Why visit
Warsaw was 85% destroyed in WWII and meticulously rebuilt. The Old Town is a UNESCO resurrection. Jewish history, Chopin museums, and a booming restaurant scene add modern layers.
Warsaw at a glance
City population
1.9 million
Metro: 3.1 million
Elevation
100 m
328 ft
Time zone
UTC+1 (UTC+2 DST)
Europe/Warsaw
Airport
WAW
Warsaw Chopin
Founded
13th century
Getting around
Metro (2 lines), trams, buses, Veturilo bikeshare
Signature dish
Pierogi, żurek, bigos, schabowy, pączki
Neighborhoods for travelers
Old Town (rebuilt)PragaŚródmieścieWilanówMokotów
Poland at a glance
Country center
52.0°, 20.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
312,679 km²
120,726 mi²
Country population
38.3 million
122/km²
Subregion
Central Europe
Currency
Polish złoty (zł)
PLN
Dial
+48
Language
Polish
Demonym
Polish
Internet
.pl
UN
Member state
ISO code
PL / POL
Where in the world
52.0° · 20.0°
Poland
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Did you know
- Warsaw's Old Town was 85% destroyed in WWII and rebuilt from paintings by Bernardo Bellotto: a UNESCO site honoring the restoration.
- Chopin was born 48 km west of Warsaw; his heart is interred in the Holy Cross Church in the city center.
- Palace of Culture and Science is the tallest building in Poland: a Soviet-era gift from Stalin that Poles have mixed feelings about.
- Poland has 23 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: including Auschwitz-Birkenau, Wieliczka Salt Mine, and the Białowieża Forest.
- Warsaw was 85% destroyed in WWII and rebuilt from 18th-century paintings: the reconstructed old town is itself a UNESCO site for the restoration effort.
Bordering Poland
Traveler notes
- POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews is essential
- Praga district for the bohemian, un-restored side
- Day-trip to Kraków and Auschwitz
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
Explore more
Frequently asked about Warsaw
What currency is used in Warsaw?
Warsaw uses the Polish złoty (zł), ISO code PLN.
What languages are spoken in Poland?
The primary language is Polish.
What is the international calling code for Poland?
The calling code is +48.
What airport serves Warsaw?
Warsaw Chopin (IATA: WAW).
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