Moving to Warsaw Guide | The British School Warsaw

YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING IN WARSAW

Warsaw is an artistic, cultural, financial, and business hub, which is ranked one of Europe’s most liveable cities.

Perched on the banks of the Vistula River, the city is characterised by magnificent old-world architecture and quaint town squares, with a culture shaped by a fascinating yet turbulent history. Warsaw’s continued evolution into an economic powerhouse, meanwhile, is evidenced by the gleaming skyscrapers that punctuate the skyline.

Relocating to Warsaw, you’ll join a vibrant expat community who come to our city for the excellent and affordable quality of life, great job opportunities, and the sense of community. You’ll also find more than 20,000 acres of parks and woodland to explore – more greenery than any other European city – great entertainment options, and plenty of activities for children.

BEFORE YOU MOVE TO WARSAW

There are lots of things to consider before you relocate to Warsaw. We’ve covered some of the most important below.

Look into visas and work permits

Citizens of EU and/or EEA member states, as well those from a select group of countries (which includes the US, Canada, and Australia), can enter Poland without a visa. However, if you plan to stay for more than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a temporary residence permit. This lasts for two years but can be extended. You’ll need to provide evidence that you’re working, studying, or have family reasons to apply.

Investigate private health insurance

Healthcare in Warsaw is delivered through a mix of public and private services. Public hospitals, clinics, and doctors are available throughout the city, and are accessible to all residents. Most of our families, however, opt to take out private health insurance, which provides access to an ever-growing number of high-quality, private, specialised medical facilities. These offer shorter waiting times and excellent personalised care.

Moving to Warsaw Guide | The British School Warsaw - Copy of Feature Cards Pattern

Find a place to live in Warsaw

The city’s diverse districts offer a variety of housing options for families moving to Warsaw. Sought-after residential areas include Wilanów, Mokotów, and Żoliborz, each offering spacious, high-quality accommodation. You’ll also find high-end, luxurious city centre apartments, close to the action. Whatever your accommodation needs, Warsaw offers an array of great choices.

LIVING IN WARSAW

Our guide to living in Warsaw covers accommodation, transport, and things to do, ensuring you have the information you need to settle into life in the city.

Where to live in Warsaw

Each of Warsaw’s 18 districts has its own distinct charm, from family-friendly residential neighbourhoods like Mokotów to bustling central areas like Śródmieście.

Where to live in Warsaw

When looking for a place to live in Warsaw, you’ll discover a city that has undergone rapid development in recent decades, yet still retains its cultural identity and old-world charm.

The Old Town is Warsaw’s historic core and centre, from which the city spreads out around the Vistula River, across 18 districts. Each district has its own appeal, and you’re sure to find an area or suburb that suits your needs and budget. It’s important, of course, to consider the distance to work and school, as well as nearby amenities and transport links.

Our campus locations

TBS Warsaw has two world-class campuses, which are located just over three miles apart.

Our Early Years campus (for ages 2.5 to 6 years old) is in the Upper Mokotów district, while our Primary and Secondary campus (for children aged 7 to 18) is located slightly to the south, on the edge of Mokotów, in the Sadyba district.

Mokotów, on the west bank of the Vistula River, is one of the most desirable suburbs for families relocating to Warsaw. The area has exceptional public transport links, as well as ease-of-access to great restaurants, parks, and libraries. Housing in Mokotów ranges from large, refurbished pre-war villas to Soviet-era and modern apartment blocks.

Other districts to consider

Wilanów is one of the most exclusive suburbs in Warsaw, and a popular choice for expats, especially those from the diplomatic community. The area boasts exceptional family-friendly credentials thanks to its many parks and amenities. Housing in Wilanów typically consists of upscale developments.

Żoliborz is a charming neighbourhood that’s popular with locals and expats. One of Warsaw’s greenest areas, Żoliborz is home to a wide choice of restaurants and cafés, plus a fantastic weekend food market. Plac Wilsona, one of Warsaw’s most important transport hubs, also sits in Żoliborz, ensuring easy commutes. Accommodation mostly consists of characterful pre-war houses.

Śródmieście is a central district bordered by Żoliborz to the north, Wola to the west, Ochota to the south-west, and Mokotów to the south. The cultural and political centre of Warsaw, Śródmieście houses museums, galleries and parliamentary buildings. It also has excellent transport links. Housing consists mostly of apartments and tends to be more expensive than in other districts.

Getting around

Thanks to a well-established transport system, getting around using Warsaw’s metro and tram lines is quick, cheap, and easy. Many expats do have a car for day and weekend trips outside the city, though!

Getting around

Warsaw has fantastic transport links, with an international airport located just 10km south of the city centre and several international railway stations.

The city’s extensive bus and tram networks, which serve both central areas and the suburbs, are also excellent, making it remarkably easy to get around without a car.

Public transport

Warsaw’s integrated public transport system includes metros, trams, buses, and suburban trains, connecting all 18 districts. Living in Warsaw, you can use multiple forms of transport on one ticket, within a set time. Our families recommend the jakdojade.pl app to navigate the transport network.

