Warsaw has an extensive bus and tram system criss-crossing the city as well as a good metro system running from north to south and a second line from east to west. Most run from between 05:00 and 23:00. After that night buses run on most routes twice every hour. All night buses display the letter N, followed by a two digit number. ‘Fast buses’ (marked with red digits) skip the smaller stops.
Tickets (all valid for use on metro, bus and tram) can be bought from a series of ticket machines with instructions in English dotted around the city, at all metro stations, and some bus and tram stops, with English translations printed on tickets. Tickets can also be purchased from machines on buses and trams, where you can pay by card, or using exact change only. Alternatively, kiosks also sell tickets.
A standard public transport single ticket costs 4.40 PLN for Zone 1 which covers most of the city, including an airport. There is also a 20 minute ticket, 24 hrs, 3-day ticket and a weekend ticket (available from 19:00 on Friday till 08:00 on Monday). Those over 70 ride for free. Once you’ve got a ticket you will need to validate it in one of the box-style kasowniks, thus activating the magnetic strip on the back. On the metro this must be done before you get on board. More information here: https://www.wtp.waw.pl/en/ticket-tariff/
https://www.veturilo.waw.pl/en/
Taxis in Warsaw are easily available and not too expensive, costing 8 PLN flag fall and around 1,60-2,40 PLN per kilometer during the day (slightly more after 10pm) within the city centre. A typical 10-minute ride should cost around 20 PLN. It's preferable to order a taxi by phone/sms/application.
Warsaw taxi companies include:
All official taxis in Warsaw have their meters adjusted to the appropriate tariff, so you just pay whatever the meter displays. When you board a taxi, make sure the meter is turned on in your presence, which ensures you don’t have the previous passenger's fare added to yours.
Beware of 'pirate' or 'mafia' taxis, which do not display a phone number or company logo –this is becoming less common, but they still occasionally haunt tourist spots looking for likely victims.
With all the pre-conference meetings, conference sessions, welcome reception, football game, social tours and conference dinner, there is little time to explore Warsaw and the surrounding area. However, if you feel like exploring, here are few suggested things to see and do (aside from the social tours):
Throughout the summer, there are public open-air Chopin piano concerts to be enjoyed in the Royal Łazienki Park where a statue of Frederic Chopin watches over the crowds of eager listeners – every Sunday at 12.00h and at 16.00h.
Warsaw's river banks are considered to be the summer centre of the city, with much to offer on both sides. Here you can relax on one of eight municipal beaches, rent sports equipment, go on a bicycle tour along the river or take a cruise on traditional wooden boats. There is also a free river ferry during the summer months. The Vistula River in Warsaw is particularly unique due to its natural values. The right bank of the river is entirely wild and home to beavers, terms and even moose, which you might catch a glimpse of if you're lucky. The area is protected by the Natura 2000 program.
The Fryderyk Chopin Museum in Warsaw
Thanks to the modern approach to the topic of life and art and using the multimedia, it is one of the most modern biographic museums in Europe. Monday closed, Wednesday free.
Address: Ostrogski Castle, Okólnik 1, Warsaw
Website: www.muzeum.nifc.pl/en/
The National Museum in Warsaw, originally founded in 1862, boasts a collection numbering around 830,000 works of art from Poland and abroad, from ancient times to the present including paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photographs, coins, as well as utilitarian objects and design. Monday closed, Tuesday free.
Address: Al. Jerozolimskie 3, Warsaw
Website: www.mnw.art.pl/en/
The Warsaw Rising Museum was opened on the 60th anniversary of the outbreak of fighting in Warsaw. The Museum is a tribute of Warsaw’s residents to those who fought and died for independent Poland and its free capital. Tuesday closed, Sunday free.
Address: Grzybowska 79, Warsaw
Website: www.1944.pl/en
Zachęta – National Gallery of Art stages temporary exhibitions of contemporary art. Monday closed, Thursday free.
Address: pl. Małachowskiego 3, Warsaw
Website: www.zacheta.art.pl/en/wizyta
To find out more about Warsaw visit: www.warsawtour.pl/en/main-page/
