Welcome to Warsaw (Polish: Warszawa), the vibrant capital of Poland, where history meets innovation. As the host city for the ELLIS Doctoral Symposium 2025, we are thrilled to introduce you to a city that combines rich cultural heritage with a forward-thinking, modern atmosphere. Warsaw's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a testament to the city's resilience and beauty, while its thriving tech hubs and cutting-edge architecture reflect its role as a growing center of innovation in Europe. It is also the hometown of two of the world's great figures.: Maria Skłodowska-Curie, the pioneering scientist, and Fryderyk Chopin, the legendary composer, whose legacies continue to inspire generations.
Warsaw is not only known for its historical landmarks but also for its dynamic academic scene. Home to numerous universities and research institutions, the city fosters a collaborative environment for scholars and scientists. It is here, in this thriving intellectual hub, that you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the exciting world of artificial intelligence and engage with fellow researchers from around the globe.
The weather in Warsaw at the end of August is typically warm and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 22°C to 29°C (72°F to 84°F), although there can be days with storms. Expect mostly sunny days, perfect for exploring the city’s parks, cafés, and cultural attractions. During your stay, you’ll experience the city’s diverse blend of modern infrastructure and rich cultural offerings. From trendy cafes and restaurants to lively parks and museums, Warsaw is full of opportunities to explore, relax, and connect. We hope you enjoy your time here and are inspired by both the conference and the city itself!
The currency in Poland is the Polish Złoty (PLN) while 1 PLN = 100 groszy. Coins circulate in denominations of 1 PLN, 2 PLN, 5 PLN and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 groszy; banknotes are in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 PLN. Electronic (cashless) payment is very popular in Poland, you can pay with a credit/debit card, phone or BLIK almost everywhere.
In some larger stores, such as hypermarkets and shopping galleries, and at some cash-only windows, you can pay in Euros. You must notify the cashier that you will be paying in Euros, but note that it is not a popular currency in Poland yet, and chances are that your change will be given in PLN.
Currency must be exchanged at a registered exchange point. Usually, there is no commission for exchanging currency.
Travellers from outside of the European Union may apply to receive full reimbursement of VAT for goods purchased in Poland. You must purchase a minimum of 300 PLN of goods in shops displaying a blue and white ‘Tax Free’ sign. You must also inform the salesperson of your intention to recover the tax. To do so, fill out a special form, which must be shown at customs when leaving the EU zone. Detailed information is available here.
In Poland, the voltage is 230V, 50 Hz. The plug is the standard European double plug.
In Poland, smoking cigarettes and electronic cigarettes at bus or railway stations, public transport stops and in clubs, pubs and restaurants or universities’ campuses (unless there are separate areas for smokers) is prohibited by law. Drinking alcohol in public places (parks, squares, streets, etc.) outside of designated places such as summer gardens in certain restaurants, pubs and Vistula river boulevards is also prohibited by law. Breaking the rules can result in a fine.
There are a lot of embassies and consulates in Warsaw. List of them you can check here.