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The 40 best things to do in Wroclaw!

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Hello there, it seems you want to learn a bit about the 40 best things to do in Wroclaw ! That is great, as you just found the right place for that 🙂

We created this whole blog about Wroclaw to write and talk about things to see and do in Wroclaw, and nothing else. If you want to explore Wroclaw like a local , we will be giving you the company you are looking for. Here we share all of our favourite spots in Wroclaw!

After spending many years in Wroclaw, we found that unfortunately there is only limited in-depth information about Wroclaw out there. Mostly information is written by bloggers who come for a long weekend (probably even on a sponsored trip with fixed itinerary), just having scratched on the surface of the city we love so much and guess what – most of them are all writing the same things.

Here in our “Wroclaw is the only topic blog” we will go much deeper than that. We want to make sure that you have the best possible experience when you visit Wroclaw.

What will you find here?

Well, yes, of course first of all our personal list of the 40 best things to do in Wroclaw . But you will also be able to find many more resources on most of the topics if you want to go deeper! For example on the culinary scene in Wroclaw, to learn more about the best wine bars, best pubs for craft beer, etc.

Here we will be giving you an overview of what we feel makes Wroclaw a great destination. In addition to that, you will get a lot of local insights, for example on free bathrooms where you normally would need to pay, tourist traps you better are aware of, a review of all viewing platforms, and much more.

We do not get any funding from the city or tourist information in Wroclaw, and have our own personal perspective on many things. This means we will tell you what is great to see in Wroclaw, but likewise will be very open about things you better avoid in Wroclaw .

And obviously, we are updating our blog posts pretty much on a weekly basis to keep it all up to date and relevant. We share latest updates on what to do in Wroclaw on our social media channels as well – follow us on Instagram here or subscribe our newsletter here .

The best things to do in Wroclaw – Introduction to Wroclaw

Alrighty, before we share the best things to do in Wroclaw, let us give you a very, very brief introduction to Wroclaw. We will answer some of the most important questions you might have if you are not familiar with our lovely city.

Where is Wroclaw located?

Wroclaw is located in the western part of Poland and it is the capital of Lower Silesia. The largest cities around which you might know are Berlin (350km), Dresden (230km), Prague (220km), Krakow (230km) and Warsaw (350km).

How big is Wroclaw?

Wroclaw has recently became the third-largest city in Poland with a total population of 673.923 (in 2022). More of 100.000 of them are actually students! Hence it is no surprise that Wroclaw is very well known as vibrant student city.

Despite being on one level with many larger European cities, Wroclaw is very walkable. You can do pretty much everything by foot. Of course, in terms of residential areas, the city spreads out quite a bit, the total area is 292,8 sqm.

How to pronounce Wroclaw?

Uh. You will read Wroclaw plenty of times now, so let us try to get this right. Actually the Polish writing is “Wrocław”, with the special letter “ł” in it, but we will get to that. In our text we will be using the English version “Wroclaw”, but here it is quite important.

You pronounce Wroclaw like this: [ˈvrɔt͡swaf]

The “W” in Wroclaw at the beginning is pronounced like an English “v”. The “c” has the sound of a “ts” and the “r” should be rolled a bit – that is the first syllable. The second starts with “ł” which is a bit like the “woo”. Then transition it nicely to “ahf” and you get the second syllable straight with “wouh-ahf”.

And now try to read it out, if you got it right, it should sound like “Vrohts-wouahf”. Good luck!

By the way, residents of Wroclaw like to name themselves as Wroc-lovers. A very pretty but unofficial name for Wroclaw is Wroclove.

Where to stay in Wroclaw?

There is no short answer to that. We know that many people recommend three amazing places, but it is a bit more complex than that – do you come with family? As couple? Single traveller? Business traveller? We have very extensive posts about the best hotels in Wroclaw and about the best apartments in Wroclaw here. If you want to hear some recommendations from locals with details on the locations, be sure to check that out later on. We also have a district guide of Wroclaw where you can find out which area might be the best for you!

Let’s get started with sightseeing in Wroclaw!

For now, we don’t want to overwhelm you with practical information. It is time to start enjoying the best things to do in Wroclaw! Later on, towards the end of this post, we share more useful information, for example on how to get to Wroclaw and how to get around in the city.

1. Visit the beautiful historic Old Town of Wroclaw

Let us start with one of the most obvious things to do in Wroclaw! After that, we work our way further down through some main sights and most important, we will also introduce you to some things to see in Wroclaw which are actually not too well known!

You can‘t miss our beautiful and historic Old Town of Wroclaw, it is the heart of the city centre and surrounded by a ring road and the city moat (we will get to that later!). We used to have city walls around the old town, but Napoleon took most of them away when he came for a visit 🙂

We also have plenty of colourful old tenement houses, gothic and baroque style buildings and churches. You might be surprised to not find too many large retail chains – much of the city centre is gastronomy. We love to spend time in the city outdoors and enjoying the life, for shopping we have more than enough of shopping malls 😉

Everything is in walkable distance, from the North to South and likewise from West to East it is approximately a 10 minutes walk. Hard to believe that a couple of hundred years ago, this was pretty much all of the city with not much else around.

That means that from the Market Square you can get everywhere else in the historic city centre in around 5 minutes! Talking about the Market Square, let us introduce you to it…

2. Explore the Market Square in Wroclaw

The Market Square in Wroclaw is actually one of the largest in Europe! According to most sources with its dimensions of 205 x 175 meters, only the squares in Krakow and Olecko are larger.

Obviously it is impossible to visit Wroclaw without stopping by at the Market Square as one of the main things to see in Wroclaw!

Because of its size and many things to tell about it, we have created an overview with 30 interesting things to know about the Market Square in Wroclaw here .

In that separate post, we are introducing you for example to the fake window, which is just painted (yeah, it takes a while to find it!). Have you heard about our „Thanks Jimi Festival“? It happens every year on the 1st May where thousands of people are playing guitar together. Did you know that we have one of the oldest restaurants in Europe in Wroclaw? What about the popular Hensel and Gretel twin houses?

• Read more about our Market Square in Wroclaw here

3. Head over to the Salt Market Square

Just next to the main Market Square you run into a smaller, but definitely not less charming little square – the Salt Market Square in Wroclaw!

There is one thing in particular, that is very unique for this place. Every time, you will visit it, you will notice that the flower stalls are open and waiting for you to buy beautiful flowers. Indeed, you can try it on holidays or at 5am in the morning, they will be waiting for you.

In the polish culture, flowers are important, and for the citizens of Wroclaw, this is their 24/7 flower source for all occasions.

And as we mentioned before, around the Market Square it is sometimes tricky to not run into a very touristic restaurant. Here at the Salt Market Square you find one of our favourite restaurants for a fine dining experience in Wroclaw : Młoda Polska.

For contemporary art lovers, make sure to drop by the OP ENHEIM gallery. They have always very captivating exhibitions, more on that you can read here in the details about the best museums in Wroclaw .

Many of the very popular electric car city tours of Wroclaw are also starting from here, if you want to take one of them, book online for the best possible price.

4. Hunt the countless dwarfs in Wroclaw

One of the most popular things to see in Wroclaw for kids, but likewise for adults, are the dwarfs in Wroclaw. They are the symbol of Wroclaw and there is a growing population of them, especially in the old town.

The history of the dwarfs started in the 80’s. The Polish anti-communist underground movement (“Orange Alternative”) decided to fight with the government by painting graffiti of little dwarfs on city walls.

However, the first monument of a dwarf was only placed in 2003 and now after over 20 years we have hundreds of them – most recent maps show as many as 800 (!).

Each dwarf has its own character, outfit and profession. For example, you can find couch potato dwarf, musician dwarf and even a prisoner, just to name a few. 

Dwarf hunting is certainly one of the favourite things to do in Wroclaw for tourists and locals – you will see it for yourself!

• Find out more about the dwarfs in Wroclaw here in our separate blog post, which will tell you more about the history but also how they managed to magically appear in other European cities.
• Here you can find the official map of all dwarfs in Wroclaw – but be aware that only around 500 are currently on the official map
• There are also guided tours where kids can hunt the dwarfs together and win some nice prices

5. Enjoy Cathedral Island

Actually we should have started with Cathedral Island as the first thing to see in Wroclaw! Simply because it is the oldest part of the city and Wroclaw has expanded from here continuously over the past 1000 years.

Funny enough – if you look at the map, you might realise that the Cathedral Island actually is no longer an island. That is true, but doesn‘t stop us from calling it Cathedral Island – or in Polish: Ostrów Tumski.

If you want to take a panoramic picture of the skyline, you better go on the opposite side of the river where the markt hall is located. From there, just behind the Sand Bridge (Most Piaskowy) the promenade starts and enables a great view on the whole Cathedral Island.

On the way, pick up an ice-cream from Polish Lody ( at Plac Bema 3 ) if you like! This is where the locals go, we can confirm that, but also the queues in summer will make this very visible to you.

Wroclaw Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

Most of it belongs to the church today and is closed for regular car traffic – you will find a lot of beautiful old churches with the main highlight being obviously the Cathedral of Wroclaw ( Cathedral of St. John the Baptist ) with its 98 meters of height.

Yes, you can get up the Cathedral and there is even an elevator to reach this beautiful viewpoint. We have more details about it when you scroll further down in the section where we compare all different viewpoints in Wroclaw for you.

The cobble stones and the illumination at night are just beautiful – it makes it a great place to stay as well if you like quiet and beautiful areas.

An affordable luxury stay at the Cathedral Island

In the recent years, the five-star luxury hotel „The Bridge“ became the number one choice for visitors staying in this district of Wroclaw. No surprise as despite the five stars ranking you can get rooms for very affordable rates, often less than 100 Euros per night. It is part of our hotel recommendations for Wroclaw .

The Cathedral Bridge

When you walk towards Cathedral Island, you will be naturally crossing the Cathedral Bridge (Most Tumski) – a beautiful pedestrian bridge closed for traffic.

It marked the beginning of the jurisdiction from the church authorities. Back in the times, some city criminals made use of that by escaping from the city towards the Cathedral Island. Once they made it to the bridge, the regular city authorities could not prosecute them anymore and they were only responsible to god…

In many outdated articles around the web you will see plenty of love locks, please be aware that these have been removed already in 2019. Now a sign is warning you to not put up any new ones.

What happened to the love locks?

Well, as we introduced you to the dwarfs already before, you can see in this picture that obviously we also have a „love lock dwarf“ doing his job.

Judging his actions here, it seems he broke all of the locks. We hope that the relationships are still alive today despite the love lock removal! And honestly, we personally don‘t understand why people see a lock as symbol of love anyway 😉

But there is another very specific reason why this location is a highly unique place in Europe – let us tell you more about this in the next point!

6. Observe the Lamplighter in Wroclaw

You might have noticed the gas lanterns around Cathedral Island already, but maybe you have not seen our local superhero with his cape yet.

We indeed have a lamplighter in Wroclaw who every evening is lighting all 102 gas lanterns on Cathedral Island in Wroclaw manually with his butane pole.

The only other place in the European Union where this happens is Zagreb, and we are proud enough to say that this is a very unique and special tradition to observe in Wroclaw!

The spectacle is magical and simple at the same time, we definitely suggest you to watch it for yourselves.

Of course, especially among kids, our lamplighter is very popular and the whole experience is definitely one of the best things to do Wroclaw!

