The Ultimate 2 Days in Warsaw Itinerary & Guide

Last Updated on 11th May 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

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Poland’s fascinating capital, Warsaw, is a wonderful place to visit and spend some time exploring. From the historic Old Town, which was more or less rebuilt following the Warsaw Uprising during the Second World War, to the chic district of Praga, there’s so much to see and admire here. Let’s delve into a detailed 2 days in Warsaw itinerary that features all of the city’s best attractions. 

Is 2 days enough time in Warsaw?

If you want to fully explore the city and some surrounding areas, you could spend a week or longer in the Polish capital. However, for just the highlights, two days in Warsaw is plenty. 

The city is best-known for its historic old town (which was largely rebuilt following WWII), as being the largest city in Poland, and its many museums (including one dedicated entirely to neon signage).

Day one in Warsaw

Free walking tour

I’d always recommend starting a stint in a European capital city with a free walking tour. While these tours are free, they operate on a “pay as you feel” basis – so you tip the guide however much you think the tour was worth. 

This Walkative tour takes you around the historic Old Town of the capital, detailing its origins, history throughout the centuries and how it was completely flattened in World War Two. Walkative also offer tours focusing on Jewish history, Communist history, Warsaw at war and alternative Warsaw. 

Warsaw Castle

Warsaw Castle is right in the heart of the old town, so definitely pop in after your tour! The castle dates back to the 14th century and was used as a royal residence, although it has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. 

The castle is generally open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and you can do several routes (such as “The Royal Route”, “The Tin-Roofed Palaces” and “The Gallery of Masterpieces”). Ticket prices vary depending on your route. 

If you want to learn all about the castle, you could do a guided tour (bookable by clicking here). Alternatively, if you don’t want to spend any money, you could just enjoy the castle from the outside. 

Lunch at Manekin

When I’m in Poland, I always try and seek out the nearest Manekin. This is a popular crepe restaurant that serves a number of delicious pancakes with a range of toppings and fillings, like spinach, cheese and various sauces. There are plenty of veggie options too! 

Praga and the Museum of Neon Lights 

Once you’ve fuelled up, head over to Praga. This was the only part of the city that wasn’t flattened by the Warsaw Uprising, which means it’s now the oldest district. 

In recent years, Praga has become quite a trendy area, and nowadays you can experience lots of street art, boutique shops and hip cafes. 

Spend some time walking around – guided tours to Praga are available too, if you’d like to learn more about the neighbourhood – and make sure that you pop into the Museum of Neon Lights. 

This is a museum unlike no other. The museum is quite potentially the only one in the world that’s dedicated itself fully to Communist-era neon signs. And surprisingly, there were a lot!

You’ll get some fantastic photos here, and seeing all the signs glow in rainbow colours truly is a sight to behold. 

Dinner at Rusiko

Polish food is incredible, but I’d also recommend trying out some Georgian food while you’re in Warsaw – as it’s one of the world’s most underrated cuisines and Warsaw has some of the best restaurants outside of the Caucuses! 

Georgian food is hearty and rich. Think thick dumplings filled with potato, meat and cheese (these are called Khinkhali) or bread boats stuffed with decadent cheese and topped with a fried egg (Khachapuri). 

For something lighter, opt for aubergine/ eggplant rolls with a walnut paste filling or one of Georgia’s famous salads. Rusiko has a full Georgian menu and wine from the country, so it’s the perfect introduction to Georgian gastronomy. After you taste it, you’ll be booking a trip to the Caucuses! 

Chopin Concert

End your day with a Chopin Concert. He is a huge hero in the city (they even named the airport after him!).

Chopin was a musician in the 19th century, so obviously he won’t actually be playing, but this concert plays all of his music and is a wonderful way to end your first day in Warsaw! 

Day two in Warsaw

POLIN Museum of Polish Jews

Today’s a bit museum-heavy, but they are well worth visiting. POLIN Museum of Polish Jews is one of the most comprehensive and interesting museums I’ve ever visited. 

The exhibition documents the entire history of Jewish people in Warsaw and Poland, from when they settled during the crusades in the 11th century, to how they prospered throughout the centuries, to the tragic happenings of World War Two when around three million of the 3.3 million Jewish citizens of Poland were murdered. 

It also has a section about post-war and the current revival of Jewish culture and heritage in Poland, which has happened since the fall of Communism in 1980. 

It’s a very in-depth museum, and parts can be very distressing, but it provides an incredibly valuable insight into Jewish culture and heritage.  

Warsaw Uprising Museum

Next, head to the Warsaw Uprising Museum. Again, this museum has some hard-hitting parts, as it discusses how the city was flattened during World War Two and Warsaw’s attempts to expel Nazi occupiers from their city. 

Warsaw ultimately failed, but their resistance showed Polish fortitude and motivated the country to carry on fighting for their homeland. It also focuses on the rebuilding of Warsaw after the war and the resistance and courage of everyday people in post-war Poland.

