This article contains affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Read our Disclosure for more. Thanks for your support!
Last updated on January 6th, 2024 at 04:14 pm
Although we’re not very much into cold weather, we were recently pleasantly surprised to realise that winter in Warsaw wasn’t that bad. With so many magnificent things to do in Warsaw and the city’s kind and smiling locals, the Polish capital welcomed us with the warmest of embraces, no matter if we decided to go there in the dead of winter.
Even though Warsaw doesn’t boast the fairytale-like vibes of the most popular Krakow, it’s a city that wins you over with its authenticity and diversity. From its impressive skyscraper-filled skyline to its quaint (not so) Old Town, Warsaw is a fantastic city break destination any time of the year.
Yet, in this guide, we chose to show you what to do in Warsaw in winter, preparing you for a memorable winter escape like no other. So, here’s what winter in Warsaw looks and feels like and why the winter months might just be the best time to visit Warsaw.
What Is Winter in Warsaw Like
Sub-zero temperatures aren’t uncommon when visiting Poland in winter and Warsaw is no exception. Warsaw weather in winter can get really cold with lots of snow. January and February see the lowest Warsaw winter temperatures. That said, you can still be graced with sunny, dry or even warmer days during these months. It’s all a matter of luck.
When visiting Warsaw in winter, you’ll be amazed by the Christmas decorations and the overall festive ambience that encircles the city at Christmas time.
The best part about visiting Warsaw in winter – aka in the off-season – though, is that you get to experience the real Warsaw. When dining out or taking refuge from the cold in a warm bar, chances are you’ll be surrounded by locals alone during the winter in Warsaw.
Knowing what a city actually feels like for locals is priceless and definitely worth bracing for some cold days. Not to mention that visiting Warsaw in winter aligns perfectly with the principles of sustainable tourism. Keep reading to find out why Warsaw is one of the best places to visit in Poland in winter.
Travel Resources For Warsaw Poland
Top 27 Things To Do in Warsaw in Winter
Although this article aims to inspire you to plan a trip to Warsaw in winter, this list of top things to do in Warsaw includes suggestions that can be enjoyed all year round, including the warmer months. However, for the needs of this article, we’re putting emphasis on how to make the most of all these amazing things to see in Warsaw in winter.
1. Dive Into Poland’s Jewish Past at The POLIN Museum
On a cold day, there’s no better way to get to know a city than visiting a museum or three. When in Warsaw, the POLIN Museum should be among your first stops. Winner of the European Museum of the Year Award in 2016, the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews is a modern and interactive space that manages to offer visitors an extraordinary experience.
Instead of just focusing on the events of the Holocaust, the POLIN Museum narrates the entire history of Polish Jews. From how they first settled in the country to current events in the lives of prominent Polish Jews.
Nothing about the POLIN Museum is random. Even its very location carries the strongest symbolic meaning. It stands right in the heart of the former Jewish Ghetto. Furthermore, the building itself is quite remarkable.
Austere on the outside but incredibly welcoming inside, the building contributes to the contrasting emotions its exhibits evoke. Speaking of those, apart from the Core Exhibition, which is the permanent one, there is always a themed temporary one, too.
For ticket types and opening hours visit the official POLIN Museum website.
Alternatively, buy your tickets for the POLIN Museum here.
2. Look For The Warsaw Ghetto Boundary
Within short walking distance of the POLIN Museum, there’s another point of interest related to the past of the city’s Jewish community. The Warsaw Ghetto boundary marker on Świętojerska Street is a strip on the sidewalk showing the exact location of the former Ghetto wall. This is just one of quite a few such markers placed in Warsaw to commemorate the Polish Jews’ tragic fate.
3. Stand Before The Umschlagplatz Monument
Also near the POLIN Museum, the striking Umschlagplatz Monument stands at the very spot where Polish Jews used to gather before being transferred to Treblinka and other Nazi death camps between 1942 and 1943.