What time does the lamplighter in Wroclaw come out?

The lamplighter comes out every day, no matter what the weather is. We suggest you check the times for sunset in your phone or on google and then arrive around 10 minutes earlier in front of the Cathedral, you will be easily able to observe him.

There is also an official schedule available, which we have translated into English and create our own little table here on the side. However, in our experience it always is better to arrive slightly earlier than that.

As you can see, unfortunately during the summer season he does not get much sleep due to our short nights. He also has to get up very every in the morning to extinguish them 🙂 We have to admit that we never tried that during the summer months, so if you made some nice pictures of him extinguishing the lanterns in the early hours during summer, let us know!

Be aware that actually he is quite fast, and following him together with other people to take pictures can feel like being sort of a paparazzi chasing a celebrity. Better have some good shoes ready on the cobblestone roads to catch him in action 🙂

A short video of the Lamplighter of Wroclaw

On our Instagram-Channel we published a little video of the lamplighter, in case you don’t follow us yet, you can change that now 😉 And let us share the video here:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by WroclawGuide.com (@www_wroclawguide_com)

7. Get summer vibes at Słodowa Island

When you want to explore Wroclaw with real local vibes, we can highly recommend you to have a beer at Słodowa Island (Wyspa Słodowa).

When the weather is getting a bit more sunny (typically from late April), plenty of people are coming out to enjoy the sun, see their friends, drink and have a good time. Especially the first days of May, with public holidays on the 1st and 3rd May (Majówka), are marking the beginning of the outdoor season.

Another reason for it to become so busy: As you probably know, alcohol in public is prohibited in Poland. Słodowa Island is the only place in Wroclaw where drinking is tolerated and you won‘t get in any troubles.

Słodowa Island is quite popular, especially for the younger generation, so be prepared for crowds. We love to see the sunset from there!

8. Discover the vibrant Four Temple District

It is hard to believe that in a relatively small area you can find four different religions living peacefully together. This is where the name “Four Temple District” comes from, and often it is also described as “District of mutual respect” or “Four Denomination District”.

You will find these four religious sites providing the name of the district:

• The Orthodox Cathedral of the Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God
• The Roman Catholic Church of St. Anthony of Padua 
• The Augsburg Evangelical Church of Divine Providence
• The White Stork Synagogue

If you want to see these, and learn more about them, we have a full dedicated blog post about the Four Temple District in Wroclaw .

The Crystal Planet sculpture is located at the entrance it and a popular meeting point. We believe that it is a beautiful and meaningful symbol of unity in a multicultural world!

It is only 5 minutes away from the Market Square in Wroclaw, after crossing the Salt Market Square you will end up directly at the sculpture after crossing the main ring road. The Four Temple District is enclosed by the streets Kazimierza Wielkiego, Św. Mikołaja, Pawła Włodkowica and Św. Antoniego.

The Four Temple District as Cultural Center

In case you did not know: Wroclaw became European Capital of Culture in 2016 and still hosts countless cultural events all the time.

In the Four Temple District, for cinema lovers the New Horizons Cinema (Kino Nowe Horyzonty) is a must visit thing to see in Wroclaw! This cinema organises many festivals such as the American Film Festival or German movie week. Most of the movies are screened in original languages or with English subtitles.

The  New Horizons Cinema  is located at Kazimierza Wielkiego 19a/21, here you will find  their homepage with latest program and events.

Nightlife, Food and Drinks in the Four Temple District

However, the district is not as saint as you might think… You can actually have a lot of fun there, as this is also one of the main areas where locals head out into the nightlife of Wroclaw!

Many of our recommendations for food and drinks are actually in this area.

Some of our all-time-favourites here are Bułka z Masłem ( Breakfast, but also dinner and cocktails with a beautiful beer garden ), Solleim ( Korean Fried Chicken ), Mleczarnia ( Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, one of the most cozy pubs ever ), Cocofli ( Coffee, Winebar and Bookshop ), Alebrowar ( Craftbeer ), OTO Coffee Bar ( Amazing coffee and cakes! ).

• Find our full culinary recommendations for food, drinks, nightlife and coffee here

If you would like to find out more about the Four Temple District, here is our dedicated blog post with all details you need to know about the Four Denomination District in Wroclaw .

We have a Free Walking Tour available in Wroclaw which takes you through this Four Denomination District. The theme is “World War II & Jewish Wroclaw” and you will find more details here in our guide to Free Walking Tours in Wroclaw .

If you like to stay in this area, we highly recommend the PURO Hotel which is a bit more funky, or alternatively the AC Hotel as more conservative option.

9. Don‘t miss the Neon Gallery

One of the more alternative things to do in Wroclaw is visiting the Neon Side Gallery. In the backyard at Ruska 46c you can find an unique collection of old neon signs.

Many years ago they were everywhere in the city. The Neon Side Gallery was recently renovated.

We love to see that something from the past century resonates so well with the younger generation – it has become a very popular picture spot.

Read more about it in our post about the Alternative and Hipster Scene in Wroclaw .

Of course you will be able to fully enjoy the lights after sunset when it is dark outside, however when we have guests, we often walk through it before during daylight – the contrast can‘t be stronger. One of our bar and pub recommendations for Wroclaw is located here as well (Recepcja).

10. See the Wroclaw University

The main building of the Wroclaw University at  pl. Uniwersytecki 1  is one of the things to do in Wroclaw which nobody should miss!

It is one of the most beautiful examples of baroque style in Poland and even has one of the longest baroque facades in the world. It is decorated by multiple sculptures and amazingly illuminated at night.

Inside you find a museum, after getting a ticket you will be able to access the Mathematical Tower for a nice panoramic view. We have details on that further down when we compare all viewing points for you!

Oratorium Marianum and Aula Leopoldina

When you get a ticket for the museum, apart from the access to the roof top viewing point (Mathematical Tower), you will be able to enter two of the most beautiful baroque halls too.

In this picture you see the Oratorium Marianum where we really love the paintings under the ceiling. Be sure to check it out, it is our little sistine chapel of Wroclaw 😉

But visitors come mostly for the Aula Leopoldina which recently got renovated and is open again now.

If you like museums in general, here are the best museums in Wroclaw which we recommend!

For latest updates on entrance fees, here is the official page of the Museum of the University in Wroclaw .

The Door of the University

But even without entering the University and getting a ticket, you will be able to make amazing pictures in one of the most popular spots in Wroclaw – the door of the University!

This is the place where students are taking proud pictures with their final thesis after their graduation! But not only that, most tourists are stopping by for a portrait photo with this beautiful background.

In case you want to find some really nice picture spots, we also have prepared a blog post with 60 amazing Instagram spots in Wroclaw here.

11. Pop into the Market Hall in Wroclaw

Visiting the Market Hall in Wroclaw (Hala Targowa) is again one of the best things to do in Wroclaw that you simply cannot miss at all.

Once you enter it, you will get surrounded immediately by a lot of colourful fresh vegetables and fruits. Of course, a lot of other grocery products like meat, teas, regional specialities are traded here.

But it is a one-stop-shop and you can also get flowers, souvenirs, get t-shirts printed, a key copied, find a pet shop, a craft beer pub and even two coffee places. The owner from one of them, Cafe Targowa, got even the World Aeropress Champion Award in 2016. Read more about them here in our Wroclaw café recommendations .

If you like tea, you can’t miss the Herbaciarnia Targowa – a beautiful old-style tea house with hundreds of different teas and unique vibes.

The Market Hall in Wroclaw is open every day from Monday to Saturday between 8:00 – 18:30, but closed on Sundays. It is located between the Cathedral Island and historic old town, making it a great pit stop on the way.

12. Get amazed by the great painting Panorama Racławicka

There are many great museums in Wroclaw with amazing collections but if can see only one museum, take this one. Why? It has only one painting!

You might notice that the building has a nicely rounded shape, and there is a good reason for that. This painting is filling up all that wall space.

Inside you will be able to admire this cycloramic painting which is showing the Battle of Racławice. It makes you feel that you are truly in the middle of the real battlefield.  

The giant Panorama Racławicka painting is 114 meters wide and 15 meters high – it is therefore most likely the largest painting you will ever see in your life!

Obviously this attraction in Wroclaw is one of the most popular, therefore we recommend you to book the ticket in advance. You can do it on  the official website right here where you can find the latest entrance fees as well.

If you like museums and have time to visit more than just one, we have another dedicated blog post with the best museums in Wroclaw – there you will find our all-time favourites!

13. Visit Stare Jatki – the old butcher‘s street

In this little street in the historical old town of Wroclaw you can find a lot of small artists ateliers to buy some souvenirs today.

This medieval street used to be occupied by butchers that were processing their meat here. There is an interesting memory of these old times, which shows a different perspective:

The “Monument to the slaughtered animals” has quite a twist as the artist decided to dedicate his work to the animals. The small commemoration sign reads “In honour of the slaughtered animals” and it is signed by “the consumers”.

That is quite thought-provoking, isn’t it?

But this is not the only bizarre thing you can find in Wroclaw, we also have the potato vending machine, the titanic building and much more… Here we wrote about the most bizarre things to find in Wroclaw .

14. Come for the fairytale Christmas Market

Our fairytale Christmas Market in Wroclaw is certainly one of the top reasons why people from all over Europe are visiting Wroclaw in Winter.

That does not come as a surprise – the Christmas Market in Wroclaw is considered to be one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe as many rankings have proven. 

The whole Market Square and surrounding areas are turned into a winter wonderland every year starting mid-November till end of December.

More details about the Christmas Market are available in our dedicated post here.

The whole Market Square in Wroclaw is full of stalls with gastronomy, crafts, local products and of course also mulled wine. Talking about that, another highlight for many people are the specially designed shoe-shaped mugs for that – every years has it‘s own special edition. They are highly popular among collectors and multiple times, the vendors were running out of them before the Christmas Market ended, so mugs from previous years were re-used.

• Find out when the Christmas Market in Wroclaw will exactly start this year here in our dedicated blog post with much more details on food, attractions, and many other things to see in winter time in Wroclaw

A Christmas Market in Summer?

Yeah, we really do like the Christmas Market as much, that we have it twice per year 😉

Every spring from mid-May to end of June the same stalls are places around the Market Square for the St. John’s Market – sometimes also called midsummer market. That is pretty similar, except for the mulled wine and Christmas vibes missing.

Same goes here, we have much more details available in our Wroclaw Christmas Market post here .

15. Explore Street Art and more in alternative Nadodrze

Apart from the historic old town in Wroclaw and the vibrant four temple district, there is another part of Wroclaw, which in our humble opinion, deserves a lot of attention.

Nadodrze (literally translated as above the Oder River) used to be a quite shady area, with plenty of pre-war tenement houses in poor condition and not much to do.

This has changed significantly over the past years! No matter if you like street art, small individual art galleries and stores, now Nadodrze is going through probably the same development that Berlin-Kreuzberg already went through.

Proudly we name it the “ alternative district of Wroclaw ” and yet it is far away from being the typical place where hipsters turn something old into a new and fancy place.

You could say, Nadodrze is where you clearly can observe the contrasts of Wroclaw. All sorts of people are living here together and it is a huge blend of everything. And if you like history, this is a place where the past is meeting the present…

German Traces in Wroclaw

Well, before Wroclaw became a Polish city again after World War II, it used to be the German city of Breslau ( read more about the history of Wroclaw here ).

