945 Hitler transformed it into a field of ruins while taking away its Jewish population, the largest in Europe until then. More than 70 years later, the Polish capital is erecting skyscrapers alongside its Gothic and Baroque buildings and Soviet housing blocks, not far from numerous green spaces. It is in the heart of this dense and rich architectural mosaic that the Warsaw tourist guide takes us, between testimonies of the past and openings to the future. From the majestic Palace of Culture and Science to the old brick houses of the Praga district, now home to a plethora of artists' studios and avant-garde clubs and bars. Warsaw is certainly the most lively and cosmopolitan metropolis in Poland. And it has many surprises in store for those who know how to be attentive and patient. Witamy w Warszawie! Welcome to Warsaw!
What to visit Warsaw?
Suggested addresses Warsaw
When to go to Warsaw?
When to go to Warsaw? All seasons are ideal for travelling to Poland. Benefiting from a continental climate, summer is hot and sunny, making it the best time to travel to Warsaw. The golden autumn ñ very often offers a pleasant climate, just like spring ñ and these two seasons have a little fewer visitors. Winter is very cold, but Warsaw has a special charm under its snow cover. Let us also give the example of the Rynek, often one of the most beautiful and lively places in a city, the main square. In summer, it is covered with terraces, the place where all the activities take place. But in winter, if there is less animation, there is still this particular atmosphere, and it is not distorted by the terraces. You can then fully admire its architecture, for example from inside one of its many bars or restaurants and enjoy a hot and delicious soup. When to go to Warsaw? All year round, with a slight preference for summer.
Weather at the moment
Warsaw's weather is a combination of oceanic and continental climate, thanks to its coastline in the north and its high mountains in the south. If the summer is generally beautiful and warm in the Polish capital, with the mercury rising to 25°C in July-August, the winters are much harsher and snowy. Thus, it is not uncommon for temperatures in Warsaw to reach -5°C in January.
On the whole, life is less expensive in Poland than in France or Belgium, although this is not true for Warsaw. The only cost center that can quickly turn out to be high is accommodation. Restaurants, bars and museums remain very affordable. But Warsaw also has some luxurious addresses!
No visa is required to visit Warsaw. Since Poland has joined the European Union, only an identity card is required for your stay in Warsaw. You can bring your pet with you as long as you have a health certificate for your pet, and for dogs you need a rabies vaccination certificate and a muzzle (muzzle is mandatory in public places, public transport, etc.).
No vaccinations are required to travel to Warsaw, but it is advisable to be up to date for diphtheria and tetanus, polio and hepatitis A. Children must be up to date on all vaccinations included in the French vaccination calendar, especially for long stays: BCG from the first month, measles from 9 months. Although the water is drinkable in Warsaw, it is not customary for Poles to drink tap water.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
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How to go to Warsaw? Our advice & tips
There are many ways to discover Warsaw: weekends, self-guided tours, guided tours or tailor-made trips. The specialists offer the necessary services to organize your personalized trip. The "hotel + transport" packages are very popular to discover Warsaw for a weekend. You can find such packages from about 300 €.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationYou will have no problem reaching Warsaw from Western Europe. The city is very well served by airlines. Count on 2 to 2.5 hours for a direct flight. Note that the price variation depends on the airline used, but, above all, on the reservation delay. As for the less popular periods, a much shorter delay should not prevent you from getting an interesting price.
Flight Paris-Warsaw. Expect prices starting at €80 with a low cost airline and €180 with a regular airline.
Warsaw has an efficient public transport system that will allow you to reach the four corners of the city for a few euros. The tramway works very well and is now coupled with the Warsaw metro, but you can also travel by bus or cab. Note that the tourist areas can be visited on foot or by bicycle.
