Europe

The Polish capital is an under-visited gem of Eastern Europe. Bursting at the seams with history, a mix of modern and communist architecture, wide boulevards and hip neighbourhoods. In this article, we look at the best thing to do in Warsaw with teenagers

A city rebuilt after the Nazi’s raised it to the ground, a city of nature and amazing food. There is a multitude of options for families visiting Warsaw with teens.

Know before you go. Our top Warsaw travel tips

Travelling to Warsaw can be such an enriching experience for the whole family. There are so many things to do in Warsaw and having the best place to stay in Warsaw to explore is extremely important. Here we’ve got some information to get you planning your family vacation to the Polish Capital to make it completely hassle-free.

Where to stay in Warsaw with teenagers

You’ll never be short of options for your accommodation in Warsaw. In Warsaw, you find a range of hotels, apartments and hostels. You will be sure to be able to find something to fit singles, couples, families and groups on every budget. If you’re not keen on any of our picks below or have specific needs, we recommend using Trip Advisor and Expedia to find the best prices in Warsaw.

• Luxury accommodation in Warsaw: Located in the centre of Warsaw in a historic building is the H15 Boutique Hotel. This hotel features a Michelin starred restaurant, spa facilities and tour desks. Stay in family-friendly 2 bedroom suites.
• Mid-Range: This 2-star Hotel Gordon has parking, free Wi-Fi, cable TV and 24-hour reception. Family rooms for 4 people, An onsite restaurant serving both Polish and international cuisine.
• Hostels in Warsaw: Located on the doorstep of the Warsaw Old Town is the Dream Hostel. Featuring rooms with ensuites, a tour desk and a communal area with cooking and laundry facilities. This hostel is highly recommended.

Warsaw apartment alternative for your stay

If you prefer a home away from home-style accommodation then an apartment in Warsaw is the best choice for you. There are so many options for singles, families and budget-friendly options as well. Search Airbnb or check out the map below to find the perfect Warsaw apartment.

How to get to Warsaw Poland

• The Fredrik Chopin International Airport is located just ### kilometres from the centre of Warsaw. The Warsaw Airport is home to LOT Polish Airlines and serviced by budget airlines including Easyjet and Ryanair. Book your flights to Warsaw with CheapOair.
  • You can book an airport transfer from Warsaw Airport to your hotel
• You can catch trains to Warsaw from all over Europe and Poland. High-speed trains run frequently between Warsaw and Krakow in around 2 hours. You can book your Super saver fare tickets book here! with Bahn.de
• Flix Bus has buses running daily to Warsaw from destinations inside Poland and International destinations. Search your bus tickets to Warsaw
• Poland has some great Highways for driving, The newer Highways built with E.U assistants are levied with what I would say are heavy tolls. Some local roads do leave a lot to be desired. You can hire a car at any international airport in Poland and Europe. Seach your Rental Car today!

How to get around Warsaw

Public transport in Warsaw includes buses, trams (streetcars), Metro, light rail, urban railway and regional rail. ZTM tickets are valid on city and suburban bus lines, as well as trams, Metro. You can buy tickets at most stops or onboard. Riding on public transport in Warsaw is the best way to get to all the best things to do in Warsaw with teenagers.

Taxi’s and UBER are available in the city.

Get the Warsaw Pass city card

Choose between 24h, 48h or 72-hour option and see Warsaw at your own pace riding freely on public transportation to enjoy hassle-free sightseeing. The Warsaw Pass offers free access to 20 top Warsaw sights including POLIN Museum, admire the panorama of Warsaw from the 30th floor of the Palace of Culture and Science. Book your Warsaw Pass today.

Using your phone in Warsaw

Relying on Wi-fi when you are travelling and sightseeing in Warsaw with family can be hard. Making calls and staying in contact when you travel with teenagers is a top priority. Plan your trip out and order your sim before you leave home to stop any stress about travelling, data and calls on your family vacation in Poland.

The ultimate list of things to do in Warsaw with teenagers

If you are planning to visit the great city of Warsaw, then you have to know the best locations that you have to visit in the city. Here are some of the top places in Warsaw to visit with your teenagers.

Planetarium of the Copernicus Science Centre

The Planetarium of the Copernicus Science Centre will take you on an immersive ride into outer space. The Planetarium offers you the chance to see outer space by viewing any of the four different 40-minute films that are available. The 40-minute films (which require headsets for English and Russian) that are geared towards a variety of interests. The cinema features 4 digital projectors that wrap the movies around you with its spherical screen. As a bonus before every movie, you are treated to a live 20-minute presentation about the skies over Warsaw.