And to make a very long story short here in this overview: All the German signs and heritage was to be removed and destroyed with the city changing the rulers. And of course, on the buildings you simply paint over the advertisements from former German shops and institutions.

However, over time, the paint started to crumble and the old signs are become visible again, after so many decades the German past is kind of catching up and saying “hi”. Want to see it in real? We have a free self-guided walking tour prepared for it 🙂

• Find out more about the German traces in Nadodrze with our self-guided walking tour here

And of course in Nadodrze there is much more to explore, for example the “Heart of Nadodrze”… We created a little district guide for Wroclaw here if you want to compare all the different areas.

If Nadodrze sounds to you like a great thing to do in Wroclaw (for us it certainly is!), then you can read more in our blog post where we convince you that Nadodrze is the best part of Wroclaw !

And in case you are looking for a guided tour around Wroclaw and Nadodrze, check out this alternative tour here .

16. Spend a whole day in the Wroclaw Zoo

Of course, in any list of best things to see in Wroclaw, the world-famous Wroclaw Zoo cannot be missing! 

It is the largest zoo in Poland, but also the 4th largest in Europe when it comes to the numbers of different species that you will be able to meet here.

When we went the last time with friends and kids, one full day gives you a good impression and overview, but you still have plenty of reasons to get back again.

One of the highlights is the „Afrykarium“, which takes you into the African world of nature, animals and wildlife. Most popular is the tunnel where you literally walk through the aquarium.

• If you want to know more about the Wroclaw Zoo, here we have more details prepared for your visit , including the secret entrance, but also things you better avoid

17. Admire the Centennial Hall (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

How could we not mention the Centennial Hall in Wroclaw as one of the best things to see in Wroclaw? Well, we are very proud of our UNESCO World Heritage Site in Wroclaw!

Actually it was supposed to collapse just a few minutes after the completion, but no worries, even after more than 100 years it is still standing.

Find out more about the museum inside, the latest events and concerts taking place, and of course more details about the whole story and construction!

Read all information about the Centennial Hall (Hala Stulecia) in Wroclaw here.

18. See the Multimedia Fountain Shows

We are staying in the same area for the next couple of recommendations and continue with the Multimedia Fountain.

Located just behind the Centennial Hall, this is an amazing combination of water, light and sound – but the best part is that of course all the shows are free! Around 800 light sources, 300 water jets and even three fire jets, it is the largest fountain of its kind in Poland.

What time are the shows at the Multimedia Fountain in Wroclaw?

During the summer season, typically from May to October, the shows are starting at every full hour. The first show runs at 10am and the last regular show is at 9pm. However, most of the summer days there is another final show which then does not take place at 10pm but around 9:40pm or 9:45pm.

• Here is the official page where you can find more information on the schedule and music.

Online you sometimes find tours and tickets to be booked for the show – but be aware that these are only transportation (we recommend the tram to get there, get out at Hala Stulecia). There are no tickets required as it is a public space, so please do not get fooled!

We prefer the evening shows when the light also comes into play, but no matter if during daylight or evening – make sure to visit the Multimedia Fountain as it truly is a great thing to do in Wroclaw!

A life hack – free toilets

Another quick remark before we continue. All signs are pointing to the public bathrooms which are on the left side of the conference building with the terrace restaurants – there you will need to pay for the usage.

However, if you just enter the building through the middle entrance and then go down into the basement floor, you will find the free to use bathrooms from the conference centre which are open and accessible. These are the official bathrooms from the terrace restaurants as well, but not everybody knows about their existence 😉

19. Stroll around Pergola

You might arrive too early for the Multimedia Fountain, but that is no problem. Strolling around Pergola is the perfect thing to do while waiting for the shows to start.

Pergola is a shady colonnade with a planted roof that has a total of 750 columns along its 640 meters. It has the shape of a semicircle and leads around the fountain.

Of course, this is a popular scene for beautiful portrait photo shoots, and in particular on the weekends you will meet a lot of wedding couples that are creating nice memories for eternity here.

Almost needless to say, that especially in autumn when the leaves are turning into colourful red-brown-yellow, it is one of the best seasons!

20. Find peace in the Japanese Garden Wroclaw

We are still in the same area behind the Centennial Hall, where also the Japanese Garden is located. Initially it goes back to the early 20th century when it was founded for the Centennial Exhibition around 1909-1912.

However, the real reconstruction happened only in 1995, then in 1997 the flood came, and all had to be restarted again. Today, it is a great place to take some rest, be mindful (avoid times when school classes are coming though) and enjoy beautiful surroundings.

• Read more about the current entry fees and more on their official homepage here

Did you see our guide on where to stay in Wroclaw?

We wrote a comprehensive district guide about Wroclaw with details about every area! Check this out if you want to know where to stay in Wroclaw and which areas to avoid…

• Where to stay in Wroclaw? Check our district guide here!

21. Try to count the beautiful bridges in Wroclaw

We have tried it already, and what we can say for sure is that we have more than hundred bridges in Wroclaw. The precise amount really depends on how you define “Wroclaw” and its boundaries – so we will refrain here from telling you one single number.

What we can tell you though: Many of our bridges are very beautiful and worth a visit – here are just two examples from our favourites for you.

The Grunwaldzki Bridge

It is the longest suspension bridge in Poland, you won’t find any pillars underneath this massive bridge spanning over the Oder River.

Back in the German times of Wroclaw, when it got completed (1910), it was a true novelty of engineering. A special construction absorbs fluctuations with steel strips running over some rollers.

The Pomorski Bridge

After around three years of intense renovation works, we finally have our shortcut between the Nadodrze District and the historic old town back!

Some people phrased it as “Charles Bridge” of Wroclaw, and indeed the result is very nicely to look at and walk on.

Pay attention to the little details like the small corner houses, the dragon rain pipes on them, and the gargoyles. It is a great selfie spot to have the University background as well.

22. Have a walk around Old Town Boulevard and the City Moat

Just finished in 2023, the Old Town Boulevard Wroclaw (Bulwar Staromiejski) got renovated after many many years of construction.

It is a recreational area where you can find old parts of the city wall, parts of a castle that never got built, and many historic buildings from an old German hospital (All Saints Hospital, or Allerheiligenhospital in German).

Many signs tell the stories about the buildings and the area in both Polish and English language, and the first restaurants, cafés and wine bars are just opening here.

We recommend it as starting point to have a nice walk around the city moat.

Talking about the city moat of Wroclaw (Podwale) which is marking a circle around the historical old town of Wroclaw…

It is a great walk to take (suitable for running too, as the full circle is adding up to pretty much around 5km) on a Sunday afternoon or any other day.

Some floating restaurants and cafés are on it, and you will pass many interesting sights, like the National Forum of Music, the Four Denomination District, or the Partisan Hill.

During sunset hours, take a bite away stick with you (we love it) as the still waters attract mosquitoes.

23. Get on the Oder River by Boat or by Kayak

You have chosen summer for your travel to Wroclaw? Congratulations – this will enable you to get on the Oder River and see Wroclaw from a completely different perspective!

From April to September we have the busy river season with all the boats and kayaks on the Oder River. During that time, getting on the river (no matter how) is an absolute must thing to do in Wroclaw!

Of course we have prepared more details with all the piers and available boat trips in Wroclaw here – and we update it every season with the latest fares and additions!

For example, since 2023 you can even party on the river… The party boat tour which departs on Saturday evenings with a DJ, unlimited drinks and good vibes if that is your cup of tea. So far it seems to be a very popular idea among bachelor parties in Wroclaw!

• Read more about all options to get on the Oder River and take a boat tour in Wroclaw or even paddle yourself!

24. Cross the water with the Polinka Cable Car

Wait a moment, Wroclaw is the city of bridges, there are more than hundred of them – and then still a cable car on top? Yes, that is absolutely correct!

While students somehow were the most impacted group who got stuck in traffic on the Grunwaldzki Bridge, the decision was made to establish a cable car which connects two faculties of the Wroclaw University of Science and Technology.

Initially it was more a pragmatic solution for the University, but nowadays it has become some sort of tourist attraction in Wroclaw. The tickets are very affordable (around 1 Euro) and it really gives you a highly unique perspective of the Oder River. Easy to combine with our next recommendations (Odra Centrum and Hydropolis) and also with the Forma Płynna beach bar !

25. Learn about the Oder River at Odra Centrum and Hydropolis

You might have noticed that we are in the “water section” of our best things to do in Wroclaw blog post. And with that mentioned, we cannot miss out on recommending you two more institutions related to water in Wroclaw.

The Odra Centrum

Again, we can just provide you a first overview here, and on the Odra Centrum we even wrote a full own article here .

But to just give you an idea what it is about – the Odra Centrum is a floating house, which combines all these functions:

• A great coffee place
• Learning & Educational center
• Kayak Rental
• Meeting Point & Events
• A bit of museum about the Oder River
• Games & Library
• Ecological Support for the Oder River

And many more. As mentioned, definitely a place worth to visit in Wroclaw, and if you got curious, you can read more about the Odra Centrum here .

The Hydropolis

We are moving on more towards traditional museums, the Hydropolis is one of them.

Often it is described as one of the “must see in Wroclaw” attractions for kids and families in Wroclaw . We can absolutely second that!

Here you will find out everything about the elements water, the different states of it, where it comes from, and most surprising what happened to 28.800 rubber ducks which were washed into the ocean…

Underwater worlds are inviting you to a submarine trip, and you will learn how closely life is connected with water.

Read more about it in our post about the best museums in Wroclaw here.

26. Relax in one of the Beach Bars

As we told you before, Wroclaw is a city of Islands, Bridges and the Oder River. But would you imagine that we also have plenty of beach bars?

Each has their own vibe, some are more family-friendly, while others invite to you play volleyball, take yoga classes, or dance to funky DJ sounds.

The Beach Bar season in Wroclaw typically starts mid to end of April and ends in late September to early October.

To make sure you find the right beach bar for your personal taste, we took our time to write a little beach bar guide to Wroclaw with all our favourite spots. Actually we update it every year!

• Find the best beach bars in Wroclaw here

27. Immerse in the huge coffee scene in Wroclaw

Wroclaw is a young city in terms of population, we have more than 100.000 students – and guess what they need? Exactly – good coffee!

Actually we stopped counting the speciality coffee shops in Wroclaw after probably the 25th new one has opened in the past years…

But seriously, we have so many really great coffee shops that we would love to spend more time in all of them! And not only that, we also have quite unusual ones. Think about our flower café, a movie café, the parrot café, cat café, a houseboat café, a vinyl café and many more with their individual charm.

Make sure to plan enough time in Wroclaw to visit all of our 30+ recommendations 😉

• Here we made a compilation of our favourite coffee places in Wroclaw
• And this way for the list of most unusual cafés in Wroclaw

28. Fall in love with the sunset in Wroclaw

Looking for a romantic spot in Wroclaw to see the sunset? Well, you should be – as our sunsets can be very beautiful.

The sky fully turning orange-red, the reflections on the water, the light bulbs from rooftop and beach bars… You name it!

