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20 Great Places to Visit As Day Trips from Warsaw, Poland

Last Updated on 07/05/2024 by kami

Warsaw, the capital of Poland, is one of the most interesting cities to visit in Europe (that I’m also lucky to call home). Besides enjoying all the great things to do in Warsaw, you can also use the city as a base to see some of the best places to visit in Poland.

Even if the options are less exciting than in other popular Polish destinations – Krakow , Gdansk , or Wroclaw – there are some great day trips from Warsaw you can take and see some of the best attractions in Poland.

I compiled a list of great Warsaw day trips you can take when visiting the city. Some might seem a bit far away, but with fast train connections (that you can check here ), they are definitely doable and worth visiting. And if you still have any questions about visiting Warsaw, join my Facebook group and ask there.

Planning a trip to Warsaw?

Here are the highly-rated hotels, tours, and services recommended for your trip:

Accomodation:

• Hotel Polonia Palace (9.2/10)
• SleepWell Boutique Apartments (9.3/10)
• Hotel Verte (9.3/10)

Tours and activities:

• Private Tour: Warsaw City Sightseeing by Retro Fiat
• One day tour to Auschwitz-Birkenau from Warsaw with private transport
• Warsaw’s No 1 cooking class-Polish dumplings with liqueur tasting

Internet: Stay connected with Airalo eSim card – click here to get yours!

Airport Transfer: Use Welcome Pickups for a smooth ride from the airport to your accommodation in Warsaw Click here to book the airport transfer.

Insurance: Get insured for your trip to Poland with SafetyWing

Car rental: Compare prices and find the best deals on rental cars in Poland on Discover Cars .

Table of Contents

Best day trips from Warsaw

And now, without any further ado, here are the best day trips from Warsaw (with the distance, best ways to get there, and recommended tours).

Kampinos National Park

On the outskirts of Warsaw, you will find Kampinos National Park, a perfect nature getaway from Warsaw. This is one of the 23 national parks in Poland (and the second-largest one), established in 1959 and holding the title of the UNESCO biosphere reserves since 2000.

Kampinos National Park is a beautiful ancient forest, home to numerous protected species, including elks, lynx, and bison.

The best way to get there is by car. Still, you can also use public transport that will take you to the park’s borders, where you can start a hike on one of many trails to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the place.

Distance from Warsaw: 15 km How to get there: car or bus

Żelazowa Wola

As you might know, Frédéric Chopin – one of the greatest Poles in history – was born not far from Warsaw. Even if you can visit numerous places connected to him in the capital, it is worth going for one of the Warsaw day trips to Żelazowa Wola and see where he was born.

The charming manor house is now home to the museum dedicated to the great composer. However, it is not an original building as that burned down in 1812, two years after Chopin was born. Inside you will find some artifacts from the early 19th century, showing the reality of life back then. Everything is neat, organized, and accompanied by Chopin’s music playing in the background.

The manor house is surrounded by a beautiful park that is best visited in spring when all the trees and flowers bloom or in autumn when leaves change colors.

Distance from Warsaw: 50 km How to get there: car or tour Recommended tours:

• Fryderyk Chopin’s Birthplace Half Day Private Tour from Warsaw
• Birth Place of Frederic Chopin – Żelazowa Wola – 3 Hours
• Frederic Chopin Private Tour in Warsaw and Zelazowa Wola with lunch

• Are you planning a trip to Poland? Be sure to join my Facebook group about traveling in Central Europe and be part of the amazing community of like-minded travelers. Click here for the access!
• Don’t want to miss new articles? Sign up to the monthly newsletter to receive all the updates to your mailbox!

Lublin – one of the most beautiful yet underrated cities in Poland is located only less than two hours away from the capital and is a perfect destination for one of the day trips from Warsaw (although it deserves more time, sometimes a day is all you have).

This is one of the most important places in Polish history, with numerous crucial events happening here over the centuries (such as the union creating the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1569 that was signed in Lublin). With such a long past, you can expect numerous monuments around, and you will find them, but the list of things to do in Lublin is much more extensive.

The city is simply beautiful, and strolling around the old town and its charming, cobbled lanes is a pure pleasure. You will also notice numerous quirks, great street art around , and references to Lublin’s past that wasn’t always easy.

Once you get tired of all the sightseeing, you can sit in one of the many great restaurants and enjoy the local cuisine. This place really is a gem and deserves so much more attention than it gets; be sure to put Lublin in your Poland itinerary!

Distance from Warsaw: 170 km How to get there: car, train, or tour Recommended tours:

• Majdanek Concentration Camp & Lublin Full Day Private Tour from Warsaw
• Lublin and Majdanek concentration camp from Warsaw (1-day tour)
• Lublin and Majdanek Small Group Tour from Warsaw with Lunch

Read more about Lublin:

• 9 Reasons to Visit Lublin, Poland – One of the Best Cities in the Central Europe
• 17 Amazing Things to Do in Lublin, Poland

Kazimierz Dolny

Even if this lovely town is located not far from Lublin, I wouldn’t recommend combining them as one day trip from Warsaw as both places separately offer enough attractions for at least one day.

This small historic town is known as the mecca for artists but is so much more than just its charming, bohemian vibe and picturesque cobbled lanes. With its long history, dating back to the 11th century, and beautiful surroundings, there are so many great things to do in Kazimierz Dolny.

You can see some of the amazing monuments, including impressive townhouses, numerous stunning churches, and the ruins of the castle. You can hike in one of the picturesque gorges surrounding the town. Or you can wander around and enjoy the laid-back vibe. In the meantime, do some shopping as in Kazimierz Dolny, you can find unique handicraft souvenirs.

No matter what you decide to do when visiting Kazimierz Dolny, you are in for a treat as it’s one of the most charming towns in Central Europe that are so easy to fall for.

Distance from Warsaw: 150 km How to get there: car, bus, or tour Recommended tours:

• Kazimierz Dolny Small Group Tour from Warsaw with Lunch
• Full-Day Kazimierz Dolny Private Tour from Warsaw with Guide

Read more about Kazimierz Dolny: Visit Kazimierz Dolny, Poland – the Charming, Historical Town

With numerous daily train connections and a travel time of around one hour and a half, Łódź is one of the most accessible day trips from Warsaw.

For years the city has been misunderstood, but that’s what makes it unique. After the industry collapsed here in the 1990s, Łódź had to reinvent itself, and now this is the alternative and creative center of Poland, with plenty to do and see.

There are some amazing townhouses and palaces (some of which you can visit inside to see stunning interiors), one of the best street art scenes in Poland, and numerous former industrial buildings that serve as cultural institutions now.

Łódź is different from any other city in Poland, which is its advantage. You should consider adding this place to your itinerary, even for a short one-day trip, to see more than beautiful old towns and better understand Poland.

Distance from Warsaw: 130 km How to get there: car, train, or tour Recommended tours:

• Łódź – 1-day tour to the most surprising Polish city (from Warsaw)
• Lodz Small Group Tour from Warsaw with Lunch

Read more about Łódź: Lodz – the alternative and creative center of Poland

Did you know that the largest castle in the world (measured by land area) is located in Poland, only a bit over 2 hours away by train from Warsaw? Malbork Castle, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, used to be the capital of the Teutonic Order and still is considered the largest Gothic fortress in Europe.

The works on it started in 1278, and still today, you can admire the impressive architecture of the place. This is one of a kind castle, and during your visit, your jaw will drop a few times for sure. The whole area is huge, and you will need at least a few hours to see everything Malbork Castle offers.

The most efficient way to get there from Warsaw is by train; the train station is a 15-minute walk away from the castle.

Distance from Warsaw: 310 km How to get there: train or tour Recommended tours:

• Gdansk and Malbork Castle Small Group Tour from Warsaw with Lunch
• The Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork – 1 DAY TRIP FROM WARSAW

Read more about Malbork: Visiting Malbork Castle, Poland – the Largest Castle in the World

One of the best places to visit in Poland and the most important cities on the Baltic Sea shore, it deserves at least a few days of exploration. Still, if you are short on time, you can see the most important Gdansk highlights in one day too.

Gdansk is well-connected by train with Warsaw, with departures at least once an hour and travel time under three hours (on the way, you can admire the impressive structure of Malbork Castle since it’s located next to the railway line). There are so many amazing things to do in Gdansk, but since the Old Town is close to the central train station and many attractions are not far from each other, you can easily enjoy some of the best of what Gdansk has to offer in a day.

Wander around the Old Town and its picturesque streets as well as along the Motlawa riverside to see the most important landmarks of the city: the Town Hall, the Neptune’s Fountain, Artus Court, or the Crane. Step inside one of the beautiful churches and look at the city from above from one of the viewpoints. And visit one of the museums telling the history not only of Gdansk but of the world (did you know that World War 2 and the Solidarity movement started here?).

Gdansk has a lot to offer; even if you only have one busy day here, you will not regret visiting it.

Distance from Warsaw: 340 km How to get there: train or tour Recommended tour: Gdansk and Malbork Castle Small Group Tour from Warsaw with Lunch

Read more about Gdansk: 19 Amazing Things to Do in Gdansk, Poland

This place needs no introduction, but I believe visiting Auschwitz is one of the must things to do in Poland. It’s definitely not an easy place to tour. However, even if you know the history and what happened there, you still should go there, and most likely, this trip will not leave you indifferent. Auschwitz is a bit away from Warsaw, but doable as a day trip.

During your Auschwitz tour, you will visit two parts of the largest Nazi Germany concentration and extermination camp during World War II. First, you will see Auschwitz I, where the infamous gate with the sign “Arbeit macht frei” (meaning “Work Sets You Free”) is located. This is also where you will visit numerous barracks where inmates were kept – now you can see different exhibitions there, showing the reality of Auschwitz and halls with personal belongings taken from arriving prisoners – luggage, shoes, glasses, etc., or hair of Victims. You will learn all about cruel practices here, including medical experiments or torture.

After visiting Auschwitz, you will be taken to Auschwitz II-Birkenau, where around 90% of victims died. This is a vast area where you will walk around and see remnants of the largest killing factory in the world, with ruins of four gas chambers and crematoriums, as well as barracks.

Altogether, the visit to Auschwitz takes around 3,5 hours of the guided tour, after which you will return to Warsaw. The journey back will be a good opportunity to work through your thoughts and impressions of visiting Auschwitz.

Distance from Warsaw: 350 km How to get there: car or tour Recommended tours:

• From Warsaw Auschwitz and Krakow one day tour by train with pick up and drop off

Read more about Auschwitz: Visiting Auschwitz – How to Plan the Auschwitz Tour

Krakow is the most popular tourist destination in Poland, and it gets all the attention for a reason. The city is simply stunning and packed with attractions and historical monuments (it was the capital of Poland for a few centuries in medieval times). But even if you have only one day there, you still can see a lot.

There are frequent trains from Warsaw to Krakow, the fastest ones will take you there in under three hours. The train station is located on the edge of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, from where you can start exploring Krakow.

Granted, having only one day in Krakow will keep you busy, but you can see all its highlights: the Old Town with the Main Square, the Wawel Castle, and Kazimierz – the Jewish district. Once you are tired of all the sightseeing, you can sit down in one of the many cafes or restaurants (the best ones are in Kazimierz) and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the place before heading back to Warsaw.

Distance from Warsaw: 290 km How to get there: train, car, or tour Recommended tours:

• Krakow and Wieliczka Small Group Tour from Warsaw with Lunch
• Krakow – Full Day Tour from Warsaw by private car

Read more about Krakow: 37 Amazing Things to Do in Krakow, Poland

Other, less popular, ideas for Warsaw day trips

The places mentioned above are the best and most popular options for day trips from Warsaw. Still, there are numerous smaller destinations that are worth visiting, too, especially if you are looking for more off-the-path places. Here are some of them:

• Żyrardów (50 km away) – in the 19th century, it was a bustling town; today, the city is home to almost 300 monuments, many of them a testimony of the industrial past. Żyrardów and its factory settlement is the only place in Europe where you can see an industrial city’s fully preserved urban complex from the 19th/early 20th centuries.
• Otwock (25 km away) – a former spa town, home to numerous beautiful wooden houses built in a distinctive style – Świdermajer.
• Modlin (40 km away) – dating back to the early 19th century, this is one of the largest and best-preserved fortresses in Poland, located at the confluence of Vistula, Narew, and Wkra rivers.
• Płock (130 km away) – the former capital of Poland (in the years 1079–1138), a pleasant city with numerous historical monuments, such as the Cathedral, Ducal Castle, and more.
• Ethnographic Open-Air Museum in Maurzyce (95 km away) – one of the most colorful museums of that kind in Poland, with over 40 historical buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries
• Baroque Palace in Nieborów and Romantic Park in Arkadia (80 km away)
• Czersk Castle (40 km away) – ruins of the Gothic castle from the 14th century, the seat of the Masovian Dukes.
• Podlasie region (around 200 km away) – known as Poland’s most idyllic and authentic part, with beautiful wooden architecture, small Orthodox churches, and Białowieża National Park, home of the bison.
• Olsztyn (200 km away) – a getaway to the Masurian Lake District, home to the Gothic Castle where Nicolaus Copernicus spent five years working.
• Bialystok (200 km away) – the largest city in north-east Poland, known especially for the stunning Branicki Palace and gardens, with a great street art scene and still visible multicultural past.
• Treblinka (110 km away) – a former Nazi Germany work and extermination camp where almost 800 thousand people lost their lives.

Final thoughts on day trips from Warsaw

As you can see above, you can visit many diverse places on day trips from Warsaw. While some cities, like Krakow, Gdansk, or Lublin, might need a few days of proper exploration, you still can see a lot there in one day only if you have little time in your Poland itinerary. But no matter what you choose, you are in for a treat, as Poland has a lot to offer!

Further reading

I published many articles about Poland that you might find useful when planning your trip there. Here are some of them:

• 37 Amazing Things to Do in Krakow, Poland
• Visiting Auschwitz – How to Plan the Auschwitz Tour
• The Complete Guide to Visiting Slownski National Park, Poland
• Visit Grudziadz – One of the Hidden Gems of Poland
• 19 Amazing Things to Do in Gdansk, Poland
• Visit Sandomierz, Poland – One of the Prettiest Towns in the Country
• Visiting Malbork Castle, Poland – the Largest Castle in the World
• 25 Amazing Things to do in Wroclaw, Poland
• and many more!

If you are looking for articles about a specific destination – check out the map with all the articles I’ve published (and their locations). You can also join my Facebook group about traveling in Central Europe and ask your questions there.

Travel Resources

Below you can find the brands I trust and use when planning trips:

• You can find the best accommodation options at Booking . They have many discounts and excellent customer service. Click here to look for the place to stay in Warsaw
• I recommend joining organized tours to get to know the place better and to visit more places during your trip. You can find a great selection of tours at Viator or Get Your Guide .
• To always stay connected I use Airalo eSim cards – click here to get yours!
• For transportation and booking tickets online , I usually use 12Go or Omio
• Looking for the airport pickup ? Check Welcome Pickups!
• Never travel without travel insurance , you never know what might happen and better safe than sorry. You can check the insurance policy for Poland here.
• If you plan to rent a car during your trip to Poland check Discover Cars to compare prices and find the best deals
• Make sure to have the offline map always installed on your phone, they can save you so many troubles. I always use the free app Maps.Me .

For the end I left a few announcements that might interest you:

• Sign up to my newsletter or follow me on Bloglovin to get updates about the new posts
• Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!
• I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Poland too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. Thank you!

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Great review . So glad i found your post. This will be our first 8 day trip to Poland. So excited. I am going with my brother. We are 73 and 74 in very good health.

Awesome! I hope you will have a wonderful time in Poland!

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9 best things to do in warsaw in one day: full itinerary.

At the end of our 3 month road trip around Scandinavia, we were excited for one last stop before returning to Lithuania ...

Prior to this we had never even been to Poland before, and were keen to see at least one small part of the country.

However, we had little idea of what to do in Warsaw in just one day, so did a lot of digging around online. 

And, in the end, we were not disappointed!

Warsaw has had an incredibly tumultuous history over the last 100 years; with most of the city being destroyed by the Nazis back in WW2.

The Warsaw you see today is actually relatively modern; however they have maintained much of the typical old town charm you would expect to find in a historic European city.

And with just one day to spend there, it’s important you get to see and experience as much as possible!

So, here’s a rundown of what I believe to be the 9 best things to do in Warsaw in one day!

Before we get stuck in, here’s a few quick travel tips to help you make the most of your visit to Warsaw ...

Travellerspoint

What’s the best way to get to Warsaw?

Getting to Warsaw is pretty straightforward and the Warsaw Chopin Airport is located just 15 to 30 minutes outside the city.

You can get cheap flights there from most other European cities; and for the best deals I recommend checking out Skyscanner .

If, like us, you are road tripping your way through Europe, then there are lots of main roads that run straight up to Warsaw.

The drive from Berlin (Germany) to Warsaw takes about 6 hours and is really lovely!

We stopped off at the Polish city of Poznań the night before and would recommend it as a nice place to rest up at.

It’s also about 6 hours from Warsaw to Vilnius (Lithuania) and the drive is similarly nice.

Getting Around Warsaw, Poland

All of the best Warsaw sites listed below are relatively close together; so you don't need to worry about hiring a car or anything.

We actually used electric scooters for all of our sightseeing in Warsaw (more on that below), but you could even just walk if you wanted.

Where To Stay in Warsaw

I recommend picking somewhere located in the heart of Warsaw so as to minimise any unnecessary walking and to get the most out of your time here.

We stayed at SleepWell Apartments Nowy Świat and I would highly recommend them.

The rooms are very spacious and clean and located just outside the Old Town in a really popular area called Nowy Świat.

This is in perfect proximity to all kinds of bars and restaurants; perfect for a late night on the town for you to make the most of your one day in Warsaw.

You can view SleepWell Apartments Nowy Świat here .

For finding other great value accomodation in Warsaw, I would say your best bet is to search on:

• Booking.com

9 Best Things to do in Warsaw in one day

1. discover the warsaw uprising museum.

If you have just one day in the city, then one of the top things to do in Warsaw is to head to the Warsaw Uprising Museum .

It gives you a massive crash course in Polish history during and after WW2.

Of course, the main focus of the museum is on the Warsaw Uprising which occured in the summer of 1944.

Up until that point, the German army had occupied Warsaw and killed hundreds of thousands of local civilians and troops in an effort to bring it to heel.

For years the Polish underground resistance lay in wait for their opportunity to strike and the museum carefully chronicles all stages of the war and the movement.