Wilanów Palace

For those that find Palaces interesting, Wilanow is a great example of how European Royalty lived centuries ago. Teenagers that come from outside of Europe may have never been to a palace before. It will be an interesting cultural experience for your teen. Guided tours of the Palace are available every day except Thursday. A tour of the Wilanow Palace includes The Kings Library, The Kings Bedroom, The Painting Gallery, numerous rooms which display furniture pieces from the period of the 1700s.

The well-manicured and designed gardens that surround the Palace are open to the public to visit free of charge. The admission price is 25/20zł, Thursday entry is free, but you must obtain an obligatory ticket. Audioguide (available in Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish) 10zł. Tickets can be purchased online.

Warsaw Old Town

The Warsaw Old Town is a UNESCO world heritage site and has to be one of the best places in Warsaw to visit with teenagers. The Warsaw Old Town was completely flattened during World War 2 by the Nazi Army. Today it has been completely rebuilt to look the same as it did before the Second World War. You will find narrow streets, small squares, and the Warsaw Cathedral. A number of museums and plenty of food options await you.

On some of the buildings in the Old Town you can still see marks from the shells and the bullets.

The Royal Castle in the Old Town

The star attraction of the Warsaw Old Town is the Warsaw Castle. The Castle is situated at the entrance to Warsaw Old Town. The Castle was home to the Kings and Queens of Poland over the years. In 1939 the castle came under bombardment by the Luftwaffe fighter aircraft and then destroyed by the Nazis after the failed Warsaw Uprising.

Today the restored and rebuilt Castle takes its place, looking larger than life and welcomes tourists. The castle was rebuilt as close as possible to its original design, the interior was restored by acquiring pieces of furniture and decorations from all around Poland. The basement art Gallery even has 2 Rembrandts that were donated to the Polish people of the display. There is no better way to learn about Polish Heritage than taking teens on a tour of the Warsaw castle.

Do I need travel insurance in Poland?
We always say if you can’t afford travel insurance you can’t afford to travel. Get your travel insurance now to protect your epic holiday in Poland from any small hiccup.
For Australian travellers, we recommend Fast Cover Travel Insurance
For worldwide travellers, we recommend AXA Travel Insurance

Warsaw Hop on hop off bus

The hop on hop off Warsaw tourist bus is a great way to get an overview of the Warsaw attractions.  Like all hop on hop of buses, the Warsaw version will whizz you around town. The real value in some of these tours is the headphone commentary that tells you so much about the towns. You can choose between the Red Line, made up of 11 destination stops and the Blue Line which will take you to 12 destination stops.

Some of the standout stops include The Oldtown, Warsaw Rising Museum, The National Stadium and the Palace of Culture and science just to name a few. A trip on the Hop on hop off bus features the following

• Access to 2 bus tour routes & 20 stops around the city covering the entire city & main sights.
• Audio guide commentary in 10 languages. Kid’s commentary in Polish to entertain the little ones.
• 24hr/48hr/72hr Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with 360º panoramic views of Warsaw.
• Extend your ticket to 48 or 72 hours and enjoy great savings!

The Hop-on, hop-off bus is a great way to see all the Warsaw attractions easily and should be on your Warsaw itinerary with teens. You will get headphones with commentary in multiple languages that tell you about the sights of Warsaw. You can buy 24 or 48 hours hop on hop off bus tickets

PGE National Stadium Tour

The PGE National Stadium dominates the horizon from the Warsaw Old Town. The PGE National Stadium was built in 2012 for the European Football Championship that was co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine. For any travelling teenagers who love sport, this has to be one of the best things to do in Warsaw.

The National Stadium holds 58,000 and is often packed full when the Polish National team plays Football. The stadium has played hosts to a number of the biggest International acts on the planet including Guns n Roses, Beyonce, Metallica and Ed Sheran just to name a few.

Guided tours of the stadium run 7 days a week, 10:00-19:00 every 30 mins (in Polish). English tours are conducted Mon-Fri 12:00, 14:00 and 17:00, and Sat/Sun 12:00, 14:30 and 17:00. French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish tours take place by prior arrangement.

The stadium is located near the railway station Warszawa Stadion. The stadium is on the S1 and S2 lines of the Warsaw metro.

