Getting There
By Air:
This former eastern bloc outpost has been transformed into a chic modern gateway to central Europe. Located 10 miles southwest of Warsaw, the Frederic Chopin International Airport (WAW) http://www.lotnisko-chopina.pl/?lang=en (+48 22 650 3943) has undergone a major renovation that has added a second wing for discount air travel, loads of shopping outlets, nifty restaurants and cafes, news agencies and numerous conference rooms. ATMs and currency exchanges are also readily available.
Major airlines flying to Warsaw include:
Aeroflot Russian Airlines, +7 95 155 6643 (http://www.aeroflot.ru/eng)
Air France, +1 800 237 2747 (http://www.airfrance.com)
Alitalia, +1 800 223 5730 (http://www.alitalia.com)
American Airlines, +1 800 433 7300 (http://www.aa.com)
Austrian Airlines, +1 800 843 0002 (US), +48 22 627 5290 92 (Warsaw) (http://www.aua.com)
Blue1, +358 20 585 6000 (http://www.blue1.com )
British Airways, +1 800 247 9297 (http://www.britishairways.com)
Central Wings, +48 22 558 00 45 (http://www.centralwings.com )
Condor, +1 800 524 6975 (http://www7.condor.com )
Czech Airlines, +1 800 223 2365 (http://www.csa.cz)
Easy Jet, +33 8 25 08 25 08 (http://www.easyjet.com/)
El Al, +972 3 971 6111 (http://www.elal.co.il)
Germanwings, +44 870 252 12 50 (http://www1.germanwings.com)
Hungarian Airlines, +36 1 124 3888 (http://www.malev.hu)
KLM, +1 800 447 4747 (http://www.klm.com)
Lot Airways, +1 800 223 0593 (US), +0 801 300 953 (Poland) (http://www.lot.com)
Lufthansa, +1 800 645 3880 (http://www.lufthansa.com)
Norwegian, +47 21 49 00 15 (http://www.norwegian.no )
Scandinavian Air, +1 800 221 2350 (http://www.scandinavian.net)
Sky Europe, +421 2 4850 1111 (http://www.skyeurope.com/in.php )
SN Brussels Airlines, +1 516 622 2248 (US)/+0 801 300 972 (Poland) (http://www.flysn.com)
Wizz Air, +48 22 351 9499 (http://www.wizzair.com )
Ground transportation:
Seven car rental companies are set up in the arrivals hall and include the likes of Avis (+1 800 230 4898 / http://avis.com) and Hertz (+1 800 654 3131 / http://hertz.com). After picking up the car simply merge onto Zwirki i Wigury Avenue for a direct route into the city center.
A taxi rank sits directly in front of the arrivals hall. Make sure to stick with an official cab, which is designated by a number atop the car. Numerous other solicitors are out front and offer what may seem like excellent deals, but are usually just apparitions that can lead anywhere from a mugging to one expensive ride. For ultimate safety just ring a cab at a taxi kiosk by dialing 919. Two municipal buses (Number 188 and Number 175) will get you into the city center in approximately 30 minutes. Although both bus options carry a reputation as a pickpocket's paradise, the risk is actually minimal and the fare of PLN2.40 is hard to beat. Buses run every 10-15 minutes off peak and every 8 minutes during peak hours from 4:50a to 11:10p. Pick up tickets at the "RUCH" kiosks. Polski Express (+48 22 844 5555 / http://polskiexpress.pl) also operates coaches from stops in front of the arrivals hall to more than 30 cities around Poland.
By Bus: Since deregulation in 1998 bus companies have popped up all over the place, many under the umbrella of the national bus service, PKS. Warszawa Zachodnia (+48 22 822 4811) is the central station, although there are others in town that may be just as close to your end destination. A few companies offering domestic and international service include: Polski Express (+48 22 844 55 55 / http://polskiexpress.pl) Pekaes/Eurolines (+48 32 351 20 20 / http://www.pekaesbus.com.pl)
By Car: The E30 from the east/west, E77 from the north/south and the E67 from the southwest flow into Warsaw. Check with your rental company if you are driving to Poland from another European county. A couple of outfits do not allow cars to cross into the country because simply put: the company may not get the car back and you may be stuck walking. Theft is still a bit of a problem in the country.