Although Warsaw’s metro has just two lines, there are ambitious expansion plans to more than double its size.

The city’s 27-line tram system, meanwhile, is a convenient way to get around the city, and is especially good for sightseeing.

Taxis

Taxis in Warsaw are readily available and relatively inexpensive, particularly when compared to other European cities. Ride-hailing apps, including Uber and Bolt, also operate in the city.

Driving

Driving in Warsaw can be tricky! The city also ranks among Europe’s worst for traffic congestion. This means that, while many families living in Warsaw have a car for exploring beyond the city, they rely on public transport for the daily commute.

Cycling

Cycling in Warsaw has become increasingly popular, as the city develops its bike-friendly infrastructure. Warsaw operates a public bicycle scheme, which has more than 300 stations across all 18 districts.

Walking

Walking in Warsaw is a pleasant way to explore the city, especially pedestrian-friendly areas like the historic Old Town and Krakowskie Przedmieście. The Mariensztat area, down the hill from Old Town, is a particularly excellent place to explore on foot, packed with European charm.

Things to do

The city’s tremendous historical and cultural heritage, love of sports, expansive parks, and burgeoning restaurant and shopping scene mean there’s plenty to do for families relocating to Warsaw.

Things to do

Expat life in Warsaw is friendly, exciting, and charming, and there really is so much to see and do in the city.

History and culture

The Royal Castle in the charming Old Town (Stare Miasto) offers a glimpse into Poland’s past, while the Museum of Modern Art offers a contrast to Warsaw’s historical sites. The National Museum houses an impressive collection of Polish and international art, and locals regularly recommend the Neon Museum and Museum of Satirical Art.

Restaurants

Living in Warsaw, you’ll also discover a burgeoning restaurant scene. You can enjoy a variety of cuisines and dining experiences, from Michelin star restaurants to casual cafés. Poznańska Street is one of the liveliest streets of the central Śródmieście district, with some excellent places to eat.

Shopping

Shopping in Warsaw offers everything from modern malls to vintage boutiques and traditional markets. Mokotowska Street, in the city centre, for example, houses an interesting collection of local boutiques and jewellery shops.

Outdoor activities

Locals and expats love to get outside, particularly in the warmer months. Łazienki Park, Saxon Garden, and Skaryszewski Park offer peaceful retreats for walking, running, or enjoying a picnic. Riverside boulevards stretch from Siekierkowski Bridge through the heart of the city. Water enthusiasts can enjoy the Vistula’s beaches or take a free ferry across the river during the summer.

Sports fans should also check out the impressive Kazimierz Górski National Stadium, home to major sporting events and Poland’s national football team.

Theme parks

Warsaw is home to several water, amusement, and theme parks, which are a great way to spend a day out. Wodny Park, for instance, is one of the most visited water parks in the city. Energylandia, meanwhile, is one of the biggest amusement parks in Poland. It’s famous for its extreme rides, colourful shows, and family-friendly attractions.

NURTURING YOUR CHILD’S POTENTIAL

At The British School Warsaw, your child will join the next generation of creative and resilient global citizens. Your family will receive a warm welcome into our vibrant international community, too.

Learning here, your child will experience an inclusive, rigorous, and high-quality British education, delivered by outstanding teachers in a diverse and caring environment. Our approach, which balances academic excellence with wellbeing, inspires our students to achieve fantastic results. It also sees them flourish as individuals, with the character and values they need for lifelong success.

OUR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the cost of living in Warsaw?

Compared to other European capitals, Warsaw is an affordable place for expats. Key expenses like food and transport cost less, offering an excellent standard of living without the relative expense. You can get great deals on homes and apartments, too, even in the city centre.

What is the weather like in Warsaw?

Warsaw’s continental climate is characterised by cold, snowy winters and mild summers. In winter, temperatures regularly drop below freezing, while January is typically the coldest month.

The summers more than make up for it, though. With temperatures regularly reaching 30°C, you’ll have lots of opportunities to enjoy the city’s parks and many outdoor activities.

Is it easy to connect with other expats living in Warsaw?

Yes, it really is! Meeting people and making friends in Warsaw is straightforward, thanks to the city’s welcoming international community.

Warsaw Global and Meetup Warsaw Social, for example, are two well-established groups that regularly organise meetups, helping both newcomers and long-term residents connect and explore the city together.

Do I need to speak Polish to live in Warsaw?

English is widely spoken in Warsaw. In fact, a recent survey found that just over one-third of Poles can speak English to some degree. The influx of international companies and growing expat community also means that you can often get by in English.

Of course, learning some basic Polish – or committing to regular language classes in the city – will help you integrate into life in Warsaw more quickly. It’ll also help you connect with locals.

MOVING TO WARSAW

YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING IN WARSAW

BEFORE YOU MOVE TO WARSAW

LIVING IN WARSAW

NURTURING YOUR CHILD’S POTENTIAL

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS