3 Days in Warsaw – Plan the Best Warsaw Itinerary

Ever dreamed of exploring a city that’s a vibrant mix of history, culture, and modern flair? Warsaw, Poland’s dynamic capital, is just that place. And to make the most of it, you’ll want to plan the best 3 days in Warsaw itinerary, and this is where this guide comes in.

In just three short days, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in Warsaw’s rich culture, vibrant nightlife, and delicious cuisine.

Whether you’re a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply in love with discovering new places, this ultimate 3-day itinerary is the best you’ll find to experience the very best of Warsaw.

Ready? Let’s get right into it.

3 Days in Warsaw Itinerary – Overview

First things first, let’s discuss the essentials you should know before visiting Warsaw in 3 days, from its location to the best time to visit and more.

Where is Warsaw?

Warsaw is the capital and largest city of Poland, located in the east-central part of the country. It stands on the Vistula River and is known for its rich history, vibrant cultural scene, and modern urban development.

As a city that has been rebuilt from its ruins of World War II, Warsaw blends historical architecture with contemporary skyscrapers, and it makes a great destination for a few days.

How to Get to Warsaw?

Traveling to Warsaw is quite convenient by air or train. You can fly into the Warsaw Chopin Airport, the city’s main international gateway, which is well-served by numerous airlines from around the globe.

Once you land, getting to the city center is a breeze with taxis, buses, or trains available at the airport.

Alternatively, if you prefer rail travel, Warsaw Central Train Station (Warszawa Centralna) is a major hub with excellent connections from various parts of Poland and other European cities, so you can get here pretty easily.

Is Warsaw Worth Visiting?

Yes, it’s definitely worth it. Whether you’re looking for an exciting city break, a chance to explore the history, or just want to enjoy some delicious Polish food, Warsaw has it all. From the beautiful Old Town to the Palace of Culture and Science, you’ll find something interesting to do in the city.

Are 3 Days in Warsaw Enough?

Absolutely, With 3 days in Warsaw, you can explore the city’s rich history and culture, uncover its hidden gems, and get a taste of its vibrant nightlife.

From walking the Royal Route to visiting the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews to taking a cooking class for lunch, there is no shortage of things to do in the Polish capital.

You can also take a tour of Old Town, visit the Warsaw Rising Museum, explore the Chopin Museum, or take a picture of the beautiful mermaid statue at Market Square.

No matter what you’re into, visiting Warsaw in 3 days is enough to experience all that this amazing city has to offer.

What is the Best Time to Visit Warsaw?

The best months to visit Warsaw are from late May to September, in the summer and early fall, when the temperatures are still pleasant.

Alternatively, you could visit in October when the weather is still decent, and fewer tourists are in town, allowing you to save some money on hotels and not have to wait for the attractions around town.

How to Get Around Warsaw?

Getting around Warsaw is easy and convenient, especially on foot. Many of the city’s top attractions are within walking distance of each other, so you can explore the city at your own pace.

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3-Day Warsaw Itinerary

Now that you have a little more information about Warsaw, let’s go through this itinerary day by day. Spoiler alert: You’ll have an amazing time in town!

Warsaw Itinerary Day 1

Start your three-day trip to Warsaw with the city’s most beautiful street and the beautifully restored historical center.

Morning: Visit the Royal Castle

Start your day off like a royal by visiting the magnificent Royal Castle, located in the heart of the Old Town. Completed in 1619, this stunning castle has been the residence of Polish kings and queens for centuries.

As you approach the castle, you’ll be struck by its grandeur and beauty, with its ornate facade and towering spires. Take a moment to snap some photos and admire the view before heading inside to explore.

Once inside, you’ll be transported back in time as you wander through the castle’s many rooms and halls, each one more impressive than the last.

Marvel at the intricate frescoes and stucco work, and admire the priceless art and antique furniture on display.

Be sure to visit the castle’s impressive Throne Room, where you can imagine yourself sitting on the throne like a true monarch. And don’t miss the Great Assembly Hall, which served as the site of many important ceremonies and events throughout Polish history.