All exhibits are in both Polish and English; and I would say that you need a good couple of hours here to see everything in-depth.

Entrance is 25 PLN per person and it’s possible to rent audio guides.

2. Visit the Jewish Quarter

The Jewish Quarter (or Jewish Ghetto) in Warsaw was formed during the WW2 occupation of Warsaw by the Nazis.

400,000 jews were forced to live in an area a little over 3 square kilometres in size.

The quarter was demolished even before the end of the war, with around 300,000 jews taken from here and executed; largely as a result of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising in 1933 (not to be confused with the Warsaw uprising of 1934).

Today, as you walk around the Jewish quarter, there are numerous monuments and memorials to those that lived and died there.

You will see plaques on the floor that mark the border of the ghetto.

To see and learn as much as possible it’s best to do a walking tour; such as:

• This free walking tour
• This paid, private tour with GetYourGuide

3. Get lost on an electric scooter!

You will now see electric scooters everywhere in Warsaw, and I really do recommend you hire one to help you get around the city.

Not only is this the best way to see as much of Warsaw in one day as possible; it’s also a heck of a lot of fun!

All across Europe, you will now find that cities have hundreds of electric scooters lying around, all very cheap and easy to use.

In Warsaw, they use a few different companies; but my top recommendation would be Lime.

This is because they have the most scooters available, but also allow you to hire out multiple scooters (up to 5) all from one device.

Here are the apps to download:

4. Visit the Old Town Market Square

One of the nicest places to visit in Warsaw Old Town is Market Square (or Market Place).

It was completely destroyed during WW2, but rebuilt not long after the war.

It was built to closely resemble its pre-war appearance; and it’s strange because you can tell it’s meant to be old fashioned, but certainly feels relatively new!

Especially if you’re used to visiting typical Old Towns in other European cities.

Here you’ll find cafes and bars to relax in (at least during the summer months).

In winter, when we visited, it was home to a small ring of Christmas market food stalls; and in the middle was a big ice rink!

5. Wander through Castle Square

In front of the Royal Castle you have Castle Square.

It was once home to the Polish Royal Family and today is a lovely spot to visit, especially in the evening time.

In December, it’s all lit up with Christmas lights and a large Christmas tree.

Here, you’ll also find a string of Christmas markets leading off from the square.

Compared to other Christmas markets in Europe , the ones in Warsaw are relatively small, but I actually bought more here than at any other we visited.

6. Visit the Royal Castle

Like much of the Old Town, the Royal Castle was systematically deconstructed during the German occupation.

After bombing and destroying much of it; what remained was carefully taken apart, with many artifacts and pieces distributed across Warsaw, Poland and even into Germany.

Following the war, historians and architects carefully reconstructed the castle; using as many original pieces as possible.

Today, it’s possible to go on a tour of the Royal Castle; and you can buy tickets here .

If you’re interested in learning as much as possible about the history of the castle and the Old Town, it could be worth taking a guided tour; such as this one here from GetYourGuide .

7. Check out the Presidential Palace

Another grandiose building to visit in Warsaw is the Presidential Palace.

It’s one of the seemingly few buildings in Warsaw that wasn’t devastated during the German occupation; though it was apparently further rebuilt and expanded following the war.

We weren’t able to go into the palace, but it’s nice to view from the outside; and we conveniently got to walk straight past it on the short journey from the Warsaw Old Town to our hotel on Nowy Świat .

8. Eat local Polish food at Zapiecek

Without a doubt, the best way to end your 1 day in Warsaw is with a visit to a truly typical Polish restaurant.

We did a lot of searching for the best restaurant to eat at in Warsaw city centre and it turns out that Zapiecek just so happened to be right next to our hotel.

In the end, we absolutely loved this restaurant and would 1000% recommend it!

I would go so far as to say that having our meal here was possibly my favorite thing to do in Warsaw.

We shared a big selection of Polish fried dumplings, known as Pierogie Ruskie , as well as the large potato pancake with mushroom sauce.

Oh yeah, and plenty of shots of Zubrowka vodka (the best vodka I’ve ever tried!).

It’s honestly one of the nicest meals I’ve had anywhere in Europe, and perhaps the cheapest as well.

Check out their menu here .

9. Grab a cocktail (or several) at Max & Dom Whisky

As mentioned above, I recommend staying somewhere either in the Old Town or on Nowy Świat.

It’s just outside the Old Town and has a big row of shops, restaurants and bars.

After strolling down the street we found Max & Dom Whisky , a really cool cocktail bar with hundreds of bottles of spirits lining the walls and central carousel.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a wide selection of alcohol in one place, and the bartenders are able to make you literally any cocktail you could want.

I recommend the caipirinha and pisco sours, the perfect way to end a day in Warsaw.

Tips for making the most of your one day in Warsaw

• ‍ Stay somewhere near the Old Town - This is where all the good restaurants, bars and things to do are. By staying here you can start earlier and end your day later, without the need to travel far to the best Warsaw attractions. The great thing about Warsaw is that it’s so much cheaper than most other capital cities in Europe and you can pick up a room in a really nice hotel for maybe 50% less than cities like Stockholm (Sweden) . I found that Booking.com has the biggest selection of hotels available, and we used them to book our stay at SleepWell Apartments Nowy Świat . ‍
• Make use of the electric scooters - As already mentioned above, they are so cheap and so much fun to use. They also allow you to not waste any time and to fit in as much as possible in your one day in Warsaw. ‍
• Get started early - With so much to see and do, even beyond the things on this list, you may as well get started as early as possible in order to squeeze things in. ‍
• Head to the Old Town last - I recommend exploring the Jewish Quarter, Uprising Museum and any other museums first. One of the best things to do in Warsaw at night is to head to the The Old Town after dark once it’s all lit up.

Well, that’s about it! Do you have any other fun things to do in Warsaw that you think could have been on this list? If so be sure to let me know in the comments below so I can check them out next time we visit Warsaw! Check out Krakow for another great city in Poland.

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21 Day Trips From Warsaw Poland That You Can Plan

Looking for day trips from Warsaw? You have plenty to choose from.

Whether you have one extra day or a few to spare, it is highly recommended that you get out of the capital city.

From national parks to heritage towns to lovely lakes – you can choose your Warsaw day trips as you prefer.

If you are a solo traveler worried about spending a lot on day trips, don’t worry, because most of these can be done on your own, with a bit of planning!

Okay, so go ahead and check out these awesome day trips from Warsaw.

Best Day Trips From Warsaw

Head to the birthplace of chopin, zelazowa.

The birthplace of the renowned Polish music composer Chopin , Zelazowa is an easy place to add to your list of day trips from Warsaw.

This scenic town is known for the unique landscapes of Masovian region dotted with beautiful valleys amidst hills, winding roads and gorgeous streams.

You can reach the town through buses, and spend the day exploring his childhood house, now a mini-museum, which also includes a pretty garden.

Apart from this, Zelazowa is a place to relax simply and enjoy the landscapes.

Museum timings: 9 AM to 7 PM. Closed on Mondays. Entry fees: 23 PLN for adults(covers Museum & the park). The entry to the museum is free on Wednesdays.

How to get to Zelazowa:  You can reach from Warsaw to Zelazowa by train. There is a train every hour from Warsaw central station to Sochaczew. From there, you can take a cab.

The total journey costs about € 15. Or you can take a train from Warsaw to Piasecznica station, and then take a taxi to Zelazowa, which is about 10km away.

Recommended guided tours

If you are looking for a private tour, there is this half-day private tour to Zelazowa from Warsaw , which is perfect if you have a very short time or will be leaving Warsaw the same day or traveling further.

Or even better, you can opt for this combo tour that includes a visit to Zelazowa and also Masovian country – This trip includes lunch, pick up and drop from hotel, and also free cancellation up to 24 hours.

This is the best value-for-money-and-time tour for you.

Explore the mammoth Malbork Castle

Malbork Castle is the largest castle in the world in terms of area.

Entirely built by bricks, it is also the most massive brick structure in the world.

This 13th-century castle belonged to Teutonic times and was majorly devastated in WW II bombing.

It was reconstructed later to what it is the present day.

There are three different levels, and it takes half a day to explore the castle and another 2 to 3 hours in traveling to and from Gdansk.

It’s closer to Gdansk , which is a beautiful coastal town with so many things.

How to get to Malbork Castle: You can travel by yourself from Warsaw to Gdansk by train and then from Gdansk to Malbork Castle by train again.

There are three types of trains at different prices. Go to the station a day before or just when you decide to get the tickets directly.

Read my post to find out more details of making a day trip to Malbork Castle from Gdansk here .

Malbork Castle timings: 9 AM to 7 PM every day.

Malbork Castle entry fees: 39.50 PLN in summer and 21.50 PLN in winter. Tuesday free entry(to selected areas) after 2 PM.

If you are looking for a tour, then I would recommend this  Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork Full-Day Tour .

It starts from Warsaw, where you will be picked up from your hotel(with no additional charge), and includes entry tickets to the castle, guided tours in English, German & Russian(if you are visiting in July) or audio guides during the other months, and lunch in the Original Gothic Restaurant within the castle.

If you are traveling solo , IMO this is the best way to enjoy Malbork.

This another combo tour is even better if you are keen on exploring Gdansk or Sopot towns as well. This day trip to Malbork Castle and Gdansk or Sopot starts from Warsaw.

It includes entry tickets, hotel pickup and you can choose Gdansk or seaside Sopot while booking online.

You can check the complete itinerary here. The guided tour is available in English.

Both these tours are free to cancel up to 24 hours, and mobile vouchers are good enough to start the trip.

How to spend 3 epic days in Warsaw – A complete Itinerary

Visit Auschwitz Camps & Krakow City

Ideally, both the city of Krakow and Auschwitz need more than a day, and I would recommend keeping a few days in Krakow because there are plenty of things to do(for free!).

Ideally, it is best to chalk out a few days in Krakow and take a day trip from Krakow to Auschwitz.

But if you are running short on time, there are some tours that would take you through the highlights of both.

Auschwitz is the place where the most gruesome concentration camps of WW II are located. It’s not a pleasant day trip to take, but history is to be known.

Alternatively, you could opt for any of these guided, inclusive tours. This low-cost combinational tour of  Auschwitz and Krakow from Warsaw  is worth if you are short and time and want to do both without digging deep in your pocket.

However, I would suggest you avoid it if traveling with young children.

There are trains and buses from Auschwitz to Warsaw. 

If you want to opt for a private combo tour, this one is good .

The  Auschwitz-Birkenau Full-Day Group Tour  is worth doing if you want a cheaper trip to the camp alone.

Check out the heritage underground Wieliczka Salt Mine

Wieliczka is a UNESCO-protected 13th-century salt mine consisting of subterranean tunnels.

It is open only during the summer every year.

This underground mine would take you through the deep tunnels leading to the mines and the only underground chapel in the world. 

A must-visit if you are traveling in summer.

Again, it’s closer to Krakow , and I would recommend traveling from there if you Krakow is on your itinerary.

How to get to Wieliczka: There are no direct trains to Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia from Warsaw. You can go there via Krakow and then take a train.

This tour is highly popular, has great reviews and gets sold out often.

Check out: 15+ Amazing Free Things to Do in Krakow

From the station, you can take a cab to the salt mine.

From Krakow, below are some of the best recommended guided tours to go for.

Explore Poznan from Warsaw

Poznan itself deserved to be explored separately, but when it’s not possible, you should include the city as a day trip at least.

Check out the beautiful old town of Poznan, the Royal imperial route and the medieval churches.

Cezar Castle is one of the best places to visit in Poznan.

This guided private walking tour would cover all the significant sights, which I recommend to make the most of your time in Poznan.

How to get to Poznan: There are direct trains from  Warszawa Centralna to Poznan Glowny, taking up to 3 hours and costs  €11 to €20.

Below are some of the recommended tours that you can take to explore Poznan even if you have only one day.

Admire Baroque Style at Wilanow Palace

Famously known as ‘The Versailles of Poland,’ Wilanow Palace is a classic example of Baroque architecture.

The huge well-manicured is a lovely attraction against the light-yellow coloured Palace as the backdrop, parts of which are open to visitors.

The interiors of the Palace are magnificent too, complete with royal collections.

You can take  Skip the Line Wilanów Palace and Gardens Guided Tour from Warsaw , which includes transport, English guide and pickup from your hotel if you take the extended version of the tour.

Easy to book and recommended if you want to travel comfortably.

If you are interested in private guided tours, check this  Private Wilanow Palace & Garden Tour, which covers the entry fees, and includes guides in multiple languages.

How to reach Wilanow Palace from Warsaw: Located in the Wilanow district, you can plan a day trip to the Palace easily as there are buses from the centre.

It takes about half an hour or so to reach the Palace premises.

Olsztynek – Masurian Lake Province

Located in Olsztynek region, the Masurian Lake District has many attractions to offer, mostly in nature.

There are some tours that you can opt or plan it yourself. 

The lake is the main attraction, but the surrounding Napiwodsko-Ramucka near the Lyna river, the castle at Nidzica and the museum are other things to explore. 

How to reach Masurian Lake: There are regular trains from Warsaw to Olsztynek.

I would recommend this guided Canoe and Sailing Tour from Warsaw if you are keen on enjoying some water activities in the lake.

The tour includes the equipment and Yacht cruise with dinner.

Explore the UNESCO heritage site at  Torun

Torun city is the birthplace of Copernicus and is famous for this reason.

But the town is lovely with many attractions worth checking out as a day trip from Warsaw.

The Torun old town is compact and pretty, which is a part of UNESCO world heritage site.

You can witness the beautiful panoramic views of Torun atop the Bell Tower.

Don’t forget to try Gingerbread, a dish for which Torun is famous.

There’s also a museum of Gingerbread, something to check along with Copernicus Museum.

45 Interesting & Fun Poland Facts That You didn’t Know!

How to reach Torun: There are direct trains from  Warszawa Centralna to Torun Glowny, which takes about 3 to 4 hours depending on your train and costs between €10 to €20.

You can either book online or get it from the Warsaw station.

There is a full-day guided tour from Warsaw to Torun , which includes hotel pickup and transfer, traditional Polish lunch, skip the line tickets to one of the museums, and covers the historic sites in the old town. 

Check out  Lodz, the Manchester of Poland

If you are looking for a non-touristy city in Poland to explore, one of them for sure is Lodz.

What makes you consider as an option for one of your day trips from Warsaw is the contrast culture of the city.

Fondly called the Manchester of Poland, Lodz was one of the important trade city, and houses Piotrkowska Street, the longest European trading route.

You’ll find medieval industries, French-style buildings parallel to modern shopping malls.

With the historic old town area, lovely neighbourhoods with milk bars, cafes and restaurants, you can slowly spend a day checking out them.

There are also some cool places for shopping.

How to reach Lodz: Trains are the best way to travel anywhere in Poland.

There are direct trains from Warsaw central to  Lodz Fabryczna, which takes up to 2 hours and costs from €4 to €6.

There is a full-day guided tour from Warsaw to Lodz , which includes pickup from your hotel, skip the line tickets to Poznanski Palace, traditional Polish lunch and all transports.

You will explore the trade route, old town, factories listening to the interesting stories about the city.

A train trip from Warsaw to Lodz – There is a unique day tour by train from Warsaw to Lodz , which includes your train tickets, English guide, pickup from your hotel, and covers all the important attractions in the city.

Enjoy the Old City of Lublin

One of the largest cities in East Poland, Lublin is a great city to explore as a day trip from Warsaw. 

Unlike Warsaw, Lublin has survived the darkest periods in Polish history, which means more of enriching original historical monuments and sights.

Some of the places to visit in Lublin are the areas around the main street Przedmiecie consisting of many cool things, Lublin Castle, and Zamoyski Palace close to Lublin in Kozlowski.

How to reach Lublin: Train is the best way to reach Lublin. There are direct trains from Warsaw central to Lublin and takes between 2.5 to 3 hours depending on the train.

You can go a day before to Warsaw station and get your train tickets directly for the next day.

You can also go by bus from Warsaw to Lublin, which can be booked online.

If you are looking for a guided tour, I’d suggest this combo tour of Lublin Old town and Majdanek camp (see below). This tour is best to see the town in a short time.

Pay a visit to Majdanek Death Camp

Located on the outskirts of Lublin, Majdanek is one of the remaining-Nazi concentration camps, which is now a state museum.

There are over 70 buildings which once housed seven gas chambers and two torture rooms.

These buildings depict the horrors of the survivors and are an alternative to Auschwitz for travelers interesting in the dark past. It is not recommended to visit with kids.

Also, make sure to respect what happened here as it is a memorial site for families of victims that visit Majdanek. 

Majdanek state museum timings: 9 AM to 6 PM(summer); 9 AM to 4 PM(winter). 

How to reach Majdanek from Warsaw

Buses: You can take a bus from Warsaw central to Dw. Zachodni 02. There are buses every 5 minutes. Change there to get a bus to Lublin.

It takes about 2.5 hours to get to Lublin. From there you can take a cab to Majdanek for about €25. 

Train: You can take a train from Warszawa Centralna to Lublin, which takes about 3 hours. From Lublin station, take another train to Niedrzwica, which is the nearest station to Majdanek.

From Niedrzwica, you can reach Majdanek by taxi, which is just 3km away. The entire journey should cost you from €25 to €30.

Recommended guided tours to Majdanek from Warsaw

If you are looking for guided tours, the best one is the combo   Majdanek Concentration Camp & Lublin Guided Day Tour .

It includes hotel pickup, lunch in a milk bar with traditional Polish cuisine, all entry fees, and covers the best highlights of Lublin and Majdanek. 

If you only want to do Majdanek as one of your day trips from Warsaw,  check this tour.  

There is also the option of  a private tour as well. Both include hotel pickup, skip the line tickets and traditional Polish lunch.

Check out the Communist-era Palace at Kozlowka

Also located close to Lublin is Kozlowka, which is known for the Zamoyski Palace.

Editor’s note: 35 Unusual Things to do in Warsaw(Quirky side of the capital)

It is one of the important monuments from the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth era.

A beautiful garden in front of the Palace is the show-stealer, but there are some more of them around as well.

You can check out the halls within the Palace, royal stables as well as these gardens on your visit to Kozlowka.  

How to reach: You can take a train from Warszawa Centralna to Lubartow, the nearest station.

From there the Palace is about 11km. You can take a cab from Lubartow.

