Travelling with children in Warsaw, eight tailor-made options to make sure you don't miss a thing
Warsaw is a very child-friendly city to visit. Its historic centre is full of stories and legends, such as that of the Little Mermaid, which is sure to delight the little ones. In addition, its large parks, the Royal Castle, and the palaces are amazing attractions for the youngest members of the family. There are also museums to suit them.
Range of child-friendly activities
The Mermaid and the Barbican
Warsaw’s Stare Miesto or Old Town is a fun place for children. It’s full of squares, such as the Market Square or the Castle Square as well as colourful buildings. You can also see the city walls and the Barbican, a 16th-century defensive fortress that leads to the new town.
One of the most enchanting legends of the Polish capital is that of the mermaid, whose statue is located on the Market Square and also appears on the city’s coat of arms. They say that the sea was full of these beautiful women and that one of them swam across the Vistula River to Warsaw and stayed there because she admired the beauty of the Old Town.
If you’re travelling with children, a really fun quest is to find all the little mermaids hidden on lampposts and signs along the city’s tourist routes.
Royal Castle
The Royal Castle is one of the most important buildings in Warsaw as it was the home of the former monarchs of Poland. You can still visit some of the royal chambers and the Throne Room.
There are great works of art inside, most notably by Rembrandt and Canaletto. In fact, Canaletto’s paintings were used to ensure an accurate reconstruction of the castle after the Second World War.
You can’t leave without visiting its gardens full of flowers, fountains, and even hedge mazes, which can be a fun playground for the little ones.
Changing of the guard
A changing of the guard with soldiers guarantees to be an eye-catching ceremony for any children watching. In Warsaw it takes place on Sundays at noon at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a monument near the Saski Palace, which is always guarded by soldiers by from the Polish Army. This centrally located sculpture commemorates all Poles who died to bring freedom back to their country during World War II.
Łazienki Park
This is a large green area, which is very popular because it was the summer residence of the last king of Poland, known as the Palace on the Isle. Today it is a very interesting museum that houses the royal collections.
It also has a botanical garden, a theatre, and the Museum of Hunting and Horsemanship. But most of all, it’s a huge place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Warsaw’s city centre. It is very popular with Poles in spring and autumn, when the park is full of flowers and various shades of colour.
Children love this place where they can see squirrels, peacocks, ducks, and swans.
If you’re there on a Sunday, from May to September, you can’t miss one of the famous Chopin Concerts which take place at 12:00 and 16:00.
Copernicus Science Centre
The Copernicus Science Centre, or Centrum Nauki Kopernik in Polish, is the best place to experience nature and its different aspects. Children aren’t the only ones who enjoy this experience, as it reveals many secrets of the human body, how the world looks different when seen through the eyes of a dog, or even what life is like for robots in a theatrical performance that brings this dynamic experience to a close.
The Children’s Museum
Warsaw has many museums, some of which are great fun for children, such as the Museum of Dollhouses, which is also very popular with families visiting the Polish capital. But this particular one, the Children’s Museum or Muzeum dla Dzieci, is one of the most unusual and educational for children. It’s a place where there are no adult rules and where children can touch everything, try everything on, and play with everything.
There are children’s costumes from different countries around the world, figures on display, storytelling workshops, and even a place to see how books are made.
Beaches on the Vistula
Some of the areas along the Vistula River have been transformed into real beaches with sand, deckchairs, and beach bars. These bathing areas—the most famous of which are Poniatowka and Rusalka—have incredible views of Warsaw’s Old Town and are very popular, especially in the summer months. In addition, there are also children’s playgrounds as well as areas for playing football and badminton.
Café E. Wedel
You can’t leave Warsaw without tasting the chocolate, especially at Café E. Wedel. Made in the Polish capital, this is its most well-known chocolate brand, with this famous elegant café being one of the most popular places to try this Warsaw speciality. In the café you can also buy all kinds of plain, milk, flavoured, and filled chocolates to take home the sweetest treats Warsaw has to offer.
Recommendations and advice
The best months to travel to Warsaw with children are the summer months, when temperatures are warmer and it doesn’t rain as often. If you have to travel in autumn, spring, and especially in winter, you should be well equipped for both the cold and the rain, and the little ones should wear waterproof shoes. However, Warsaw’s many parks are a real spectacle in autumn and spring because of the new shades of colour that appear in each of these seasons.
Avoiding school holidays is also a good idea because the main tourist attractions are less crowded, but if your holiday dates are the same as most people’s, don’t worry, as Warsaw has space and time for everyone.
A cheap and very comfortable way to travel around the Polish capital with children is by public transport; both the buses and trams are child-friendly and sometimes even decorated in different colours.
Where to stay in Warsaw
The Barceló Warsaw Powiśle hotel, located in the neighbourhood of the same name, is one of the many options for a family stay. This place will be magical for the little ones as it’s located in an old power station and gives you the feeling that you’re in a factory from the moment you enter the reception.
In fact, its 151 rooms designed to make any type of guest feel comfortable are criss-crossed by large pipes, control units, and other industrial features that are the hallmark of this modern hotel.
On the gastronomic side of things, it has a main restaurant with an extensive menu, a lobby bar, and a sky bar with a swimming pool on the fifth floor, which is only open during the warmer months due to it being outdoors.
The hotel is located less than 50 metres from the Centrum Nauki Kopernik metro station, making it very easy to get around, and is surrounded by museums, shops and restaurants, making it an ideal choice for children.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the must-do things with children in Warsaw?
A visit to the Market Square with its mermaid is a must, as is seeing the Royal Castle and the banks of the Vistula River.
What are the best excursions to do with children in Warsaw?
You should visit the Łazienki Park with its incredible palaces and the beach on the Vistula, especially in the summer months.
What's the best time of year to travel to Warsaw with children?
Summer is the best season to visit Warsaw with children because the weather is much nicer and the days are longer.