How to Spend a Long Layover in Warsaw

A Long Layover in Warsaw - About My Trip to Warsaw

My last two trips have had connecting flights at Warsaw Chopin International Airport. Being around 25% Polish, I’ve always wanted to visit the home country of my great-grandparents. So, I jumped at the chance to have a long layover in Warsaw, Poland, that allowed me to see quite a few of Warsaw’s main attractions.

My itinerary took me from Chicago O’Hare International Airport to Warsaw Chopin International Airport. After arriving around 10:00 am, I had an entire day to explore Warsaw, as my next flight to Tel Aviv, Israel, didn’t leave until 11:50 pm. This page will show you how I spent around ten hours exploring Warsaw during a long layover.

LOT Polish Airlines 787 with LOT Business and LOT Premium Economy Cabins
LOT Polish Airlines 787

How to Spend a Long Layover in Warsaw, Poland- Table of Contents

Disclaimer:  Buzzin’ Around the World strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information based on our research at the time of publication. We respect all applicable laws and fair use principles. If you believe any information is incorrect or violates regulations, please contact us at buzzinaroundtheworld@gmail.com.

Affiliate Links and Reviews:  We use affiliate links to generate income and may receive a commission at no additional cost to you when you use our links. We strive for honest and transparent reviews, even for products which we receive compensation.

Content Creation:  Our content is based on our own travel experiences. All photos are our own unless otherwise stated. We sometimes utilize AI tools to assist with tasks like generating titles, summarizing content, and improving organization.

For more information:  For more information, please click HERE to visit our private policy page. We can be reached at buzzinaroundtheworld@gmail.com

How to Get from Warsaw Chopin Airport to the Tourist Sights During a Long Layover

Finding the Train Station at Warsaw Chopin Airport

Warsaw Chopin Airport is one of my favorite European Airports as it is much smaller and more manageable than most major European airports. After landing, I disembarked the plane via stairs and had to take a shuttle to the arrival terminal. Clearing passport control and customs took less than an hour. I was now ready to explore Warsaw.

I had already decided the best method to get to the tourist sights of Warsaw during a long layover was by taking the train. At Chopin Airport, there are orange signs that lead passengers to the Chopin Airport train station. The signs are in both Polish and English.

Follow the Signs at Warsaw Chopin Airport to the Airport Train Station
Follow the Signs at Warsaw Chopin Airport to the Airport Train Station

After a bit of a walk, I came to an escalator that led to Chopin Airport’s train and bus stations.

Go Down the Escalator to the Chopin Airport Train Station
Go Down the Escalator to the Chopin Airport Train Station

It took a few minutes to figure out how to purchase my ticket as there were many different options and fare classes. For those in a hurry, there are kiosks on board the Polish trains for passengers to purchase tickets.

Purchasing My Train Ticket

Purchase Your Ticket at the Train Station or on the Train - Warsaw Chopin Airport
Purchase Your Ticket at the Train Station or on the Train
Purchase Your Ticket at the Train Station or on the Train - Warsaw Chopin Airport
My Ticket

Boarding the Train at Warsaw Chopin Airport

After purchasing my ticket, I looked at Warsaw Chopin Airport’s video monitor to find my train. The Polish trains are identifiable by number, and it was easy to find the correct train as there are only two tracks at Chopin Airport.

Use the Video Monitors to Locate the Train - Warsaw Chopin Airport
Use the Video Monitors to Locate the Train

I boarded the train, and within a few minutes, I was on my way to explore the main sights of Warsaw during a long layover.

Boarding the Train to Warsaw Rakowiak Station
Boarding the Train to Warsaw Rakowiak Station

Validating My Ticket

One important thing to mention is to make sure you validate your ticket on Polish trains. Throughout the cars, there are little yellow boxes that scan tickets and transit cards. It is essential to validate the ticket as my ticket was checked by a Polish police officer. Thankfully, I had figured out the process and my ticket was correctly validated.

