Warsaw offers something for everyone – a vibrant foodie scene, fascinating history, art and culture around every corner, and nightlife that rivals Berlin and Prague. With so much to experience in Poland’s capital and largest city, choosing where to stay in Warsaw can be overwhelming.
Our Pick of the Best Hotels in Warsaw 🔝
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: Hotel Bristol
- 🔮 Boutique Hotel: H15 Boutique Hotel
- ✨ 5-Star: InterContinental Warszawa
- 🏨 4-Star: Mercure Warszawa Centrum
- 💸 Budget-friendly: Hostel na Żurawiej
- ✈️ Near Airport: Courtyard by Marriott Warsaw Airport
- 🌇 Best Views of the City: Hilton Warsaw City Hotel
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Novotel Warszawa Centrum
As you decide where to stay in this dynamic city, you need to think about your priorities. Do you want to be steps from the top sites or immersed in local culture? Seek out luxury hotels or funky boutique stays? Bar-hop into the wee hours or rise early for museum visits? Transport yourself back in time or sample tomorrow’s trends today?
This guide will walk you through the top districts and accommodation options, so you can easily find the ideal area and hotel for the Warsaw getaway of your dreams. You’ll return home longing to come back for more of this surprising destination.
Quick Warsaw Neighborhood Guide 📋
- 🔥 For the First Time: Śródmieście
- 💖 For Couples: Old Town
- 🔮 For Local Vibe: New Town, Wola
- 🍸 For Nightlife: Powisle
- 👪 For Families: Mokotow
- 🕊 For Quiet Stay: Bielany
1. Śródmieście – Best Place to Stay in Warsaw for the First Time 👀
🏰 Historic hub: Located in the heart of Warsaw, Śródmieście is the central district that contains many of the city’s top attractions. Its central location makes it very convenient for visitors to explore on foot. Some of the top destinations here include:
- The Old Town (Stare Miasto) – This historic area contains the iconic Old Town Market Square, with its colorful architecture, cafes, shops, and restaurants. The Royal Castle, St. John’s Cathedral, and the city wall remnants are also located here.
- Lazienki Park – This large green space contains Lazienki Palace, with its beautiful gardens, peacock island, and Chopin monument. It’s a great place for a stroll or picnic.
- Palace of Culture and Science – This imposing socialist-realist skyscraper has observation decks for panoramic views. It also contains museums, theaters, and restaurants.
- Chmielna Street – This popular shopping street has boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and art nouveau architecture.
🚏 Well-connected: Getting around Śródmieście is very walkable, with an efficient public transportation system of trams, buses, and metro:
- Trams and Buses – An extensive network makes it easy to navigate the district. Purchase tickets at stations or onboard.
- Metro – Three metro lines criss-cross under Śródmieście with stops at the Old Town, Palace of Culture, and more.
👟 Walkable charm: With most attractions clustered together in a compact area, Śródmieście is very convenient for first-time visitors to get a taste of Warsaw’s charm without having to travel far. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes!
Where to Stay in Śródmieście? 🏨
Expensive Hotels:
- Raffles Europejski Warsaw – a luxurious historic hotel founded in 1857, with elegant interior design and upscale personalized service.
- H15 Boutique Hotel – elegant boutique hotel with unique design in a modern style, offers personalized service and fine cuisine.
- Hotel Warszawa – a stylish premium hotel with panoramic views of Warsaw, known for its restaurant with Polish and international cuisine.
Medium price category:
- Residence 1898 – cozy apart-hotel in a historic 19th century building, offers spacious apartments with kitchen and access to the spa complex.
- Mercure Warszawa Centrum – modern business hotel conveniently located in the city center, with comfortable rooms and a good restaurant.
- Novotel Warszawa Centrum – a popular chain of Novotel hotels, Novotel offers comfortable rooms, bar, fitness center and conference facilities in the heart of Warsaw.
Budget Hotels:
- ShortStayPoland Pańska – inexpensive apartments with simple but cozy furnishings and fully equipped kitchens, great for longer stays.
- Hostel na Żurawiej – hostel in the center of Warsaw with reasonable prices, offers multi-bed rooms, shared kitchen and facilities on the floor.
- BackPack Apart Rooms – hostel with minimalist design, located near the Old Town, suitable for young people and travelers on a tight budget.
