Warsaw is a diverse city known for its historical position as a cultural and political center. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. So, whether you're exploring the museums, enjoying the nightlife, or taking in the beauty, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Warsaw, all while staying within budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Warsaw?
You should plan to spend around $112 (zł455) per day on your vacation in Warsaw. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $46 (zł188) on meals
- $4.64 (zł19) on local transportation
- $102 (zł415) on hotels
A one week trip to Warsaw for two people costs, on average, $1,571 (zł6,370). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$785
zł3,185
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,571
zł6,370
-
One Month
Per person
$3,366
zł13,650
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,571
zł6,370
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,141
zł12,740
-
One Month
For a couple
$6,732
zł27,300
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Warsaw cost?
A one week trip to Warsaw usually costs around $785 (zł3,185) for one person and $1,571 (zł6,370) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Warsaw on average costs around $1,571 (zł6,370) for one person and $3,141 (zł12,740) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Warsaw will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Warsaw on average costs around $3,366 (zł13,650) for one person and $6,732 (zł27,300) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Warsaw expensive to visit?
Warsaw is a smaller spot that entices a mix of tourists, showcasing various travel styles, financial habits, and budget considerations. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
Warsaw has the potential to be expensive, but you can manage your budget by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $42 (zł165) per day, mid-range travelers spend $115 (zł455) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $346 (zł1,369) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Warsaw.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Warsaw is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Europe for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Novi Sad, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Avignon.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Warsaw Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Warsaw?
The average Warsaw trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Warsaw travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Warsaw cost?
Warsaw on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$19
(zł79)
|
$51
(zł207)
|
$140
(zł566)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$2
(zł7.66)
|
$5
(zł19)
|
$11
(zł44)
|
|
Food 2
|
$16
(zł66)
|
$46
(zł188)
|
$147
(zł595)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$3
(zł12)
|
$7
(zł28)
|
$13
(zł54)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-6
(zł8-24)
|
$5-16
(zł21-63)
|
$14-41
(zł56-168)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to have realistic expectations for your travel budget. While many people assume they can travel to Warsaw without spending much money, the reality is that most people are not comfortable traveling on an extremely low "shoestring" budget. Consider what you really enjoy doing when you are on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you like to experience all of the activities, museums, and sights? Is dining out at delicious restaurants important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget and itinerary.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $42 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Luckily, Warsaw has plenty of hostels like Oki Doki Old Town Hostel Warsaw, Safestay Warsaw Old Town, and Chillout Hostel. At these hostels, you can find affordable dorm beds and a vibrant social scene, but amenities tend to be quite limited. Additionally, the city has great public transportation options, helping budget travelers save on expensive taxi or Uber costs.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or family taking a fun trip, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at favorite restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. Exploring the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks is a must for most visitors to Warsaw. Most activities have costs involved. Thus, it's realistic to expect your daily budget to be closer to $115 per person, per day.
There are a wide range of hotels and vacation rentals in Warsaw. If you're traveling with others, you'll share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, so costs will be split accordingly, saving money. When traveling as a family, you'll want to find hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Hotel Polonia Palace is a good kid-friendly option, and Wawabed Bed&Breakfast is also terrific. You'll find more hotels that cater to families and couples in our hotel guide for Warsaw here.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
If you want an all encompassing getaway with top-notch amenities and exceptional service, get ready for a daily cost around $346. Staying in upscale hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, indulging in lavish activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the city will require a more luxurious budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Private Historical Tour of Warsaw by a Retro Fiat with Pickup - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Warsaw
Warsaw offers a broad range of hotel prices, from budget to luxury. Higher-end hotels come with more amenities and higher prices, particularly during peak season. Off-season, you'll find average rates around $49, but during peak summer season, they can average $91. Prices range from $32 to $138, and hostels tend to be much cheaper. Save money by visiting during the low season or by taking advantage of early booking and special promotions.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Warsaw for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $102 (zł415). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $51 (zł207) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Warsaw? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Warsaw include:
- Hotel Polonia Palace starting at $65
- Wawabed Bed&Breakfast starting at $61
- Airport Hotel Okecie starting at $49
- Courtyard by Marriott Warsaw Airport starting at $51
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Conference Centre Warsaw starting at $51
With Warsaw's good public transit, staying on the outskirts of the city is possible to save money, but the transportation costs and commute time could add up quickly.