Use the Machine to Validate Your Ticket - Warsaw Chopin Airport
Use the Machine to Validate Your Ticket
On Board the Train from Warsaw Chopin Airport to Warsaw Central Station
On Board the Train from Warsaw Chopin Airport to Rakowiak Station
Route Map - Warsaw Chopin Airport to Rakowiak Station
Route Map - Warsaw Chopin Airport to Rakowiak Station

Transferring to the Warsaw Tram at Rakowiak Station

My stop, Rakowiak Sation, was only seven minutes away from Warsaw Chopin Airport. At this station, I would transfer to the tram so I could store my luggage at Warsaw Central Station.

Warsaw Rakowiak Station
Warsaw Rakowiak Station

To get from Rakowaik Station to Warsaw Central Station, I walked up the stairs from the train station to the tram station. After purchasing a tram card, I got on the Warsaw Tram and traveled to Warsaw Central Station.

Warsaw has Many Different Public Transportation Options
Transferring to the Tram at Warsaw Rakowiec Station
Arriving at Warsaw Central Station
Arriving at Warsaw Central Station

Warsaw Central Station

The main reason for my visit to Warsaw Central Station was to store my luggage. Since I was visiting Warsaw on a long layover, I did not want to drag my carry-on bag all around the city. 

Exterior of Warsaw Central Station
Exterior of Warsaw Central Station

Warsaw Central Station is a modern train station with domestic and international routes.

Inside Warsaw Central Station
Inside Warsaw Central Station

There is a shopping mall next to Warsaw Central Station, and just across the street is the impressive Palace of Culture and Science.

Mall Near Warsaw Central Station
Mall Near Warsaw Central Station
Palace of Culture and Science - Warsaw, Poland
Palace of Culture and Science

Luggage Storage at Warsaw Central Station

There are lockers to store suitcases and luggage on the lower level of Warsaw Central Station. To find the lockers, follow the signs to the large hallway filled with lockers.

Luggage Storage at Warsaw Central Station
Luggage Storage at Warsaw Central Station

Visitors can store their luggage at Warsaw Central Station for up to 24 hours. The lockers cost an average of 8 Polish Zloty ($2.00) and can be paid for by coins or credit card. There is a change machine in the center of the hallway.

Change Machine for the Lockers at Warsaw Central Station
Change Machine for the Lockers at Warsaw Central Station

How to Get Around Warsaw During a Long Layover

The city of Warsaw, Poland, has excellent public transportation. During my long layover visit, I used most of the methods of getting around Warsaw.

Warsaw has Many Different Public Transportation Options
Warsaw has Many Different Public Transportation Options

Getting Around Warsaw by Train

One method of getting around Warsaw during a long layover is by taking the train. I took the train to and from Warsaw Chopin Airport to the city center of Warsaw.

Warsaw Train
Warsaw Train

Getting Around Warsaw by Subway (Metro)

Another way to get around the city of Warsaw is to take the subway, which is known as the Warsaw Metro. I took the subway to and from Warsaw Central Station to the area near the banks of the Vistula River.

Entering the Warsaw Metro
Entering the Warsaw Metro

The Warsaw Metro is easy to navigate, and I purchased a one-day pass for 15 Polish Zloty ($3.50).

Entering the Warsaw Metro Station
Entering the Warsaw Metro Station

Each metro station in Warsaw has the routes clearly marked, and the trains come every few minutes. I was really impressed by the simplicity of getting around using the Warsaw Metro.

Warsaw Metro Station
Warsaw Metro Station

Getting Around Warsaw by Tram

The Warsaw Tram is an above-ground train that is best used for traveling short distances. I took the Warsaw Tram just once, from Rakowaik Station to Warsaw Central Station. Like the Warsaw Metro, I used my 24-hour transit pass on the Warsaw Tram.

Warsaw Tram
Warsaw Tram

Getting Around Warsaw by Walking

My favorite way to get around Warsaw was by walking. I walked along the shores of the Vistula River from near the national stadium to the entrance to Warsaw’s Old Town. Walking around Warsaw was extremely energizing after spending close to ten hours on an airplane.

