Summer in Warsaw: things to do in Warsaw in the summertime

Summer in Warsaw is a wonderful time! Especially in July and August, when the city is empty because many Varsovians go on vacation at that time. Summer in Warsaw is a time of relaxation – lively green trees and lawns, streets decorated with blooming flowers, and most cafes and restaurants have tables outside.

This is a great time to visit Warsaw for a weekend or longer. And for people living in Warsaw, summer is the perfect opportunity to catch up with culture – a concert, a museum, an exhibition, or a walk in many Warsaw parks.

Outdoor swimming pools & water parks in the Warsaw area

Outdoor swimming pools in Warsaw reopen for a new season in the first weeks of June and operate until the end of August. Summer is the only time when the weather in Poland allows you to use outdoor pools. July is the warmest month in Poland. The average monthly temperature in July is 19°C / 66°F, in June – the first summer month in Poland – it’s 6,6°C / 62°F, and in August – the last summer month – it’s 18,5°C / 65°F.

Our post covers:

• Outdoor swimming pools in Warsaw (in the city center, Wola, Ochota, Praga/Saska Kępa, Powsin/Kabaty Forest).
• Guarded swimming area and beach at the Czerniakowskie Lake in Mokotów.
• Water parks in the Warsaw area with outdoor pools (including an aquapark in the Mokotów district of Warsaw, an outdoor water park in Zalesie, 25 km from Warsaw, “Park of Poland – Suntago” – indoor & outdoor water park, 60 km south-west of Warsaw, beach and aquapark in Hotel Warszawianka, 40 km from Warsaw, “Termy Mszczonów” – thermal pools, 50 km south-west of Warsaw).

For more information about outdoor pools, water parks in the Warsaw area (including locations, photos, contact info), please read our post: Outdoor swimming pools in Warsaw & water parks in the Warsaw area.

Vistula River cruises, boat trips & kayaking in the Warsaw area

Water attractions in Warsaw are usually available from the end of April to September/October.

Please note that due to weather conditions or the water level in the Vistula River, some cruises can be temporarily suspended. It’s recommended to check the website/Facebook page of a cruise provider before heading out.

Our post covers:

• Cruises on the Vistula River in Warsaw.
• Gondola, canoes, and wooden boats in the Wilanów district of Warsaw.
• FREE ferries across the Vistula River in Warsaw.
• All-day boat trips on the Vistula River to the town of Serock near Warsaw, to Zegrzyńskie Lake.
• Kayak rental in Warsaw and kayaking trips along the Vistula River in the Warsaw area.
• Ferry across the Vistula River near the town of Konstancin – an idea to spice up your bike trip.

For more information (locations, photos, contact info), please read our post: Cruises and boat tours on the Vistula River in Warsaw, kayaking in the Warsaw area.

Parks to relax in summer in Warsaw

Warsaw in the summertime is bursting with intense green! The city comes alive with trees and blooming flowers. Walking around Warsaw, you can come across a park or multi-hectare green oases at almost every step. There you can relax in the shade on a bench or on the grass, and children can run and play away from car traffic. Many parks in Warsaw have playgrounds for children.

The selected parks featured in our post include:

• The Saxon Garden – Ogród Saski in the heart of Warsaw, next to the historical monument – the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (a 24-hour guard post with 2 soldiers who change every hour – children will love it!). Some of the trees are 250 years old and there is a playground.
• The Roof Garden in the Powiśle district, not so far from Warsaw’s Old Town. The Garden is located on the roof of the University of Warsaw Library (Powiśle district) and is one of the largest roof gardens in Europe. From the top, you will have a wonderful view of Warsaw, including the Vistula River and the Palace of Culture and Science.
• A historic park (Ogród Krasińskich) located in the center of Warsaw, just 700 meters from the Royal Castle. There is a 2200 m² playground, a pond, numerous alleys and park benches, a historic fountain, 2 fenced dog runs.
• Two botanical gardens with a huge collection of Polish and foreign plants (one in the city center and one in the suburbs of Warsaw in Powsin, both with paid entrance).

You can read our tips about 15 parks in Warsaw worth visiting in the post: Discover green Warsaw: charming parks and gardens in the Warsaw area to enjoy the beauty of nature. 

Food halls, outdoor street food markets in Warsaw

Where to eat in summer in Warsaw?