4. Defy The Cold at The Polish Vodka Museum
Who says that a museum can’t be informative and great fun at the same time? The Polish Vodka Museum is living proof that you can learn a lot about a place’s history even when you approach the latter from a very specific and unorthodox perspective. In that case, vodka. Not to mention that vodka might just be your best friend on a cold day.
The interactive and entertaining Polish Vodka Museum is housed in the former Koneser vodka factory and distillery. Outside the museum, there are food trucks. The surrounding area is turned into a unique cultural hub in Warsaw’s Praga district.
You can visit the museum on a guided tour, during which you learn everything there is to know about one of Poland’s flagship products and why vodka is forever intertwined with Warsaw’s history. At the end of the tour, a vodka tasting awaits. The best antidote for cold weather ever.
For information on available tours and tastings, check out the official Polish Vodka Museum website.
Otherwise, click here to book your visit.
5. Get Flooded by Memories at The Neon Museum
One of the most unusual and fascinating museums in Warsaw is the Neon Museum. Its exhibits are actual neon signs that used to brighten Poland’s major cities in the past. Alongside those, the museum’s informative boards explain how neon signs evolved into both a form of art and a political statement for Poland.
Sadly, most of those neon signs were destroyed because they were closely associated with the country’s communist past. The museum’s mission is to discover, restore and showcase as many remnants of Poland’s neon era as possible. The Neon Museum Warsaw is in the Praga district.
Visit the official website to plan your visit to one of the most unique museums in Warsaw.
6. Learn History at The Warsaw Rising Museum
One of the most important chapters in Warsaw’s history revolves around the Polish uprising against the German occupation that started on the 1st of August, 1944. The uprising lasted for 63 days and it was one of the most significant military acts of any resistance movement during World War II.
One of the best museums in the capital of Poland, the Warsaw Rising Museum focuses on this event and the efforts of the Polish people to liberate Warsaw from the Germans.
For information on opening hours and ticket prices, click here.
7. Don’t Miss The Warsaw Uprising Monument
The impressive Warsaw Uprising Monument near Warsaw Old Town commemorates the same events. Often considered the most important monument in post-war Warsaw and for good reason, the bronze monument was unveiled in 1989 and has been attracting visitors from all over the world ever since.
8. Drink a Cup Or Five of The Best Hot Chocolate
Few things can beat the warmth of a nice cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter day. Especially when said hot chocolate tastes as if it was made in heaven. E. Wedel is often referred to as the Polish national chocolate brand, even though it is no longer a company of Polish interests.
There are E. Wedel stores and cafés in many locations across Warsaw. You can enjoy their divine hot chocolate either at one of the brand’s stylish cafés or by grabbing a cup for your stroll around Warsaw.
Throughout Warsaw’s history, the E. Wedel chocolate factory remained one of the city’s most important industries. You can still visit the original building with the iconic neon sign at 8, Szpitalna Street. The main chocolate factory was housed there back in 1894. Nowadays, it’s an elegant café where you can also buy all kinds of chocolate treats, such as the brand’s signature product, the unmissable Ptasie Mleczko.
9. Warm Your Body & Soul With Polish Vodka Shots
Another fantastic way to keep warm during cold winter days and nights is to seek refuge in the warm embrace of vodka. Even if you plan to visit the aforementioned Polish Vodka Museum, the latter isn’t the only place to sample the local spirit. Mingling with locals over vodka in the depths of warm bars is one of the best things to do in Warsaw in winter.
The Poles know how to drink their vodka: in shots. Therefore, forget about fancy vodka-based cocktails and remember that vodka comes in shots. This is the Polish way to drink vodka in Warsaw and why refrain from joining in the fun?
You can also join a vodka-tasting tour in the company of a local.
10. Wander Around Warsaw Old Town
Established in the 13th century, Warsaw Old Town was reduced to ruins by German forces following the 1944 Warsaw Uprising. It’s estimated that more than 85% of the historic centre was destroyed by the Nazis.