2. Old Town Warsaw – Best Neighborhood in Warsaw for Couples 💞
Nestled next to the bustling business district, Warsaw Old Town (Stare Miasto) offers visitors a glimpse into Warsaw’s past. This historic neighborhood was rebuilt after being destroyed during World War II, preserving the charming architecture from the 13th to 20th centuries.
📍 Centrally located: Old Town is centrally located, surrounded by other top attractions like the Royal Castle, Market Square, and the Barbican. Visitors can easily walk around the compact area. For further destinations, the closest metro station is Ratusz Arsenał at the edge of Old Town. Buses and trams also run frequently along the perimeter streets.
⚜️ Lively square: The lively Old Town Market Square acts as the hub, brimming with restaurants and entertainment. The famous mermaid statue is located here according to legend. Top sights include:
- St. John’s Archcathedral – Offering free organ concerts
- Jesuit Church – Stunning Baroque-style interior
- Warsaw University – Historic campus with a rooftop view
🏰 Historic remnants: The neighborhood also contains the Barbican, a remaining fortification from the old city walls, the bronze Statue of the Warsaw Mermaid in the center and St. Martin’s Church.
🍽️ Al fresco dining: Along the cobblestone streets, visitors will find endless dining options from Slavic cuisine to Italian food, with many outdoor cafés perfect for people watching. There are also shops selling Polish handicrafts like amber jewelry and painted glassware.
Where to Stay in Old Town? 🏩
Expensive Hotels:
- Hotel Verte, Warsaw, Autograph Collection – luxury boutique hotel in a historic building in the heart of the Old Town, offers exquisite rooms with panoramic views and first-class service.
- MONDRIAN Luxury Suites & Apartments Market Square – premium luxury apartments in Market Square, decorated in a modern and luxurious style with stunning views of the Old Town.
- Red Brick Old Town Apartment – chic apartments in a historic brick building, with panoramic views of the Old Town, offering the highest level of comfort and convenience.
Medium price range:
- Movo Old Town Apartments – stylish apartments in the heart of the Old Town, decorated in a contemporary style, offering excellent value for money.
- Castle Inn – a cozy boutique hotel in an 18th century building opposite the Royal Castle, combines old architecture with modern comfort.
- Apartament Old Town Piwna – comfortable apartments in a picturesque location in the Old Town on Piwna Street, offering great views and good value for money.
Budget Hotels:
- Old Town Kanonia Apartments – cheap apartments in Old Town with basic facilities, a good option for budget accommodation.
- Old Town Kanonia Hostel & Apartments – friendly hostel and apartments at an affordable price in the picturesque Old Town area near Kanonia, great for young people.
- Przytulny apartament przy Barbakanie – cozy apartment for reasonable money overlooking Barbakan, a good budget option for exploring Old Town.
3. Warsaw New Town – Best Area to Stay in Warsaw for Local Vibe 🔮
Located Northwest of Warsaw’s Old Town and city center, New Town (Polish: Nowe Miasto) is a historic neighborhood with roots going back to the 14th century. While not quite as picture-perfect as Old Town, New Town has its own unique charm and is much more laidback.
👀 Top attractions and landmarks in New Town include:
- Barbican of Warsaw – Historic fortification and gateway, offers nice views from the top
- Monument to the Warsaw Uprising – Striking memorial commemorating the 1944 uprising against Nazi occupation
- Marie Skłodowska-Curie Museum – Learn about the famed Polish-French scientist at her birthplace
- St. Hyacinth’s Church – Beautiful Baroque Catholic church
🦶 Very walkable: Getting around New Town is very walkable, as most attractions are within a 1 km radius. Public transportation options to or within New Town include:
- Trams – Several lines stop in New Town and connect to other districts
- Buses – Useful for reaching farther neighborhoods and Warsaw West station
- Metro – closest station is Ratusz arsenał, about 1 km from New Town
🛍️ Shops & eateries: A nice assortment of restaurants, cafes, shops, and hotels can be found without intense crowds. The more local character gives tourists a better feel for real Warsaw life compared to the tourist-packed Old Town.
Where to Stay in New Town? 🏨
Expensive Hotels:
- Mamaison Le Regina Warsaw – elegant premium boutique hotel with exquisite interior design and top-notch service, located in the heart of the Old Town.
- Evva & Peppe Old Town Flat – chic apartments in a historic building with panoramic views of the Old Town, offering luxury and comfort at the highest standards.
Medium price range:
- Old Town Heart II – cozy apartments in the center of Old Town, decorated in a modern style, with a fully equipped kitchen and internet access.
