Where is the best place to stay in Warsaw?
By Carles Barcelo. Updated October 27, 2023
The Polish capital of Warsaw, is a city that disappoints no one because of the to the vast number of outstanding and striking historical monuments, with many of them remembering the World Wars. There is also an abundance of museums that reveal the finest art of the country, as well as informative exhibitions including one about the famous Warsaw Uprising. Warsaw is an absolute pleasure to walk around, as there are many narrow streets, filled with history and large squares with beautiful architecture, which provide brilliant photo opportunities- as well as a well-earned rest!
The best area to stay in Warsaw is the city centre as the majority of tourist attractions are located there. like the Palace of Culture and Science. Most things to see and do in the city centre are within walking distance of each other, which makes sightseeing easy. The central area also has a great collection of charming cafes and good restaurants and is the focus of nightlife in city, with a huge number of clubs, bars and pubs. The city centre also has the best selection of hotels from hostels at budget prices to the most luxurious hotels in the city.
If you are interested in where to stay in Warsaw, you may also be interested in where to stay in Krakow, where to stay in Moscow, where to stay in Berlin and where to stay in Prague.
City Centre, the best area to stay in Warsaw
If you are planning a pleasant city break that will include both sightseeing and shopping, Warsaw will certainly meet your expectations. The centre of this city has all you need during your getaway, from modern shopping malls to historic landmarks, plus restaurants you will never forget. It’s a tourists’ paradise: affordable food, beautiful architecture, five-star hotels and green city parks. These all add up to make it the perfect destination. It could be said that there’s no need to leave the city centre as everything you want to see and do is located there.
Śródmieście is the central district and is where most of the shopping venues are situated . It is fun to take a break and pop into a few stores if you’ve had enough sightseeing or simply want to enjoy a shopping spree! The most popular mall (Złote Tarasy) is located right next to the central railway station.
One of the first buildings that attracts the attention of visitors is the Palace of Culture and Science, a gift and leftover from the communist system. Tall and a little daunting, it does prove the biggest attraction of the city. Inside you’ll find a highly-rated theatre, a museum and a cinema too. The best thing to do, though, is to enjoy the view from the observation deck at the top of the Palace, especially at sunset.
As far as food is concerned, you will find plenty of restaurants in Nowy Świat - the main street that leads to the Castle. It too is near the Central Station. The restaurants are mostly international ones, so if you’re looking for authentic Polish cuisine, head for the old town to find some hidden gems in the backstreets. behind the skyscrapers (Wilcza, Hoża, Bracka). Are you a street food fan? Make sure to visit the river area at night too - you won’t be disappointed.
The city centre also has many museums and galleries to visit. The National Museum and the History Museum are both definitely worthwhile. Art fans should visit the Zacheta Gallery, a place full of local artists’ works as well as international displays. Only a few stops from the centre, you’ll find Copernicus Science Centre (also known as the Warsaw Rising Museum). It is one of the best museums in Warsaw.
Foksal is the street to remember when searching for lively nightlife. The street is filled with pubs and bars of all kinds. Some other popular drinking spots include Powiśle and Marszałkowska Street.
Other areas to stay in Warsaw
Stare Miasto (Old Town)
The Old Town is very central and has a good number of things to see and do like visit the Royal Castle and the square near it, which is huge and has many cafes, shops and restaurants around it. Also, there is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, containing the remains of a Polish soldier who died in battle, as well as soil taken from 38 battlefields.
You can also find St. John’s Cathedral, museums, art galleries, shops, restaurants, bars and hotels.
Wola
Wola is quickly becoming the commercial centre of the city and is home to the Warsaw Rising Museum, which tells the story of insurgency and uprising in the years that followed World War II. You will see many artifacts including weapons, love letters and more and these give you an insight into life under German occupation. The area has many cemeteries that mourn the military dead and civilians of various religions.
There are also a good number of art galleries, cinemas and theatres in the area. Restaurants range from those serving American dishes, to international cuisine and traditional Polish food. There are many clubs, bars and hotels to choose from.
Praga Południe
If what you are looking for is somewhere with reasonably priced food and pretty streets, Praga Polnoc may be a good place for you to stay. Accommodation in this part of the city is reasonably priced and there is easy access into the centre (a seven minute tram ride).
Given Praga’s proximity to the river and the National Stadium, sports fans will surely find something to enjoy. In the summertime, relaxing with a drink on the river bank is popular with the locals. A favourite spot is Skaryszewski Park with its lovely Kamionkowskie Lake, where canoes can be hired.
Mokotów
If you are not on a tight budget and prefer to stay in a more peaceful setting, Mokotów will be perfect for your needs. This district offers a wide variety of cafes, restaurants and green areas. For memorable food experiences check such streets as Kazimierzowska or Puławska.
Getting to the city centre may take a little longer, but there is a subway running through the district. If you feel like jogging or walking in a park, Pole Mokotwskie will be a good choice. This park attracts lots of locals and visitors every day and proves a perfect spot for simply relaxing.
Ochota
This district has a calm, everyday life. You are likely to find cheaper accommodation in this area too. Don’t hesitate to book it as this district has good transport links with the rest of the city and is really safe. It is famous for its markets where you can get all kinds of fresh fruit, vegetables and much more.
The markets usually sell locally produced cakes, candies and homemade delicacies as well as natural cosmetics. Take a walk along Aleje Jerozolimskie or Raszyńska Street to admire Ochota’s unique old houses and villas. Szczęśliwicki Park is a wonderful place to stroll in any season, and a good place for skiing in the winter.
Praga Północ
Probably the cheapest district for accommodation, it is nice and easy to reach the city centre by subway. Located just on the other side of the Vistula river, this part of Praga welcomes tourists with Dworzec Wileński, an old train station, and a shopping mall. This area is full of old movie theaters and small pubs.
There is also the Museum of Praga - which is worth a visit. The only thing that should be kept in mind while visiting this district is that it is not the safest. Keep alert and get back to your accommodation before it gets dark.
Our recommended hotels in Warsaw
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in WarsawNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