Walking from the Vistula Waterfront to Old Town Warsaw
Walking from the Vistula Waterfront to Old Town Warsaw

Walking Along the Vistula River

The first attraction that I visited during my long layover in Warsaw, Poland, was the banks of the Vistula River. After exiting the Metro at Centrum Nauki Kopernik Station, I walked past the Świętokrzyski Bridge towards the Copernicus Museum.

Walking Along the Vistula River
Walking Along the Vistula River

The area along the Vistula River isn’t tourist. Instead, I saw a bunch of locals out enjoying the walking path. There were also many boats using the river for transportation.

A Boat on the Vistula River
A Boat on the Vistula River

PGE Norodowy, Warsaw’s National Stadium, is easily seen from the banks of the Vistula River. The stadium is home to the Polish National Football (soccer) team.

PGE Narodowy - Warsaw's National Stadium
PGE Narodowy - Warsaw's National Stadium

As I stated earlier, there were not a lot of tourist attractions along the Vistula. It appeared that this area was more for locals. Below was an area with a sandy beach and tables and chairs for relaxing.

Area to Relax Along the Vistula River
Area to Relax Along the Vistula River

One important thing to note is that there were clean public restrooms along the Vistula River. The location of the restrooms was near the sandy beach area just past the bridge and stadium.

Public Bathrooms Near the Vistula River
Public Bathrooms Near the Vistula River

Copernicus Museum

Near the end of the Vistula River walkway is the Copernicus Museum. I did not go inside the Copernicus Museum during my long layover in Warsaw. 

Copernicus Museum - Warsaw, Poland
Copernicus Museum

Exploring Warsaw's Old Town During a Long Layover

From the Copernicus Museum, it was a short walk to Warsaw’s Old Town, which would be the area where I would spend most of my time during my long layover. As I approached Old Town Warsaw, the Warsaw Tower, Sigismund’s Column, and Warsaw Castle came into view.

Approaching Old Town Warsaw
Approaching Old Town Warsaw

Old Town Warsaw dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries but was virtually destroyed in World War II. The current buildings were almost all rebuilt following the war. In 1980, Warsaw’s Old Town became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Colorful Streets of Old Town Warsaw
Colorful Streets of Old Town Warsaw

Old Town Warsaw is full of colorful buildings and narrow streets. It is the perfect place to walk around during a long layover in Warsaw.

Narrow Streets of Old Town Warsaw
Narrow Streets of Old Town Warsaw

During my visit to Old Town Warsaw, I had a bit of a plan on what route to walk and what tourist sights I wanted to see. That being said, part of the fun of Old Town Warsaw is wandering around the narrow streets and getting lost among the historic buildings.

Old Town Warsaw
Old Town Warsaw
Old Town Warsaw
Old Town Warsaw

Castle Square

My first stop in Old Town Warsaw was Castle Square. Castle Square is the immediate area in front of the Warsaw Castle, which was once the home of the Polish Monarchs. Located in the middle of Warsaw Square is Sigismund’s Column.

Castle Square - Warsaw, Poland

The Warsaw Castle is the main attraction of Castle Square. Originally built in 1619, the castle was completely destroyed during World War II. It took years and lots of money to rebuild the Warsaw Castle. The rebuild was completed in 1984. Today, the Warsaw Castle is a museum that is open to the public.

The Warsaw Castle - Warsaw, Poland
The Warsaw Castle - Warsaw, Poland

With limited time, I chose not to go inside the Warsaw Castle. Instead, I walked around the grounds of the Castle and visited the Warsaw Castle Gardens.

Warsaw Castle
Warsaw Castle
Warsaw Castle
Warsaw Castle

The Warsaw Castle Gardens are located on the opposite side of Castle Square. Since its existence, the Warsaw Castle has always had a garden. The gardens add much-needed green space to Old Town Warsaw.

