Marija Petrushevska 
Warsaw is probably one of the most underrated capital cities in Europe when you consider the number of historical attractions, gorgeous architecture, and tons of great local restaurants and bars. If this sounds like a city you’d like to explore, it’s time to think about where to stay in Warsaw.
During my student years, I spent a semester living and studying in Poland, and I visited Warsaw on a couple of occasions. So, based on my experience and some extra research, I selected the 6 top places to stay in Warsaw for every type of traveler.
The best area to stay in Warsaw is Old Town (Stare Miasto in Polish), featuring impressive architecture and some of the most significant historical attractions, plus some of the best hotels in Warsaw.
Besides talking about the ultimate Warsaw neighborhoods, I also provide handpicked hotel recommendations for each area and any budget. All you need to do is hurry up and make reservations – Warsaw hotels sell out quickly!
Let’s get started!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Want to book now? Check out the best hotels in Warsaw, Poland, all situated in the Old Town area:
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Old Town (Stare Miasto) – where to stay for first-timers
- 2. New Town – best area to stay in Warsaw on a budget
- 3. Powisle – where to stay in Warsaw for luxury travelers
- 4. Stara Praga – the coolest area to stay in Warsaw, Poland
- 5. Mokotow – where to stay in Warsaw for families
- 6. Ujazdów – best place to stay in Warsaw for relaxation
- FAQs about where to stay in Warsaw, Poland
- Final thoughts on the best places to stay in Warsaw
Here’s a map to help you visualize the 6 Warsaw neighborhoods I’ll be talking about in this post:
- Old Town (Stare Miasto): for first-timers
- New Town: on a budget
- Powisle: for luxury travelers
- Stara Praga: the coolest area
- Mokotow: for families
- Ujazdów: for relaxation
1. Old Town (Stare Miasto) – where to stay for first-timers
Warsaw’s Old Town, also called Stare Miasto, is the ultimate spot to learn about the culture and history of Warsaw. Plus, you’ll be super close to the major attractions of the city. The Old Town has a very vibrant and lively atmosphere and plenty of restaurants and hotels, making it the best place to stay in Warsaw for the first time.
Old Town is recognizable for its colorful houses, historic buildings, and charming cobbled streets. Better yet, this is one of Warsaw’s most walkable neighborhoods, so you can easily explore on foot. Some of the small streets can’t even accommodate vehicles, so this is a great place to stay if you’re traveling without a car.
FUN FACT: Did you know that the Old Town you see now is an exact replica of the one they had before WW2? Yes, over 85% of the historic center was destroyed in the war, but they meticulously restored everything!
Like in many other cities in Poland, the Old Town in Warsaw is centered around a large square – Rynek Starego Miasta (map). Here, you can walk around, admire the colorful buildings, snap some photos, and taste delicious Polish food in the local restaurants surrounding the square. Then, you can continue exploring the rest of Old Town!
One of the first things that will catch your attention in Warsaw’s Old Town is the Palace of Culture and Science (map), the tallest building in Warsaw, dating back to the communist era. You can admire the building from the outside, or you can visit and go up to the viewing terrace to admire the best views of Warsaw – tickets are available here.
TIP: If you like chasing nice views, I recommend going up to Punkt Widokowy (map). This lovely scenic spot provides good views of the Old Town and the Vistula River – I really enjoyed it!
The next thing on your ‘to-visit list’ should be The Royal Castle in Warsaw (map), an impressive 14th-century palace situated around Castle Square (map). Other cool things you can explore around here are Sigismund’s Column (map), the Warsaw Royal Castle Gardens (map), and the Archcathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist (map).
For all of the museum buffs out there, I recommend paying a visit to the Museum of Warsaw, a cool history museum that’s spread across 11 townhouses, and The Warsaw Rising Museum, showcasing Poland’s fight for independence. But if you’re in the mood for something more fun, there’s the Museum World of Illusion!
If you still have time left over during your visit, I encourage you to check out the Warsaw Barbican (map), an old castle wall, the Field Cathedral of the Polish Army (map), and the Mały Powstaniec (map) statue, honoring the child soldiers that fought in WWII.