- Warsaw Heritage Apartment – spacious apartments in a historic building with authentic design, located in the heart of Old Town opposite the Royal Castle.
Budget Hotels:
- Apartamenty FRETA4 – economy class apartments with simple furnishings and basic amenities at a reasonable price.
- Przytulny apartament przy Barbakanie – affordable apartments with basic accommodation, conveniently located close to the Old Town and historical sights.
4. Powisle – Where to Stay in Warsaw for Nightlife 💃
🌉 Scenic riverfront: Nestled along the banks of the Vistula River, Powiśle is one of Warsaw’s most scenic and vibrant neighborhoods. Though just a short walk from Warsaw’s Old Town, Powiśle has a relaxed, village-like atmosphere all its own.
📍 Well-located: Powiśle’s location right along the river makes it a great home base for visitors. From here, you can easily walk or take public transport to most major sights, including:
- Old Town (15 mins on foot)
- Palace of Culture and Science (20 mins via tram or metro)
- Łazienki Park and Gardens (25-30 mins on foot)
🚶♂️ Walker’s paradise: Getting around Powiśle itself is a breeze, with footpaths and parks lining the riverfront. The neighborhood hub is around Tamka Street, home to charming cafes, restaurants and small shops. Neighborhood highlights and attractions:
- Copernicus Science Center – Cutting-edge interactive science museum with planetarium
- Warsaw University Library Garden – Lovely green garden space behind university library
- Port Praski – Recently redeveloped old port area with restaurants, shops and riverfront path
- Vistula River Boulevards – Picturesque walkways with cafes overlooking the river
💡 Don’t miss: In particular, don’t miss the tree-lined promenade running for several kilometers atop Powiśle’s river embankment. The walking and biking paths here offer breathtaking views of old Praga across the river. It’s the perfect spot to meander on a sunny day.
Where to Stay in Powisle? 🏩
Expensive Hotels:
- Barceló Warsaw Powiśle – a fashionable premium hotel with panoramic views of the Vistula River and the Old Town. It has a gourmet restaurant and spa center.
- Bednarska Old Town Apartment – chic apartment in the heart of the Old Town with designer renovation and views of historical sights.
- Tatamka Hostel – boutique loft-style hostel with a high level of comfort. Ideal for young people.
Medium price category:
- Sava Boutique Hotel – a cozy boutique hotel near the Old Town. It is characterized by a homely atmosphere and individual approach.
- MARIENSZTAT 8 Apartments – modern apartments in the city center with fully equipped kitchen. Convenient location.
- Apartament Bednarska Old Town – comfortable apartments in the heart of Warsaw’s historic center. Ideal for small families.
Budget Hotels:
- Deja Vu Hostel – a bright and stylish hostel near the main train station. Offers a variety of entertainment and a sociable atmosphere.
- Motel One Warsaw-Chopin – modern motel with minimalist design and excellent value for money.
5. Mokotow – Best Area in Warsaw for Families 👨👩👧👦
Mokotow is located just south of Warsaw city center and historic Old Town. It encompasses a large area, but the main attractions and businesses are concentrated around the Metro Politechnika and Metro Racławicka stations.
🚏 Extensive transit: The area is very convenient to get around thanks to an extensive public transport system consisting of trams, buses, and the metro. Popular ride hailing apps like Uber also operate here.
🌇 Cosmopolitan charm: Mokotow is one of Warsaw’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan neighborhoods. It has a little something for everyone. Some top attractions and activities include:
- Pole Mokotowskie – A large, vibrant public square flanked by restaurants and bars
- Sadyba Best Mall – Warsaw’s newest shopping center with international brands
- Poster Museum at Wilanow – Displaying Poland’s famed poster design heritage
- Mokotow Market Hall – A great spot to sample local foods and crafts
🚶♂️ Atmospheric alleys: Take evening or weekend strolls in its atmospheric alleys to uncover hidden gems. You’ll likely spot hip locals enjoying craft beers in one of Mokotow’s pubs and eateries too.
Where to Stay in Mokotow? 🏨
Expensive Hotels:
- Four Points by Sheraton Warsaw Mokotow – This chic hotel is within walking distance of Marynarska Point and offers spacious rooms with modern amenities. Guests have free access to the sauna and the on-site bar offers local beers.
- Vienna House Mokotow Warsaw – The decor of this beautiful hotel takes you back in time. Stay here to enjoy the luxury of fine dining and spacious rooms.
