So, you’re planning a trip to Poland, huh? I bet you’re curious about the best spots to stay in Warsaw. Personally, I’m a big fan of the Srodmiescie district and the Old Town – they’re just fantastic. But hey, these aren’t the only gems in Warsaw. Keen to dive deeper into what makes each of these areas unique?
Compared to other European capitals, Warsaw is a steal for accommodations. Sure, like most cities, the downtown area, which includes Srodmiescie and the Old Town, tends to be pricier. But if you’re like me and love a good deal, venturing a bit further out pays off.
Areas like Praga Poludnie and Zoliborz offer great value for your money. And let’s not forget about Mokotow or Wilanow – staying here won’t break the bank and you’ll still get to experience the charm of Warsaw. Let’s explore them together, one by one.
1. Śródmieście, the best are in Warsaw for nightlife
Srodmiescie, like any city center, is a bustling hub where everything’s at your fingertips. I love that you can find most of Warsaw’s attractions here, not to mention the plethora of dining and drinking options. It’s also a hub for academia with universities like the Warsaw University of Technology and the Medical University.
For entertainment, Srodmiescie has it all – from theaters (mostly in Polish, but hey, culture!) to cinemas (great for English-language movies), and plenty of outdoor events when the weather’s nice.
Pro tip: Check out the Palace of Culture and Science in the city’s main square. It’s a hotspot for outdoor events and has a diverse range of movie screenings.
Just a stone’s throw away is the Old Town. Though part of the center, it feels like a world of its own with its unique architecture and ambience.
And if you’re into nightlife, Srodmiescie is the place to be. Warsaw’s nightlife is arguably one of the best in Eastern Europe. Most bars close early, but in the center, you’ll find places like Plan B and others around Plac Zbawiciela that stay open later.
Accommodation options are diverse, with a large number of apartments that are generally more affordable than hotels.
Best Hotels in Śródmieście
- (€€€) Novotel Warszawa Centrum (⭐ 8.7)
- (€€) ibis Styles Warszawa Centrum (⭐ 9.0)
- (€) BackPack Apart Rooms (⭐ 8.1)
2. Old Town, the best area to stay in Warsaw
The historic center of Warsaw, stretching along the Vistula River, is a marvel. It was completely destroyed during World War II, but the Poles rebuilt it from scratch. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s a magnet for tourists, especially around the bustling Rynek Starego Miasta or Market Square, where you’ll find the iconic Mermaid’s Statue.
In the Old Town, there’s so much to see – the Royal Castle, Sigismund’s Column, the remnants of medieval walls, St. John’s Cathedral, the semi-circular Barbican fortress, the Jewish Museum, and even the old Town Hall. It’s like stepping back in time.
The area is dotted with quaint shops, bars, cafes, and traditional restaurants (a bit touristy, but still charming). For a quick bite, I absolutely recommend Falla in one of the narrow streets – it’s a gem.
Don’t miss a stroll down Nowy Świat, the central artery bursting with dining options. At night, it transforms into a lively strip where the bars are bustling. If you’re a beer aficionado, PiwPaw Beer Heaven on this street is a must-visit.
Being central, public transport is plentiful here, making it easy to explore the modern parts of Srodmiescie, which are just a short walk away.
Accommodation prices in the Old Town are on the higher side, similar to Srodmiescie. The notable difference? It lacks the ultra-modern hotels found in other parts of the neighborhood. But the charm more than makes up for it.
Best Hotels in Old Town
- (€€€) Castle Inn (⭐ 8.5)
- (€€) Świętojańska Old Town Deluxe Apartament (⭐ 8.7)
- (€) Warsaw Story – LoftAffair Collection (⭐ 8.8)
3. Wola, best area in Warsaw for families
West of Srodmiescie lies Wola, a neighborhood teeming with life, the fourth most densely populated in Warsaw. Incorporated into the city in the 19th century, it was once an industrial area but has since transformed into a bustling residential neighborhood with offices and delightful green spaces.
Just a 30-minute walk from the center, it’s well-connected by public transport, including a night route straight to the heart of the action.
Choosing to stay here offers a plethora of things to do and see. Don’t miss the Warsaw Uprising Museum – a must-visit in my book. Another gem is the Powązki Cemetery, resting place of many famous Poles and those who perished in World War II.
The area boasts beautiful parks perfect for families with kids. Park Moczydło is my top pick.
This neighborhood offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly to luxury hotels.
I stayed here on my last trip to Warsaw and couldn’t have been happier. The prices are affordable, and with cheap and readily available taxis, getting around is a breeze without breaking the bank.
