Walking in the many parks and forests in and around Warsaw is a favorite activity for locals and visitors, especially on weekends in summer. A cycling and jogging path runs along the Vistula River, starting near Lazienki Park and running to the Kampinos Forest in the north and the Kabacki Forest, near Powsin, to the south. Warsaw also has a number of good paths for bike rides. In-line skating and climbing walls are increasingly popular. The city also has several public pools.
Bicycling
There are several cycling paths that start in or near the center of town. Notable paths include the 23-mi/37-km Vistula Trail, as well as the shorter 3-mi/5-km path starting near the Ludna and Solec street crossing and ending by Gdanski Bridge.
Hiking & Walking
Warsaw's many wonderful parks and gardens are ideal for an avid walker. The Ogrod Saski on Krolewska and Marszalkowska has a variety of gardens and paths, a duck pond and a large open plaza where Saski Palace once stood. Farther north, past Plac Bankowy, Krasinski Garden is another pleasant green area for walking. You can take a much longer walk through the Powisle area beginning at the Sheraton Hotel and heading toward the river. A path runs north along the river for about 4 mi/7 km up to Old Town. Southeast of Centrum is Lazienki Park—magnificent, hilly and laced with paths, but jogging is prohibited, as are bicycles, in-line skates and dogs.
Hiking is good in the Kabacki and Kampinos forests on the outskirts of Warsaw. Ask at your hotel or a tourist information center for the best trails, and take a Warszawa Plan Miasta map with you. It has a map of the forest in adequate detail.
Spas and Health Clubs
Many hotels offer some sort of fitness area, but some of the best fitness centers, complete with spa treatments, can be visited by anyone willing to pay a day rate. There are various beauty spas in Warsaw, but not many of them guarantee an English-speaking staff.
Swimming
Warsaw offers both water parks and pools for laps. All pools have entrance fees, varying from 10 Zl to 20 Zl for a 30-minute slot.