Warsaw Castle Gardens
Warsaw Castle Gardens

The Warsaw Castle Gardens are free to visit and can easily be reached from Castle Square.

Zoomed in on the Warsaw Castle from the Castle Gardens
Zoomed in on the Warsaw Castle from the Castle Gardens

Sigismund's Column

The other main attraction in Castle Square is Sigismund’s Column. This column was originally erected in 1644 and is one of Poland’s most famous monuments. Honoring Poland’s King Sigismund III Vasa, who moved the capital city from Kraków to Warsaw in 1596, the column was demolished by the Germans during World War II.

Sigismund's Column - Warsaw, Poland
Sigismund's Column

Following World War II, the bronze statue was salvaged, and a new column was erected. The original pieces of the broken column can still be seen lying next to the Warsaw Castle. In the photos below, you can see both the bronze statue and the original column.

Zoomed in on Sigismund's Column
Zoomed in on Sigismund's Column
The Original Sigismund's Column - Look to the Lower RIght of the Photo
The Original Sigismund's Column - Look to the Lower RIght of the Photo

Warsaw Observation Tower

At this point, I had spent about an hour walking around Old Town Warsaw. The next attraction I visited was one of my favorites, the Warsaw Observation Tower. This observation tower is the bell tower of nearby St. Anne’s Church, and visitors can climb the tower’s 147 steps to the viewing terrace.

Looking Towards the Warsaw Observation Tower from the Warsaw Castle Area
Looking Towards the Warsaw Observation Tower from the Warsaw Castle Area

Admission to the top of the Warsaw Observation Tower is 10 Polish Zloty ($2.50). Visitors must walk up the narrow steps as there is no elevator.

Looking Towards Sigismund's Column from the Warsaw Tower
Looking Towards Sigismund's Column from the Warsaw Tower

The viewing platform of the Warsaw Observation offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Old Town Warsaw and the surrounding area.

Looking Towards Castle Square from the Warsaw Tower
Looking Towards Castle Square from the Warsaw Tower

I spent about fifteen minutes taking in the views from the top of the Warsaw Tower. After descending the tower’s steps, I went to my next stop, which was St. Anne’s Church.

Looking Opposite of Castle Square from the Warsaw Tower
Looking Opposite of Castle Square from the Warsaw Tower
Looking Towards the Vistula River from the Warsaw Tower
Looking Towards the Vistula River from the Warsaw Tower

St. Anne's Church

St. Anne’s church was another building that I only viewed from the outside. Construction of the original St. Anne’s Church began in 1454. The church was resigned many times, and parts of the current structure date back to 1788. Like many buildings in Warsaw, St. Anne’s Church was heavily damaged during World War II.

St. Anne's Church - Warsaw, Poland
St. Anne's Church - Warsaw, Poland

Presidential Palace

After viewing the exterior of St. Anne’s Church, I continued walking towards the Presidential Palace. The Warsaw Presidential Palace has been the home of the President of Poland since 1994. The current structure dates back to the early 1800s and, like many Polish buildings, needed extensive renovations following World War II.

Presidential Palace - Warsaw, Poland
Presidential Palace - Warsaw, Poland

In the center of the grounds of the Warsaw Presidential Palace is a statue of Józef Poniatowski, who was a Polish general and Marshall of the French Empire during the Napoleonic Wars.

Prince Josef Poniatowski Monument in Front of the Presidential Palace - Warsaw, Poland
Prince Josef Poniatowski Monument in Front of the Presidential Palace

Market Square

After visiting the Presidential Palace, I changed directions and walked back towards Castle Square. From Castle Square, I continued walking until I reached Market Square. Warsaw’s Market Square is home to various shops, restaurants, and street vendors.

Market Square - Warsaw Poland
Market Square - Warsaw Poland

Warsaw Barbican (City Walls)

As I continued walking, I reached the Warsaw Barbican, which marks the end of Old Town Warsaw. These fortified city walls were built in 1540 and were rebuilt following World War II. 

