I think we all know this by now, but it bears raising as a reminder. Before you book any trip in this post-COVID era, make sure to check the travel restrictions for your destination. These change often (and sometimes with no warning). If you want to see everything I got up to during my time in Warsaw, check out the Poland highlights on my instagram page.

Destination: Warsaw, Poland

Season I visited: September

Number of days: Long weekend (arrived on Friday night; left Monday morning)

Know before you go: Poland has not adopted the Euro as its currency. As of the date of this post, the official currency in Poland is the Polish złoty. Keep that in mind when making your travel plans; credit cards were widely accepted but ran into a few more minor spots that preferred cash.

Travel Tip for Warsaw: If you have limited time and want to get as much in as possible, take a walking tour. They are usually free (please make sure to tip your tour guide) and led by locales, so you get tips, sights, recommendations that are likely not in a guidebook or blog post. I signed up for a tour of the Old Tour with Walkative.

Entry requirements: If you have a travel limiting passport, you will need a schlegel visa with multiple entries.

Where I stayed : I stayed at the Novotel Warszawa Centrum, which had incredible views and was within 15 to 20 mins trek or commutes from everywhere on my itinerary. I would stay here again.

Getting around: The transport system is extensive including buses, trains, trams. You can also use taxes or uber type options if you prefer. If you have visited any major city in Europe, then you will have no problems navigating the transport system in Warsaw.

What to see and eat:

Visit the Neon Museum. The neon obsession started from an episode of 99 percent invisible that featured Neon signs. When I saw a Neon Museum in Warsaw, I had to add it to my itinerary. If you enjoy street art, then you will enjoy this museum. As of the date of this post, it is only open Thursday to Sunday, and the entry fee costs 15 PLN ($4).
Explore the old town. There is a lot to see in the old town. I recommend supplementing a wander around with a walking tour to make sure you get the history and see the most important sights in the old town. While in the old town, a few things to look out for for a while: the old town marketplace, Bar Mleczny (aka cafeterias), St John Cathedral, and St Anne's Church.

Tower of St Anne's Church. The Church's tower provides the best view of the old town (and Warsaw), in my opinion. If you can get up there around sunset, the view is spectacular. The interior of the Church is also stunning. At the time of this post, the entry is free, but donations are encouraged.
Eat Polish Dumplings. You don't come to Poland and not try Pierogis; Have them fried or steam, vegetarian or meat lover - try them. After I toured the old town, I treated myself to a platter of Pierogis that also still live rent-free in my head. I think most places in Poland will have decent pierogis, but the ones from Gościniec were incredible.

Visit Muzeum Łazienki Królewskie. You want to plan about four hours to explore, and if you visit on a Sunday in summer, you will experience a Chopin concert at noon. There is a lot to explore on the grounds. Do not miss the old orangery and Royal Theatre; the palace on the isle; and the museum of hunting and horsemanship. Take your time exploring the grounds and the gardens. The entry cost 40 PLN ($11) for adults. Admission is free on Friday.
Visit Warsaw Uprising Museum. This museum to the Warsaw Uprising of 1944. It is a great stop to get a better and deeper understanding of the history of Poland and how it gained its independence. The museum is about a mile from the city center. You are better off taking public transport to arrive here. It cost about 20 PLN ($6). It was a popular stop the weekend I visited. I waited in line for about 30 mins to get to the ticket counter; the line moves very quickly, so be patient if you find a queue when you arrive.

Get a meal at a Bar Mleczny (aka Milk Bar). These are Polish cafeterias providing government-subsidized traditional polish cuisine at low cost. They have been around since 1896 and offer an incredible meal for a great price. Honestly, you could have had every meal at a milk bar. Before visiting one, I recommend doing your research as you will likely not find the menus translated. I had the golabki (meat-filled cabbage rolled smothered in tomato sauce and żurek (Sour soup). Both were delicious; I have not had success recreating them at home. There are several bars still open today - I dined at Bambino.
Visit the Hala Koszyki food court. The Hala Koszyki food court should be on your itinerary if you want international food options or if you appreciate good food. It is also great if you are traveling with picky eaters as it has everything. Even a picky eater can find something they will enjoy. I had a burger from Soul Food and Gelato from Magia d'Italia that live rent-free in my head

Eat Polish Pastries. Do not leave Warsaw without trying out Polish pastries; my favorites were Pączki (kind of like Doughnuts) and szarlotka (Apple pie).