We have our favourite spots to fall in love with the sunset in Wroclaw:

• The Concordia Design roof top bar (you see it in the picture) – with an open roof, a cocktail bar, and great views on the water
• The Xawery Dunikowski Boulevard – walking along the promenade shortly after the Market Hall, you get to long stairs with plants in the middle. The view onto the riverside and the Cathedral Island on the other side is magic!
• Słodowa Island – we talked about it before, but the colour of the University and the reflections of it during sunset, you have to see it for yourself!
• Beach Bars – pretty much all of them are definitely a great spot!

29. Take a Free Walking Tour in Wroclaw

You want to listen to interesting local stories from Wroclaw while having a walk with other fellow travellers? Then the obvious choice is a  free walking tour in Wroclaw (this link takes you to our overview of options).

Usually when we are travelling around the world we always join free walking tours. In our opinion, following passionate people who are locals is a perfect opportunity to get a new perspective. We are convinced it will also help you to learn more about Wroclaw.

So if you don’t have any friends living in Wroclaw, participating in a free walking tour is the right thing to do. The tours operate in multiple languages, most popular are Polish, English, German and Spanish.

Here you can book the Free Walking Tours in Wroclaw online and check available dates – this is required due to limited slots available.

What to do in Wroclaw if the weather is bad?

If the weather is rainy, first of all remember, there is never bad weather, only bad clothing 😉 Nevertheless, as alternative if you still would like to hear more about the city from locals, you can find little electric cars that offer guided tours. Depending on the time of booking you might even be able to catch one of these 2 hour tours for less than 50 PLN.  The latest schedules, prices and more information can be found here . And let us be honest, for the free walking tour you probably would pay the same in tips anyway 😉

More Free Things to do in Wroclaw

By the way, if you are visiting Wroclaw on a budget , we have prepared a special list for recommendations with amazing free options in Wroclaw here .

30. Reflect at the Jewish Cemeteries

We have two Jewish Cemeteries in Wroclaw, and the Old Jewish Cemetery is the mostly known and visited, so let us start with that.

Since its opening in 1856, around 12.500 people have been buried here. After the World War II, it was left to itself for many years and only in 1984 maintenance and restorations began. Today it officially is a museum, so you will need to buy a ticket (Thursdays free entrance!).

A visit really feels like time has stood still there. Bullet holes in the walls are still visible and it really is a remarkable place to visit in Wroclaw.

Lesser known and only accessible with organised tours is the New Jewish Cemetery in Wroclaw – which is also worth to see when you have the time and the date is suitable. It was opened in 1902 and consistently in use since then, even throughout the war.

31. Taste traditional Polish Food

How can you explore a culture in the best possible and most pleasant way? Correct, let us talk about Polish food!

Pierogi are filled dumplings and definitely the symbol of Polish cuisine. And there is a reason for that – because there are simply delicious!

The traditional option is pierogi ruskie, filled with mashed potatoes and cottage cheese. And to clean up with one common mistake: No, ruskie does not mean Russian here, these are not Russian dumplings. And yet, many places have “neutralised” the name in the past months.

There are many places where you can try them but our all-time favourite is the  Bar Pierożek  (Księcia Józefa Poniatowskiego 3). Read more about it in our Wroclaw street food post here.

Traditional Polish Soups

Welcome to the soup paradise! Try pomidorowa (tomato soup), barszcz czerwony (beetroot soup), żurek (based on fermented rye, traditionally served in bread), grzybowa (mushroom soup), rosół (broth) and many many more. In most of our restaurant recommendations for Wroclaw you will get soups as starter option.

Polish Appetizers and Beer Snacks

Apart from the main dishes we recommend you to try Polish appetizers. One of the most typical starters you can find in Wroclaw is Gzik. It comes from Greater Poland but it became part of the local cuisine.

Gzik is cottage cheese, traditionally served with boiled potatoes. The other recommendations are pickled cucumbers and herring. Also Tatar can be found on almost every menu.

All of them taste great with shots of cold vodka. The  Bar Ambasada or Przedwojenna are the perfect places to try these beer snacks in Wroclaw.

Pączki are kind of donuts but in our humble opinion much better. The traditional ones are filled with rose marmalade but there are plenty of more options worth to try (Kinderbueno is also mhhhh!). A very popular place where you can have Pączki is the Dobra Pączkarnia chain. For more traditional ones, check out the Cukiernia Łomżanka.

Food Tours in Wroclaw

Of course there are food tours in Wroclaw where you can try the local cuisine and get many more insights.  Click here to see details on the Wroclaw Food Tour!

32. Discover the Ukrainian and Korean Community

Did you know that already before Russias full invasion of Ukraine in 2022, we had remarkable 10% of Ukrainian citizens in Wroclaw? Now, depending on the sources even 20-30% of residents are Ukrainian ( read some notes on the war and the impact in Wroclaw here ).

Therefore you can also experience a lot of Ukrainian culture, food and events nowadays.

Another (probably more surprising) group which is growing over the past years is the South Korean community.

Due to large corporations and manufacturing plants like LG in Wroclaw, we have amazing Korean bakeries, restaurants and street food in Wroclaw! We love the Korean BBQ at the Restaurant GALBI or Korill180.

Well, this point is certainly for the visitors that already have come many times to Wroclaw, explored all the Polish culture and now want to get to know another new layer of the city!

33. Enjoy the nightlife in Wroclaw

With more than 100.000 students in Wroclaw, you can imagine there we have a great nightlife scene. That is absolutely true and once you are in Wroclaw, you should definitely spend a night out.

As this topic would probably double our overview post with the best things to do in Wroclaw in size, we have our own posts with recommendations for the nightlife in Wroclaw :

• Find the best bars and pubs in Wroclaw here
• For beer lovers, this way to find the best craft beer pubs in Wroclaw
• You prefer wine? Here is our list with the best wine bars in Wroclaw !

And in case you like pub crawling, and would like to taste some good Polish beers, we can recommend the beer tours in Wroclaw here . Or you try out the new Wroclaw Boat Party here .

34. Get lost at the Flea Markets

Unfortunately, we both have never experienced the vibes of Wroclaw around 20 years ago and only know from friends how much the city has changed.

Nevertheless, there are some places, where the time has stood still – more or less. We are talking about the two flea markets of Targowisko na Świebodzkim and Targowisko MŁYN .

Trust us, in these places, Wroclaw has not changed much, and if you want to have an out-of-regular-tourist experience, we highly recommend you to visit one of them on Sunday mornings.

• Here we have more details on the flea markets in Wroclaw, and on other markets like design markets, food markets, etc.

35. Observe the contrasts in the architecture of Wroclaw

You can’t have it all? Well, in terms of the architecture of Wroclaw, you definitely can!

We have beautiful buildings from pretty much all styles you can imagine over the past 1000 years. That was a good reason for us to write a list of the 25 most impressive buildings in Wroclaw here.

Some buildings, like our beautiful baroque university, one of the most impressive water towers in the world, or the largest gothic tower in Poland, will certainly make everyone’s eyes glow.

The WuWa district (a building exhibition from 1929) can’t be missed by architecture fans either.

But of course, after the war, buildings got more functional to address the urgent housing need and you will see a lot of “blocks” too.

And we then have some great examples of post-modernism like you see in this picture 😉 And one of the more bizarre buildings in Wroclaw is the titanic building or the igloo house.

• If you are really into architecture, we recommend this dedicated architectural guidebook for Wroclaw

36. See the city from these viewpoints

Ready to climb some stairs? After all the great food and the nightlife in Wroclaw, it is time to get active and reach the best viewpoints in Wroclaw! We have five great recommendations for you – for all of them you need a ticket, except for the Concordia Design where you just need to buy a drink 😉

The Penitents Bridge

The first viewpoint is already very special, as we are taking you to a church – well, a little foot bridge which connects two towers.

While you are heading upstairs, you will find out more about the story which has happened here. All we can tell for now: It involves a girl that did not want to marry, quite the opposite of what her parents had in mind for her. And she ended up with a curse…

The height is 45 meters, and you will have to take the stairs, no elevator is available. During summer season, it is open from 10am to 8pm, make sure to check the latest hours before you go.

Concordia Design

Yeah, we already mentioned this as one of our favourite sunset places in Wroclaw – and likewise during the day you can catch a really nice perspective!

Enjoy a drink from what we call rooftop terrace in Wroclaw – the fifth floor 😉

There is an elevator available and you do not have to pay entrance fees, just get a drink and you are good to go.

The Cathedral

The tower of the Wroclaw Cathedral is 97 meters high and also functions as a viewing point! From here, you have a great view on the Cathedral Island, but also of the Oder River and up to the Centennial Hall.

Elevator available, but a couple of stairs still have to be taken by yourself, be mindful of that. Regular opening hours 10am to 5pm but again, be sure to check before you go.

St. Elizabeth Church

And we got just another church for you – the tallest gothic tower in Poland with almost 92 meters! Just across the Market Square, it is hard to miss.

But the staircase is really narrow and the 300+ steps are really steep (no elevator), just that you don’t say we have not warned you.

However, the reward is amazing, one of the best view on the Market Square, the historic old town and the surrounding Oder River – this is our favourite together with the mathematical tower!

Typically it is open from 10am to 5pm.

The tallest building in Wroclaw with 212 meters of height must have a viewing platform too!

Take the elevator and in a few seconds you are up in the sky. The truth though is – yes, you get a quite extensive view, but mostly over residential blocks and new office buildings.

Opening hours are from 9am to 9pm (10pm on weekends). Decide for yourself if it is worth the price of around 30 PLN…

The Mathematical Tower

As part of the University museum, you can get up to the certainly most pretty viewing spot – and apart from Concordia Design most spacious too.

The views from this 42 meters high platform are similar like from the St. Elizabeth Church and we love them – of course also because we can wave to ourselves and can see our apartment 🙂

No elevator available, and open from 10am to 5pm, but closed on Wednesdays.

We even have guided panorama tours in Wroclaw, which are a great idea if you like these viewing points but at the same time want to learn more about the city. Check out the panorama tours of Wroclaw here.

37. Explore the surroundings of Wroclaw: Lower Silesia

If you decide to stay a for a week or longer in Wroclaw, we definitely recommend you to explore the surrounding areas too!

You can discover the Valley of Castles in Lower Silesia , head out for some lakes, explore other great cities, visit the Peace Churches which are UNESCO World Heritage sites or do wine tastings in wineries around Wroclaw . Maybe a day trip to the mountains in the south is what you want to do?

Everything is pretty close and there are plenty of possibilities.

• Here is our personal and extensive list of the best day trips from Wroclaw

38. Take a guided tour in Wroclaw

Of course, our city blog actually has all the information you need to have a great time in Wroclaw!

However, if you would like to have a guide who will show you the best things to see in Wroclaw on the spot, this is a great idea. As there are plenty of options (walking tours, golf cart tours, boat tours, bike tours, evening walks, etc.) we also made a compilation for you here:

• Our overview of the 15 best guided tours in Wroclaw is available here
• Check the most popular electric car city tour of Wroclaw here

39. Capture memories at these picturesque spots

Wroclaw has many great spots where you as a visitor will make pictures naturally, at the main attractions, the riverside, historic buildings and others.

Nevertheless – what about things to see in Wroclaw which are a bit less obvious and slightly hidden?

For example we have a beautiful maze that not even all residents are fully aware of – the dream for every drone photographer, and also a great place to have fun with family and kids in Wroclaw .

Hidden Staircases and Backyards

However, there is much more to that. In quite a few buildings we have such beautiful staircases that you would not expect when looking on the outside!