However, the Old Town of Warsaw was completely restored after the war. This restoration project is considered the first-ever attempt to revive an entire historic centre. For that, it earned Warsaw Old Town its UNESCO World Heritage status.
Nowadays, strolling around the Old Town is one of the most memorable things to do in Warsaw. The centrepiece of Warsaw’s Old Town is the Old Town Market Place, perhaps the most famous of all Warsaw attractions.
There are plenty of other things to see in Warsaw Old Town, such as Sigismund’s Column, the Royal Castle and the Presidential Palace. Strolling around the fairy tale that is Warsaw Old Town is a must all year round. Yet, the Old Town Market Square is at its best during winter when fewer crowds fight over a precious spot at its picturesque cafés.
Brace the cold for this fun tour and see Warsaw Old Town in 90 minutes on a Segway.
11. Feel Festive at Warsaw’s Christmas Markets
One of the top reasons to visit Warsaw in winter is to make the most of the city’s festive atmosphere before, during and after the Christmas holidays. The Old Town Market Place is the very heart of the Christmas festivities as this is where the main Warsaw Christmas Market is set up.
With its quaint wooden huts and stalls selling mulled wine, hot chocolate and other treats and an ice rink promising fun moments even in cold temperatures, the Old Town Market Square is a great place to be during the holiday season. The decorations and Christmas lights sometimes stay up well into February, making the festive spirit last a little while longer.
Stalls selling local food, drinks, Christmas gifts and ornaments are also found along the once-defensive walls of the Barbican, while the city’s illuminated Christmas tree adorns Castle Square.
12. Have Fun Inside The Palace of Culture & Science
The Palace of Culture and Science is Warsaw’s most iconic landmark. Built between 1952 and 1955, it was a gift from the Soviet Union to the people of Poland. This is why people also call it Stalin’s Gift.
The second-tallest building in Warsaw is a controversial construction. Most Poles hate it because it reminds them of times they’d wish to forget altogether. Yet, from an architectural point of view, it’s magnificent. It soars 237 metres above the city of Warsaw, thus earning first place in the list of tall buildings in Poland.
Nowadays, the building is a cultural hub that houses theatres, cinemas, museums, conference halls and many more. In the winter season, the Palace of Culture and Science is also home to its very own ice skating rink.
However, the most fascinating way to spend your time in Stalin’s Gift is by taking the super-fast elevator to the 30th floor to admire breathtaking panoramic views of Warsaw from the building’s stunning viewing terrace. While there, don’t miss the chance to spend some time at the warm and cosy rooftop café as well.
You can plan your visit with the help of the official website.
Alternatively, book a tour with viewing terrace access here.
13. Jump on a Nostalgic Nysa 522 Van
If you’d like to join a walking tour of Warsaw but fear that you can’t stand the cold for too long, you can join a tour that combines a bit of walking with van transfer instead. This way, you’ll be significantly reducing the time you have to spend outdoors in the cold.
For a memorable experience, make sure you choose a tour that uses retro vehicles, the nostalgic Polish Nysa vans, which date back to Poland’s communist era.
During your ride on this vintage vehicle, you’ll check out several Warsaw landmarks while your knowledgeable guide unveils the city’s Communist past.
14. Enter a Time Capsule
Speaking of the Museum of Life Under Communism, here’s your chance to enter a time capsule of sorts and be transported to Warsaw in the Communist era. Abundant in furniture and everyday items of the time, the museum endeavours to keep the memory of that important part of Warsaw’s recent history alive for generations to come.
For information on opening times and ticket prices, click here.
15. Discover Chopin in Warsaw
Frédéric Chopin is perhaps Warsaw’s most famous child. The Polish composer and pianist is a true symbol of the Romantic era. Warsaw honours Chopin in countless ways with statues, works of art and museums scattered across the city.
