One-day trips from Warsaw
Day trips from Warsaw – anyone who has been here for a while has probably thought about going on one. Even tho Warsaw is located in the middle of Poland it’s not that easy to find an interesting destination for a short break. However, Poland’s capital’s connections allow you to think about a further trip than you might think. We prepared a handful of ideas for day trips of this kind. We have chosen places that can be reached in just over two hours.
1. A day trip to the Modlin Fortress
One of the largest and most impressive fortifications in Europe, located just 30 km from Warsaw, this is how Modlin Fortress can be described in a nutshell. Its roots date back to the early 19th century, when Napoleon Bonaparte himself commissioned its construction. He placed Modlin planned fortification in plans to defend against attacks from the north. Today, the Modlin Fortress serves both as a museum, It also is the venue for numerous festivals, historical shows and outdoor performances. As day trips from Warsaw have, in our opinion to be not only interesting, but relaxing. A walk along the fortress walls is not only a lesson in history and architecture. You can also a admire the vast Vistula landscapes from there. As one-day trip have their own rules – transport is the most important factor – we will give you our most tried-and-tested solutions.
Getting there: Take the Mazovia Railway from the station Warszawa Gdanska or Warszawa Centralna to Modlin station. From there, walk to the fortress. You can find the timetable here.
2. Toruń city of Copernicus
Nicolaus Copernicus, Gothic and gingerbread – these are the three symbols that Toruń is known for. This charming city on the Vistula attracts tourists not only with its Medieval Town which was introduced to UNESCO World Heritage list. What’s really unique about the city is its atmosphere. While arriving to Toruń, it is worth seeing the surrounding countryside, which will provide unforgettable views. Toruń is also famous for its gingerbread, which is not only a delicacy but also an important part of the local tradition. It is worth visiting one of the two Gingerbread Museums to learn about the history of this treat. If you would like to find out more about Toruń, we wrote seperate article on the city. Check it out here.
Getting there: Take the PKP Intercity train from Warsaw Central Station. We also wrote a post on Getting to Torun, check it here
3. Łowicz and Arcadia Park in one day
If you’re looking for a real feast for the soul this option was made just for you. Both Łowicz and Arkadia will surely catch your attention. Łowicz attracts attention with its folklore, traditional costumes and unique architecture, while Arkadia is the quintessential romantic landscape park. Founded in the 18th century, it was a refuge and a place to escape from everyday life. A walk through this enchanted garden is like a journey back in time to the Romantic era. Another unquestionable advantage of Łowicz and Arkadia is the proximity of the palace and garden complex in Nieborów. After Arkadia’s romantic garden, it is worth taking a trip to the baroque interiors of the Nieborów palace, which today houses a museum of the palace residence’s interiors with a significant amount of ceramics, textiles or art from the 17th century.
Directions: By car, about 45 minutes to Łowicz, from there, after the tour, about 7 minutes to Arkadia Park.
4. The Museum of the Mazovian Village in Sierpc
One of the largest and best-known open-air museums in Poland is within a one-day trip from Warsaw. It presents the richness of culture and traditions of the Mazovian region, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the everyday life and customs of the village inhabitants from centuries ago. Another reason to see the museum is seeing the original residential, farm and sacred buildings. You can also participate in craft and cooking workshops.
Getting there: Preferably by car, the journey takes about two hours one way. If you decide to take public transport, check the route on the museum website.
5. Loft-city of Łódź
Łódź is a city that surprises at every turn. Once the heart of Poland’s textile industry, today it is transforming into a centre of culture, art and modern design. When visiting Łódź, we suggest to start the trip with the walk on Piotrkowska Street – the longest shopping street in Poland. Then we suggest visiting the numerous museums here, with the flagship Museum of Textiles at the forefront. We also recommend taking a look at a gem for lovers of Polish painting – Powozownia, right next to Herbst Palace. Łódź is also a city of culture, home to the famous Film School and EC1 – a modern centre of science and culture.
Getting there: By train, about an hour and a half. Regular services depart from Warsaw Central and Gdansk.
6. Płock – the undiscovered treasure of Masovia
This is one of the oldest cities in Poland, standing proudly on the Vistula River. Its historic centre hides a Gothic cathedral basilica and Renaissance townhouses. Strolling up Tumskie Hill, you can enjoy a picturesque panorama of the river and the surrounding countryside.
Getting there: If you want to go to Plock you will have to choose between your own car and a bus departing from the West Railway Station- check connection here. The advantage of the car will be time, the advantage of the bus will be price.
7. One-day trip from Warsaw to… Krakow?
It takes only 2 hours and 20 minutes to get from Warsaw to Krakow by Pendolino train; consequently, thanks to excellent communication, one-day trips from Warsaw to Krakow have become increasingly popular among Poles and foreign tourists alike, who wish to explore the breadth of our culture. Krakow is a city where history is intertwined with modernity. Its heart beats on the Wawel Castle, home to the famous royal castle and cathedral. Moreover, the Market Square and the Kazimierz district, full of Jewish history, are also worth a visit
