Warsaw 3-Day Itinerary

A day-by-day plan for Warsaw: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.

Day 1

Arrive & Explore the Highlights

Morning
Old Town Market Square

The historic heart of Warsaw, rebuilt brick by brick after WWII. Colourful townhouses, a mermaid statue, cafés, and street musicians. The square itself costs nothing to walk through and photograph.

🕐 Open 24/7, but shops and cafés typically 10:00-22:00.

Free entry

💡 Skip the overpriced tourist restaurants in the square. Instead, grab a zapiekanka (open-faced baguette pizza) from a street vendor on the nearby Nowy Świat street for about 10 PLN.

Hotels near Old Town Market Square →
Afternoon
Saxon Garden

Warsaw’s oldest public park, laid out in the 17th century. Formal French-style paths, fountains, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at its entrance. Quiet and well-maintained, popular with locals for

🕐 Open daily 6:00-22:00.

Free entry

💡 Visit in late April when the tulips are in full bloom. The park benches near the pond are prime spots for people-watching. Free public toilets are near the Ogród Saski entrance on Marszałkowska.

Hotels near Saxon Garden →
Evening
Where to eat

Pizzeria na Barskiej · ££

Pizza Hut · ££

Day 2

Deeper Into Warsaw

Morning
Palace of Culture and Science

Stalin’s 'gift' to Poland — a 237-metre skyscraper. The observation terrace (30th floor) costs 20 PLN, but the building’s ground floor has free exhibitions about its history and architecture. The exte

🕐 Exhibition spaces open 10:00-20:00 daily. Terrace closed in bad weather.

💡 You don’t need to pay for the terrace. Walk to the nearby Marriott hotel’s bar on the 41st floor for cheaper coffee with the same views. The building’s neon sign at the top is a great photo spot after dark.

Midday
Łazienki Park

The Royal Baths Park, a sprawling 76-hectare green space with a palace on an island, peacocks roaming freely, and the iconic Chopin Monument. The park blends manicured gardens with wilder woodland are

🕐 Park open daily from dawn to dusk. Palace and other buildings have separate hours and entry fees.

💡 Come on Sunday at noon or 4pm from May to September for a free Chopin concert by the monument. Bring a picnic blanket and arrive 20 minutes early for a spot.

Evening
Dining tonight

The Taps

Señor Lucas

Day 3

Final Favourites & Departure

Morning
Warsaw Rising Museum

A modern, immersive museum documenting the 1944 Warsaw Uprising against Nazi occupation. Expect film reels, reconstructed sewers, and a working replica of a Lib

💡 Go on a Sunday for free entry, but arrive before 10am to avoid the queue. Head straight to the 3D film on the top floor first — it’s short and provides crucial context.

Final meal

Pizzeria Napoli

Zielona Gęś

Getting Around Warsaw

Airport Express (SKM S7) From 19 PLN 35 min

Most economical option. Buy tickets at automated machines. Keep luggage close in crowded morning hours.

Warsaw Metro Line M1 & M2 (Local Transit) From 2.80 PLN (single) / 33 PLN (7-day pass) 10 min

Download Vetura app for real-time tracking. 7-day tourist pass offers best value for multi-day stays.

City Bus Network (ZTM) From 4.40 PLN 50 min

Cheapest option but slowest. Bus 175 recommended daytime, N32 for late arrivals. Validate ticket on boarding.

Airport Transfer Taxi (Chopin Airport to Hilton Warsaw City) From 80-120 PLN 25 min

Book through hotel concierge for guaranteed rate. Avoid unmarked taxis at airport rank; use official white taxi stands or Uber.

Warsaw Metro (Local Transit) From €1.50 (single) / €17 (7-day pass) 5 min

Get 7-day Urbino pass for unlimited metro/bus/tram. Hotel is walking distance from Mirów metro station.

Airport Express (SKM) From €3 20 min

Fast and reliable. Transfer via metro Line 1 or 15-min walk to hotel. Valid for local transit integration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3 days enough for Warsaw?

Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Old Town Market Square and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.

What is the best time to visit Warsaw?

See our full best time to visit Warsaw guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.

Where should I stay for this itinerary?

A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Holiday Inn Express Warsaw, InterContinental Warsaw by IHG, ibis budget Warszawa Centrum. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.