Beaches on the Vistula near the boulevards
- Last updated: August 1, 2025
Beaches on the Vistula near the boulevards
- Last updated: August 1, 2025
You could say of the Vistula that it is the 'sea' of Warsaw. A sea that is at your fingertips, with a capital view of the National Stadium, bridges and the wild greenery of the Praga riverbank. Beaches on the Vistula is a summer retreat for locals and tourists, a place to meet, relax and enjoy the city. Sun, sand, deckchairs and the vibrant Vistula Boulevards with their array of culinary and entertainment concepts. What more could you want?
Beaches on the Vistula near the boulevards - sunbathing, frying and relaxing
From the iconic Poniatówki, through the atmospheric Beach at the Dockyard, the family-friendly and slightly wilder Rusalka, to the quiet corners of the Żoliborz and Saska Beaches. Each of them has its own unique character and reason to visit. In the summer they often become the setting for interesting events that bring the community together in a fesival atmosphere. And by day, they are a place for relaxation as well as urban sporting activities. Before you spread out your towel and dip your feet in the Vistula sand, take a look at our beach guide.
In this guide:
Poniatówka
Varsovians do not particularly need to be introduced to one of the best places for a summer holiday in the city. Poniatówka, the city's largest beach As early as the 1920s, it attracted the crowds of residents of the town of Siren. After its revitalisation completed in 2010, it has become the undisputed queen among the city's recreational spaces. This is certainly helped by its location in the shadow of the National Stadium by the historic Poniatowski Bridge. The wide, sandy beach offers numerous amenities. There are free sun loungers, designated barbecue areas, beach volleyball courts, as well as a wooden terrace overlooking the river and the Boulevards on the Vistula. Good infrastructure, catering facilities and toilets ensure comfort even during a longer stay. For the youngest visitors, there is a natural playground inspired by the river, with educational elements and wicker constructions. The nearby natural floodplain forest is an additional attraction for those wishing to come into contact with nature.
During the summer season, the beach is lively, especially at weekends. Concerts, open-air cinema screenings and other cultural events take place here. There is also a Vistula Quarter information point on site. The Pliszka ferry transports passengers to the other side of the river free of charge. Opposite Poniatówka is the wild island, which is famous for its exceptionally soft, light-coloured sand. In the summer, it becomes a favourite stop for kayakers, motorboaters and adventurers on the Vistula. Its natural, untouched character and views of the city skyline create an unforgettable urban jungle atmosphere in the heart of Warsaw.
Plaża przy Płycie Desantu
The beach at the Landing Plate, located at the Czerniakowski headland, is one of the most atmospheric and dynamic places along the Vistula River in Warsaw. Although small, it has a lot to offer to supporters of outdoor recreation. From here, you can watch the river traffic, including canoes, rowing boats and vessels of the Stołeczna Żegluga Pasażerska (Capital Passenger Navigation) entering the Czerniakowski Port. Overlooking the beach is the Glory of the Sappers monument. Opposite, there is a view of the Saska beach and the Słonka ferry running between the banks.
However, the Beach at the Landing Plate is first and foremost an ideal destination for those seeking cultural and entertainment attractions in Warsaw on summer evenings. It is an integral part of the "Vistula Quarter" project, which has been organising various events here for years, such as concerts, theatre performances, silent disco, art workshops or field games. Nearby you will find iconic spots such as the "Miracle on the Vistula", where in high season there is also a open-air cinema. An excellent addition to the riverside recreational offer is the floating on the waters of the harbour, a unique Sauna Vistula. It's a barge that houses a Finnish sauna with the necessary facilities for successful sauntering. From the terrace you have a capital view of the Czerniakowski Harbour pool.
Plaża Rusałka (Praska Plaża Miejska)
Rusalka Beach, also known as Prague City Beach, is one of the most charming places on the right side of the Vistula River. It is famous for its exquisite view of Warsaw's Old Town and the Royal Castle. In summer, at sunset, you can admire peculiar spectacles of light reflecting off the historic buildings. It is a wide, sandy expanse, full of bushes and coves. Nearby is the Warsaw Zooto which a recreational path leads.
Numerous facilities are available on the beach. Beach volleyball courts, barbecue areas, sun lounger hire and refreshment outlets serving a variety of snacks and drinks. On hot days, you can cool down using the water curtain. The gentle shoreline invites you to soak your feet in the pleasantly cool water. In November and December, the Walrus School of the Vistula River District operates on Rusałka Beach, organising weekly meetings for winter swimming enthusiasts. An attraction for the youngest is a playground with a mini water park and a nearby rope park.
In the summer season there is a free shuttle service from Rusalka Beach Wilga ferry. It transports passengers to and from Karski Boulevard. Access to the beach is convenient by public transport. And if, after a lazy sunbathing session, you fancy a bit of urban frenzy, a short walk is all you need. Right next door, the iconic La Playa Club.
Plaża Żoliborz
In the area of Wybrzeże Gdyńskie, where the paved boulevards end, you will find Żoliborz Beach. This intimate place hidden in the shade of trees is very popular with lovers of quiet relaxation by the water. It is located just a 10-minute walk from the Wilson Square metro station. It is an ideal place for families with children. Soft sand, a small playground with swings and a slide and the proximity of nature mean that the youngest can play safely and adults can relax. In the evenings, Żoliborz Beach takes on a completely different character. It becomes a lively place for meetings and entertainment.
During the summer season, there is a daily information and recreation point "Warsaw Beach". Residents and tourists can hire deckchairs, balls, children's toys and obtain information on attractions along the Vistula. Similar points can also be found on Poniatówka, Rusałka, Saska and Romantic Beach or on the boulevard of General George Smith Patton. Every year, as part of the "Zaczytaj się nad Wisłą" action, you can also borrow books from open-air libraries available on selected beaches (including the Żoliborska beach) and boulevards. Enthusiasts of active leisure will appreciate the walking and cycling paths along the river and the opportunity to observe wildlife. In the area you can meet beaver tracks and admire waterfowl. The Spójnia Sports Club, tennis courts and a golf course are also very close by.
Plaża Saska
The area where Saska Beach now stretches was once an island. Today, it is difficult to imagine Saska Kępa without the space, which enhances the attractiveness of this picturesque neighbourhood. One of the assets of the beach is the excellent view of the left bank of the Vistula Boulevards. Here you can feel the proximity to the city centre while retaining the tranquillity and space of the Saska Kępa side. You will find more than 4,000 m² of sandy terrain, surrounded by century-old trees and a picturesque panorama. The drinking water intake on the Vistula is perfectly visible from here - a landmark and architectural curiosity. For years, it has been known as a Fatty Kaśka.
In the separate area of Saxon Beach you will find a bar serving a variety of drinks, including cocktails and fresh juices, as well as food outlets offering grilled dishes or oven-baked pizza. A playground with trampolines, swings and other attractions is available for children. The site is also pet-friendly, thanks to a fenced-off area. Various events such as concerts, cooking workshops and animations for children take place here. The location near the Łazienkowska Footbridge, guarantees easy access for cyclists and walkers. You can also reach it by the Słonka ferry. Saska Beach is a quieter alternative to the more crowded beaches in the city centre. Although there is no shortage of interesting attractions here. After booking your equipment in advance, you can, for example, go to the canoeing or by rowing boat.