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Watch a football match in Warsaw

Warsaw has 1 major team in the top flight of Polish football. Legia Warszawa was originally formed during WWI as a club for the fighting legions. Legia Warszawa is the current Champions of Poland for the 2019-2020 season. Legia Warszawa plays their games at the Polish Army Stadium in Warsaw, Poland. Tickets range in price depending on the match (whether a European game, league or cup game). A normal matchday ticket will cost between 30-100zł, and reduced tickets 20-70zł.

Palace of Culture and Science

This building looks somewhat out of place in Warsaw, but it is considered a cultural icon of the city. Built by the Soviets in 1955 it is the tallest building in Poland and the 5th tallest building in the European Union. Today the building has various uses including being the home to cinemas, theatres, libraries, sports clubs, and more.

Most families on vacation in Warsaw head here for the observation deck. The Warsaw observation desk is located o the 30th floors and provides amazing panoramic views of the city in all directions. The terrace at the Palace allows you to look down on all of Warsaw.

*Make sure you search out the cafeteria on the ground floor for some amazing, affordable Polish food. You will find some amazing food for a great place and if you are travelling in Warsaw with teens on a budget this is one of the best things to do in Warsaw with teens to save some money!

Pinball Station – Pinball & Arcade Museum

You will not find any PlayStation or Xbox games here just good old fashion pinball-like we used to have in the old days. The Pinball Station in Warsaw has over 199 machines available to play. You will find vintage machines such as Twilight Zone, FunHouse, Terminator 2, Dirty Harry, Batman Forever, X Files, Star Trek, Lethal Weapon 3, The Addams Family, Road Show or arcades: Mortal Kombat 4, Pac Man, Marvel, Street Fighter, Metal Slug. Your entry ticket is purchased at the museum and is valid throughout the whole day. Thanks to this, you can re-enter the museum as many times as you wish.

Warsaw Ghost Tour

Every town has a past and a city like Warsaw with such a long history of Kings, Queens, wars and tragedies has plenty of secrets waiting to be told. All this history only means one thing, Warsaw has its share of ghosts and mysteries. Your guide will keep you entertained and informed with the stories, myths and legends as you walk the streets of Warsaw’s Old Town with a local guide.

Discover hidden secrets and long-forgotten tales, about the dark side of Warsaw. It is best to take the tour in the evening which feeds into the whole atmosphere of the tour. The stories are entertaining but not overly gruesome.

Get amazing views over the Old Town from the Tower at St Anne’s Church

If you are looking for a great view over the Royal Castle then climbing to the top of the tower will give you awesome views over the Old Town.

There are a few steps, nearly 200 up and back down but the views you will get will be amazing. Any time of the day is good but later when the sun is going down may be the best time for serious photographers.

Search here for all the very best travel products for your family vacation to Warsaw and beyond!

Eat at a Milk Bar

These are small but very busy traditional Polish food shops. They were established back in the Soviet Era where food could sometimes be hard to come by. Local women would gather and make dishes from whatever they coul dget their hands on.

Nowadays they still run the same way providing inexpensive, hearty meals to many in the cities and towns they live in. They are open to anyone but tables are hard to come by especially at the popular ones. Ask for some great recommendations at your Warsaw accommodation.

Polin Museum

The Polin Museum walks you through the history of the Jewish people in Poland. The Polin Museum is a great learning experience in Warsaw for teenagers. It tells the tale of how the Jewish people settled into Europe and Poland. It tells of the struggles the Jewish people faced in settling into Europe and highlights there persecution at the hands of the Nazi’s in WW2 including their deportation to numerous Concentration Camps.

Explore 8 different galleries at the Polin Museum. There are different Galleries that will educate in an interactive way through visual and audio materials, as well as artifacts and paintings. The Jews have played a large part in what is today’s Polish culture.

The Warsaw Uprising Museum

The Warsaw Uprising Museum is completely dedicated to the Warsaw Uprising of 1944. Here you will see first hand testimonies of what happened in the city, pictures of what the city looked like and what effect the fight of the city had on the occupants.

There are rooms and rooms filled with information about key players in the Warsaw Uprising and what they did to free the city. Some people may find some of the information confronting but at no point did our teenagers believe that the information was too much for them.

Visit the Barbican

It is a sight to see. The Warsaw Barbican is one of the remaining sections of the Old City fortifications and is one of Warsaw’s top tourist attractions. As you approach the Barbican you can imagine how the city must have felt protected behind these massive walls.

*Right near the entrance of the Barbican is a traditional Polish ‘milkbar’ These are restaurants that were developed in the Soviet times. Women would use local, seasonal meals to make sure everyone was able to eat. Now they are a great place to have a traditional, home-cooked meal in Poland and are a must-visit on your Warsaw family vacation.