Visiting the Royal Castle is the perfect way to start your day in Warsaw before wandering around the old town.

Morning: Roam Around the Old Town

After you’ve looked at Castle Square from every angle, it’s time to go visit the Old Town of Warsaw itself.

The Old Town of Warsaw isn’t very big, so you shouldn’t have any trouble getting around on foot. Even though it looks nice now, you should remember that it was all rebuilt after World War II caused a lot of damage.

Make sure to visit Plac Kanonia, the old town Market Square, and Gnojna Góra.

Plac Kanonia is a square that is worth finding as you walk around the city. Here you can find the Wishing Bell, which was made in the 17th century, and the city’s narrowest building, which is tucked away in a corner.

The Gnojna Góra terrace has a great view of the Vistula River and is close by. The Market Square, though, is the most beautiful part of Warsaw’s Old Town.

On all sides, you’ll see beautiful building fronts that serve as a backdrop for restaurants and cafes that are always busy. And in the middle of the square? A statue of a mermaid with a sword is raised above her head, which is the city’s symbol.

The best way to get around is by joining a walking tour, which is not only affordable but it covers most tourist spots in town, as well as hidden gems that you don’t want to miss. Check it out here below.

Morning: Krasinski Palace Gardens

The Palace of the Commonwealth, or Krasiński Palace, is a rebuilt Baroque palace on Krasinski Square in Warsaw, Poland.

It is also called the Palace of the Commonwealth. It was built between 1677 and 1683 for the powerful Krasiski family. During World War II, it suffered a lot of damage, so it was rebuilt in the middle of the 20th century.

This baroque palace was built in 1683 for the nobleman Jan Dobrogost Krasinski. During the war, the Germans destroyed it, so a careful copy was made. It is now home to the National Library’s section for rare and unique books.

The palace is not usually open to the public, but the garden next to it is. It is one of the city’s nicest parks. Look for the brightly colored modern Pegasus statues on ul Miodowa in front of the palace.

Lunch at Bazyliszek Restaurant

The Bazyliszek Restaurant in Warsaw offers a delightful dining experience with a variety of delicious dishes. The duck pierogi and sausages come highly recommended for their amazing taste.

The pork knuckle is also a standout dish, which I personally loved.

Overall, the restaurant is praised for its great food, reasonable prices, and generally good service, making it a recommended spot for a satisfying lunch in Warsaw. Plus, their prices are reasonable for being in the Old Town, which is a plus!

Afternoon: Walk Along the Royal Route

Along the Royal Road, you can visit the Royal Castle, the Royal azienki, and the Wilanów Palace, all of which were once used by Polish monarchs. The path is the most well-known in the entire metropolis.

The Presidential Palace, the grounds of Warsaw University, and numerous magnificent churches and townhouses line Krakowskie Przedmiecie and Nowy Świat.

The Route then proceeds along the scenic and leafy Aleje Ujazdowskie, where many offices and government buildings are located. Wilanów Palace is where the traditional path concludes.

As part of the Great Lighting, thousands of lights are strung along the Road every winter, making it an absolute must-see.

Afternoon: Visit Lazienki Park and Royal Lazienki Museum

Łazienki Park is the largest park in Warsaw, covering 76 hectares, and is home to a variety of gardens, monuments, and palaces, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

One of the park’s main attractions is the stunning Palace on the water, which was built in the 18th century and served as a summer residence for Polish kings.

Today, the palace houses the Royal Lazienki Museum, which showcases the art and history of the Polish monarchy.

After touring the museum, take a leisurely stroll through the park’s many gardens, which include the formal French Garden, the charming Chinese Garden, and the picturesque Rose Garden. You may even spot some of the park’s resident peacocks wandering about!

Don’t miss the chance to see the park’s most famous resident, the Chopin Monument, which honors the famous composer and pianist who was born in Poland.

Afternoon: Take a Polish Food Tour

This is very much underrated activity to add to your Warsaw itinerary, but it’s a must-do for several reasons.

