Warsaw/Western Centre

Wola is immediately to the west of Śródmieście and blends seamlessly with it, the border between them being the Jana Pawła II Avenue.
Wola has been rapidly changing from a former industrial area into a prime business district with office buildings, and modern upscale residential highrises. Wola holds large parts of the area covered by Warsaw Ghetto during the Second World War, and many important places of remembrance can be found there. It also hold Warsaw's most important necropolis, the Powązki, and the Warsaw Rising Museum.
The word wola means "will" in Polish, referring to the fact that the royal elections (yes, Poland's noblemen used to elect their kings, they were not automatically hereditary) took place there over the vast expanses of open spaces it once encompassed.
Ochota is a district of Warsaw. The name means "willingness" or "fancy". It is a relatively small (by area), traditionally residential district. Ochota is further divided into Filtry, Rakowiec, Szczęśliwice and Stara Ochota (Old Ochota), which covers the traditional area of the district.
Żoliborz has traditionally been the intelligentsia district of Warsaw. It is further divided into Stary Żoliborz, Sady Żoliborskie and Marymont-Potok.

Wola

• Main streets parallel to Vistula: ul. Towarowa-ul. Okopowa
• Main streets perpendicular to Vistula: ul. Kasprzaka-ul. Wolska, ul. Leszno-ul. Górczewska

Ochota

• Ochota's northeastern extremity is next to the Dworzec Centralny train station. The Warszawa Zachodnia train station is also within the district.
• Local trains (SKM, Koleje Mazowieckie) will also stop at Warszawa-Reduta and Warszawa-Rakowiec on their way between the city centre and the Warsaw Chopin Airport
• Main streets parallel to Vistula: ul. Żwirki i Wigury, ul. Grójecka-al. Krakowska
• Main streets perpendicular to Vistula: ul. Wawelska-ul. Grzymały-Al. Jerozolimskie
• Trams from the city centre run down Grójecka and Filtrowa streets

Żoliborz

• Main streets parallel to Vistula: Wyb. Gdyńskie, ul. Mickiewicza-ul. Słowackiego, al. Jana Pawła II-ul. Popiełuszki
• Main streets perpendicular to Vistula: ul. Słomińskiego, Trasa Armii Krajowej

By tram

Trams run along Aleja Solidarności and Aleje Jerozolimskie (at the southern border of the district), and between them through Towarowa. Trams 8, 10, 22 and 24 will take you from the centre and the Dworzec Centralny (railway station) to the Rising Museum, 22 also to the Powązki cemetery.
Consult those official tram network maps and schemas for up-to-date information and tram stops: ,

On foot

For the areas closer to the city centre, walking is a reasonable choice and the sights along the way are worth it (especially if you are heading into Chłodna from Plac Bankowy, or walking along Grzybowska). You can even endavour to walk as far as the Warsaw Rising Museum.
Otherwise, Wola becomes a sprawling district with little interest to the tourist beyond specific points of interest. You may walk, but you would be better advised to take advantage of the public transportation.

Museums in Wola

• The Warsaw Rising Museum

  phone: +48 22 539 79 05
  address: ul. Grzybowska 79
  Enormously fascinating, The Warsaw Rising Museum is a moving experience that anyone to Warsaw must visit. This museum will almost certainly not bore anyone, especially with the museum's superb use of multimedia. The museum has bilingual displays in Polish and English. The museum does a good job of explaining the perceived history of the insurgents and the Uprising in the years following the Second World War. If you go on Sunday, they have chapel services at 12:30.

• Muzeum Gazownictwa

  address: ul. Kasprzaka 25
  A museum dedicated to the history of gasworks and provision of municipal gas, aptly located in Warsaw's old gasworks.

• Stacja Muzeum

  address: ul. Towarowa 1
  The railway museum in the former Warszawa Główna (Warsaw Main) train station, a boon for railway buffs.

Powązki Cemetery (Cmentarz Powązkowski)

• Roman Catholic CemeteryContains the St Charles Borromeo Church (Kościół Św. Karola Boromeusza). Famous tombs: Jan Kiepura, Krzysztof Kieślowski, Stanisław Moniuszko, Bolesław Prus, Władysław Reymont.

• Jewish CemeteryFamous tombs: Estera Rachela Kamińska, Isaac Loeb Peretz, Ludwig Zamenhof (the creator of Esperanto). Also contains a symbolic monument to Janusz Korczak (he died in a concentration camp).

• Calvinist CemeteryContains Halperts' Chapel (Kaplica Halpertów). Famous tombs: Wojciech Gerson, Tadeusz Stefan Jaroszewski, Emil Wedel, Szymon Bogumił Zug.

• Lutheran CemeteryFamous tombs: Anna German, Leopold Kronenberg, Józef Simmler, Stefan Żeromski.

• Powązki Communal CemeteryContains the Avenue of the Meritorious (Aleja Zasłużonych), as well as mass graves of the participants of the November Uprising (1830–1831), January Uprising (1863–1864), World War I (1914–1918), Polish-Bolshevik War (1920–1922), World War II (1939–1945) and Warsaw Uprising (1944).

