This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.
Need help planning a trip to Warsaw, Poland? You’re in the right place!
We’ve spent real time exploring Warsaw—sampling pierogi on rooftops, diving deep into its history in a retro Fiat, and even cruising the Vistula on two wheels. Whether it was our first bite of crispy potato pancakes or the quiet weight of a visit to Auschwitz, this city kept surprising us in the best ways.
Warsaw isn’t just full of history—it’s full of life, flavor, and unique experiences that aren’t always obvious at first glance. So, we’ve gathered our favorite tours and activities to help you get the most out of your visit from day one. Let’s dive right in!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE experience was this city tour in a vintage Fiat! Exploring Warsaw’s Old Town and the Royal Route is the most popular thing to do, and learning from our expert guide made it all the more worthwhile. Riding in a vintage Fiat was also so fun!
Things to do in Warsaw, Poland
1. Taste your way around the city
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Time: 5 pm
- Highlights: Food and drink tastings at several eateries, sample traditional Polish drinks, learn about Poland’s culinary culture from your guide
- Inclusions: Local guide, 10–11 food and drink tastings (enough for a full dinner), personalized tips for the rest of your stay, small-group tour
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Figuring out where to eat in a new city is always a challenge, especially when you don’t speak the language and menus are a total mystery. That’s exactly why we kicked off our time in Warsaw with this small-group food tour. It didn’t just help us find the best places to eat—it gave us the confidence to order on our own for the rest of the trip.
We met up with our fantastic guide, Pawel, who took us straight to his favorite local spots. No touristy fluff here! We tried so many different Polish foods, from rich pierogi and crispy potato pancakes to classic Warsaw street snacks we never would’ve known to try on our own.
We also sipped on local drinks (because what’s Polish cuisine without a toast or two?). Each stop came with a story, some funny, some a little quirky, giving us a real sense of how food ties into daily life in Warsaw.
What we loved most was how personal it felt. Pawel didn’t just serve us food—he told stories, answered our questions, and even shared a few recipes to take home. It felt more like hanging out with a new friend!
Book this tour early to find out exactly where to eat for the rest of your trip. Just make sure you come hungry. The tastings add up to a full meal, and you won’t want to leave a bite behind!
Book this popular food tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
2. See Warsaw’s top sights in a vintage Fiat
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times from 9 am to 5 pm
- Highlights: Private Warsaw sightseeing tour by Fiat 125p, see Warsaw’s top attractions and austere Soviet-era architecture, tailor your route, learn about Varsovian life and history, visit a communist-era milk bar, and enjoy a drink and snack
- Inclusions: Professional local guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, transport by private retro Fiat 125p, tour in English or Polish (depending on option selected)
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 480+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by Warsaw’s layered history—World War II, communism, rebirth—and walking the streets without context doesn’t quite do it justice. That’s why we booked this private Fiat tour, and it ended up being our favorite experience of the entire trip.
We got picked up right from our hotel by Martin, who rolled up in a retro Fiat 125p. He was super friendly and immediately made us feel like we were heading out with a local friend.
Over the next few hours, Martin drove us all across the city—from the colorful Old Town and Royal Route to gritty, fascinating Praga and blocks of communist-era housing. His knowledge was incredible!
One minute, we were talking about WWII, the next about Cold War architecture, and then about Warsaw’s post-communist food scene. He answered every question we threw at him, whether it was about politics, daily life, or where to find the best pierogi.
There was a stop at a traditional milk bar, drinks in the car, and plenty of time for photos and just soaking it all in. We even passed a few places we never would’ve thought to visit on our own. Martin handled everything seamlessly and made the whole experience feel completely customized.
For a deep dive into Warsaw’s past and present, this is the tour to book. But don’t just take our word for it—check out hundreds of 5-star reviews here to see why travelers say it’s the best way to experience the city!
Reserve our FAVORITE Warsaw tour here before it sells out!
3. Spend a day in Krakow and visit Auschwitz
- Duration: 17 hours
- Time: 6 am–7:30 am departurture
- Highlights: Full-day sightseeing tour from Warsaw to Krakow and Auschwitz-Birkenau, visit still-standing parts of the original Nazi concentration camps and artifacts from the prisoners who perished there during World War II, learn about the Nazi campaigns as you tour the camps
- Inclusions: English-speaking driver, hotel pickup and drop-off, live guided tour in Krakow and Auschwitz-Birkenau, WiFi on board, all fees and taxes, lunch, small-group tour
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
- Price: Check price here!