From the musical benches located in various spots across the city to the piano zebra crossing at Emilii Plater Street, Chopin enthusiasts can stroll around Warsaw and visit each of those memorials dedicated to their favourite composer.
Last but not least, attending a Chopin music concert in the composer’s hometown is among the most unique things to do in Warsaw as well.
Attend an amazing one-hour concert of Chopin’s masterpieces in the Old Town.
16. Step Inside The Chopin Museum, Too
Since you’re diving into the history of Chopin and his connection to Warsaw, the Chopin Museum is another mandatory stop. Boasting a large collection of personal objects that belonged to the composer and his family, the museum represents yet another great way to spend a winter day in Warsaw.
To plan your visit, check out the museum’s official website.
17. Meet Locals at The Praga District
The Praga district is on the east bank of the Vistula River and it was a separate city until 1791. After the end of the communist era in 1989, the Praga district became popular with young artists. Soon, it was the centre of Warsaw’s alternative culture. Nowadays, the most precious aspect of the Praga district is that it maintains its authentic ambience, offering great insight into Polish local life.
Contrary to the picture-perfect Old Town, Praga still bears scars from Warsaw’s troubled past. Yet, this can only add to the district’s overall charm. Wander around the streets of this former industrial area and shop next to locals in Bazar Różyckiego, Warsaw’s oldest market. In the evening, step inside any packed-with-locals bar and get ready to make some new friends over a vodka shot or three.
If you don’t have loads of time to spare, consider joining this 2-hour Praga walking tour.
18. Stroll Around Warsaw New Town
Contrary to what its name suggests, Warsaw New Town is a part of the city that dates back to the 15th century. Its history is similar to that of Warsaw Old Town. The Germans almost completely blew it up after the Warsaw Uprising. It is situated just north of Warsaw Old Town.
One of the prettiest streets in Warsaw, Freta Street, runs along the entire New Town. It starts from the Barbican and goes all the way to the New Town Market Square.
19. Snap a Selfie at The Barbican
The Barbican is part of the old fortified city walls. Of course, what you see today is not the original construction. Like everything else in the historical centre of Warsaw, it was destroyed by German forces and later rebuilt. The Barbican serves as a border between the Old Town and the New Town.
20. Catch Breathtaking Views From The Bell Tower of St. Anne’s Church
One of the main reasons we love Warsaw is that it’s a flat and totally walkable city. However, the lack of naturally raised areas of land, such as hills, means that you need to look for human-made constructions to enjoy spectacular views.
The Bell Tower of St. Anne’s Church offers stunning views of Warsaw Old Town, particularly Castle Square and the Royal Castle.
From the top of the bell tower, you can also marvel at the beautiful buildings lining the magnificent Krakowskie Przedmiescie boulevard and at how the latter contrasts with the jaw-dropping Manhattan-like skyline in the distance. Keep in mind that you need to climb 145 steps to get to the top.
21. Visit The Royal Castle
The Royal Castle used to be the official royal residence of several Polish monarchs and their families. Dominating the famous Castle Square, the Royal Castle is now turned into a state museum. Among the rooms that you can visit, the Royal Apartments and the Parliamentary Chambers stand out.
For opening hours and ticket prices, click here.
22. Walk Along The Magnificent Royal Route
The enchanting Royal Route connects Warsaw Old Town to Wilanów Palace in the southern part of the city. The route begins at the Royal Castle and runs along Krakowskie Przedmieście Street, Nowy Świat Street, Ujazdowskie Avenue, Belwederska Street and Sobieskiego Street to conclude at Wilanów Palace.
All along its length, marvellous buildings line the Royal Route, turning it into a walking lover’s heaven. In winter, strolling along this part of the Royal Route in the evening is among the best things to do in Warsaw at night as the streets are full of light and buzzing with local vibes.