Most cafes and restaurants have tables outside – it’s worth using them, the summer months are the only time in Poland when you can eat outside and not get cold!;)

It is also worth taking advantage of seasonal places in Warsaw – outdoor street food markets which gather food tracks, offering cuisines from around the world.

And if you want to eat inside, in the cool air conditioning, Warsaw 6 food halls are a great option. They offer a wide variety of ethnic cuisines and local restaurant concepts. A great solution for breakfast, lunch or dinner in a group – everyone orders from a different restaurant and eats at a common table.

Seasonal outdoor street food markets in Warsaw

Outdoor street food markets in Warsaw are typically open from April/May until the end of August/September.

“Nocny Market” in Wola (open from May)
Location: Nocny Market, Towarowa 3 Street (Wola). Open on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. “The Night Market” is located on the platforms of the closed railway station. Facebook page. Instagram.

“Targ Śniadaniowy” – The Breakfast Market in Żoliborz, Mokotów (open from April/May)
Żoliborz location, Saturdays: al. Wojska Polskiego 1 Street. Mokotów location, Sundays: Skwer Grupy AK “Granat”, corner of Puławska and Woronicza Street. Open on Saturday (in Żoliborz) and Sunday (in Mokotów). Street food, bread, pastries, cheese, sausages, vegan delicatessen, vegetables, fruits, flowers, fish. Facebook page (before going out, it is worth checking their Facebook – in case of bad weather, the event is canceled).

Food PopUp on the Vistula Boulevards (open from June)
Location: Bulwar Flotylli Wiślanej – the Vistula Boulevards, the area between “Pomost 511” and “Fala” clubs (location on Google map). The event runs from June 10, 2023, until the end of summer – every weekend (Friday 6 pm – 2 am, Saturday 2 pm – 2 am, Sunday 12 pm – 6 pm). Details on Facebook.

For more information about 6 food halls in Warsaw, street food, farmers’ markets in Warsaw and photos, please read our post: Guide to Warsaw food halls and marketplaces (outdoor & indoor).

Ideas for things to do in Warsaw in summer – OUTDOOR

Donutting on a dry ski slope in Ochota
From May until September. Location: Górka Szczęśliwicka hill, Park Szczęśliwicki, Drawska 22 Street (Ochota). Location on Google map. A fun outdoor seasonal attraction for children aged 3+ and adults, available on a dry ski slope (Górka Szczęśliwicka, the highest hill in Warsaw, 152 m), in the Ochota district of Warsaw. Polish name: pontony zjazdowe. On hot days, a water mist is turned on on the slope. Besides donutting, you can also enjoy there an Alpine Coaster, playgrounds, and an outdoor swimming pool (open from June) in Szczęśliwicki Park where the hill is located. More in Polish.

Alpine Coaster in Warsaw’s Ochota district
From the end of March until September. Location: Górka Szczęśliwicka hill, Park Szczęśliwicki, Drawska 22 Street (Ochota). Location on Google map. You can enjoy it during the spring-summer season on Górka Szczęśliwicka (the highest hill in Warsaw, 152 m), in Park Szczęśliwicki – the biggest park in the Ochota district of Warsaw. Polish name: kolejka grawitacyjna. The gravity slide has two seats. Speed up to 36 km/h, route length over 700 m. Minimum age for children: 3 years. Children younger than 8 years old may use the gravity slide only when accompanied by an older person over 8 years old. The gravity slide may be closed in case of rainfall. Website in Polish, Facebook page.

Synthetic outdoor ice rink in Bielany – FREE entrance
Location: Primary School / Szkoła Podstawowa nr 187, Staffa 21 Street, free entrance, Monday – Friday 4 pm – 8 pm (10 am – 3 pm for school groups), weekends and holidays 10 am – 8 pm. 30 people can stay on the ice rink at the same time. It is possible to rent skates on-site. The facility will be open until the end of October. More on Facebook.

Summer multimedia shows at Multimedia Fountain Park
From May until the end of September. Location: Multimedia Fountain Park (Multimedialny Park Fontann), a fountain complex located in between the Old Town/New Town area and the Vistula River, location on Google map, free entrance. Multimedia show (music, lights, water, laser) each Friday and Saturday, May, June, and July: 9.30 pm, August: 9 pm, September: 8.30 pm. Our tips in English about the Fountain Park in Warsaw.

