Areas and Suburbs in Warsaw

The best places to live in Warsaw

Finding the best places to live in Warsaw means discovering a city that has witnessed rapid development in recent decades while maintaining its charm through eclectic architecture, where ancient buildings sit alongside shiny, modern skyscrapers.

The Old Town forms the historic core and city centre, with Warsaw spreading out on either side of the Vistula River into 18 distinct districts. Each district offers its own appeal, and you’re sure to find an area or suburb of Warsaw that suits your needs and budget.

When deciding on a neighbourhood to call home in Warsaw, consider the distance to your place of work, your children’s schools and access to public transport as the three most important factors. Other considerations include your budget, lifestyle, and proximity to good schools if moving with children.

Renting Accommodation in Warsaw

Below are some of the most popular districts of Warsaw for expats.

Central areas in Warsaw

Śródmieście

Śródmieście forms the city’s bustling heart, bordered by Żoliborz to the north, Wola to the west, Ochota to the south-west, and Mokotów to the south. As the cultural and political centre, it houses many museums, galleries and parliamentary buildings. The district received a major cultural boost with the recent opening of the Museum of Modern Art, ending the institution’s 20-year wait for a permanent home.

Living in Śródmieście means enjoying top-notch public transport with two metro lines running until midnight on weekdays and 3 am on weekends. The trade-off for all this excitement is the noise – you might tire of the constant traffic and activity. Housing consists mostly of apartments and tends to be more expensive than in other Warsaw districts.

Lifestyle and Attractions in Warsaw

Powiśle

Powiśle has transformed from a working-class neighbourhood to one of the city’s coolest districts. Located between the Vistula River and its escarpment, this riverside gem balances urban living with natural beauty. The area’s crown jewel is Elektrownia Powiśle, a revitalised power plant now housing over 70 boutiques, restaurants, and cultural spaces while preserving its industrial character.

The Vistula Boulevards form the neighbourhood’s eastern edge, offering waterside pubs, seasonal attractions, and weekend light shows in summer. Students and young professionals flock to Powiśle for its hipster vibe. Housing consists primarily of apartments in both historic renovated buildings and sleek new developments, all with excellent transport links to the wider city.

Family-friendly suburbs in Warsaw

Wilanów

Wilanów is one of the most exclusive suburbs and remains a popular choice for expats, especially those from the diplomatic community. The area boasts exceptional family-friendly credentials with its many parks. Transport has improved dramatically with the opening of a new tram route connecting Wilanów to the city centre.

Education options shine in Wilanów with several international and bilingual schools to choose from. Housing in this prestigious district consists primarily of upscale developments. Despite the premium prices, the district’s green spaces, quality amenities, and improved connectivity continue to attract high-earning families.

Mokotów

Mokotów sits on the west bank of the Vistula River and ranks as one of the most desirable suburbs for expats. Its convenient location is close to the city centre and has excellent public transport links. You’ll have access to great entertainment, restaurants, parks and libraries. Housing in Mokotów features diverse options, ranging from large pre-war villas to Soviet-era and modern apartment blocks.

Żoliborz

Żoliborz is a charming neighbourhood popular with locals and expats. As one of Warsaw’s greenest areas, it features a variety of restaurants and cafés, plus a fantastic weekend food market at Skwer Śmiała. Plac Wilsona, one of Warsaw’s most important transport hubs and perhaps its most beautiful metro station, sits in Żoliborz, ensuring easy commutes. Accommodation here consists mostly of characterful pre-war houses.

Up-and-coming areas in Warsaw

Ursynów

Ursynów has evolved from an up-and-coming area to an established residential district of Warsaw. Home to the International American School of Warsaw and with great transport links to the city centre via the M1 metro line, it’s a popular choice for young professionals and families. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate living in Ursynów because of its many fitness clubs, parks, and football fields.

Wola

Wola represents the city’s most rapidly developing district, just west of the city centre. Once an industrial zone, it now hosts Warsaw’s expanding business district with sleek office towers and modern residential complexes. The area has excellent transport links, including the M2 metro line. Housing options range from renovated factory lofts to high-rise apartment buildings, attracting young professionals.

Praga-Południe

Praga-Południe offers an alternative vibe with its ongoing gentrification, bringing a combination of authentic local character and trendy new spots. More affordable than the central districts, this right-bank neighbourhood connects to the city centre via bridges and public transport. The area features a mix of pre-war buildings, communist-era blocks, and new developments. Artists and creative types appreciate the district’s raw energy, and families value its relative affordability and growing number of amenities.