We have featured a couple of staircases in Wroclaw in our alternative list here .

Even better, if you are a professional or hobby photographer is our compilation of 60 great instagram spots in Wroclaw here .

The only downside for that is, that you will need much longer than a weekend in Wroclaw to see all of them – but surely we have plenty of reasons to come back 😉

40. Get familiar with things to avoid in Wroclaw and Poland

Well, we wrote a lot about things to do in Wroclaw, but now it is time for some serious talks! Like in every city and every country in the world, there are a couple of things you better do not do.

Just as an example, we have quite aggressive people who want to put roses into your hands, and then they ask for ridiculous amounts of money and won’t take it back.

Or the “volunteers” collecting money, where an organised scheme is actually behind. And obviously, changing money from your home currency is also a sensitive topic.

Therefore we recommend you to get familiar with the most common tourist traps in Poland here . In that blog post we have consolidated all the scams and other things to be aware of, so you will be able to fully enjoy your time in Wroclaw!

What‘s next to plan the trip to Wroclaw?

We hope that now you got excited so much, that you can’t wait to plan your trip to Wroclaw! We have a few more insights on when to visit Wroclaw and how long to stay in Wroclaw here.

When to visit Wroclaw?

The short answer is: We recommend a visit from April/May to September/October for the spring and summer season, plus November and December for the Christmas Market. From January to March we have to be honest with you – the city is grey, a bit of air pollution, probably not the greatest time to come over. Unless you plan to stay in pubs all the time anyway 😉

The Long answer: We wrote a separate post on when to visit Wroclaw with insights for each month here .

How long to stay in Wroclaw?

You might have realised that a weekend is probably not enough to visit all these places to see in Wroclaw we recommended. After living many years in Wroclaw, we still keep finding new things and surely did not see everything we wanted to.

For a first visit in Wroclaw we do recommend at least 2-3 days, a long weekend would be a great start. Then you are able to get a good overview and see a couple of things in Wroclaw.

For the second and third visit you probably have a better idea on what you missed out the first time and then can plan the time you need accordingly. We know people that visit Wroclaw for 10 days in summer, or even a full month, and trust us, they are not getting bored 🙂

If you consider moving to Wroclaw, we wrote a little expat guide to Wroclaw here.

Our alternative Wroclaw Guidebook

There is a great way to support our work and get something for yourself at the same time – check out our alternative guidebook for Wroclaw which we ship across the globe, wherever you are!

We have filled it with 100 extraordinary places to see in Wroclaw and since early 2023 we finally do have the English edition available as well!

• Read the free preview of our alternative guide to Wroclaw here and see more details

The Wroclaw city map – made by locals

If you want to have a city map of Wroclaw with you, there are different options. First of all, we have created an interactive Google Map with all our favourite spots. These are the ones recommended in our blog, but also additional places for which we did not have time to write about (yet).

It is available as “thank you” gift when you subscribe to our newsletter.

• Here you can get more information on our city map and also other local maps

Apart from our own recommendations which we made available on Google Maps, there are also two other options which we really like!

The first one is a USE-IT map of Wroclaw , made by locals for young travellers. You will see that many recommendations are overlapping with ours, the reason is simply that it is a great map 🙂

The second option are neighborhood maps which were created by a city project and introduce you to more local districts, away from the historic old town.

For all of these maps we have consolidated the information and download links available in our City Map of Wroclaw page.

P.S. We do not recommend the free “In Your Pocket” Maps as they have mostly sponsored content where places paid for to be part of it. This won’t happen with ours or the other maps recommended.

Our hotel recommendations for Wroclaw

If you are looking for a great place to stay in Wroclaw, you should either check out  our hotel recommendations for Wroclaw here , our list of recommended apartments in Wroclaw  or alternatively you can use the map below to find the best and available places to stay.

Change the dates to your desired ones to quickly see the best deals, as the map by default shows the options available for tonight:

How to get to Wroclaw and how to get around in Wroclaw?

Well, take the train to our beautiful train station, take a car, jump on a plane, just make sure to come over because our city is really worth it! Here we have a massive piece of information on how to get into Wroclaw .

When you want to find out how to use the free city bikes (up to 20 min), what scooter rentals we have, and why you don’t get a tram ticket when you pay contactless in it, check out our guide to public transportation in Wroclaw here.

Read more about Alternative & Hipster Wroclaw

You already saw all of the above? Then it is time to move on to more alternative and sometimes also a bit hipster-ish things to see in Wroclaw! Street Art, a quite unusual bakery, the city port for urban explorers and many other things to see in Wroclaw are waiting for you. Read more about alternative Wroclaw here.

• Here you can find our alternative and hipster recommendations for Wroclaw

We hope that you enjoyed our massive blog post about what to do in Wroclaw. If you still can’t get enough, keep in mind that on our blog you will find much more about Wroclaw 🙂

If you are planning a trip to Wroclaw, here you will find our planning guides with plenty of insights about travel and accommodation!

You will be in Wroclaw for just a weekend?  Then here are our hints for a perfect weekend in Wroclaw !

You also would do us and other visitors a big favor if you leave comments and remarks below! Is there anything you found in Wroclaw and think should be added? Any remarks on what we wrote? Feel free to leave feedback!

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Bernie burns.

Fabulous site. Can’t say enough. I travel pretty extensively and am always browing sites about cities and have never seen one even close to the quality of yours! What a labour of love. Thank you so much. I will be thanking you over and over agin every step of the way in my three days in Wroclaw at the end of June!!!

Ewa & Mirko

Thank you so much for the kind words, and we hope you will have a great time in Wroclaw in June, that is certainly a perfect time to visit 🙂

This is one of the best city guide websites, and I must say, the level of detail provided is truly commendable. From cafes to pubs to extraordinary places, you name it, and it’s covered. The effort put into this resource is remarkable, and as a newcomer, I’m truly grateful for it. I also received the book ‘100 Extraordinary Places in Wrocław,’ which is exceptional. The places mentioned in the book are definitely worth a visit. Thank you once again for creating such valuable resources effortlessly. Don’t forget to follow their Instagram page for the latest updates on their stories.

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Touropia Travel Experts

Discover the World

17 Best Things to do in Wroclaw, Poland

Understated, historic, and inviting. Wroclaw is a city with everything but a spot on the proverbial map. Any traveler stuck in the rut of visiting the classics, the overworked destinations filled with the opinions of others, will revel in the exploratory freedoms of Wroclaw.

There is much magic in the mystery, a thousand-year tale that unfolds before you. Under the reigns of various kingdoms, from Bohemia to Prussia, there’s a delightful mix-match of architecture. Some from centuries past, others rebuilt from the scourge of WWII.

Travelers with keen ears will detect the sounds of German throughout the city as the scents of Silesian dumplings and bigos stew welcome you into cozy restaurants. Here you can watch the cobbled streets shimmer under the lampposts.

A convenient way to explore all the things to do in Wroclaw is by bike. Between April and November you can rent bicycles at about 70 locations throughout the city with the Wroclaw City Bike.

17. Hansel and Gretel Houses

Bring one of the most iconic fairy tales to life as you visit the enchanting Hansel and Gretel Houses. These two charming structures, linked by an arch, grace one of the corners of the market square, establishing themselves as iconic symbols of the city.

Fondly named after characters from a fairy tale by the local citizens, these buildings mark a notable intersection. This passage not only guides visitors to the Church of St. Elizabeth but also serves as an entrance to the whimsical world of the Wrocław dwarfs.


Romantics often interpret the archway between the two houses as a symbolic gesture, seeing it as a representation of holding hands or signifying a bond of being together forever.

16. Sky Tower Observation Deck

Standing proudly at a height of 212 meters, The Sky Tower Observation Deck provides visitors with mesmerizing panoramas of Wroclaw and its surroundings. As the city’s tallest structure, its modern and sleek design stands in stark contrast to Wroclaw’s traditional architecture, making it an essential stop for tourists in search of a unique and captivating experience.

Upon entry, a team of welcoming staff is ready to guide you to the elevator—an experience in itself, as it zooms upwards at a speed of 6 meters per second. Upon reaching the summit, stepping onto the observation deck unveils breathtaking 360-degree views of Wroclaw and its expansive landscape. On clear days, the vista stretches as far as Mt. Ślęża. Weather permitting, Chełmiec and Śnieżka also come into view on the horizon.

15. Hydropolis

Situated within a captivating former reservoir, Hydropolis proudly stands as the world’s first underground water museum. Here, you can transport yourself into a fascinating world of water exploration, carefully divided into seven distinct zones. Each zone delves into various facets of water, from its natural significance to its technological applications.

A true highlight within Hydropolis is its exquisite 3D cinema, where cutting-edge technology unfolds a visually stunning journey through the world of water. This immersive cinematic experience not only underscores the importance of water in our lives but also sheds light on the environmental impact of human activities. The museum’s charm lies in its interactive exhibits, offering delightful multimedia games where visitors can play with dolphins and take part in coral reef cleaning—an engaging and educational experience, especially appealing to families.

14. National Museum

Renowned as one of Poland’s largest and most significant museums, the National Museum in Wrocław resides on the southern bank of the Odra River. Constructed in the Northern Neo-Renaissance style between 1883 and 1886, the museum’s picturesque location serves as a backdrop for its impressive collection.

The National Museum is home to 200,000 artifacts across various artistic disciplines, from medieval Silesian sculptures to contemporary prints. The collection also encompasses Silesian, Polish, and European paintings. Additionally, the museum features a diverse array of historical artifacts spanning the Middle Ages to the early 20th century, complemented by a rich library of books and documents.

Through ongoing acquisitions, including paintings, prints, sculptures, and artistic crafts, the National Museum in Wrocław continues to expand its already extensive and diverse collection. Thus solidifying its status as one of Poland’s most prominent cultural institutions.

13. St. Elizabeth’s Church

Standing as one of the oldest and tallest structures in the Old Town of Wrocław, St Elizabeth’s Church has an unmistakable presence that can be traced back to the 12th century. Despite enduring challenges such as hail damage in 1529, severe destruction in WWII, and a mysterious fire in 1976, the church perseveres.

Today, it serves as a military garrison church, showcasing memorable Gothic and Renaissance altars, along with housing over 100 tombs of noteworthy citizens. The highlight, however, is the 91m tower. Open to visitors from April to the end of October, it offers a spectacular panoramic view for a small fee. Don’t be deterred by the climb, it’s a view well worth the effort.

12. Wroclaw Zoo

A magnetic destination for both animal enthusiasts and families, Wroclaw Zoo offers an unparalleled experience. Holding the title of the largest zoo in Poland and among the top zoos in Europe, it hosts over 10,000 animals, from over 1,300 species.


A must-see is Afrykarium. Its guiding concept revolves around the theme “Life-giving waters of Africa,” offering an immersive presentation of various aquatic ecosystems found on the continent. It holds the distinction of being the only European facility exclusively devoted to showcasing the rich fauna and flora of Africa.

The centerpiece of this section is the underwater tunnel, providing a unique experience of walking on the ocean floor, surrounded by a spectacular display of sea creatures.

11. Tumski Bridge

Stretching across the Odra River amidst picturesque architecture, Tumski Bridge is just for those getting about on two feet. The tranquil pathway places you among the locals for a peaceful stroll surrounded by Wroclaw’s breathtaking architecture.

