You don’t need to spend a fortune to discover the wonders of Warsaw! It’s a fairly cheap city as it is, but this list will help you find many exceptional yet typical local spots that don’t cost a thing. Plus, you can spend the money you save on yummy Polish food and awesome beer!
1. Take a walk along Brzeska Street
This area isn’t considered to be the nicest part of the city, but that’s what makes it so authentic. The rusty pre-war houses are simply charming, and really take you back in time. The area also features some cool street art. Peek inside the backyards to find some old yet well-cared-for shrines of St. Mary.
2. Spend a Sunday morning at Bazar Olimpia
Who doesn’t like a good old flea market? Bazar Olimpia is the best one in Warsaw, and visiting it on Sunday mornings has become a tradition for many locals. In my opinion, flea markets are atmospheric places perfect for people watching. Sure, you can do some shopping here as well – you’re guaranteed to find some unique and unexpected souvenirs.
3. Admire the great MDM
MDM stands for Marszałkowska Housing District. Located in the heart of Warsaw, it was the showpiece district built by the Party to house good communists. In the 50s, it was the dream district of every proper working class housewife. Nowadays, it’s an excellent example of early socialist realist architecture. Take a walk around and admire the great sculptures of socialist heroes, the monumental lampposts at Plac Konstytucji and the main marching route along Marszałkowska Street.
4. Travel back in time at the Neon Museum
A museum dedicated to neon signs – how fun is that?! This place is something of a time machine, taking you back to Poland in the 60s and 70s when the streets were lit up with all kinds of colourful and playful neon signs, either for propaganda purposes or as advertisements for restaurants and bars. The signs on display are small pieces of art, created by the best graphic designers of the era. There’s an admission fee for the museum, but it’s just €2.50.
5. Visit the restored Royal Castle
The Royal Castle is the best example of the fine rebuilding process in the Old Town. It reopened in 1979 after being completely destroyed during WWII. The restoration work is magnificent, and if you didn’t know about it, you could easily think that the castle was built centuries ago. Inside, there’s a collection of Bernardo Bellotto paintings and historical pictures of Warsaw. Bear in mind that admission is free only on Sundays.
6. Take a relaxing walk through Royal Łazienki
Royal Łazienki is one of the biggest and most beautiful parks in Warsaw. It’s an absolute must-see. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t sit, picnic or walk on the perfectly manicured lawn. During the summer season (May–September), you can enjoy free live Chopin piano concerts on Sundays at noon. Special tip: keep your eyes open for squirrels and deer!
7. Find The Rainbow
This controversial rainbow-shaped monument was erected in 2012 as a symbol of love, peace, hope and equality. It was burnt down a few times, but has always been restored. It’s located on the beautiful Plac Zbawiciela aka Plac Hipstera. Sit down with a cup of coffee and enjoy the sight of the rainbow!
8. Spend a day at the Vistula beaches
Warsaw locals love spending sunny days on the Vistula beaches. The area is located near the city centre and is becoming even livelier, with new bars and cafés popping up. If you feel like spending a lazy day at the beach without having to travel far from the city, this is the place for you!
9. Discover the secret garden of Warsaw University Library
The Warsaw University Library hides a fairy-tale garden on its premises. The lower garden features a fish pond and a stream, while the upper garden has a spectacular display of plants arranged according to colour. From the upper garden, you’ll get a beautiful panoramic view of the city. The lower garden is open to the public every day, while the upper garden is closed during the winter season (November–March).
10. Learn some local history at the Warsaw Uprising Museum
This museum is a must for anyone who wants to learn about the history of Warsaw and to understand the city’s past and present. The Warsaw Uprising of 1944 was probably the most important event in the tragic history of Poland’s capital. Those 63 days of glory, even though they resulted in a terrible loss, shaped the city forever. Note that admission is only free on Sundays.
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