Ever wondered where the coolest spots to stay in Warsaw are hiding? Poland’s capital is a vibrant tapestry of history and modernity, with neighborhoods as diverse as its storied past.
From the charming cobblestone streets of the Old Town to the hip and artsy vibe of Praga-Północ, Warsaw offers a slice of Polish life for every type of traveler.
Ready to discover which area will be your perfect home base in this captivating city? Let’s explore Warsaw’s best-kept secrets and find your ideal neighborhood match!
In this gravel guide:
Śródmieście
Best area for: nightlife, history, central stay
Śródmieście serves as Warsaw’s vibrant city center, where convenience meets accessibility. The area houses most of the city’s main attractions, alongside an impressive selection of restaurants and bars.
When it comes to leisure activities, Śródmieście delivers everything – from theatrical performances (predominantly in Polish, but still culturally enriching) to cinemas (perfect for English films), plus numerous open-air activities during favorable weather.
Visit the Palace of Culture and Science located in the central square. It’s become a prime location for outdoor gatherings and features an eclectic selection of film screenings.
The Old Town sits nearby. While technically part of the center, it maintains its distinct character with remarkable architecture and atmosphere.
For those seeking nightlife, Śródmieście won’t disappoint. Warsaw’s after-dark scene ranks among Eastern Europe’s finest. While many establishments close early, central spots like Plan B and venues around Plac Zbawiciela maintain later hours.
Best place to stay in Śródmieście
Hotel Warszawa. Address: 9 Plac Powstancow Warszawy, Śródmieście, 00-039 Warsaw, Poland.
Stare Miasto (Old Town)
Best area for: history, tourists, central stay
The Old Town of Warsaw stands as the prime destination for newcomers to the city and visitors who are comfortable amid the bustling tourist atmosphere and related establishments.
The Old Town represents Warsaw’s iconic image and has held UNESCO World Heritage status since 1980! Following its complete destruction during WWII in the 1940s, the entire district underwent reconstruction, achieving such remarkable authenticity that visitors would hardly realize these structures aren’t original without prior knowledge.
The Old Town district extends from Sigismund’s Column, offering prime views of the vibrant buildings around the plaza, through to the Old Town Market Square, and stretches until the Barbakan, the historic city fortification.
Throughout the district, you’ll find charming boutiques, pubs, coffee shops, and classic Polish eateries (touristy yet endearing).
Make sure to explore Nowy Świat, the main thoroughfare packed with eateries. As darkness falls, this street comes alive with energetic bars and nighttime revelry.
Best place to stay in Old Town
Hotel Bristol. Address: Krakowskie Przedmiescie 42/44, Sródmiescie, 00-325 Warsaw, Poland.
Praga-Północ
Best area for: hipster, bohemian
Praga-Północ lies on the eastern shore of the Vistula River, facing Śródmieście. Originally a separate town, it was incorporated into Warsaw during the 1700s. This area appeals to travelers seeking an authentic experience away from tourist hotspots, offering a grittier and more genuine slice of local life.
What sets Praga apart from other Warsaw districts is its remarkable preservation during World War II’s devastating bombardments, making it one of the few areas where visitors can still observe authentic pre-war architecture.
For those interested in experiencing historic Praga, a visit to Bazar Różyckiego provides insight into Warsaw’s oldest surviving marketplace.
Best place to stay in Praga-Północ
Moxy Warsaw Praga. Address: Zabkowska 29, Praga Pólnoc, 03-736 Warsaw, Poland.
Wola
Best area for: families, upscale
Located west of Śródmieście, Wola stands as Warsaw’s fourth most populous district, buzzing with activity. Originally an industrial zone when it joined the city in the 19th century, it has evolved into a vibrant residential area featuring modern offices and refreshing green spaces.
A convenient 30-minute stroll from downtown, the neighborhood enjoys excellent public transportation links, including nighttime services connecting directly to the city center.
This district offers numerous attractions worth exploring. The Warsaw Uprising Museum is an essential stop for visitors. The historic Powązki Cemetery serves as the final resting place for Polish luminaries and World War II casualties.
Families with children will appreciate the district’s scenic parks, particularly the welcoming Park Moczydło.
Best place to stay in Wola
Wola Business Studios Kasprzaka. Address: Kasprzaka, 29, Wola, 01-234 Warsaw, Poland.
Mokotów
Best area for: life like a local, parks
Old Mokotów, situated in southern Warsaw, stands as the most distant neighborhood in this guide, making it ideal for those who don’t prioritize central stays. Public transport into the Old Town is excellent, though. The area’s authentic local atmosphere provides visitors with a genuine glimpse into everyday Warsaw living.
The district boasts an array of charming dining and drinking spots, like Cafe Mozaika, Rdest Piekarnia, Regeneracja, Lokal 44, and Kino Iluzjon.
The area excels in parks. Arkadia Park and Royal Lazienki Park draw many visitors. The latter, Warsaw’s biggest park, houses a botanical garden, a peaceful lake, and palace grounds.
The neighborhood also features significant landmarks including the Russian-built Rakowiecka prison, the sophisticated Pałac Szustra, and the Saint Andrew Bobola church.
Best place to stay in Mokotów
Hotel Reytan. Address: Rejtana 6, Mokotów, 02-516 Warsaw, Poland.