As you make your way across the bridge, you will come across many love locks attached to the railings. This is a custom that originated in the early 2000s. According to legend, couples who place a lock on the bridge and throw the key into the river will ensure the lasting strength of their love. This heartwarming sight only adds to the romantic atmosphere of the bridge.


Located across Tumski Bridge, Sand Island is home to the grandeur of Wroclaw’s largest Gothic church, the Church of Our Lady on the Sand. This captivating church stands as an impressive landmark on the quaint island.

10. Monument to the Anonymous Passerby

Sitting on both sides of Świdnicka Street, The Monument to Anonymous Pedestrian offers a humbling and emotional experience. It prompts reflection on the significance of honoring those who have suffered and lost their lives in times of war and conflict.


Comprising fourteen natural-size bronze figures, the monument depicts various ordinary passersby, such as a mother with a child, an old woman with a cane, and a man with a suitcase. Walking in different directions, with their faces covered by hoods, as the figures approach the road’s edge, they gradually sink into the ground.

Unveiled on the night of December 12th, 2005, marking the 24th anniversary of martial law, the monument symbolizes the transformative changes in Poland.

9. St Mary Magdalene Church

With origins tracing back to the 13th century, St. Mary Magdalene Church is a testament to Wroclaw’s rich religious and cultural history. This monumental church underwent a transformative period during the Reformation when it was taken over by Protestants. It was only after World War II that it was restored to its original status.

The church boasts notable features, including a 12th-century Romanesque portal relocated from the Benedictine Abbey, a prized relic from Wrocław’s past. The distinctive ‘Penitents’ Bridge’ connects the two lofty towers, their cupolas left unreplaced after the war.

Climbing the tower rewards you with thrilling views of the Old Town, and traversing the open-air bridge 46m above ground adds an exhilarating dimension to the experience. Though the ascent is steep, the panoramic vista of the city allows for great photography.

8. Botanical Garden

Renowned as a serene oasis, the Botanical Garden of the University of Wrocław is not just a “living museum” but also serves as a scientific and educational hub.

A particular highlight is the arboretum, a dedicated section showcasing an impressive array of tree species, ranging from towering oaks to delicate shrubs. As you wander through, take a moment to absorb the significance of preserving and protecting these trees for the benefit of future generations.

Beyond its green landscapes, the Botanical Garden hosts a myriad of events, including Majówki Tumskie and the Festival of Pumpkins. Concerts, open-air events for children, and gatherings for gardening enthusiasts further contribute to its vibrant atmosphere.

7. Multimedia Fountain at Pergola

Nestled in the picturesque Szczytnicki Park, the Multimedia Fountain at Pergola presents a mesmerizing spectacle for visitors to the former regional capital.

Featuring a basin adorned with 300 water jets that craft geysers, mists, and various intricate shapes, the water installation harmoniously dances with 800 lights. The seamless blend of light, water, and music produces breathtaking shows, enhanced during special night displays with animations, photos, and films projected onto the water.

Unveiled on June 4, 2009, in celebration of the 20th anniversary of free elections in post-war Poland, this captivating fountain serves as a heartfelt gift to the city’s residents.


6. Kolejkowo

Dubbed the “Miniature World of Trains,” Kolejkowo stands as an exciting and distinctive destination, offering visitors an extraordinary glimpse into a meticulously crafted miniature version of the city .

Upon entering Kolejkowo, you are immersed in a world of miniature trains, buildings, and landscapes, each intricately detailed with impressive precision.

A primary attraction at Kolejkowo is its expansive miniature railway system, which features a network of more than 30 trains. Observing the trains in motion is a delightful experience, and visitors can even take control of some of them using interactive buttons, ensuring hours of entertainment in this captivating miniature realm.

5. Town Hall


Sitting in the heart of Old Town, the Town Hall is an iconic and historically rich structure. It features an alluring fusion of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles developed from the late 13th century to the mid-16th century.

As you approach the Town Hall, its grandeur becomes apparent. The façade is a masterpiece of intricate details, while the clock tower rises to an impressive height.

A major draw within the Town Hall is the astronomical clock. Crafted from larch wood and added to the eastern facade in 1580, this clock continues to enchant visitors by displaying both the time and phases of the moon with timeless precision.

The Town Hall is encompassed by a charming square, where lively cafes and vibrant buildings contribute to its bustling atmosphere.

4. Cathedral Island

The oldest district in the city, Cathedral Island (Ostrow Tumski), traces its origins back to the 10th century and hosts some of Poland’s significant religious structures.

One notable observation is that, despite its name, Cathedral Island is no longer an island. It held that status until persistent flooding prompted the city to fill one of Odra River’s tributaries in 1810.

A prominent landmark is the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, recognized by its elegant Gothic architecture and distinctive double spires, visible from various vantage points across the city. Commencing construction in 1244, it was Poland’s first brick building. The Cathedral’s true allure lies in the breathtaking panoramic views accessible from its towers.

Adjacent to the cathedral, the Archdiocese Museum invites visitors to delve into the island’s history and its pivotal role in Wroclaw’s evolution.

3. Racławice Panorama

A compelling demonstration of art’s ability to preserve and convey history, the Raclawice Panorama offers a poignant journey through a pivotal moment. At that time, Poland found itself under the influence of the Soviet Union, and the immersive quality of the artwork transports viewers seamlessly back in time to bear witness to the unfolding battle.

This project was conceived as a patriotic commemoration honoring the centenary of the Battle of Racławice. The technology employed by the creators is reminiscent of contemporary 3D innovations, utilizing a unique combination of panoramic perspective, strategic lighting, and thoughtfully crafted scenography positioned in front of the canvas to give it a striking multidimensional appearance.

2. Wroclaw’s Dwarfs

Originating as a political movement, the dwarf tradition has burgeoned into a cultural phenomenon, with the Wroclaw Dwarfs now claiming dominion over an entire city!

These sculptures trace their roots back to the Orange Alternative, an anti-Soviet resistance movement instrumental in toppling Poland’s communist regime during the 1980s. The movement, known for defacing communist propaganda with street art, typically including whimsical dwarf figures, sparked the inception of the dwarf tradition. In 2001, the first dwarf sculpture emerged as a commemoration of the Orange Alternative’s impactful role.

Since that time, the dwarfs have remarkably multiplied at an almost exponential rate. Presently, one can encounter a myriad of variations, ranging from a dwarf orchestra to a prison dwarf, and even a selfie dwarf.

1. Market Square

Among a stunning array of colorful buildings exhibiting Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, Market Square (Rynek) is one of Europe’s largest and serves as the beating heart of Wroclaw.

Despite World War II’s near-total destruction, meticulous 20th-century reconstructions revived the architectural splendor. Notably, the seated statue of comic playwright Alexander Fredro replaced the pre-war sculpture of King Frederick II.


Beyond its captivating architecture and history, the square invites guests to bask in the summer sun, enjoying a chilled beer at its numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants. As winter unfolds, a magical transformation takes place, revealing a vast ice rink where visitors can showcase their skating skills.

Best Time to Visit Wroclaw

One of the warmest cities in all of Poland, Wroclaw sees lots of people visit between May and September. With temperatures averaging 19 to 24°C (66 to 75°F), the weather is perfect for sightseeing, outdoor activities and scenic boat trips along the Oder River.

July and August are the busiest and most expensive months due to the summer holidays. A vibrant feel takes over the city with hugely popular events like the New Horizons Film Festival and Good Beer Festival creating a buzz about town.

As they are drier than the summer months, both April and October can be pleasant times to visit. While still relatively warm at 14°C (57°F), the city is cheaper, less crowded and some great deals can be had. The spring flowers and autumnal foliage also paint a pretty picture.

From late November through to early January, Wroclaw hosts one of Europe’s best and most beautiful Christmas markets – an excellent reason to visit if you don’t mind cold weather!

Where to Stay in Wroclaw

Stepping into Central Wroclaw is akin to entering living history. Here, every cobblestone speaks the past, and each architectural marvel stands as a symbol of the city’s allure. The historic district, known as Stare Miasto, unravels like a good book, showcasing Polish culture . It makes for an ideal place to spend your time in Wroclaw.

For those seeking a more modern and stylish stay, Qubus Hotel Wroclaw offers a unique blend of contemporary design and historic charm. Located in the heart of Old Town Wroclaw, this hotel highlights stunning views of the city’s elegant buildings and bustling streets. With sleek and comfortable rooms, a fitness center, and a restaurant serving delicious Polish cuisine, Qubus Hotel proves to be an exceptional base.

A hidden gem in the heart of Wroclaw’s historic district, Europeum Hotel features a prime location and charming atmosphere. This boutique hotel exudes elegance, surrounded by some of the city’s oldest buildings while offering stylishly decorated rooms and contemporary amenities.

How to get there


One of the most convenient ways to reach Wroclaw is by air, with Wroclaw International Airport (WRO) serving both domestic and international flights. Upon arrival, taxis or public transportation are available for a swift journey to the city center.

The city boasts a well-connected railway network, allowing direct train travel from major Polish cities and neighboring countries like Germany, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Wroclaw Glowny, the main train station, is centrally situated. It facilitates easy access to accommodations and city exploration.

For those preferring bus transport, Wroclaw’s modern and efficient bus system connects to major cities in Poland and Europe. The main bus station, Wroclaw PKS, is conveniently located near the train station, streamlining transfers between these transportation modes.

Map of Tourist Attractions in Wroclaw

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• 1.1 History
• 1.3 Tourist information
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By train
• 3.1.1 Tickets
• 3.1.2 Route numbers
• 3.2 By taxi
• 3.3 By bicycle
• 4.1 Further afield
• 4.2 Museums
• 5.1 Festivals
• 5.2 With children
• 9.1.1 In the city centre
• 9.1.2 Near the city centre
• 9.2 Mid-range
• 9.3 Splurge
• 11.1 Budget
• 11.2 Mid-range
• 11.3 Splurge
• 12 Medical tourism
• 13 Stay safe

Wrocław (pronounced VROHTS -wahf ; also known as Breslau , its German name, and English name until 1945) is the largest city in Lower Silesia in Poland . It is home to 674,000 people within the city limits (2022) and the metropolitan area has a population of 1.3 million making it the largest city in Western Poland.

Wrocław is the historic capital of Silesia and it has changed hands repeatedly over the centuries. At different points throughout history, Wrocław has been in the Kingdom of Poland, Bohemia, the Austrian Empire , Prussia and Germany. In 1945 the city became a part of Poland again as the borders of Poland were moved westwards in the immediate aftermath of World War II. The city came to international fame as it hosted a number of football matches during the Euro 2012 Championships and was one of the 2016 European Capitals of Culture . The World Games took place in Wrocław in 2017.

Understand [ edit ]

History [ edit ]

Like many cities in Central Europe, it is a city with a troubled past, having seen a lot of violence and devastation. Prior to the Second World War, Breslau was the capital of the German province of Prussian Lower Silesia. It became Polish territory when, after the War, the Soviets moved the German/Polish border westward to the Oder/Neisse Line and ethnically cleansed the area of its overwhelmingly German population through mass expulsion. Breslau was almost completely destroyed during the end of the War as the Red Army fought its way into Germany towards Berlin, being declared a "Fortress City" by Adolf Hitler. However, since the end of the Communist regime in 1989 it has been wonderfully restored and can now be counted among the highlights of Poland and of all Central Europe.