Outdoor karting track at the National Stadium
From May until September. Location: the National Stadium (PGE Narodowy), Al. Ks. J. Poniatowskiego 1 Street, car entrance from ul. R. Siwca Street, entrance from gate number 9. It is an outdoor track that also has go-karts for children (Junior go-karts: karts for children from approx. 135-140 cm tall) as well as two-seater go-karts- taxi (An adult takes the driver’s position. The child is a passenger. Available for children aged 5+ over 120 cm tall). Offer for children includes summer camps, go-kart school, and birthday parties. Due to exclusive reservations of the track, please check the Calendar for track availability dates before going out. Individual tickets for go-kart rides are sold on an ongoing basis at the track reception (without prior reservation). Reservations are possible only for groups. It’s an outdoor track – it’s closed when it rains. Location on Google map. Website in Polish, Facebook page. Instagram. Click here to read our post featuring karting tracks in the Warsaw area.

Horse Racing at Służewiec Racetrack
From the end of April until mid-November. Location: Tor Wyścigów Konnych Służewiec, Puławska 266 Street (Ursynów), more in Polish and online tickets (visitors up to 18 years old free entrance). The Służewiec Horse Racetrack is not only a horse race but also an important monument in Warsaw – the track was opened in June 1939, and at that time it was the most modern and largest horse racing track in Europe. Of course, you don’t have to play sports betting if you don’t want to. It’s fun to watch the horses (sometimes you can even get up close), the children can play on the playground, you can eat something, and the race area itself is a huge green space! It is also worth paying attention to the kilometer-long wall separating the area of the Racing Track from Puławska Street, which has become a street gallery of Polish graffiti artists. Horse racing in Warsaw takes place almost every weekend, from end-April to mid-November. How to get there? By car, through the main gate at Puławska Street, where there is a large parking lot. You can also take tram no. 4 or 10 to the terminus. Website in English.

Historical picnic at the medieval castle ruins in Czersk, 40 km from Warsaw
Every weekend in May, June, July, August, and September. Location: Czersk Castle (Zamek w Czersku), Plac Tysiąclecia 1, 05-530 Czersk (40 km south of Warsaw). Weekend events feature everyday life in various historical periods – presentation of old crafts, martial arts, cuisine, tournaments, workshops. Our tips in English on visiting the Czersk Castle.

Outdoor live recitals of Chopin music at the Museum and Park at the birthplace of Frederic Chopin in the village of Żelazowa Wola 
Every Saturday and Sunday from May until September. Location: Chopin Museum and Park, 96-503 Sochaczew, Żelazowa Wola 15 (50 km west of Warsaw), online tickets. One-hour concerts on Saturdays and Sundays: 12 pm and 3 pm. Admission to the recitals is included in the admission ticket to the Park. The concerts are open-air. If you are not sure if it is worth going there, read our article with photos from a trip to Żelazowa Wola: Żelazowa Wola – the birthplace of Frederic Chopin, and… one of the most beautiful parks in Poland. And here you will find our tips for visiting Żelazowa Wola – the birthplace of Frederic Chopin.

Warsaw Zoo
Location: Ratuszowa 1/3 Street (Praga), opening hours in July-September: weekdays 9 am – 6 pm, weekends & public holidays 9 am – 7 pm. The last admission is one hour before the Zoo closes. Online tickets. The Zoo is open every day, including all public holidays! Website in English.

Fruits and vegetables picking in the Warsaw area 
From June until September. You will find some options for the upcoming weeks in the Mazowieckie region on this website (myzbieramy.pl). Please note that you need to contact a selected orchard/garden/farm to book a slot in most cases. The most popular fruits include strawberries, raspberries, honeyberries (jagoda kamczacka), sweet cherries, sour cherries, and finally apples. Some farms offer vegetable picking too. Most options usually appear in the second half of June and July.

An idea for spring hiking: the Kampinos Forest near Warsaw
The Kampinos Forest (Puszcza Kampinoska) is located right next to the northwestern border of Warsaw. Most of its area is protected within the Kampinoski National Park (admission to the park is free). In our post on the website, you will find a detailed description of selected hiking trails (e.g. starting point, where to leave a car) and our tips.

Ideas for things to do in Warsaw in summer – INDOOR

For things to do INDOOR in Warsaw, please read our post that includes the list of ideas for fun (indoor!) activities for a bad weather day in Warsaw: Indoor things to do in Warsaw.

Explore Warsaw with our list of museums and galleries in Warsaw by district – there’s one to suit every interest and many of them are free to visit.

