Fryderyk Chopin Birthplace & Park in Żelazowa Wola

The renovated Museum celebrates both the Historical Birthplace of the lauded composer and pays tribute to the dramatic history of the very museum itself. Half of the house has been filled with early 19th century keepsakes, instruments and paintings, and many visitors attest to the haunting spirit of Chopin that lingers throughout. Another part of the house is decorated in pre-war 20th century decor and traces the transformation of the outbuildings into a world-class museum. Outside the impressively landscaped bucolic garden makes for a nice weekend walk, and feature four Chopin monuments including one obelisk dating from 1894. As you walk around the gardens, there are craftily hidden speakers serenading you with Chopin's music. 
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Kampinos National Park

Konstancin-Jeziorna

Ahhh, spa towns, often found far from urban centres - not in this case. Located just south of Warsaw's Ursynów district in the Piaseczno county (a mere 20km from Warsaw's city centre), it's easy to get to by public transport (heading into zone 2), making it an ideal day out for couples, families, or those just eager to explore beyond the confines of the city. The beginnings of Konstancin can be traced back to 1897 when Count Witold Skórzewski (of the aristocratic Potulicki family), and owner of the Obory Palace Estate decided to found a summer resort by dividing his land into plots. In the late 19th/early 20th century, the area was known primarily for its spa and summer resorts due to its micro climate , having gained 'health resort' status in 1917. Due to its popularity, the town became a destination not only for relaxation, but also as a prime location to live, with numerous villas springing up around the town over the years. Today, they are an attraction in themselves, where you can find the majority on ul. Sienkiewicza, some in perfect condition, while others have stood empty for years and are now in various states of decay. Arriving in Konstancin-Jeziorna, you can choose to start your trip in the oldest part of the town in Jeziorna, which is now home to Stara PAPIERnia (En: old paper mill), a transformed post-industrial site, now a shopping centre with a handful of gastro points inside. Most visitors to the town choose to head to straight to the charming Park Zdrojowy (En: 'Health Resort Park'), the heart and symbol of the spa resort's reputation. The main attraction is definitely the salt graduation tower built in 1976, which people enjoy visiting, to breathe in the salty mist!
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Modlin Fortress

Situated in the town of Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki, 30km north-west of Warsaw, is the 19th century Modlin Fortress (Twierdza Modlin), with a collection of barracks, which in total amount to 2,250m - the longest building in Europe. It is here at the meeting point of two rivers, the Narew and Vistula, Napoleon in 1806 ordered the creation of a defensive point (he is rumoured to have designed one of the first buildings). The complex was later expanded by Tsarist Russian troops and later again by Polish troops, and indeed, was also used by the Germans. During the Russian tenure, from 1880 onwards, the main fort at Modlin became part of a larger defensive project, consisting of two defensive rings, one smaller inner circle consisting of 8 fortlets, 7-10km from the main fort, and the outer ring made up of 14 fortlets, 8-12km away. The entire defensive complex eventually became redundant as military technology and strategies evolved in the 20th century. Post-war, the fortress was used by the Polish military, but now the fort has been sold to developers who plan to create a 'town within a town' with a shopping centre, among other things, planned to be here in the future. Now is the perfect time to visit before it changes beyond recognition!
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Płock

This trip can be completed in one day, even including the on-the-way town of Czerwińsk nad Wisła (EN: Czerwińsk on the Vistula). Hugging the Vistula River 111km north-west of Warsaw is the city of Płock, administrative capital of Płock County in the Masovian Voivodeship. Believe it or not, Płock was the historical administrative capital of the Masovian Voivodeship long before Warsaw, and also the seat of Kings during its run as the capital of Poland from 1079 to 1138! The area's importance grew with the first Pagan Slavic tribes, and later with the Piast Dynasty, which built a hilltop fortification on Wzgórze Tumskie, overlooking the Vistula River. It's around this hill where you'll find most attractions, from Płock Cathedral and The Castle of the Masovian Dukes in Płock, to the river boulevards, pier, zoo and beach below - all not far from the charming Old Town Square (Stary Rynek), surrounded by numerous museums.
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Pułtusk

If you've travelled around Poland, we can say with a degree of certainty that you already know the country's top tourist attraction is Kraków's market square - the largest medieval square in Europe. But we can also say with near certainty that you didn't know the longest market square in Europe happens to be in the small town of Pułtusk! Pułtusk (pop. 19,000) is situated 70km north of Warsaw in the Masovian Voivodeship and might not find itself on many tourist itineraries, but for such a small place, its history is captivating - so much so that Varsovians regularly head here on day trips to see and experience the picturesque town. So what's so special other than the architecture? Did you know the town name appears on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris? Another surprise. Napoleon stayed here a while following the Battle of Pułtusk in 1806, and the area is firmly connected with the history of the Napoleonic Wars. If history is not enough for this small town, then cosmic intervention is required - the immediate surrounding area was the site of a meteor shower in 1868 which resulted in the highest recorded retrieved pieces of space rock to date! The town has a castle, a cathedral, numerous churches to visit, along with the Ratusz (town hall) tower, which houses the Regional Museum of Pułtusk (with a viewing tower). There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy such as kayaking, lounging on the beach, or taking up the challenge of the forest hiking and biking trails nearby.
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Treblinka Museum

Located 108km north-east of Warsaw, Treblinka extermination camp was built and administered by Nazi Germany in occupied Poland during World War II. It functioned from July 1942 - October 1943 for the purposes of Operation Reinhard, part of the Nazis 'final solution' to exterminate Jews - the only other camp where more Jews were killed was Auschwitz. It is estimated some 800,000 Jews were killed here and 2,000 Romani people. Unlike some other preserved camps (Auschwitz, Majdanek, for example), Treblinka was largely destroyed by the Nazis as the Soviets advanced in order to cover up the evidence of what happened there. A visit to the site entails visiting three sections over 4km (2km one way and back): the 1st, Treblinka I, which was the forced labour camp, and the 2nd, Treblinka II, the extermination camp. Towards the end, you will see the memorial, erected over 3 years and finally unveiled in 1962 to commemorate all those killed here. It isn't easy to get to, but it's a must.
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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. To say this 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, however, if being on a crowded beach is not your thing, the surrounding area has plenty of quiet tourist trails to enjoy.

Remember, If you're looking for a sleek and comfortable way to travel, check out a private car service like WawaBus, which takes you wherever you need to go in the city (and surrounding areas).