Old Town was truly stunning, and it’s definitely the ultimate place to stay in Warsaw. But before you book your stay, there’s something I need to warn you about – the tourists. Warsaw’s Old Town is always full of tourists, so get ready to face the crowds!
Now, let’s have a look at the best hotels in Warsaw Old Town:
A 5-star hotel in the heart of Warsaw, offering access to a fitness center, a garden, and a restaurant, as well as other benefits like room service and private parking. Breakfast is served daily and you’ll have several options to choose from.
Other accommodation options in Old Town
This boutique hotel has a very central location in Old Town and offers themed rooms and a nice common space
This hotel is well connected to Warsaw Central Station and has comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi
Located near Castle Square, this Airbnb has beautifully decorated rooms with a charming city view and a fully furnished kitchen
Things to do in Old Town
- Snap some photos of the main square, Rynek Starego Miasta
- Enjoy the views from the viewing terrace of the Palace of Culture and Science
- Go up to the Punkt Widokowy scenic spot
- Visit The Royal Castle in Warsaw and the Warsaw Royal Castle Gardens
- Roam around Castle Square and stop to admire Sigismund’s Column
- Enjoy a traditional Polish meal at the Bazyliszek Restaurant (map)
- Learn more at the Museum of Warsaw and The Warsaw Rising Museum
- Spend a fun afternoon at the Museum World of Illusion
- Stop by the Warsaw Barbican and the Field Cathedral of the Polish Army
- Pay your respects at the Mały Powstaniec statue
2. New Town – best area to stay in Warsaw on a budget
New Town, also known as Nowe Miasto in Polish, is located just 1 km (0,5 miles) North of Warsaw Old Town. This neighborhood is quieter and more local than Old Town, and very budget-friendly – there are many affordable hotels and restaurants, and you can reach many notable attractions on foot!
The best way to start exploring New Town is by checking out its main attraction – the Multimedialny Park Fontann (map). This large water fountain consists of more than 300 water jets that create a light and music show every evening after dark.
Another notable attraction in this part of Warsaw is Fort Legionów (map), an impressive circular fort, and there’s also the Warsaw Uprising Monument (map), commemorating the anti-Nazi resistance fighters.
If you want to relax for a bit, go for a walk in Romuald Traugutt Park (map). Or if you want to immerse yourself in some science, definitely visit the Maria Skłodowska-Curie Museum.
Compared to Old Town, Warsaw’s New Town doesn’t have as many attractions, so you might still be looking for things to do. If so, I recommend exploring some of the nearby neighborhoods, specifically the modern neighborhood of Muranów (map) and the more residential Żoliborz (map).
Both of these neighborhoods can be easily reached by walking and via public transport. Warsaw has excellent public transportation that consists of buses, trams, subways, and SKM trains, and it’s quite easy to use. Once you reach Muranów, you can start learning about Jewish history at the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews or the Pawiak Prison Museum. In Żoliborz, you can check out the Polish Army Museum or just walk around the neighborhood and enjoy the calm atmosphere.
This 5-star hotel is one of the best hotels in Warsaw, offering a great spa center, an indoor swimming pool, an airport shuttle, and comfortable rooms. You will love the fancy dining area with a great selection of gourmet foods and wines. The metro station and main city attractions are within walking distance – another big plus!
Other accommodation options in New Town
This hotel offers modern rooms, an onsite restaurant, a bar, and free Wi-Fi, and has friendly and helpful staff
Perfect boho chic apartments with a kitchenette, private bathroom, and free parking, all for an affordable price
This Airbnb offers easy access to the main city attractions and has very nicely decorated rooms with a view
Things to do in New Town
- See the evening show at the Multimedialny Park Fontann
- Visit the Fort Legionów and the Warsaw Uprising Monument
- Learn more about scientific discoveries at the Maria Skłodowska-Curie Museum
- Walk along the Warsaw Ghetto boundary markers (map)
- Visit the POLIN Museum or the Pawiak Prison Museum in Muranów
- Check out the Polish Army Museum in Żoliborz
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3. Powisle – where to stay in Warsaw for luxury travelers
Set right by the river, Powisle is located just 2 km (1 mile) South of Warsaw Old Town and is a very posh area that offers upscale restaurants and hotels. That’s why if you are wondering where to stay in Warsaw as a luxury traveler, there is no better place than Powisle!