Indoor go-karting indoor tracks in the Warsaw area
There are 4 indoor karting tracks in and around Warsaw – open all year round. They offer go-karts for both adults and children. Click here to read our post featuring karting tracks in the Warsaw area.

The Viewing Platform of the Palace of Culture and Science
Location: Plac Defilad 1 (city center). The platform is located on the 30th floor (114 m high) of the Palace of Culture and Science. Opening hours, every day: 10 am – 8 pm. Online tickets. Our tips about visiting the platform.

Smart Kids Planet – an edutainment center with playing zones dedicated to children aged 0-10
Location: Smart Kids Planet, Fabryka Norblina, level -1, Żelazna 51/53 Street (Wola/city center). Smart Kids Planet is open daily. It is recommended to buy tickets online – to avoid crowds, Smart Kids Planet has entry limits per hour. When you buy a ticket online, you can be sure that you will enter at the selected time. Workshops, birthday parties, trips for schools and kindergartens, cheerful and smart fun in 9 innovative and interactive zones for smart play. All in Polish and English. We are excited to be the media partner of this amazing place. Website in Polish, website in English, Facebook, Instagram.

Chopin music piano recitals
Location: Fryderyk Concert Hall, Podwale 15 Street (the old town), every day at 5.30 pm and 7 pm, online tickets. The recitals feature Fryderyk Chopin’s most famous compositions. Facebook page in English and Polish. Website in English.

Bowling in Warsaw
Try to pronounce bowling in Polish: kręgle! Bowling is relatively new entertainment in Poland, but many Poles – children and adults – have come to love it. Selected bowling alleys in Warsaw include Hulakula in Praga (website in English), MK Bowling in Galeria Młociny shopping center in Bielany (website in Polish), 7 Club in Praga (website in Polish), Arco in Ochota (website in Polish), Kręgielnia TB in Ursynów (website in Polish), Kręgielnia TB in Włochy (website in Polish), Kręgielnia TB in Ochota (website in Polish), Kręgielnia TB in Gocław/Praga (website in Polish), Kręgielnia TB in Saska Kępa (website in Polish), Bowl Pub in Mokotów – Warszawianka water park (website in Polish).

Swimming in “Wodny Park Warszawianka” – an indoor water park in Mokotów
Location: Wodny Park Warszawianka, Dominika Merliniego 4 Street, 02-511 Warszawa (location on Google map). 4 km from the city center (in the Mokotów district). The recreational part of the Water Park includes a recreational and swimming pool with a maximum depth of 1.40 m, a paddling pool for children with an elephant-shaped slide, an artificial river, pipe-shaped slides (45 and 72 meters long) with separate landing pads, an open slide inside the swimming pool hall (15 meters long), outdoor year-round heated pool, connected to the main pool hall. The sports part of the Water Park includes a 50-meter “Olympic” swimming pool with 10 lanes. Website in English. Facebook page.

Copernicus Science Center 
Location: Centrum Nauki Kopernik, Wybrzeże Kościuszkowskie 20 Street (Powiśle). The largest science center in Poland. A great idea to spend time indoors for both children and adults. When planning your visit, remember that 2-3 hours at the Copernicus Center is a minimum! You can visit the Copernicus Center also with little kids – there is the Buzzz! gallery – a separate playing area dedicated to children up to 5. Our tips in English on visiting the Center.

Summer in Warsaw and cultural events – concerts, festivals, exhibitions

Famous summer outdoor piano recitals in the Łazienki Royal Park (FREE)
From mid-May until the end of September. Location: Royal Łazienki Garden, the area next to the Chopin Monument, closer entrance – from Aleje Ujazdowskie Street. The exact location of recitals on Google Maps. Famous outdoor piano recitals of Chopin music in the Łazienki Royal Park are back every season from mid-May. Next to the monument of Fryderyk Chopin, in the park, there is a piano on which Chopin’s music is played by award-winning pianists from Poland and abroad. Every Sunday, 2 concerts: 12 pm and 4 pm. Free entrance. Our tips in English on visiting the Łazienki Royal Park.

Orange Warsaw Festival
The first weekend of June. Location: Horse Racetrack in Służewiec, Tor Wyścigów Konnych Służewiec, Puławska 266 Street (Ursynów). One of the biggest music festivals in Poland. Website in English.

