Warsaw Tours

If you plan to visit Poland and want to discover the country's main attractions, you will find that Warsaw is home to many of them. The capital is not only the most important city in the region, but also one of the most representative points of Polish culture.

Some of the best things to do in Warsaw include guided tours of the Royal Castle and the ghetto, visits to the Polish Vodka Museum, bike rides around the Polish capital and pub crawls that will allow you to discover the gastronomic profile of this destination. I'll tell you more about them below.

If you want to discover Warsaw in a more traditional way, you can opt for a guided tour that will take you through the main circuit of the city and allow you to discover the narrow cobbled streets and colourful buildings of the Old Town. Among the traditional sites on these tours are usually the Royal Castle and Sigismund's Column, two emblematic symbols of the city.

Another of the arteries that are usually included in the interior is the Royal Route, an avenue that connects the Old Town with the Wilanow Palace, another architectural jewel that is surrounded by gardens and offers a window into aristocratic Polish life over the centuries. If you decide to visit this palace, you can also discover the Knights' Hall and the Gallery of National Remembrance.

Another key stop on these tours is usually Lazienki Park, a green oasis in the middle of the city that houses the Palace on Water and the Amphitheatre. Strolling through this park will give you the opportunity to explore the intersection of historic architecture and serene nature.

In general, these experiences will give you an overview of the city, which is ideal if you plan to tour Warsaw in 3 days or even less.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 48 euros per person.
• Duration: about 3 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: ideal for those planning a short stay in the city.
• Disadvantages of these tours: does not include the guided tour and entrance to the buildings and museums on the itinerary.

One of the best ways to discover a destination is through the authentic flavours of its gastronomy, and Warsaw is no exception to the rule. There you can opt for a culinary tour that will allow you to explore some of the city's most emblematic sites, giving you a taste of the rich local gastronomic tradition.

The tour will include stops at traditional restaurants where you can try the classic pierogi, which are delicious dumplings filled with a variety of ingredients from meat to cheese and potatoes.

You may also be taken to discover zurek, a sour soup with sausage and egg, which becomes a speciality during the Polish winter.

The Hala Koszyki flea market is another stall-filled place that is usually included in these experiences and will offer a wide range of local produce. Here you can try Silesian streuselkuchen, a crispy pastry typical of the local cuisine.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 78 euros per person.
• Duration: 3 to 4 hours.

One of the best ways to get to know Warsaw is to embark on a guided bike tour, an experience that will take you to explore some of the city's most iconic sights. These tours usually include a visit to the Krasinski Palace, where you can discover the beauty of the city's noble residences.

These guided experiences will also take you to the Grzybowski Square, where you can learn about the moving history of Warsaw's Jews. Here you will find the only surviving street of the ghetto, offering a unique connection to the past through the guide's narration.

During the tour you can also visit the Palace of Culture and Science, which is the tallest building in Poland and one of the most unmistakable buildings in the Warsaw skyline. There you will have the opportunity to stop and capture the magnificence of this architectural landmark in some of the best photographs of your trip. Also, if you wish, you can access its viewpoint, from where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Finally, you can walk along Krakowskie Przedmiescie Street, which is known as the Royal Route and is lined with palaces, monuments and shops, making it one of the historical, architectural and social scenes of everyday life in the Polish capital.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 36 euros per person.
• Duration: about 3 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to know the main sites of the Polish capital in a fast and fun tour.
• Disadvantages of these tours: during the winter or cold months of the year these experiences might be a bit uncomfortable due to the low temperatures.

One of the ways to discover the best nightlife in Warsaw and also take part in a cultural tour is to join a pub crawl. These experiences will allow you to get to know the funniest side of this destination and also save time on entrance fees to each of the sites.

With a pre-established circuit and the assistance of an expert local guide, you will be able to visit some of Warsaw's most outstanding pubs and bars. You will also have the opportunity to sample drinks included in the price of the tour at some of these venues and you will be able to take part in the Polish customs, tasting the local vodka and other traditional drinks as well.

In addition, these tours will usually take you to a discotheque, where you will have the opportunity to dance without restrictions. At the end of the tour, you are free to decide whether to return to your hotel or to continue the party on your own.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 21 euros per person.
• Duration: about 4 hours.
• Disadvantages of these tours: some of the sites you will visit do not include tastings.