First of all, you’ll discover the best Polish dishes – With 10 dishes, you definitely will find your happy plate. Then, a Vodka tasting session is included, so that you get your first try (or not!) at a traditional bottle.

Also, you’ll get to spend some time with other travelers, and believe me, this is much more fun than you can imagine!

I’ll give some more restaurant recommendations in this Warsaw itinerary, but this is the best starting point for your trip, and that’s why I recommend it for your first lunch in town. Check it out here below!

Evening: See a Chopin Concert in Warsaw Old Town

If you like music, and specifically Chopin, then this is the ultimate treat for you. And what better way to go to this concert after a tasty, delicious food tour?

Held in the Gothic interior of the Royal Castle’s left wing, the Time for Chopin concert celebrates the works of Frederic Chopin. Each concert features different pianists, and you’ll always get a different, unique interpretation of Chopin’s masterpieces.

The intimate setting allows for a special connection between the audience and the performers, and there’s an opportunity to engage with the pianists after the show.

Apart from that, you’ll also get a glass of traditional Polish honey wine during the concert, which is included.

This event is a must-visit for music lovers seeking an immersive cultural experience in Warsaw.

Warsaw Itinerary Day 2

Our second day is Warsaw is more about museums, taking in the architecture, and discovering hidden gems in town, here are the best activities for day 2.

Morning: Visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum

Visit the Warsaw Uprising Memorial to learn more about the history of Poland’s fight for freedom. This landmark, located in a disused tram power plant in Wola, houses over a thousand artifacts dealing with the country’s history during and after the Nazi rule.

An additional highlight of the exhibit is Freedom Park, where the names of over 10,000 insurgents who lost their lives during the Warsaw Uprising are memorialized.

This exhibit has been deemed a “must-see” by previous tourists. Critics praised the property’s engaging, kid-friendly displays but warned that the building will be crowded and uncomfortable no matter the time of year.

Try getting a bite to eat at the café for a short break from the attraction’s crowds.

Make sure you get an audio guide for the museum for a mere 10 Polish zloty (about $3) to help you better traverse the museum’s perplexing arrangement.

Morning: Sightseeing at the Palace of Culture and Science

The Palace of Culture and Science is an enormous Soviet-era structure that can be seen from just about anywhere in the heart of Warsaw’s city.

This enormous structure, a symbol of that period, houses a wide variety of companies, from a movie theatre and bar to several museums. The view from the balcony is the main draw, though.

The observation deck atop this massive Soviet-era skyscraper has stunning panoramic views of Warsaw. You can get your bearings by visiting the viewing platform, where you can take in a bird’s-eye view of the city.

Lunch at Zapiecek

At Zapiecek in Warsaw, guests can enjoy hearty meals like potato pancakes with meat and a seasonal salad with blue cheese. The portions are generously sized, often enough for two.

The restaurant has delicious and well-presented food, which is great, and they have even gluten-free options.

Apart from the delicious food, you’ll appreciate the friendly service and the lovingly prepared meals, which makes Zapiecek a highly recommended spot for a nice lunch or dinner in Warsaw.

Afternoon: Warsaw Barbican and City Walls

Take the old city wall and walk it to the end so you can take pictures and enjoy the view. This castle is between the old city and the new city, and it’s nice to walk around it.

The Warsaw Barbican is one of the few walls, fortifications, and gates that were once all around the city that are still standing. It was built in 1540, and Jan Baptist the Venetian, an Italian Renaissance architect, made plans for it. It replaced a gate on Nowomiejska Street.

Jan Baptist lived and worked in Mazovia in the 1600s. At that time, the city’s 14th-century walls were in bad shape. The barbican was a part of his plan to improve the area. It looked like a semicircular bastion with three levels that were 14 meters wide and 15 meters high.

The city walls were also surrounded by a moat that was 30 meters wide.

During the war, the barbican was mostly destroyed, like many other buildings in Warsaw. It was rebuilt in the 1950s based on etchings from the 17th century. The Barbican is run by the Museum of Warsaw.

Visit them in Old Town Market Place to learn more about the city’s history.

