UNESCO-listed Warsaw Old Town, meticulously rebuilt after WWII with the Royal Castle and Market Square.

About Warsaw Old Town (Stare Miasto)

Warsaw's Old Town (Stare Miasto) is one of the most remarkable reconstructions in architectural history. Completely destroyed during the 1944 Warsaw Uprising, the entire district was painstakingly rebuilt from paintings, photographs, and memories by 1962—a feat so impressive that UNESCO granted it World Heritage status specifically for the quality of its reconstruction. The Royal Castle, Market Square (Rynek Starego Miasta) with its colorful merchant houses, the Warsaw Mermaid statue, and St. John's Cathedral all appear authentically medieval.

The adjacent New Town (Nowe Miasto) extends the historic atmosphere with the Church of the Holy Sacrament and the birthplace of Marie Curie. The Royal Route (Trakt Krolewski) connects the Old Town southward through Krakowskie Przedmiescie—lined with churches, palaces, and the University of Warsaw—to Nowy Swiat and beyond to Lazienki Park. Evening brings amber street lighting and live music in the Market Square's sidewalk cafes.

Nearby Landmarks

Royal Castle Old Town Market Square St. John's Cathedral Barbican Warsaw Mermaid

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost PLN 45-65 (~\$11-\$16)
Time 25-35 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost PLN 30-50 (~\$8-\$13)
Time 25-35 minutes

Outside arrivals

Step-by-Step Directions

Take bus 175 from the airport bus stop directly to Stare Miasto (Old Town). Bus departs every 15 minutes.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi PLN 45-65 (~\$11-\$16) 25-35 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare PLN 30-50 (~\$8-\$13) 25-35 minutes Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Bus 175 runs until midnight, night bus N32 continues through the night. Metro operates until about 12:30 AM (3 AM on weekends). Taxis to the Old Town area cost 50-70 PLN ($12-17) from the airport at night.

Luggage Tips

The Old Town is cobblestoned and involves some walking from the nearest metro or bus stop. Wheeled suitcases manage on the main streets but struggle on narrower lanes. Drop luggage at your hotel before exploring.

Accessibility

Metro stations have elevator access. The Old Town's cobblestone streets are challenging for wheelchairs but the main Royal Route is smoother. The Royal Castle has wheelchair access via a side entrance. Some restaurants in the Market Square have steps.