In Ochota

• Pl. NarutowiczaThe streets that radiate from here are worth seeing.

• Filtry LindleyaOccasional tours are organized.

In Żoliborz

• The Citadel

  address: ul. Skazańców 25
  Built during the Russian occupation in the 19th century to keep control over Warsaw. Many participants of the January Uprising, including its leader Romuald Traugutt, were executed there.

• Żoliborz OficerskiResidential district built in the 1920s, renowned for its architecture. Some of the highest housing prices in Warsaw.

• St Stanislaus Kostka Church

  address: ul. Hozjusza 1
  Renowned because of the sermons of Jerzy Popiełuszko, the priest who was later assassinated by the communist regime.

• Church of Virgin Mary, the Queen of Poland

  address: ul. Gdańska 8a
  Has an interesting history. It was built in the 1600s for Queen Marysieńka, then was converted into a hunting residence by King August II the Strong, and turned into a chapel in 1816 and again into a church in the 20th century.

Cinemas

• Silver Screen

  address: ul. Górczewska 124

• Muranów

  phone: +48 22 831 03 58
  address: Ul. Gen. Andersa 1

• Wisła

  phone: +48 22 839 23 65
  address: Pl. Wilsona 2

Theatres

• Komedia, ul. Słowackiego 19a, +48 22 833 68 80

• Teatr Ochoty

  phone: +48 22 825 85 44
  address: ul. Reja 9

Sports

• Szczęśliwicki Park (Park Szczęśliwicki) between ul. Drawska and ul. Włodarzewska is a large green area with some lakes.
• Pole Mokotowskie
• OSiR Żoliborz (swimming pool), ul. Potocka 1, +48 22 832 46 00

• OSiR Ochota

  phone: +48 22 572 90 70
  address: ul. Rokossowska 10

• Mera

  phone: +48 22 823 63 82
  address: ul. Bohaterów Września 6/12

• Hala Sportowa Koło

  phone: +48 22 877 38 99
  address: ul. Obozowa 60

• Frag Factory

  phone: +48 606 292 392
  address: ul. Złota 72
  Set up in an old school building is Frag Factory a three level complex used for paintball warfare. Games last about ten minutes or until one team loses and you'll be divided into teams with other people. Teams will switch starting points after each game. Frag Factory will supply you with a gun, CO2, and suit for only 50 zł.

• Klif

  address: ul. Okopowa 58/72
  A small shopping mall with upscale pretences close to Powązki cemetery, but not easily accessible unless you're driving or have received precise directions
• The Arkadia shopping/entertainment complex in Śródmieście is also close to Powązki.

• Centrum Handlowe Wola Park

  phone: +48 22 533 4000
  address: ul. Górczewska 124
  Shopping mall.

• CH Fort Wola

  phone: +48 22 535 04 80
  address: Ul. Połczyńska 4
  Car-centred shopping mall in a more remote part of Wola.

• Blue City

  address: Al. Jerozolimskie 179
  A large, but somewhat bland mall. Its major advantage against other Warsaw malls is that it is not so crowded.

• CH Reduta

  address: Al. Jerozolimskie 148
  Shopping mall, adjacent to Blue City. Free hot-spot.

Budget

Mid-range

• Żywiciel

  address: pl. Inwalidów 10

• Jeff's

  phone: +48 22 82516 50
  address: ul. Żwirki i Wigury 32
  American style restaurant with the stereotypical road sign novelties posted on the wall. The food is decent, especially for a cuisine that many Polish restaurants fail miserably at cooking. Huge breakfasts are served daily till 10:00 (13:00 at the weekends) for just 10.90 zł.

• T.G.I. Fridays

  phone: +48 22 653 8362
  address: Al. Jana Pawła II 29
  A nice retreat for anyone wanting an restaurant experience that's a bit more American than at other restaurants. It's a tad bit pricey, though, and there are no free refills.

• Chicago's

  phone: +48 22 89 00 999
  address: ul. Żelazna 41
  Chicago's is a Route 66-themed eatery that cooks up typical American fare. Upon first entering the restaurant you'll be greeted by no one and you'll need to impose yourself upon an inattentive staff to be able to order. Although the staff is apathetic and somewhat rude, when they are attending to customers, the kitchen is rather quick and makes basic, but good food. The bar has a fair selection of alcohol to choose from, if the bartender will even greet you. If you want more of an Americanized eatery, but demand decent service head over to T.G.I. Fridays, or, for even better service, go to the Hard Rock Cafe.

• The Inn under the Red Hog

  phone: +48 22 850 3144
  address: Zelazna 68
  This restaurant seems as though it might cater to out of towners, given its ex-Soviet kitschy atmosphere (complete with Communist era-inspired menu), but one can usually find it populated with locals having a get-together on weekend evenings. In those days, the site of the restaurant was an inn which housed many notorious communist dignitaries and other notables. The menu itself is printed in the style of a newspaper (cheaper items under the heading "Proletariat" and higher-priced items "For Dignitaries and Bourgeoisie").