Planning a visit to Auschwitz can feel daunting—not just emotionally but logistically. We knew we wanted to go, but figuring out transportation, tickets, and timing from Warsaw was overwhelming. This full-day tour solved everything in one go—and made it possible to experience both Auschwitz and Krakow in one single, powerful day.
We were picked up right from our hotel by our fantastic driver, Robert, who somehow made a 17-hour day feel easy. He was friendly and upbeat and kept great conversation going between stops.
At Auschwitz-Birkenau, our guide, Thomas, led us through the haunting remains of the camps with care, clarity, and deep respect. He told us powerful stories about the people who had lived and died there and didn’t rush, which really helped us take in what we were seeing.
Walking through the barracks and standing on the railway platform at Birkenau was something we’ll never forget. It was heavy—but necessary!
After visiting Birkenau, we had a quick lunch nearby before continuing to Krakow. The mood shifted as we explored the historic center on a guided walking tour. From Wawel Hill to St. Mary’s Basilica, Krakow was the perfect place to reflect and reset after the intensity of the morning.
This tour is long but absolutely worth it! It was one of the most moving, eye-opening days of our entire trip—and one we’ll carry with us for a long time.
Don’t stress about travel logistics – book this full-day tour for the best experience!
4. Explore the city on a bicycle tour
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 10 am and 2 pm
- Highlights: Small-group bike tour, see Warsaw highlights such as The Palace of Culture and Science, Old Town, University Library, Vistula River, Grzybowski Square, Saski Garden, and more
- Inclusions: Local guide, bike rental, helmet (on request), all taxes, fees, and handling charges
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Trying to see everything in a big city like Warsaw in just a few days can feel impossible, especially when public transport doesn’t take you everywhere you want to go. That’s why we signed up for this small-group bike tour, and it ended up being one of the best decisions of our trip.
We met our guide, Michak, near the Old Town and were immediately impressed. Not only were the bikes super comfortable, but Michak was knowledgeable, laid-back, and clearly passionate about Warsaw. He shared stories and answered every question we had, even the super random ones.
In just a few hours, we covered so much ground: the rebuilt Old Town, the Palace of Culture and Science, the Royal Route, Chopin’s heart at Holy Cross Church, and even the Vistula Boulevards. We couldn’t believe how much we saw without ever feeling rushed—it was such a fun way to get a sense of the city’s layout and history.
We also stopped at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the historic Jewish district around Grzybowski Square. Both added a deeper layer of history to the ride! The short break at a café inside the Palace of Culture was the perfect recharge before finishing the loop.
This tour is a must if you’re short on time or just want a fun, active way to explore the city. You’ll cover a lot, learn a ton, and still have time left in your day to relax or explore more!
Secure this popular bike tour here—it’s the ideal intro to Warsaw!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
5. Learn about Warsaw’s Jewish heritage
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times from 9 am to 5 pm
- Highlights: Private tour exploring Warsaw’s Jewish heritage in a Fiat 125p, see the Jewish Cemetery, Nożyk Synagogue, and the Ghetto Wall, enjoy an optional visit to the Museum of the History of Polish Jews (own expense)
- Inclusions: Professional driver-guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, transport by private retro Fiat 125p
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 180+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Warsaw’s Jewish history is complex, heartbreaking, and layered—and honestly, after a general city tour, we still felt like we were only scratching the surface. That’s why we booked this private Jewish heritage tour, and it delivered everything we were hoping for and more.
We were picked up in a vintage Fiat 125p by Marcin, who instantly stood out as one of the most passionate and knowledgeable guides we’ve ever had. In just a few hours, he walked (and drove) us through centuries of Jewish life in Warsaw—from pre-war communities to the devastation of the Holocaust and into the city’s efforts to remember and rebuild.
We saw the remnants of the Ghetto Wall, the moving Ghetto Heroes Monument, and the haunting Jewish Cemetery. The stop at Nożyk Synagogue, still in use today, offered a moment of quiet reflection. Standing inside, it was hard not to think about everything this community has endured and how much strength it must have taken to rebuild.
Plus, Marcin pointed out details we never would’ve noticed on our own—like memorial plaques, street names, and buildings featured in The Pianist. His stories gave every stop meaning, and the tour felt deeply personal without being heavy-handed.
This experience helped us understand Warsaw on a whole new level. If you want a meaningful, in-depth experience of the city’s Jewish past with someone who truly cares, this private tour will not disappoint!
Book this top-rated tour here and access FREE cancellation options!
