Bars on the Vistula Boulevards
A mega-guide to Warsaw's Vistula boulevards
- Last updated: August 1, 2025
Bars on the Vistula Boulevards
A mega-guide to Warsaw's Vistula boulevards
- Last updated: August 1, 2025
Where in Warsaw does summer taste best? By the Vistula River, of course! Throw off your suit, suit or any other uniform, put on your sunglasses and simply go for a drink. Bars on the Vistula Boulevards are energetic spots where a whole cross-section of the city meets. From creative freelancers to late-night dancers, from tourists with a map to regulars with their own deckchair.
Bars on the Vistula boulevards - kraft, classics and cocktails mixed with a holiday vibe
Here you will find iconic bars serving cold beer in the shade of umbrellas, well-known and well-liked drinks, as well as exotic compositions and other sophisticated drinks. A unique place on the Warsaw map means unique rules. The Vistula Boulevards are an exception to the general ban on drinking alcohol in public places. Locals know this very well, and we would like to inform tourists that they can legally refresh themselves with an open-air brew within the boulevards, also outside the gastro pubs.
Bars on the Vistula are often part of larger entertainment complexes. Tasty food and excellent entertainment await you here, and the evening flows seamlessly into the dawn. Don't think any longer about where to go for a drink in Warsaw. Bulwary is a must-visit destination for a summer chill.
In this guide:
Plac Zabaw nad Wisłą
Vistula Boulevards in Warsaw every season have something new to offer residents. At the same time, every spring, iconic spots come to life, one of which is certainly the Vistula River Playground. It is one of the most recognisable and popular summer spaces in the city. It is located on Grzymały-Siedleckiego Boulevard, next to BarKi and in the neighbourhood of the Copernicus Science Centre. At more than 2,000 m², you will find a good range of street food - several food outlets (including vege food), two bars, including no percentages. One of the concepts operating here is BAM Korean Street Food serving, among other things, Korean Fried Chicken.
The Playground stands out for its interesting and varied cultural offer. Summer open-air cinemaconcerts, workshops, improvisations, performances and other educational and social events - always with free admission. Summer Thursdays are marked by a tried and tested formula. Lado in the City. As the Facebook posts proclaim, it's an (anti-)fest with non-obvious concert line-ups. The perfect party warm-up before the weekend.
The Playground is much more than bar on the Vistula - is a social space where you will feel a real urban looseness. Afternoon relaxation on sun loungers in the lounge area blends seamlessly here with evening gatherings around beer, wine or non-alcoholic drinks.
Rooftop Bar w DOCK19 by Mateusz Gessler
Situated at the top of the DOCK19 by Mateusz Gessler restaurant Rooftop Bar teems with energy and holiday flair. It is a natural extension of Boris Kudlicki's unique design space. The other areas - the main hall, the conservatory and the cocktail bar - are open all year round. The 120-seat Rooftop, on the other hand, is only available during the summer season.
The view from the roof of the Powisle Power Station is one of the most beautiful in the entire city. Especially at sunset or by the light of the garlands after dark. In sight you have the river, the centrally located Boulevards on the Vistula and the rooftops of Prague and the Old Town in the background. This landscape perfectly matches the comfort provided by the holiday boho zone. Comfortable sofas, cushions, soft blankets and plants in pots await guests here. After 10pm, the space takes on a more clubby vibe - with a DJ, cocktails and a tapas menu until late. Here you can count on both relaxing classics with percentages, such as the Aperol Spritz, but also original concoctions. Including Cotton Candy - A sweet hit with Bombay gin, peach liqueur, pineapple juice and... candyfloss. The Rooftop Bar at DOCK19 is perfect for a casual after work as well as a night out with friends.
Schodki bar
The Steps is the most informal and spontaneous bar on the boulevards. The concrete steps of the steps right next to the water attract crowds, creating a unique, almost festival atmosphere, especially when the sun hides behind the horizon. The bar towering over the steps guarantees an excellent supply of drinks of all kinds. If you want to feel the pulse of Warsaw at night, overlooking the river is the right destination. A place where young people, tourists and locals - without selection - come together for conversation, drinks, musical performances and improvisations. It's authentic, egalitarian space without dress codes or price barriers. You can also sit here with your own food and drink, including upscale drinks.
