Warsaw has plenty to offer, from history to culture and nature, it’s hard to get bored in the capital. But if you are itching to get out and explore beyond Warsaw’s walls, the city also serves as an excellent base for day trips, aided by its excellent transport infrastructure. Here are 9 worthwhile day trips to take from Warsaw :
Żelazowa Wola
Located just outside Warsaw, this scenic town is best known as the birthplace of Polish composer Frederic Chopin. The Chopin’s family home where he was born in 1810 has been preserved and turned into a museum dedicated to the composer. Visitors can also explore the beautifully landscaped garden that surrounds the family manor, where speakers hidden in the bushes emanate the composer’s music. There are also live piano concerts on the weekends. Known also for the unique landscapes of the Masovian region, dotted with beautiful valleys amidst hills, winding roads and gorgeous streams, Żelazowa is a place to simply relax and enjoy the scenery.
Poznan
The first capital of the country, the city of Poznan is steeped in Polish history and regarded by many Poles as the city where the country was born. Explore the painstakingly restored Old Town and admire Poland’s traditional architectural styles. Poznan’s medieval churches and the Royal imperial route are equally noteworthy, with Cezar Castle being one of the best places to visit in Poznan. Aside from these historic sites, Poznan is also known as a party town, and some of the country’s most diverse bars can be found here.
Toruń
This UNESCO World Heritage site features some of the best examples of medieval Gothic architecture in Europe, and is best known as the birthplace of the astronomer, Nicolaus Copernicus. Regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of Poland, this medieval town has plenty to explore with its historical Old Town and Gothic town hall, beautiful churches and charming streets.
Climb the 175 steps to the top of the Town Hall Tower for panoramic views over Toruń city and the nearby Vistula river. Check out the view of the Old Quarter from the south bank of the Vistula river, one of the most beautiful city panoramas, particularly at night with the city stunningly illuminated. Don’t leave without trying Gingerbread, Torun’s specialty which has been produced in the city since the Middle Ages.
Kazimierz Dolny
A short journey from central Warsaw, this artistic hub based on the banks of the Vistula river is considered one of Poland’s most beautiful towns. This colourful town is one of the most picturesque places in the country, and is particularly popular among tourists who flock here to admire the Renaissance architecture and the market square in the historic old town. Equally admirable are the 14th-century castle ruins and the historical churches decorating the town. Not to be missed is the Three Crosses Hill, which commemorates victims of the plague in the 18th century, and offers beautiful views over the town and river. The city is especially vibrant during the summer due to the Dwa Brzegi art and film festival.
Wieliczka
Located between Warsaw and Krakow, Wieliczka is the location of the famous Wieliczka Salt Mines. Only accessible with an experienced tour guide, the UNESCO-protected 13th century Salt Mine is an underground city in itself, steeped in Polish history. Traverse the deep tunnels leading to the mines, making a stop at the only underground chapel in the world as you learn about the history of the mine and the unique cultures that developed in the region.
Majdanek
Less popular than Auschwitz, Majdanek is one of the best-preserved Nazi concentration camps remaining. Located on the outskirts of Lublin, this site has been converted into a state museum, with over 70 buildings and large grounds that can be explored. These buildings, among which are 7 gas chambers and 2 torture rooms, depict the horrors of the camp and are a harrowing reminder of the non-distant Nazi past in Poland. Visitors to this sobering memorial site are reminded to behave respectfully.
Żyrardów
One of the least known, but most worthwhile destinations, Żyrardów is a unique factory town located 50km from Warsaw. Having survived both world wars almost entirely intact, Żyrardów is the only preserved industrial town in Europe from the turn of the 20th century, and offers a glimpse into the height of Europe’s industrial past. Dotted with old buildings in different states of disrepair, Żyrardów is particularly popular for its urban design and modern ruins.
Łódź
Once known as Poland’s most multicultural city, Poland’s 3rd largest city is often overlooked by tourists. Now fondly referred to as the “Manchester of Poland”, Łódź is an important trade city, and houses Piotrkowska Street, the longest European trading route. Throughout the city, medieval industries, French-style buildings parallel modern shopping malls, serving an interesting contrast between modern and old. Łódź also has some of the best traditional milk bars which have survived the fall of communism, as well as examples of the Jewish and Russian cultures that once inhabited the city. Also filled with great bars, restaurants and shopping districts, there is plenty to do in Łódź.
Lublin
The eastern capital of Poland, Lublin is one of the largest cities in East Poland, and is a great city to explore as a day trip from Warsaw. While not as grand as Warsaw’s, Lublin’s Old Town is full of character. Enter through the famous Kraków Gate and be transported into another world, away from drab modern architecture and into a colourful medieval walled town. Traverse the cobblestone paths and the many poky side streets and alleys as you admire the decorative facades and unique doorways. From its bell tower and clock to the well-maintained brown brick walls and the fortress-style entrance, Lublin is a marvellous example of 14th century Gothic-style architecture.