6. Cruise around Warsaw on a Segway
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: 10 am, 2:30 pm, and 6 pm
- Highlights: Segway tour through Warsaw’s Old Town area, visit the Royal Castle, Castle Square, Warsaw Mermaid, Warsaw Uprising Monument, and more
- Inclusions: Local professional guide, use of Segway and helmet, training, guaranteed to skip the long lines, raincoats in case of bad weather
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 90+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Exploring Warsaw’s Old Town is beautiful—but it can also be tiring and slow, especially if you’re trying to see a lot in one go. That’s why we signed up for this Segway tour, and it ended up being such a fun and efficient way to explore the area.
We started with a short training session that got us comfortable on the Segways (which honestly didn’t take long), and then we were off. Our guide was friendly, easy to chat with, and gave us a great mix of history and local tips, including where to find some really good food afterward, which totally delivered.
One of our favorite stops was Castle Square, where we paused to take in the colorful facades and hear the story behind King Sigismund’s Column. From there, we rolled through the cobblestone streets to see the famous Warsaw Mermaid statue—smaller than expected but packed with legend.
The Barbican and Uprising Monument gave the ride a bit of weight, too, showing just how much history is packed into this compact area. We wrapped things up near the Multimedia Fountain Park, which was the perfect breezy spot to hop off and take in the views before heading off for lunch.
This is such a great option if you want to see a lot without wearing yourself out. It struck that perfect balance of sightseeing, storytelling, and just plain fun!
Reserve this tour now and pay later when you book it in advance here!
7. Learn how to cook Pierogi
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Time: 5:30 pm
- Highlights: Take a deep dive into local culinary culture with this small-group pierogi cooking class, enjoy your meal on your host’s rooftop terrace, learn about Polish food and its history, sample homemade beverages and starters
- Inclusions: Cooking tools and aprons, everything to prepare dinner, drinks
- Rating: 5 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
When you’re only in a city for a few days, it’s easy to feel like an outsider—snapping photos, eating out, but never really connecting with local life. That’s exactly why we signed up for this pierogi-making class, and it turned out to be one of the most personal, memorable experiences of our entire stay in Warsaw.
We were invited into Karol and Victoria’s apartment like old friends, offered a welcome drink, and treated to a few Polish appetizers. Talk about starting things off right! The atmosphere was warm, casual, and full of laughter, like hanging out with friends who just happened to be amazing at teaching the art of pierogi-making.
We made the dough from scratch and prepared a variety of fillings (the sauerkraut and mushroom combo was our favorite!). Folding the pierogi took some practice, but once we found our rhythm, it was surprisingly satisfying. After cooking them up, we plated our creations and headed to the rooftop terrace to enjoy the skyline views with a drink and our well-earned feast.
Maybe it was the effort we put in, maybe it was the company, but those pierogi were hands down the best we had the entire trip! Soft, flavorful, and so satisfying after all that folding and pinching.
This experience was hands-on, relaxed, and full of personality. If you’re looking for a night of food, fun, and real connection in Warsaw, read the 5-star reviews here and grab a spot in this cooking class!
Don’t miss out – reserve this top-rated cooking class here!
8. Try an indoor shooting range
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Time: Open hours range from 10 am to 9 pm
- Highlights: Visit Warszawa Shooting Range in Warsaw and learn to shoot a range of firearms under the guidance of a professional instructor, fire up to 50 shots from five different types of firearms
- Inclusions: Professional instructor, CZ 75 Kadet pistol (10 shots), Glock 17 pistol (15 shots), AK 47 assault rifle (10 shots), Colt 1911 pistol (5 shots), shotgun (5 shots)
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 170+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
After days of soaking up history, exploring Old Town, and folding pierogi, we were ready for something completely different, and this indoor shooting range experience was just the ticket. We spent 45 adrenaline-filled minutes firing everything from a Glock 17 to an AK-47, all under expert guidance.
Our instructor, Sebastian, was calm and professional and explained everything clearly before we got started. As someone who rarely holds guns, I was a little nervous, but he made it feel safe, approachable, and even fun. Within minutes, we were taking aim and hitting targets with a surprising amount of accuracy!
The lineup of firearms was no joke—pistols, rifles, and a shotgun—all fired at different distances. The AK-47 definitely stole the show, but even the smaller pistols packed a serious punch.
You get plenty of shots to really get a feel for each weapon, and Sebastian made sure everything ran smoothly. The Colt 1911 was my unexpected favorite—solid, powerful, and surprisingly satisfying to fire. My arms were buzzing by the end, but the adrenaline rush was real!
