Once reduced to rubble and written off as lost, this European capital refused to disappear. Out of the ashes, it reinvented itself – blending royal grandeur with creative energy, cobblestone charm with modern edge. Today, it’s a place where café culture hums beside rebuilt palaces, murals bloom on old brick walls, and the spirit of resilience feels alive in every street. Few cities have transformed as completely – and as beautifully – as this one.
Planning a short city break to Warsaw and wondering how to make the most of just 48 hours? This detailed 2-day Warsaw itinerary shows you exactly what to see, do, and eat to experience the very best of Poland’s vibrant capital.
Once known mainly for its post-war reconstruction, Warsaw has transformed into one of Europe’s most exciting and affordable weekend destinations – where history, modern design, and incredible food come together. Whether you’re into architecture, culture, or café-hopping, this itinerary will help you enjoy the perfect 2 days in Warsaw.
Use this Warsaw itinerary recommended by Or from My Path in the World for your next Warsaw short trip.
2 days in Warsaw, Poland: things to do in Warsaw in 48 hours
Warsaw, the capital of Poland, is slowly gaining the attention it deserves as a city worth visiting, but it’s still an underrated destination in Europe. It often has a connotation of being grey and boring, but that’s not the case at all.
You’ll be surprised by how many things there are to do and see in Warsaw, how diverse and full of contrasts it is, and how vibrant and fun it has become. While you can spend a lot more time than 2 days in Warsaw, it is possible to see and experience many of the city’s highlights in 48 hours.
Currency in Warsaw
The local currency is the Polish złoty (PLN) – at the time of writing, roughly 1 zł ≈ 0.22 € (≈ 0.24 USD).
You’ll find plenty of ATMs around the city, and most restaurants/cafés accept cards, but it’s wise to carry some cash for smaller café counters and charming older milk bars.
My tip: avoid high fees by using a no-fee travel card or withdrawing larger sums at once.
Best time to visit Warsaw, Poland
As a Central European capital, Warsaw experiences a range of seasons. The most comfortable time for a short visit is late May to early October, when the weather is mild and outdoor cafés and parks are in full swing. Even then, evenings can be cool, so bring a light layer.
If you enjoy crisp city breaks and don’t mind colder weather, April and October offer fewer crowds and lower prices. And in December the Old Town glows with festive lights and a Christmas market, making for a charming – if chilly – 48-hour visit.
Included in this 2-day Warsaw itinerary are:
- Wilanow Palace and Gardens
- Warsaw’s Old Town including the Royal Castle, the Market Square, and the Barbican
- Pawilony
- Free street art tour in the Praga district
- Neon Museum
- University Library Gardens
- Lazienki Park
- Places to eat in Warsaw
2 DAYS IN WARSAW – DAY 1
Breakfast: Green Caffe Nero
Forget everything you ever thought of chain restaurants because this Polish cafe chain is a total winner. The first thing that won me over was the decor. It’s modern yet so cozy that you immediately feel at home (and like you never want to leave).
The next thing that will catch your eye is their impossible-to-choose-from food display counter. From sandwiches and quiches to pastries and cakes, everything looks (and tastes) delicious. Throw in a great cup of coffee, and you’ve got yourself one perfect morning.
Although Green Caffe Nero is located all around Warsaw, my two favorite locations were at Nowy Świat 53 and Bracka 16. Unlike other cafes, they are open from 7 AM, so you don’t need to waste your time and wait until 9 AM to start your day.
Both those branches (Nowy Świat 53 and Bracka 16) typically open 7 a.m. — a great start if you’re keen to hit the sights early. If those fill up, a solid alternative is the atmospheric café inside the University Library rooftop garden (see Day 2 section).
Tip for teens: the display of pastries and cakes is a hit – plan for a quick photo stop!
Morning: Visit the Wilanow Palace and Gardens
One of Poland’s most beautiful baroque residences, the Wilanów Palace (Pałac w Wilanowie) dates from the 17th century and proved far more fortunate than many Warsaw landmarks: although it suffered damage during WWII, it was not completely razed and remains one of the few major intact pre-war aristocratic palaces in the city.
Its interiors are impressive, but what struck me most was the stunning yellow facade. The palace’s complex also includes a lake and beautiful gardens where you can stroll around and relax.
To make the most of your visit: aim to arrive right when it opens, allow 1.5-2 hours for the palace and gardens, and consider also visiting the adjacent Orangery and lake if time allows. You can reach it via buses 116, 180 or 519 from the city centre.