By Rail: Polish Railways (+48 22 620 0361 / http://www.pkp.com.pl) runs the rail show inside the country including intercity, commuter, and regional service. International routes include Berlin and Moscow. Four main stations serve rail traffic in the city: Warszawa Centralna (Central Station) is home to the majority international trains, although it also has domestic arrivals and departures. Although it is in the center of town, near many upscale hotels it is also one of the pits of Poland littered with beggars and thieves trying to make a living in the brave new world. Keep tight to what you don't want stolen and keep your eyes open. Warszawa Wschodnia (Warsaw East), Warszawa Zachodnia (Warsaw West) deal mostly with regional and long haul domestic trains, and Warszawa Gdanska is the hub for trains coming and going to old eastern bloc destinations.
Getting Around: The main tourist areas of Warsaw, downtown and Old Town, are exceptionally pedestrian friendly and by far walking is the best means of transport. Having a car in these parts will do little besides make you a potential target for thieves. Yet, rental car companies are readily available around town and the roads in and around Warsaw are surprisingly easy to maneuver, although like most European cities, parking is a hassle. Taxis are also have an extremely visible presence and can be hailed from the street, but make sure 1) a price is agreed on before hopping in (even though the cab may be metered and 2) that the cab is official (number on top) and not some fly by night yahoo out for the night trying to make an extra buck. Dispatching a cab by phone (Radio Taxi: dial 919, 9622, or 9623) is the cheaper option if you are preparing things in advance.
ZTM Warszawa (Municipal Transport Board) (+48 22 827 3747 / http://www.ztm.waw.pl) manages Warsaw's efficient public transit system, which includes trams, buses and a one line subway that connects the southern suburbs with downtown. Tickets are purchased at Ruch kiosks or from bus and tram drivers. Multiple variants of passes are available starting at PLN2.40. The trams are by far the best choice when motoring around town although they tend to be moving cans of packed sardines, and lines run both east/west and north/south down the area's main thoroughfares. Buses (also packed) fan out over the sprawling expanse of the city and if you are not driving a car are the best alternative to get to the far reaches of town. The entire grid operates from 5a-11p daily, although select night buses continue throughout the night.
Getting There
By Air:
This former eastern bloc outpost has been transformed into a chic modern gateway to central Europe. Located 10 miles southwest of Warsaw, the Frederic Chopin International Airport (WAW) http://www.lotnisko-chopina.pl/?lang=en (+48 22 650 3943) has undergone a major renovation that has added a second wing for discount air travel, loads of shopping outlets, nifty restaurants and cafes, news agencies and numerous conference rooms. ATMs and currency exchanges are also readily available.