Recommended guided tour :

There is and excellent combo tour from Warsaw that covers Kozlowka, Lublin and Majdanek – worth your money and time to see all in a single day. Book the tour here .

Visit Poland’s Oldest National Park Bialowieza

Bialowieza National Park is not only the country’s oldest but also a UNESCO-listed site.

If you are a nature lover, then it should be one of your day trips from Warsaw.

It is home to rare European wild bison, deers, antelopes, hundreds of species of birds and plant life.

Birdwatching is one of the popular activities to do in the park. You need to take a guide to get access to the selected reserve areas.

How to get to Bialowieza:  There is no direct transport option from Warsaw to Bialowieza except for the cab.

If you are taking a train, then take a train Warszawa Centralna to Siedlce, and another to Hajnowka.

From Hajnowka, you can reach the park by cab. The entire journey would take about 4.5 to 5 hours and cost up to €30.

Guided tour:

If you want to avoid the hassles of arranging transport on your own, you can book this  Full-Day Bialowieza National Park Tour , which takes care of commuting, your entry ticket, pickup from your hotel, and, delicious traditional Polish lunch.

More Day Trips From Warsaw

Head to treblinka, europe’s biggest nazi camp.

One of the many destinations of Poland with a dark history lies an hour away from the capital city.

Treblinka, a small town, is home to former Nazi concentration death camp, which was the largest in Europe.

Not one of the pleasant day trips from Warsaw, but worth checking out if you plan on visiting any of these Nazi camps in Poland. 

The entry is free, and you can get an audio guide for 12 Euros.

How to get there: Take a train from Warszawa Wschodnia to Malkinia, the nearest station. From there, you can easily reach Treblinka by cab, which is 4km away.

Alternatively, you can also take a train from Warszawa Wileńska to Prostyń and get a taxi to Treblinka.

Recommended guided trips to Treblinka :

• If you are looking for excellent guided tours, I’d recommend this  Treblinka Concentration Camp Tour with Hotel Pickup  that starts from Warsaw. It covers pickup and drop, and also the entry fees.
• There is also  a private tour with tickets and pick up from Warsaw . Both can be easily booked online, and you can cancel if need be without any charges up to 24 hours of the start of the trip.

Visit Wolfs Lair

The  Wolfs Lair  was the east front military headquarters of Adolf Hitler during WWII, where he lived for four years from 1940 to 1944.

If you are interested in war history, you will love planning one of your day trips from Warsaw to Wolfs Lair.

The remains of this fortress, along with documentaries, photographs and details of the operations during the war are exhibited for travelers. 

How to reach: It takes about 5 to 6 hours if you intend to travel by train. It would be best if you took a Train from Warszawa Centralna to Ketrzyn, and then a cab from there, which takes about 20 minutes.

The best way to reach from Warsaw is to take a taxi, as it takes about 3hours. The cost of a taxi ride would be around € 45 to € 55.

If you want to enjoy a comfortable trip, then I would suggest going for this  Private tour of the Wolf’s Lair .

It can be booked online, and mobile voucher can be shown offline.

This 10-hour tour includes pickup and drops off to your hotel, skip the line tickets, water, and guided tour of the Wolfs Lair. 

Explore the neighbourhood of Kazimierz Dolny

Probably the most unique and vibrant of all the day trips from Warsaw is Kazimierz Dolny , an artistic neighborhood located on the banks of the Vistula river.

It is known for the renaissance architecture in the historic old town, which also consists of the medieval market square. 

Also, check out the beautiful ancient castle and the Three Crosses Hill, from where you can get magnificent views of the landscapes.

If you are into arts, you will love those folk artist shops lined up closed to the old town.

How to reach Kazimierz: The best way to get to Kazimierz from Warsaw is to take a taxi, which will take about 2 hours and costs around € 110 to € 150.

If you want a cheaper option, take a train from Warsaw central to Pulawy Miasto(1.5 hours), and then take a bus from Żyrzyńska – Nadleśnictwo to Kazimierz Dolny, which will take another 45 minutes.

As for tours, I would recommend  Kazimierz Dolny Art Town Full-Day Private Tour , which includes pick up and guided tour. The tour lasts for about 10 hours. 

There is another excellent combo guided tour which covers Kazimierz Dolny, Majdanek camp, Lublin and Kozlowka . This tour works best if you want to make the most of your time and money.

It involves skipping the line tickets, guides in multiple languages, and easy to book. You can check the detailed itinerary and reviews  here .

Day trips from Warsaw to enjoy nature

Hike, cycle or run in bolimów landscape park.

Consisting of five nature reserves, Bolimów Landscape Park is one of the recommended day trips from Warsaw, especially if you love nature and parks.

You will find a lot of hikers, runners, cyclists here, and attracts locals during the summer.

You can spot Polish wildlife including deer, foxes and many birds.

There is also one of the Jewish Ghettos that was constructed outside the town close to Bolimów.

How to reach: The cheapest way to enter is to take a train from Warszawa Centralna to Skierniewice, the nearest station, and then take a cab to the park, which is 10 minutes away.

The total journey should take less than an hour and cost around €20 to €30.

Admire the Polish Countryside at Sierpc

Want to spend a day feeling like it’s the 19th century?

Then make your way to Sierpc, an idyllic village located about 3 hours away from Warsaw.

It is a perfect candidate for Warsaw day trip to go off the beaten path in the country.

You will see the settlements unique to this village, like the wooden chapel, windmill, blacksmith’s shop, and different local food. 

There is a museum dedicated to the 18th-century artefacts, where you can get a glimpse of the Masovian region.

Summer is the best time to plan a trip to Sierpc as there are a lot of activities offered by the museum for its visitors.

Here, you’ll be able to visit a blacksmith’s workshop, a wooden chapel and windmill, try local food, and learn more about Masovian customs.

Museum timings: 9 AM to 3 PM(Oct to March); 10 AM to 5 PM(summer).

Entry fees: 13 PLN. 

How to reach: Buses and trains are the best options to reach Sierpc. Take a train from Warszawa Centralna to Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki, and change the train to Sierpc here. Buses leave from Dw. Zachodni 02 to Sierpc.

Swim at Zegrze Lake

Wondering where locals picnic in summer? Head to Zegrze Lake to find them.

This artificial lake has plenty to offer and is an excellent option for taking a day trip from Warsaw.

You can go swimming, sail, rent out kayaks , hike in the nearby forests, walk in the nearby village of Zegrze or visit the historic  Radziwiłł  Palace. 

How to reach: The easiest way to reach Zegrze Lake is taking a train from Warszawa Centralna to Legionowo, the nearest station and opting for a taxi to the lake from there.

The journey takes less than an hour and costs around €20 to €30.

Spend a day at UNESCO listed Kampinos National Park

For starters, the beautiful  Kampinos National Park  is located just 40 minutes away from Warsaw.

This massive reserve area is a highly recommended day trip option if you like hiking , animals, and enjoy outdoor activities in general.

You can spend time watching wildlife, taking hikes in the trails and visiting many museums. 

For tourists, cycling, skiing, walking and horse riding trails are available.

Depending on the season that you are arriving, you can plan your activities.

How to reach: The best way to get to the park from Warsaw is to first take a train from Warszawa Centralna to Nowy Dwor Mazowiecki, the nearest station, and then take a taxi for about 30 minutes.

The total journey should take about an hour costing around €20 to €25.

Check out the Rugged Medieval Czersk Castle

Czersk Castle  is the formal residence of the dukes of the Masovian region and is one of the remaining gothic castles in Poland.

Located about 35km from the city centre, it is an excellent addition to your list of Warsaw day trips. 

This 15th-century castle is very well maintained and takes in you back in time through medieval dance performances, archery, sword fighting and more.

Yes, exploring Czersk Castle is more than just appreciating history and architecture. To check their periodic activities, head to  their website  to plan.

How to reach: The only way to reach Czersk Castle is by renting a cab. It costs about €35 to €50.

Czersk Castle timings: 8 AM to 8 PM(Summer); 8 AM to 3 PM(Oct to March)

Entry fees: 8 PLN

MORE POLAND POSTS TO CHECK OUT

• Warsaw Travel Guide – Best Things to do in Warsaw(in 2019)
• Gdansk Travel Guide – Best Things to Do in Gdansk
• Wroclaw Travel Guide – Best Things to do in Wroclaw
• Malbork Castle – How to plan a day trip to Malbork Castle from Gdansk

PIN DAY TRIPS FROM WARSAW

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What a great list! On my last trip to Warsaw I opted to do a day trip to Krakow and Auschwitz. It was a wonderful trip. Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough time to see Schindler’s Factory or the Salt Mine. I really want to go back to Poland. It’s so underrated in my book.

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Home » Travel Guides » Poland » 15 Best Day Trips from Warsaw

15 Best Day Trips from Warsaw

Located in Central Poland on the banks of the Vistula River, Warsaw is a popular entry point for visitors to Poland.

The central part of the city itself is very industrial and modernist, with the Palace of Culture and Science acting as a Stalinist monolith that can be viewed from almost anywhere else in the city.

The restored Old Town provides an interesting insight into what Warsaw looked like before it was completely destroyed by the Nazi and Soviet occupations.

For true insights into Polish history, however, there are some great day trips that can be taken from Warsaw.

The city is an excellent base for exploring not just these historic sites, but also some areas of natural beauty and cultural attractions.

Here are the 15 best day trips within easy travelling distance from Warsaw.

1. Żelazowa Wola

Located just outside Warsaw, Zelazowa Wola is known as the birthplace of Polish composer Frederic Chopin.

There are many sights related to the composer in the town which can easily fill an entire day trip.

Chopin’s family home has been preserved and turned into a museum dedicated to the composer where you can view some of his earliest manuscripts and learn about his life.

There are botanic gardens located just outside the museum, providing a tranquil place to have a walk and explore some interesting plant life.

There is a fortified church from the 16th Century in the town itself, which is a great example of Gothic-Renaissance architecture.

2. Bolimów Landscape Park

This natural park is located on the outskirts of Warsaw.

It is a wonderful and tranquil forested area that is popular with hikers and cyclists alike.

There are five nature reserves within the huge park where you can try to find some of Poland’s native wildlife including rabbits, foxes and deer.

The town of Lowicz is an entry point to the Landscape Park and is interesting in its own right.

One of the earliest Jewish ghettos from the Nazi occupation of Poland was established in the town, and you can visit remnants of the area while there.

The Mazovia region just outside of Warsaw City is a great place to experience the traditional folk culture of Poland.

There are plenty of examples of local folk art in the museums across the area, particularly in the town of Lowicz which also acts as a gateway to Mazovia.

In Nieborow you can check out some great examples of Baroque architecture including the Radziwill family palace.

The palace has a surrounding garden park known as Arkadia, designed in the English style in 1779. To unwind, visit the Konstancin-Jeziorna spa on the banks of the Vistula River.

Located roughly halfway between Warsaw and Berlin, Poznan is steeped in Polish history and was the first capital of the country.

As such, it is regarded by many Polish people as the city where the country was born.

Efforts to restore the old architecture of Poznan have been more successful than similar efforts in Warsaw’s Old Town, and you will get a much more authentic view of the traditional architectural styles of Poland.

Aside from the many historic sites, Poznan is also known as a party town, and some of the most diverse bars in the country can be found here.

5. Masurian Lake District

The Masurian Lake District is a tranquil region of natural beauty located a short train journey out of Warsaw.

Olsztynek is the main gateway to the region and easily accessible from Warsaw.

From here you can opt to take a guided tour of the region, or hire a bike and make your own way through the villages.

Napiwodsko-Ramucka forest is located within the region and is a very calm forested area to enjoy walks and bike rides, as well as relax by the banks of the Lyna River.

You can also check out the ancient castle at Nidzica, or learn about the traditions of the Polish people at the Museum of Folk Architecture and Ethnographic Park.

Available tour : Masurian Lake District Day Bicycle Trip from Warsaw

Torun is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases some of the best examples of medieval gothic architecture in Europe.

It was also the birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus, and there are many attractions related to the astronomer within the town.

The Copernicus house gives an in-depth explanation into his life and offers a brief history of the town.

You can also gain a great view of Torun from the bell tower of the cathedral in the town centre.

Torun is also well known across Poland for its gingerbread, which uses a recipe dating back to the 16th century.

Available tour : Day Trip to Torun: The City of Copernicus

7. Kazimierz Dolny

Kazimierz Dolny is an artistic hub based on the banks of the Vistula River, a short journey from central Warsaw.

The old town is packed with historic monuments including the ruins of an ancient castle and the Three Crosses Hill, which commemorates those who fell victim to the plague that made its way through Europe in the 18th century.

From the hill, you can enjoy beautiful views over the town and river.

There is a landscape park just outside the town filled with wild apple trees and calm forested areas.

For art lovers, a simple stroll through the central square will allow you to check out some of the local folk art and purchase your favourite pieces.

Lodz is a city which is very closely connected to Warsaw, and there are plenty of public transport options available to get to the city if you do not have a car.

Often overlooked by tourists, you will get a very authentic Polish experience in Lodz, which was once known as Poland’s most multicultural city before the Nazi occupation.

Here you can find some of the best traditional milk bars which have managed to survive the fall of communism, as well as examples of the old Jewish and Russian cultures that inhabited the city.

Lodz is also filled with great bars, restaurants and shopping districts.

Available tour : Warsaw to Lodz: The City of Four Cultures Day-Tour

Poland’s extensive highway and public transport networks make a day trip to Krakow from Warsaw very possible, and there even a few guided tours to help you.

Krakow has managed to retain its older buildings much better than Warsaw, and the Old Town is a great place to find examples of older Polish architecture.

The historic centre has been granted UNESCO World Heritage Status.

You can also travel out to Nowa Huta to transport yourself to the communist era.

Here you can find modernist architecture, carefully planned streets and milk bars.

The Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow is one of the best art galleries in Poland.

Recommended tour : Full-Day Krakow & Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour from Warsaw

10. Auschwitz

A very sombre, but nevertheless popular, tourist site in Poland is the remains of the Auschwitz concentration camp.

Here you can discover a haunting recollection of the Holocaust which swept through Nazi-controlled parts of Europe during the Second World War.

The site is split into three sections: the museum, where you can find artifacts and historical descriptions, Auschwitz I where the original concentration camp was based, and Auschwitz II which was larger and nowadays has a much more comprehensive tour describing the history.

Auschwitz is a popular pilgrimage site for Holocaust survivors and their families, so make sure to remain respectful at all times.

Suggested tour : From Warsaw: Auschwitz Tour with Private Transport

11. Wieliczka

Located on the way to Krakow, Wieliczka is the location of the famous Wieliczka Salt Mines.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Salt Mine is an underground city in itself, steeped in Polish history.

The salt mine can only be entered with an experienced tour guide, who will also describe the history of the mine and the cultures that developed in the region.

In the town of Wieliczka, you can visit the Saltworks Museum which also gives a great overview of salt mining in Poland, and there are a series of interesting wooden churches which are popular with tourists to the area.

12. Wilanow Palace

Wilanow Palace is located in a suburb of Warsaw and will easily take an entire day to explore.

Known as “the Little Versailles” locally, the palace is a great place to learn all about Poland’s architectural history.

Though Warsaw was largely destroyed by the Nazi and Soviet occupations, Wilanow Palace survived and is one of the oldest monuments in the metropolitan area.

It is also surrounded by a beautiful French style garden, perfect for relaxing walks and enjoying the calm atmosphere.

The inside of the palace has been decorated to reflect the styles of Polish aristocracy during the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

Recommended tour : Warsaw Wilanow Palace & Garden Tour

Lublin is a historic city and the largest in the eastern half of Poland.

It acts as a gateway to the east and to some of the sites of natural beauty present in the country.

The city was an important trading point during the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and most of the traditional architecture survived the Nazi and Soviet occupations.

Lublin Castle is a good starting point.

It was partially reconstructed after the fall of communism, and is one of the few modern examples of Gothic-style reconstruction efforts.

Krakowskie Przedmieście is the main street in the city, and features many restaurants and independent retailers in a traditional setting.

14. Majdanek

Though it does not see as many visitors as Auschwitz, Majdanek is one of the best-preserved Nazi concentration camps remaining, and is located on the outskirts of Lublin.

It is now maintained as a state museum, and can be a much better experience than Auschwitz if you are looking for somewhere less touristy and quieter.

Like Auschwitz, many survivors and their families make pilgrimages to Majdanek, so respect should be given as much as possible.

There are seventy different buildings and large grounds that can be explored with a licensed guide or at your own pace.

15. Kozlowka

The Zamoyski Palace in Kozlowka is also located close to Lublin and is another great example of how the Polish aristocracy lived during the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth era.

You can tour the gardens of the palace, which are peaceful but smaller than other palace gardens, and check out the interiors which have been restored to replicate the original decor of Polish nobles.

You can also visit the coach stable where residents would keep their horses, and there’s a socialism museum in the grounds where you can look at artworks from the communist era.

15 Best Day Trips from Warsaw:

• Żelazowa Wola
• Bolimów Landscape Park
• Masurian Lake District
• Kazimierz Dolny
• Wilanow Palace

The 15 Best Day Trips from Warsaw, Poland

There’s no question that Warsaw is one of Poland’s most popular tourist destinations, and its attention only seems to grow larger with every passing year. 

Warsaw hosts an abundance of historical monuments, interesting museums, lively bars, and easy access to nearby cities and parks. 

If you’re spending time in Warsaw, check out these 15 day trips that will bring Poland’s history and culture to the next level. 

Table of Contents

1. Kazimierz Dolny

With its small-town charm and historic significance, it’s surprising that Kazimierz Dolny doesn’t see a massive influx of tourists. 

Take a step back in time by visiting Old Town Square where you can check out the historic well at its center and stroll amongst the many shops, restaurants, and cafes. There are quite a few bars around the square that seem to have a lively scene, regardless of the time of day. 

Hidden on the outskirts of town lies the Korzeniowy Dol Gorge , a beautiful sight of greenery with a plenty of hiking trails. 

Admire the structure of the Church of St. John , which dates back to the early 1600s and is a fine example of Renaissance architecture. For something even more ancient, wander through the ruins of a historic Poland castle and learn of its significance along the way. 

The seaside village of Gdansk is everything you’d hope it would be and more with its bright colored buildings, rich history, and waterfront shopping. 

Start your journey by going for a stroll down Dluga Street and admiring the vibrant, exquisitely detailed structures throughout the historic center. See how many gargoyles you can spot along your travels, as they appear to be the icon of the city. 

