Where to stay in Warsaw: best areas and neighborhoods

Between 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.

In a hurry? Here's our recommended accommodation

Useful tips: the best neighbourhoods to stay in Warsaw

Foto di wheresleep.

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.

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

Stare Miasto (Old Town), best for first-timers

• Pros: Beautiful historic architecture, cultural landmarks, cozy restaurants
• Cons: Touristy, slightly pricier accommodations
• Main attractions: Royal Castle, Old Town Market Square, Sigismund’s Column
• Average prices: From €70,00 per night – find top stays on Booking

Recommended accommodation

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 (Average prices in the neighbourhood start from about €70,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking): 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.

Śródmieście Północne (New Town), for fun and nightlife

• Pros: Central location, near major attractions, great nightlife
• Cons: Can be crowded and expensive
• Main attractions: Palace of Culture and Science, Nowy Świat Street, Saxon Garden
• Average prices: From €65 per night – find top stays on Booking

Recommended accommodation

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 (Average prices in the neighbourhood start from about €65,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking). 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.

Ujazdów / Lazienki, the Elegant Neighbourhood

• Pros: Peaceful, surrounded by parks, historic landmarks
• Cons: Further from nightlife, limited accommodation options
• Main attractions: Łazienki Park, Ujazdów Castle, Chopin Monument
• Average prices: From €70,00 per night – find top stays on Booking

Recommended accommodation

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. (Average prices in the neighbourhood start from about €70,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking)

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).

Stara Praga, the artistic district

Foto di Kescior.

• Pros: Hipster vibe, street art, vibrant bars and cafes
• Cons: Less polished than central areas, ongoing renovations
• Main attractions: Neon Museum, Koneser Vodka Factory, Ząbkowska Street
• Average prices: From €60,00 per night – find top stays on Booking

Recommended accommodation

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. (Average prices in the neighbourhood start from about €60,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking)

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.

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.

• Żelazowa Wola (55 km / 1 h): Birthplace of Frédéric Chopin, perfect for classical music lovers and peaceful countryside stays. - Compare best accommodation on Booking
• Kampinos National Park (45 km / 50 min): Ideal for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts, this national park offers eco-lodges and outdoor activities. - Compare best accommodation on Booking
• Łódź (130 km / 1.5 h): A vibrant city with industrial heritage, street art, and a growing creative scene. Easy train connection to Warsaw. - Compare best accommodation on Booking
• Kazimierz Dolny (140 km / 2 h): A picturesque medieval town known for its art galleries and riverside views, ideal for a romantic getaway. - Compare best accommodation on Booking
• Torun (190 km / 2.5 h): A UNESCO-listed city famous for its medieval Old Town and gingerbread, one of Poland’s most charming historical spots. - Compare best accommodation on Booking

Warsaw accommodation price map

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.

Cool Things to Do in Warsaw

• Free Walking Tour: Explore Warsaw’s Old Town and historic sites with a knowledgeable guide. Great for getting a deep understanding of the city. Check availability here.
• Free tour of Jewish District: explore Warsaw most important district with a tour that will let you learn more about its history. More info here.
• Visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum: A must-visit for history lovers, this museum provides an interactive insight into Warsaw’s WWII resistance efforts..
• Sunset at the Palace of Culture and Science: Ride to the top of Warsaw’s tallest building for breathtaking city views. Best experienced at sunset! Book your tour here.
• Neon Museum: Discover the quirky and colorful legacy of Cold War-era neon signs, a hidden gem in the Praga district.
• Chopin Concert: Enjoy a classical live Chopin concert in one of Warsaw’s historic venues – a great way to experience Poland’s musical heritage. More info here.
• Explore Wilanów Palace: Often called the "Polish Versailles", this baroque palace is one of Warsaw’s most stunning landmarks. Book a guided tour here.
• Vistula River Beaches & Bars: Relax by the Vistula River, where you’ll find beach bars, bike paths, and live music during summer.

Travel Tips for Warsaw

• Public Transport: Warsaw’s tram, metro, and bus system is efficient and cheap. Get a 24-hour or 72-hour ticket for unlimited travel.
• Best Time to Visit: Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
• Local Currency: Poland uses the Polish Złoty (PLN). Some places accept cards, but always carry cash for smaller shops and local markets.
• Free Museum Days: Many museums, including Wilanów Palace and the National Museum, offer free entry on specific days – check their websites in advance.
• Where to Eat on a Budget: Try milk bars ("Bar Mleczny"), traditional Polish canteens serving delicious pierogi and soups for under €5.