Best Hotels in Wola
- (€€€) Holiday Inn – Warsaw City Centre, an IHG Hotel (⭐ 9.1)
- (€€) Warsaw Apartments – Luxury Top-view Aparthotel (⭐ 8.0)
- (€) ibis Warszawa Centrum (⭐ 8.5)
4. Praga-Północ
Praga-Północ is nestled along the right bank of the Vistula River, opposite Srodmiescie. Once an autonomous city, it became part of Warsaw in the 18th century.
You’ll find an array of art studios, galleries, markets, and designer boutiques here. A highlight is Soho Factory, a sprawling complex with museums, art galleries, and fashion boutiques that add a unique flavor to the area.
Francuska Street is the main artery, lined with diverse restaurants, bars, and cafes. Don’t miss the Viet Street Food Bistro tucked away in one of the alleys – it’s a culinary treat.
Key attractions include the Neon Museum, the zoo, the Cathedral of St. Mary Magdalene and Różycki Market. It’s a neighborhood rich in sights and experiences.
Praga offers a vibrant nightlife, though it’s wise to steer clear of the more isolated areas. It’s conveniently close to Srodmiescie – just a river crossing away. You can get to the city center easily by metro, bus, or tram.
Accommodation costs here are more budget-friendly compared to other districts across the Vistula.
Best Hotels in Praga-Północ
- (€€) Hotel Hetman (⭐ 8.7)
- (€€) Apartamenty Media Park (⭐ 8.7)
- (€) Hotel Felix (⭐ 8.3)
5. Mokotów, where to stay in Warsaw with kids
Right at the northern edge of Warsaw’s urban center, you’ll find Mokotów, a neighborhood that’s blossomed into one of the city’s most populous areas. It joined Warsaw’s fold in 1916 and has since grown from a sparsely populated area to a bustling part of town.
This neighborhood is a mix of modern residential areas, corporate headquarters, and several embassies. It’s a great spot for families, offering a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.
Green spaces are plentiful here. Arkadia Park and Royal Lazienki Park are local favorites. The latter is the city’s largest park, featuring a botanical garden, a serene lake, and a palace complex. Also, don’t miss out on historical sites like the Rakowiecka prison built by the Russians, the elegant Pałac Szustra, and the Saint Andrew Bobola church.
Located about 8 kilometers from the Old Town and city center, it’s well-connected by public transport, though taxis are a surprisingly affordable option in Warsaw.
The area offers a wide range of hotels, catering to various budgets, making it an excellent choice for an economical stay in Warsaw.
Best Hotels in Mokotów
- (€€) Vienna House by Wyndham Mokotow Warsaw (⭐ 9.1)
- (€€) Hotel Reytan (⭐ 8.9)
- (€) o3Hotel (⭐ 8.7)
6. Zoliborz, best area to stay in Warsaw on a budget
Tucked away on the left bank of the Vistula River, just north of Warsaw’s city center, is Zoliborz, a charming, smaller neighborhood. Despite its compact size, it’s brimming with parks and green spaces. Kaskada, Stefan Żeromsk, Sady Żoliborskie, and Kepa Potocka are just a few of the lush spots where you can relax and reconnect with nature.
This area isn’t just about scenic parks; it’s also rich in religious heritage, boasting significant churches that add to its historical tapestry.
Another gem here is the Warsaw Citadel, constructed by order of Tsar Nicholas I. Today, it stands as a proud symbol of the Polish capital’s resilience and history.
When it comes to accommodations, this neighborhood might not offer the variety found in other parts of Warsaw, but it’s perfect for budget-friendly stays.
Best Hotels in Zoliborz
- (€€€) FIRST — Green Żoliborz (⭐ 9.4)
- (€€) Amicus Żoliborz (⭐ 8.4)
- (€) HomeHostel (⭐ 8.7)
7. Wilanów
Southeast of central Warsaw, just past Mokotow on the western bank of the Vistula River, lies a neighborhood that’s one of the largest yet surprisingly less densely populated. Its crown jewel is the stunning Museum of King Jan III’s Palace.
Often dubbed the “Polish Versailles,” this palace proudly withstood the ravages of World War II bombings. Inside, it’s a treasure trove of vast rooms, the Polish Portrait Gallery, the Museum of Interiors, and an extensive library. An afternoon visit here is magical, especially before closing time when the gardens are lit with colorful lights, offering a starkly beautiful contrast to its daytime persona.
It’s the farthest from the Old Town, about thirteen kilometers away, but well-connected to the city center via public transport. While not my top recommendation, it’s a worthy visit if you’re exploring beyond the earlier mentioned areas.
- (€€€) SuperApart Wilanów (⭐ 8.3)
- (€€) Wilanów Residence Apartments (⭐ 8.3)
- (€) Warsaw Apartments – Apartamenty Wilanów (⭐ 8.6)