Medium price category:
- Centrum Barnabitów – Ideally furnished rooms and suites feature refrigerators and tea/coffee making facilities.
- Hotel Mokotow – this budget hotel gives you a cozy room that is also modern and stylish. Compact and comfortable.
6. Bielany – Where to Stay Away from the Crowds 🌳
🌲 Nature’s paradise: Nestled in the northern part of Warsaw, Bielany is known for its abundant green spaces and proximity to nature. However, it also offers easy access to the center of Warsaw and major attractions.
📍 Well-connected: Located just 7 km from the Old Town, Bielany borders popular Żoliborz to the south and the Kampinos National Park to the west. However, excellent bus, tram and metro connections make getting around easy. The Młociny metro station allows quick access to the city center in just 20-25 minutes.
🌳 Green escapes: Bielany’s biggest draw is its wealth of parks and green spaces, making it ideal for those who enjoy the outdoors. Key green spaces include:
- Las Bielański – An expansive forest perfect for walking, running and cycling.
- Park Olszyna – A charming 10 hectare park surrounding a small lake.
- Planty AWF and SGGW – Beautiful university botanical gardens open to the public.
💰 Great value: With cheaper accommodation rates than central Warsaw, Bielany gives travelers great value. You can easily retreat to Bielany for some relaxation after busy days exploring Warsaw’s lively tourist centers.
Where to Stay in Bielany? 🏩
Medium price category:
- ClickTheFlat Conrada Apart Rooms – modern apartments with all amenities in the center of Warsaw, ideal for comfortable accommodation for small groups.
- Pokoje Gościnne O-ES-HA – guest rooms with a homely atmosphere and a welcoming host, a great combination of price and quality.
Budget Hotels:
- Apartamenty Pokoje Willa Bielany – spacious apartments at a reasonable price on the outskirts of Warsaw, suitable for budget travelers.
- ShortStayPoland Marymoncka – compact rooms in a convenient location with everything you need for a short stay, good value for money.
7. Stara Praga – Best Area of Warsaw for History Lovers 🕍
🚶♂️ Peaceful strolls: Located on the east bank of the Vistula River, Stara Praga is one of Warsaw’s most historic neighborhoods. Its location across from Warsaw’s Old Town and proximity to popular attractions like Lazienki Park make it convenient for tourists.
🦶 Tiny territory: Getting around Stara Praga is easy thanks to its compact size and walkable streets. The heart of the neighborhood is centered around the historic Praga Market Hall and nearby Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel and St. Florian. From here, it only takes about 15-20 minutes on foot to reach most attractions. Public transportation options like trams, buses, and metro are also readily available.
🗺️ Top sights: Some top sights and activities in Stara Praga include:
- Praga Market Hall – Shop for fruits, vegetables, breads, meats, and more at over 200 vendor stalls in this historic indoor market. Grab a bite at one of the small eateries and restaurants here too.
- Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel and St. Florian – Take in the beautiful interior and climb the observation tower for panoramic views at one of Warsaw’s oldest and most stunning churches.
- Neon Museum – See Warsaw’s communist past come to life through old shop signs, advertisements, and neon relics from the 1940s-1990s.
☕️ Eats and drinks: In addition to noteworthy landmarks, the neighborhood offers an array of shops, cafés and restaurants along its peaceful side streets and compact square, providing tourists places to eat, drink and soak up the surroundings.
💡 Bright lights: Stay until sunset to see the neighborhood’s many neon lights flickering to life!
Where to Stay in Warsaw Praga District? 🏨
Medium price category:
- Hotel Hetman – classically decorated clean and comfortable rooms within walking distance of Stare Miasto, St. Florian Cathedral and Port Praska.
- Moxy Warsaw Praga – located within walking distance of Koneser Vodka Factory, Klima Bochenska Gallery, Wilenska Shopping Center and Porta Praska, and close to Wschodnia train station. This cozy and quiet hotel is an ideal base for a trip to Warsaw!
Budget Hotels:
- Ibis Warszawa Ostrobramska – a comfortable 2-star hotel offering practical rooms in a bright and modern environment near the Promenada shopping center.
- Hostel Lull – bright and cheerful hotel offers rooms or bunk beds in shared rooms near Warsaw National Stadium, Le Guern Gallery and Skaryszewski Park.
