Where to stay in Warsaw - the best locations for tourists

Warsaw is the vibrant capital of Poland and one of the most visited cities for Ukrainians. The main passenger route from Ukraine passes through Warsaw—the trains that our citizens use to reach airports, transfer to trains to Germany and other European countries.

Warsaw is a sprawling city on the Vistula River, almost in the center of Poland, a bit to the east. Warsaw is full of culture, stunning architecture, and parks. There are far more amazing places to visit in Warsaw than you might imagine. To see it all, you need to plan a visit for several days. But even in one day, you can catch some highlights. So you should choose the right district to spend the night.

So many people have the question—where to stay in Warsaw for a few days or during a layover, what to see in this comfortable city so that it is interesting for both adults and children.

I answer all these questions in this post.

Quick guide to Warsaw’s districts

The districts of Warsaw are simply called districts, and there are several neighborhoods radiating from the center, each with its own style.

Old Town. Ironically, Warsaw’s Old Town, which is only about 70 years old, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the perfect place to stay if you’re visiting for the first time.
Śródmieście — this is actually a larger area that fully encompasses the Old Town, and it is the large central part of the city. The name literally means “city center”, and it is quite fitting.
Vistula Riverside – this is everything on both sides of the river near the central part of the city.
Praga is located on the opposite side of the river from the Old Town. This area had a reputation for being dangerous and neglected. But it has changed greatly over the past decades.
Mokotów is located not far south of the city center, but is well connected to the center by the Warsaw metro, buses, and trams.

Old Town – Where to stay in Warsaw for the first time

Ironically, Warsaw’s Old Town is not very old—it’s only about 70 years old. It was destroyed during World War II and, after the liberation of Warsaw, rebuilt again. And now it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the perfect place to stay if you are visiting for the first time.

This is the center of all tourist activity in the city, and also this district is incredibly picturesque.

The Old Town is surrounded by restored medieval walls, which make for a great walking route. Take some time to explore the Barbican — the defensive gate. Its design was meant to repel attackers or lure them into a trap if they tried to attack it.

The Market Square in the middle of the Old Town is one of those classic European squares. Stand in the center and turn around, admiring the colors and style that surround you.

Here is also the Royal Castle, where you can go back to the times of Poland’s last king.
The Old Town is a great place to find all the traditional Polish dishes—try bigos, a hunter’s stew!

What to see and do in the Old Town:

Relax on the Old Market Square and immerse yourself in the city’s atmosphere.
Take a walk around the Old Town walls and learn more about the old defense tactics they showcase.
Get a history lesson in the Royal Castle.
Immerse yourself in Polish culture at the Adam Mickiewicz Museum of Literature.
Sample Polish dishes at one of the many street stalls.

Hotels in Warsaw’s Old Town

Warsaw Old Town Apt≫ – Modern and stylish interior design, excellent location, everything you need in the apartment. Comfortable check-in/check-out.
Pokoje Gościnne Dom Literatury≫ – Quiet, calm, clean and hospitable. The hotel is located in the “old” part of the city. Far from everyday hustle and bustle.
Cute apartment in the historic old town of Warsaw≫ – Location in the very center of the Old Town. Small apartments, but very cozy.

Śródmieście – Where to stay in Warsaw on a budget

Śródmieście — this is actually a larger district that fully encompasses the Old Town, and it is the central part of the city. The name literally means “city center”, and it is quite accurate.

Considered the busiest area, it’s the best place to stay in Warsaw if you’re on a budget. Not only is accommodation quite cheap here, but all the major sights are within walking distance. Many of these attractions are free.

The eastern border of Śródmieście runs along the riverbank. This is also the center of nightlife, as well as the location of all Old Town history. The universities and higher education institutions in Śródmieście further contribute to the youthful atmosphere of the area.

In Śródmieście, you will also find Poznańska Street, part of which is full of bars and restaurants. It is especially known for Middle Eastern cuisine. If you simply want to have a drink, then Plac Zbawiciela—here you can spend the zlotys you saved on accommodation.

What you can see and do in Śródmieście:

Climb to the top of the tallest building in Warsaw, the Palace of Culture and Science, for city views.
Visit the Museum of the History of Polish Jews.
Relax after sightseeing in Ujazdowski Park, the city’s most picturesque park.
Check out the Chopin Benches throughout the Old Town, which play music by this famous son of Warsaw.
Be sure to visit the Warsaw University Library Garden.

Accommodation in Śródmieście

Coser Apartamenty Centrum – great apartment, 5 minutes’ walk from the metro, buses and trams are also nearby, 15 minutes to the central station.
Safestay Warsaw Old Town – hostel with a perfect location right in the city center. Despite this, street noise can’t be heard in the room. They offer a decent breakfast, and there are curtains on the beds.
Capital Apartments – Centrum – Pokorna – Good location, not far from the center, but the area is quiet and comfortable. There is a shopping center nearby, a supermarket in the building, and cafes are close by.

Vistula Riverside – the best area to stay in Warsaw for nightlife

Vistula Riverside – this is everything on both sides of the river near the central part of the city. In the end, this is a great area to relax in the summer when the sun is shining and the summer beaches on the Vistula open. However, there is something interesting here all year round, so don’t worry if you are coming at the end of the year.

By day, the riverbanks are a great place for cycling, picnics, and relaxing under the trees. On weekends, there are also free yoga classes. This is the best area in Warsaw for nightlife, as many bars and restaurants are located along the riverfront.

Beaches naturally mean beach bars. On the other side, there are party barges for those who want to cruise or party until dawn.

If you can’t choose which side of the river you want to be on, there’s a free ferry running during the day.

