First time visiting Warsaw! A 2-day, 1-night plan to enjoy the city on a budget [Carefully selected by a Polish resident]

Warsaw, the capital of Poland, is an attractive city where history and modern streetscapes blend together. What's more, there are many spots that you can enjoy even on a budget! In this article, we will introduce a Warsaw sightseeing plan that allows you to enjoy Warsaw to the fullest in a 2-day, 1-night trip.

I recommend using the “Jakdojade” app to get around Warsaw — it’s the most convenient way to check routes and schedules for public transportation.

1. Łazienki Park

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Free admission

Duration: Approximately 1 to 2 hours

This is the largest park in Warsaw, and features a beautiful landscape where nature and the palace blend together. There is a Chopin statue, and free piano concerts are held in the summer, so if you have the chance, be sure to check it out!

The bench in front of the Chopin statue has a mechanism that plays music, so be sure to listen!

The White Pavilion, a historical building built in the late 18th century located in the park, is beautifully reflected on the water's surface.

White Pavilion

Actually, there are four peacocks in the park, so you might encounter them. They're not in a cage, they're just allowed to roam freely.

For this reason, unfortunately dogs are not allowed in Łazienki Park .

2.Pałac Kultury i Nauki

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(c)Obraz Piotr Zakrzewski z Pixabay

The Palace of Culture and Science is a symbol of Warsaw. It was built as a "gift" from Stalin and is a place where you can feel the remnants of the communist era. For that reason, many people are of the opinion that it should be demolished, and this debate is still ongoing.

There is an admission fee to enter the building, but I personally think it's more enjoyable to take a good look at the exterior of the building, so it's fine to just look around without spending too much time there.

The Palace of Culture and Science, visible between the modern buildings, is also quite nice.

With the morning sun

3. Warsaw Old Town (Stare Miasto) & Barbakan (Barbakan Warszawski)

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Obraz jacqueline macou z Pixabay

Free admission

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours

Warsaw's historic centre , destroyed during World War II but beautifully restored, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Also, don't miss the Barbican , a brick fortress at the entrance to the old town. It may seem smaller than you'd expect, but just walking through it will make you feel like you've traveled back in time to the Middle Ages!

The lawn behind the Royal Castle in Warsaw is a great place to lie down on a nice day!

The back lawn of the Royal Castle in Warsaw

4. Saxon Garden

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Beautiful fountain

Free admission

Duration: Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour

One of the oldest parks in Poland and a green oasis in Warsaw .

The park is also home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier , and you can see the changing of the guard ceremony (every hour on the hour)! It's the perfect place to spend some relaxing time between sightseeing.

There are often events held here, so you might even be able to encounter something interesting.

5. National Museum in Warsaw

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Free admission every Tuesday!

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours

The National Museum in Warsaw is one of the largest art museums in Poland , boasting a wide range of collections from the 13th century to the present day. You can enjoy a variety of exhibits, including European paintings, Polish art, religious paintings, and poster art.

One of the most popular works is the huge historical painting "Bitwa pod Grunwaldem" by Jan Matejko. This work is a symbol of Polish history and is a spot that many tourists stop in their tracks.

6.Roof Garden of the Warsaw University Library

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Free admission

Duration: 1 hour

A lesser-known gem not often featured in guidebooks is the rooftop garden of the university library.

Its modern architecture combined with lush greenery both on the building and the rooftop creates a remarkably calming atmosphere.

Said to be one of the largest rooftop gardens in Europe, it offers beautiful views over Warsaw and the River Vistula.

The garden consists of two levels — the upper section, open from April 1 to the end of October, and the lower section, which remains open all year round.

You can refill your water bottle at the water fountain located on the ground floor.

Anyone can freely go up to the rooftop garden.

There are benches on the rooftop so you can relax and read a book.

7.A map of recommended sightseeing spots in Warsaw

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The spots introduced in this blog can be seen on the map below.