Talk [ edit ]

The official language is Polish. The city is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination, and serves as Poland's secondary financial services centre (after Warsaw). Thus, you should be able to a find sufficient number of English speakers to get by. German is probably much more widely spoken and understood here than in other regions of Poland.

Tourist information [ edit ]

There are two tourist information points on the main market square (Rynek). There is a tourist information in the main railway station.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

Is served by:

• LOT - Warsaw
• KLM - Amsterdam Schiphol
• Lufthansa - Frankfurt Airport , Munich Airport
• Scandinavian Airlines - Copenhagen Airport
• Ryanair - Brussels- Charleroi , Cork, Dublin, Girona, Glasgow-Prestwick, Leeds-Bradford, Liverpool, London-Stansted , Malta, Nottingham/East Midlands, Rome-Ciampino, Shannon, Treviso, Sofia
• Wizz Air - Doncaster/Sheffield, Dortmund, Eindhoven, London-Luton , Birmingham

From the airport, bus 106 operates from the terminal building to central Wrocław during daytime roughly every twenty minutes. There is also a night bus 206 . The night bus will take approximately one hour to get to the city centre. If you are not sure how to get to your final destination in Wrocław by public transport, it might be helpful to use the journey planner . Single-ride tickets from Wrocław Airport to the city center cost 4,60 zł (or 2,30 zł for students or ISIC/EURO 26 holders) and can be purchased at the automatic ticket vending machine at the stop or on board.

At night, some of the bus 206 services operate on the same route as bus 106.

A taxi to the city centre or train station will cost around 45-60 zł during the daytime.

By train [ edit ]

Wrocław is a major hub on the Polish rail network, with several trains a day to all large Polish cities ( route planner ).

There are about ten daily arrivals from Warsaw . Travel time varies from 3½ hours by the new high speed trains , up to almost 7 hours with a TLK (cheap) train.

Several trains a day arrive from Kraków . There are quite a lot of trains from Poznań , which itself receives trains from Szczecin , Bydgoszcz , and Berlin .

As of July 2021 the train from Berlin to Kraków and the overnight train from Berlin to Vienna both call at Wrocław and operate daily. Travel time is around 4½ hours from Berlin or 7 hours overnight from Vienna.

To get to Wrocław from Dresden take the train to Zgorzelec just across the border operated by Trilex . From there Polish trains run to Wrocław, taking about 4h to cover the distance between Dresden and Wrocław.

By bus [ edit ]

All international and national buses stop at the PKS Centrum station which is located directly behind the main train station ( timetable ; click "Odjazdy autobusów z Dworca Centralnego PKS").

Wrocław is a stop on the Eurolines international coach network.

FlixBus operates routes to Prague and Warsaw (via Łódź). Tickets are only available online, but traveling with them is comfortable. Buses are brand new and free Wi-Fi is available on board. Tickets are cheap when bought in advance. One-way tickets are available from 1 zł (plus 1 zł for reservation). They also operate buses to and from Krakow about once an hour.

Given the state of the railway connection to/from Germany (see above) several providers of Intercity buses in Germany (including Deutsche Bahn) also serve Wroclaw, mostly from Berlin and Dresden, with some making intermediate stops.

Get around [ edit ]

The centre of Wrocław is navigable on foot, but the city has an excellent public-transport system for access to the suburbs and outlying attractions, with 57 bus lines, 22 tram lines and 13 night bus lines. As well as that, taxis are readily available and quite affordable, even for those on a budget.

By bus or tram [ edit ]

Details on how to travel around Wrocław and ticket types and prices . You can also use the journey planner .

Tickets [ edit ]

There are two types of tickets :

• Single-ride tickets cost 4,60 zł. These tickets are not time-based or route-based - you must pay each time you enter a different vehicle.
• 15-minutes for 3,20 zł,
• 30-minutes for 4 zł,
• 60-minutes for 5,20 zł,
• 90-minutes for 7 zł,
• 24-hours for 15 zł,
• 48-hours for 26 zł,
• 72-hours for 32 zł,
• 168-hours (7-days) 54 zł.

A reduced fare is available and costs 50% of the regular fare. Students under 21 and seniors aged 65 and over ride for free. A proof of age or a school ID is needed.

You must validate all tickets on boarding the bus or tram, or you'll face a 150 zł fine (plus the price of a ticket) if caught by an inspector (100 zł if paid within 7 days). A period ticket only needs to validated on the first vehicle that you board. After that, you just need to keep it on you for inspection.

Tickets are sold in lots of places. Look for "Ruch" kiosks, post offices. You should be able to buy them in most newsagents also. In the city centre you can find lots of ticket machines offering all types of tickets.

In every bus and tram there is a ticket machine installed too. Payment is only possible by credit or debit card (Visa/MasterCard/American Express). Maestro cards are not accepted. The ticket machine on the bus or tram does not print your ticket – the ticket is coded on your payment card. The validity of the ticket (this service is particularly useful in time tickets) can be checked in the ticket machine.

Transporting baggage and animals requires no additional ticket.

If you're planning to stay longer, check out the Urbancard offer .

Route numbers [ edit ]

• 0-79 — trams
• A,C,D,E,K,N — express buses (ticket costs 3.20 zł)
• 100-149 — normal buses
• 3xx — normal buses, peak hours only
• 4xx — fast buses
• 6xx — suburban buses (if outside town, ticket costs 3.20 zł)
• 240-259 — night buses (ticket costs 3.20 zł)

By taxi [ edit ]

• List of taxi companies .

By bicycle [ edit ]

Between April and November you can rent bicycles at about 70 locations throughout the city with the Wroclaw City Bike ( Wrocławski Rower Miejski, WRM ) system which is operated by Nextbike Polska on behalf of the city. You need to register once online and pay an initial fee of 10 zł. For the first 20 min you can then use the bicycles for free. 20- to 40-min rental periods cost 2 zł and every additional hour costs 4 zł. A customer service office for questions or registration is on ul. Świętego Antoniego 8 (open Tu 06:00-16:00, Th 11:00-21:00). Customer service can also called on +48 71 738 1111 or +48 71 715 2772.

See [ edit ]

• 51.10936 17.02972 3 Salt Square ( Plac Solny ). Formerly a salt market, now a flower market.  
• 51.1159 17.0478 9 [dead link] Botanical Garden of the University of Wrocław ( Ogród Botaniczny Uniwersytetu Wrocławskiego ), ul. Henryka Sienkiewicza 23 , ☏ +48 71 3225957 . May-Aug: 08:00-20:00; Sep - mid-Nov, spring-May: 08:00-19:00; mid-Nov - spring: closed. Ticket office closes at 18:00 . 15 zł adults, 5 zł concession . ( updated May 2016 )

Further afield [ edit ]

• 51.10753 17.07542 12 Wroclaw Iglica . A distinctive object placed close to the Centennial Hall.  

• 51.1099 17.0799 14 Japanese Garden ( Ogród Japoński ). Apr-Oct: 09:00-19:00 . A remainder from the 'World Expo' of 1913 held in Wrocław, this is a large landscaped garden restored post-flooding with the assistance of the Japanese government. A part of Park Szczytnicki. 4zł regular, 2zł reduced .  
• 51.08527 17.08305 15 Eastern Park ( pl: Park Wschodni ). On the bank of Oława river is a masterpiece of design, but left forgotten for decades. After few years of restoration it's now a true gem especially worth visiting in April when wetland flowers are blooming or autumn when vegetation turns into picturesque blend of reds, yellows and gold. As it borders semi-wild forests and has plenty of water, you may even watch swans taking care of their nests just few meters from the walking path.  

Museums [ edit ]

• 51.099822 17.052991 20 Ethnographic Museum ( Muzeum Etnograficzne ), Traugutta 111/113 ( take tram 3 or 5 and get off at stop pl. Zgody ), ☏ +48 71 344 33 13 , +48 71 342 12 67 . Tu W F-Su 10:00-16:00, Th 09:00-16:00, M closed . Located in the former summer Palace of Wrocław Bishops. Collection concentrates on folk art. Adults 5 zł, concessions 3 zł. Sat free . ( updated May 2016 )
• 51.10805 17.07583 21 Museum of Contemporary Art ( next to the Centennial Hall ). The Four Domes Pavilion ( Pawilon Czterech Kopuł ) which is part of the historic Exhibition Grounds houses the collection of Polish contemporary art of the National Museum, which comprises works from 1945 until present. ( updated May 2016 )
• 51.1096 17.0321 22 The Museum of Bourgeois Art ( Muzeum Sztuki Mieszczańskej ), Stary Ratusz, Rynek ( in the Old Town Hall (Stary Ratusz) ). W-Sa 10:00-17:00, Su 10:00-18:00, M Tu closed . Permanent exhibitions: free, temporary exhibitions: 10 zł adults, 7 zł concessions . ( updated Dec 2015 )
• 51.11287 17.02675 23 [dead link] Museum of Archeology ( Muzeum Archeologiczne ), ul. Cieszyńskiego 9 ( in the City Arsenal (St. Nicolas Arsenal) ). W-Sa 10:00-17:00, Su 10:00-18:00, M Tu closed . Permanent exhibitions: free, temporary exhibitions: 12 zł adults, 7 zł concessions . ( updated Dec 2015 )
• 51.11311 17.0271 24 [dead link] Military Museum ( Muzeum Militariów ), ul. Cieszyńskiego 9 ( in the City Arsenal (St. Nicolas Arsenal) ). W-Sa 10:00-17:00, Su 10:00-18:00, M Tu closed . Permanent exhibitions: free, temporary exhibitions: 12 zł adults, 7 zł concessions . ( updated May 2016 )
• 51.10746 17.02888 25 [dead link] Historical Museum ( Muzeum Historyczne ), ul. Kazimierza Wielkiego 15 . Tu-Sa 10:00-17:00, Su 10:00-18:00, M closed . Located in the Royal Palace . The Royal Palace is also home to The Museum of Medallic Art [dead link] ( Muzeum Sztuki Medalierskiej ). Permanent exhibitions: free, temporary exhibitions: 15 zł adults, 10 zł concessions . ( updated May 2016 )
• 51.0879 17.02676 26 [dead link] Museum of Cemetery Art ( Muzeum Sztuki Cmentarnej ), ul. Ślężna 37/39 . Daily 10:00-18:00 (in autumn and winter: open till dusk) . The Old Jewish Cemetery ( Stary Cmentarz Żydowski ). ( updated May 2016 )
• 51.113216 17.005042 27 Wrocław Contemporary Museum ( Muzeum Współczesne Wrocław, MWW ), Plac Strzegomski 2 , ☏ +48 784 973 213 . M 09:00-17:00, W-Su 12:00-20:00, closed Tu and holidays . Contemporary art, photography, also a club and a cafeteria with nice views. Admission 20 zł, reduced 10 zł, Th free, "Self-service museum" free . ( updated May 2016 )

Do [ edit ]

