What to see in Warsaw in 2 days

Planning a getaway and not sure what to see in Warsaw in 2 days? We lived in the city for over a year and a half, and we can tell you—it has way more to offer than you might expect. In this guide, we’ll share what to do in the Polish capital, the must-see sights, and our favorite spots, so you can make the most of your time. Whether you’re spending a weekend in Warsaw or just passing through, this 2-day itinerary will help you experience the best of the city.

Day 1 of your Warsaw itinerary

Palace of Culture and Science – the most iconic building to see in Warsaw

The Palace of Culture and Science (in Polish, “Pałac Kultury i Nauki” or PKiN) is a landmark monument and one of the most recognizable buildings in Warsaw. It was built between 1952 and 1955, during the era of the Polish People’s Republic, when Poland was under the influence of the Soviet Union. A “gift from the Soviet people,” the building was a symbol of Soviet power and is still a topic of debate among locals today—some see it as a historic icon, others as a reminder of an oppressive past.

Standing at 237 meters, it’s the tallest building in Poland and houses theaters, museums, conference halls, a cinema, and even a swimming pool. If you’re arriving by train from another city or from the airport, this will probably be the first place you see in Warsaw, making it a natural starting point for your visit. It’s the perfect way to begin your 2 days in Warsaw itinerary.

Krakowskie Przedmieście and Nowy Świat – a must-see walk in Warsaw

Walking along Krakowskie Przedmieście and Nowy Świat is a must when visiting Warsaw for 2 days. These two streets connect the city center with the Old Town and are full of life, elegant buildings, historic churches, and charming cafés.

Along the way, you’ll pass places like the Presidential Palace, and at the end, you’ll reach Castle Square, where the oldest part of the city begins. It’s the perfect route to stroll leisurely and soak in the atmosphere.

The Royal Castle of Warsaw and Castle Square

Just before entering the Old Town, you’ll find one of the most iconic places to see in Warsaw: the Royal Castle and its square.

This castle was the residence of Polish kings from the 16th century, although, like much of the city, it was completely destroyed during World War II. What we see today is a faithful reconstruction that preserves the original details, and it’s impressive to think about all the history this place has witnessed.

In Castle Square, you’ll also find the famous Sigismund III Vasa Column, one of Warsaw’s best-known monuments and the first column dedicated to a non-religious figure in modern Europe.

If you have time, it’s worth going inside the castle to see its royal chambers. You can check opening hours and tickets directly on their website.

Right across from the Royal Castle is St. Anne’s Church, and if you’re up for climbing a few steps, we highly recommend visiting its tower. From the top, you’ll get one of the best panoramic views of Warsaw: the Royal Castle, the square, the rooftops of the Old Town… everything looks spectacular.

The entrance costs 15 PLN, and the last time we visited (June 2025), we had the whole place to ourselves. It’s one of those lesser-known spots that are absolutely worth it if you want to see Warsaw from above and take great photos (the one above was taken there 😉).

Warsaw’s Old Town (Stare Miasto)

Warsaw’s Old Town, or Stare Miasto, is one of those places you simply have to see. It’s the most charming part of the city, with cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and a square that looks like it came straight out of a postcard.

Although it was almost completely destroyed during World War II, it was rebuilt so well that it’s hard to believe it’s not original. The best way to enjoy it is to wander aimlessly, sit at a terrace, or simply soak up the atmosphere. If you’re wondering what to see in Warsaw in 2 days, this spot is a must.

The Warsaw Uprising Museum – one of the most interesting tourist attractions in Warsaw

If you want to learn about Warsaw’s brave history, don’t miss the Uprising Museum. It tells the story of the city’s 1944 rebellion against Nazi occupation, with photos, artifacts, and reconstructions that bring history to life.

It’s definitely one of the places to see in Warsaw, especially if you’re interested in World War II.

