Top Free things to do in Warsaw

Travelling on a budget? Yes!!!! Then take a Warsaw Tour.

The capital of Poland has something to offer everyone, including travellers who want a memorable and exciting vacation without breaking the bank. Warsaw offers a rare combination of history, culture, nightlife, great food, and shopping, all at affordable prices.

As you walk through the city you will realize there are hundreds of attractions that you can visit without having to pay. Plus, you can spend the money you save on delicious Polish food and awesome beers.

To help you make the most of your time in this lovely city, here is our epic list of the Top Free things to do during your Warsaw tour.

 

 

Take a Relaxing Walk at the Lazienki Park

The Royal Lazienki Park is one of the most beautiful and biggest parks in Warsaw. Designed during the 17th century the park was named Lazienki which means ‘Baths’ from a bathing pavilion that was located nearby. Today, it is a public park with numerous palaces, manors, and monuments. 

During summer, the park and its gardens are the perfect places for strolling around and enjoying music.  On Sunday’s, you can enjoy free piano concerts that cover Chopin’s greatest masterpieces. It is also renowned for being a place where you can spot ducks, peacocks, squirrels, and wild deer.

It’s a wonderful place to spend a few hours with your friends or family on an action-packed day out in Warsaw.

 

Explore the Bazar Olimpia on a Sunday Morning

The best way to get an authentic feel of any city is by visiting its local flea market. Bazar Olimpia is one of the best flea markets in Warsaw where you could easily spend a few hours getting lost sifting through the goods and finding some unique and unexpected souvenirs.

It’s a tradition in Warsaw to visit the flea markets on a Sunday morning, so if you happen to be visiting Warsaw over a weekend you can add it to your itinerary. It’s a perfect place for people to watch or snapping a few vacation photos while you’re there. 

You don’t have to splash any cash to enjoy the authentic atmosphere of the market. Simply just wander around the many different stalls and vendors and get a slice of Polish culture during your trip to Warsaw.

 

Visit the Secret Gardens of Warsaw University Library 

Did you know the Warsaw University Library hides a fairy-tale garden on its premises?? This roof garden is one of the biggest and most beautiful in Europe.

It’s spread over 9300 square metres (2.3 acres) and has two sections i.e. upper garden and the lower garden. The entire length and breadth of this impressive garden are covered in shrubs, vines, herbs, trees, flowers, fountains, waterfalls and granite sculptures.

The lower garden features a fish pond, a stream and some benches, it’s a perfect spot for a picnic break (bring in your own or buy a sandwich and coffee at the university’s cafeteria). It is open to the public every day.

The upper garden has all kinds of plants arranged according to colour. Here you can easily spend an entire afternoon, taking in the breathtaking views of Warsaw city and the Vistula River. You can also have a sneak peek into the library itself. The upper garden remains closed during the winter season (November–March). 

It’s a perfect place for some midday relaxation and leisure time. Children can spend time with nature and enjoy some awesome sights all around.

 

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Take a walk along the Brzeska Street

Brzeska Street is considered to be the ‘Poor and Rough’ neighbourhood of Warsaw. But at the same time, it’s incredibly important to see and learn about, as it offers an authentic and rustic charm that dates all the way back to the World War II era.

Stroll around and get a glimpse of the archaic brownstone houses and buildings that belong to the pre-war days.  Peep inside the backyards and find some old, yet well-maintained shrines of St. Mary. The neighbourhood also features some cool street art that adds a certain life to the area and injects a bit of positivity. 

During your trip to Warsaw, this area is best explored in the company of friends and isn’t where you’d want to take your kids.

 

Spend a day at the Vistula Beaches

If your idea of a holiday is lazing at the beach, without travelling far from the city, this is the place for you.

Warsaw is a landlocked city, however, there is a rare occurrence known as ‘River Beaches’ where natural river banks create a beach-like environment. 

The Vistula River has four beaches (Poniatówka Beach, Saska Beach, Zoliborz Beach and Rusalka Beach) that are all connected by pathways where you can bike, jog, or walk. 

Each beach has its own offering of bars, restaurants and cafés and they’re the perfect place to take your family out on a day trip. During summer, the beaches are open from 9 am – 8 pm.

 

 

Explore the Old Town

If you have travelled across Europe, you’ll know that most European cities will have an Old Town area, and Warsaw’s offering is one of the best.

The original old town of Warsaw was completely destroyed during the Second World War, and the modern version which is a replica was created in the 1950s. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most happening areas of the city and is filled with restaurants, art galleries, shops, and cafes.

You don’t need to buy anything here, just leisurely wander around while admiring all the fascinating medieval buildings that were reconstructed after the Second World War.

Besides the colourful scenery, you will also find performing artists, musicians, crowds of families, couples and tourists, adding to the liveliness and beauty of the place.

It’s definitely worth dedicating a couple of hours leisurely strolling around, enjoying the different sounds, smells (of food) and sights.

 

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Walk the Royal Route

Similar to the ‘Royal Routes’ you’ll find in other cities of Europe, Warsaw has its own version that offers visitors a chance to soak up as much of the city’s most popular sights as possible.

The royal route stretches for 7 miles (11 kilometres) and all you need is a pair of comfortable shoes and your camera. 

The walk starts at Warsaw’s Old Town, and it takes you past many sights like Lazienki Park, some Baroque churches, the Royal Palace (where you can enjoy a few more free activities) and get a unique shopping experience in Krakowskie Przedmiescie.

If you have a couple of hours to spare during your Warsaw tour, it’s definitely worth adding the Royal Route to your list of free things to see and do.

 

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See the Dancing Fountain and Light Show

If you are touring Warsaw in the months between spring and summer, then make sure you visit the Multimedialny Park Fontann.

Translating to ‘The Multimedia Fountain Park’ is one of the most popular attractions in Warsaw that can be enjoyed free of cost by the whole family. It’s a 30-minute spectacle, with water shooting up to 25 metres (82 feet) into the air, accompanied by some fancy lights and visual effects.

You can catch a show every Friday and Saturday at 9 pm usually between the beginning of May and the end of September. Make it a point to show up early and claim a good spot as a large crowd gathers in for every show.

 

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Take in the Architecture of Marszałkowska Housing District

The Marszalkowska Housing District also nicknamed ‘MDM’ is definitely one of the most unusual free things to do during your trip to Warsaw. It was built by the Party as a showpiece district in which distinguished members of the party were housed; today the MDM is a pristine example of early socialist-realist architecture.

Take a walk around the area and see the main marching route along Marszalkowska Street, the monumental lamp posts at Plac Konstytucji as well as the 1950s sculptures at the Constitution Square. Children may not enjoy a visit to MDM, but history buffs surely will, as it’s a World War- II history fanatics dream.

 

 

Visit the Restored Royal Castle

For generations, the Royal Castle was home to the Polish monarchy before it was virtually destroyed in the Second World War. The castle reopened in 1979, and since then it’s one of the most prestigious structures in the whole city. Today, the castle is overflowing with history and exhibitions.

Inside the castle, you can take a self-guided tour of the Oval Gallery, the Throne Room, admire the collection of Bernardo Bellotto paintings and historical pictures of Warsaw. Please remember admission inside the Royal Castle is free only on Sundays.

There is one exhibition displayed in the basement of the castle entitled, ‘From Destruction to Reconstruction, outlining the Castle’s history, this is free of charge throughout the week. You can club your visit to the Royal Castle with your trip to the Old Town.

 

Whether you’re a lover of history, culture, shopping or just looking for an inexpensive downtime – a Warsaw tour will have something to offer.

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