What you can see and do on the Vistula riverbank:

Visit the 30-minute fountain park water-light-sound show every Friday and Saturday at 21:30.
Take a photo with the Warsaw Mermaid—actually a Syrenka, the statue of the legendary guardian of the city—she looks nothing like the modest one in Copenhagen.
Enjoy afternoon music at the beach bar.
Hop on the free ferry and explore all the Vistula’s sights.
With kids, be sure to visit the Copernicus Science Centre—there are very interesting exhibits and installations there.

Accommodation near the Vistula riverside:

ibis Styles Warszawa Centrum≫ – Wonderful place: bright, clean, convenient. Tasty breakfast, convenient location near the Vistula, friendly staff.
Hotel Logos≫ – The hotel is located on the riverbank, but it’s better to take a room facing the inner courtyard, there it is very cozy and comfortable.
MARIENSZTAT 8 Aparthotel≫ – Perfectly located apartments in the very heart of Warsaw. Good sizes and room cleanliness, windows to the courtyard and with castle views (especially beautiful in the evening), quiet and cozy.

Praga – The coolest place to stay in Warsaw

Praga is on the other side of the river, once considered a dangerous area of Warsaw. As with many districts considered undesirable, low rents attracted young people and creative types. This led to a cultural revival in the area and earned it the title of the coolest district to live in Warsaw!

Although the streets themselves look unchanged from the 1940s, with the same bullet holes, if you dig deeper, you can find true artistic gems.

From the outside, a building may look neglected, but the courtyards inside are a riot of color and greenery.

“Soho Factory” is a new addition to Warsaw, but no visitor to Praga should miss it. Combining a gallery, exhibition center, and educational institution, it aims to develop and showcase artistic expression outside a museum setting.

You can browse the stalls at the Różycki Bazaar, the city’s oldest market. Or go to the alternative cinema “Kino Praga” and hope you’re there at the right time for one of their eclectic festivals or events!

What you can see and do in the Praga district:

See all the fluorescent exhibits at the Neon Museum.
Enjoy art at Soho Factory.
Stroll through the alleyways of Różycki Bazaar, which has existed since the 19th century.
Try Polish vodka at the site of the old Warsaw Vodka Factory, in the alternative bars on Zabkowska Street.
Go with kids to the Warsaw Zoo, which is located nearby on the Vistula riverbank.

Accommodation in the Praga district:

V Ajax Park National Stadium≫ – Very clean, cozy apartment with modern design, located near the stadium.
SuperApart Urugwajska Apt 38≫ – Modern, comfortable accommodation, conveniently located. Fully equipped with all necessary appliances, quite spacious. Everything is there to enjoy your stay.
Aline Apart≫ – Well-equipped, clean, nicely decorated room.

Mokotów – the best district in Warsaw for a family vacation

Mokotów is a bit south of the city center, but is served by the Warsaw metro, buses, and trams. It has great public transport links and plenty of green spaces. It is the most populated district of Warsaw, where local people actually live.

This area of Warsaw is best for staying with children because of the variety of entertainment it offers. There is a free sculpture park called “Królikarnia“.

Lake Czerniakowskie is a safe lake like a swimming pool, popular in summer, offering a respite from the urban heat. The lake is in the center of a nature reserve with plenty of cycle paths, perfect for children’s play.

Mokotów offers a large choice of excellent restaurants, bars, and shops, and its location far from tourist routes means that prices are not inflated for foreigners.

And if the kids are fed up with nature and history, let them relax at the aquapark and entertainment centers Park Wodny Warszawianka and Fun Park Digiloo, conveniently located next to each other!

What you can see and do in Mokotów:

See the crazy works of art on display at Królikarnia.
Beat the heat by swimming in Czerniakowskie Lake.
Spend a day of wild fun at “Warszawianka” Park and “Digiloo” amusement park.
Try traditional Polish food in one of the Bar Mleczny (Milk Bar).
Learn about the past at the Museum of Polish Military Technology.

Hotels and apartments in Mokotów:

New Life Apartment next to Metro Station≫ – This is a very good option for a short stay in Warsaw. Cheap, comfortable, and close to the metro.
Labo Apartment Niepodległości≫ – Apartment close to the park for a small family, 4 separate beds—comfortable. Clean linen and towels in the wardrobe for everyone. Everything necessary for a kitchen, including a microwave.
Noli Mokotow≫ – The room is small, but there is everything for a comfortable stay, the kitchen has everything you need to cook for yourself. Very nice price.

Bonus: hotels near Warsaw Central Station:

Hampton by Hilton Warsaw City Centre≫ – hotel near the central station (5 minutes on foot).
Mercure Warszawa Centrum≫ – reliable four-star hotel opposite the station, also five minutes on foot.
Magnetic apartment Jerozolimskie B≫ – very nice affordable family apartments two blocks from the station.

Hotels near Chopin Airport in Warsaw

If you are planning a night layover or an early morning flight at Chopin Airport in Warsaw, it is better to stay at a hotel near the airport. Anyway, at night, there is nothing open in the city except night transport. It’s especially nice to rest this way when you are traveling with young children.

Courtyard by Marriott Warsaw Airport and Renaissance Warsaw Airport Hotel – both hotels are located across the street from the airport.
Hampton by Hilton Warsaw Airport – 1 km from the airport, but walking here will not be convenient.
Tuyo Apartments Bokserska – apartments, very good for families, located across from the airport, you can walk or take a taxi in 5 minutes.

Useful articles and links:

Rent a car – on Rentalcars.com
Green card and Tourist health insurance for trips abroad – online on the portal HotlineFinance
Hotel and apartment bookings – Booking.com

Where to stay and what to see in Warsaw – the best locations for tourists

Quick guide to Warsaw’s districts