Major airlines flying to Warsaw include:
Aeroflot Russian Airlines, +7 95 155 6643 (http://www.aeroflot.ru/eng)
Air France, +1 800 237 2747 (http://www.airfrance.com)
Alitalia, +1 800 223 5730 (http://www.alitalia.com)
American Airlines, +1 800 433 7300 (http://www.aa.com)
Austrian Airlines, +1 800 843 0002 (US), +48 22 627 5290 92 (Warsaw) (http://www.aua.com)
Blue1, +358 20 585 6000 (http://www.blue1.com )
British Airways, +1 800 247 9297 (http://www.britishairways.com)
Central Wings, +48 22 558 00 45 (http://www.centralwings.com )
Condor, +1 800 524 6975 (http://www7.condor.com )
Czech Airlines, +1 800 223 2365 (http://www.csa.cz)
Easy Jet, +33 8 25 08 25 08 (http://www.easyjet.com/)
El Al, +972 3 971 6111 (http://www.elal.co.il)
Germanwings, +44 870 252 12 50 (http://www1.germanwings.com)
Hungarian Airlines, +36 1 124 3888 (http://www.malev.hu)
KLM, +1 800 447 4747 (http://www.klm.com)
Lot Airways, +1 800 223 0593 (US), +0 801 300 953 (Poland) (http://www.lot.com)
Lufthansa, +1 800 645 3880 (http://www.lufthansa.com)
Norwegian, +47 21 49 00 15 (http://www.norwegian.no )
Scandinavian Air, +1 800 221 2350 (http://www.scandinavian.net)
Sky Europe, +421 2 4850 1111 (http://www.skyeurope.com/in.php )
SN Brussels Airlines, +1 516 622 2248 (US)/+0 801 300 972 (Poland) (http://www.flysn.com)
Wizz Air, +48 22 351 9499 (http://www.wizzair.com )
Ground transportation:
Seven car rental companies are set up in the arrivals hall and include the likes of Avis (+1 800 230 4898 / http://avis.com) and Hertz (+1 800 654 3131 / http://hertz.com). After picking up the car simply merge onto Zwirki i Wigury Avenue for a direct route into the city center.
A taxi rank sits directly in front of the arrivals hall. Make sure to stick with an official cab, which is designated by a number atop the car. Numerous other solicitors are out front and offer what may seem like excellent deals, but are usually just apparitions that can lead anywhere from a mugging to one expensive ride. For ultimate safety just ring a cab at a taxi kiosk by dialing 919. Two municipal buses (Number 188 and Number 175) will get you into the city center in approximately 30 minutes. Although both bus options carry a reputation as a pickpocket's paradise, the risk is actually minimal and the fare of PLN2.40 is hard to beat. Buses run every 10-15 minutes off peak and every 8 minutes during peak hours from 4:50a to 11:10p. Pick up tickets at the "RUCH" kiosks. Polski Express (+48 22 844 5555 / http://polskiexpress.pl) also operates coaches from stops in front of the arrivals hall to more than 30 cities around Poland.
By Bus: Since deregulation in 1998 bus companies have popped up all over the place, many under the umbrella of the national bus service, PKS. Warszawa Zachodnia (+48 22 822 4811) is the central station, although there are others in town that may be just as close to your end destination. A few companies offering domestic and international service include: Polski Express (+48 22 844 55 55 / http://polskiexpress.pl) Pekaes/Eurolines (+48 32 351 20 20 / http://www.pekaesbus.com.pl)
By Car: The E30 from the east/west, E77 from the north/south and the E67 from the southwest flow into Warsaw. Check with your rental company if you are driving to Poland from another European county. A couple of outfits do not allow cars to cross into the country because simply put: the company may not get the car back and you may be stuck walking. Theft is still a bit of a problem in the country.
By Rail: Polish Railways (+48 22 620 0361 / http://www.pkp.com.pl) runs the rail show inside the country including intercity, commuter, and regional service. International routes include Berlin and Moscow. Four main stations serve rail traffic in the city: Warszawa Centralna (Central Station) is home to the majority international trains, although it also has domestic arrivals and departures. Although it is in the center of town, near many upscale hotels it is also one of the pits of Poland littered with beggars and thieves trying to make a living in the brave new world. Keep tight to what you don't want stolen and keep your eyes open. Warszawa Wschodnia (Warsaw East), Warszawa Zachodnia (Warsaw West) deal mostly with regional and long haul domestic trains, and Warszawa Gdanska is the hub for trains coming and going to old eastern bloc destinations.
Getting Around: The main tourist areas of Warsaw, downtown and Old Town, are exceptionally pedestrian friendly and by far walking is the best means of transport. Having a car in these parts will do little besides make you a potential target for thieves. Yet, rental car companies are readily available around town and the roads in and around Warsaw are surprisingly easy to maneuver, although like most European cities, parking is a hassle. Taxis are also have an extremely visible presence and can be hailed from the street, but make sure 1) a price is agreed on before hopping in (even though the cab may be metered and 2) that the cab is official (number on top) and not some fly by night yahoo out for the night trying to make an extra buck. Dispatching a cab by phone (Radio Taxi: dial 919, 9622, or 9623) is the cheaper option if you are preparing things in advance.