Right next to the Steps mooring barge WIR. Although operating independently, the two venues form a cohesive whole of a popular urban spot. During music events held on the barge, the Steps become an audience of sorts. At WIRA, you'll find an outlet of the well-known Bobby Burger chain. You can consume a juicy burger, onion rings or nachos with a deep dish on the barge or move to the Steps.
Kōhana Rum & Kitchen
Kōhana Rum & Kitchen is a tropical stop on the boulevard map. The restaurant and bar on the Vistula fuses Mexican, Hawaiian and Caribbean cuisines to tempt guests with holiday flair and an impressive collection of rums. Here you will taste unique spirits from all over the world. From the spicy Canerock from Jamaica, to the exotic Ryoma from Japan, to the beneficial Saint Benevolence from Haiti. Each with a unique character and history. Also on the menu are a variety of cocktails, often based on rum. In addition, a sugar cane pressing machine, unique in the country, is used here. The menu is a combination of juicy tacos, poke bowls and other dishes inspired by warm regions.
The palm tree design, casual but polished aesthetic and spacious garden overlooking the water put guests in a fantastic mood. Kōhana Rum & Kitchen is the perfect spot for a summer evening - especially as the bar offers DJ sets and evenings of live Cuban music. Kōhana is housed in the modern The Tides building. Organisationally, it is connected to the restaurant West Bank in a Middle Eastern climate.
Grunt i Woda
Land and Water is a place whose activities have a dual character. During the day it functions as a green oasis suitable for relaxation, but also recreation and creativity. On selected Saturdays from noon to 3 pm, you can join the Good Vibrations Morning with DJ sets and stretching. Culinary workshops for children, on the other hand, take place on selected Sundays. If you like creating "beautiful things" you can take part in green workshops. There is also an outdoor cinema. It is worth mentioning that Grunt and Water is a pet and cyclist-friendly place. The whole area has been designed with safe recreation in nature in mind.
In the evening, the venue transforms into an entertainment centre. Dance Cuban rhythms, Friday night dance parties as part of "breaking the mundane" or saturday party until three in the morning. A great opportunity to meet new people and share positive vibes and smiles. The restaurant's menu features tacos, quesadillas and burritos with several options to choose from, including pork, chorizo, chicken and also vege. The drinks menu has everything from A to Z. Coffee and tea, fruit smoothies, beers, wines, cocktails, including non-alcoholic ones, shots and a variety of drinks.
With the premises of Grunt and Water, it is easy to dissect the summer day on the Vistula. From relaxing in the morning to scrambling to the rhythm of outdoor music in the evening. It's best to see for yourself how it works.
Cud nad Wisłą
Miraculum integrating the city's residents and visitors who have taken to the Vistula River Boulevards. A wonderful place with soul - a combination of bar, club, party room and open-air stage. All this surrounded by greenery, overlooking the river and with a laid-back vibe. Since 2010, Cud nad Wisłą has been attracting people looking for interesting cultural events and creative entertainment. Good concerts and musical events, such as the ever-growing popularity of the - silent discoThese are just some of the proposals. Cinema lovers will be delighted by film screenings as part of the CUDOWY KINEMA outdoor cinema. In turn, the Superbet Poland Zone invites fans of board games and sports games. If you are wondering, what to do on the Vistula River in Warsaw on a summer's evening The Miracle really gives you a lot of options.
There is also no shortage of food and drink, importantly at decent prices. "Food by Miracle" is a compilation of the most popular snacks and dishes. Here you'll eat Belgian and yam fritters, chicken wings, a traditional Italian finger food - grissino grande - and several types of pizza. Much more impressive is the drinks menu. "Wonderful cocktails" are organised by base. You can opt for a cocktail by Martini, Bacardi, Amundsen, Red Bull or another. Bottled and cask beers, wines, rums, liqueurs, Tequila and Gin. There is also no shortage of proposals without percentages and traditional coffee and tea. Miracle on the Vistula is definitely a strong point on the boulevard entertainment map.
