Worth visiting Warsaw?

I am going to be in Europe mid-august. I have already made all my travel plans, but I have 3 open days. I am really considering visiting Poland for multiple reasons and need to make a decision within the next few days.

I have a few questions. First one being, since this is a last minute detour I don't have as much money to spend. It is over 50% cheaper for me to fly into Warsaw than it is for me to fly into Krakow. I have noticed from *very light* research that people seem to like Krakow much more and say it is a bit more touristy. Would it still be worth visiting Poland if I am restricted to just Warsaw? Also, how easy is it for a tourist to get around who doesn't speak a lick of Polish? I honestly know nothing about the country, but am willing to learn and looking forward to getting there. Thanks in advance for any of those who answer, it is greatly appreciated.

Warsaw is well worth a 3 day visit - and it's remarkably easy to get around. :)

Yes, very much so. many prefer it to Krakow and there is plenty to see and do. It's the capital, after all.


And consequently full of tourist traps and a pain in hot weather.


In Warsaw, very easy.

If you come, you'll like it.

Warsaw rynek

If you have your Itinerary well planned it would be possible to see both cities. Krakow is three hours away from Warsaw by train or you could take a night bus from Warsaw to Krakow and back which may save on hotel bills,check here polskibus.com/en/node/197455.

Both cities have a lot to offer if you can see Krakow and Warsaw, it will be worth the effort.

If it's 50% cheaper then why not fly into Warsaw and then get the heck out.
I've found it to be visually and culturally lacking compared to most other European capitals.
Your choice but I'm sure you can make something work if you're starting with 50% off.
Safe travels.

I visited early this year and found Warsaw an incredible city to visit as a tourist. There is a Warsaw city double decker bus which I took my first day to get a good overview of the city. But as others have noted, it's really easy to get around using public transport as well. Tripadvisor also has some great suggestions on what you can check out.

tripadvisor/QuickGuide-g274856-Warsaw_Mazovia_Province_Central_Poland.html

Poland capital - There are some lovely bits of Warsaw - and a lot of culture too.

I visited beautiful Warsaw 3 summers ago. I'm fortunate to have English-speaking relatives living there. I had employees at the hotel where I stayed assist me, by writing down helpful phrases & places I visited on my own.

It's got some lovely bits but what is in between those bits never impressed me much, that's all. When I compare it to visiting nearby Prague, Vienna and Budapest, then Warszawa comes up severely lacking.

It does indeed. Warsaw was never anywhere near the same league as those cities and Krakow/Gdańsk a step further down. Warsaw does still have a lot of charms though and the museums etc are excellent.

For a first time visitor wanting to go outside the capital, Gdańsk is amazing and Toruń worth a detour.

Go to Warsaw. Especially avoid Krakow if you're going at the weekend: groups of drunken British and Irish morons on stag weekends make the place utterly unbearable.


The benefits of surrendering and/or collaborating.

True, but your comments suggest you agree with my observations.


Y'know Toruń's a city where it seems that anyone who goes there, raves about it. I think I'm finally sold on going for a visit!

One of the nicest starówki in Poland!

jon357, "starówki" as in Stare Miasto?
never heard the term before

Try Hipisówka on Kopernik Street. Opens at 8 P.M.

Yes. Really nice just to walk in. Some good restaurants and old-fashioned bars too. Also an amazing pizza place, cheap as anything. Only does 2 types of smallish pizza and only sells barszcz and mineral water to drink. In a little back street in the old town, but always full of people sat at long tables.

Most definitely worth a visit. When I first visited Warsaw i experienced an atmosphere of dynamism and history which i found to be absent, in some of the more 'synthetic; and 'artificial' capitals of Europe.

It's a lovely city. Only got to spend a day there last time I was in Poland, wasn't nearly long enough :( Sure you'll enjoy it!

Warsaw is great! One of the most dynamic cities in Europe right now. Check this out for a start: oddurbanthings.com/things-to-do-in-warsaw/

Some interesting pictures, however it misses out a lot of interesting things and includes some banal ones. For a 'subjective guide' as it claims, it is certainly that. Still plenty left out though.