Where to stay in Warsaw: best areas and neighborhoods
Open IndexBetween historic buildings, the Old Town, tree-lined avenues and the many things to see, Warsaw deserves at least one weekend to be fully enjoyed. In order not to waste valuable time travelling, it is important to identify the best area to stay. Here is all you need to know about where to sleep in Warsaw, the best neighbourhoods and all our tips for an unforgettable stay.
Useful tips: the best neighbourhoods to stay in Warsaw
Warsaw, like all of Poland, is a very affordable city. It will not be difficult to find great accommodation at really affordable prices in all neighbourhoods and all areas.
Leading on from this, the best neighbourhoods to stay are the Old Town and the New Town, respectively Stare Miasto and śródmieście Północne. They represent the heart and city centre of Warsaw: the main attractions are here as well as services of all kinds, and they are ideal both for families and for those seeking nightlife, moreover the New Town also has numerous offers for those travelling on a budget.
Outside the centre we find Stara Praga, the alternative and artistic district of Warsaw, ideal for those who want to stay out of the more touristy areas and save on accommodation.
Finally, for families we recommend the Lazienki District, or Ujazdów, the residential district that includes the wonderful Lazienki Park, with green areas, tranquillity and many services.
- Recommended areas to stay on a budget: Stara Praga, Śródmieście Północne (New Town)
- Recommended areas for families with children: Stare Miasto (Old Town), Ujazdów (Lazienki District)
- Recommended areas for young people: Stare Miasto (Old Town), Stare Praga, Śródmieście Północne (New Town, Foksal and Wierzbowa Streets)
- Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Warsaw. Check out our recommendations and make your reservation on Booking
If you are in Warsaw for business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. Find the best solutions and selected hotels on booking.com
Guide to the areas of Warsaw
The city of Warsaw, capital of Poland, extends for 517.24 sq. km and is divided into administrative districts. With 1,800,000 inhabitants, it is the largest city in Poland.
The most central district is Centrum, where the main attractions and the main points of interest are located. Among the various neighbourhoods in this area, are Stare Miasto (Old Town), śródmieście Północne (New Town) and Stara Praga, all recommended areas to look for accommodation, that we will see in detail later.
Aside from the centre, the rest of the city is divided with a very simple classification: North Warsaw, West Warsaw, East Warsaw and South Warsaw. In the latter we find the Ujazdów district, which includes Lazienki Park.
Not recommended areas: the more peripheral neighbourhoods, near the stations and less touristy areas, especially in the evening.
Stare Miasto (Old Town)
The great centre of Warsaw is divided into two parts: the Old Town and the New Town. Stare Miasto is the Old Town and is one of the best areas to stay in the city. Here you will find yourself within walking distance of some of the main attractions, such as the famous Rynek Starego Miasta square and the Royal Castle, from which the Royal Route starts, leading to the Lazienki Park district.
This is the perfect neighbourhood to stay on a first trip to Warsaw. Here you will find many types of accommodation: from small B&Bs to luxury hotels, from all kinds of apartments to excellent hostels. It is Ideal for those looking for nightlife, which is concentrated in the main squares such as Rynek Starego Miasta and on the first section of the Royal Road. It is also ideal for families with children, who can find accommodation in the secondary streets, very quiet and within walking distance of all services. For example, Piwna Street, which connects the Castle to the central square, or along the narrow streets that line the ancient defensive wall of the centre.
Staying here will allow you to move mainly on foot, also to reach the New Town. In any case, the neighbourhood is well served by public transport.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €20,00 for low-cost accommodation to €200,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Old Town Kanonia Hostel & Apartments | Hostel 200 m from the Royal Castle. Small apartments and rooms with private or shared bathroom. Ideal for young people and groups |
| Castle Inn Warsaw | B&B near Warsaw Castle. Parking, room service, pets allowed. Ideal for couples and families |
| Luxury Apartments Mondrian Market Square I | Luxury residence overlooking Rynek Starego Miasta. Choice of elegant rooms, apartments or suites. Parking, pets allowed. Ideal for couples and families |
Śródmieście Północne (New Town)
Along with the Old Town, the New Town, aka Śródmieście Północne, is also one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Warsaw. Also here are important attractions, such as the Presidential Palace, the Saxon Gardens and the Palace of Culture and Science. Compared to the Old Town, you can breathe a more modern air here, with skyscrapers, luxury hotels and international chain stores.
Like the Old Town, this area is suitable for any type of traveller, given the great offers. If you are looking for a bit of nightlife, we advise you to focus your search along the Foksal and Wierzbowa streets, where the pubs and clubs are concentrated. Also ideal for those on a budget: the area is slightly cheaper than the Old Town, although prices are still very affordable throughout the city. If you are looking for a bit of tranquillity, it is better to look for accommodation in the area of the Saxon Gardens and along Nowy Swiat boulevard, the shopping street full of luxury hotels with all comforts.