Window shop along Mariacka Street to see stunning pieces of amber usually embedded in handcrafted jewelry. 

A newer edition to the city, European Solidarity Centre , is a great place to dive deep into the history of the country and pay your respects to the many soldiers that have died over the centuries. 

Walk below the high ceilings of the Kościół Mariack church and climb the stairs to the top for a miraculous view of the city. 

Grab a coffee or stop for lunch along  Dlugie Pobrzeze , where every establishment has spectacular waterfront views and laid-back vibes. 

The massive region is over a thousand miles long, but the real highlights can be found along the iconic, glacier-carved lakes in the Masurian lake district . 

Spend a few hours exploring the luxurious village of Mikołajki , and keep your eyes peeled for native celebrities while you hop between bars, restaurants, and shops. 

The small historic settlement, Folwark Łuknajno is the best place to sample some of the most authentic Polish cuisines while you enjoy views of both the Śniardwy and Łuknajno lake. 

Explore the countryside on horseback in Gałkowo , and stop by Potocki Restaurant for a simple yet flavorful meal. 

A trip to Poland wouldn’t be complete without indulging in the country’s pierogies, and the number one place to sample these tasty dumplings is in the town of Osiniak-Piotrowo . Here you’ll find Pierogi u Ewy where the pierogies are made fresh each day and you’ll have your pick of a variety of fillings. 

Kayak along the Krutynia River , immerse yourself in history at Wojnowo , and visit Hitler’s lair in Gierłoż – the list can go on for days. 

Known as one of the main locations taken over by the Nazis in World War II, Krakow is one of the most popular cities to visit in Poland for its historical significance alone. 

Before diving into the city’s more unfortunate history, stop by Old Krakow to walk amongst the largest market square in the continent, enjoy live entertainment presented by local artists, and take in the breathtaking views of the city from atop of St. Mary’s Basilica.  Take a tour of the Wieliczka Salt Mine located underground with impressive rock-carved chapels and tranquil, clear water lakes. 

Visit the Jewish Quarter, Kazimierz , where you can taste delicious Jewish cuisine, take in the street art, and visit the Schindler’s List Passage . 

Many visitors are drawn to the Auschwitz Concentration Camp to pay their respects to the many that died during its tragic events. Walk amongst the ruins of its gas chambers and prison blocks as you learn more about the gruesome period through artifacts, documents, and pictures. 

As morbid and solemn as it may feel, it’s an important part of history and serves as a reminder to never allow such horrid things to happen again. 

5. Lodz 

Hidden in the shadows of more populated cities like Warsaw and Krakow, Łódź has a small number of visitors but a large number of attractions. 

Visit one of the oldest modern art-based museums in all of the world at Muzeum Sztuki , and admire the extensive collection of 20th and 21st-century art from around the globe. 

There are quite a few parks to explore in the city, but one that stands out amongst the rest is Mickiewicza Park with its vast lake, many bird species, and rotating concerts. 

Piotrkowska Street is the central hub of Łódź and boasts multiple historic squares, statues, and museums – and a wonderful selection of restaurants, bars, and cafes, varying from quick bites to fine dining. 

Known as the capital city of Wielkopolska , Poznań has managed to maintain its old-time atmosphere as it continues to grow its vibrant scene. 

However you decide to map out your day, make sure to be at the Old Market Square before noon to see the adorable mechanical goats pop out and dance to the bugle call when the clock strikes twelve. 

Walk the ground of Poznan’s widest park, Citadel Park , to admire ancient statues and pop into one of the two museums on site. 

If you are visiting on the shortest night in June, you’re in for a wonderful treat as the night sky is lit up with Chinese lanterns to commemorate long-lasting love. 

A strange yet tasty experience waits for you at the Croissant Museum where you can learn the process of making these classic treats before munching on one yourself. 

The town may be small, but the nightlife is booming with many bars, clubs, and breweries inviting you for a drink. 

7. Bialowieza National Park

Considered to be the last surviving of the ancient forests in Europe, the national park has since been established as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Because of its rarity, a permit is required to enter the park and trips will need to be done with a guide educated in preservation. 

The real gem is walking amongst the national park’s many nature trails completely untouched by humans for over 800 years, but if you’re unable to reserve a guide, you can still get a glimpse into the forest by visiting the State Forest of Bialowieza which borders the national park and is open to the public.

Many species of animals, unique to the park, can be spotted along your travels, but the fan-favorite is the European bison. These creatures might be the largest on the continent, but spotting one can be difficult if you aren’t prepared to get up before the crack of dawn. 

If you’re unable to catch a glimpse of the bison out in the wild, you can always opt for a visit to the European Bison Show Reserve. 

Nestled along the flowing river of Wisła , Płock is the perfect place to enjoy a day of sightseeing, eating, and drinking along the waterfront. 

The Old Market Square houses the stunning city hall building with its gushing fountain and impressive clock tower. Just a few steps away you’ll find the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Masovia with its unique shape and massive size. 

Grab a bite to eat at Molo Cafe and watch the sun set over the longest river in the country before partaking in a night of bar hopping. 

If you prefer a fine dining experience, look no further than Karczma Pod Strzechą where you can sit out on the patio on a nice night and enjoy a multi-course meal of authentic Polish cuisine. 

By far one of the most underrated destinations in Poland, most people who have visited Lublin end up falling in love with the scenery. 

Admire the roots of the city in the old town where you will find medieval structures and historic gates dating back to the 1300s. 

Visit the Lublin Museum to walk inside one of the oldest, most well-preserved castles in all of Poland and learn about its many uses including a royal home, a Russian prison, and a Nazi concentration camp. 

After you’ve spent a few hours exploring the historic parts of town, you’ll be caught off guard by the vibrantly modern street of Krakowskie Przedmieście and its many lively shops. 

10. Zegrze Lake

Although Zegrze Lake is completely man-made, it’s one of the most beautiful bodies of water in Poland, attracting many tourists thanks to its close proximity to the capital. The lake stretches out over 20 miles and has three large beaches along its shores:

• On the southern end of the lake, you’ll find Wild Beach with its large variety of amenities. Sunbathe on the sand, swim with the security of lifeguards, and bike along the path that borders it. 
• For a more secluded beach, make your way over to Serock where you’ll have access to amenities like bathrooms, changing stalls, and a pier. 
• Wieliszew Beach is by far the largest of the beaches, and is home to many organized volleyball tournaments and nightly movie showings.  

11. Wilanow Palace

Established as a museum in 1805, the palace has been passed down from one royal family to another since the late 1600s. 

The museum is two stories tall with it’s main attractions on the ground level; you’ll be able to see how royalty lived centuries ago. The most extravagant of the rooms is the White Hall . Its intricate chandelier is a centerpiece and perfectly placed mirrors make the room appear double in size. 

You will also get to walk through the library, the royal bedroom, the chapel, and the massive vestibule. 

One of the few cities that survived World War II, Toruń is a medieval city by nature and its streets are oozing with history. 

The Old Town is considered to be one of the seven Poland wonders, and is lined with historic monuments and beautiful churches. 

Head over to Pod Krzywą Wieżą street to see Poland’s version of the leaning Tower of Pisa. Take a guided or self-led tour of the Teutonic Knights Castle , and venture through 13th-century ruins. 

Grab a quick bite to eat Bar Mleczny Pod Arkadami where you can enjoy a cheap dish of classic Polish cuisine in a lively atmosphere. 

13. Kampinos National Park

Known for being the most popular national park in Poland, Kampinos is home to a diverse environment ranging from swamps to sand dunes. Walk along one of the many hiking trails to admire how quickly the park transforms from marshlands, to thick forests, to dunes, and back again. With so many habitats it’s no wonder that the park houses over 80 endangered species. 

For a bit of history, visit the 54 graves of Polish soldiers who devoted their lives to the Independence of Poland. 

14. Bialystok

One of the largest cities in northern Poland, Bialystok is overflowing with unique attractions that will keep any traveler busy for weeks. 

The highlight of the city is the Branicki Palace, with its 18th-century architecture and extensive grounds. Take a guided tour to get up close and personal with the gardens, fountains, pavilions, and grand rooms. 

Catch a show at the Białystok Puppet Theatre or opt for a tour of the puppet cellar to see where the magic happens. 

Walk amongst the 20 exhibits at the Arsenal Gallery to admire some of Poland’s finest pieces of artwork, varying from sculptures to films.

15. Olsztyn

Surrounded by 10 pristine lakes, the capital of the Warmia-Masuria Province is small in size but boasts big city vibes. 

Imagine what life was like in the mid-1300s for the Teutonic Knights as you venture through the historic Olsztyn Castle . 

Pay a visit to the largest lake in the city, Lake Ukiel , and choose between hiking trails, beaches, and local restaurants. 

Walk through the gates of the Old Town, known as Wysoka Brama , and explore through restaurants, cafes, shops, and bars. While you’re there, wander over to one of the two town halls for a chance to observe one of the local meetings. 

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19 Unforgettable Day Trips From Warsaw

Warsaw is one of the most popular cities in Poland. The city was famously rebuilt in the 1950s after the war and hence the best things to do in Warsaw includes visiting historical buildings and modern skyscrapers, as well as different arts and museums, and parks. It receives fewer tourists than Krakow, so it can feel more genuine especially if you prefer less touristy destinations. Moreover, it offers a lot of interesting day trips. Auschwitz and other tourist attractions in Poland can be visited as day trips from Warsaw.

Here we’ve compiled the best day trips from Warsaw that you can book for a quick break from the city.

1. Kazimierz Dolny

3. zelazowa wola, 5. auschwitz, 7. wieliczka, 8. kampinos national park, 9. bolimow landscape park, 10. masurian lake district, 11. bialowezhski national park, 12. naleczow, 13. wilanow palace, 16. majdanek, 17. zegrze lake, 18. bagno calowanie.

One of the most vibrant cities you can visit on a day trip from Warsaw is Kazimierz Dolny. It features beautiful Rennaissance architecture, scenic landscapes, and thriving art community that is visited by artists and writers from all over the world.

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Head to the town center and explore the market square, town hall, and streets filled with historic houses and cafes. Visit the 14th-century castle ruins and the Three Crosses Hill , which offers a panoramic view of the Vistula River and the surrounding country side. Finally, explore its many art galleries, workshops, and studios and take home cool art pieces.

Aside from these activities, you can also join the Two Riversides Film and Art Festival, which is held annually every summer in dedication to cinema and other forms of art.

Torun is one of the best day trips from Warsaw. A charming city known for its medieval architecture, it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of Poland . It is also the birthplace of the world-famous astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus.

The best way to experience Torun is to take a leisurely stroll around Torun Old Town , where you can admire Gothic-style buildings established in the Middle Ages still standing today.

Other interesting highlights include the Town Hall and the Tuba Dei cathedral , which offer a panoramic view of the city; various museums including the Nicolaus Copernicus House and two museums dedicated to gingerbread (a signature treat produced since the Middle Ages); and old city walls constructed in the 13th century.

At night, check out the planetarium where you can learn more about the cosmos, universe, and stars.

Book a day tour from Warsaw to Torun .

Zelazowa Wola is a charming village located near Warsaw and is known as the birthplace of the world-renowned composer Frederic Chopin. Here you explore the modest cottage where he was born to view personal memorabilia and learn about his life and music. On summer months, you can attend open-air concerts held in the park to listen to talented pianists performing Chopin’s music compositions.

Aside from the attractions dedicated to Chopin, this village also has a park and gardens where you can relax and have a picnic, as well as walking and cycling trails where you can enjoy a good exercise while discovering the local flora and fauna.

The third largest city in Poland, Lodz offers a rich industrial heritage, remarkable architecture, and vibrant culture. Back in 19th century, it had a large textile industry that made the city extremely wealthy. As a result, rich mill owners and industrialists were able to built opulent palaces and mansions across the city, and some textile mills and factories still remain to this day.

Lodz is best visited over a weekend so you time to explore the city well, but you can also do a self-guided tour for a day. Some interesting spots to include in your itinerary are the Piotrkowska Street , the longest commercial street in Europe home to many local and international brands; Manufaktura and OFF Piotrkowska , which are previously used as textile mills; the Historical Museum of Lodz , which features an impressive Neo-Baroque façade; and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral .

It’s also worth exploring Litzmannstad , a Jewish ghetto established during the WW2.

Book a day tour from Warsaw to Lodz .

Auschwitz is one of the most famous dark tourism sites in the world , a poignant reminder of the atrocities committed during World War II. It was the largest concentration and extermination camp during the war, where more than 1.1 million people — mostly Jews — were murdered. Today, Auschwitz is open to those who want to take a look back at history and pay respect to the victims of war.

This complex was established in 1940 and consisted of three main camps: Auschwitz I, Auschwitz II-Birkenau, and Auschwitz III-Monowitz.

Visiting here isn’t for the faint of heart. Auschwitz tours are conducted by expert guides who will tell you about its history and show you the actual gas chambers, barracks, crematoria, and other sites. You can also visit the Auschwitz Museum, which is dedicated to preserving the memory of the victims of Holocaust. Its main exhibition is located in Block 27 and includes personal belongings, photographs, and documents from the victims. The museum also has a bookstore, a café, and a memorial site where you can pay your respects for the victims.

You can book Auschwitz tours through the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum’s official website or through various tour operators. A tour of Auschwitz from Warsaw can be planned by yourself, but considering the distance, it’s suggested to book an organized tour instead. A day trip to Auschwitz will take around 18 hours, so prepare for a long day.

Book an Auschwitz-Birkenau skip-the-line entry pass .

Krakow is one of the best city breaks in the whole of Europe. This city features an interesting history, beautiful architecture, and delicious food and drinks. It’s feasible to visit this as a day trip from Warsaw, since most of its popular attractions can be visited on foot in Old Town.

The main market square in Krakow is the largest in Europe. Here you can visit St. Mary’s Basilica — a Gothic church with stunning exteriors, beautiful wall paintings and stained-glass windows, and a tower were you can enjoy sweeping views of the city.

Nearby you’ll find the Cloth Hall , a market place which has been in operation since the 13th century and where you can pick up interesting souvenirs; the Rynek Underground Museum , where you can learn about the history of Krakow; and the Wawel Castle and Cathedral .

If you have more time, check out the Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow, which is considered one of the best galleries in Poland.

Wieliczka is a small town home to the Wieliczka Salt Mine — one of the oldest salt mines in the world dating back to the 13th century and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here you can explore underground chambers and tunnels, admire the religious sculptures carved from salt at St. Kinga’s Chapel, and see the fascinating underground lake located over 100 meters below the surface. There is also a museum where you can learn all about the history of salt mining.

Aside from the salt mine, you can also explore the town center by foot to see the town square, Saltworks Castle, Franciscan Monastery, St. Clement’s Church, Graduation Tower, and Health Resort.

Wieliczka is close to the city of Krakow, which is why you can find organized tours combining both destinations in a day.

Book a Wieliczka Salt Mine guided tour .

Located just 40 minutes away from Warsaw, Kampinos National Park (also known as Puszcza Kampinoska) is the perfect day trip for those who love the outdoors. It is one of the largest national parks in Poland, with about three-quarters of the area covered in lush forest, mainly pine and oak. It’s a great place to commune with nature and observe wildlife — it is home to about 16,000 species of animals and sightings of deers and elks are not unusual.

Here you can engage in walking, trekking, or cycling. You can explore the length of the park through half- or whole-day hikes, or take the more adventurous trail from Dziekanow Lesny to either Brochow or Zelazowa Wola.

This park is also a popular spot for barbecues on sunny days and a particularly love place to visit during the spring and autumn months.

It’s worth noting that it can be crowded especially on weekends, so plan your visit accordingly.

Bolimow Landscape Park is another relaxing day trip from Warsaw. Established in 1896, it’s a protected landscape covering over 23 thousand hectares. This place offers easy paths for walking, cycling, and horse riding, as well as beautiful forest areas including large clearings and fields of lily of the valley. It’s also easy to spot various animals and birds, such as beavers, fallow deer, elk, and others – making it a paradise for animal lovers.

The park also has established educational paths where you can get to know more about the flora and fauna thriving in the area.

There’s a 4-kilometer-long beaver refuge path, the 10-kilometer Zyrardow Trail where you can see peat bogs and meadows, the 15-kilometer trail in the Rawka Valley where you can see the insects in the park, and the 4-kilometer trail in the Grabinka Valley which is ideal for forest hiking.

Kayaking in the Rawka River is another fun adventure that you can do in the park. It’s suitable for all ages.

After you’ve recharged your batteries at the park, come check out other interesting attractions including the town of Zyrardow which served as the former industrial hub of Poland, the Museum of Western Mazovia, the railway station, the manor house in Radziejowice, the war cemeteries, and more.

Located 3 hours away from Warsaw by car, Masurian Lake District is an adventure lover’s paradise. It has over 2000 lakes, lush forests, organic farms, historic castles, and charming resort towns. There is so much to do here that you might just consider staying longer than a day!

The best activities in Masurian Lake District include kayaking in the Krutynia River, sailing and fishing in the country’s biggest lakes, and hiking or cycling through the dense forests. You can also explore the area by renting a skipper or booking a boat tour that will take you to the best spots in the region.

While in Masurian Lake District, it’s imperative to visit the lakeside towns. Wegorzewo , Gizycko , and Mikolajki are the prime towns you should visit.

Book a Masurian canoe and sailing tour from Warsaw .

This list of the best Warsaw day trips won’t be complete without Bialowezhski National Park — a remnant of a lowland primeval forest in the historic times and the last preserved deep virgin forest in Europe. In 1976, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is currently under Poland and Belarus.

Bialowezhski National Park is about 4 hours away from Poland, so consider booking an organized tour that will let you visit the highlights of the park with convenience. Start your day tour with a guided tour around the preserve and then proceed to the European Bison Reserve Show to see bisons in person — the symbol of the Bialowieza Forest.

You can also explore nearby attractions including the oldest building in Bialowieza, the Park Palace, and the Orthodox Parish of St. Nicholas. To recharge your energy, don’t forget to make a stopover at a local restaurant for a traditional lunch.

Naleczow isn’t as popular as other cities in Poland, but don’t let that fool you! Located in the Lublin Province, this city is known for its healing water and spa treatments. It’s one of the best day trips from Warsaw for relaxation and rejuvenation.

In the 18th century, it was discovered that the city is home to natural healing water, which is rich in bicarbonates of carbon and iron, as well as therapeutic mud. This led to the development of a health resort, which is visited by those who want to relax and those with serious circulatory problems.

