The city of Warsaw has a long and complex history, dating back over 1,000 years. While the city was almost totally destroyed during WWII, it has since rebuilt itself from the ruins. Today, Warsaw is a thriving metropolis, with a lively arts scene and rich architecture.

The best way to explore the city is on foot, and there are several free walking tours in Warsaw available to choose from. Whether you want to visit war relics or explore the bustling Jewish ghetto, there's a walking tour for you.

Here's all you need to know about free walking tours, one of the most fun options for sightseeing tours in Warsaw.

How do free walking tours in Warsaw work?

Free walking tours in Warsaw work on a pay-as-you-wish basis. They are free to book and you won't need to pay anything when you arrive. You'll be led through the city on foot, learning about the history and culture of select monuments with a knowledgeable guide on hand to answer any questions. Once you've participated in the tour, you will tip your guide accordingly, depending on how much you enjoyed the excursion.

How much should you tip for a free walking tour in Warsaw?

It is up to you to decide how much to tip your guide at the end of your free walking tour in Warsaw. You should factor in the length of your tour, how knowledgeable your guide was and your overall enjoyment before deciding how much to pay.

Some participants tip €5, while others pay €50. However, most people tip between €10 and €15 per person.

What are the best free walking tours in Warsaw?

Warsaw Old Town and royal route walking tour

This free walking tour in Warsaw explores the UNESCO-listed Old Town, which was named a World Heritage site in 1980. Beginning at Krakowskie Przedmieście, you'll view the bronze statue of Nicolaus Copernicus — a Renaissance mathematician and astronomer who first discovered that the earth orbited the sun.

Moving along the city streets, you'll pass by celebrated buildings including the Royal Castle and the University of Warsaw, before touring the Old Town. This section of Warsaw was heavily bombed in WWII but has been reconstructed in its original medieval style. Throughout your guided walk, you'll witness the unique architecture of St. John's Cathedral, as well as the presidential palace and the famous Sigismund's Column.

Praga district walking tour in Warsaw

The Praga district is full of artistic influence and is considered the most alternative part of Warsaw. You'll start your tour at St. Florian's Cathedral, which is a towering 19th-century building erected in a Gothic Revival style. You'll visit the Monument to Warsaw Praga Street Band, which perfectly epitomizes the city's musical history.

You'll pass through an area of the city, nicknamed Warsaw's 'Bermuda triangle' for its notorious past as a criminal hotspot. You'll see religious monuments from WWII, where worshippers would meet and pray, on your way to Bazar Różyckiego. This market is the oldest in the city, dating back to 1882.

The last monument on this walking tour is the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Mary Magdalene, which is a 19th-century Polish Orthodox church, featuring five cross-topped domes.

LGBTQ+ rainbow free walking tour in Warsaw

This free walking tour in Warsaw is led by a member of the LGBTQ+ community and focuses on the history of equality in the city. You'll learn about the hate the community has endured over the years, and the Equality Parade, which adorns the city in rainbows every May or June.

You'll walk through the Saxon Garden, which is a place of tranquility within the bustle of the city. The end point of your tour is Plac Zbawiciela, where symbols of LGBTQ+ pride have constantly been destroyed by hateful groups.

Despite many setbacks, the square now houses a permanent mark of equal rights — a holographic water feature. Your knowledgeable guide will fill you in on the most welcoming spots in the city for members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Warsaw at war free walking tour

Warsaw was overtaken by German troops in September of 1939, subjecting civilians to over 5 years of Nazi rule. On this historic tour, you'll see the lasting evidence of the Nazi occupation through several monuments. Starting from Sigismund's Column, you'll travel through the city on foot, stopping by the Little Insurgent Monument, which commemorates all the children lost in the city's uprising in 1944.

You'll learn about how young boys were pivotal in Warsaw's freedom, putting their lives on the line in order to claim back independence from Nazi reign. Moving on, you'll visit the Warsaw Rising Monument, as well as the Field Cathedral of the Polish Army. The Grand Theater is also a point of interest along the way and was almost completely destroyed in the 1939 bombings of the city.

The final destination on your walk is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier — representing all the Varsovians who died defending their city.

Jewish walking tours in Warsaw

Warsaw was home to the largest Jewish community in Europe, before the atrocities of WWII. Today, you can tour the Jewish Ghetto and see both the suffering that the community endured, and the rising of the Jewish people from the ashes.

As you amble along the historic streets, you'll be harrowed by the ghetto boundary markers, which dictated where Jewish folk could roam in WWII. Before the war, there were over 3 million Jewish residents residing in Poland, many of whom chose Warsaw as their home. This sizable community is obvious through the rich culture present in the Jewish neighborhood.

Other notable landmarks within this district include the Warsaw Ghetto Museum and the Umschlagplatz Monument, which honors those sent to Nazi concentration camps. While walking tours of the Jewish neighborhood can be distressing, they are also a stark reminder of the past.

In which languages is it operated?

Most free walking tours in Warsaw operate in English. However, it is possible to find tours in Spanish or German. As walking tours grow in popularity throughout Poland, the languages on offer are likely to expand.

Where does it start?

Free tours in Warsaw often begin at the statue of Nicolaus Copernicus, located outside the Staszic Palace on Krakowskie Przedmieście. The statue is situated in the heart of the city and is easy to reach by public transport. Several buses stop opposite the Holy Cross Church, which is just 60 meters from the monument, including Lines 111 and 116.

You will be informed of the meeting place for your chosen tour before booking so that you can plan your route in advance.

How long does it last?

Free walking tours in Warsaw usually last between 2 and 2.5 hours. In this time frame, you can explore part of the city, covering its main monuments. It is best to focus on one area of Warsaw for your tour, such as the Jewish ghetto or Old Town. This will enable you to discover the most renowned attractions within that neighborhood in more detail.

When is the best time to join a free walking tour in Warsaw?

You can join a free walking tour in Warsaw at any time of the year. The city is most pleasant to visit between April and September when temperatures range from a mild 14 degrees Celsius to a balmy 24 degrees Celsius.

Walking tours are the best way to acquaint yourself with a new city, so consider booking your free tour for your first full day in Warsaw.

Should it be booked online?

You should book your free tour in Warsaw online before arriving in the city. This will enable you to secure the time slot of your choice without any hassle. You won't need to roam the city streets, looking for a guide, and best of all, it takes just 2 minutes to secure your booking. Lastly, it's free to reserve your spot on a walking tour and you won't need to input your credit card details.

Free Walking Tours in Warsaw