International Street Art Festival – Międzynarodowy Festiwal Sztuka Ulicy (FREE)
At the turn of June and July. Different locations in Warsaw: New Town Market / Rynek Nowego Miasta (old town), Szczęśliwicki Park (Ochota), Plac Defilad (city center), free entrance, performances of street theaters from different countries. More in English about the Festival program.

‘Warsaw Summer Jazz Days’ Festival
First half of July. Jazz concerts (artists from all over the world) at Klub Stodoła, Batorego 10 Street (Mokotów), one of the oldest jazz festivals in Poland. Click here to read the program in Polish.

Open-air concerts of classical, jazz, folk music in Łazienki Park – “Sphere of Silence” Music Festival Festiwal Strefa Ciszy (FREE)
Every Saturday & Sunday in July. Location: Łazienki Royal Garden, free entrance, 10 am – 8.30 pm. Classical, jazz, folk music concerts on several stages simultaneously. Concerts dedicated to families with children. The Festival website in English. Facebook page in Polish.

The Music Gardens Festival – opera and ballet (Festiwal Ogrody Muzyczne)  
July. Location: Grochowska 272 Street, Sinfonia Varsovia Orchestra Concert Hall (Praga). Live concerts and screenings – featuring classical music, ballet, and opera. More in English about the Festival.

Open-air jazz concerts – International Open Air Festival “Jazz at the Old Town” Jazz na Starówce (FREE)
Every Saturday in July & August. Free jazz concerts each Saturday (7 pm) until the end of August on the stage at the Old Town Market. Click here to read more in English.

Open-air concerts in a park in the city center (FREE)
Every Saturday in July & August. Location: Ogród Krasińskich (a park close to the old town), free entrance, 5 pm. Every week different music, e.g. Spanish and South American music, music of the Iberian Peninsula, African music, jazz, brass band, or guitar concert.

Open-air jazz concerts in a park in the Mokotów district of Warsaw (FREE)
Every Saturday in July & August. Location: Park Dreszera, Odyńca 2 Street, a park between Puławska, Odyńca, Krasickiego, and Ursynowska Streets (Mokotów), free entrance, 5 pm.

Open-air concerts of classical and jazz music in the Mokotów district of Warsaw (FREE)
Every Sunday in July & August. Location: Park Morskie Oko, the area next to Pałac Szustra building, Morskie Oko 2 Street (Mokotów), free entrance, 12 pm. In case of bad weather, the concerts take place inside the Pałac Szustra.

The International Music Festival “Chopin and His Europe”
The second half of August. Concerts are held at different locations in Warsaw: Warsaw Philharmonic, Royal Castle Concert Hall, and the Teatr Wielki – Polish National Opera. Aside from works by Chopin, the repertoire of the Festival includes the music that inspired Chopin, works by younger composers, and the contemporary reception of Chopin’s music. More in English, including the detailed agenda of concerts.

Jewish Culture Festival “Singer’s Warsaw” (Warszawa Singera)
At the turn of August and September. The Jewish culture festival dedicated to Isaac Bashevis Singer: music, theater, film, dance, exhibitions, meetings. Different locations in Warsaw. More in English, including a detailed agenda of events. Facebook page.

A visit to the museum – a good idea to catch up with culture in the chill of the air conditioning
Explore the city with our list of museums and galleries in Warsaw. Click here to read our post about museums and galleries in Warsaw – there’s one to suit every interest and many of them are free to visit. The list includes for example – The Museum for Children, Warsaw Railway Museum, Museum of Modern Art, Museum of Warsaw, POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, Chopin Museum in Warsaw, or Museum of Life under Communism.

Our monthly ‘What’s on in Warsaw’ posts with detailed info on events and things to do in Warsaw in June, July, and August

To help you plan and enjoy your time in Warsaw, we prepare our ‘What’s on in Warsaw’ post every month. These posts include a list of interesting events in Warsaw in a given month, e.g. concerts, fairs, exhibitions, festivals, guided tours. You will also find there new ideas for spending time in Warsaw, for one-day trips around Warsaw or news and updates from the life of the capital.

• What’s on in Warsaw in June.
• What’s on in Warsaw in July.
• What’s on in Warsaw in August.

Please note that these posts are updated before the start of the given month to ensure that the information is as up-to-date as possible.

Subscribe to the Kids in the City’s weekly newsletter in English. The newsletter called What’s on in Warsaw for Kids & Families is emailed every Thursday and covers things to do in Warsaw with children and all kinds of family matters – information, tips, resources in English.

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