Why it’s worth it: amidst city bustle you’ll find a full-scale royal residence, mellow gardens, and lakeside calm – a perfect morning contrast to the urban pace ahead.
Lunch: Have some amazing Polish food at Zapiecek
Do you know how sometimes the most famous and recommended places to eat can be totally overrated? Well, I’m happy to say that Zapiecek lives up to the expectations. From soups to stews to delicious potato pancakes, they serve all kinds of hearty Polish food, but you cannot leave without trying their pierogi.
Pierogi are stuffed dumplings that can be cooked or fried and are usually served with a topping of your choice like fried onions or sour cream. At Zapiecek, you’ll also find many vegetarian pierogi (as well as other vegetarian dishes) and even sweet pierogi stuffed with fruit like apples or blueberries. I have nothing else to say but YUM.
Address: Piwna 34/36 (Old Town) – there are other locations, but this one keeps you in the heart of the Old Town for your afternoon stroll.
Expect a short queue at peak lunch time (12-2 pm); pierogi start from around 30-40 zł, vegetarian and sweet versions available. Tip: ask for “pierogi ruskie” (cheese & potato) or fruit-filled for dessert.
There are several other locations in Warsaw (I particularly loved the one on Nowy Świat 64 for dinner), but head to the one in the old town so you can continue your day there. It’s quite small and you might have to wait to get in, but I think the food is worth it.
Afternoon: Explore Warsaw’s Old Town
The Old Town (Stare Miasto) is one of Warsaw’s most photogenic areas and a compelling story of resilience: roughly more than 85 % of the historic centre was destroyed during the 1944 uprising and subsequent German demolition.
In 1980 it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list as “an outstanding example of a near-total reconstruction”.
Highlights to include:
- Castle Square (Plac Zamkowy) with Sigismund’s Column and the Royal Castle (Zamek Królewski).
- Old Town Market Square (Rynek Starego Miasta) – the fairytale-like colourful townhouses.
- The Barbican and remnants of the city walls – the 16th-century fortification.
- St. Anne’s Church tower – climb 150 steps for a great view.
Give yourself at least 1.5–2 hours for the area so you can wander off the main streets, take photos and pause for an espresso. The old town is actually not that big, but there’s plenty to see around it, so you should take the entire afternoon to explore and enjoy it.
Start at Castle Square and marvel at the stunning Royal Castle that used to be the official residence of the Polich monarchs. You can visit the museum inside it, and if you’re here on a Wednesday, the admission is free.
Continue to the Old Town Market Place, which is one of the most beautiful squares you’ll ever see. The townhouses in and around the square have a fairytale-like quality, and I’m sure you’ll want to take lots and lots of pretty pictures and lose yourself in this colorful maze.
One more thing to see in this area is Warsaw’s Barbican, which is one of the few remains of the city’s system of fortifications.
Dinner
Evening: Head to the area of Pawilony (Nowy Świat 22/28), a lively enclave of 20-plus small bars gathered in one pedestrianised courtyard. From craft beers to quirky cocktails and board-game bars, it’s one of Warsaw’s top spots for an energetic night out.
If you’re with a teenager, visit around 18-20:00 when it’s still mellow; by late evening it becomes much busier and louder. Otherwise, you could opt for a quieter dinner on Nowy Świat and a riverside walk.
Evening: Finish your day at Pawilony
How ecstatic would you be if I told you that you could do a pub crawl of 25 bars and pubs in only one place? That’s exactly what Pawilony is – a group of 25 small bars gathered together in one small yet super cool area. From cocktail bars to craft beer pubs, this is a great (if not the best) spot to enjoy an evening out in Warsaw.
Address: Nowy Świat 22/28.
2 DAYS IN WARSAW – DAY 2
Breakfast
For breakfast, stroll along Nowy Świat (part of the Royal Route) and pick from one of its cosy cafés or bakeries. Try a fresh “pączki” (Polish doughnut) or an artisan sandwich.
Tip: Arrive before 9 a.m. to avoid queues, especially on weekends.
Morning: Take a unique street art tour in the Praga District
Wondering what to do with 2 days in Warsaw? Then let’s see what you can do on your second day in the city.
Head to the Praga District on the east bank of the Vistula – one of the few Warsaw areas where much of the pre-war architecture survived the devastation of WWII (with some estimates suggesting only 20 % was destroyed).
This formerly industrial area has reinvented itself with street art, quirky cafés and galleries. Join a free walking tour (book in advance) that takes you through murals, abandoned factories turned into art spaces and local history. Wear comfortable shoes—some streets are cobbled and uneven.
