Warsaw’s Cosy Spots for Autumn

It’s no secret that autumn is the season we naturally fall into a slower, cosier rhythm — with softer light, crisp air, and the comforting return of warm spaces. While the city outside grows colder, Warsaw offers plenty of corners where you can hide, linger, and rediscover its gentler side.

Why autumn feels this way

Autumn is often seen as the season of melancholy. Shorter days, grey skies, and the quiet sense of things fading can easily feel heavy. Some psychologists even call November the “most depressing” month of the year — darker than January, because snow adds a magical glow. Though I’d argue with that, especially in Warsaw, where snow is not such a common sight.

But there is another side of autumn. It’s also the season of glow: cafés lit from inside, parks covered in gold or the scent of cinnamon. It’s a season that teaches us to lean into stillness and find joy in small rituals.

Where to hide in Warsaw

• Wrzenie Świata — One of my favourite places, hidden just behind a touristic street. It’s filled with books, a cosy atmosphere, and even has a silent room for work or study.

• Alina Cafe & Bar — A newly opened spot inside the Zachęta Gallery, a peaceful escape in the heart of the city. It offers home-style cooking with weekday lunch options, all in a warm, cosy interior closely connected to art.

• Tekla Cafe — A specialty coffee spot with great coffee, large windows, and vinyl playing in the background. Nestled in the calm district of Muranów, just next to the charming Krasiński Garden — perfect for a walk with a hot drink in hand.

• Spożywczy Cafe — One of the newest openings, with an eclectic style, art on the walls, and the calm surroundings of Old Żoliborz. Located in a historical modernist building from the 1930s, it’s a spot for both coffee and food.

• Ravens — A specialty cacao spot hidden in the city centre, with a touch of New York’s corporate vibe. The raw interior — high ceilings, metallic accents — is softened by warm furniture details and beige ceramic cups. Here, cacao is served ceremonially: real, unsweetened, more of a ritual than a sweet treat.

• Przystań Kawiarnia — A hidden, stylish café surrounded by nature and close to the Vistula River. Set in a wooden house with vintage furniture, it has a cosy outdoor garden and peaceful views. The menu includes hot and cold drinks, breakfast, and pastries.

• Kredki — One of the recent openings in Old Żoliborz. A minimalist interior with bright accents, combining café and concept store with books and design objects. Hidden among the cosy streets of Żoliborz, it’s a perfect autumn escape.

• Cafe Pląs — A destination with a special atmosphere in the middle of a beautiful park, nestled in a historic palace. High ceilings, sculptures all around — an idyllic place to savour autumn, especially loved by locals.

A season of small escapes

So, is autumn depressing? Perhaps. But I’d rather take it as a season of warm hugs, hot cups, and lights in the windows. Warsaw in autumn is magical, and if you plan to visit during this time — that’s a great idea. All you need is to be open to the city and let the season set its own, cosier rhythm.