ZTM Warszawa (Municipal Transport Board) (+48 22 827 3747 / http://www.ztm.waw.pl) manages Warsaw's efficient public transit system, which includes trams, buses and a one line subway that connects the southern suburbs with downtown. Tickets are purchased at Ruch kiosks or from bus and tram drivers. Multiple variants of passes are available starting at PLN2.40. The trams are by far the best choice when motoring around town although they tend to be moving cans of packed sardines, and lines run both east/west and north/south down the area's main thoroughfares. Buses (also packed) fan out over the sprawling expanse of the city and if you are not driving a car are the best alternative to get to the far reaches of town. The entire grid operates from 5a-11p daily, although select night buses continue throughout the night.
more transportation
Frommer's
Planning a Trip
Getting There
By Plane -- Warsaw's Okecie airport (tel. 022/650-42-20; www.lotnisko-chopina.pl), also called Frederyk Chopin Airport, is 10km (6 1/4 miles) from the center. The airport is in the midst of a massive rebuilding phase. For the moment most international flights still arrive at the old terminal, Terminal 1. Domestic flights arrive at and depart from a smaller domestic terminal downstairs and around the corner from the main terminal. Most of the tourist services, including tourist information, rental cars, and ATMs, are located in Terminal 1 -- but this is likely to change as the new buildings come on stream. To get to the center, take bus no. 175, which makes the run in about half an hour. Use bus no. 611 at night. Tickets cost 2.40zl ($1/60p) and can be purchased at news agents or at Ruch or Relay kiosks. Taxi fare to the center averages 40zl ($17/£11) -- the exact fare depending on the destination. Be sure to choose only cabs that are clearly marked and refuse any offers of rides or assistance you may get while inside the terminal or just outside the door. These are likely to be rip-offs.
By Train -- Major international and domestic trains arrive at and depart from Warsaw's Central Station, Warszawa Centralna, Al. Jerozolimskie 54 (tel. 022/94-36; online timetable: www.rozklad-pkp.pl), located in the heart of the city in Sródmiescie (just across the street from the Marriott Hotel). Centralna is, to put it mildly, confusing. It's a vast 1970s concrete jungle, filled with underground passageways that seemingly go nowhere and misleadingly marked stairways that will have you coming and going (and getting nowhere at all). Once you get off the train, head upstairs to the main hall, which has a helpful tourist information office, as well as train information and ticketing windows. Centralna is well served by taxis, trams and buses; the only trick is finding which stairway to use to locate the tram going in the direction you want to travel.
By Bus -- Most international and InterCity domestic buses arrive at Warsaw's West Bus Station, Dworzec Autobusowy Warszawa Zachodnia (tel. 0300/30-01-30; www.pks.warszawa.pl). The station is located just outside the city center (Sródmiescie), about 2km (1 1/4 mile) to the west of Centralna train station along Al. Jerozolimskie. To travel between the bus and train stations, use bus no. 405, 517, or 127. Tickets cost 2.40zl ($1/60p) and can be purchased at Ruch or Relay news agents. A taxi ride to a central destination will cost about 20zl ($8.70/£5.40).
By Car -- As Poland's capital city, all roads lead to Warsaw. You'll have no problem finding your way here. You may be surprised, though, by how long it takes and, once you're here, by the sheer volume of traffic. Once you've found your hotel, stow the car and use trams and taxis.