Where travel critics stay in Warsaw
Curious to discover the accommodation choices of travel experts from renowned publishers such as The New York Times, Frommer’s, Fodor’s and Lonely Planet when they are in Warsaw? Delve into our comprehensive guide showcasing all highly recommended hotels in Warsaw.
Budget
“You couldn’t ask for a handier location for exploring the city centre, standing opposite Warsaw’s Palace of Culture and Science. The heart of the hotel is its Metro Jazz Bar & Bistro, which has all your day-to-night dining and drinking options covered.” – The Times.
Address: Marszałkowska 99a, Sródmiescie, 00-693 Warsaw, Poland.
Mid-range
“This boutique, luxury establishment is an oasis within the busy capital. With a superb location at the north end of the Old Town, the hotel is a remodeled 18th-century palace that’s rich in history, including a stint as the quarters of the U.S. Embassy in the 1950s.” – Fodor’s.
Address: Kościelna 12, Sródmiescie, 00-218 Warsaw, Poland.
Luxury
“This grand dame of Warsaw hotels, originally opened in 1857, has re-launched under the Raffles Hotels & Resorts banner after an extensive refurbishment – bringing 21st century luxury, an impressive modern Polish art collection, a serious spa and the famous Raffles butlers to Poland’s capital.” – The Telegraph
Address: 13 Krakowskie Przedmieście, Sródmiescie, 00-071 Warsaw, Poland.
FAQ: hotel tips for Warsaw
Looking for the best budget, boutique, or luxury hotel in Warsaw? Or maybe you’re a backpacker looking for a splendid hostel? Want to know which hotel serves a great breakfast? Here are the answers to all those and other questions about where to stay in Warsaw.
How much does it cost to stay in a Warsaw hotel?
For a 3-star hotel, you have to pay around $60 per night and for a 4-star hotel, you would be looking at $95 per night. If you’re after a luxury 5-star Warsaw hotel, then you can expect to pay around $200 per night.
Which is the best hotel in Warsaw for a family stay?
If you and your family are considering a holiday getaway to Warsaw, travelers who have gone there with their families have had excellent feedback about Hotel Metropol.
What is the best boutique hotel in Warsaw?
If you fancy a bit of extravagance but prefer to stay away from the well-known chain hotels, then H15 Boutique Hotel is an excellent option for you. This hotel has been very well-reviewed by travelers and experts alike. For more information on other cool hotels, take a look at our list of the best boutique hotels in Warsaw.
Best time to visit Warsaw
The best time to visit Warsaw is between June and August, when the weather is warm and pleasant with temperatures around 18-25°C (65-77°F). During these summer months, you can enjoy:
- Outdoor cafes and restaurants in the Old Town
- Parks and gardens in full bloom, including the beautiful Saxon Garden
- Various cultural festivals and outdoor events
- Long daylight hours perfect for sightseeing
However, this is also peak tourist season, so prices are higher and attractions more crowded.
May and September can be excellent alternatives. The weather is still mild, there are fewer tourists, and prices are lower. You’ll still be able to enjoy most outdoor activities, though you might need a light jacket.
Winter (December-February) can be cold and dark, with temperatures often below freezing. However, if you don’t mind the cold, the Christmas markets in December are charming, and the city takes on a magical quality when covered in snow.
Best things to do in Warsaw
There are many things to do in Warsaw, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should do when you’re in Warsaw:
Auschwitz Small Group Tour
Discover the Holocaust’s tragic past during a day-long excursion to Auschwitz-Birkenau from Warsaw. With expert guidance, explore the former Nazi death camp and understand the dark history of the Third Reich. Price: $290. More info.
Old Town Highlights Walking Tour
Experience the blend between love stories, cultural insights, and historical upheaval on an intimate walking tour of Warsaw. Explore the iconic Royal Route, UNESCO Old Town, Royal Castle, and Presidential Palace. Price: $17. More info.
Chopin Concerts everyday at the Fryderyk Concert Hall
The Fryderyk Concert Hall stands as a premier music venue in Warsaw, capturing the cozy ambiance of 19th-century performance spaces where Chopin once played. Experience an evening of masterful piano as acclaimed artists bring Chopin’s celebrated works to life. Price: $22. More info.
Deciding where to stay in Warsaw
As a closing note, let’s summarize this travel guide. We covered the best areas of Warsaw, so you can decide which part of town you want to stay in.
Top 5 areas to stay in Warsaw
- Śródmieście
- Stare Miasto
- Wola
- Praga-Północ
- Mokotów
As you have seen in this article, there are plenty of things to explore, and deciding where to stay in Warsaw is important. Whether you stay in Śródmieście, Stare Miasto, Wola, Praga-Północ or Mokotów, all those neighborhoods are great areas for your stay.
When deliberating your stay in Warsaw, several factors may come into play. The ambiance of the area, whether your journey to this magnificent city is prompted by business or pleasure, and who you’re traveling with family or friends. Also significant is how close you’ll be to the attractions that spark your interest.
Regardless of these variables, one thing remains certain – a fantastic time awaits you during your stay in Warsaw!
More guides about Warsaw
If you like the advice we’ve given you above, make sure to check out some of our other articles about Warsaw:
