How long does it take to walk this nightlife route?

The walk itself takes about 45 minutes of movement, but with stops for photos and drinks, you should budget 2 to 3 hours. The total distance is approximately 2.5 kilometers.

Is a guided tour Warsaw offers necessary to see these neons?

No, you can easily explore these landmarks independently. This self-guided route allows you to see the most iconic signs in the city center at your own pace without a group.

Is Warsaw safe for a solo traveler at night?

Yes, Warsaw is consistently ranked as one of the safest capital cities in Europe. The city center and the areas on this route are well-lit and populated late into the night.

Can I see the actual Neon Museum on this walk?

The main Neon Museum is located in the Praga district (Soho Factory). This walk focuses on the 'living' neons still found on the streets of the City Center, which were part of the original urban design.

Are the bars on this route expensive?

Veles is a premium cocktail bar with higher prices, while Plan B and the bars of Nowy Świat are very budget-friendly and popular with students and locals.

Is the route wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the route follows major city pavements which are generally flat and well-maintained. Most street-level neons can be viewed perfectly from the sidewalk.

What should I wear for a night walk in Warsaw?

Smart-casual is best. While Plan B is very casual, some bars near Three Crosses Square have a slightly more sophisticated dress code.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

2 hr 30 min

Duration

6

Stops

Easy

Difficulty

About This Tour

Warsaw’s soul truly shines when the sun goes down and the neon lights flicker to life. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the intersection of Cold War aesthetics and modern nightlife in the heart of the Polish capital. In the mid-20th century, the city underwent a process known as 'neonization,' a state-led effort to brighten the grey socialist streets with artistic, high-quality light displays. Today, that vintage glow is being preserved and restored alongside a thriving, sophisticated bar scene. On this neighborhood stroll, you’ll traverse the elegant Three Crosses Square, discover hidden speakeasy-style venues, and see the iconic signage that defines the city's visual identity. This walking route Warsaw provides isn't just about history; it's about the energy of the current moment. You'll wander through Nowy Świat, the city’s most famous social artery, and finish at the legendary Plac Zbawiciela, known locally as 'Hipster Square.' Whether you are a photography enthusiast looking for the perfect long-exposure shot or a fan of craft cocktails, this experience offers a deep dive into the electric atmosphere of the city center. It’s the perfect way to explore independently, allowing you to linger at a bar or spend extra time capturing the glow of a restored 1960s sign. Enjoy the freedom of a walking tour Warsaw style, where the history is as vibrant as the nightlife and every corner reveals a story of resilience and creativity. **Note:** This area is known for its ever-changing character. Street art, pop-up venues, and temporary exhibitions may differ from what's described. That's part of the adventure - you might discover something entirely new!

Highlights

The restored 'Siatkarka' (Volleyball Player) neon sign
Hidden speakeasy vibes at Veles Bar
The bustling nightlife of Nowy Świat Street
The historic Orbis building and its socialist modernist architecture
People-watching at Plan B in 'Hipster Square'
The elegant architecture of Three Crosses Square

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (6)

1

Three Crosses Square

Welcome to Three Crosses Square, or Plac Trzech Krzyży. This is one of the most elegant hubs in Warsaw, marking the transition from the Royal Route into the modern city center. Look for the small St. Alexander’s Church in the center, modeled after the Roman Pantheon. By day, this square is a center for luxury fashion, but as night falls, the surrounding side streets come alive with some of the city's most exclusive bars and restaurants. The square's name comes from the crosses atop two columns and the church itself, surviving the heavy destruction of WWII to remain a landmark of Varsovian resilience.

2

Veles Bar

Hidden behind an unassuming door is Veles, a bar named after the ancient Slavic god of the underworld, magic, and oaths. This spot represents the modern 'Golden Age' of Warsaw cocktails. The interior, with its dramatic chandelier and dark wood, feels like a step back into a mythical past. In Warsaw, the speakeasy trend has taken deep root, reflecting a local love for hidden, intimate spaces that contrast with the grand, open boulevards outside. It's a perfect example of how the city uses its historical mystery to fuel a contemporary, world-class nightlife scene.

3

Nowy Świat Street

Nowy Świat, or 'New World Street,' is the pulse of Warsaw's social life. After WWII, this street was meticulously reconstructed to look like its 19th-century self, but today it serves a very modern purpose. As you walk, notice the 'Kawiarnia' (Cafe) signs and the glow from the many 'pawilony'—hidden courtyards filled with budget-friendly bars. This street was a key part of the original 'neonization' plan in the 1950s, designed to give Warsaw a metropolitan, European feel. The energy here is infectious, especially on weekend nights when the street becomes a pedestrian paradise.

4

Neon Museum (Legacy Site)

While the main Neon Museum is located across the river, this area near Krucza Street is home to some of the most famous restored outdoor neons in the city. Look up for the 'Siatkarka' (The Volleyball Player), a 1960 design by Jan Mucharski. During the Cold War, neons in Warsaw weren't for advertising products—since the state owned everything—but for 'prestige and information.' They were designed by the era's leading graphic artists. Today, these neons are beloved cultural icons, representing a unique blend of socialist planning and genuine artistic expression. Note that outdoor neons are subject to maintenance; their glow may vary by night.

5

Orbis S.A.

You are standing before the former headquarters of Orbis, the oldest travel agency in Poland. The building itself is a prime example of socialist modernism. In its heyday, the Orbis globe neon was a symbol of worldliness and the rare opportunity for travel during the communist era. The branding of Orbis was ubiquitous in 20th-century Poland, representing the state's window to the outside world. Today, the building stands as a testament to the mid-century design aesthetic that defined Warsaw's 'electric' period, where architecture and light were used to project a vision of a futuristic, organized society.

6

Plan B

Our walk ends at Plac Zbawiciela, dominated by the Church of the Holiest Saviour, but known to everyone as 'Hipster Square.' The bar Plan B is a local legend, credited with starting the square's reputation as the heart of Warsaw's creative and alternative scene. This area has been the site of significant cultural flashpoints, including the famous 'Rainbow' art installation that once stood in the center. Today, it's the best place in the city to grab a drink, sit on the steps, and soak in the local atmosphere. It is the perfect spot to reflect on the layers of Warsaw—from its religious roots to its neon past and its vibrant, inclusive future.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time is roughly 30 minutes after sunset. This ensures the neons are fully illuminated and the 'blue hour' provides a perfect backdrop for photography.