City Layout
Warsaw is cut in two by the Vistula River (Wisla), but nearly all of the interesting things to see and do lie on the river's western side. The heart of the city, and where you'll find most of the hotels, restaurants, and nightlife, is the central district known as Sródmiescie. With its huge avenues and acres of space between buildings, it's not particularly pedestrian-friendly. But trams scoot down the rails at an impressive speed and can whisk you around in a few minutes. The center of Sródmiescie is the intersection of Aleje Jerozolimskie (Jerusalem Ave.) and Marszalkowska street. The Old Town (Stare Miasto) lies about 2km (1 1/2 mile) to the north. The best way to find it on foot is to follow the street Nowy Swiat, which intersects with Al. Jerozolimskie, and continue along the "Royal Route," Krakowskie Przedmiescie, which brings you to the Royal Castle and the start of the Old Town. To the south of Jerozolimskie, along the Al. Ujazdowskie, beginning at Plac Trzech Krzyzy, you'll find Warsaw's embassy district, and some of the city's swankiest shops, cafes, restaurants, and nightclubs. Farther to the south lies the enormous residential district of Mokotów, home to some half of the city's two million people. Across the Vistula from the Old Town is the up-and-coming industrial district of Praga. This area has long been one of the poorest in Warsaw, but has seen a revival of sorts, spurred by Praga's rock-bottom rents.
Getting Around
On Foot -- Warsaw is a big city, so walking is only an option within specific areas, such as the Old Town or in Sródmiescie. For longer distances, you'll want to use public transportation or taxis.
By Tram -- Trams trundle down Warsaw's enormous avenues regularly from about 5am to 11pm, and are the best means for covering large distances quickly and cheaply. Tickets costs 2.40zl ($1/60p), and you can buy them from Ruch or Relay kiosks around town or almost any place near a tram stop that sells newspapers and cigarettes (ask for bilety, or tickets). You may have a hard time finding a place to buy a ticket in the evening, so buy several during the day and stock up. You can also buy reasonably priced long-term tickets: for 1 day (7.20zl/$3.10/£1.95), 3 days (12zl/$5.20/£3.25), and 1 week (24zl/$10/£6.50). Riding without a ticket is possible but risky. Fines start at 120zl ($52/£32) if you're caught. The tram network will look highly confusing at first. Before trying to decipher the system on your own, ask at your hotel reception for specific directions and tram numbers.
By Bus -- Buses supplement the tram network and run pretty much the same hours and use the same ticketing system. The bus layout is even more confusing than the trams, so get specific directions to your destination and write the numbers down.
By Metro -- Warsaw has a small subway (metro) system, but you'll probably never use it or see it. There's only one line and it connects the center of town to the residential area of Mokotów. Tickets are the same as for the buses and trams, and must be validated before boarding the train.
By Taxi -- Taxis are a cheap and reliable way of getting from point A to point B. Expect to pay around 20zl ($8.70/£5.40) for in-town destinations and around 40zl ($17/£11) to get to the airport. Dishonest drivers have been a problem in the past, but the situation is improving. Nevertheless, use only clearly marked cabs, and always make sure the driver has switched on the meter.
By Bike -- Biking is not an option on Warsaw's heavily trafficked, dirty, and dangerous roads. Marked bikeways are few and far between.
Visitor Information
The Warsaw Tourist Office maintains three conveniently located information centers that can help with general directions, provide maps, and advise on hotels and restaurants. The main office is located in the Warszawa Centralna Train Station (tel. 022/94-31; www.warsawtour.pl; May-Sept daily 8am-8pm, Oct-Apr daily 9am-6pm). Two other branches are located at Frederyk Chopin Airport and at Krakowskie Przedmiescie 39, along the royal route to the Old Town. Another helpful office is the Warsaw Centre of Tourist Information, Zamkovy 1/3 (tel. 022/635-18-81), situated just at the entrance to the Old Town near the Royal Castle. They also have maps and brochures, and can help with things like getting concert tickets and renting a car.
Marzurkas Travel, Dluga 8/14 (tel. 022/389-41-83), offers daily 3-hour sightseeing trips with pickups from all of the major hotels. The 140zl ($61/£38) fee per person is steep, but if you've only got a day, it's the best way to cover ground (given the fact that Warsaw is so large and spread out). The tour includes the Old Town and Jewish ghetto area, and finishes up with a rousing church organ concert (but no lunch!). Warsaw City Tours, Marszalkowska 140 (tel. 022/826-71-00), offers a similarly priced 3-hour coach tour, with departures in the morning and the afternoon. You can book either at your hotel concierge.