By traveling in the off-peak times like the low or shoulder season, and steering clear of summer, you'll find cheaper lodging and smaller crowds.
The city's captivating old town is a key attraction for visitors. Hotels in this area may be expensive, but they often have a lot of charm and provide easy access to everything.
Transportation Budget in Warsaw
Warsaw offers excellent public transportation. There are buses, trams, and a metro available. To save cash and travel quickly, opt for the public transit. And if you need extra convenience, taxis and rideshares are readily available.
Unfortunately, the majority of the city is not very conducive to walking. Many sights are spread out, so walking between attractions isn't always the best option.
Public Transit: 
(great)
Walkability: (moderate)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $4.64 (zł19) per person, per day, on local transportation in Warsaw. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Warsaw is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$4.64
zł19
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- CO2-Offset Arrival Transfer from Warsaw Airport to Warsaw City for $41 details
- CO2-Offset Arrival Transfer Warsaw Airport WAW to Warsaw City for $55 details
- Airport Transfer: Warsaw Airport WAW to Warsaw by Business Car for $61 details
How much does it cost to go to Warsaw? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Warsaw will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Warsaw
The culinary scene in Warsaw is pretty good, but it's not the main draw for visitors. You'll find a few standout places around the city that are definitely worth a visit. The city's restaurants are diverse with a combination of international flavors, Michelin Star restaurants, and Soviet era "milk bars". Traditional dishes are hearty with many soups, dumplings, and desserts to choose from. Some of the most famous dishes include pierogis (dumplings), zurek (soup), and borsch (beetroot soup).
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Warsaw can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Warsaw is $46 (zł188) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$46
zł188
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Warsaw is around $47 (zł188) per person, with previous travelers spending from $17 to $150. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Warsaw are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $14
- Lunch: $7 to $19
- Dinner: $14 to $33
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $7
There are plenty of interesting places to eat around Warsaw. If you're on a tight budget then your best options are the kebab shops, of which there are many, milk bars, and Vietnamese restaurants. Many of the kebab shops are concentrated in the Srodmiescie area. Milk bars were created during the communist era to serve cheap meals that are centered around milk products. Most of the establishments closed after the fall of communism, but those that remain still have a similar atmosphere to when they first opened. When you step into one, it's like you stepped back into the 1980s. They are most popular with students and senior citizens. The food is decent and they are worth a visit simply for the experience alone.
Another dining option is the plethora of fast food restaurants around town. There are recognizable options such as McDonald's, KFC and Pizza Hut and the prices at these international chains is often expensive by Polish standards, so unless you are feeling particularly homesick, then they are best avoided.
Countless hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, but some will add it as an additional fee. The price and quality can change based on the hotel. Being informed ahead of time can aid in deciding whether to budget extra funds. You might enjoy the delightful buffet offered at the hotel, or perhaps a more economical option would be a nearby bakery or cafe.
Making a picnic is a fantastic way to save money and enjoy the views. Head to a local grocery store or market, pick up fresh goodies, and find a charming park or scenic area to eat your meal.
Bring a water bottle to avoid frequent drink purchases. It's also a sustainable choice.
When planning your tour, don't forget to check what meals are included. You might have to pay for some of your own food, which could add to your expenses.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Warsaw. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- EVERYDAY Warsaw Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing for $158 details
- Warsaw Private Traditional Polish Food Tour for $174 details
- Taste of Poland - Old Town food tour and guided walk in one for $91 details
Typical prices for food in Warsaw are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the food prices in Warsaw. However, your individual costs will vary based on your travel style, selected restaurants, and the items that you order.