Indulge at E. Wedel’s

If you are looking for a place to sit, relax and indulge in Poland’s oldest chocolate makers head straight to E Wedels. They areally know how to make some amazing chocolate treats having been around for over 160 years.

You can have cake, chocolate drinks or you can just pick up some to take away in their gift shop. If your travelling teenagers have a sweet tooth then this has to be one of the top things to do in Warsaw with teenagers.

See some of the monuments in Warsaw

There are some amazing sculptures that are located around Warsaw that have significant historical meanings for Poland. Some of them have stood the test of time through war and upheaval and they all carry a great message.

Sigismund Column

This column is located in Castle Square. It is to honour King Sigismund the III who moved the capital to Warsaw from Krakow. While the column is new due to the bombing of Warsaw you can also see the original column located to the right of the castle and monument. The holes in the column are scars from the bullets and shells that hit it.

The Little Insurgent (Mały Powstaniec)

The Little Insurgent Monument is to honour all child soldier that fought in the Warsaw Uprising. It is a moving statue of a small child with an oversized helmet and boots carrying a weapon.

Segway tours in Warsaw

There is nothing more fun than zipping around a city on a segway and for teens who travel, this has to be one of the best things to do in Warsaw with kids. A Warsaw Segway tour is a great opportunity to fun and learn about the city. Segway tours are for the whole family, you will be given instructions and a short amount of practise time before you set off on your adventure. A segway ride is one of the cool things to do in Warsaw. Book a Warsaw Segway tour today

Axe Throwing in Warsaw

Axe Throwing is new phenomena that are sweeping around the world. Warsaw is home to Axe Nation. . No experience is required, and participants learn how to throw an axe at a target from expert coaches in a safe environment. Axe Nation has 5 lanes that can fit up to 40 people at once Axe throwing might be just the family competition that will last in the memories forever. Axe Throwing is one of the awesome things to do in Warsaw. Book your Axe throwing experience today

Day trips from Warsaw

If you have plenty of time when you are visiting Warsaw with kids you may opt to do some day trips from Warsaw. There are so many amazing places in Poland to discover and doing some day trips with teens from Warsaw will help you see more of this amazing country.

Poznan

This city is roughly 3 hours west of Warsaw towards the German Border. Poznan has many authentic buildings to be seen. We recommend heading to the Poznan Tourist office on the Old Market Square and grabbing a Royal Mile walking tour brochure. The independent walking tour takes you to all the sites such as the Poznan Castle, The Poznan Cathedral, and the Poznan History museum.

War in Poland

Warsaw and Poland have a long history of conflicts and wars. Poland was punished harshly during WW2 with much of the country destroyed and Nazi concentration located within its borders. The history of the country is a great learning experience for teenagers visiting Poland. Most of the city of Warsaw was destroyed and the old town centre flattened. You can take one of many tours that explain the history of Warsaw or you can visit a concentration camp located outside of Warsaw.

Foods to try in Warsaw with teens

Poland is a brilliant place for some amazing food. Most of the meals in Poland are rich hearty and very filling meals. You will find everything from Pierogi to Bigos in Warsaw for you to try.

Pierogi

Polish dumplings are absolutely amazing and they come in a variety of fillings. They are fantastic and filling. Some places do them as a takeaway option but you can find some great restaurants to sit down and have a meal with these.

Zapikanka

One of our favourite Polish street foods. We would forever be grabbing a Zapikanka from the little food stall and wandering the Old Town with one in our hands. They are like a half sub with a variety of toppings and then toasted. It is a great meal on the run.

Gofry

Loaded waffles…yes, please! These are also easily available around the Old Town area. You can get sweet or savoury ones and they are usually from a little van as a takeaway item. Grab a park bench and enjoy!

Lody

Everyone loves ice cream and there’s nothing better than ice cream when you are seeing the sights of Warsaw with kids.

Goulash and potato pancakes

Another great hearty meal that most restaurants will serve. You will find that the meat is tender and the potato cakes are great to mop up the leftover sauce.

Rosol

One of our favourites when visiting Warsaw in the winter with kids. We would find a little restaurant and have a bowl of Rosol. It is a cheap and filling chicken noodle soup.

Shopping in Warsaw

Warsaw is the largest city in Poland. This being the case it is also the shopping capital of Poland with department stores and boutiques lining the streets. The main shopping area is Nowy Swiat and the Old Town Area. Below we will recommend some places for teens in Warsaw to go shopping.

