Warsaw Mazovia, Poland Travel Guide
Spring and autumn deliver mild conditions, perfect for exploring. Summer has warmth and outdoor festivities. Winter brings cold and a snow-covered charm.
Warsaw is exempt from monsoons or hurricanes. Occasional summer heatwaves, above 30°C, happen but do not last long. Severe winter cold, below -10°C, also occurs during cold snaps. Plan your wardrobe with these possibilities in mind.
The climate patterns across the year influence what you pack and what activities might suit your visit best.
The official currency is the Polish Złoty (PLN), symbolized as zł. Banknotes come in 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 PLN. Coins include groszy (100 groszy to 1 PLN) and 1, 2, 5 PLN. ATMs are widespread. Currency exchange offices (Kantor) are common; compare rates. Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) see broad acceptance in establishments.
Tipping in Poland is customary but not mandatory. For restaurant service, a 10% tip is standard for good attention. If a service charge is on the bill, no further a hint is common. Rounding up the bill is also a practice. For cafes or bars, round up or leave a few PLN. Taxi drivers appreciate rounding up to the nearest 5 or 10 PLN. Tour guides welcome 20-50 PLN per person for good tours. Hotel porters or housekeepers accept a few PLN.
150-250 PLN (~$37-62 / €35-58). Hostel dorms, street food, public transport, free attractions.
350-600 PLN (~$87-150 / €80-140). Mid-range hotels, casual dining, public transport with occasional taxis, several paid attractions.
800+ PLN (~$200+ / €185+). 4-5 star hotels, fine dining, taxis/private transfers, exclusive tours.
Hostel dorm bed: 60-120 PLN. Budget hotel/guesthouse: 150-300 PLN. Mid-range hotel: 300-600 PLN. Luxury hotel: 600-1500+ PLN.
Street food/fast-casual dining: 20-40 PLN. Budget restaurant/milk bar (Bar Mleczny): 25-50 PLN. Mid-range restaurant meal: 50-100 PLN. Fine dining: 150-300+ PLN. Coffee: 12-20 PLN. Local beer: 15-25 PLN.
Public Transport (ZTM): Single journey: 4.40 PLN. Daily ticket: 15.00 PLN. 3-day ticket: 36.00 PLN. Taxi: ~8 PLN start, then 2-3 PLN/km. Museum entry: 20-70 PLN. Many churches and green spaces are free.
These approximations are current as of late 2023/early 2024. Prices can change.
Smart choices lead to more value for your money during a Warsaw visit. Explore the city on a budget with these tips.
Leverage public transport passes and free cultural offerings to keep costs down.
Visit Łazienki Park, Saxon Garden, and the Royal Route at no cost. The Old Town additionally provides complimentary entry for exploration.
Many museums offer free entry on specific days. Check the Royal Castle (Wednesdays) and Łazienki Palace (Thursdays) for current schedules.
Eat at Bar Mleczny (Milk Bars) for traditional, inexpensive Polish meals. Look for "Lunch Menu" or "Dania Dnia" specials.
Walk the city center and The Historic center; these areas are very walkable. Book hostels or apartments further in advance, specifically during the high season, for better rates.
Warmest conditions, ideal for outdoor activities, many events. Expect larger crowds, peak hotel and flight prices.
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds, lower prices. Weather can be unpredictable. Reduced hours at some outdoor attractions.
Significantly fewer tourists, lower prices (except for holidays). Cold temperatures and short daylight hours.
Embrace warmer temperatures and extended daylight, ideal for outdoor exploration and events. Be ready for crowds and higher costs.
Experience a beautiful, snow-covered city and festive ambiance. Cold temperatures and short daylight hours.
Spring and late autumn might bring chilly or rainy days. Pack layers for comfort.
