It took about 8 hours by FlixBus from Berlin to Warsaw.
Although the distance isn’t that far, the ride felt surprisingly long.
Crossing European borders by bus can be exhausting — even with short rest stops along the way.
Accommodation: AB Hostel (Warsaw)
I stayed at AB Hostel in Warsaw for 5 nights, paying around €65 in total — a great deal for the price.
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However, there are a few things to note:
- Many Eastern European buildings are quite old, and it’s not uncommon for hostels to have no elevator. This one was on the 4th floor, so carrying a 20kg suitcase up the stairs was quite a workout.
- The Wi-Fi signal was weak inside the dormitory, though it worked fine in the dining area.
Despite these small inconveniences, the hostel was clean, cozy, and perfectly fine for a short stay.
Getting Around Warsaw
Public transport in Warsaw mainly consists of buses and trams.
The popular “Jakdojade” app allows you to buy tickets in advance and validate them by scanning a QR code inside the vehicle — very convenient.
However, you need to top up at least 5 PLN (~€1.2) to your in-app wallet, which can leave unused credit, and there’s also a small service fee.
For short stays, I recommend buying tickets directly from the machines on board — much simpler.
Luckily, on September 22, 2025, I happened to visit on a free public transport day — every bus, tram, and metro was completely free!
Apparently, Warsaw holds these free-ride days several times a year. What a pleasant surprise!
Exploring Warsaw
Warsaw’s main attractions are fairly compact.
The Old Town is beautiful — a carefully reconstructed area with charming architecture — but you can easily see it all in a day.
If your goal is sightseeing, I’d personally recommend Kraków over Warsaw.
Daily Life in Warsaw
I often visited Złote Tarasy, a modern shopping mall with a stunning glass roof.
It’s packed with cafes, restaurants, and supermarkets — perfect for everyday errands or just relaxing.
Since it was within walking distance from my hostel, it became my go-to spot for grabbing beer and snacks.
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While there, don’t miss Pasibus | Better Burger, a Polish burger chain known for its juicy, satisfying burgers — highly recommended!
Polish Food: Pierogi
A must-try local dish in Poland is Pierogi, a kind of dumpling similar to Japanese gyoza.
My first try was at Kuchnia Marché Warszawa inside Złote Tarasy — honestly, it wasn’t my favorite.
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But the second try at Bar Mleczny Prasowy totally changed my impression.
I had the fried pierogi, and it was absolutely delicious — crispy outside, flavorful inside, and served in a casual, local atmosphere at a great price.
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Day Trip to Kraków & Auschwitz
One of my main goals in Poland was to visit Auschwitz Concentration Camp.
I joined a GetYourGuide tour departing from Warsaw, which cost about €205.
I told myself, “If not now, maybe never.” — and booked it.
The day started at 5:30 a.m., when a shuttle picked me up from the hostel.
We first took a train to Kraków, then continued by bus to Auschwitz — a long and physically demanding day.
At the site, I joined an English-guided tour.
Seeing the buildings and exhibits I’d only known from history books left me speechless.
It was a powerful reminder of the importance of never repeating the same mistakes — and of having the courage to choose humanity even when orders say otherwise.
Kraków Highlights
After the tour, I had some free time before my evening train back to Warsaw.
I spent the afternoon wandering around and enjoying a few beers while sightseeing.
- Main Square (Rynek Główny)
The heart of Kraków’s Old Town — spacious, lively, and filled with music and dancing in the evening.
Nearby stands St. Mary’s Basilica, a must-see landmark. Entry costs a few PLN, but even the exterior is breathtaking.
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- Wawel Castle
Once the royal residence of Polish kings, this castle represents Kraków’s history as Poland’s former capital.
Located on a hill, it offers stunning city views and a glimpse into the country’s medieval heritage.
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Bars & Nightlife
- Pijana Wiśnia (“Drunken Cherry”)
A famous Kraków bar specializing in cherry liqueur.
Their hot cherry liqueur is sweet, aromatic, and surprisingly smooth despite its high alcohol content.
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- Free Pub
A cozy underground bar away from the tourist crowds. it's perfect for winding down quietly at the end of the day.
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I returned to my hostel around 11 p.m., took a quick shower, and instantly fell asleep.
The remaining days were spent exploring malls and working from cafes.
If you’re visiting Poland mainly for sightseeing, 2–3 days may be enough.
But if you prefer slow travel like I do, a longer stay is definitely worth it.
