When I was planning my long weekend in Warsaw, Poland – I had no idea what to expect. With Greece and Italy so close by, people couldn’t understand why I’d brave a Ryanair flight with football hooligans to explore Warsaw.
But WOW was I blown away by an incredible, unexpected experience. Not only was my long weekend in Warsaw affordable, exciting, and filled with young people – it was a relaxing escape from my hectic London life. I spent 80% of my time relaxing outside, enjoying tasty treats, and wondering why – OH WHY – was I going back to London?!
Here’s the 1-2-3 of how to make the most of your long weekend in Warsaw.
Accommodation
If you have accommodation booked already in Warsaw – cancel it. You’ll not find better value for money nor a better located hostel than – DREAM Hostel Warsaw. Located just 0.1 miles away from the Old Town square, it was the PERFECT location to experience the best bits of Warsaw. It’s dead-center of Old Town and just outside your front door are the best bits of Warsaw.
With an incredible staff and pristine living conditions,DREAM Hostel Warsaw was an exceptional hideaway for my travel buddy and I when it all became just a bit much. The long walks in the sunshine and delicious snacks along the way would tire out anyone, so we retired away to the drawing-room regularly (also known as the common area – ha). During the day, it was a quiet space for people to read, check emails, or hide-away from the world… in the evening it would transform into a poppin’ bar with beer pong tournaments and other fun activities to help break the ice amongst traveling souls. People of all ages and backgrounds are welcomed.
Whilst we were in town, there were several thunderstorms and we hid away in our private double room – pushed the beds together – and enjoyed a girls’ night in with lovely drinks and takeaway. With so much traveling ahead of me, I was so thankful to have such a peaceful place to steal away.
Food & Tourism
Poland is known for many things… food, not always being one of them. But I think this is a HUGE misconception as I found absolutely lush meals throughout the city.
Things you MUST eat whilst in Poland include:
- Lipka (steak) Tartar
- Pierogi (Polish dumplings)
- Polskie naleśniki (Polish pancakes)
- Kotlet schabowy (breaded pork cutlet)
If you’re feeling home-sick, FEAR NOT, for I have located some of the best brunch places in town and a variety of other ‘alternatives’ to Polish food when the moment strikes you.
Instead of going one by one of my favorite destinations, I decided to just map them out for you on my custom Google Layer. It’s free and easy to use. Just…
- Click on right corner of my map, where the broken square is [ ]
- It will launch Google Maps on your iPhone (or click here for my Warsaw Guide)
- Check out the pins that I’ve dropped along the way on your Google Maps app seamlessly
- Enjoy & happy eating!
Spa
Shocker shocker, Vanessa went to yet ANOTHER spa. Well I’m on a mission to #SpaAroundTheWorld and damn I’m doing a great job. I went with the intention of enjoying a relatively tame spa experience as my travel buddy for the occasion was not so keen on being in the buff with me for hours on end. I was offended, but I managed to move on from it.
Something was definitely lost in translation on the website (jokes on us), but I definitely prefer stomping around in my birthday suit in all of my naked glory!… my friend not so much. Much to my surprise, she took the plunge and went ‘sans’ towel because it wasn’t a big deal. Get involved.
Studio Sante Uzdrowisko Miejskie is described as a ‘public Swimming Pool’ on Google Maps, but it was very much a spa of the future that could be enjoyed with or without clothing. Inside the spa, you can enjoy…
- Japanese Rock Sauna
- Goldarium (wut)
- Himalayan Salt Grotto
- Jacuzzi with Himalayan Salt & Magnesium
- Finnish Sauna
- Steam room
- Collagen light therapy
- Outdoor ice bath
I’m not sure what half these things do but DAMN were they lovely.
Budget
I was living la vida loca whilst I was in Warsaw, Poland and I was definitely could have budgeted £30 pounds per day for food, fun and drink… I just choose NOT to – ha. Everything in Poland was so reasonable and the quality of food/alcohol was divine so I allowed myself to live a little. Sue me.
On average:
- Accommodation = £20 – £50 per night
- Food = £10 – £15 per day
- Transport = £1 – £2
- Tourism = £5 – 10 per day
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