When in Naleczow, you can also visit the Malachowski Palace, an 18th-century Baroque-Classicist building which was once home to the owner of whole region.

Next in our recommended Warsaw day trips is Wilanow Palace. This former royal palace is located in the suburbs of Warsaw and is reachable by a half-hour bus ride from the city center.

Wilanow Palace is known as the “ Versailles of Poland .” It was built in 1677 as a property of King John Sobiesk III. It features a beautiful building with Baroque interiors and French outdoor garden.

Here you can visit the royal rooms including the King’s Room and Queen’s Room , the King’s Library , the Grand Vestibule where you can see various artworks and ceiling decorations, the Etruscan Cabinet which holds a unique collection of ancient amphorae, and the Museum which holds paintings from various foreign artists.

After you’re done exploring the palace, head to the gardens for a leisurely stroll before heading back to Warsaw.

Book a Wilanow Palace and Garden guided tour .

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Lowicz is a sleepy town located at the edge of Bolimowski Landscape Park. Although it doesn’t boast grand infrastructure commonly found in cities in Poland, it offers a laid-back countryside experience for those who just want to unwind. It is also less touristy compared to main cities so you can better enjoy your visit.

The highlights of this town include the open-air museum of Lowicz Village ; the Arkadia romantic garden which features Roman temples, ruins of old mansions, and an aqueduct; and the 18th-century Nieborow Palace .

Book a Lowicz countryside tour .

Dubbed as “Little Krakow,” Lublin is one of the oldest cities in Poland. It’s an ideal day trip from Warsaw especially for those who want to explore more of the history of the country.

While Warsaw served as the economic powerhouse of Poland, Lublin was the royal capital and a significant center of trade and academia in the past. It also has more well-preserved buildings compared to the capital, with a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles.

Explore Lublin by heading to the old town to see its charming cobbled streets, historic buildings, and landmarks. Notable attractions include the 13th-century Lublin Castle which is now open as a museum, the Chapel of the Holy Trinity , and the Museum of Lublin which offers a comprehensive look at the city’s history and culture or the Centre for the Meeting of Cultures . Start to unwind at the city’s beautiful parks including the Saxon Garden and Botanical Garden .

Lublin is also known for its vibrant nightlife. You can find plenty of restaurants and bars in the area, as well as live music, theater, and dance performances.

Book a Lublin walking tour with tasting .

One of the best day trips for history lovers is Madjanek. The Majdanek Concentration Camp is located close to the city center of Lublin, so you can include it in your visit as well.

It is one of the remaining Nazi concentration camps in the country, with over 70 buildings including gas chambers and torture rooms. It is now used as a state museum visited by both tourists and families of victims who want to pay their respect. It is an alternative to Auschwitz for those who prefer a quieter and less touristy historical destination.

Book a Majdanek and Lublin day tour .

Escape warm summer days by visiting Zegrze Lake, located about an hour away from the city of Warsaw. This man-made lake serves as a water reservoir and a summer playground of locals who want to enjoying a refreshing swim in its sandy beaches.

Aside from swimming, there are many watersport activities that you can do here including kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, motorboating, and fishing. Marinas and rental services are also available for exploring the lake.

Bagno Calowanie is a great option for a short trip. Located in the Mazovia Landscape Park, it is known as one of the largest peat bogs in the area. It’s a favorite weekend destination of locals who want to take a short hike, enjoy a picnic, and let their kids play and observe animals in their natural habitat.

This ecological park offers a 500-meter educational trail and an observation tower overlooking the swamps and which can be used for bird watching.

Not only is the Bagno Calowanie a home for valuable flora and fauna, it’s also a site of archeological significance – numerous traces of reindeer hunters dating back in the Ice Age were found in its dunes, as were old traces of settlement in the Mazovia region dated about 13,000 years ago.

One of the lesser visited day trips from Warsaw, Sierpc is a small town located in the Mazovia Region with charming local attractions and rural sights. Its main highlight is the Museum of Mazovian Countryside , a large outdoor museum where you can see peasant houses and other buildings such as a wooden chapel, windmill, and blacksmith’s shops, as well as gardens and farm animals. Other attractions include open parks, the town hall, and the market square.

Do you have other recommendations for Warsaw day trips? Let us know in the comments section below!

Katherine Cortes is a long-time backpacker and a freelance writer/editor. She likes beaches, snorkeling trips, and relaxing staycations (preferably with bath tubs!).

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Finding Poland

5 awesome day trips you can make from warsaw (using only public transport) – by richard blanks.

This guest post on day trips from Warsaw is written by British man, Richard Blanks. Richard, who runs a very informative Youtube Channel  called Brit in Poland , has been living in Warsaw since 2017. 

When you google ‘day trips from Warsaw’, you get some pretty unrealistic suggestions in my opinion. Krakow, Lublin…etc… are places that you could get to and back in a day … but well frankly a day trip is a waste of time. You really need to spend at least a couple of days in cities like these to really appreciate them. Or Google throws up some expensive private tours, which although I am sure are great, are more designed for wealthier tourists with a great bit of disposable income.

This guide will help you plan your own trips to perhaps some lesser known places in Poland. These places are well worth visiting as they have great things not only to see but also to learn about, which in turn helps you to understand the backstory of Poland in a more in-depth way! All of these places can be reached by train, can be fully done within a day and will not cost you a lot of money to enjoy.

Top 5 day trips from Warsaw by train

• Sochaczew (bonus of Żelazowa Wola – Chopin’s family house)
• Modlin Fortress

1. Sochaczew

How to get to sochaczew from warsaw :.

Direct train from Warsaw (around 35 minutes)

About Sochaczew :

Sochaczew is well-known amongst Varsovians for being a popular destination for school trips. It’s a town which boasts a rich history with the picturesque ruins of an old castle on a hill towering over the town centre. Sochaczew is also the site of a famous stand against Nazi Germany on the Bzura river. It’s important to note that the town has one of the best railway museums in Poland.

Sochaczew is a place where you can catch some beautiful views and see some nice statues. It is a very calm and relaxing place which is exemplified by the church gardens which, I may add, boast one of the most elaborate gardens I’ve seen in Poland.

You could probably see everything in about four to five hours.

Bonus: Żelazowa Wola – Where Chopin was born

As a bonus, you can get a local bus from Sochaczew to Żelazowa Wola, which is the preserved site of Chopin’s birth. This is actually a large park with the original manor house which Chopin lived in. It contains a museum where you can learn a bit about the Chopin family, Chopin’s early years and the park. 

2. Ciechanów

How to get to ciechanów from warsaw : .

Direct Intercity train from Warsaw (around 50 minutes) 

About Ciechanów : 

Ciechanów is a small but historically important city, housing the home of the Masovian Dukes during the Piast dynasty. It has one of the best preserved castles in the region which provides hours of fun for the whole family. In the centre you will find some lovely squares and historical buildings, though venturing a bit further out you will find a hedge maze which is fun to explore. There’s also an iconic water tower with a science museum attached.

Often an overlooked city, Ciechanów makes for one of the best day trips from Warsaw. With a fair bit of walking, you can see everything in five to six hours. The icing on the cake are a number of hidden treasures in terms of statues and sculptures.

3. Treblinka Museum

How to get to treblinka museum from warsaw : .

You can take the train from Warsaw to Małkinia (around one hour). 

From Małkinia, you can travel by local taxi to the former extermination camp, or hike (around eight kilometres).

About Treblinka : 

Treblinka was the second worst death camp in Poland during the second World War. Some 700,000-900,000 Jews were killed here in a number of horrifying ways. 

These days the site is one large memorial. Towards the end of the War, the Nazis destroyed the camp in an attempt to leave no evidence of its existence. Treblinka was one of three secret extermination camps . The Nazis camouflaged and surrounded it with tall barbed wire fencing.

In order to uncover the true extent of the site, a great deal of archaeological work has been done to dig up foundations of buildings, uncover mass graves and find the many artefacts left behind.

At the entrance, there is a large museum which informs visitors of the stories of the victims. Audio guides are available and sign posts dotted along the way narrate some or the harrowing stories. 

All in all, Treblinka is one of those places, like Aushcwitz, that really has to be seen to be believed …

4. Modlin Fortress

How to get to modlin fortress from warsaw : .

Modlin Fortress is located in the town of Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki. It takes around 35 minutes to get to Nowy Dwór by train.

About Modlin Fortress : 

This is a Napoleon fortress, dating back to the time of the Russian occupation of Poland. This particular fort was one of the main strongholds in a long line of fortifications constructed by Napoleon and used as a front line against Russian forces. During World War 2, Modlin Fortress was used as a last line of defence of Warsaw against the Nazi invasion.

The fortress is one of largest and best fortresses in both Poland and Europe. With a museum and a tower which offers visitors some amazing views of the Vistula River and a thorough overview of the fort, it does take some hours to walk around Modlin. 

If you have kids, they will be able to hunt for some polar bear statuettes which are dotted around key sites of Modlin Fortress. Check out this article to learn more about this playful Polar Bear trail .

5. Żyrardów

How to get to żyrardów from warsaw : .

A direct train from Warsaw to Żyrardów takes around 25 minutes

About Żyrardów : 

Żyrardów offers something a bit different. It’s a 19th-century city built up around the textile industry, so historically it is a workers’ town. To this day, many ruins of the old factories are still present and Żyrardów was a rival to Łodz in its heyday. In the city, as well as the very ornate-looking red-bricked buildings, you will find two very good museums. One is the Linen Museum , named after French engineer Philippe de Girard . The other museum – The Museum of Western Mazovia in Żyrardów – is more interactive, and even though it is primarily about machines used in the production of clothing, carpets and such, it is actually a lot of fun and great for Instagram posts!

Most tourists to Poland probably haven’t heard of Żyrardów. However, it makes for one of the most interesting day trips from Warsaw in terms of stepping back into Poland’s industrial past.

Overall, Żyrardów is a wonderful illustration of the sheer variety you can find by travelling around Poland, as well as being very easy to get to from Warsaw and very easy to explore!

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• The Best Day Trips From...

The Best Day Trips from Warsaw

Warsaw is one of Poland’s top tourist destinations, full of impressive historical landmarks, exciting museums, cool bars and cosy cafés. However, the capital is also very well located for a variety of different day excursions. From the picturesque Renaissance town of Kazimierz Dolny, to sailing on the Zegrze Lake and listening to classical music in Chopin’s former home in Zelazowa Wola, we have selected the best places worth exploring less than three hours from Warsaw.

Kampinos national park.

If you don’t have a lot of time on your hands, but would like to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to the Kampinos National Park, located just 40 minutes away from Warsaw. With 385 sq km of open woodlands, 16,000 of animal species, hiking paths and a number of museums (Muzeum Puszczy Kampinoskiej and the commemorative war cemetery and museum called Palmiry), it’s also the perfect place for outdoor activities such as cycling, horseback riding or Nordic walking.

Kazimierz Dolny

Located approximately two hours southeast from Warsaw, the town of Kazimierz Dolny is one of the most beautiful places in the country, loved especially by artists and writers. Every year thousands of tourists flock here to admire its Renaissance architecture, the ruins of a 14th-century castle, the main market square and historical churches. The city is especially vibrant during the summer thanks to the Dwa Brzegi art and film festival, which in 2017 will take place from July 29 until August 6.

Another must-see for all architecture fans is the medieval town of Toruń (the birthplace of Copernicus), which has been added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1997 and is regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of Poland. Highlights include the historical Old Town with its Gothic town hall, beautiful churches, charming streets and The Living Museum of Gingerbread – Torun’s signature sweet, which has been produced in the city since the Middle Ages.

Żelazowa Wola

Classical music enthusiasts will love Zelazowa Wola (50km away from the capital), the birthplace of Frédéric Chopin, where you can visit the composer’s former home (now turned into a museum), enjoy live concerts by Polish and international pianists or take stroll around the surrounding park.

Zegrze Lake

Want to escape from Warsaw on a warm sunny day? Head to the Zegrze Lake, located just half an hour away from the city, where you can swim, sail, rent out kayaks, hike in the nearby forests or simply chill out on one of the docks or beaches.

Located 130km northwest of Warsaw, the small village of Sierpc is renowned for being modelled after 19th-century settlements. Here, you’ll be able to visit a blacksmith’s workshop, a wooden chapel and windmill, try local food, and learn more about Masovian customs.

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Best Day Trips from Warsaw

The Polish capital of Warsaw is a fascinating place to explore. Occupying a kind of crossroads in Eastern Europe, this is a city that has seen a lot of history over the years, from the Mongol invasion to the Polish Lithuanian Commonwealth era to the ravages of World War II. Plus, Warsaw is also an excellent place to enjoy the culture and cuisine of Poland.

Drop off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage , and you'll be able to enjoy the historic buildings of Warsaw's restored Old Town, along with the best museums in Warsaw . But once you've seen everything the city has to offer, there's much more to see in this region of Eastern Europe. The best day trips from Warsaw can show you historical monuments, gorgeous lakes and national parks, and even an underground city.

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How to get out of Warsaw

Warsaw Central Station , located just outside the historic center of Poland's capital city, is the central hub of Warsaw's extensive public transport network. Check out our guide on how to get around Warsaw if you need any help navigating the city. The station can also be a great jumping-off point for day trips from Warsaw, as regional and intercity trains can take you to many of the destinations on this list.

However, depending on what you want to do, guided tours or even car rental may be a better option. A guided tour can take you directly to some of the most interesting day trip locations outside the city without you having to worry about getting there yourself. Plus, many will pick you up at your hotel or another convenient central spot. On the other hand, renting a car gives you unparalleled freedom and is the best option if you want to explore the more natural side of Poland.

From Warsaw to Bialowieza National Park

One of the last surviving ancient forests in Europe, this UNESCO World Heritage site has barely been altered by humans in more than 800 years. The primeval forest is home to an extraordinary range of wildlife, including the European bison, the continent's heaviest land animal. The park is full of hiking, biking, and horse riding trails where you can lose yourself in this ancient wilderness and see how Europe looked centuries ago. That makes this the perfect day trip from Warsaw if you want to take a break from the city and recharge your batteries in nature.

How to get to Bialowieza National Park

It's about a three-hour drive from Warsaw to the National Park. Public transportation out here is patchy at best, and a car is definitely the best way to get there. Having your own wheels will make it much easier to explore everything this large park has to offer.

From Warsaw to Malbork Castle

This imposing 13th-century castle was once the seat of the Teutonic Order , a religious military group that controlled much of northern Europe during the Middle Ages. The castle, which is the world's largest brick structure, is an excellent example of medieval fortress architecture. Today, it houses a museum that tells the story of the castle's history and the Teutonic Order.

A visit to Malbork Castle is a must for anyone interested in European history, and it makes for a great day trip from Warsaw.

How to get to Malbork Castle

It will take you around three hours and 30 minutes to get to the castle by car from Warsaw. On the other hand, you can take the train, which is actually quicker at two hours. It's a 17-minute walk from Malbork Station to the Castle, or you can get a bus if you don't feel like walking.

From Warsaw to Wilanow Palace

This grand palace was built in the 17th century as a country residence for Polish king John III Sobieski. The opulent palace, which is surrounded by beautiful gardens, is one of the most important baroque buildings in Poland. Today, it houses a museum devoted to the art and history of the Polish royal family.

A visit to Wilanow Palace is a great way to learn about Polish history and culture, and it makes for a lovely day trip from Warsaw. Fans of Baroque architecture won't want to miss this one, but it's also an interesting place to visit for the fascinating history it represents.

How to get to Wilanow Palace

It's only a 20-minute drive to the Palace from central Warsaw. Alternatively, you can take bus number 519, which leaves from close to Warsaw Central Station and reaches the palace in around 30 minutes.

From Warsaw to the Wieliczka Salt Mine

This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the oldest working mines in Europe, and it's also one of the most unusual. The mine, which produced salt for more than 700 years, is now a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the underground tunnels and chambers, see sculptures and chapels made out of salt, and even take a dip in a saline lake.

A guided tour explains more about how the mines came to be and how this underground city formed over the years, built by the workers who lived often harsh lives underground. Easily one of the most fascinating day trips from Warsaw, this is an unmissable journey to a completely unique place and one of the most interesting historical monuments from Poland's rich history.

How to get to the Wieliczka Salt Mine

You can reach this historic site by either train or car, but either way, expect the journey to take around three and a half hours.

From Warsaw to Torun

Torun is a medieval city known for being the birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus, the 16th-century astronomer who developed the heliocentric model of the solar system. The city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it's one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Torun is also famous for its gingerbread, a delicious sweet treat that makes for a great souvenir.

A visit to Torun is a must for anyone interested in European history or astronomy, and it's a great day trip from Warsaw for those looking to get out of the city and explore some of Poland's charming small towns.

How to get to Torun

A direct train from Warsaw Central Station to Torun takes around two hours and 40 minutes, with several departures each day. Driving there will take around the same amount of time, so a train might be preferable so that you don't have to worry about parking.

From Warsaw to Auschwitz Concentration Camp

The Second World War left an indelible mark on Poland, and the Nazi concentration camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau is one of the most haunting monuments to the cruelty of this troubled period of history.

A visit to Auschwitz is a sobering experience, but it's an important one for understanding the history of the 20th century. This concentration camp is one of the most well-known and best preserved in Europe, and it's a harrowing but essential day trip from Warsaw. The on-site museum, dedicated to those who lost their lives in this terrible place, aims to make sure that this tragedy is never forgotten in the hope that it is never repeated.

How to get to Auschwitz

The former concentration camp lies a good distance from the city, requiring either a train ride or a drive of nearly four hours. A simpler way might be to take a guided tour that can bring you there and back.

From Warsaw to Kampinos National Park

This national park is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Warsaw and enjoy some time in nature. The park is home to a number of hiking and biking trails, as well as lakes and forests.

Kampinos National Park is a great day trip for those who want to spend some time outdoors, and it's a perfect place to escape the city for a day.

How to get to Kampinos National Park

This is one you'll want to drive to. It takes less than an hour to reach the National Park from Warsaw by car, but it's very handy to have your own vehicle so you can explore once you're there.

From Warsaw to the Masurian Lake District

This beautiful region in northeastern Poland is known for its large lakes, which make it a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing. The area is also home to a number of quaint towns and villages, as well as forests and nature reserves.

The Masurian Lake District is a great place to spend a few days, but it's also possible to visit on a day trip from Warsaw. Whether you want to relax by the water or explore the picturesque towns and countryside, this region makes for a perfect day trip from the city.