Warsaw Barbican (City Walls)
Warsaw Barbican (City Walls)

A barbican is a fortified outpost that acts as the first defense of a castle or old city. The Warsaw Barbican was meant to protect Old Town Warsaw, although according to my research, it was ineffective and served no real purpose after the invention of heavy artillery.

Warsaw Barbican
Warsaw Barbican
Walking the Warsaw Barbican
Walking the Warsaw Barbican

Today, the Warsaw Barbican serves as the unofficial separation of Old Town Warsaw and New Warsaw.

Entering the Old City through the Warsaw Barbican
Entering the Old City through the Warsaw Barbican

Multimediálna Fountain

As I exited the Old Town of Warsaw through the Warsaw Barbican, I walked down a few flights of stairs towards the Multimediálna Fountain. 

Street Art Near the Multimediálna Fountain - Warsaw, Poland
Street Art Near the Multimediálna Fountain

This fountain operates from May to September and is a great place for local residents to escape the heat of the summer months. In the evenings, the Multimediálna Fountain is the centerpiece of a show with laser lights and music.

Multimediálna Fountain - Warsaw, Poland
Multimediálna Fountain

Where to Sleep in Warsaw During a Long Layover - Kapsula Hotel

After about five hours of walking around Warsaw during my long layover, I was feeling so exhausted I couldn’t stay awake. I called my parents to let them know my travel progress and told my mother I was going to find a nice bench to sleep on. My mother told me under no circumstances was I to sleep outside and that I needed to get a hotel. Even at age 41, I still had to listen to my mother, so I set off to find an inexpensive hotel.

I ended up finding the perfect option, the Kapsula Capsule Hotel. This hotel was perfect for a few hours of sleep as the nightly rate was 78 Polish Zloty ($18.00). I had never stayed in a capsule hotel before and was excited to share this unique experience with my readers.

Kapsula Capsule Hotel - Warsaw, Poland
Kapsula Capsule Hotel - Warsaw, Poland

The sleeping capsule at the Kapsula Capsule Hotel was basic but comfortable. I was able to get about three hours of sleep before having to return to the airport for my connecting flight to Tel Aviv.

My Capsule - Kapsula Capsule Hotel - Warsaw, Poland
My Capsule - Kapsula Capsule Hotel

In addition to having a comfortable place to sleep, the Kapsula Capsule Hotel had warm showers and clean restrooms. Guests are given slippers, a towel, and access to a locker upon check-in. While I wouldn’t necessarily want to spend the night at the Kapsula Capsule Hotel, it was the perfect place to get a few hours of sleep during a long layover.

Kapsula Capsule Hotel Lockers - Warsaw, Poland
Kapsula Capsule Hotel Lockers
Kapsula Capsule Hotel Hallway - Warsaw, Poland
Kapsula Capsule Hotel Hallway

Warsaw Tours and Packages

During my long layover visit to Warsaw, I chose to not use the services of a local guide or expert. In my opinion, a guide was not needed to enjoy an afternoon of walking around Warsaw’s Old Town. I do know that some people prefer to be led around by a local expert. Below, I have linked a few tours of Warsaw and Warsaw’s Old Town. Please note that I am an affiliate of Viator. If you purchase a tour or package using one of my links, I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no additional cost to you.

Warsaw Old Town Private Walking Tour
Warsaw: Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour - $79.55

We prepared with high precision and special for you a unique program of tour. During this tour you will explore the top attractions, the most famous places and beautiful views which are full of history and culture like Old Town Market Square, Warsaw Barbican, Castle Square, St. Anna's Church, Royal Castle, Palace of Culture and Science and most important Munuments. You will be led by licensed guide who has many-years of experience and they are the best in all country! All of it will make this tour very unforgettable.