NOTE: Old Town, New Town, and Powisle are actually part of a larger district called Srodmiescie, meaning the 3 neighborhoods are closely connected.
In Powisle, you can expect to find luxury boutiques, chic restaurants, and bars, as well as riverside cafes. The most charming thing about this area is that you will find most of the main attractions by the waterfront, such as the symbol of the Warsaw city, the Mermaid’s Statue (map).
Then your next stop should be the Copernicus Science Centre, which hosts a very cool planetarium (just make sure to buy a ticket in advance) and a lovely bistro. From there, head to the Warsaw University Library Garden (map), a unique rooftop garden set atop the library building.
One of the best things you can do in Powiśle is take a long stroll along the Vistula Boulevards (map). Situated right along the Vistula River, this walkway is the perfect place for a walk, and if you get tired, you can stop and rest at one of the cafes.
Yet another great place for a walk is Park Kazimierzowski (map), and if you’re in the mood for shopping (and food!), you need to spend at least a few hours at Elektrownia Powiśle (map), a popular shopping mall. While in Powiśle, visit the Museum of Fryderyk Chopin in Warsaw and the Presidential Palace (map), situated on the outskirts of the neighborhood. Other cool spots to visit nearby include the National Museum in Warsaw and the Saxon Garden (map), where you’ll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (map).
Hotel Bristol Warsaw is a 5-star hotel with amazing historic architecture and interior design that will make you feel like you are staying in a royal palace. There is a fancy terrace lounge to watch epic city views, an indoor swimming pool, a spa, and an upscale restaurant. All of the rooms have luxurious amenities and great views.
Other accommodation options in Powisle
A 3-star hotel with a 24-hour front desk, air-conditioned rooms with satellite TV and private bathrooms, and luggage storage space
This hostel offers cheaper rooms near the city center and within walking distance of Warsaw Central Railway station
This Airbnb has a great location near the city center and has beautifully decorated rooms, a kitchen, and free Wi-Fi
Things to do in Powisle
- Stop to admire the Mermaid’s Statue
- Visit the Copernicus Science Centre and attend a planetarium show
- Admire the plants and the views from the Warsaw University Library Garden
- Go for a stroll along the Vistula Boulevards
- Relax in Park Kazimierzowski
- Get a drink from an old ticket office at Warszawa Powiśle (map)
- Do some shopping at Elektrownia Powiśle
- Visit the Museum of Fryderyk Chopin in Warsaw and the Presidential Palace
- Explore the collections at the National Museum in Warsaw
- Find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Saxon Garden
4. Stara Praga – the coolest area to stay in Warsaw, Poland
Stara Praga is located just across the Vistula River from the Old Town, about a 30-min walk East. If you like graffiti-lined streets, bustling nightlife, and cool cafes, you will love Stara Praga!
Start your day with a stroll along the Vistula River and check out the historic buildings and old warehouses turned into hipster cafes and bars. Discover the street art around every corner, have delicious local foods in cool restaurants, and visit some museums and art galleries – I particularly recommend The Praga Museum of Warsaw.
This area truly has something for everyone! If you’re into shopping, Galeria Wileńska (map) is the ideal spot for you. For architecture lovers, a visit to the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel and St. Florian the Martyr (map) is a must, but if you like parks and open spaces, Park Praski (map) on the outskirts of the area features sculptures of bears and giraffes.
If you go a bit further into Park Praski, you’ll reach the City Zoological Garden in Warsaw, a huge zoo that’s home to more than 3,000 animals and over 300 different species. In my opinion, this is one of the best places to visit in Warsaw, especially if you’re traveling with kids!
For all the foodies out there, I recommend Boska Praga (map), an eclectic restaurant offering different promotions each day, and Pyzy Flaki Gorące (map), a laid-back eatery serving delicious dumplings. And if you’re looking to join the Warsaw nightlife scene, Skład Butelek (map) is a super popular and cool live music venue, and W Oparach Absurdu. (map) is a colorful pub where you can enjoy delicious drinks and pierogi.
Situated a short drive away from Stara Praga, in the wider Praga Pólnoc area, this 4-star hotel features a restaurant, a bar, and a business center. Other services provided at the property include airport transfers, a 24-hour front desk, room service, and luggage storage.