• Nowy Swiat is a mile-long stretch of the ‘Royal Route in the centre of the city. Nowy Swiat offers a great selection of shops, from luxury boutiques selling the latest fashions to entertaining souvenir stores selling you trinkets and memories.
• Kolo Bazar is a flea market northwest of the centre. You will find an eclectic mix of Russian helmets, Vinyl Records, communist-era fixtures, souvenirs and antiques.
• The Warsaw Old town is home to small streets and lanes. The Old Town has independent shops selling vintage items, souvenirs. chess sets, maps and Amber jewellery.

Escape rooms in Warsaw

For those new to Escape rooms, this is a quick run down.

An escape room, also known as an “escape game”, is a physical adventure game in which players solve a series of puzzles and riddles using clues, hints, and strategy to complete the objectives at hand.

Escape rooms may consist of a large, single room, or span multiple rooms. Players are given a set time limit to unveil the secret plot which is hidden within the rooms. If your teen likes this stuff it is definitely one of the top things to do in Warsaw with teenagers.

Below you will find some of the best escape rooms in Warsaw.

Cinemas in Warsaw

Watching a movie is popular with teenagers anywhere in the world. Going to the cinema in Warsaw with teenagers is a great evening activity.

You will find the state of the art screens and sound at Should Cinemas. Movie theatres in Warsaw come in all shapes and sizes from multiplex to art-house and Imax cinemas

10 pin bowling in Warsaw

Nothing like a good bit of family competition to get everyone going. 10 pin bowling in Warsaw is a great family activity for all. You will find bowling alleys all over the city for your family to have some fun at. Bowling can make Warsaw for young travellers fun.

You can find some good bowling alleys in Warsaw below:

Hulakula Leisure Center: There are 28 bowling lanes, pool tables and video games for everyone, there is even a soft toy zone for small kids.

Address: ul. Jagiellońska 82B , Praga , Warsaw  Phone: (+48) 669 00 10 01 

MK Bowling Alley:   There are bowling alleys and pool tables. Check the website for bowling discount promotions they have available at https://www.mkbowling.pl/dla-dzieci-warszawa

Address: Zgrupowania AK “Kampinos” 15, 01-943 Warszawa, Poland, Phone: +48 600 800 556

Going to the gym in Warsaw

Fitness is very important to a lot of teenagers these days. Working out is a big part of a healthy lifestyle. Just because one is travelling it does not mean you need to stop working out.

In Warsaw, you can go to a number of Gyms that sell passes ranging from a day to a week and a month. Day passes start at 9 euros a day. You can find a list of Gyms in Warsaw at the Trainaway fit website

Bike riding in Warsaw

Warsaw bike riding is a popular family activity when travelling with teenagers. Bike riding allows you to experience your location either in town or out in the surrounding areas. You will find bike tours are the best way to go if you want to get an up-close and personal experience of the city. You will either have a guide to point out all the important attractions or a map to follow. The bike tours will take you on a Venice family vacation 2 wheeled adventure. Alternatively, you can find locations that hire bikes and let you explore on your own. Plan a Warsaw bike tour today.

Essential tips for Warsaw with teens

Where to stay in Warsaw

At the top of the article, we suggested some accommodation choices. If you are looking for a wider variety of choices please find below an interactive map from Booking.com for you to find your perfect stay in Warsaw

Weather in Warsaw

Summer in Warsaw, from June till September, sees an average day time high of 23° while nights average 10 degrees. Day time highs often reach up to 30°C. Winter is cold and lasts from December till February. The average high temperature moves little and stays between 1°C and -1°C. At night temperatures drop below freezing, usually getting down to around -5°C. The shoulder season sees temperatures averaging between 13 and 18 degrees.

We hope this article from us here at Wyld Family Travel has you inspired to visit Warsaw with teenagers. There are so many things to do in Warsaw with teenagers that will have you entertained for your family stay in Warsaw. For more amazing ideas on where to holiday in Poland click through to our Poland Destination Guide page for more brilliant family travel inspiration.

Travel with teenagers and tweens. Travelling with older kids has just as many issues as travelling with younger kids. Use our Travel with Teenagers Destination Guides from all over the world for your next family vacation inspiration.

More travel inspiration for your trip to Poland

About Me

Father, Husband, Traveller. Believer in travelling makes us better world citizens through experiencing different cultures and customs. Metting people from different lands and sharing ideas and adventures. Travelled to over 45 countries with kids in tow, making the most of life when not working.