8. Wola – The Most Authentic Area of the City ✨
🌆 Hip hood: Wola has a reputation as an up and coming, artsy neighborhood without the high prices and crowds of touristy areas.
🚊 Well-connected: The neighborhood is served by three metro lines, numerous trams and buses, and Warsaw’s bike share program has numerous stations here. Key spots like the Polish National Museum and the Warsaw Uprising Museum are easy to reach.
🏛️ Must-see sights: Some of Wola’s top attractions and features include:
- The Warsaw Uprising Museum – This interactive museum documents the Polish resistance during WWII. It’s a must-see to understand this key part of Warsaw’s history.
- Plac Zawiszy – A large square with shops, restaurants, and the Palace of Culture and Science visible in the background. A popular meeting spot.
- Hala Koszyki – An early 20th century market hall renovated into a hip food court with many cuisine options.
🍽 Authentic eats: Compared to the more touristy parts of Warsaw, Wola has an authentic, local vibe. Cafes, bars, and shops cater more to residents rather than visitors. Travelers looking to escape the crowds and experience how modern Varsovians work and play would appreciate this neighborhood.
Where to Stay in Wola? 🏩
Expensive Hotels:
- Hilton Warsaw City Hotel – located in the heart of the financial district and within walking distance of many attractions, this sophisticated hotel with beautiful views is ideal for a chic vacation.
- NYX Hotel Warsaw by Leonardo Hotels – a stylish hotel with colorfully decorated walls and huge spacious rooms that are a delight to the eye. The on-site bar and sun terrace are just perfect.
Medium price category:
- Campanile Varsovie / Warszawa – at this hotel, part of a well-known French hotel chain, the rooms are well-equipped, modern and bright.
- Premiere Classe Varsovie/Warszawa – an inexpensive hotel offering clean, comfortable and compact rooms.
Best Hotels near Warsaw Airport 🛫
Courtyard by Marriott Warsaw Airport
Located just a stone’s throw away from the airport terminals, Courtyard by Marriott offers modern amenities and convenience for travelers. You’ll enjoy spacious rooms equipped with comfortable bedding and ergonomic workspaces.
The hotel features a fitness center, a restaurant serving international cuisine, and flexible event spaces perfect for meetings or gatherings. Plus, complimentary Wi-Fi keeps you connected throughout your stay.
Hampton by Hilton Warsaw Airport
The hotel boasts stylish rooms designed for comfort and productivity, featuring bedding and ample work areas. Start your day with a complimentary hot breakfast before exploring Warsaw or attending to business matters.
You can also take advantage of the 24-hour fitness center, free Wi-Fi, and a business center for added convenience.
The hotel’s contemporary rooms are appointed with modern furnishings and amenities, including flat-screen TVs and tea/coffee makers. Each morning, you can enjoy a complimentary Express Start breakfast buffet to fuel up for the day ahead.
Additionally, the hotel offers free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour business center, and a shuttle service to the airport terminals for hassle-free connectivity.
Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Warsaw on a Map 🗺
FAQs about Visiting Warsaw, Poland ❔
What is the best neighborhood to stay in Warsaw?
The best neighborhood to stay in Warsaw is the Old Town area. Historic and picturesque, it puts you close to the Royal Castle, Old Town Market Square, bars, restaurants and shops. It gives you easy access to several museums while letting you immerse yourself in classic Warsaw.
Where to avoid in Warsaw?
Areas to avoid in Warsaw include Wlochy at night and the tram tunnels that run under the city center. These areas have a reputation for higher crime. Solo women travelers should use caution around the Central Station at night too.
How many days is enough in Warsaw?
Four days is enough time to see the key sights in Warsaw and get a good feel for the city. In four days you can explore neighborhoods like Praga and Old Town, visit top attractions like the Palace of Culture and Science and POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, and enjoy dining out. Extend to a week if you want a more relaxed pace.
Is it safe to walk around Warsaw at night?
It is fairly safe to walk in central Warsaw neighborhoods like Old Town and City Center at night, especially on busier streets. But it’s still a large city so follow typical precautions like avoiding unlit areas and not walking alone when intoxicated. There is a visible police presence which also increases safety.
Where to stay in Warsaw for nightlife?
For Warsaw nightlife, the area around Old Town Square and Nowy Świat have popular pubs, clubs and wine bars. The hip neighborhood of Praga across the river also has an energizing nightlife scene based around ulica Ząbkowska. Savittieri and Bazylisek are two establishments there with great night ambiance.