How to get to the Masurian Lake District

A drive of around two and a half hours will bring you to this pretty area. Public transportation infrastructure here is very patchy, so driving is by far the best way to get to the Lake District.

From Warsaw to Kazimierz

Located on the Vistula River , the historic town of Kazimierz, with its iconic ancient castle ruins, is one of the most popular day trips from Warsaw.

The town is best known for its Jewish history and culture, and it was once an important center of Jewish life in Poland. Today, Kazimierz is home to a number of synagogues, as well as the Museum of the History of Polish Jews.

Kazimierz is a must-visit for anyone interested in Jewish history or culture, and it's a great day trip from Warsaw for those looking to learn more about this important part of Polish history.

How to get to Kazimierz

Driving is the best way to reach this historic town. Alternatively, you could take a tour bus direct from Warsaw. Either way, the drive will take around two and a half hours.

From Warsaw to Poznan

Poznan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Poland, and it's easy to see why. This charming city is known for its beautiful Old Town, which is home to a number of historic sites and landmarks, such as the Old Market Square and the National Museum . Poznan is also a great place to shop, with a number of malls and markets located throughout the city.

Poznan is a great place to spend a few days, but it's also possible to visit on a day trip from Warsaw. Whether you're interested in history or shopping, Poznan makes for a perfect day trip from the city.

How to get to Poznan

Driving to Poznan will take you around three hours and 20 minutes. You can also take a direct train, which will get you there in just under three hours.

There are so many great things to do around Warsaw that it would be a shame to miss out on during your trip. Give some of these day trips a try, and you'll get to see much more of what makes this region so special. Whether you're a fan of history, food, culture, or natural surroundings, you'll find more than enough to enjoy with these excellent day trips from Warsaw.

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The 10 Best Day Trips from Warsaw | 2024 Edition

While Warsaw is a large city with many things to do, taking one of these best day trips from Warsaw would add a lot to your trip to Poland. Poland is a large country, and to get a better picture of it, a trip to another city is educational, especially if you have the time. While you can fill even up to a week’s worth of time in Warsaw with the many activities in Warsaw , you will probably find yourself satisfied after a couple of days. Thus, a day trip can be a great experience to make your trip even better! 

These cities and locations have been organized to meet your personal desires on where to travel. The first part of the list is dedicated to cities that are within a short distance of Warsaw by car or train and are small enough where you can see all the important highlights in one day without feeling like you are missing something. The last part of the list is dedicated to singular locations that have enough to do to make a day trip. But there will also be a short section on cities that could be day trips from Warsaw, but only if you have higher energy, and are willing to undertake long days.  

Additionally, you will find a short section on cities that you should not visit on day trips, because they have too much to do, and it would be an injustice to only visit them for one day. Additionally, there are some bonus entries at the end that are a little bit harder to get to, or impossible to get to using public transportation, but worth a visit if you are choosing to rent a car.

All in all, I tried to make sure this list included places that you can at least get to via some form of public transportation, but renting a car is not a bad choice from Warsaw, especially as you can do so for just a day at a low cost. Read on to learn more! (Note: Click on the city and location names to be led to Google Maps for their exact locations)

Planning to visit Warsaw soon?

🛫 Booking flights to Warsaw: For booking flights, we love to compare prices on Expedia and Kayak .

🛏️ Booking hotels in Warsaw: When looking for hotels, we recommend using Booking.com and Hotels.com . We stayed at a couple of hotels in Warsaw and liked the following ones:

• Hostel Lwowska 11 (Budget)
• Ibis Warszawa Stare Miasto (Mid-Range)
• Sofitel Warsaw Victoria (High-End)

⛪Booking tours in Warsaw: Viator is a great platform for finding tours and excursions to join. The following ones are particularly interesting:

• Chopin Concerts at the Fryderyk Concert Hall (every day)
• One-Day Auschwitz and Krakow Tour from Warsaw
• Historical Guided Tour of Warsaw
• Warsaw Food Tasting Tour (very tasty)

🛣️ Renting a car in Warsaw: Discover Cars is the platform we use when renting a car in Poland.

Best Day Trips from Warsaw: Entire Cities

This section features cities which are of a large enough size where there are multiple things to do in a day, but not so large as you will miss important parts of the city by only visiting it for a day. All these cities are within a maximum of 2-2.5-hour drive from Warsaw, or even shorter if you choose a train. Thus, these destinations are the best day trips from Warsaw in my opinion, if you have an extra day in Warsaw, and want to explore an entire city from top to bottom! Read on to learn more about these best day trips from Warsaw! 

Distance from Warsaw: 174 km (108 miles)  

Description: Lublin is a medium-sized city found about 2 hours from Warsaw. Lublin is the ninth-largest city in Poland, but most of its activity is centered around its historic Old Town. With a convenient train station with consistent service from Warsaw throughout the day, it is easy to take an early morning train and a late evening train back, while having plenty of time to explore the city in between! For a full guide on what to do in Lublin beyond what is supplied below, visit this earlier blog .  

Best Things to Do:  

• Lublin Old Town: The center of Lublin, not too large, but with lots of do. Admire the gates, such as Cracow Gate, or walk down one of them any side alleys. Then, arrive in the Rynek , and enjoy a nice meal while admiring the colorful buildings. You can also choose to climb the Trinitarian Tower to get a good view of the city on a non-rainy day. 
• Lublin Castle: A 13 th century castle that sits opposite the Old Town, with an art museum inside. There is also a view tower with some of the best views in Lublin.  
• Saxon Garden: A beautiful outdoor garden full of quiet benches to sit on, ponds, flowers, and more. Walk through Lithuanian Square along the way, and wave high to people at the Lublin-Vilnius Portal, a live webcam connected to Lithuania.  
• Open Air Museum of Lublin: Found away from the main part of the city, but still a short bus ride away, this museum is dedicated to showing you what Lublin, and Poland in general, looked like in the past. Here you can walk from building to building and learn about Polish village life and walk through some beautiful scenery along the way.  

Day Trip Costs: You should budget around 50 PLN per meal at a restaurant, around 10 PLN for using public transportation, 40-60 PLN for visiting museums, and around 80 PLN for taking the train. Thus, for a person, a day trip will run around 200 PLN per person if you spend a reasonable amount of money, not a bad price overall. Of course, it will be more if you choose to drive, as the combination of the car and gas will be more expensive, but this might be more cost effective if you have a group of people or family. 

Travel Information: Driving will take around 1 hr. 45 minutes to get to Lublin. Parking is available throughout the city and is free at the weekends. One great place to park is at Plac Zamkowy . If you want to take a train, and InterCity train from one of the Warsaw train stations will take about the same amount of time, just less than 2 hours, to get to Lublin. The train station from Lublin is then a short 10-minute bus ride from the Old Town. All in all, Lublin is one of the easiest cities to get to if you want to take a day trip from Warsaw.  

2. Kazimierz Dolny  

Distance from Warsaw: 152 km (94 miles)  

Description: Kazimierz Dolny is a small town found on the east bank of the Vistula River . It is a stunning town, with tree-covered hills and cliffs towering over the town sitting in a small valley between all the hills. It is a good example of what a typical Polish town looked back in the day, with a small castle, red-roofed buildings, a picturesque town square, and cobblestone streets. It has become quite popular as a day trip destination from both Warsaw and Kraków, so do not expect to wander around this delightful place on your own! 

• Hill of the Three Crosses: A clearing on top of a hill overlooking Kazimierz Dolny and the Vistula River, making a perfect place for pictures, or just admiring the hill. This requires a walk up the hill and a small entry fee paid once you reach the top. Exploring the forests around the hill is completely free, however! 
• Kazimierz Dolny Castle: A lovely relic of Kazimierz Dolny that served as the station of protection of the town throughout Poland’s war-filled history. Today, it houses great views of the city and river, as well as small exhibits, such as a spider and reptile exhibit when I visited. You can also visit the castle keep for another great view of the area. 
• Market Square: The perfect place to enjoy a meal or admire the hill and castle from below. Also, in the adjacent smaller market square, you will find a nice marketplace where you can buy nice local art, food, and more touristy things. You can also buy some of the famous rooster-shaped bread here.  
• Wąwóz Korzeniowy Dół: A scenic, but small, gorge found just outside of the city. Here, you can walk through a valley of tree roots. This is a good place to take your kids to run off some energy, but also a beautiful and unique place in Poland.  

Day Trip Costs: You should also budget around 50 PLN per meal, 30 PLN for admission to attractions, and maybe another 20 PLN for buying some cool souvenirs. With the 90 PLN roundtrip bus tickets (see more below), a day trip to Kazimierz Dolny can cost as little as 190 PLN per person but can get higher if you choose to take a boat tour, or if you drive and then also must pay for parking.  

Travel Information: Kazimierz Dolny is easiest to reach by car, taking less than 2 hours on a normal day. Upon arrival, there are parking lots spread throughout the city. Most will cost you between 25-30 PLN to park for the entire day. Be aware that some of the parking spaces will be tiny, so be prepared for some parking practice before arriving! Once you get to the city and park, you can easily walk everywhere you need to go, until you are ready to leave. 

While there is no train station or major bus station serving Kazimierz Dolny, there are still options to get to Kazimierz Dolny by bus from Warsaw. I found a company that does regular service to Kazimierz Dolny from Warsaw, mostly aimed at serving locals but perfectly suited for a day trip as a tourist. One such example is Trans Bus Express , where you in just over 2 hours and 30 minutes you can get to Kazimierz Dolny for 45 PLN each direction. This certainly is not cheap, so I would say you are better off renting a car if you have a large group, but for a solo traveler, this would be the best choice. 

For advice on renting a car in Poland, check out this earlier blog I wrote about my experiences. Also look out for a future blog about driving from Warsaw, in which I drove my car to Lublin and Kazimierz Dolny and found it very convenient and worth the cost.  

Distance from Warsaw: 135 km (84 miles)  

Description: Łódź is certainly not the first city most people would think of when considering a visit to Poland . Łódź has an industrial past, as an important place for making textiles, especially during the communist period of Poland’s history. Now, these factories are mostly abandoned, and Łódź is trying to find its new identity. As Poland’s third or fourth-largest city (depending on who you ask), there are many things to do, and at such a short distance from Warsaw, it is an easy trip to make, but one most miss, meaning you can have a more low-key experience here! 

• Piotrkowska: This is one of the most famous streets, stretching almost 5 km (3 miles) from start to finish. Along the way, you will find many of the best restaurants, and shops. You will also get a chance to see where locals interact every day, as this is not just a tourist road. Additionally, at the north end of the street, look at Pasaż Róży, a beautiful glass-covered alleyway that is a great place for photos. 
• Park Źródliska: A great green space in the center of the city with lots to do. You will find museums, a Palm House for a warm break during the colder months, coffee shops, and other park activities. Around Christmas, you will also find an extensive Christmas light display as well! 
• Museum of Art in Łódź: Spread around three campuses, you will be able to admire lots of art, all on one ticket. At MS1 , admire modern art, with a distinct Polish twist. At MS2, found next to the massive and impressively beautiful Manufaktura shopping mall , admire a variety of older Polish art. Finally, visit Herbst Palace for some older art, while also enjoying the atmosphere of this beautiful palace.  

Day Trip Costs: A meal will probably cost about 40 PLN here. For admission to attractions, expect to pay around 30-40 PLN. You will probably pay around 15 PLN for public transportation, as Łódź is a more spread-out city. Finally, a train ticket each way should cost around 40 PLN. This means a trip to Łódź may cost as little as 150 PLN per person , depending on how many meals you eat at a restaurant, or which train you are lucky enough to get.  

Travel Information: Łódź takes about 90 minutes by car to get to. Once there, do note there is a lot of road construction going on in the city, so make sure to check where this is happening before choosing to drive. A train, on the other hand, will be speedy. A train to Łódź Widzew train station, east of the downtown, takes just over an hour, with a short tram ride then needed to make it to the city center. A train to Łódź Fabryczna , the main train station in the center, will require a slightly longer journey, but still under 2 hours even with extra stops.

Distance from Warsaw: 215 km (133 miles)  

Description: Olsztyn is a smaller city found in the north of Poland, along the way to Gdańsk. It is the current capital of the beautiful Warmian-Masurian province of Poland, nearby to the many beautiful lakes in Poland . While it may be small, it still packs a punch, with a beautiful historic Old Town full of history, and a high quality of food. If you get the chance, you can also take a short group kayaking tour up the river through Olsztyn, or at one of the closer lakes. Olsztyn is certainly one of the best day trips from Warsaw!  

• Old Town Market Square: The center of the touristy part of Olsztyn, a beautiful place to take pictures or enjoy a delicious meal of Polish cuisine . Here you will find the Old Town Hall and landmark churches like Olsztyn Cathedral . Also, a short walk away is the Museum of Warmia and Masuria , housed in a castle on a hill, which occasionally hosts concerts full of colorful regional musicians. 
• Kayaking on the Łyna River: The Łyna River runs through the heart of Olsztyn and is your best bet to get an experience with the lakes and rivers of the Masuria region. You can rent kayaks at various points throughout the city and enjoy the peace on the river. 
• Lake Ukiel: Lake Ukiel is a largish lake found west of the historic Old Town. Here, you can tan on the city beach, or go for a swim in the lake, which gets quite popular in the summer amongst locals and tourists alike. There is also a pier, and many great restaurants to choose from.   

Day Trip Costs: A meal in Olsztyn will be in that typical 50 PLN range . With only a few museums, you will probably spend a bit less, around 20-30 PLN. Public transportation will come in handy, so the budget is around 10 PLN for that . Finally, a train to Olsztyn will run around 50 PLN each way. Thus, the grand total for a trip to Olsztyn per person will be around 150 PLN, plus a bit more based on your personal tastes.  

Travel Information: Driving to Olsztyn is on the longer end of trips, taking a little bit less than 3 hours to get there. If you want to take a train, trains as of now leave from Warszawa Gdańska station, with the average train taking between 2 hours and 15 minutes and 2 hours and 45 minutes to get there. I would recommend the train, as you can stop at Olsztyn Zachodni train station, and only have a short walk to the historic center of the town.

5. Białystok

Distance from Warsaw: 199 km (123 miles)  

Description: Białystok is one of the largest, and most densely populated cities in Poland. Located in the far east Podlaskie province, most people would never think to come to Białystok on a trip. Many Poles even skip coming here. However, you will find that this city is a lovely place to live, with generally nice people (read below to learn why), and many fun places to visit, including the real Versailles of Poland. And, because it is less visited, you will find it is a very cheap place to visit. So, despite some shortcomings, Białystok is certainly one of the best day trips from Warsaw.  

One thing I must note about Białystok, is although Poland in general is a very safe country , Białystok has a reputation when it comes attitudes towards people of color, or those part of the LGBT community. While it is easier to hide your sexual orientation, people of color may find that some people may be confrontational. However, this is, fortunately, only a small number of people in Białystok, but they are known to be more confrontational. So, exercise a bit more caution than you might normally have to in other, more tolerant Polish cities.  

• Branicki Palace: This palace is oftentimes called the Versailles of Poland, due to its appearance, and unique beauty. Entry inside requires a guided tour that will likely be in Polish, but you can arrange for English tours. But, if you just want to admire the outside, this is also possible. This experience is made better by the stunning public gardens on the palace grounds. For more information, visit the palace’s website .  
• Rynek Kościuszki: This is the beautiful main street of Białystok, found right next door to the palace. Here, you will find a street lined with restaurants and shops, and a delightful place for a walk on a sunny day. Additionally, you can visit the Town Hall and the museum inside, as well as the Białystok Cathedral . Most of the icons of Białystok are here, so you should plan to spend a lot of time in this part of the city. 
• Podlaskie Museum of Folk Culture: For a bit of a change of pace, take a 20-minute bus ride to this museum.  Podlaskie, the province for which Białystok is the capital, has traditionally been a center of farming, agriculture, and forestry. At this museum, you can see the craftsmanship of these industries, in replica houses, farms, and more, as well as actual farm animals. It is a nice place to learn more about the region in an interactive manner.  

Day Trip Costs: A meal here will probably cost around 40 PLN, and public transportation will similarly cost 10-15 PLN depending on how much you use it. Entry to attractions will cost around 30 PLN. Finally, a roundtrip train ticket will cost around 75 PLN. This makes a total cost of 160 PLN for Białystok. Like other cities on this list so far, it is certainly an affordable destination!  

Travel Information: Driving to Białystok takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes with no traffic, and it is a very scenic drive through farmland and forests along the way. By train, you can take as little 2 hours and 15 minutes from Warsaw Gdańska station, making it a very convenient destination to arrive at by train. The train station is located about 30 minutes from the city center on foot, or about 10 minutes by city bus.  

Best Day Trips from Warsaw: Singular Locations

This part of the list of best day trips from Warsaw is focused on singular attractions that have enough to do, or are so special, that you will want an entire day to explore them. Some of them are just on the outskirts of Warsaw, and some are much further away. All are achievable through trains or car use in a day and are worth your time if you have it. Read on to learn more about these singular locations that are amongst the best day trips from Warsaw.

6. Malbork Castle  

Distance from Warsaw: 324 km (201 miles)  

Description: I have often included Malbork Castle on lists for this blog, mostly because it is one of the most impressive places to visit in all of Poland, and most certainly one of the best day trips from Warsaw. This castle was built by Teutonic Knights hundreds of years ago and has (mostly) stood the test of time. Today, you can admire the beautiful brick Gothic structure alongside a beautiful river with thousands of other tourists. Inside, you will find a museum dedicated to a detailed history of the many inhabitants of this castle throughout history, as well as some impressive collections of relics found in the castle.  

Visiting the castle will take you about 3-4 hours if you want to see everything at a reasonable pace, or maybe eat at the restaurant inside the castle. Afterwards, you can walk up and down the streets of the beautiful city of Malbork. There is also a fun marketplace at weekends right next door to the castle, if you want to buy a random trinket to take home as a souvenir.  

Hours: The hours change consistently based on the season and for each individual attraction at the museum, so consider checking out the website in advance for information on the specific day you plan to travel there. This is also where tickets can be bought in advance, which is highly recommended if you plan to visit at a weekend to avoid waiting in long queues at the castle.  

Costs: A one-way train ticket will cost around 65-70 PLN per person. Admission to the museum is also 70 PLN/50 PLN reduced. Depending on what you choose for your meal, you are paying a minimum of 225 PLN per person to visit Malbork, putting it on the more expensive end-of-day trips from Warsaw. However, the beauty and uniqueness of the castle makes it worth it, in my opinion.  

