Are you planning your trip to Warsaw? Wondering whether there is something interesting to do outside the city? Well, rest assured, you will have plenty to do. Although it might seem like Warsaw is in the middle of Poland, but far from other big cities…. it’s not entirely true. Here is the list of the closest cities to Warsaw, and what you can find in there.
By taking a short trip, you can uncover the cities that lie in every direction from Warsaw, and each offers a completely different adventure.
Here’s the map of the closest cities to Warsaw:
Table of Contents
Big Cities Near Warsaw
Łódź 135 km from Warsaw, 1,5 hr drive southwest
Lodz is the city that blends its industrial past with a vibrant artistic present. Get done to down to Piotrkowska Street, one of Europe’s longest boulevards.
Take a stroll giving the attention to street art and backyards, modern cafés, boutiques, and street art will captivate you with the creative spirit of this place.
Grudziądz, 230 km from Warsaw, 2hrs 40min drive northwest
This place is a true medieval marvel, you’ll find Grudziądz, a city that feels like a journey back in time. The Old Town and well-preserved fortifications, make this city a hidden gem and a showcase of rich history back centuries ago. As you wander through its cobblestone streets, the city’s medieval charm comes to life, the streets have a vivid feeling of, how the world looked like in the 15th century.
The Town itself might be a bit too far away, just to travel that direction to visit it alone. However, it is lined up with Toruń and Bydgoszcz, two other cities that all together offer an amazing journey back to the times of knits.
Toruń, 250km from Warsaw, 2hrs 40 min drive northwest
The absolute timeless beauty. Did you know that Torun is the city with a UNESCO-listed Old Town? And there’s more! It is famous for being the birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus.
The Gothic architecture style, the impressive Toruń Cathedral and the Old Town Hall create charm like no other place. The landmarks are well-preserved, and they are a heritage of the Polish history. Torun is also a place where you can try delightful culinary traditions.
Bydgoszcz, 300 km from Warsaw, 3 hrs drive northwest
A true riverside elegance. Bydgoszcz is a city with a distinct blend of architectural elegance and natural beauty.
The Brda River winds its way through the city, and it gives a picture-perfect view and a great backdrop for leisurely walks. Bydgoszcz’s Old Town, like Grudziądz nad Toruń is full of historic buildings and charming squares, invites exploration.
Nidzica, 170 km from Warsaw, 2 hrs drive north
You can describe this place only in one way, a castle in the countryside. As you are heading north on the highway, at some point from the distance you will spot a castle rising on the hill among woods.
This is the place. The Nidzica Castle, perched on the banks of the Nidzica River, invites you to explore its historic walls and towers. It is a perfect retreat for those seeking a blend of history and natural beauty.
Don’t be surprised to find this place absolutely packed with tourists during summer weekends, as the castle courtyard is home to many concerts and other country-popular events.
Białystok, 200 km from Warsaw, 2 hrs drive east
Białystok is a city that beautifully blends rich history with a touch of Eastern European feeling. A charming Old Town with neoclassical architecture, including the Branicki Palace is definitely the place to see. Białystok is also a gateway to the Białowieża Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage gem.
The park is home to the European bison and a myriad of wildlife. You will find here an unique blend of East culture, natural wonders, and laid-back lifestyle.
Lublin, 170 km from Warsaw, 2 hrs drive southeast
We are going south from Warsaw now. If you travel both, north and south directions, you can notice shift in the architecture. The cities and towns, toward north, are built mostly by the Knights of the Teutonic Order. You see here buildings with red brick, and heavy architecture, with looking alike castles and churches.
Going south, the country’s architecture starts to look a bit different. And it is noticeable as you travel around the closest cities to Warsaw. These were royal lands.
Lublin, is a city that will amaze you with its cultural richness and intellectual vibrancy. The Lublin Castle used to be a Royal residence, and it stands as an iconic landmarks until today. Lublin is called a student city, as during the academic year, the Old Town fills up with young people. Make sure to pass the Cracow Gate, when you enter the Old Town.
Kazimierz Dolny, 150 km from Warsaw, 2 hrs drive south
This town is a haven by the Vistula River. Tucked away on the banks of the Vistula River, Kazimierz Dolny stands as a real picturesque town. Climb up the Three Crosses Hill and you will have the amazing panoramic views from there.
Many art festivals and workshops, are located at the Old Town, and make it a must-visit place. Visit this town in summer, and experience the vibrant and colorful life of this place.
As you travel from Warsaw to these neighboring cities, each with its own unique character, you’ll discover a mosaic of history, versatile culture, and natural beauty of the landscapes. Whether it’s the medieval marvel of Grudziądz or the majestic castle of Lublin, these destinations promise a real journey through Poland. And they all are below 3 hours of drive from Warsaw.
