For this weekend in Warsaw, we stayed at the Ibis Warszawa Centrum hotel located in the business district. The budget for two nights was 100 euros, which represents 25 euros per night per person. The cost of living in Poland is very affordable compared to West Europe. We really enjoyed this purchasing power during our stay. If you travel to Warsaw, make sure you do too and book yourself a nicely located hotel.

This itinerary begins with one of the iconic buildings of the city, the Palace of Culture and Science. Quite unpopular with locals due to its connection to the Soviet Union, this building is nicknamed 'Stalin's penis'! However, it remains the highest building in Poland today. Head to the rooftop on the 31st floor to admire the view over the Czyste district and its modern architecture. Make sure to book tickets in advance and to go there at the opening as this place gets very busy during the day.

Continue towards the old town passing by the presidential palace, then down the royal road to reach St Anne's Church.

Buy an entry to access the church's observation platform. From up there, you will have a breathtaking view of the Castle Square, the Old Town and the Palace of Culture and Science.

Continue towards the medieval center and Rynek Starego Miasta Square. You will fall in love with this lively square. The entire square was rebuilt in 1944 to give it back its pre-war appearance. In the center of this square stands the statue of Warsaw's mermaid. She is the symbol of the city.

If you visit Warsaw during winter, and shortly before or after Christmas, the mermaid will be surrounded by an ice rink and you will have to put on ice skates to get close to it!

Stroll through the old town to discover its restaurants, pretty cafés and souvenir shops. Then continue to Barbacane to see the ramparts of a castle dating from the 16th century.

From the old town, continue towards the Vistula River for a stroll along the river.

Then, get away from the center to discover the district of Praga and the Neon Museum. An original museum, to say the least, home to neon lights created and used in Poland after the Second World War. From the old town, it is easy to get there by tram.

To end this first day in Warsaw, here are some recommendations for a great evening in the city. Start with a nice polish dinner at Prodiż warszawski. This cozy restaurant serves delicious Polish food and a few piano notes might even come with your dinner.

After dinner, enjoy a cocktail and a great view of the Palace of Culture and Science from the Panorama bar. This classy rooftop bar is located 10 minutes away from the restaurant only. 

If you wish to continue the evening with another Rooftop bar, The roof is a great option and offers an incredible view over the Czyste district.

For this second day, start with a coffee or even breakfast at koszyki, an Art Nouveau-style food market.

Continue towards Royal Lazienki Park to explore this park which is home to several monuments such as Ujazdów Castle, the Palace on the Isle right in the center of the park and even an amphitheater. The park is full of birds and squirrels who will not be afraid to come close to you!

For the end of this trip to Warsaw, go back to the old town once again to admire the Castle Square, Rynek Starego Miasta Square and all the small streets that surround it.

For lunch or dinner, we strongly recommend going to Zapiecek! This traditional Polish restaurant has several addresses in Warsaw. Make sure to try the beetroot soup, the traditional polish dumplings called Pierogi and the potato pancakes. Several vegetarian options are even offered.