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When the thermometer threatens to pop in Warsaw, you basically have three options: get into the nearest ice cream line (where gratification will be far from instant), duck into the nearest museum or venue with aircon, or finally, strip down and go get wet! The latter will lead you to some of Warsaw’s most interesting outdoor summer destinations, where the locals disappear to get away from urbanity. As such, we submit the best places in and around Warsaw for taking a dip and beating the heat. Follow the links for more detailed info, including how to get to each place. Just remember, and we can't stress this enough - when it gets hot, we really mean it that half the city will have the same idea as you, so your choice of pool may become a large soup bowl (actually, it definitely will), so best go early to beat the deluge!
Moczydło Water Park
Warsaw's largest outdoor pool complex which has always been popular with locals. Following a complete renovation, the pool re-opened in 2019 to the delight of Varsovians who queued for hours on the 1st day of the summer swimming season to get in. There are a number of pools for both adults and kids (50x20m), water park play areas for small children, and of course, various slides from small to large (the biggest being called Kamikaze)! Beyond the pools, there are also beach areas for playing football and volleyball.
Szczęśliwice Pools
Found in the heart of the Ochota district's Szczęśliwicki Park, there are 3 outdoor pools to be found here for kids and adults (24x12.5m, 24m2 and 8.5m play pool with a depth of 0.36m). There is no sandy beach, but the grassy area next to the pools is equally pleasant to chill out on; it's also possible to hire deckchairs. Lifeguards man the complex, there are changing facilities available, and should you get thirsty or peckish, there is also an on-site cafe. The park itself contains other attractions such as a beach volleyball court, outdoor gym and CSN Szczęśliwice winter ski centre
Powsin Cultural Park
One of the most popular 'get away from urbanity' spots, which is actually still located in Warsaw, in the Ursynów district to be precise. We could go on about why this place is so popular, its proximity being a key factor, but the list of attractions speaks volumes better than we can: swimming pools, sauna, tennis courts, gym (indoor and outdoor), summer houses for rent, bowling alley, kids play areas, various sports pitches, pubs, restaurant and grill areas, a line park, and to top it off for that summer camp vibe: mini golf. It's the park itself (great for walks) and the outdoor pool area (open 10:00-20:00) that are most popular in summer.
Inflancka Sports Complex
The sports complex in the Żoliborz district of the city is very easy to get to being located just across the street from Westfield Arkadia Shopping Mall. Before there was a shopping mall, apartments and office blocks built here, the area was pretty empty (we're talking decades ago), which is why it was the perfect location for an indoor/outdoor sports complex. The pool area has always been popular with locals, and the bus stop next to it is even named after it: Baseny Inflancka (En: Inflancka Pools). Here you will find a 50m indoor pool, a gym, sauna, jacuzzi, gymnastics hall, but most people love coming here during the summer months when the outdoor pool area opens up.
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Some may call this pool complex 'Spartan', and it is, but it's an old classic in Warsaw found right next to the Vistula River in the Saską Kępa area of the Praga district. Two Olympic size swimmings pools (one with a slide) are guarded by lifeguards and accompanied by a small beach area for adults to lounge around on and the kids to make sandcastles. When it's hot and you need a pool, what more could you want? There's not much else here other than very basic shower and changing facilities, but that doesn't stop the crowds from coming here in the summer months.
Zegrze Reservoir
OK, so this one's not in Warsaw itself, but it is damn popular. 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. To say this place is a place of relaxation may be slightly overstated as when the good weather hits, it's quite a tight squeeze for space! This isn't always the case, and people can't be blamed for wishing to throw themselves in the water when temperatures go above 30ºC! Primarily during Spring-Autumn, 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 are the most popular attractions, but if crowded beaches are not your thing, the surrounding area has plenty of quiet tourist trails to enjoy.
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