Warsaw Travel Guide

Credit

Courtesy of jacek_kadaj|Getty Images

Warsaw Neighborhoods

Warsaw is a city packed with historic attractions and museums. Most central neighborhoods contain can't-miss sights, so plan on exploring several districts during your visit. All of Warsaw's top attractions sit in the western half of the city (near the Vistula River's left bank), and many are in historic regions like Muranów, Wola and Old Town. But newer right-bank neighborhoods, such as Praga, are also worth checking out, especially if you enjoy barhopping and shopping.

Accessible via Zarzad Transportu Miejskiego's tram Nos. 1, 4, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 33, 35 and 71 and both metro lines at Rondo Daszynskiego, Rondo ONZ and Ratusz Arsenal stations.

The Muranów and Wola neighborhoods, like many areas in Poland, have a dark past. In the 1930s, the area housed the bulk of Warsaw's Jewish population. By late 1940, the Nazis (who occupied Poland at the time) turned the region into a ghetto, and its residents either died from disease or starvation, or were sent to the Treblinka death camp. Some Jews who remained in the area eventually revolted against the Nazis during the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of 1943. Though the rebellion was quickly stopped by the Nazis, Jewish fighters continue to be celebrated at neighborhood sights like the Warsaw Uprising Museum and the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews. While some hotels sit within the districts' limits, most of the region is residential.

Accessible via Zarzad Transportu Miejskiego's tram Nos. 4, 15, 16, 18, 26 and 41.

Once a separate city, New Town is now one of several Warsaw neighborhoods. The area, which sits just north of Old Town and less than 3 miles north of central Warsaw, is filled with baroque and neoclassical buildings. The district's Freta Street is home to many quaint restaurants and cafes, while the neighborhood's southwest corner (between Swietojerska and Dluga streets) is where you'll find the Supreme Court of Poland and the Warsaw Uprising Monument. A park with a seasonal light show and multiple accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to the five-star Mamaison Hotel Le Regina Warsaw, are also available in New Town.

Accessible via Zarzad Transportu Miejskiego's tram Nos. 1, 4, 13, 20, 23, 25 and 26.

Within walking distance of New Town lies Old Town, a district rebuilt following World War II. Today, Old Town's recreated medieval square is packed with shops, cafes and restaurants, making this a popular tourist destination. What's more, the neighborhood's southern edge is where visitors will find three former palaces, including The Royal Castle in Warsaw - Museum. Several hotels also sit in Old Town or its adjacent neighborhoods.

Accessible via Zarzad Transportu Miejskiego's tram Nos. 1, 4, 13, 20, 23, 25 and 26 and the M2 metro line at Centrum Nauki Kopernik station.

This up-and-coming neighborhood located south of Old Town along the Vistula River's left bank offers a cool vibe young professionals and students at the nearby University of Warsaw love. Powisle's main draws are its trendy bars and cafes, eclectic shops and modern apartments, but the area is also where you'll find some affordable hotels and hostels, as well as the Copernicus Science Centre.

Accessible via Zarzad Transportu Miejskiego's tram Nos. 1, 3, 4, 7, 9, 13, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26 and the M2 metro line at Stadion Narodowy and Dworzec Wilenski stations.

Praga, which became part of Warsaw in 1791, used to be considered one of the city's least safe areas. After recent efforts to revitalize the right-bank neighborhood, it has evolved to house multiple restaurants, hotels and government offices. However, Praga is best known for its plethora of shopping and nightlife options. In addition to featuring several bars, the district boasts the Galeria Wilenska mall.

Accessible via Zarzad Transportu Miejskiego's tram Nos. 1, 4, 7, 9, 10, 15, 17, 18, 22, 24, 25, 33 and 35 and both metro lines at Centrum, Rondo ONZ, Swietokrzyska and Nowy Swiat-Uniwersytet stations.

Nestled between Warsaw's Old Town and Diplomatic Quarter neighborhoods is the Centrum district, or Warsaw's downtown area. This region, which was mostly destroyed during World War II, is where a variety of shops, eateries, performing arts venues and mid-range hotels reside. Additionally, a few attractions can be found in Centrum, including the Palace of Culture and Science, the Fryderyk Chopin Museum and the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw.

Accessible via Zarzad Transportu Miejskiego's tram Nos. 1, 4, 10, 14, 15, 18, 25 and 35.

Just south of the city center lies the Diplomatic Quarter, a district mostly made up of the Lazienki Królewskie Museum and its sprawling park. Inside the 188-acre attraction, visitors will find a bronze sculpture honoring Frédéric Chopin, two former palaces and a botanical garden, among other amenities. Several sports facilities, including a squash and tennis center, an ice skating rink and a soccer stadium, are located in the neighborhood. But, as its name implies, the Diplomatic Quarter is also where multiple embassies – representing countries like Japan, Spain and Russia – can be found. Hotels are limited in the area; however, the Diplomatic Quarter does have one upscale option available: the Regent Warsaw Hotel.

Safety

Poland's crime rate is low overall, but theft and pickpocketing (especially at popular attractions and on public transportation) occasionally occur. As such, travelers should keep an eye on their belongings and surroundings at all times. It is also best to avoid public demonstrations, which are fairly common in Poland and can become violent, and to travel with others at night and in crowded areas like Old Town. For more tips on how to stay safe while visiting Warsaw, check out the U.S. State Department's website.