Warsaw's Royal Castle is the main landmark of the city and is the perfect setting for a fascinating guided tour that reveals the local history. Built in the 14th century, the building has witnessed crucial events throughout the ages, from the Middle Ages to the most recent political transformations. Destroyed during World War II, it was rebuilt like the rest of Warsaw to become a symbol of resistance.

Guided tours of this site will offer you a deep dive into the history surrounding this monument. Accompanied by expert local guides, you can discover the intrigues of the Polish monarchy, explore the exquisitely decorated rooms and walk the grounds that have witnessed coronations, royal banquets and momentous events.

On these tours, you can also tour the royal art collection displayed in the various rooms of the castle where paintings, sculptures and historical objects reveal the magnificence and splendour of the Polish monarchy over the centuries. In addition, you can learn fascinating anecdotes about life in the castle, about the historical figures who lived there and about the events that shaped Warsaw during the reconstruction.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 114 euros per person.
• Duration: 2 to 3 hours.

For an alternative experience that combines fun with one of Poland's most traditional drinks, a guided tour of the Polish Vodka Museum is a must. This unique space offers visitors a journey through the history of vodka, considered by many to be the country's national liquor. You can also learn about its social role in local festivities and the different ways in which it is made.

During the tour you will learn about the different methods of distilling vodka, from the traditional to the most modern techniques. You will also have access to interactive demonstrations where you can learn first-hand about the production process and appreciate the subtleties of the flavours and aromas that make each variety of vodka unique. Tastings are also available.

However, the experience of these guided tours is not only limited to tasting and historical knowledge, but you will also have the opportunity to explore interactive exhibits, historical objects and curiosities related to this iconic drink. All in all, if you plan to book a tour of the Polish Vodka Museum, then you can discover the social connection between the drink and the local society.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 14 euros per person.
• Duration: about 1 hour.

If you want to explore the depths of the tragic but essential history of the Warsaw Ghetto you can do so on these tours that reveal the hardships and resilience of the Polish Jewish community. This site, once a witness to Nazi oppression during World War II, has become a site of remembrance that honours the more than 400,000 people who lived here during the siege of the city.

During these experiences you will also have the opportunity to review the history of one of the ghetto's most notorious moments, which was the Warsaw Uprising of 1943, in which the Jewish residents rose up against the German forces. Although the rebellion was put down, it left an indelible mark on historical memory, highlighting the struggle for freedom and human dignity in the face of adversity.

During these experiences, accompanied by an expert local guide, you will explore key sites of the uprising, such as the Warsaw Ghetto Memorial and the Umschlagplatz, where thousands of Jews were deported to concentration camps.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 88 euros per person.
• Duration: about 3 hours.

You can book any of these tours in advance online or book them once you are in the city. However, if you plan to visit this destination during the summer or peak season months, I advise you to book in advance to secure your place on the tours and to get better rates, as they are dynamic and prices can increase due to last minute bookings.

Also, booking in advance will allow you to organise your travel itinerary smoothly, allowing you to better combine these experiences with some of the best excursions from Warsaw to the outskirts of the city or with a visit to the most outstanding museums in the Polish capital.

Firstly, bear in mind that most of these tours are walking tours, which can take several hours, so always wear comfortable shoes and check the weather conditions, especially if you plan to visit Warsaw during the winter when temperatures can be freezing.

On the other hand, plan your tour considering the itinerary and the duration of the visits, which will allow you to get the most out of your stay in the city and also to see more sites in less time. In that sense, consider including in your tour other sites that are not usually included in guided tours but are worthwhile, such as the Warsaw Uprising Museum or the Grand Theatre.

Opting for a guided tour in Warsaw rather than exploring the city on your own will allow you to have a local guide who will give you access to specialist knowledge that you may not be able to access on your own. On the other hand, many of these tours include priority access and no queuing, which will be ideal for saving time.

Also, bear in mind that the Polish language is very complicated and some local customs may be strange, so visiting the main sites of the city with a guide could add a touch of comfort to your experience and enhance each of your tours.