Warsaw is blessed with a number of English-language publications that have cultural listings, restaurant reviews, and general information. Look out particularly for the cheeky monthly Warsaw Insider (available at hotels and some restaurants) and comprehensive Warsaw in Your Pocket, published every 2 months.
Planning a Trip
Getting There
By Plane -- Warsaw's Okecie airport (tel. 022/650-42-20; www.lotnisko-chopina.pl), also called Frederyk Chopin Airport, is 10km (6 1/4 miles) from the center. The airport is in the midst of a massive rebuilding phase. For the moment most international flights still arrive at the old terminal, Terminal 1. Domestic flights arrive at and depart from a smaller domestic terminal downstairs and around the corner from the main terminal. Most of the tourist services, including tourist information, rental cars, and ATMs, are located in Terminal 1 -- but this is likely to change as the new buildings come on stream. To get to the center, take bus no. 175, which makes the run in about half an hour. Use bus no. 611 at night. Tickets cost 2.40zl ($1/60p) and can be purchased at news agents or at Ruch or Relay kiosks. Taxi fare to the center averages 40zl ($17/£11) -- the exact fare depending on the destination. Be sure to choose only cabs that are clearly marked and refuse any offers of rides or assistance you may get while inside the terminal or just outside the door. These are likely to be rip-offs.
By Train -- Major international and domestic trains arrive at and depart from Warsaw's Central Station, Warszawa Centralna, Al. Jerozolimskie 54 (tel. 022/94-36; online timetable: www.rozklad-pkp.pl), located in the heart of the city in Sródmiescie (just across the street from the Marriott Hotel). Centralna is, to put it mildly, confusing. It's a vast 1970s concrete jungle, filled with underground passageways that seemingly go nowhere and misleadingly marked stairways that will have you coming and going (and getting nowhere at all). Once you get off the train, head upstairs to the main hall, which has a helpful tourist information office, as well as train information and ticketing windows. Centralna is well served by taxis, trams and buses; the only trick is finding which stairway to use to locate the tram going in the direction you want to travel.
By Bus -- Most international and InterCity domestic buses arrive at Warsaw's West Bus Station, Dworzec Autobusowy Warszawa Zachodnia (tel. 0300/30-01-30; www.pks.warszawa.pl). The station is located just outside the city center (Sródmiescie), about 2km (1 1/4 mile) to the west of Centralna train station along Al. Jerozolimskie. To travel between the bus and train stations, use bus no. 405, 517, or 127. Tickets cost 2.40zl ($1/60p) and can be purchased at Ruch or Relay news agents. A taxi ride to a central destination will cost about 20zl ($8.70/£5.40).
By Car -- As Poland's capital city, all roads lead to Warsaw. You'll have no problem finding your way here. You may be surprised, though, by how long it takes and, once you're here, by the sheer volume of traffic. Once you've found your hotel, stow the car and use trams and taxis.
City Layout
Warsaw is cut in two by the Vistula River (Wisla), but nearly all of the interesting things to see and do lie on the river's western side. The heart of the city, and where you'll find most of the hotels, restaurants, and nightlife, is the central district known as Sródmiescie. With its huge avenues and acres of space between buildings, it's not particularly pedestrian-friendly. But trams scoot down the rails at an impressive speed and can whisk you around in a few minutes. The center of Sródmiescie is the intersection of Aleje Jerozolimskie (Jerusalem Ave.) and Marszalkowska street. The Old Town (Stare Miasto) lies about 2km (1 1/2 mile) to the north. The best way to find it on foot is to follow the street Nowy Swiat, which intersects with Al. Jerozolimskie, and continue along the "Royal Route," Krakowskie Przedmiescie, which brings you to the Royal Castle and the start of the Old Town. To the south of Jerozolimskie, along the Al. Ujazdowskie, beginning at Plac Trzech Krzyzy, you'll find Warsaw's embassy district, and some of the city's swankiest shops, cafes, restaurants, and nightclubs. Farther to the south lies the enormous residential district of Mokotów, home to some half of the city's two million people. Across the Vistula from the Old Town is the up-and-coming industrial district of Praga. This area has long been one of the poorest in Warsaw, but has seen a revival of sorts, spurred by Praga's rock-bottom rents.