Highlights:
- Explore the highlights of Warsaw during the tour led by a licensed guide
- Learn the history of Warsaw as well as the traditions and customs of Polish people
- Admire sights in Old Town as Barbican, Royal Castle, Little Insurgent
- Visit St. Anne’s church and Archcathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
- Enjoy a private tour only with your family and friends

Warsaw Public Walking Tour Old Town
Public Walking Tour Warsaw Old Town / 15 € per person - $16.54

Everyone should visit the Old Town of Warsaw because it is the most famous attraction in the city.The guide will explain all the details about the reconstruction of the Old Town and also give tips for the rest of your stay.

Warsaw Old Town Segway Tour
90-Minutes Segway Historical Old Town Tour in Warsaw - $55.33

Glide along Warsaw's historic streets on a self-balancing Segway for 90 minutes, and see the city from a unique perspective. Drive down the city’s oldest street, get panoramic views of the Vistula River, see the vast Multimedia Fountain Park and more.

Warsaw Private City Tour by Car
Warsaw City Tour - Modernity and history by private car - $160.87

3 hours of sightseeing is the time that is reserved just for you! A private Mercedes car comfortable for 1-6 passengers and guide will pick you up from the address provided and will take you back to the designated place as you wish. The following program is only an example, it's up to you how you want to use this time and what you want to see, the guide and the driver are at your disposal.

Warsaw Full Day City Tour By Car
The Best Private All Day Warsaw City Tour by luxury car - $321.06

We know how it is when you want to visit everything at once!
To meet the expectations of our customers we tailor-made a product that will fit your needs perfectly. Have a look at our "The Best Private All Day Warsaw City Tour by the luxury car".

We give you 8 wonderful hours with a private city guide in a luxury Mercedes car with a dedicated driver to visit the Polish capital.

You think this is enough?
No!
We add 2 entries to the Museums - from four that we offer.

Customize your program to suit your unique interests with our guide.

Our company provides tourist and transport services at the highest level. The best-licensed guides and drivers with luxury limousine fleet are at your disposal and we always do our best to satisfy our customers. Elegance, foreign language skills, excellent knowledge of routes and topography are the advantages of our drivers. So have a seat in our exclusive car and enjoy your Private Tour!

Remember that every customer is a ViP to us!

Returning to Warsaw Chopin Airport After a Long Layover

After a refreshing few hours of sleep at the Kapsula Capsule Hotel, it was time to retrace my steps to Warsaw Chopin Airport. To get back to Chopin Airport, I first took the subway to Warsaw Central Station to claim my bag. From Central Station, it was back on the Warsaw Tram to get to Rakowiak Station. A brief seven-minute train ride later, I was back at the airport train station. After clearing security and passport control, I arrived at the gate with plenty of time for my flight to Tel Aviv.

Back at Warsaw Chopin Airport - Waiting for My Flight to Tel Aviv
Back at Warsaw Chopin Airport - Waiting for My Flight to Tel Aviv

Buzzin' Around the World's Affiliate Partners

Affiliate Disclaimer

Affiliate Partner of the Month - Viator

Viator is my favorite website for booking tours and packages. With over 300,000 unique tours to choose from, everyone should be able to find something on Viator that interests them. I like Viator because anytime I have an issue with a tour company, Viator has intervened and helped on my behalf. I highly recommend using Viator for booking your tours and vacation packages.

Book Through the Link Below to Help Buzzin' Around the World Earn Commission

Earn $200 in Travel Rewards with the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Card

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Card is one of the few rewards cards that does not charge an annual fee. Cardholders can earn 1.25 points for every dollar spent while enjoying 0% APR for 15 months.

Currently, Capital One is offering a signup bonus of 20,000 points (worth $200 in travel rewards) when the cardholder spends $500 in the first three months. If you are interested in this card, I would appreciate it if you would sign up with the link below, as I earn a referral bonus of 10,000 points. Those points are worth $100 in travel rewards and will help me continue to bring great content to Buzzin’ Around the World.

Once again, the Capital One VentureOne card is one of the few reward cards without an annual fee and is the perfect card for someone who is just starting to get into the travel points game.

Related Content