The Warsaw Marathon is Poland's oldest and most prestigious running event, taking runners through a city that has reinvented itself spectacularly. The course passes the Royal Castle, the glass towers of the modern business district, the banks of the Vistula River, and through Łazienki Park — one of Europe's most beautiful urban green spaces. Warsaw is dynamic, affordable, and full of surprises, making it an excellent choice for a European marathon weekend.
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The Event
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Event | Warsaw Marathon 2026 |
| Date | October 18, 2026 |
| Venue | Start and Finish: Plac Konstytucji / National Stadium area |
| Address | Plac Konstytucji, 00-683 Warsaw |
| Airport | Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) |
Weather: Mid-October in Warsaw averages 6–13°C (43–55°F). Mornings can be chilly at 4–6°C (39–43°F). Overcast skies are common with a chance of rain. Good running weather, but dress for the cold start.
The Venue: Plac Konstytucji & Central Warsaw
The marathon typically starts and finishes in central Warsaw, near Plac Konstytucji (Constitution Square), a grand Socialist Realist square in the Śródmieście district. The race expo is usually held at the Palace of Culture and Science or the National Stadium, both major landmarks. The area is well served by metro, tram, and bus, making logistics straightforward.
What's nearby:
- Palace of Culture and Science — Warsaw's most recognisable (and controversial) building, a Soviet-era skyscraper with an observation terrace on the 30th floor
- Łazienki Park — a stunning 76-hectare park just south of the centre, with the Palace on the Water, peacocks, and an outdoor Chopin monument
- Nowy Świat & Krakowskie Przedmieście — Warsaw's most elegant streets, lined with cafés, restaurants, and historic buildings leading to the Old Town
- National Stadium (PGE Narodowy) — the striking modern stadium across the Vistula, often used for the race expo
Important: Warsaw has excellent public transport, but road closures during the marathon cover a large area. If you are staying outside the centre, plan your route to the start carefully and use the metro where possible.
Where to Stay
The best areas for marathon runners are Śródmieście (the city centre, close to the start/finish), the Old Town (beautiful but a 20-minute walk north), and the area near Centrum metro station. Avoid staying in distant suburbs — central Warsaw is compact and well-priced.
Hotel Bristol, a Luxury Collection Hotel — Luxury Pick
Warsaw's most storied hotel, located on Krakowskie Przedmieście in the heart of the city. Art Nouveau interiors, an excellent spa, and a location that puts you within walking distance of both the start line and the Old Town. A true landmark.
Novotel Warszawa Centrum — Runner Favourite
A large, reliable hotel right next to the Palace of Culture and Science, on Marszałkowska street. Walking distance to the start line, with a pool, fitness centre, and solid breakfast buffet. Popular with marathon runners for good reason.
Motel One Warsaw-Chopin — Best Value
Part of the affordable German design-hotel chain, located in the city centre. Clean, modern rooms at budget-friendly prices. Close to Centrum metro and a short walk to the start area. Book early for race weekends.
Getting There
From Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW)
| Option | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| S2/S3 Train (SKM) | ~25 min | 4.40 PLN (~€1) | Runs every 15 min to Śródmieście and Centralna stations |
| Bus 175/188 | ~30 min | 4.40 PLN (~€1) | City bus direct to the centre; buy ticket from machine at stop |
| Taxi / Uber | ~20 min | 40–60 PLN (~€9–14) | Uber is very popular and affordable in Warsaw |
Public Transport
Warsaw's ZTM network covers metro (2 lines), trams, and buses. Clean, modern, and very affordable.
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Single ride (75 min) | 4.40 PLN (~€1) |
| 24-hour pass | 15 PLN (~€3.50) |
| 72-hour pass | 36 PLN (~€8.40) |
Where to Eat
Nowy Świat & Chmielna — The main restaurant and café strip in central Warsaw. Dozens of options from traditional Polish milk bars to modern fusion restaurants. Chmielna street, running parallel, has some of the city's trendiest spots.
Hala Koszyki — A beautifully restored historic market hall in the city centre with over 20 food vendors. Everything from Polish dumplings to sushi, plus a central bar. Excellent for a pre-race dinner with varied options for the whole group.
Warsaw Food to Try
- Pierogi — Poland's beloved dumplings, served boiled or fried with fillings like ruskie (potato and cheese), meat, or seasonal mushrooms and cabbage
- Żurek — a sour rye soup with sausage and egg, often served in a bread bowl; a hearty and unique Polish starter
- Bigos — hunter's stew made with sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, and various meats; slow-cooked and deeply flavourful
- Pączki — Polish doughnuts filled with rose jam or custard; rich, indulgent, and everywhere in bakeries
- Kotlet schabowy — a breaded pork cutlet (Poland's answer to schnitzel), served with mashed potatoes and cabbage
Budget eating: Warsaw is exceptionally affordable. A Bar Mleczny (milk bar) serves full traditional Polish meals for 15–25 PLN (€3.50–6). These subsidised canteens are a genuine cultural experience. Pizza by the slice, kebab shops, and bakeries offer filling meals for under 20 PLN.
Essential Warsaw Tips
Currency. Polish Złoty (PLN). Poland does not use the euro. As of 2026, €1 is approximately 4.25–4.30 PLN.
Cash vs card. Card payments are almost universally accepted in Warsaw, even at small shops and market stalls. You can easily go cashless, though having a small amount of PLN cash is sensible.
Tipping. 10% is standard at sit-down restaurants. Some restaurants add a service charge — check your bill before tipping. Rounding up for coffee or taxi fares is appreciated.
Language. Polish. English is widely spoken, especially by younger people and in the city centre. Hotel and restaurant staff almost always speak English. Polish is a Slavic language with limited cognates for English speakers.
Weather in October. Average highs of 11–13°C (52–55°F), lows of 4–6°C (39–43°F). Overcast and occasionally rainy. Dress warmly for the start and bring a light waterproof.
Safety. Warsaw is very safe by European capital standards. Normal urban precautions apply — be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas and on public transport.
What to See
- Warsaw Old Town (Stare Miasto) — completely rebuilt after World War II and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the colourful townhouses of the Market Square are unmissable
- Łazienki Park & Palace on the Water — one of Europe's most beautiful urban parks, with free Chopin concerts by the monument on summer Sundays
- Warsaw Rising Museum — a powerful, immersive museum documenting the 1944 Warsaw Uprising; one of Poland's most important cultural institutions
- POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews — an award-winning museum telling the thousand-year story of Jewish life in Poland
- Wilanów Palace — the "Polish Versailles," a baroque royal residence 10 km south of the centre with magnificent gardens
- Vistula River boulevards — the recently redeveloped embankments along the river are perfect for a post-race stroll, with bars, cafés, and beach areas in the warmer months
Quick Reference
| Need | Answer |
|---|---|
| Airport | Warsaw Chopin (WAW), ~10 km south of city centre |
| Venue | Start/Finish near Plac Konstytucji, central Warsaw |
| Nearest station | Politechnika (M1 metro) or Centrum (M1 metro) |
| Transport to venue | Metro M1, trams, or walk from Centralna station |
| Currency | Polish Złoty (PLN) |
| Cash needed? | Minimal — card payments widely accepted |
| Language | Polish (English widely spoken in tourist areas) |
| Weather | 6–13°C (43–55°F), often overcast |
| Tipping | 10% at restaurants |
| Emergency | 112 (EU-wide emergency number) |
This guide will be updated as more event details are confirmed. Last updated: May 2026.