Getting Around
On Foot -- Warsaw is a big city, so walking is only an option within specific areas, such as the Old Town or in Sródmiescie. For longer distances, you'll want to use public transportation or taxis.
By Tram -- Trams trundle down Warsaw's enormous avenues regularly from about 5am to 11pm, and are the best means for covering large distances quickly and cheaply. Tickets costs 2.40zl ($1/60p), and you can buy them from Ruch or Relay kiosks around town or almost any place near a tram stop that sells newspapers and cigarettes (ask for bilety, or tickets). You may have a hard time finding a place to buy a ticket in the evening, so buy several during the day and stock up. You can also buy reasonably priced long-term tickets: for 1 day (7.20zl/$3.10/£1.95), 3 days (12zl/$5.20/£3.25), and 1 week (24zl/$10/£6.50). Riding without a ticket is possible but risky. Fines start at 120zl ($52/£32) if you're caught. The tram network will look highly confusing at first. Before trying to decipher the system on your own, ask at your hotel reception for specific directions and tram numbers.
By Bus -- Buses supplement the tram network and run pretty much the same hours and use the same ticketing system. The bus layout is even more confusing than the trams, so get specific directions to your destination and write the numbers down.
By Metro -- Warsaw has a small subway (metro) system, but you'll probably never use it or see it. There's only one line and it connects the center of town to the residential area of Mokotów. Tickets are the same as for the buses and trams, and must be validated before boarding the train.
By Taxi -- Taxis are a cheap and reliable way of getting from point A to point B. Expect to pay around 20zl ($8.70/£5.40) for in-town destinations and around 40zl ($17/£11) to get to the airport. Dishonest drivers have been a problem in the past, but the situation is improving. Nevertheless, use only clearly marked cabs, and always make sure the driver has switched on the meter.
By Bike -- Biking is not an option on Warsaw's heavily trafficked, dirty, and dangerous roads. Marked bikeways are few and far between.
Visitor Information
The Warsaw Tourist Office maintains three conveniently located information centers that can help with general directions, provide maps, and advise on hotels and restaurants. The main office is located in the Warszawa Centralna Train Station (tel. 022/94-31; www.warsawtour.pl; May-Sept daily 8am-8pm, Oct-Apr daily 9am-6pm). Two other branches are located at Frederyk Chopin Airport and at Krakowskie Przedmiescie 39, along the royal route to the Old Town. Another helpful office is the Warsaw Centre of Tourist Information, Zamkovy 1/3 (tel. 022/635-18-81), situated just at the entrance to the Old Town near the Royal Castle. They also have maps and brochures, and can help with things like getting concert tickets and renting a car.
Marzurkas Travel, Dluga 8/14 (tel. 022/389-41-83), offers daily 3-hour sightseeing trips with pickups from all of the major hotels. The 140zl ($61/£38) fee per person is steep, but if you've only got a day, it's the best way to cover ground (given the fact that Warsaw is so large and spread out). The tour includes the Old Town and Jewish ghetto area, and finishes up with a rousing church organ concert (but no lunch!). Warsaw City Tours, Marszalkowska 140 (tel. 022/826-71-00), offers a similarly priced 3-hour coach tour, with departures in the morning and the afternoon. You can book either at your hotel concierge.
Warsaw is blessed with a number of English-language publications that have cultural listings, restaurant reviews, and general information. Look out particularly for the cheeky monthly Warsaw Insider (available at hotels and some restaurants) and comprehensive Warsaw in Your Pocket, published every 2 months.
