When traveling in Warsaw, if you want to wake up in the morning and see the outline of the century-old ancient city wall through the window, and feel the quiet atmosphere of the former kingdom in the night, then choosing an apartment located on the edge of the old town with a view of the ancient city wall is one of the most worthwhile decisions for your trip.
Ⅰ. Why choose “ancient city wall view apartment”?
1. Fusion of history and life
The Old Town of Warsaw (Stare Miasto) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was almost completely destroyed during World War II and was later rebuilt according to 18th-century paintings. It has now become a model of historical reconstruction in Europe. Living near the ancient city wall, you can not only feel the rich cultural atmosphere, but also truly walk into the historical trajectory of the Polish nation.
2. Excellent geographical location
The Old Town of Warsaw is located in the north of the city center, with convenient transportation to both the Central Railway Station (Warszawa Centralna) and the airport. The nearby Palace Square, Castle Street and the Vistula River are all popular tourist attractions.
3. Safety and atmosphere
Compared with the modern fast pace of the new city area, the area around the old city is more suitable for enjoying life in peace and quiet. It is quiet at night and the streets are clean, suitable for couples, photographers and in-depth travel enthusiasts.
Ⅱ. Recommended accommodation
1. Dom Literatury Apartments
Hotel History and Overview
Dom Literatury was built in the 1950s and was originally the seat of the Polish National Writers Association. It has now been converted into a serviced apartment, retaining a large number of original architectural details and interior decorations. It has both a literary atmosphere and the historical weight of the old town. Some guest room windows face the Old Town Square and the ancient city wall.
Location and Transportation Conditions
Address: Krakowskie Przedmieście 87/89, 00-079 Warszawa
Metro: 10 minutes from Nowy Świat-Uniwersytet metro station is about 600 meters away
Bus: There are many bus lines nearby, which go directly to the city center, the airport and Warsaw Railway Station
Expenses
Off-season price per night is about: RMB 380-500
Peak season (July-August) price is about: RMB 580-750
Long-term stay discount: 10% off for stays of more than 7 nights, suitable for in-depth travelers
Surrounding attractions
Warsaw Royal Palace (2 minutes walk)
Sigmund Column (1 minute walk)
Mazurkei Square and Market Square (3 minutes walk)
Booking platform
Booking.com (free cancellation)
Agoda (supports Chinese interface)
Suitable groups
Couples: First choice for romantic night views
Cultural travelers: Those interested in history and literature
Single travelers: Those who seek independent and quiet accommodation space
2. Castle Inn Warsaw
Hotel history and overview
Castle Inn Located directly at the corner of the Royal Palace Square, the building was built in the 19th century and combines Gothic and Baroque styles. The apartment rooms have different themes, including “Royal Room”, “Modern Poland”, “Knight’s Memories”, etc., which are very unique.
Location and transportation conditions
Address: Świętojańska 2, 00-288 Warszawa
Metro: Ratusz Arsenał Station, about 12 minutes walk
Airport bus: Take bus No. 175 to get to the hotel
Expenses
Off-season, about 450 RMB per night
Peak season, about 720 RMB per night
Special theme rooms (such as balcony rooms with city wall views) add about 100 RMB per night
Surrounding attractions
St. John’s Cathedral (just outside the door)
Ancient city walls and Barbican Defense Tower (3 minutes walk)
Vistula Riverside Promenade (10 minutes walk)
Booking platform
Expedia (suitable for European and American tourists, flexible prices)
Trip.com (Chinese support, suitable for Asian travelers)
Suitable people
Photography enthusiasts: balcony is the viewfinder
Family travel: multiple connecting rooms
Art travelers: appreciate retro decorations and original paintings
3. P&O Apartments Old Town
Hotel History and Overview
P&O is a well-known short-term rental service chain in Poland. Many of its apartments in the old town are close to the ancient city walls, and some are even located in cultural relics protection buildings next to the ruins of the city walls. The decoration style is modern but retains the original wooden floor and old window frames.