Any of the other museums!

If you’re not too museum-ed out, there are a few others within Warsaw! If you’re into music, check out the Museum of Fryderyk Chopin, or for a full, comprehensive history, explore The Museum of Warsaw.

There’s a Museum of Modern art for any creatives, or, if you want something lighthearted, head to the Polish Vodka Museum. 

Lunch at a Milk Bar

For lunch, I’d recommend heading to one of the Milk Bars. These date back to the Communist period and serve Polish food at cheap prices in a no-nonsense canteen style. Make sure that you try pierogi, the Polish dumplings, here! Bar Bambino is popular, or there’s also one nearby that’s simply called “Milk Bar”. 

Willanow Palace

Willanow Palace is about half an hour from central Warsaw, but it’s worth visiting to get a breather from the city and explore another side of Polish history. Dating back to the 17th century, it was once a royal residence.

Visit to walk through the grand buildings, admire the gardens and soak in the history. You can get there independently by taking a bus or ordering a Bolt taxi, or take a three-hour guided tour to learn all about it! 

Polish Vodka Tour 

This Polish Vodka tour will help you see another side to Central and Eastern Europe’s favourite drink! Proper Polish vodka is not at all what you think. It’s a smooth spirit that’s easy to sip and should be accompanied by traditional snacks. 

You’ll learn all about the history and origins of Polish vodka on this fun tour, and it might make you look at vodka in a completely new light! Included in the price of the tour is the chance to sample 7 different types of vodka at 4 different bars. Check prices and availability here.

Dinner at Polka

Nestled into Warsaw’s Old Town, Polka has a homely atmosphere and serves up wholesome and delicious Polish cuisine. It’s loved by tourists and locals alike!

Some of the top dishes to sample include chicken soup, duck dishes, and traditional Polish desserts. Just be warned that Polka is pretty touristic and so you’ll pay elevated prices to match its popularity!

If you have 3 days or more in Warsaw

As the capital of Poland, it should come as no surprise that there’s plenty more to discover in Warsaw than what can be covered over the course of 48 hours. And so, if you have a little time to spare, here are some of the best things to do in Warsaw if you have more time.

Łazienki Park

Characterised by its sheer beauty, one of the best places to hang out in the city is Łazienki Park, which is located in the south of the city and is by far the largest public park in Warsaw.

Highlights include seeing a monument dedicated to Chopin, the old orangery which now houses sculptures, and the  Royal Łazienki Museum, which is housed in a former palace.

Palace of Culture and Science

Not only is the Palace of Culture and Science one of the tallest buildings in Poland (second only to the Varso), but it is also home to one of the best views to be found anywhere in Warsaw. For the most stunning views, be sure to go up the building at night!

Church of the Holy Cross

Those who are fans of Baroque architecture should be sure to check out the Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Cross. Constructed in the 17th-century (though a church has been in situ since the 1400s), today the beautiful church is the final resting place of Chopin’s heart.

Where to stay in Warsaw

DREAM Hostel is perfect for backpackers. With a friendly, welcoming vibe but also plenty of quiet space, the hostel is well-kitted out with a kitchen, laundry and common area and every bunk has its own curtain and light. Check prices and availability here.

NYX Hotel Warsaw by Leonardo Hotels is a modern establishment, offering contemporary rooms with chic decor, luxury bathrooms and an on-site bar and fitness centre. With great value rates, it’s ideal if you want somewhere comfy to stay in the city without spending too much money! Check prices and availability here.

If you want something uber-luxurious, check out Raffles Europejski Warsaw. Dating back to 1857, this hotel has recently been bought by the Raffles brand from Singapore. Enjoy a spa, breathtakingly beautiful rooms and, of course, the famous Raffles hospitality. Check prices and availability here.

How to get to Warsaw

Warsaw’s Chopin Airport is served by flights from all over Europe. Budget carriers, like WizzAir and EasyJet, have frequent flights into the city from other European capitals. 

If you’re overlanding, you can take buses and trains (the rail system is excellent) from cities all over Poland, Germany and the Baltics to reach the Polish capital. If you have more time in Poland, be sure to check out our suggestions for how to spend 3 days in Krakow.

How to get around Warsaw

Warsaw is surprisingly walkable, but its suburbs are connected well with buses and a small metro system. If you want to take taxis, I’d recommend downloading the Bolt app before your trip – this works like Uber but is more commonly used in Poland.

While Warsaw isn’t as famous a tourist destination as Krakow, Poland’s second city, its history, culture and gastronomy make it well worth visiting. The city has a fantastic atmosphere and countless stories just waiting to be tapped into. 

See it as part of a wider Poland trip, or spend a long weekend in the city – whatever way you experience Warsaw, it’ll be a trip to remember!

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