Splurge

• Meltemi ul. Opaczewska 43/1 (Kręgliccy). Greek.

Wine tasting

• Mielżyński

  address: ul. Burakowska 46

Cafes

• Blikle

  address: Pl. Wilsona

Clubs and bars

• Café Strauss Al. Jerozolimskie 45

• Filtry Cafe

  address: ul. Niemcewicza 3
  Good looking interior and tasty coffee

• Club 70

  phone: +48 22 654 71 41
  address: ul. Waliców 9
  Club 70 is a really well done club – the music is a decent mix of 1970s and 80s music, bouncers aren't as hardcore as bouncers at other clubs, and the dedication of the management to fun clubbing makes Club 70 one of the best clubs in Warsaw. If you call Monday - Friday between 10:00-18:00, you can make reservations.

• praCoVnia art club

  phone: +48 22 833 44 50
  address: ul. Popiełuszki 16
  Bar, art gallery, live music. Beers, wines, very tasty coffee, yerba mate, WiFi internet, air condition.
• Luzztro al. Jerozolimskie 60
• Paradise ul. Wawelska 5
• Proxima Żwirki i Wigury 99a

You will find many more accommodation options in the neighbouring district of Śródmieście. Accommodations in Ochota are also convenient for visiting Wola.

Budget

• Syrenka School Youth Hostel

  phone: +48 22 632 88 29
  address: ul. Karolkowa 53a
  An Hostelling International recognized hostel. Like other HI hostels in Poland there is a curfew 00:00-06:00, so don't plan on going out.

• Wilson Hostel Warszawa

  phone: +48 22 8394081
  address: Felinskiego 37

• Astur Camping

  address: ul. Bitwy Warszawskiej 1920 15/17

• Gromada Camping

  phone: +48 22 825 43 91
  address: ul. Żwirki i Wigury 32

Mid-range

• Première Classe

  phone: +48 22 624 08 00
  address: ul. Towarowa 2
  The budget Premiere Classe is in the same building as its Groupe du Louvre sister-branded hotels, Campanile and Golden Tulip (see below). Website and booking in several languages, but not in English.

• Campanile

  phone: +48 22 582 72 00
  address: ul. Towarowa 2
  Campanile is Groupe du Louvre's two-star brand, popular with travellers on a budget.

• Golden Tulip

  phone: +48 22 582 75 00
  address: ul. Towarowa 2
  The former Kyriad Prestige, sharing its building with the Campanile and Premiere Classe, was rebranded to Golden Tulip as per Groupe du Louvre strategy. With three stars, it offers a fitness centre and conference rooms.

• Ibis Warszawa Centrum

  phone: +48 22 520 30 00
  address: Al. Solidarnosci 165
  The oldest Ibis in Warsaw is in a slightly inattractive location, but reasonably close to the city centre and many attractions and easily accessible by public transport and by car.

• Ibis Warszawa Reduta

  phone: +48 22 572 25 00
  address: ul. Bitwy Warszawskiej 16
  A regular "red pillow" Ibis built in 2012 according to the chain's new standards. In a not very touristy location and not close to anything, but manageable with public transport and conveniently accessible by car. There are three other ibis hotels in Warsaw plus two ibis budget hotels, so make sure you do not mistake them.

• Ibis budget Warszawa Reduta

  phone: +48 22 824 05 40
  address: ul. Bitwy Warszawskiej 16
  The super-simple "blue pillow" Ibis budget is next to its "red pillow" sister. It offers the absolutely bare necessities, provides no loyalty points and is only bookable via the Accor and Ibis websites (you will not find it in most directories and booking websites).

• SUITES.PL

  phone: +48 6622 78483
  address: ul. Wlodarzewska 51

Splurge

• Hilton Warsaw Hotel and Convention Centre

  phone: +48 22 356 55 55
  address: Grzybowska 63
  Although it's in Wola, the hotel is very close to the downtown area of Warsaw. A 10- to 15-minute walk will take you to the Centralna train station.

• Westin Warsaw Hotel

  phone: +48 22 450 8000
  address: Al. Jana Pawla II 21
  Another centrally located hotel, a few minutes from the Warszawa Centalna station.

• Radisson Blu Hotel Sobieski

  phone: +48 22 5791000
  address: Plac Artura Zawiszy 1 PL 02-025
  Reviled for its pretentious and garish architecture and style, the Sobieski is a short tram ride from the Central train station and at the end of the road to the airport. The very favorable location with regard to transit is offset by an uninteresting, dull and noisy area it is in.
• There are also many furnished, and some also serviced, apartments in the modern residential highrises close to the city centre, available for both long-term and short-term rentals. Look for them online directly or via booking websites.

Internet

• Teleskop e-cafe

  phone: +48 22 652 25 84
  address: ul. Krochmalna 2
  Internet cafe tucked away on the side street near TGI Fridays, and the Atrium International Business Center buildings.