-
Dinner for Two
zł52
-
Lunch for Two
zł42
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Warsaw
It's not a shock that Warsaw draws crowds, as it is known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, and food.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Warsaw typically cost an average of $6.96 (zł28) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$6.96
zł28
Most of the city's sights are located within the Centrum area, specifically within the Srodmiescie area. Many people enjoy following the Royal Road which originally connected the Royal Castle with the Royal Palace in Wilanow. There are many other points of interest along this 10 kilometer route as well.
Popular museums in Poland include the Warsaw Uprising Museum, the Center for Modern Art, the Royal Lazienki, the Museum of Modern Art, the National Museum in Warsaw, the State Ethnographical Museum, and Heavens of Copernicus.
Popular festivals in the city include the Warsaw Film Festival, the Warsaw Summer Jazz Days, the Jewish Culture Festival, Warsaw Autumn, the Old Polish Music Festival, the Garden Theaters Contest and Noc Muzeow.
If you're interested in seeing a concert then there are several professional musical or play companies in town. The Polish National Opera as well as the Warsaw Philharmnoic are both based in the city. There are also a number of other companies based there as well.
Museums and Attractions:
Warsaw boasts some of the world's most well-known museums and landmarks. There are a number of landmarks and interesting museums around town. Many of the museums focus on the area's history, including the Warsaw Rising Museum, POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, and the Museum of Warsaw. Other notable sights include the Royal Castle, Łazienki Królewskie Park, and Wilanów Palace Museum and Park.
Historical Sights:
The charming old town is a magnet for tourists. While many buildings have been rebuilt following World War II, there are still some historical gems to explore. St. John's Archcathedral dates back to the 14th century and Rynek Starego Miasta is the square at the heart of the old town.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Warsaw. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Warsaw for WWII Buffs - private tour with hotel pickup for $129 details
- Treblinka Death Camp 6 Hour Private Tour from Warsaw for $188 details
- Retro Fiat Self-Drive Undisovered Tour in Warsaw for $53 details
Nightlife Budget in Warsaw
The nightlife scene in Warsaw is exciting and dynamic, drawing visitors who enjoy exploring the local bars, clubs, and parties. The city has an active nightlife scene with many bars and clubs spread out in a number of different areas. Many locals dress for the occasion, so depending on your hangout spot of choice, you may want to dress to impress.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $10 (zł42) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Warsaw per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$10
zł42
Enjoying the nightlife is exciting, but if you want to save money, drinking less is an easy way to do it.
If you're out drinking at night, keep an eye on your surroundings. You could be a target for pickpockets, so it's wise to stay in a group and with people you trust.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Warsaw. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Polish Wine Tasting - not only polish vodka is awesome for $64 details
- #1 Pub Crawl Warsaw with Premium Open Bar for $22 details
- Warsaw Wine Tasting Private Tour with Wine Expert for $172 details
Traveling in Warsaw
Warsaw
Warsaw is the capital city of Poland. It has a population of 1.7 million, making it the country's largest city. Located on the Vistula River, it is a popular tourist destination for its interesting architecture and culture. The right bank of the river was the first area to become populated in the 9th or 10 century. Today, however, the city's central district is on the left bank of the river. The Old Town, where you will find many sights and attractions, is fully contained within the city center.
Warsaw has a continental climate that has warm summers, cool falls, and cold winters. The summers can see a range of temperatures that vary from mild to very hot. It is best come prepared for hot temperatures during the day and cooler, even chilly temperatures in the early evening. The peak season for tourism is between the months of May and September. This is when the weather is the most pleasant. Rain is possible year around but in general July is the wettest month. It can snow during the winter months and overnight frosts are very common. January and February are usually the coldest months when temperatures drop below freezing.
Neighborhoods & Around
Warsaw can be divided into five districts; Centrum, Northern Warsaw, Western Warsaw, Eastern Warsaw, and Southern Warsaw. Centrum is where you will find the Old Town area. There are six different areas with this district and they include Srodmiescie, Wola, Mokotow, Zoliborz, Ochota, Praga Polnoc, and Praga Poludnie. There are both industrial and residential areas but most tourists in the city spend their time in Srodmiescie, Wola and Mokotow. In Southern Warsaw you'll find the Wilanow Palace. This district also has the historic Natolin park and nature reserve.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.