Warsaw has some top class public beaches
Praga District Beach (Rusałka)
Known as the Rusałka Beach, Praga district beach, the Zoo beach, or even ‘the beach at La Playa’ thanks to the fun bar/club/activity area behind, this beach has one of the best views in Warsaw – directly across the river is the Old Town. This is more of a wild beach, so bring your own gear, however, with La Playa just behind you, it’s a great place to either chill out or join the party just a stone’s throw away. The beach is also where you can get the Vistulan Tourist Ferry Service (during the summer season) to cross the river to get back to the Vistulan Boulevards and the Old Town.
Poniatówka Beach
One of the most popular urban beaches in Warsaw, the Poniatówka Beach has its origins in the interwar period. The beach was revived in 2010, and although we wouldn’t recommend getting in the water, you can still enjoy the beach with its sunbeds, hammocks and designated areas for starting up a good ole BBQ. In the warmer months, you can cross the river from here using the Vistula Tourist Ferry Service.
Saska Kępa Beach
A popular beach with both football and volleyball courts, beach chairs and bar. Getting here is equally nice if you choose to walk through the Saska Kępa area. From here, you can also jump on the Vistulan Tourist Ferry Service (available in the summer months) to easily cross the river.
Żoliborz Beach
Located very near the Warsaw Citadel, Żoliborz Beach is located towards the end of the northern section of the Vistulan Boulevards. There is a Veturilo city bike station here should you choose to ride here rather than walk or take the bus. As for the beach itself, there is a children’s playground, designated barbecue area, deck chairs, wicker chairs, a canoe harbour and toilets.
Vistula Boulevards
Even the sanitised left-bank Vistula Boulevards have beaches. Gradually completed in phases, first started at the turn of the 20 century, then enlarged in the late 1930s and 1970s, in 2013 a plan to modernise the boulevards was hatched, and the first section of the revamped boulevards was opened in 2015, followed by further extensions in June and August 2017, with the latest linking section re-opened in Mar 2019. The new sections are filled with recreational spots, but you can simply choose to either walk, ride a bike, skate the length of the boulevard or if it gets cold, find an indoor riverfront cafe to sit in and enjoy the views.
Zegrze Reservoir
Public Beach and pier in Nieporęt on the Zegrze Reservoir. This large body of water, linking 3 nearby rivers: the Vistula, Narew and Wkra, is the summer playground of Varsovians and those living nearby, who wish to get away from the city and enjoy the beaches, bars and water sports. And no wonder, as it’s only 20km north-east of Warsaw. The lake is full of yachts and other water faring contraptions, but come winter, the reservoir traffic turns to ice-skating (if you feel brave enough!). The public beach, pier and volleyball pitch in the town of Nieporęt are the most popular attractions. You can get there by public transport (SKM).