The best viewpoints in Warsaw

One of the best things to do in Warsaw is to enjoy the views from above. Most tourists head to the tower of the Palace of Culture and Science, but there are even better spots to admire panoramic views of the city. If you’re spending a weekend in Warsaw, make sure to include at least one of these rooftop bars—they offer a whole new perspective on the capital. We introduce them all in this article.

Day 2 in Warsaw

Wilanów Palace – a must-see place in Warsaw

Although it’s a bit outside the city center, Wilanów Palace is one of those places that’s absolutely worth including in your 2-day Warsaw itinerary. It was the summer residence of King John III Sobieski and is one of the few historic buildings that survived the war.

If you have time, we recommend going inside to explore its elegant Baroque rooms. You can also stroll through the gardens, which are especially beautiful in spring and autumn. You can check the opening hours and ticket prices on their website.

Royal Park – the most beautiful park to visit in Warsaw

Łazienki Royal Park, with its famous Palace on the Water, is one of our favorite spots in the city. We love strolling through it, especially in autumn when the trees turn vibrant colors and squirrels come close looking for food. It’s also common to see peacocks roaming freely around the gardens.

If you’re spending 2 days in Warsaw, we definitely recommend adding this park to your itinerary—especially if you’re visiting between May and September. Every Sunday at 12:00 and 16:00, free open-air Chopin concerts are held in front of the monument dedicated to the composer.

The Downtown of Warsaw

Warsaw isn’t just about history. If you walk from the central station toward Rondo Daszyńskiego, you’ll discover a completely different side of the city: modern, cosmopolitan Warsaw. This area, filled with glass skyscrapers, is a total contrast to the Old Town—and that’s exactly why we love it.

Although it’s not a typical tourist spot, it’s worth passing through to see how the city has evolved. If you enjoy great views, we recommend heading up to a rooftop bar. Our favorite is Ether Rooftop Bar.

Where to Eat in Warsaw

Warsaw has plenty of great restaurants, both Polish and international. That’s why it deserves a dedicated article just about places to eat. Check out our complete guide to the best restaurants in Warsaw.

Where to Stay in Warsaw

Warsaw has plenty of great restaurants, both Polish and international. That’s why it deserves a dedicated article just about places to eat. Check out our complete guide to the best restaurants in Warsaw.

Where to Stay in Warsaw

To make the most of your 2 days in Warsaw, the ideal option is to stay in a well-connected area. We especially like staying near Rondo Daszyńskiego or Rondo ONZ, as you’ll be just steps from the center and surrounded by plenty of food and transport options. In general, any accommodation close to a metro stop is a good choice—Warsaw has an efficient and easy-to-use public transport system. Below, we’ve listed a few recommended hotels:

• NYX Hotel (one of the newest hotels in Warsaw—we love its modern style, and it has our favorite rooftop bar in the city)
• Holiday Inn by IHG (breakfast included and it’s delicious)
• Intercontinental (offers the best views in Warsaw)

If you prefer an apartment, this one is a great centrally located option.

Public Transport in Warsaw

Getting around Warsaw is simple and convenient thanks to several transportation options. The city’s public transport system—including buses, trams, and the metro—is efficient and will take you to virtually any part of the city. You can buy single tickets or daily passes to use the network. In addition, Uber and other ride-sharing apps are available in Warsaw and offer a comfortable way to get around. If you prefer exploring on foot, the Old Town and city center are perfect areas to do so.

If you decide to use public transport, you can buy 24-hour tickets ($3.4), 3-day passes ($8), or a weekend ticket ($5.5), which is valid from Friday at 7 PM until Monday at 8 AM and covers all types of public transportation.

Tickets can be purchased inside buses and trams, or at metro station entrances. You can also buy them via the Jakdojade app—just remember to scan the QR code when entering the vehicle to validate your ticket.

What to Do in Warsaw in 2 days?

I hope this article has been helpful and that you now have a clear idea of what to see and do in your 2 days in Warsaw itinerary. If you have any other questions or need more tips to make the most of your weekend in Warsaw, don’t hesitate to ask!