23. Have a Great Time at The Wilanow Palace
Constructed between 1677 and 1696, this was a former royal palace. It’s known for being one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture and among the most significant historical monuments in Poland. A visit to the Wilanow Palace is worth it for the building’s lavish interiors and lush gardens.
For information on opening hours and entrance fees, you can visit the official website.
24. Be Enchanted by The Royal Garden of Light
If you’re visiting Warsaw in winter, you have the opportunity to enter the magical world of the Royal Garden of Light. Situated in Wilanow Palace, this outdoor exhibition of impressive light sculptures takes place between October and February every year.
For more information, click here.
25. Warm Your Soul With Comfort Food at a Polish Milk Bar
Have you ever heard of a Polish milk bar? Milk bars are a significant part of Polish culture and they have been present throughout the country’s long history. As their name suggests, milk bars serve mostly dairy-based and vegetarian food. The first milk bar opened in 1896 and it was followed by several others.
When Poland became a communist state, milk bars were subsidized by the state in an effort to offer people cheap yet nourishing meals. After the fall of Communism, most milk bars closed.
However, in recent years, specifically since the early 2010s, Poland has seen a revival of these iconic establishments. Most milk bars are now privately owned but the Polish state still partially subsidizes them. This is how milk bars manage to keep prices low.
Grannies and students alike frequent the no-frill interiors of milk bars, which are by far the best places to taste traditional Polish food. Stepping inside a milk bar feels like visiting a friend or relative you haven’t seen in a while. On cold winter days, a milk bar is where you’ll be warming up your soul with staple Polish delicacies, such as pierogi and potato fritters.
26. Eat Your Weight in Polish Dumplings
Speaking of heartwarming comfort food, one of the best things to do in Warsaw is to try the renowned Polish dumplings: pierogi.
Pierogi is a type of ravioli that’s either boiled or fried and comes with a variety of fillings, both savoury and sweet. There are several vegetarian options to choose from, all of them pairing well with a shot of vodka or two. Some of the best places to try pierogi are the city’s milk bars.
Apart from the famous pierogi, you should also try pyzy while in Warsaw. Pyzy resembles gnocchi and is served with various toppings. You can try some of the best pyzy in Warsaw at Pyzy Flaki Gorące in Praga, a warm and cute place where pyzy is served in jars and washed down with shots of homemade spirits that come in many tastes.
27. Try Fancy Cocktails at Hala Koszyki
If you are in the mood for something fancy, all roads lead to Hala Koszyki. This is a food hall housed in a fabulous old market building. Not very popular with tourists, Hala Koszyki is the perfect place for locals to see and be seen as well as to taste ethnic cuisines from all over the world. For us though, it’s the go-to place for inspired top-quality cocktails.
Warsaw Travel Guide
How Many Days in Warsaw
With so many amazing things to do in Warsaw, three days is the bare minimum to spend in the Polish capital. Considering that winter in Warsaw might be a bit harsh, with the average temperature being very low at times and a high likelihood of rain, you might want to add one or two more days just in case the weather messes up with your sightseeing plans on certain days.
How To Get To Warsaw
Warsaw has two major airports. Chopin Airport is only 10 kilometres south of the city centre. It connects to the latter by bus, train and taxi. Check out the Chopin Airport website for detailed information on how to reach Warsaw from the airport. Ryanair uses Modlin Airport as a base for its low-fare flights to and from Warsaw. Modlin Airport is located about 40 kilometres north of Warsaw.
One of the best ways to get from Modlin Airport to the city is FlixBus. It offers direct transfers from Modlin Airport to the heart of Warsaw.
You can book your FlixBus tickets here.
However, the most hassle-free way to get from either airport to Warsaw is by arranging a private airport transfer in advance. Click here for a top-rated airport transfer to the city centre from either Chopin or Modlin.
Warsaw connects by train to the rest of Poland as well as to international destinations, such as Berlin, Vilnius and many more. The bus is yet another way to travel across Poland. Moreover, there are bus routes that connect Warsaw to other European cities as well.
