Warsaw

Warsaw's Best Public Beaches

more than a year ago
As soon as it gets hot in Warsaw, the riverfront bursts to life not only with wildlife, but with locals aiming to chill out on some sand. You wouldn't think it, but the city has some top class public beaches, right within city limits. That's also the cool thing about the city, the banks on each side of the river are completely different - the left bank Vistula Boulevards reflect a sanitised version of a typical city riverfront, whereas the right-bank is wilder, more rugged and looks more like a nature reserve - the party vibe can get a little wild here too! Along both sides of the river, you will find some great public beaches to chill out during the day if the tourist crowds get a bit too much to handle... and a perfect place to chill out with friends in the evening, well into the night... Follow the links for more detailed info, including how to get to each beach.

Praga District Beach (Rusałka)

A Perfect view of the Old Town from Praga District Beach.
 
Known as the Rusałka Beach, Praga district beach, the Zoo beach, or even 'the beach at La Playa' thanks to the fun bar/club/activity area behind, this beach has one of the best views in Warsaw - directly across the river is the Old Town  - a view not to be missed during the day, or for that matter, at night! This is more of a wild beach, so bring your own gear, however, with La Playa just behind you, it's a great place to either chill out or join the party just a stone's throw away. The beach is also where you can get the Vistulan Tourist Ferry Service (during the summer season) to cross the river to get back to the Vistulan Boulevards and the Old Town.
 

Poniatówka Beach

One of the most popular urban beaches in Warsaw: Poniatówka Beach. Photo: M. st. Warszawa.
 
The Poniatówka Beach has its origins in the interwar periods; much like today, as the warmer weather arrives and Varsovians head to the river, back then, the popular choice was to head to Poniatówka to swim and catch some rays! The beach was revived in 2010, and although we wouldn't recommend getting in the water, you can still enjoy the beach with its sunbeds, hammocks and designated areas for starting up a good ole BBQ. In the warmer months, you can cross the river from here using the Vistula Tourist Ferry Service. When in Warsaw, do as the Varsovians do...
 

Saska Kępa Beach

The charming Saska Kępa Beach.
 
A popular beach with both football and volleyball courts, beach chairs and bar. Getting here is equally nice if you choose to walk through the charming Saska Kępa area. From here, you can also jump on the Vistulan Tourist Ferry Service (available in the summer months) to easily cross the river.
 

Żoliborz Beach

So, you want to relax on a quieter beach? Head to Żoliborz beach.
 
Located very near the Warsaw Citadel, Żoliborz Beach is located towards the end of the northern section of the Vistulan Boulevards. Handily, there is a Veturilo city bike station here should you choose to ride here rather than walk or take the bus. As for the beach itself, there is a children's playground, designated barbecue area, deck chairs, wicker chairs, a canoe harbour  and toilets (phew!).
 

Vistula Boulevards

Even the sanitised left-bank Vistula Boulevards have mini beaches for folk to enjoy... Photo: M. st. Warszawa.

It might not look like it, but there is some sand to be found on the boulevards! With a mini-beach and all its other features, Warsaw can now say its riverside boulevard is one of the best in Europe, if not the world; comparable to that of the Thames, the Seine and the Tiber (the then Mayor's words!). Gradually completed in phases, first started at the turn of the 20 century, then enlarged in the late 1930s and 1970s, in 2013 a plan to modernise the boulevards was hatched, and the first section of the revamped boulevards was opened in 2015, followed by further extensions in Jun and Aug 2017, with the latest linking section re-opened in Mar 2019. The new sections are filled with recreational spots, but you can simply choose to either walk, ride a bike, skate the length of the boulevard or if it gets cold, find an indoor riverfront cafe to sit in and enjoy the views.


Zegrze Reservoir

Public Beach and pier in Nieporęt on the Zegrze Reservoir. Photo: Gmina Nieporęt.

OK, you may think we're really stretching it with this one, however, this large body of water, linking 3 nearby rivers: the Vistula, Narew and Wkra, is the summer playground of Varsovians and those living nearby, who wish to get away from the city and enjoy the beaches, bars and water sports. And no wonder, as it's only 20km north-east of Warsaw. To say this place is a place of relaxation may be slightly overstated as when the good weather hits, it's quite a tight squeeze for space! This isn't always the case, and people can't be blamed for wishing to throw themselves in the water when temperatures go above 30ºC! Primarily during Spring-Autumn, the lake is full of yachts and other water faring contraptions, but come winter, the reservoir traffic turns to ice-skating (if you feel brave enough!). The public beach, pier and volleyball pitch in the town of Nieporęt are the most popular attractions, however, if being on a crowded beach is not your thing, the surrounding area has plenty of quiet tourist trails to enjoy.

Warsaw's Best Beaches

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