Warsaw Off the Beaten Path & Local Pastry
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover Warsaw’s downtown off the beaten track - its Southern part. You will see places that even locals may not know. First find the former communist headquarters. Then stroll over a mysterious section of the Warsaw Escarpment. We’ll look for a secret meeting spot from the 1700s, and for the former Mason's lodge. Then we'll look for bullet holes on façades of buildings where the German Nazis resided. Wander around a cool urban garden, and stop at an elegant 19th century park. Walk down an elegant venue with 19th century residences of Warsaw elite. Cross a significant communist era housing estate, and visit a beautiful university complex. Then find out where the "Pianist" movie was filmed, and stop at my favourite sweet shop to try some of their incredible pastry. The tour will come to its close at a cozy food venue, where perhaps you will like to stay. This tour will allow you to see Warsaw from a local's perspective, and to see a fascinating area that visitors usually miss.
Available options
Warsaw Off the Beaten Path & Local Pastry
What's included
Fully vaccinated guide
Pastry
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
The former headquarters of communists
2
Stop 2
Park located along the Warsaw Escarpment - an exeptional natural site, along which the city has evolved over the centuries.
3
Stop 3
One of the most important modernist buidlings from the 1930s
4
Stop 4
A colony of wooden houses hosting many local activities such as lectures, concerts, urban gardening, joga classes and more
5
A beautiful 19th century landscape style park
6
Stop 6
Elegant 19th century venue with former residences of Warsaw elite
7
Stop 7
Street with elegant pre-war apartmanet buildings that survived World War II
8
Significant communist-era housing estate which represents Socialist Realism, a mandatory style of architecture in the 1950s.
9
Stop 9
Faculty of Architecture of the Warsaw University of Technology
10
Stop 10
Local pastry stop
11
Stop 11
A house where Roman Polanski filmed his famous Pianist movie
12
Very popular local spot - a food venue housed in a historical food market building constructed over 100 years ago.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
5.0
5 reviews
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Charles de Gaulle`s Statue on the Charles de Gaulle Roundabout. Go to the corner of the Financial Center on Nowy Swiat 6/12 Street. I wait for you in front of the statue.
About Warsaw
Warsaw, the capital of Poland, is a city of resilience and vibrant culture. Known for its complete reconstruction after WWII, it offers a mix of modern architecture and historic sites, making it a unique destination rich in history and contemporary energy.
Top Attractions
Old Town (Stare Miasto)
The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing the city's rich history and stunning architecture. It was meticulously rebuilt after WWII, earning Warsaw the nickname 'The Phoenix City'.
Historical/Architecture
2-3 hours
Free to explore, Royal Castle entry fee: 30 PLN
Warsaw Uprising Museum (Muzeum Powstania Warszawskiego)
This museum commemorates the 1944 Warsaw Uprising and provides a powerful insight into the city's resilience and history during WWII. The exhibits are interactive and emotionally impactful.
Historical/Museum
2-3 hours
25 PLN
Łazienki Park (Park Łazienkowski)
This vast park is a green oasis in the heart of the city, featuring beautiful gardens, palaces, and ponds. It's perfect for a relaxing stroll or a picnic.
Nature/Historical
2-3 hours
Free, Palace entry fee: 20 PLN
Warsaw Zoo (Ogrod Zoologiczny w Warszawie)
One of the largest zoos in Poland, Warsaw Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals and is known for its conservation efforts. It's a great place for families and animal lovers.
Nature/Entertainment
2-3 hours
30 PLN
Palace of Culture and Science (Pałac Kultury i Nauki)
This iconic Stalinist skyscraper is a symbol of Warsaw and offers panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. It's a must-visit for its historical significance and stunning vistas.
Architecture/Historical
1-2 hours
25 PLN
Must-Try Local Dishes
Pierogi
Dumplings filled with various ingredients such as meat, cheese, potatoes, or fruits. They are a staple of Polish cuisine and come in both savory and sweet varieties.
Dinner
Vegetarian options available, can be made vegan or gluten-free upon request.
Żurek
A sour rye soup often made with sausage, potatoes, and hard-boiled eggs. It's traditionally served in a bread bowl.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains meat, can be made vegetarian with substitutions.
Bigos
A hearty hunter's stew made with sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, various meats, and mushrooms. It's often considered Poland's national dish.
Dinner
Contains meat, can be made vegetarian with substitutions.
Pączki
Deep-fried doughnuts filled with jam, custard, or other sweet fillings. They are a popular treat, especially during Fat Thursday (Tłusty Czwartek).
Dessert
Vegetarian, can be made vegan or gluten-free.
Popular Activities
Biking in Łazienki Park
Kayaking on the Vistula River
Picnicking in Łazienki Park
Visiting a traditional Polish spa
Attending a classical music concert at the National Philharmonic
Exploring the Warsaw Uprising Museum
Boating on the ponds in Łazienki Park
Ice skating at the Winter Stadium
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather and numerous outdoor events. It's ideal for exploring the city's parks and outdoor attractions.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Polish
- Widely spoken: English, German, Russian
- English: Moderately spoken, especially among younger people and in tourist areas
Currency
Polish Złoty (PLN)
Time Zone
GMT+2 (Central European Time, CET)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, with some areas requiring caution
Warsaw is generally a safe city for travelers, with low violent crime rates. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in tourist areas and on public transportation. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places and at night.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in crowded areas
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services to avoid scams
- • Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or surveys
Getting there
By air
- Warsaw Chopin Airport • 10 km from city center
By train
Warsaw Central Station, Warsaw Wschodnia Station
By bus
Warsaw Zachodnia Bus Station, Warsaw Wschodnia Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The metro system is efficient, clean, and easy to navigate. It's a great way to get around quickly.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Old Town (Stare Miasto)
Praga
Wola
Śródmieście
Day trips
Łowicz
50 km from Warsaw • Half day to full day
A charming town known for its traditional Polish architecture, horse-drawn carriages, and the famous 'Łowiczki' horse shows. It offers a glimpse into Poland's rural past.
Modlin Fortress
40 km from Warsaw • Half day
A historic 19th-century fortress located on the Narew River, offering a fascinating insight into Poland's military history. The fortress is partially in ruins but is open for exploration and guided tours.
Nieporęt
30 km from Warsaw • Half day
A small town with a rich history, known for its beautiful palace and park complex. The palace is a great example of neoclassical architecture and offers a glimpse into the lives of Polish nobility.
Festivals
Warsaw Autumn Festival • September
Warsaw Film Festival • October
Christmas Markets • December
Pro tips
- Visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum for a powerful and emotional insight into the city's history during WWII
- Explore the vibrant and artsy Praga district for a glimpse into Warsaw's creative scene and local culture
- Take a guided tour of the Warsaw sewer system for a unique and fascinating perspective on the city's history
- Try traditional Polish dishes, such as pierogi, żurek, and bigos, at local restaurants or street food vendors
- Attend a classical music concert at the National Philharmonic or Teatr Wielki for a world-class cultural experience
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
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Free cancellation available
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