Travel Guide Budget and Itinerary for Warsaw

I had the opportunity to visit a country (Poland) that I wanted to tick off my bucket list. My first destination was the capital, Warsaw. 

Plan your budget and itinerary for Warsaw with the help of my guide.

Travel Guide Budget and Itinerary for Warsaw

Warsaw, the capital of Poland, exemplifies resilience, survival, and revival. Its residents have faced destruction and oppression from various occupying and invading forces. However, the city has been rebuilt as if nothing happened. The city has many monuments, attractions, and things to do while you're exploring. Warsaw is the cultural, political, and commercial hub of the country.

How to Get a Schengen Visa

After a few tries and visits to Europe, the Poland Embassy gave me a multiple-entry visa that's valid for one year. It was a pleasant surprise. I took my shot and asked for one in my cover letter (it was my third application). Poland is part of the Schengen zone which means that if you get a visa from one of its member countries, it's valid for the entire area. The embassies in the zone have similar requirements. Submit all of them and if they ask for supplementary documents, submit those as well. 

You can read my Schengen visa guide here: how to get a Schengen visa

How to Get to Warsaw

By Air

I flew from Manila to Warsaw with a transit in Dubai. Warsaw has two airports (Chopin and Modlin). Chopin Airport is the busiest and primary one. On the other hand, Modlin airport is primarily for low-cost carriers. You can check flights via www.skyscanner.com to find the lowest possible airfares. Ideally, booking months before your trip can get you discounted prices. It's convenient to get to the city center from the airport as well. You can take bus 175 or 188. Bus N32 is the bus you can take if you arrive late at night or very early in the morning. You can also take the train to get to some points in the city. 

By Land

You can take the bus to Warsaw from some European cities like Prague, Berlin, Budapest, and others. There are direct buses and ones where you need to change buses before you reach Warsaw. My go-to bus company while traveling around Europe is Flixbus. You can visit their website www.flixbus.com for more information, schedules, and prices.

Things to Do in Warsaw

Warsaw has plenty of attractions that can take up your time during your visit. These are some of the things to do and places you can visit when you plan your budget and itinerary for Warsaw.

Old Town Market Square

The most popular area in Warsaw is its Old Town Market Square. Originally, the square dates to the 13th century. However, much of it was destroyed during the bombings that took place during World War II. Restoration and renovation took place over the last several decades. You might not notice the difference at all when you browse old pictures and see the Old Town now. It's a lovely place to walk around in and explore with its charming townhouses, cafes, and restaurants.

Castle Square

Castle Square is another historic spot just near the Old Town Market Square. It has similar architecture and lovely buildings just in front of the castle. Just like the market, this area was devasted during World War II, but it has regained its charm after reconstruction. Go souvenir shopping and/or get something to eat or drink while you're here.

Palace of Culture and Science

One of the most striking buildings in Warsaw is the Palace of Culture and Science. It's a relic of the country's Soviet past. Lev Rudnev, a Soviet architect, designed the building. It's home to some theaters, cultural institutions, halls, and museums. You can go up to the viewing deck for overlooking views of the city.

Royal Castle

The Royal Castle is a prominent structure rising above market and castle square. It used to be the residence of monarchs and was a symbol of power and influence centuries ago. The bombings of World War II left it in ruins, but fast forward to today, it has undergone reconstruction. Visitors like you can explore its many halls and rooms full of paintings, exquisite furniture and displays about the life and times of Polish royalty. 

Warsaw Barbican

This centuries old structure was part of the Old Town's fortifications. It has watchtowers, turrets, and thick walls to protect against invaders. It's a relic of the past that sticks out when you explore Warsaw. The Barbican has a museum which tells the story of its importance. 

 

Wilanow Palace

The Wilanow Palace is a culturally and historically significant building that dates to the 17th century. It exemplified the golden age of Poland. It has a beautiful park and garden. It mixes Rococo, Baroque and Neoclassical design elements. Inside you'll see the opulent lifestyle of the palace's former royal residents.

Lazienki Park 

If you're looking for a greenspace to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, check out Lazienki Park during your visit. It used to be King Stanisław August Poniatowski's summer residence. The scenic landscape is relaxing. The park is also a popular venue of choice for outdoor events.

Warsaw Uprising Monument

Wincenty Kućma designed one of the renowned monuments in the city, the Warsaw Uprising Monument. The structure commemorates the sacrifice and bravery of the men and women that fought against the Nazis. You can visit the underground musem to learn more about the uprising.

Day trip to Torun

Torun is an interesting day trip from Warsaw. The medieval town of Torun is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which you can explore and immerse yourself in. The square is where you'll find the monument of Torun's most famous son, Nicolaus Copernicus. The area is also home to some of the town's most beautiful buildings such as the Old Town Hall, Church of the Holy Spirit, tenement houses, and others. Some of the places you can visit include House of Copernicus, House of Legends, Planetarium, and the Gingerbread Museum.

Some other attractions you might want to visit when planning your budget and itinerary for Warsaw:

• Chopin Museum
• Chopin Monument
• Zlote Tarasy
• Krakowskie Przedmieście
• Copernicus Science Centre
• POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews
• Warsaw Uprising Museum
• Nowy Swiat

Getting around Warsaw

It's easy to get around Warsaw because of all the public transportation options you have. You can get from point A to B by metro, bus, or tram. It's also a walkable city. You can also hail a taxi or use a ride hailing app like Bolt. 

Where to Stay in Warsaw

You have plenty of options in terms of accommodation in Warsaw. I often stay in hostel dorms because of their budget-friendly prices. However, you can still get a good value private room regardless of your budget. You can find a place to stay in www.booking.com. You can also book directly with your chosen accommodation.

Budget for Warsaw

Warsaw is not as expensive as other cities in Europe (ex. Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, etc.). You can get good value accommodation and food during your visit. When you plan your budget and itinerary for Warsaw, you might spend around PLN (zloty) 240 a day. This covers a bed in a dorm hostel, a few paid attractions, public transportation, and budget meals with the occasional splurge. You can spend more or go much less during your trip. It depends on your travel style. 

You can check out some of my posts here:

• Budget and itinerary for Krakow
• Budget and itinerary for Iceland
• Budget and itinerary for Porto
• Budget and itinerary for Tallinn
• Budget and itinerary for Vilnius

Itinerary for Warsaw

This is a sample itinerary for your trip:

Day 1

Old Town Market Square

Royal Castle

Castle Square

Warsaw Barbican

Krakowskie Przedmieście

Nowy Swiat

Day 2

Warsaw Uprising Monument and Museum

Palace of Culture and Science

Lazienki Park

Day 3

Wilanow Palace

Day 4

Day trip to Torun

You can adjust the days and places you want to visit depending on your interests.