Within the New Town is the small district of Powisle, which houses the Copernicus Science Centre and Kazimierzowski park, with the Warsaw Mermaid. Once a neighbourhood to be avoided, today it is one of the coolest areas of the city, ideal especially for young people and those looking for nightlife.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €20,00 for low-cost accommodation to €250,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Warsaw Hostel Centrum | Hostel 3 min from the Palace of Culture and Science. Garden, 24-hour reception, dormitories for up to 8 people. Ideal for young people and groups of friends |
| Bez Kantow Boutique Rooms | B&B 200 m from the Presidential Palace. Rooms with private bathroom and WiFi, for up to 2 people. Ideal for couples |
| Apartament Bednarska | Apartment 600 m from the Presidential Palace. Equipped kitchen, on-site parking and bicycle rental. Ideal for couples |
| Sofitel Warsaw Victoria | 5-star hotel with spa and wellness centre, swimming pool, gym, restaurant and room service. Ideal for couples and families |
Ujazdów / Lazienki District
From the Old Town, moving along the Royal Route, you arrive at the wonderful Lazienki Park, one of the main attractions of the city. And the neighbourhood that encompasses it, Ujazdów, is one of the most elegant and peaceful areas in all of Warsaw. Very serene, with many green areas, including the famous park and Lazienki Palace, it is a true oasis of peace and tranquillity.
This residential neighbourhood is ideal for families and those looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. In fact, in addition to the wonderful parks, along Ujazdowski, the main street of the district, there are many shops, cafes, restaurants and elegant buildings.
Staying here, you will have to use public transport to reach the centre. From Lazienki Park to the Royal Castle it is 3.5 km (45 min on foot). The area is served by buses and trams that will take you directly to the Old Town (on average 20/30 min).
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €30,00 for low-cost accommodation to €200,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Planet Hostel | Hostel on Marszałkowska Street. Rooms with private or shared bathroom, for 2 to 6 people. Ideal for young people and groups of friends |
| Apartament Wiejska 9 | Apartment complex on the Royal route. Apartments with equipped kitchen, balcony, parking and city views. For up to 4 people. Ideal for couples and families |
| OSiR Polna | 3-star hotel with indoor swimming pool with water slide, wellness centre, private parking and family rooms available. Ideal for couples and families |
| Sheraton Grand Warsaw | 5-star hotel with spa and wellness centre, restaurant, bar, meeting and business rooms. Ideal for couples, families and business travellers |
Stara Praga
Finally, on the opposite bank of the Vistula River, is the Stara Praga district, considered the alternative and bohemian district of Warsaw. Once a disreputable area to be avoided, it has been completely redeveloped, becoming one of the most artistic neighbourhoods in the whole city. The former apartment blocks and factories have been converted into clubs, art galleries and cultural centres. In addition, Warsaw Zoo and Park Praski are also located in this district.
It is an ideal neighbourhood for those who want to get away from the more touristy areas and mingle with the locals. In addition, the nightlife here is very lively, with many clubs. In the evening, however, it is advisable to stay in the busiest areas and not wander into dark streets. Finally, it is one of the cheapest areas of Warsaw, therefore ideal for travellers on a budget.
To reach the centre you will have to use public transport: from Park Praski take one of the numerous tram lines, and in less than 10 minutes you will be at the Royal Castle.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €25,00 for low-cost accommodation to €150,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Moxy Warsaw Praga | Modern hotel with all services. Large rooms with private bathroom and desk. Common room for guests, parking, bar. Ideal for couples |
| Barson Apartments | Apartment complex near Warsaw Zoo. Equipped kitchen, balcony, parking. Ideal for families and groups of up to 4 people |
| ApartHostel Warszawa | Elegant and well-kept hostel, rooms with bathroom. Restaurant, 24-hour reception and luggage storage. Ideal for friends and groups |
| City Break Atelier Praga | Elegant and well-kept apartment residence. Choice of studio, standard or loft apartments. Kitchenette, bathroom and luggage storage. Ideal for couples, families and groups of up to 4 people |
Places to stay near Warsaw
Typically, people spend a weekend in Warsaw and the best option is to sleep in the city. Here, you can find different neighbourhoods, accommodation of all types and, above all, very affordable prices. Therefore, it is not worth staying out of town and spending money on transport.
The only valid alternative would be to stay in the hamlet of Wilanow, a town 10 km from Warsaw where the famous Wilanow Palace is located, one of the most visited attractions in the country. It is a wonderful residential neighbourhood, very rich, quiet and with many green areas. It would be a suitable alternative for families or those seeking tranquillity and a different experience. To reach the centre by public transport, it takes about 1 hour - compare the best accommodation on booking