It’s fascinating getting to know different artists and techniques while also learning about the history of Praga and seeing all the pre-war buildings. This contrast is truly unique, and this tour is a must-have experience when you want to see the best of Warsaw in 2 days.
Visit the unusual Neon Museum
While you’re in Praga, stop by the Neon Museum (Soho Factory, Mińska 25), a small but quirky museum devoted to preserving neon-lit signs from the communist era of Poland.
Visit time: allow around 30-45 minutes. Ticket ~20-30 zł (check official site for current price). Great for colourful photo ops and a fun contrast to the more formal palaces and parks.
Tip: combine this with a nearby lunch or coffee break at Soho Factory’s café to stay in the same neighbourhood. It’s one of the unusual things to do in Warsaw and one of the fun Warsaw activities to consider if you only have 48 hours in Warsaw Poland.
Lunch: a budget-friendly meal at a milk bar
For a genuine local experience, drop into a milk bar (bar mleczny), Poland’s cheap-and-cheerful cafeteria-style dining from the mid 20th century. No frills, just good hearty food.
In Praga, one good option is Bar Rusałka (Floriańska 14) – mains cost extremely modestly (check current menu; for example, many dishes will still be under ~25-35 zł) and you’ll get an authentic vibe.
Tip: look for daily-special boards in Polish (“danie dnia”) for the best value.
Afternoon: Marvel at the University Library Gardens
With their unique layout and decor, these gardens – University Library Gardens (Biblioteka Uniwersytecka rooftop gardens) – are a must-see in Warsaw. They are located on the roof of Warsaw’s University Library, so you won’t just stumble upon them, which makes them a proper hidden gem.
They are also a perfect spot for an after-lunch stroll, and a huge bonus is that you can visit the gardens for free.
Allow 30-45 minutes.
Stroll around Lazienki Park
Continue your day with some more natural(ish) landscapes, and head to Lazienki Park (Park Łazienkowski), the largest and one of the most elegant green spaces in Warsaw.. Apart from the beautiful and calming green scenery, it also houses a few landmarks.
The first one you’ll notice is the Chopin Monument. The famous composer and pianist was born and raised in Warsaw, and you can enjoy free concerts that take place next to his statue on Sundays during spring and summer.
The next important landmark in the park is the Palace on the Isle, which dates back to the 17th century and is one of the few buildings in the city that have survived World War II.
Other places to visit in Lazienki Park include the Old Orangery and the Royal Theatre. If it’s Sunday between April–October, you can catch a free outdoor Chopin concert next to the monument.
Tip: After your visit, walk toward the lake in the park for golden-hour photos or grab a coffee at the park café.
Dinner
At Chianti Trattoria Włoska (Foksal 17) you’ll find excellent Italian cuisine at still decent city-centre prices – an ideal treat after a full day of sightseeing.
They’re a bit pricier in terms of local dinner prices, but in comparison to other European cities, they’re probably still considered budget-friendly.
With the elegant decor and the delicious food, you’re also getting great value for your money.
It’s wise to book in the early evening if you’re visiting on a weekend.
Evening: End your trip with a cup of quality hot chocolate
What better way to end your two days in Warsaw than a cup of rich hot chocolate?
E. Wedel is a company that produces chocolates and sweet snacks, so when you find out that they have chocolate lounges in Warsaw, you have to go.
Their never-ending menu is enough to make anyone drool, and the regal decor makes you feel like you’re inside a palace rather than a cafe. The classic hot chocolate was thick and delicious, but they offer so many interesting flavors and combinations that everyone can easily find something to order. You can also pick up a box of their famous chocolates to take home.
Address: Szpitalna 8.
Conclusion:
With this itinerary, you’ll hit the highlights of Warsaw in 48 hours – from baroque palaces and colourful Old Town streets to hip neighbourhoods, street art and hearty Polish cuisine.
If you extend your stay: Consider adding an extra morning for the Warsaw Uprising Museum or the Palace of Culture and Science (for skyline views) or take a day-trip to the nearby historic town of Żelazowa Wola (Chopin’s birthplace).
Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or with a teenager (like I did), Warsaw offers surprisingly rich experiences for a short stay. Pack your walking shoes – and maybe a sweet tooth for that hot chocolate finale!
About the author:
I’m Or, a twenty-something aspiring travel blogger at My Path in the World on a mission to help people make the most of their trips. I’m always in search of hidden gems and unique experiences in both touristy and non-touristy destinations. My biggest travel obsession is Spain, but I love exploring Europe in general and all continents are on my bucket list. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