Plan your train journey here or your bus ride here.
Where To Stay in Warsaw
Warsaw city centre, Śródmieście, is pretty compact and totally walkable. Especially if you’re planning to visit Warsaw in winter, it makes sense to stay right in the heart of the city, to avoid unnecessary commuting.
Here are some of our suggestions for your accommodation in Warsaw:
- Autor Rooms: Housed in a wonderful 1915 building that miraculously survived WW II, this boutique hotel offers elegant spacious rooms and a delicious homemade breakfast.
- Hotel Bellotto: Set within the walls of a former Bishop’s Palace, this 5-star hotel is the epitome of elegance with its lush interiors and old-fashioned charm.
- Hotel Bristol: As responsible travellers, we don’t usually recommend chain hotels, but Hotel Bristol on the Royal Route has to be one of our exceptions as it offers guests the opportunity to sleep inside an actual historical monument, where many prominent people from all walks of life have stayed in the somewhat recent past.
Warsaw Travel Tips
Currency: The zloty is the currency of Poland. The written forms zł and PLN are used interchangeably on price tags etc. Order your Wise card to exchange currency easily through your mobile.
Language: Polish is the official language but the Poles speak very good to excellent English. Even if they can’t speak English, they certainly understand it when spoken to and do their best to help out.
Public transport: Warsaw boasts a very modern and reliable public transportation network which comprises trams, buses and metro lines. For ticket prices and timetables, click here.
Female travel: The city centre of Warsaw might just be one of the safest destinations for female travellers.
What to pack for winter in Warsaw: Thermal leggings, winter coat, warm clothing, waterproof shoes or snow boots.
Until We Meet Again, Warsaw
Now that you’ve learnt everything there is to know about planning the best winter escape to Warsaw, it’s time we revealed what it is that we love about the Polish capital the most. It’s its people. It’s them who can warm your hearts more than anything else even during the harshest winter in Warsaw.
For us, it was the smiling girl who saw us struggling with the ticket machine on board a tram and, without thinking twice about it, bought us tickets and refused to accept our money regardless of our protests.
It was also the adorable girl sitting next to us at a bar whose face brightened up when she heard us talk in Greek and her eyes glistened as she recounted stories from a summer holiday she had spent in a Greek beachside town.
And yet another girl who jumped into our conversation to also share her precious memories from her own Greek Island holidays. It is those people we can’t wait to go back to. Pożegnanie dear friends. We’ll meet again before long.
Before you go, read other articles about Central Europe’s best capital cities:
Prague in 4 Days: The Best Prague Itinerary
The Best Views in Prague & Other Prague Photo Spots
10 Best Areas To Stay in Prague With Hotels
Budapest in 3 Days: The Best Budapest Itinerary
Travel Tips For Budapest: A Complete Guide
The Best Thermal Baths in Budapest
Vienna in 3 Days: A Vienna Itinerary For Any Time of Year
12 Best Areas To Stay in Vienna Austria With Hotels
WORDS & EDITING: Maria
IMAGES: Katerina
Disclosure: We would like to thank Autor Rooms, the Polish Tourism Organisation, the POLIN Museum, the Polish Vodka Museum and the Palace of Culture and Science for assisting us in writing this Winter in Warsaw guide.
5 Comments
What a wonderful article! You’ve described the city and it’s main sites really well. I’ll direct people that visit me to your site from now on 😁 Hope you do one for summer!
Thanks so much for your kind comment and support, Mich! We’d love to see what Warsaw is like in the summer, too!
I love Warsaw. You really did an excellent job describing all the wonderful attractions. Winter is a great time to check out the many museums in Warsaw. I loved the POLIN museum Wilalow Palace and the Museum of Neon.
Thank you for your comment, we love Warsaw, too!
Pingback: Plus1Travel | Warsaw Travel Tips – Polish Capital Adventures