Travel Information: Malbork would be a very long drive, at almost 4 hours in each direction, although you can certainly make that drive a part of the trip. A train will take around 2 hrs. 40 minutes , although you can get faster trains if you are willing to pay for the much more expensive tickets that the Pendolino trains charge (and you would only cut off 40 minutes in the process).

7. Kampinos National Park  

Distance from Warsaw: 13 km (8 miles)  

Description: Kampinos National Park is a park found right in the backyard of Warsaw! Located just west of the city, and still within the limits of the city’s public transport, Kampinos houses a variety of nature to explore. You will have the chance to see lots of birds, snakes, deer, and maybe even the elusive moose. You can explore this nature while walking on the hundreds of kilometers of walking trails that crisscross their way through the park. As you walk, you will find a variety of natural areas, including small dunes, swamps, thick forests, and river valleys.  

Additionally, you can bike here if you have a bike you want to use. Or, if you come in the winter, you can rent some skis and go cross-country skiing through this park. Along the way, you will also see many monuments and grave sites, as Polish insurgent fighters used the friendly cover of Kampinos to try and fight back against the Nazis during WWII after Germany’s invasion of Poland. There are signs throughout the park that tell you about this. All in all, Kampinos is one of the most delightful things in Warsaw, and despite its proximity to the center Warsaw, its size merits an entire day to explore it properly.  

Hours: You can visit Kampinos anytime you want, although I would not want to get stuck there in the dark! The earlier you get there, the more likely you are to beat crowds in the summer and get a parking spot if you choose to drive. In the fall and winter, however, you should not need to compete that much, but make sure to get there with enough time to return to your bus before the early sunsets Warsaw has! 

Costs: Visiting Kampinos National Park would be entirely free if you have already bought a transit ticket for Warsaw! Otherwise, the only cost you will pay is for your bus ticket to get there, and whatever you bring for lunch!  

Travel Information: To get to Kampinos, you can use a car, or take a city bus. If you are driving, you can park at any of the trailheads, such as at Polana Wypoczynkowa Truskaw, or Łużowa Góra, two of the more popular trailheads. For taking the bus, you have a variety of options. These are listed below: 

• Bus 250 from Metro Młociny to Laski Trenow 02 , then walk about 10 minutes into the border of the hike and start your hike from there. This choice is nice, since this bus stop has a Biedronka at it, where you can buy some snacks before or after you start your hike, or while you are waiting for your bus home. 
• Bus 210 from Metro Młociny to the end of the line at Truskaw Skibinskiego. This bus ride takes about 30 minutes, and takes you close to the Polana Wypoczynkowa Truskaw trailhead, and then into the park from there. There is also a small shop right next to the bus depot for your convenience.  
• Bus 150 from Metro Młociny to Dziekanow Lesny . This bus ride takes just over 30 minutes and takes you to a children’s hospital in the middle of the forest. From there, you can walk south, directly into the park.  

There are many other places you can choose to drive to and park, since the park is massive. Most people tend to stay in the eastern part since it is closer to the city and accessible by bus, but if you have a car, a trip to the western parts would be even more rewarding, as it would be quieter. All in all, Kampinos is easily accessible to anyone visiting Warsaw , making it one of the best day trips from Warsaw.

8. Piaseczno Narrow Gauge Railway  

Distance from Warsaw: 18 km (11 miles)  

Description: For another fun trip very close to Warsaw, consider taking a ride on the historic Piaseczno Narrow Gauge Railway. Piaseczno is a large suburb of Warsaw only about 15 minutes south of the city. Here, you will find this railroad, a remnant of a former 90 km (56 mile) route that ran directly into the heart of Warsaw. Today, this railroad is either a perfect place to take your kids, or a romantic endeavor depending on the day you are planning to visit.  

The railway will take you on a slow journey through the beautiful Polish countryside. While the conductor will give you history, it will be entirely in Polish, so have Google translate ready to translate everything. Or just enjoy the ride! After turning the train around, you will stop in a large meadow, where you will be able to play some football, throw a frisbee, and best of all, have roast some Polish sausages (or something else) or a bonfire created by the staff. This experience was a lot of fun, and I highly recommend it as one of the best day trips from Warsaw.  

Hours: The train runs seasonally, usually from May to the very end of September, with some special seasonal rides, such as a Christmas train, sprinkled in between. For complete information, visit their website for hours and to buy a ticket.  

Costs: A normal ticket for taking the train costs 45 PLN/30 PLN reduced (reduced value is for children from 3-18). If you also want to include a trip with the bus line 51 (more on that in a second), the tickets cost 55 PLN/35 PLN . If you choose to take regular public transport, you will have to buy a Zone 2 Ticket for each direction, which will cost you around 8 PLN per person.  

Finally, you will want to bring some food for the picnic, which will probably cost around 20 PLN from a grocery store. Thus, this trip costs around 75 PLN per person , making it one of the cheapest on this list considering how close it is to Warsaw, hence why it is such a popular destination for Varsovians.  

Travel Information: Driving to the train station location is straightforward, taking around 30 minutes from the city center, with parking available on site. If you want to arrive by bus, you have two options. Bus 709 and 727 both leave from Metro Wilanowska, and get you to Piaseczno in about 25 minutes, with Bus 727 dropping you right in front of the train station. Your other choice is to buy the special bus line 51 ticket as mentioned previously, which leaves from Centrum 03 bus station, or from Metro Wilanowska on request. This bus leaves an hour before the train leaves from Piaseczno, arriving at Metro Wilanowska 20 minutes after leaving the city center.  

9. Żelazowa Wola

Distance from Warsaw: 53 km (33 miles)  

Description: Why would you visit this small village found about 50 minutes from the center of Warsaw? You would because one of Poland’s most famous luminaries was born here, piano maestro Fryderyk Chopin. In 1810, he was born in Żelazowa Wola. Although he only lived here for a short 7 months, Chopin’s status as a Polish national icon and one of the best-regarded musicians in the history of musicians, there is of course interest to see where he is born. Poland has come through, with a great museum found on site.  

Not only will you get to walk through the museum and learn all about his life, but there is also a nice park on site to walk around, where you can imagine what life was back in the early 19 th century and admire the beauty of the Polish countryside. Other than the park and museum, there is not much to do in the village, but if you really want a fun experience, walk west through the farmlands towards the small town of Sochaczew , to get a fuller picture of what rural life in Poland is like.  

All in all, the quaint feel of this area, as well as the opportunity to learn more about an amazing musician, make a trip to Żelazowa Wola one of the best day trips from Warsaw.  

Hours: The village is open to visit anytime, as an actual residential place. For Chopin’s birthplace and park, the hours depend on the month you visit. From March to April and September to October, the museum is open from 10 AM to 6 PM. From the end of April until August, the museum is open from 10 AM to 8 PM. For the rest of the year during the winter, the museum is open from 9 AM to 5 PM. The museum is closed on major holidays but check their website for full details. 

Also, during the summer months (May-September), Chopin recitals are open to visitors with entry to the museum. These take place on Saturdays from 10-11:45 AM, 1-2:45 PM, and 4-6 PM, and on Sundays from 4-6 PM.  

Costs: From what I have found, if you want to book a tour, it will cost around 350 PLN per person , which is quite expensive. In fact, you would be better off taking a train to Sochaczew from Warsaw, then ordering a taxi to Żelazowa Wola from there. This would cost around 60 PLN total (make sure to book with a reputable taxi company that will not rip you off) which would save you a lot of money but make timing much less flexible.  

Entry to the museum also costs 25 PLN/20 PLN reduced . There are also options for just the park and temporary exhibit, or just the temporary exhibit, but the full ticket price is worth it. But, if you visit on a Monday, it is free. So, you might be able to visit for as little as 60 PLN plus whatever food you need to buy, making this trip an absolute steal! But you will likely spend around 100 PLN per person .  

Travel Information: As mentioned above, the easiest way to get to Żelazowa Wola is by car, which will take you about 50 minutes. However, if you want to take public transport, you can take an inter-city train from Warszawa Centralna to Sochaczew in about 40 minutes. These trains do not run very often, but if you want to save money or do not want to rent a car, this is the way to go. Once you get to Sochaczew, it is about 10 minutes by taxi to the village.  

10. Treblinka Extermination Camp  

Distance from Warsaw: 112 km (70 miles)  

Description: Treblinka Extermination Camp is a remnant of one of the darkest times in Polish history. Treblinka was a Nazi camp built for the sole purpose of killing as many Jews or other “undesirables” as possible. While only in operation for a little over a year, it is estimate that nearly 1 million Jews, as well as populations of Romani people, were murdered at these camps, making it the second most deadly death camp after Auschwitz. Unlike Auschwitz, this extermination camp is much closer to Warsaw, so if you want a chance to reflect on the horrors of WWII, or maybe have a familial connection, Treblinka is the easiest camp to visit from Warsaw.  

Today, there is a museum on the grounds where you can learn about the horrible history of this site, as well as the history of the Holocaust as a whole. Additionally, you can walk around the grounds for a good long distance, viewing the execution site, the former site of the labor camps, as well as the former graveyard. All in all, this is a very solemn experience, and a necessary one for understand Poland’s history, thus making this one of the best day trips from Warsaw.  

Hours: The museum and grounds are open daily from 9 AM to 6:30 PM. This means every day, except New Year’s Day, Easter, and Christmas. Occasionally also, the museum’s hours may be shortened on other national holidays but would still open at the same time in the morning, it would just close earlier.  

Costs: The museum itself only costs 7 PLN per person and is even free on Mondays. Other than that, your costs are getting there and food along the way. If you choose to go by train, a ticket will cost 25 PLN each way bought on the Koleje Mazowieckie website. Thus, your total costs will be around 60-70 PLN per person , making this quite cheap. You can also do tours, but these will range in the couple of hundreds of PLN, which is not worth it in my opinion, you would be better off renting a car. 

Travel Information: Getting to Treblinka is easiest done by car. However, it is also possible by car. You can take the R60 train from Warsaw Wileńska train station and get off at Prostyń  train station in about 80 minutes . From there, you would need to order a trusted taxi to get to the museum in about 10 minutes. Otherwise, you would have an 8 km walk each way ahead of you, which is certainly possible if you are up for it, but not advisable.

Best Day Trips from Warsaw: Long-Haul Trips

These next best day trips from Warsaw are those that require a bit more effort to manage. These are mostly cities, with one notable exception that is a landmark of Poland, that are all 2.5-4 hours away from Warsaw. Thus, you will likely spend as much time driving as visiting these locations, if not more. But, if you are wanting a chance to drive through the beautiful Polish countryside and view the drive as also part of your day trip, then these destinations work well! But for the average person, these would be too exhausting for day trips from Warsaw.  

Sandomierz: Sandomierz is a beautiful town on the Vistula River often paired with Kazimierz Dolny as the two small Polish cities worth visiting. The town center is simply stunning, and the views over the Vistula are comparable to Kazimierz Dolny. However, Sandomierz is much farther away, at 212 km (132 miles) from Warsaw. While there is train service as well, this train ride also takes almost 3.5 hours each direction, which will eat up a considerable part of your day. So, save Sandomierz if you would like to  

Auschwitz: Auschwitz is quite far away from Warsaw, at over 330 km (206 miles), which will take you up to 4 hours to drive to. Public transportation there is also quite lengthy, as you must take a train to either Katowice or Kraków, and then another train from there. With so much traveling, your best bet would be to take one of the many guided tours offered from Warsaw to Auschwitz. While this will be more expensive, it will take care of your transport costs, and ensure you get back to Warsaw on the same day in one piece. But, if you want to do this trip on your own, it is fully possible, but just a very long day.  

Toruń: While I have Toruń in this category, I took a day trip to Toruń. I did so using FlixBus , but this involved a 4-hour bus ride in each direction, and I woke up at 5 AM to get home around 11 PM. So, a very long day. The day can be made shorter by driving or using a bus. However, the fastest road to Toruń is a toll road, so you would have to set up the toll system first.

Overall, Toruń is a small enough city where you can see everything in one day like I did, you just might find the traveling to and from there too much for one day, especially if you have kids or a larger group. For more on Toruń, read my article on the best things to do there .  

Zamość: The beautiful city of Zamość is about 265 km (165 miles) from Warsaw. While in terms of driving distance, it is not that far, if you do not have a car, the distance by train is quite long, adding an extra 90 minutes after taking a train to Lublin. However, Zamość is a beautiful city if you have the energy. The historic Old Town of Zamość is one of the most beautiful in all of Poland! However, this is the main destination of Zamość, so taking a trip to Zamość just for this is probably not worth it for a day trip, unless you make stops at Lublin, or maybe Zalipie (more in a second) along the way.  

Zalipie: Zalipie is a small village found closer to Kraków than to Warsaw. So why would you take a day trip here? Simply because the beautiful painted buildings of Zalipie are stunning and unique, and you will find no place like this anywhere else in Poland. The issue with Zalipie is that getting there without a car requires joining a tour group, which will be quite expensive, but possible. If you do have a car though, it is a 267 km (166 mile) drive, which is still a long-haul drive if you want to do it. Overall, I would suggest a day trip to Zalipie is more worth it if you are doing it from Kraków rather than Warsaw. 

These Locations are NOT Good Day Trip Locations from Warsaw

Finally, I have three locations that you might see on other lists of best day trips to Warsaw that I 100% DO NOT recommend as day trips. While in theory, they are easily reachable in between 2-3 hours by train, these cities are too big to explore in just one day, and I think you will be left unsatisfied. But, if you really want to, you can treat these cities as day trips. I just really do not recommend it. 

Gdańsk: This city has so much to do. If you were to do a day trip to Gdańsk, you would pretty much only be able to walk around the Old Town, and maybe go to a museum or two. However, you would miss out on the history of the city, being able to visit places like Westerplatte would be impossible, and you would not get a good chance to enjoy the beach, such as at Sopot . Gdańsk really needs 2-3 days for a full experience at the minimum. For more info on Gdańsk, read here . For more info on how to get to Gdańsk from Warsaw, read here .  

Kraków: Kraków is the most popular city to visit in Poland, and thus it is no surprise that some places might suggest a day trip to Kraków. However, it is the most popular city in Poland for a reason. There is so much to do in this city, from walking around the Old Town, to visiting some of the stellar museums, to exploring the amazing Wieliczka Salt Mines outside of the city. Kraków is a 2–3-day city, a day trip will pretty much only allow walking around the Old Town. So, do yourself a favor and spend more time in Kraków. For information about what to do in Kraków in the winter, read here .  

Poznań: Poznań is a city that will show up less on the list of best day trips from Warsaw. However, it is still a no-go. Especially with the historic town square under construction right now, you would miss out on the most important reason to take a day trip. Do not get me wrong, Poznań has many other great places to explore, such as Lake Malta or the Palmiarnia, but right now, Poznań is not a day trip city, it is a place to go more if you want to get a real feel for a Polish city, and thus I would not recommend it as a day trip city until the renovation of the town square is complete. 

Conclusions and BONUS List

Overall, Warsaw, being a centrally found city in Poland, is a perfect place to take day trips from. Arrival to Warsaw is easy via both international airports available, and there is fast, convenient, and cheap bus and train service to many other cities in Poland that serve as perfect day trips from Warsaw. I would recommend spending 2-3 days in Warsaw but extending that by a day or two allows you to get the most out of your trip to Poland through some fun day trips. I hope you find the day trip for you on this list.  

Now, below, you will find some bonus entries on this list! I have not included these in the proper list for a couple reasons. First, they are not the largest attractions in the world, but with the right motivation, they can be. Secondly, access to all of them is only possible with a car. But, if you choose to rent a car, these are nice destinations to visit, especially if you have children!  

Dzielnica Filmowa : For something quirky, visit the Dzielnica Filmowa! Located in the middle of a random patch of forest south of Warsaw, here you can enjoy attractions centered around your kids favorite TV shows, such as Transformers, Harry Potter, Cars, Thomas the Tank Engine, and more. The fun is walking around and admiring the replicas of these things, and that it is also cheaper than Disneyland Paris. There are also rides available as well, although these are on the simpler end, such as bumper cars. But your child should still enjoy a visit here.  

While this park is easiest reached by car, you can also reach it by train! Take the R80 train leaving from Warsaw Gdańska station until the Zalesia Gorne train stop, (which takes about 45 minutes), and walk a short distance from there. Also note that this park is only open from the end of April until the end of October, and mostly on weekends, with many days during the week dedicated only to school groups. Check the website for a complete amount of information.  

Czersk Castle : Yes, there is a castle within a short distance of Warsaw! Czersk castle is the former castle of a Masovian duke. It is not the largest or most impressive castle in the year but is a remnant of the many gothic buildings that used to spread across Poland. It is also reachable from Warsaw in around 90 minutes via a combination of regional train and bus, or by 45 minutes by car. Check it out if you have the time! 

Bagno Całowanie : This is a beautiful bog and swamp area full of beautiful hiking trails, informative signage, and even a boardwalk. While there are other natural areas closer to Warsaw, the uniqueness, beauty, and peace of this location makes it worth a visit if you can. It is easiest to reach by car in about 50 minutes from Warsaw. Your other choice is to take a regional train to Celestynow , but then you would have to take a taxi from there for about 15 minutes. So, this is not the most accessible for a tourist. 

Park Dolina Wkry : This is a beautiful park found along the Wkra River , which soon flows into the Vistula via the Narew River at Modlin. Here you will find hiking trails, an interpretative trail, and even fun treetop walks to explore. It is also accessible by train, on the R90 to Nasielsk, dropping you off at Pomiechowek , a short 5-minute walk from the park. Or it is just over an hour to drive. 

Bolimów Landscape Park : This is a park that has something for everyone. In its beautiful forests, you will also find a lake and river. Ultimately, you can choose to hike, bike, view wildlife, or rent a kayak and take a tour down the creek that runs through the middle. This is a perfect place for nature lovers, but it is most definitely best explored by car, although you could take the R1 train to Skierniewice and take a taxi from there.  

Suntago Park Wodny : The final entry on this list is one of the largest water parks in Poland. This is a great place to take kids, with over a dozen waterslides, many massive pools, and other fun activities for kids. There are also saunas, spa packages available for adults, and alcoholic drinks. However, it is expensive, with an all-day ticket running around 200 PLN per person. If you arrive after 5 PM during the offseason, you can get a massive discount, however! You can also only get to it by car, with a trip taking about 45 minutes.  