Afternoon: Shopping at the Złote Tarasy Mall

After a morning of sightseeing and strolling through the Old Town, why not treat yourself to some retail therapy at the Złote Tarasy Mall?

This modern shopping center is located in the heart of Warsaw and is home to over 200 stores, ranging from high-end fashion boutiques to popular international brands.

As you enter the mall, you’ll be struck by its sleek and modern design, which includes a stunning glass roof that lets in natural light and creates a bright and airy atmosphere.

Take your time exploring the various stores, and be sure to check out some of the unique Polish brands that are on offer.

If you’re feeling hungry, the mall is also home to a variety of restaurants and cafes, serving everything from traditional Polish cuisine to international favorites. Stop for a bite to eat and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the mall.

Evening: Join a Pub Crawl in Warsaw

To end the second day of your Warsaw itinerary, join a thrilling evening on Warsaw’s ultimate pub crawl, where a local will introduce you to the city’s unforgettable nightlife.

The night starts with an hour of open bar, featuring beer, wine, and mixed drinks. You can enjoy a drinking games to bond with your group.

And after that, follow your guide to three more popular bars, enjoying a complimentary welcome shot at each.

And last but not least, you’ll get VIP access to a premier nightclub in Warsaw. This pub crawl offers a perfect blend of fun, camaraderie, and an authentic Warsaw party experience.

Warsaw Itinerary Day 3

If you only have three days to explore Warsaw, you won’t have time to see everything the city has to offer.

Visit the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews

The POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews is the first place that the government, a local government, and a non-government organization worked together to create.

The Museum is a modern cultural center. It is a historical museum that shows how Jews have lived in Poland for the past thousand years.

It is also a place where people can meet and talk about the past and present of Jewish culture, the Polish-Jewish history and what it means for the future, and those ready to face stereotypes and fight against xenophobia and nationalistic prejudices that threaten societies today.

By promoting openness, tolerance, and the truth, the POLIN Museum Helps Poles and Jews get along better and respect each other more.

It’s worth noting that the POLIN Museum get sometimes crowded, especially during the summer, and I recommend booking your tickets online before coming.

Lunch at Podwale 25 Kompania Piwna

The last lunch you’ll want to have in town is at Podwale 25 Kompania Piwna, and you’ll love your meal!

Phe food, known for its quality and generous portions, includes popular dishes like soup and potato pancakes. You’ll probably find the portions large, so keep that in mind – I couldn’t finish my dish!

The staff’s kindness, including complimentary drinks, adds to the warmth of the experience. Located in the heart of Warsaw’s Old Town, be prepared to queue outside, but the quality and price point make it worth the wait.

Afternoon: Visit the Wilanow Palace

There seems to be no end to the number of palaces in and around Warsaw. But Wilanów Palace Warsaw is by far one of the most beautiful and striking of them all. The masterpiece was made by King Jan III.

It is painted all over in the perfect shade of lemon and has neoclassical architecture and color. Even though it is farther from the center of the city, it is well worth the trip.

You can go back in time to when Poland was ruled by royalty and feel like a queen as you walk through the beautiful rose gardens. Here’s a look inside Warsaw’s Wilanów Palace.

In case you want a private, comprehensive tour of the Wilanow Palace, which I highly recommend to learn everything about it, check out this one, with an expert guide.

Relax at the Vistula River

Do you know that the Vistula was once a major way to travel and communicate? Grain was brought to Gdansk and goods and sand were taken to the other side of the city in wooden boats.

Today, that is all in the past, but you can go on a cruise to see the city from the river, learn about old traditions, or relax. During the summer, there are many ways to do just that. There are comfortable catamarans, gondolas, and gondolas, as well as traditional flat-bottomed boats and an old boat that can hold dozens of people.

Rent a motorboat or yacht if you want to do something more exciting. Kayaks can also be rented.

All of these boats stop at different places along the Vistula, mostly on the left bank. Most of the time, you can plan your trip and pay for it online.

Things to Know Before Visiting Warsaw

Language: The bulk of Poles speaks Polish, the official language. Younger Poles, particularly in Warsaw and other tourism destinations, know English, so you can get by without Polish.