Location and transportation conditions
Addresses are distributed in Podwale, Freta, Świętojerska and other blocks
Public transportation: subway, city electricity, and bus are all within 1 km
Self-driving: There are public parking spaces nearby, suitable for self-driving travelers
Expenses
Off-season: about 300-450 yuan/night
Peak season: about 580-780 yuan/night
Suitable for long-term rental: monthly rent is negotiable, supporting office and residential use
Surrounding attractions
Ancient city wall ruins (downstairs)
Maria statue and defense tower (5 minutes walk)
Art bookstores and independent cafes on Freta Street
Booking platform
Airbnb (supports Chinese and English interfaces, suitable for personalized selection)
VRBO: Suitable for European and American travelers to book long-term accommodation
Suitable people
Digital nomads: high-speed Wi-Fi, fully equipped desks
Small families: complete kitchen equipment
Travel bloggers: excellent location, convenient for framing and shooting
Ⅲ. Practical Tips: Things You Need to Pay Attention to When Choosing an Apartment
1. Check the Window Direction: Don’t Let the Historical Scenery Be “Sealed”
Although many apartments in the old town are advertised as “located in the old town”, not every room can see the city wall or square. Many rooms face the inner courtyard or patio, and the view is dull. In order to avoid being “trapped in the wall”, it is recommended to confirm the window direction with the landlord in advance, especially to give priority to rooms marked with “city view”, “towards castle”, “old town square facing”, so that you can enjoy the beautiful view of the old town in the early morning or at dusk.
2. Choose a high-rise room: double guarantee of quietness and view
Buildings in the old town of Warsaw are usually not high, generally 3 to 5 floors. If you choose to live in a room above the 3rd floor, you can avoid the noise interference caused by street bars, tourists and pedestrians, and enjoy a more peaceful living experience. At the same time, higher floors can also provide a wider view, whether it is to watch the whole city during the day or overlook the lights of the old town at night, it is a rare beauty. For travelers who like to take pictures of sunrises and sunsets or feel the atmosphere of the city, high-rise rooms are especially suitable.
3. Pay attention to whether there is an elevator: Luggage-carrying people should consider carefully
Many apartments in the Old Town of Warsaw are historical buildings or renovated buildings. Most of these buildings are not equipped with elevators, especially in those traditional-style houses, where the stairs may be steep. If you are a tourist with large luggage, or you are traveling with the elderly and people with limited mobility, it is recommended to pay special attention to whether the house is marked with “lift/elevator” facilities. If there is no elevator, it is best to ask the customer service in advance to confirm to avoid inconvenience when you arrive.
4. Kitchen and breakfast: enhance the sense of life in the travel
For travelers who plan to stay for a long time or those who like to cook for themselves, apartments with kitchens are more attractive. Some apartments provide refrigerators, stoves, microwaves and basic kitchenware, which are suitable for tourists who like to visit local markets and cook for themselves. For travelers who don’t want to eat out or don’t want to go out for breakfast in the morning, choosing an apartment with breakfast is also a good choice, so that they can start the day more conveniently.
5. Whether it supports 24-hour self-check-in
If you are taking a night flight or expect to arrive in Warsaw late at night, choosing an apartment that supports “self check-in” will bring you great convenience. Many apartments now use password door locks or key box systems, allowing you to easily check in at any time. Remember to contact the landlord in advance to confirm the access control method and ask if there is an emergency contact or customer service support, just in case.
6. Whether the supporting facilities are complete
Apartments in the old town are sometimes converted from independent houses, and these apartments may not have the same service facilities as hotels. When booking, be sure to check whether the apartment is equipped with Wi-Fi, washing machines, heating, air conditioning and other equipment. Especially in summer, air conditioning becomes a must-have facility; in winter, the heating system should not be ignored to ensure that you can spend the entire stay in comfort.
Traveling should not be just a quick visit. If you can get close to a city while living there, it will be another kind of profound integration. Living in a Warsaw apartment with a view of the ancient city wall is not just a stay, but also a cultural experience spanning centuries. On the stone bricks, under the windowsill, every time you open the window, it is a dialogue: the past and the present, you and the city.
Next time you come to Warsaw, you might as well choose to stay by the city wall and wake up in the silent history together.