Other accommodation options in Stara Praga
Each room at this 3-star hotel is classically furnished and features a private bathroom and satellite TV
A modern hostel offering private rooms with either en suite or shared bathrooms, a bar, and a restaurant
Well-connected to the city center, this Airbnb has a modern interior with great amenities and a balcony overlooking a park
Things to do in Stara Praga
- Visit The Praga Museum of Warsaw
- Spend an afternoon shopping at Galeria Wileńska
- Admire the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel and St. Florian the Martyr
- See the bear and giraffe sculptures at Park Praski
- Meet the animals at the City Zoological Garden in Warsaw
- Have a delicious dinner at Boska Praga or Pyzy Flaki Gorące
- Enjoy the live music at Skład Butelek and at the W Oparach Absurdu.
5. Mokotow – where to stay in Warsaw for families
Mokotow is a residential neighborhood located 7 km (5 miles) South of Old Town, and thanks to its family-friendly attractions and hotels, it is my top pick for families (and for couples) visiting Warsaw! It is a very green area with many lush parks where you can find great kids’ playgrounds, fun attractions, and even puppet shows.
Start your day with a morning stroll at the beautiful Arkadia Park (map), which hosts a museum and a sculpture garden. Then, learn about the history and culture by checking out the great museums, like the Museum of Polish Military Technology (not suitable for very young kids) and the Xawery Dunikowski Museum, an impressive sculpture museum.
But if there’s one thing the kids will certainly love, it’s the Warszawianka Water Park. This is a huge complex featuring a pool, water slides, and a variety of spa and wellness services – it’ll be fun for the parents, too! Another kid-friendly attraction is the Fun Park Digiloo, an indoor playground where the little ones can try many fun activities.
If you’re a shopping enthusiast, Mokotów won’t disappoint! The Westfield Mokotów (map) and Sadyba Best Mall (map) are 2 great shopping malls featuring a variety of stores and laid-back eateries.
If you find yourself with a free morning, visit the adjacent district of Wilanów – it’s just a 25-min drive away. Here, you can visit the Museum of King Jan III’s Palace at Wilanów, with its gorgeous landscaped park and baroque gardens. My last piece of advice for staying in Mokotow would be to rent a car; this neighborhood is a bit further away from the city center, and even though public transport is available, a car is more convenient – especially if you’re traveling with family!
An upscale hotel featuring family rooms and luxurious facilities such as a sauna, a fitness center, and a restaurant. Other perks include room service, a delicious buffet breakfast, private parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Baby cots and extra beds for toddlers are provided on request and are free of charge.
Other accommodation options in Mokotow
This hotel has modern, family-friendly rooms with a kitchen and Wi-Fi and is within walking distance of the metro station
The hotel features stylish rooms with modern amenities, a fitness center, a bar, and a good breakfast
Located near the metro station, this Airbnb offers modern rooms, a fully furnished kitchen, and free parking
Things to do in Mokotow
- Explore the gorgeous Arkadia Park and its sculpture garden
- Visit the Museum of Polish Military Technology
- Admire the sculptures at the Xawery Dunikowski Museum
- Have some water adventures at the Warszawianka Water Park
- Take the kids to play at the Fun Park Digiloo
- Walk around the Mokotów Fort (map) and check out some of the restaurants
- Go shopping at Westfield Mokotów or Sadyba Best Mall
- Stop by the Museum of King Jan III’s Palace at Wilanów
6. Ujazdów – best place to stay in Warsaw for relaxation
The Ujazdów area is a large and serene neighborhood situated a 20-min drive South of Old Town, and it’s the ultimate place to stay in Warsaw if you want to unwind and relax. During my visit to Warsaw, I stayed near Ujazdów, in Ochota, and had a chance to explore this amazing area.
The highlight of the Ujazdów area is the Royal Łazienki Park (map) – this was my absolute favorite place in Warsaw! It’s a stunning park with lots of greenery and cute animals like squirrels and peacocks, and the best thing about it is that bicycles, scooters, or roller skates are not allowed in the park – you can just walk and enjoy the scenery.
Within the park, there are more cool places you can explore, such as the Chinese Garden (map), the University of Warsaw Botanic Garden (map), and Ujazdów Castle. But by far the most impressive is the Palace on the Isle (map), a huge summer palace built on an isle in the lake.