Currency: Złoty is Poland’s money. Warsaw money exchange is easy and common across Europe. Banks and airport Bureau de Change (Kantor) swap currency. Most hotels and eateries in tourist and business locations take credit cards.

Transport: Warsaw and Poland are easy to navigate. Tourists can walk around the small city. Warsaw has effective bus, tram, metro, cab, and Uber services if you want to spend less time walking. You can bike alone or take a city trip. Due to traffic and parking, renting a car and going alone is not advised.

Safety: Poland is a pretty safe place to visit, but always keep an eye on your belongings, especially if drinking at night.

Best Day Tours from Warsaw

In case you have more than 3 days in Warsaw, or your schedule is flexible, here are some excellent day trips you can take, which are sure to make your trip even more unique.

Auschwitz-Birkenau Full-Day Tour by Car

Get on a profound day trip from Warsaw to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp. This 13-hour day tour, including hotel pickup and drop-off, takes you to one of the most significant sites of World War II.

A knowledgeable guide leads you through the camp, where you’ll learn about the harrowing history of the Holocaust. See the remnants of the genocide, including the notorious chambers and barracks.

The tour emphasizes the importance of remembering the Holocaust and honors the memory of those who perished. While this is indeed a sad day out, it’s one activity I couldn’t recommend enough.

Majdanek Concentration Camp & Lublin Full Day Tour

This full-day private tour from Warsaw combines a visit to the Majdanek Concentration Camp with an exploration of Lublin, a city rich in history and culture.

Majdanek remains one of the best-preserved Nazi camps, offering an insightful look into the Holocaust. The tour includes a walk through the camp, viewing barracks, gas chambers, and the famous, massive monument.

Afterward, enjoy the historical Lublin, wandering through its cobbled streets and majestic buildings. This tour blends the solemn history of Majdanek with a tour of Lublin, providing a comprehensive tour from Warsaw.

Wolf’s Lair Private Day Trip from Warsaw

The Wolf’s Lair day trip from Warsaw takes you to Hitler’s main WWII headquarters, a site nestled in the forests of Northern Poland.

This private tour includes a comfortable car journey, entrance fees, and even lunch. Explore the ruins of bunkers used by key Nazi figures, adding a tangible dimension to your understanding of history.

The tour also includes stops at other important sites like Mamerki bunkers, the Swieta Lipka Sanctuary, and Castle Reszel, offering a broader perspective on the region’s wartime history.

Where to Stay in Warsaw

Last but not least, let’s talk about the accommodation options in this stunning tourist destination, whether you travel on a budget or looking for a premium property.

Luxury: The Westin Warsaw

The Westin Warsaw, centrally located, offers rooms with the Heavenly Bed and panoramic city views. It features a glass elevator, Fusion Restaurant, and JP’s Café & Bar.

Amenities include free internet, a fitness center, sauna, and massage services. Nearby are Saxon Garden, theatres, and museums, with the Old Town less than 2 km away.

Mid-Range: Holiday Inn Warsaw City Centre

Holiday Inn Warsaw City Centre provides rooms with modern amenities and free full board for children under 12. It has a restaurant, fitness center, bar, and lounge.

Services include a 24-hour front desk and room service. Attractions like Warsaw Uprising Museum and Złote Tarasy Shopping Centre are close by.

Budget: Oliwka Hostel

Oliwka Hostel, in central Warsaw, is near Zacheta National Art Gallery and Palace of Culture and Science. It offers a shared kitchen and lounge, with English, Polish, Russian, and Ukrainian spoken at reception.

Attractions like Warsaw University and Grand Theatre are nearby.

Final Thoughts: Warsaw in 3 Days

I hope that this guide has given you a lot of ideas for things to do in Warsaw. Even the quickest routes through Poland include a stop in Warsaw, which is highly recommended.

Learn about the old town’s history, try some traditional Polish delicacies, and overall, have a great time in town.

I hope this ultimate Warsaw itinerary was useful and I hope you’ll enjoy your travels around Poland!