Kandela Bar
Elegant bar On the banks of the Vistula River in Warsaw - Kandela - is a proposal for those looking for a classy place. The space exudes luxury - leather armchairs, an illuminated onyx ceiling and a copper bar counter create a cosy but sophisticated atmosphere. Kandela Bar can be found in the north wing Food Hall on the ground floor of Elektrownia Powiśle. The premises are an integral part of the vibrant, open concept. This means that when you visit Kandela you have access to the entertainment on offer. And, as you know, there is always something interesting going on at the Power Station. Especially in summer, when Warsaw's boulevards become a top destination.
The bar offers classic cocktails such as the Aperol Spritz, Mojito or Cosmopolitan, as well as original compositions and coffee drinks. Here you can count on careful wine selection, whiskies, gins and top-shelf rums. You'll also find mocktails and hot drinks on the menu. If you're planning an evening out with friends or meeting in an atmospheric setting, Kandela Bar in the Food Hall is a worthy, stylish option.
Szerokie Bary
Summer carefree and lively energy - That's what you can expect at Szeroki Bars. This is one of the friendliest spaces on the southern section of Warsaw's Vistula Flotilla Boulevard. You'll find it a little off the main pedestrian streets, but that's what gives it a laid-back feel and total summer chill.
From the afternoon until late at night, you can count on a variety of activities here. Yoga on the Vistula, PubQuiz - a two-hour team competition full of excitement and fun. And at weekends events with DJ sets ranging from house to funk and disco. You're in for a good dose of entertainment and dancing on the open-air dancefloor. If you're looking to expand your circle of friends, a weekend party at Szerokie Bars is a good idea. All surrounded by greenery, overlooking bridges and city lights. Wide Bars also has a solid stock of spirits. There's vodka, rum, whisky, gin, tequila, as well as Summer Mix Shots and more. There's also no shortage of seasonal snacks.
Miami Wars
At the very end of the Czerniakowski headland, from May to September, Miami Wars awaits locals and visitors thirsty for sommer vibes. The open-air club is heavily involved in promoting active time spent on the Vistula. Various aquatic and cultural initiatives take place here, including concerts and vinyl sales. Miami Wars also organises cruises, mainly on motor boats, 'dinners on the Vistula', and special events.
Where to eat on the Vistula? Two gastrobars run by experienced partners await you in Miami Wars. You will find a decent range of street food on the Vistula boulevards. Grikk offers snacks, including crispy calamari with chilli and tzatziki or Greek-style fries with, for example, feta and oregano. Of the more filling items, you can choose, for example, the Gyros Plate - a set with grilled pork, fries, Greek salad and sauces - or the pita. The second concept, on the other hand, Pattrick's invites you for, among other things, burgers including shrimp or crispy chicken leg with grilled toppings. Miami Wars main bar - Prosecco & Rum Bar, as the name suggests, specialises in cocktails based on prosecco and rum.
Miami Wars consists of several independent spaces. The lower level is a chillout area with sun loungers right on the shoreline. The upper terrace offers ready-made fire pits. The green meadow, overlooking Saxon Beach, is a suitable place for picnics, relaxation and campfires.
La Playa Music Bar
La Playa is an exotic paradise in the city. It is located on the Prague side of the river, so after sunset here you can enjoy a phenomenal view of the Old Town and the Royal Castle located on the other side of the Vistula. However, the city skyline, while tempting, is not the main lure that attracts Varsovians and tourists to La Playa.
During the day, the site offers mainly holiday relaxation. You can lie comfortably on a sun lounger, play beach volleyball or take part in organised activities. Or even work remotely if necessary. After dark, La Playa changes its face. It becomes a nightclub and a real party house on the Vistula. A mix of hot hits oozes from the speakers. It's loud and very danceable. Latin fiesta salsa, bachata and merengue rhythms, under the stars and on the sand are the Sunday offer. You can also count on similar parties here during the week. Professional bartenders serve delicious cocktails and drinks that enhance the tropical atmosphere. The selection is truly extensive. E.g. Long Island Ice Tea, Mojito, Mai Tai, beers, wines, soft drinks, lemonades, smoothies as well as LaPlaya Combo drinks with alcohol and fruit. Plus beach-style barbecue snacks.
La Playa is the best proof that Boulevards on the Vistula does not end on the left bank. On the other side of the river, too, a summer full of joy, sunshine and tropical rhythms awaits.