Royal Łazienki Park is also home to several monuments, but the one that attracts the most attention is the Frédéric Chopin Monument (map), dedicated to Poland’s most famous composer. Be sure to stop by and snap a photo!
Ujazdowski Park (map) is another great green space to visit in this neighborhood! Although it’s significantly smaller than Łazienki Park, it’s a lovely place with tree-lined pathways, sculptures, a pond, and a children’s playground – definitely worth a visit.
If you have access to a car (and it’s best if you do), I also recommend exploring the Ochota neighborhood – it’s a really cool neighborhood with many cute cafes and a laid-back atmosphere. Plus, it’s just a 15-min drive away from Ujazdów!
Let’s check out the top-rated hotels in Ujazdów!
This 5-star hotel has everything you need for a comfortable family holiday – spacious rooms with modern amenities, a heated indoor swimming pool, a luxury spa with a hot tub, sauna, and a fitness center. You will love the on-site gourmet restaurant serving modern Italian and Polish cuisine.
Other accommodation options in Ujazdów
Although it’s just a bit lower-rated, this is a great choice for a mid-range stay, with a garden and bar
Offering private and affordable rooms decorated in modern style, this hostel also has a common kitchen and free Wi-Fi
A charming apartment right next to the park with 1 bedroom and a spacious living/dining area
Things to do in Ujazdów
- Enjoy a peaceful walk through Royal Łazienki Park
- Explore the Chinese Garden and the University of Warsaw Botanic Garden
- Visit Ujazdów Castle and the Palace on the Isle
- Snap a photo with the Frédéric Chopin Monument
- Spend some time in Ujazdowski Park
- Explore the Ochota neighborhood
| 👑 Luxury price: | €130 |
| 💵 Mid-range hotel: | €70 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | €40 |
| 📍Best area: | Old Town (Stare Miasto) |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Hotel Verte |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Castle Inn |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Old Town Kanonia |
FAQs about where to stay in Warsaw, Poland
🤔 Is Warsaw safe?
Yes, Warsaw is a safe city to visit and explore. However, you should still be cautious when walking the streets at night, especially if you’re alone, and keep your valuables out of sight.
⏱️ How many days do you need in Warsaw?
I recommend staying 3 days in Warsaw to discover its many museums, cultural attractions, and different neighborhoods.
🛎️ What is the best hotel in Warsaw Old Town?
The best Old Town hotels in Warsaw, Poland, are the upscale Hotel Verte and the more affordable Castle Inn.
👨👩👦👦 Where to stay in Warsaw with families?
Mokotow is the best area for families, offering family attractions like the Warszawianka Water Park and Fun Park Digiloo and family-friendly hotels, such as the Focus Hotel Premium Warszawa and Platinum Residence Mokotów.
🍸 Where is the best place to stay in Warsaw for nightlife?
Offering many trendy bars and nightclubs, Stara Praga is the best place to stay in Warsaw for nightlife. Some of the top hotels in the area are the Hotel Sante and Hotel Hetman.
📷 What should I not miss in Warsaw?
Some of the top attractions to visit in Warsaw are the Palace of Culture and Sciences, the Royal Castle in Warsaw, Multimedialny Park Fontann, Copernicus Science Centre, the City Zoological Garden in Warsaw, and Royal Łazienki Park.
Final thoughts on the best places to stay in Warsaw
We’ve reached the end of this guide on where to stay in Warsaw! Hopefully, you found it helpful in selecting your Warsaw accommodation and booking your stay.
But if you’re still undecided – that’s okay! Here are my 2 favorite hotels in Warsaw, Poland, both situated in Old Town:
- Hotel Verte – an upscale restaurant offering room service, private parking, and an amazing breakfast
- Castle Inn – a lovely boutique hotel with themed rooms offering views of the Old Town and a 24-hour front desk
What you need to do now is make the reservations! Warsaw is a popular destination, and the good places sell out quickly – I highly recommend booking as soon as possible!
If you have any other questions like where is Warsaw, where you should stay, how to get around, and what to do – drop them all in the comments below. I’ll be happy to get back to you right away!
Enjoy your time in Warsaw,
Marija
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