University Student

Hi everyone! My name is Jeremy, and I am a staff writer for Poland Insiders. I first came to Poland in May of 2022, fell in love with it, applied to go to university here, got accepted, and have now been living in Warsaw since September 2022! I love traveling and sharing about what I find along the way, whether food, culture, or events. Being born and raised on the West Coast of the US, I also love nature, Asian food, and a good (non-alcoholic) beer. I am happy to share my adventures in Poland as I continue to live and study here for the near future.

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The Hoosier State is a who's who of walkable communities. From north to south and east to west, Indiana is spread thick with towns that are a pedestrian's dream. Stretch your legs and travel on foot to visit everything from the state's historic buildings, shops and restaurants, gardens, parks, and plenty more. Although you will probably have to drive between the towns, once you arrive at your chosen small town, travelers can spend the rest of their time carless for the entirety of their visit. Get ready to pack your pedometer for these eight most walkable Indiana towns.

Located right outside Louisville, Kentucky , Corydon is a quaint and historic retreat from the big city hubbub. This town has just over 3,000 residents and numerous buildings from the 1800s. Although many of them, like the First State Capitol and Governor Hendricks' Headquarters, serve as tourable museums, some serve customers as modern businesses. For example, the 1816 Modern Kitchen & Drinks is a Southern-Asian fusion restaurant in the Italianate building that originally housed the St. Cloud Saloon. Such sights and bites can be enjoyed along the self-guided Walking Tour of Corydon. Maps are available at the Blaine H. Wiseman Visitor Center, which is also the check-in location for the Winter Wine Walk, whose 16th edition is set for Saturday, December 14, 2024.

Many Indiana communities are classified as cities despite having rather small populations. Auburn is a "city" of about 13,500 with many quaint businesses and grand historic sites. They include the Eckhart Public Library and Park, Auburn City Steakhouse, Auburn Brewing Company, Classic City Creamery, Kim's Korner Music & More, and Auburn Community Mausoleum, all of which can be explored downtown by taking a stroll. Ironically, this walkable community has a vibrant car culture and vehicle-producing past. You can ditch your automobile to walk through the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, National Auto & Truck Museum, and Early Ford V-8 Foundation Museum. Auburn even has a museum dedicated to draft animals.

Another undersized Indiana town, Madison has around 12,000 residents and 133 blocks designated as a National Historic Landmark. The "Madison Historic Landmark District" is considered America's largest contiguous historic district and contains "impressive numbers of significant buildings especially Federal, Greek Revival, and Italianate styles" dating from 1817 to 1939. The Lanier Mansion and Charles L. Shrewsbury House are among the district's top historical sites, while the Off-Broadway Taproom and Lanthier Winery are among the district's top businesses. Owing to Madison's architectural diversity and walkability, it offers a variety of tours, including the Madison in the Movies Walking Tour, Central Business District Walking Tour, Eastside Industry & Business Walking Tour, Public Art & Murals Walking Tour, Westside Industry & Business Walking Tour, Westside Architectural Walking Tour, Architectural Walking Tour, Historic Churches Walking Tour, Haunted History Walking Tour, and Fire Department Walking Tour. In addition to feet, tourists can explore Madison by trolley, horse-drawn carriage, biplane, and even boat since it straddles the mighty Ohio River .

The lesser-known Nashville , Nashville, Indiana, is a quintessential small town of approximately 1,250 people. It consists of a small grid of heritage buildings and booming businesses surrounded by greenery. After hiking, biking, horseback riding, swimming, paddling, rowing, camping, hunting, fishing, and even gold panning in preserves like Brown County State Park and Yellowwood State Forest, one can take a leisurely stroll through town and stop for sights, bites, and pints at Big Woods Pizza, the Bird's Nest Cafe, Country Heritage Winery, and The Chocolate Moose. Nashville's historic haunts can be visited on the Historical Walking Tour, which begins and ends at the Brown County Visitors Center.

Pendleton is a 4,700ish-person town on the outskirts of Indianapolis . Like many Indiana towns, it has a picturesque main drag, and its proximity to Indianapolis means that the businesses along that drag are not neglected. Travelers pile into The Bank for good sandwiches before heading west to either stop for good candies at Good's Candies or good ice cream at Yummerful or good home goods at the Apple Butter Barn Country Store. After their eating and shopping tour, they can take Pendleton's Historic Marker Walking Tour to see such sites as the Thomas Pendleton House and the Carnegie Library.

Warsaw is no ghetto. This northern Indiana community has grown from around 7,500 residents in 1970 to nearly 16,000 in 2020. Among the booming, walkable businesses that keep people coming are the One Ten Craft Meatery, a beefy restaurant that sources its products from Indiana, Ohio , Illinois , Michigan , and Kentucky ; Biryani Kitchen, which puts the Indian in Indiana; and Mad Anthony Brewing Company, an award-winning brewpub that has been operating in the state for 25 years. Warsaw also attracts people with walkable nature. In fact, there are several lakes inside of town. Residents and visitors wander the shores of Pike Lake, Hidden Lake, Winona Lake, and Center Lake, the last of which abuts the whimsical Warsaw Biblical Gardens.

New Harmony

New Harmony was founded in 1814 by a radical religious sect called Harmonists who believed in Christ's imminent second coming. They built a self-sufficient and productive community and then, presumably when Christ did not come, sold it to Robert Owen, another radical with a dream to create the perfect society. Owen's utopian experiment failed in 1827, but both communities left relics that can be toured today. These include the David Lenz House and Garden, which was built by Harmonists circa 1820, and the Roofless Church, which, although not built during the utopian period, was commissioned by the wife of Robert Owen's great-great grandson. After walking off the beaten path of Indiana history, you can get back on track with tours of modern businesses like the Yellow Tavern and The Main Cafe.

As the oldest European settlement in Indiana, Vincennes has many of the state's oldest buildings. The St. Francis Xavier Cathedral and Library (c. 1826), Bonner-Allen House (c. 1842), and Cyrus Allen House (c. 1865) can all be seen along the Architectural and Historical Walking Tour of Downtown Vincennes, as can a newer but no less spectacular construction called the George Rogers Clark Memorial, which is a granite rotunda built in the early 1930s for the titular Revolutionary War hero. Even newer haunts like Vincennes Pub 'N' Grub and Procopio's Pizza & Pasta can be paired with old souls and old soles in the ancient, walkable wonderland of Vincennes.

Whether it is the first state capitol in Corydon, a mausoleum in Auburn, or a historic landmark district in Madison, you do not need a vehicle to tour much of Indiana. In fact, you can pair forays into those places with scenic strolls to a heritage winery in Nashville and a Carnegie Library building in Pendleton. Lastly, you can strap on sandals to see a biblical garden in Warsaw, a roofless church in New Harmony, and a cathedral in Vincennes. Of course, you might need a vehicle to visit the towns themselves, but once you are there, you can forget your keys and still have plenty of fun and relaxation.

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8 of the best day trips from Seattle

Dec 11, 2023 • 11 min read

Explore Washington State and beyond with these great day trips from Seattle © Thomas Barwick / Getty Images

With everything Seattle has to offer, it can be hard to imagine wanting to get out of the city for even just an hour or two.

Museums can be saved for rainy days, and it would be a shame to spend sunshine hours in craft breweries when there’s such gorgeous scenery to enjoy beyond the city limits. 

Whether you need a break from the tourist crowds and bustle of downtown , are looking for a serious hike , or have a pup threatening all the zoomies after being dragged to yet another farmers market, there are plenty of opportunities to get out of Seattle for the day.  In fact, some of the most breathtaking scenery, charming towns and picturesque back roads in Washington state lie within an easy drive or ferry ride out of the city. Here are some of our favorite day trips from Seattle.

1. Mt Rainier National Park

Travel time: 2 hours

The drive – about two hours, depending on the route and traffic conditions – makes this a bit of an investment for a day trip, but you can’t be this close to one of the most impressive mountains in the United S tates and not go see it.

The views are spectacular, whether it's a sunny spring day with wildflowers in bloom, a moody, cloudy afternoon, or a snowy winter’s day. 

You could easily spend weeks hiking in the Mt Rainier area (permits permitting), but you can develop a healthy appreciation for the place through any of the several day hikes from Paradise , which is home to the relaxing Paradise Inn and a visitor center. 

Paradise also makes for a fun Seattle day trip during the winter because it's one of the most popular areas in the park for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding. It's also the only area in the park that allows sledding. Bring good shoes, warm clothes and a camera. Try to visit midweek to avoid crowds.

How to get to Mt Rainier National Park from Seattle:  The park has year-round access via the Nisqually Entrance, just under 90 miles and an almost two-hour drive from Seattle along SR-706. If you use GPS, use the address 39000 State Route 706 E, Ashford, WA 98304, or you’ll otherwise be taken to the park headquarters in Ashford.

From the Nisqually Entrance, it’s another 29 miles via Longmire to the Henry M Jackson Visitor Center in Paradise, where you can find parking and several trailheads. Note that in winter, the road between Longmire and Paradise is closed at night.

If your idea of a successful day trip to Mt Rainier involves hiking and biking, the Carbon River Entrance is a little over 60 miles – nearly 1½ hours – along SR-165. No cars are allowed beyond this entrance, only pedestrians and cyclists. 

You can also enter the park on its east side during the summer. It’s just under 82 miles – 1¾ hours – from Seattle to the White River Entrance via SR-167 and SR-410. From there, it’s about 18 miles, or half an hour’s drive, via SR-123 to Ohanapecosh . There are no public transit connections from Seattle to the park.

2. Leavenworth

Travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Adorable and unashamedly touristy Leavenworth has oodles of charm all by itself, but the imitation-Bavarian town’s idyllic wilderness setting is what really puts it over the top. Grab a beer and some brats at München Haus , then choose your adventure: the hiking, rafting and rock climbing here are all fantastic. 

Leavenworth is the gateway to the Wenatchee River and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness , where you’ll find some of the best hiking in the state, including several easily accessible day hikes.

How to get to Leavenworth from Seattle:  The 117-mile drive east along US Hwy 2 via Monroe, through the Cascades and over Stevens Pass, is truly spectacular. It takes under 2½ hours, but you’ll want to stop often for photo ops.

The route via the Snoqualmie Pass along the I-90 takes about the same time, even though it stretches over 135 miles. Several bus companies serve the route between Seattle and Leavenworth, or you can take the Amtrak train, although the three to four-hour bus journey makes it less feasible for a day trip.

3. Bainbridge Island

Travel time: 1 hour

Bainbridge Island is a favorite vacation destination for Seattleites and visitors from further afield, but the island is close enough to the city that it contains a healthy full-time population, many of whom commute to Seattle by ferry.

It’s the quickest and easiest way to get out on the water from the big city, and the ride over provides stunning views of both Seattle and the Sound. Lazily stroll around, tour some waterfront taverns like Doc’s Marina Grill , taste wines and maybe rent a bike and cycle around the invitingly flat countryside.

As far as family day trips from Seattle go, it doesn’t get much easier than this; the ferry ride is short enough that kids won’t get bored, and once they’re on the island, they’ll love exploring the Kids Discovery Museum .

Lively pubs and great Washington wines are the order of the day on Bainbridge. The island doesn’t stay up very late, but you won’t go thirsty when it comes to happy hour or leisurely cocktails in the evening.  Bainbridge Vineyards is a quaint and certified organic winemaker about 5 miles from the Bainbridge ferry terminal off Hwy 305 – perfect for a bike ride on a sunny day.

How to get to Bainbridge Island from Seattle:  Washington State Ferries run several times a day from Pier 52 in Seattle. The crossing takes about 35 minutes.

4. Bellingham

Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Bellingham is underrated as a fun town for nightlife, especially if you’re into craft beer. Try the Kölsch at Chuckanut Brewery , a Bellingham Blonde ale at Boundary Bay and a Cosmic Dreams IPA at Aslan Depot , a historic bus and streetcar station renovated to look and feel like a cozy old English parlor.

If you like your adult beverages with a side of culture, start with a visit to the Whatcom Museum , a three-building collection of local and regional art, culture and history.

You can also wander the well-preserved Fairhaven neighborhood with its shops, restaurants and lovely bookstore, Village Books . Alternatively, drive 15 miles north to the traditionally Dutch town of Lynden, which has a pioneer history museum , bakery and historic hotel .

To stretch this day trip a little, opt for scenic Chuckanut Drive on the way there or back. This byway hugs the coastline between Bellingham and Mt Vernon, with opportunities to stop for hiking in Larrabee State Park and oyster-eating at the Oyster Bar in Bow along the way.

How to get to Bellingham from Seattle:  Head north on I-5 for about 90 miles (1½ hours) to Bellingham. For the more scenic Chuckanut Drive (SR-11) option, take exit 231 off I-5 just north of Mt Vernon. This route is about the same distance but adds around 15 minutes to the drive – if you don’t stop to admire the scenery.

5. Victoria, Canada

Travel time: 3 hours

At around a 2¾-hour ride on the fast ferry, Victoria stretches the definition of a "day trip," but the British Columbia provincial capital is worth the effort if you remember to bring your valid passport and meet the requirements for entry into Canada . 

With double-decker buses, afternoon tea, homes that look like castles and pubs with names such as the Sticky Wicket and the Penny Farthing , Victoria has long traded on its British affiliations. 

But while the fish and chips remain first class, and summer cricket games still enliven Beacon Hill Park , the days when Victoria was more British than Britain are long gone. In Victoria 2.0, the food culture embraces fusion, the beer leans toward craft brews and the abundance of bicycles resembles  the Netherlands  more than England .

Compared to the glassy skyscrapers of Seattle, Victoria is more laid-back and low-rise. On balmy summer days, a distinct holiday atmosphere takes over as people pile off the ferries to escape the mayhem of the mainland and forget their work. Sure, Victoria might have become trendier and more sophisticated in recent years, but in pace and essence it remains comfortingly old-fashioned.

How to get to Victoria from Seattle:  Victoria Clipper runs a passenger-only, high-speed catamaran from Pier 69 in downtown Seattle to Victoria’s Inner Harbor. There’s one round-trip a day; check the website for departure times as these may vary according to season.

6. Whidbey Island

Travel time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Whidbey Island is an idyllic emerald escape beloved by stressed-out Seattleites. At 41 miles, Whidbey is the longest island on the US West Coast. While it’s not as detached or nonconformist as the San Juans (a bridge connects it to adjacent Fidalgo Island at its northernmost point), life is certainly slower, quieter and more pastoral here. 

Having six state parks is a bonus. There is also a plethora of B&Bs, two historic fishing villages (Langley and Coupeville), famously tasty mussels and a thriving community of artists and artisans. Also on the island is the US Naval Air Station that dominates Oak Harbor. 

Whidbey is a particularly desirable day trip during the fall harvest: grapes, apples and pumpkins abound, as do cider and pumpkin beer. The season also brings wild mushroom foraging tours, which, unless you’re an expert, are best to join if you want to pick some. In the words of Terry Pratchett, “All fungi are edible. Some fungi are only edible once.”

Emerging from Fidalgo Island's flat pastures, the precipitous Deception Pass cliffs are overlooked by a famous bridge made all the more dramatic by the churning, angry water below. The bridge has two steel arches spanning Canoe Pass and Deception Pass, joined by a central support on Pass Island. Built during the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), it was considered an engineering feat in its day. The 5.5-sq-mile park also spans the channel, with facilities on the north and south flanks of the passage.

How to get to Whidbey Island from Seattle: You'll need a car and to take a ferry ride. Take I-5 north and SR-525 from Seattle to Mukilteo; depending on the route and traffic conditions, this trip will be around 40 to 50 minutes. Washington State Ferries run 20-minute trips between Mukilteo and Clinton throughout the day. The Sound Transit train on the Sounder North N-line isn’t a good choice for a day trip since it departs from Seattle twice in the late afternoon and returns from Everett twice in the early morning.

7. La Conner

Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes

A small town with a surprising number of things to see and do, La Conner is practically made for a day trip. It has a compact, walkable center lined with shops, pubs and restaurants, a spring tulip festival that shows off its pastoral surroundings and a top-notch art museum in the heart of town. 

Its position alongside the lazy Swinomish Channel adds a cool maritime feel. And at around a 1¼-hour drive, it’s one of those short trips from Seattle that you can do without spending most of your day on the road.

Arguably the best time to visit La Conner is in April when the tulip fields around town paint themselves in bands of vivid purples, reds and yellows. Weekend traffic can be discouraging at this time, but the blooms are worth it.

Once you’ve had your fill of flowers, wander downtown toward the tiny marina. Stop in and browse at Handmade La Conner , where artisans in a back-room workshop make all the coffee mugs, textiles, fancy soaps and letterpress cards on offer. Be sure to save time for an exploration of the Museum of Northwest Art , which has an outstanding collection of regional paintings and sculptures and mounts several temporary exhibits each year.

How to get to La Conner from Seattle: From Seattle, take I-5 north about 55 miles to exit 221, then follow signs another 10 miles west along Fir Island Rd to La Conner. There are no bus or train services to La Conner.

8. San Juan Islands

Travel time: 3 to 4 hours

The sleepy San Juans exist in striking contrast with Seattle’s sensory overload, and they’re easier to reach than you might think (though if you can spare the time, an overnight stay is even better than a day trip). 

It may be nearly a four-hour ferry ride from Seattle to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, but the voyage itself is one of the highlights – you can make the trip as part of a whale-watching tour, but it’s a gorgeous ride even without the whale element. 

On arrival, your entertainment options include mellow bicycling, paddling around in a kayak, eating decadent, locally sourced meals from restaurants like Doe Bay Café , and just hanging out. This day trip is also fantastic to make with your dog; there are several off-leash dog parks, including San Juan Islands Sculpture Park .

How to get to the San Juan Islands from Seattle:  From mid-April to mid-October, the scenic San Juan Clipper goes directly to Friday Harbor from the Seattle waterfront’s Pier 69 in 3¾ hours.

Or you can drive the 85 miles or so to Anacortes – it should take a maximum of two hours, depending on the route and traffic conditions – and hop a Washington State Ferry to Lopez Island (45 minutes), Shaw Island (55 minutes), Orcas Island (a little over an hour) or San Juan Island (an hour). Schedules vary by season, so check the WSF website for the latest. 

Note that for the San Juan Clipper, any pets need to be in a carrier, and you will need to book the trip in advance. For the Washington State Ferry, passengers can bring their leashed dogs into the exterior passenger areas, including the shelter decks.

This article was first published Jul 16, 2019 and updated Dec 11, 2023.

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