This was such a fun and unexpected addition to our Warsaw itinerary. If you’re looking for something exciting and way outside the usual tourist routine, don’t miss this shooting experience!
Book this tour here and get flexible cancellation and payment options!
Related Read: Continuing your travels? Check out our 3-day Krakow Itinerary for more can’t-miss sights!
Where to Stay in Warsaw, Poland
Warsaw is a dynamic mix of old and new, and the accommodation options are just as varied. Whether you’re after elegance, stylish comfort, or a cozy spot that won’t break the bank, the Polish capital has something to suit every traveler.
To help you find the right place to stay, we’ve gathered up some of the best accommodations in Warsaw, from luxurious splurges to budget-friendly gems, so you can spend less time planning and more time soaking in this incredible city!
Luxury – $$$
Set along Warsaw’s prestigious Royal Route, Raffles Europejski Warsaw is a 5-star luxury hotel blending timeless grandeur with modern elegance. Housed in a 19th-century palace, it features stylish rooms adorned with curated Polish art, marble bathrooms, and 24-hour butler service. Guests can unwind in the Raffles Spa, dine at Europejski Grill, sip drinks at Long Bar, or enjoy sweet treats at Lourse Patisserie.
Rooms typically range from €300 to €500 per night, depending on the season and room type. Book this luxury stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
NYX Hotel Warsaw by Leonardo Hotels is a modern mid-range option in central Warsaw, just steps from the main train station and Złote Tarasy shopping mall. It’s a great base for exploring the city on foot. Rooms are sleek and comfortable, with air conditioning, coffee machines, and large windows—some even have balconies or rooftop access. Guests love the fitness center, rooftop terrace, and on-site restaurant and bar. Breakfast is a highlight, especially the omelets!
Rooms typically range from €130 to €250 per night. Visit Booking.com to secure your reservation.
Budget – $
For budget-friendly accommodation in Warsaw, Chillout Hostel is a great choice! Housed in a pre-war building in the city center, it’s just a short walk from Metro Centrum and Warszawa Śródmieście Station. The hostel has a relaxed, social vibe with individually styled rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a shared kitchen and lounge. Guests rave about the friendly staff, clean facilities, and unbeatable location.
Dorm beds start at €16, with private rooms from €50. Check availability for your dates on Booking.com!
For more options, see all of Warsaw’s hotels listed here!
Renting a Car in Europe
Exploring Europe by car is a fantastic way to uncover hidden gems—think charming villages, scenic countryside, and off-the-beaten-path spots that trains and buses might miss. Driving here is generally straightforward, but it’s good to be prepared for some regional quirks.
We always use Discover Cars to book our rentals and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find automatic cars (which can be tricky in Europe!), and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in Europe
- Know the local rules: Most countries drive on the right, except the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta. Road signs and driving laws can vary, so do a quick check before you go.
- Practice defensive driving: In parts of Europe, especially in the south, driving can feel fast-paced and a little unpredictable. Make sure you stay alert and keep a safe following distance.
- Insurance is essential: I highly recommend adding full coverage insurance to your rental. Whether it’s a parking lot ding or a chipped windshield on a mountain road, full protection gives you peace of mind. Plus, it’s super affordable through Discover Cars!
- Pick the right vehicle: Most rentals in Europe are manual, and automatic cars are limited, so book early if that’s what you need. A compact car is also ideal for narrow roads and tight parking. On Discover Cars, you can easily filter for everything you need.
- Watch for restricted zones: Many cities have low-emission or restricted traffic zones. Driving into these without a permit can result in fines, so always check local rules if you’re heading into a city center.
- Be prepared for border crossings: While crossing borders is usually easy within the Schengen Zone, some rental companies require you to declare your travel plans in advance. Always check with Discover Cars if you’re planning to drive into another country.
What You Need to Rent a Car in Europe
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- If you’re from outside the EU, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended—and in some countries, it’s legally required.
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically needed for the security deposit.
- Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. If you’re under 25, expect a young driver surcharge—and in some countries, the minimum age may be higher.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring Europe on your own terms!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
If you’re looking for a unique getaway, full of history and stunning architecture, Warsaw is the place to be! We had so much fun exploring the streets and learning all about Poland from our guides. Even if you check off just half of the things on this list, I know you’ll have a fantastic trip to Warsaw!
Before you go, be sure to check out our other Europe blogs! If you’re continuing your travels, check out these related articles to help you plan your next adventure:
10 Best Things to do in Krakow, Poland
How to Spend THREE DAYS in Berlin: The Best 3-Day Itinerary