Warsaw, the capital city of Poland, is a city that was built up, nearly completely flattened, and then built up from the rubble once again. Once known as the “Paris of the East,” Warsaw used to be one of the most gorgeous cities in Eastern Europe until it was nearly entirely destroyed by a series of bombings during World War II (in fact, around 85% of the city was eliminated in 1945). However, in the decades that have passed since the war, Warsaw has rebuilt itself into a beautiful and vibrant city with tons of activities to do and sights to see.
And while you’d probably never be able to tell that the city had been decimated by walking through the streets today, there are still a ton of museums and memorials to the suffering and destruction that World War II caused to the city of Warsaw. Not all of Warsaw’s history is dark, though; the city once served as the de facto capital of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and later as the seat of Napoleon’s Duchy of Warsaw when the French Empire was the most powerful empire in Europe. Warsaw is a city filled to the brim with fascinating historical monuments as well as great food, nightlife, and plenty of friendly locals to chat with. If you’re planning a trip to Warsaw, the absolute best way to get to know the city is by hiring a motorcycle and riding around the streets.
Here is everything you need to know about hiring a motorcycle in Warsaw. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a scooter. This guide includes:
- Whether it’s safe to hire a motorbike in Warsaw
- Whether you need an international driving permit to rent a motorbike in Poland
- The best places to find motorcycle rental in Warsaw
- The average cost of motorcycle hire in Warsaw
- The best things to do in Warsaw by motorcycle
Are There Any Safety Issues With Hiring a Motorcycle in Warsaw?
Road conditions in Poland are notoriously rough and can be dangerous if you aren’t careful. However, with Warsaw being the capital city and most well-developed part of Poland, the roads are a bit better than in the rest of the country. Still, you should practice extreme caution when driving in Poland. You should always drive slowly and look out for potholes, pedestrians, cyclists, and trucks, especially if you’re driving after dark.
One disadvantage that Warsaw has when compared to the rest of the country, though, is that traffic can get really bad in the city, particularly around rush hour. If you find yourself sitting in traffic on your rental motorcycle, do not try to weave through the cars to get to your destination more quickly. Take your time and remember to obey the rules of the road. If you drive carefully and alertly, you should have a great experience driving a motorcycle in Warsaw. But, if you choose to drive impatiently and recklessly, you could find yourself in a very bad situation.
Do You Need an International Driving Permit to Hire a Motorcycle in Poland?
If you’re wondering whether or not you’ll need to get an international driving permit to rent a motorcycle in Poland, the answer is most definitely yes. Driving without an IDP in Poland can result in a very large fine if you’re pulled over by police and fail to present it. To stay on the safe side, it’s definitely a good idea to get an IDP before renting a motorcycle in Poland.
In order to get an international driving permit, you should apply online here at least two weeks before departing from your home country; it usually takes about two weeks for the permit to arrive in the mail. There is a $20 application fee that you’ll have to pay. Once you get your IDP, it will be valid for one full year.
Where Are the Best Places to Find Motorcycle Hire in Warsaw?
If you plan on flying into Warsaw Chopin Airport, the city’s main airport located on the southwest periphery of the metropolitan area, then you may be able to find a motorbike rental company that will deliver your motorbike right to your airport terminal. Additionally, there are several motorcycle hire shops located rather close to the airport. However, if you want to hire a motorcycle after arriving at your accommodation within the city, there are several areas that have greater concentrations of rental shops than others.
A good place to start your search for motorbike hire is to head over to the Mlynow area of Warsaw, just to the east of Mlynow Park. Another good place to look is near the Palace of Culture and Science, which is located right by the Mirow section of the city. And,.of course, you can always search online for the motorcycle hire shop closest to your hotel or hostel.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Motorbike in Warsaw?
Compared to many of the other countries in Europe, everything in Poland is quite cheap, including the price of motorcycle rental. If you’re looking to rent a proper motorcycle for a day, like a Yamaha Tracer 700, you can expect to pay as little as €30. If someone is trying to charge you a whole lot more than that, you should walk away and find another renter. If you want to go even cheaper, you can rent a motor scooter, such as a Yamaha Tricity 125, you’re looking at paying €16 per day on the lower end. Of course, if you want to spend more money and get a more powerful motorcycle, they are also available all over Warsaw.
When renting your motorbike, you should shoul;d make sure that your rental shop includes insurance and helmet rental in the stated price. You should never ride a motorcycle in a foreign country without insurance coverage. And, if you’re planning to stay in Warsaw for longer than a week, you should inquire at your rental shop about discounts for weekly or monthly rentals.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Warsaw by Motorcycle?
Now that you have all the necessary knowledge for renting a motorcycle in Warsaw, Poland, here are some of the very best things to do in the city with your rented motorcycle:
Royal Way
Probably the most well-known street in the entire city of Warsaw is the Royal Way, and for good reason. This street is full of things to look at, things to do, and people to meet. You could walk the entire length of the Royal Way in about 30 minutes if you don’t stop; however, the best way to enjoy this attraction is by taking your time and exploring.
Make sure you take some time to stop at Copernicus Square and pay homage to the astronomer who first hypothesized that the Sun was at the center of our galaxy rather than the Earth. You should also stop by the Church of the Holy Cross, which is an amazing example of Polish architecture and is famous for housing the heart of Polish-born composer Chopin in one of its pillars.
Old Town
When you make your way to the end of the Royal Way, you’ll find yourself in one of the most historic and interesting parts of Warsaw: Old Town. One of the first things you should do when you get there is to climb the 150 stairs to the top of Old Town Observation Tower, which offers the best view in all of Warsaw. From the top, you watch the streetlife on Royal Way or gaze upon the beautiful Castle Square.
While you’re in Old Town, you should also make a stop by the Adam Mickiewicz Museum of Literature, dedicated to probably the most famous writer to come out of Poland. The Historical Museum of Warsaw is also a fantastic place in Old Town to learn about the history of the city and the entire country of Poland.
Royal Castle
For less than €7, you can tour the Royal Castle, one of the most stunning examples of interior decoration in all of Eastern Europe. Sure, the castle may look slightly plain from the outside; however, get ready for your jaw to drop once you walk through the doors. In fact, you can even see two paintings by the famous artist Rembrandt inside.
The castle was completely destroyed by the Nazis during World War II, but has since been rebuilt to surpass its former glory. The Royal Castle is located in Castle Square (hence the name) and sits right at the entrance to Old Town. Both the Royal Castle and Old Town have since been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore Warsaw on Wheels
The previous travel guide only scratches the surface of all that there is to do in Warsaw. If you really want to get to know the city, the best way to do so is to rent a motorbike and explore every nook and cranny of Warsaw on your own time.
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