• 51.10568 17.03064 1 Opera Wrocławska , ul. Świdnicka 35 .  
• 51.10081 17.03019 2 Music Theatre Capitol , ul. Marszałka J. Piłsudskiego 67 .  
• 51.10123 17.02607 3 [dead link] Polski Theatre , ul. Zapolskiej 3 . Two additional stages are located at ul. Świdnicka 28 (Small Stage) and plac Orląt Lwowskich 20c (Świebodzki Train Station Stage).  
• Współczesny Theatre ( Contemporary Theatre ), Ul. Rzeźnicza 12 .  
• Wrocław Philharmonic , Ul. Piłsudskiego 19 . Different kinds of concerts: symphonic, choral, early music, jazz, popular music.  
• Football: Śląsk Wrocław play soccer in Ekstraklasa, Poland's top tier. Their home ground (capacity 45,000) is Stadion Wrocław or Tarczyński Arena, 6 km northwest of city centre. The 2025 UEFA Europa Conference League final will be played there, probably on 28 May 2025, tbc.
• Rope Park ( Opatowicka Wyspa Przygody ). Go to the rope park on Opatowicka island.  
• Free Walking Tours . ( updated May 2016 )
• 51.10945 17.03267 4 Wroclaw Food Tour , Pregierz,Rynek ( Monument in front of Mc Donalds' in the Central Market ), ☏ +48 791 782 792 , [email protected] . M-F 13:00-16:30, Sa Su 12:00-15:30 . Wroclaw Food Tour is an easy and enjoyable way to discover traditional Polish food in authentic locales alongside with other food lovers from all over the world. It is not just about eating food, but also touching upon Polish culture by finding out about the many intriguing facts concerning Polish cuisine under the guidance of an English-speaking food expert. €40 . ( updated Aug 2015 )

Festivals [ edit ]

• Long Night of Museums . Annual event in May.  
• Festival of Good Beer , Wrocław Municipal Stadium, Aleja Śląska 1 . The largest beer festival in Poland and one of the largest in Europe. In June.  
• New Horizons ( Nowe Horyzonty ). International Film Festival. Ten days of films, concerts and exhibitions. End of July.  
• Dialog Festival . International Theatre Festival. October.  
• [dead link] International Festival Wratislavia Cantans . Oratorio and cantata music in Wroclaw's historical venues. September.  

With children [ edit ]

Some free public playgrounds:

• 51.081035 16.975444 5 Mamut . 24/7 . Mammoth installation inside "Park Mamuta". free .  
• 51.0811 16.9962 6 Zipwire . 24/7 . a zipline and big spiderweb rope construction. free .  
• 51.1008 17.0556 7 Water playground . 24/7 . water sandbox with an Archimedes' screw, hand water pump, tiny gates and channels. Not far from water museum Hydropolis (which is paid). free .  
• 51.0857 17.0488 8 Nivea playground ( Podwórko talentów Nivea ). 24/7 . Playground with a big xylophone and a small scene. free .  

Learn [ edit ]

Polish for foreigners is taught in several schools.

Work [ edit ]

Wrocław is a major financial services centre, with headquarters of several companies from the sector, most importantly the Getin Holding [dead link] .

Buy [ edit ]

• Travellers' Bookshop , ul. Wita Stwosza 19/20 . Maps, guidebooks, travel books.  
• 51.10849 17.04057 1 Galeria Dominikańska . Large shopping mall, with a big supermarket in the basement floor. Free Wi-Fi.  
• Tajne Komplety , ul. Przejście Garncarskie 2 ( small street on Rynek ). Bookshop/cafe with a good selection of English-language books and good coffee.  
• 51.11259 17.03985 2 [dead link] Market Hall ( Hala Targowa ), ul. Piaskowa 15 . For fresh vegetables, fruits, pierogi, etc. ( updated Jan 2016 )

Eat [ edit ]

Budget [ edit ].

Cultural note: the "bars" listed below are in fact self-service canteens, known as milk bars ( bar mleczny ), offering inexpensive and traditional Polish meals. They are a gastronomic and cultural experience. They should be open even on national holidays. Expect short queues.

In the city centre [ edit ]

• 51.11251 17.034148 1 Bar Miś , 48 Kuźnicza Street ( 700 ft. north of Rynek (Market Place or central square) ). M-F 07:00-18:00 and Sa 08:00-17:00 . Offers an ample and diversified menu, including meat-based dishes. Students, staff and professors of the University of Wrocław usually eat there, together with homeless people, elderly and pensioners. After entering go to the cash desk (at the left corner) and order your meal (Polish only). Turn right, go to the food counter and hand your receipt to the person serving the meals. ( updated May 2022 )
• 51.111019 17.035159 2 Bratwursty , Szewska 24/26 . Tasty sausages. One of the best street food in Wrocław. There are not many such places in Poland. ( updated May 2022 )
• 51.111089 17.03042 3 Prewar , Świętego Mikołaja 81 . Pre-War restaurant. The atmosphere and decor of the place take you to another dimension. ( updated May 2022 )
• 51.111622 17.027982 4 iBO falafel , Świętego Mikołaja 15 . Delicious vegan falafels, beautiful wraps and lovely service. The falafel is fresh, yummy, flavorful and filing. Small cosy place. ( updated May 2022 )
• 51.110636 17.032941 5 Pizzeria Piekielny Kupiec , Rynek 46/47 . Very big variety of pizzas including some rare yet delicious combinations. You can order some additional sauce to make it even tastier. Fast, attentive and kindly service. ( updated May 2022 )
• 51.1105 17.03213 6 U Beatki , Rynek-Ratusz 13/14 ( entrance on the northern side of the Town Hall ). Open every day from 09:00 until the last guest leaves . May feel a bit small and old-fashioned inside but it's very clean and the staff are friendly, plus there's a beer garden open in the summer. Great and cheap pierogi , potato pancakes and soups. ( updated May 2022 )
• 51.11355 17.03461 7 Bar Bazylia , Kuźnicza Street ( corner of Uniwersytecki Square, 300 ft. after bar "Miś", inside the building of University's Law Department ). Very clean and fast service. Offers a more stylish ambience.  

Near the city centre [ edit ]

• 51.105018 17.023388 8 Bar Pierożek Wrocław ul. Sądowa 7 , Sądowa 7 ( next to the Casino, close to the Scandic Hotel ). According to many Wroclavians, the best pierogi in Wrocław. Try pierogi ruskie (with potatoes and cottage cheese) with kefir and barszcz (borscht) and "nalesniki" (crêpes) to experience what real Polish food ought to taste like. The place is small and basic, you may need to wait for a seat, but the food is top-notch. ( updated May 2022 )
• 51.116483 17.033194 9 Bar Mleczny Mewa , Bolesława Drobnera 4 ( 7 minutes walk north from Rynek through University Main Building and Pomorski Bridge ). M-F 08:00-18:00, Sa Su 09:00-16:00 . The cheapest. Offers some dishes only at specific hours: pirogi - 13:00, pancakes - 14:00, pirogi with cabbage - 15:00, potato pancakes - 16:00. You pay directly at the food delivery counter (Polish only). ( updated May 2022 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 51.11162 17.03545 10 Giselle , ul. Szewska 27 . A French bakery/cafe with delicious breakfast dishes (served all day) and other food. Around 12-19 zł . ( updated Jan 2016 )
• Amalfi , Więzienna Street . A place serving authentic thin-slice Italian pizza from a proper, scorching-hot wood oven. About 15 zł for a pizza for one person. Italian owners.  
• Oregano , Igielna Street . Inexpensive restaurant with pizza and a variety of other dishes.  
• Piramida , Wita Stwosza Street . Egyptian restaurant. Kitschy interior and big portions.  
• Gruzińskie Chaczapuri , Mikolaja Street ( nearly adjacent to Market Square ). A budding franchise originating from Kraków, serves Georgian food (khachapuri). Try lawasz z adżapsandałem (dough-filled with a tasty mix of tomatoes, bell peppers, aubergines, garlic and goat cheese) for about 15 zł.  
• Mexico Bar , Rzeźnicza Street . As long as you are willing to eat a somewhat modified version of Mexican cuisine, you should enjoy the large, rich portions at Mexico Bar. You might want to order the "hot" ( na ostro ) version of your dish, as the regular dishes are surprisingly mild. This is a small, popular place, so you may have to wait for your seat at the bar. It is best to call ahead and make reservations especially on the weekends.  
• Masala Grill & Bar , ul. Kuźnicza 3 ( close to the main square ), ☏ +48 71 302 69 49 . 11:00-00:00 . An Indian restaurant. The restaurant is air conditioned, has a seating capacity of 110 and is child friendly. The cuisine is Indian keeping European tastes in mind. The Xpress Lunch combo is a favourite and very reasonably priced with a free soft drink. The main menu has a wide variety of dishes to choose from including soups, salads, starters, Tandoori Grill, special Indian curries, fragrant basmati rice and Indian bread (naan). The bar at the restaurant specializes in a wide variety of eye-catching cocktails and mocktails.  
• Le Bistrot Parisien ( French restaurant in Wrocław ), ul. Nożownicza I D . Small place, genuine French cuisine, good for dates.  
• 51.1061 17.0384 11 Misa Hindusa , Piotra Skargi 22 , ☏ +48 508760427 , [email protected] . Daily 11:30-21:00 . ( updated Dec 2021 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• Pod Papugami , ul. Sukiennice 9a ( At Rynek, next to Spiż Cellar (see above) ). Offers good meals and a good selection of salads. ( updated Apr 2024 )
• Novocaina , Rynek 13 , ☏ +48 71 3436915 . Organic-based pizza and pasta dishes. Reservations are necessary, but can be made a day in advance through their website.  

Drink [ edit ]

• 51.11097 17.03149 1 Kawiarnia Literatka , Rynek 56/57 . Opens at 10:00 and stays open as long as you can drink . Literatka is not exactly a coffee place, because it lacks own cakes and desserts. However, they do have coffee and lots of inexpensive alcohol, as well as book shelves, free Wi-Fi connection, and nice atmosphere. Good place for a quick coffee, chat, or even evening drink. If you smoke, check the inner smoking room, which is larger and nicer than the outward non-smoking area.  

There are many different clubs and pubs in Wroclaw. Most of them are located in the centre of the old town, many good ones however, are situated a few crossings from the Town Square, not within its borders. The Town Square mostly contains some not very specific, quite expensive restaurants, although it is worth mentioning the Spiż Cellar , an interesting mini-brewery with a few tasty kinds of locally made beer and a unique interior design. There are also two discos that are popular among fans of house/techno music - Daytona and Związki . However, pub-wanderers, who want to meet interesting people and/or get involved in some discussions will probably enjoy places situated in some less obvious locations than right in the Town Square. Good examples of such places are:

• Mleczarnia ( pronounced 'Mletcharnya' ), ul. Włodkowica 5 . A bit further from the Town Square but still not too far, near the main courthouse in a quiet street - quite a large pub occupying the basement and ground level of an old fin-de-siecle building. It has unique dark, cozy, wooden interiors and a specific atmosphere. Music played is quite specific and varied - among the styles played are: Jewish music, jazz, progressive rock, film music and others. There are often some cultural events, like discussion clubs or film projections taking place in the basement. They also have a hostel in that same building.  
• Bezseność ( Insomnia ), ul. Ruska 51, upstairs . Concerts, film screenings. Popular place.  
• Setka , ul. Kazimierza Wielkiego 50A, on the corner . Supposedly Communist style, well - kitschy. But open 24/7 with cheap alcohol (4 zł for a glass of beer or shot of vodka) and good meals.  

There are plenty of other clubs and pubs in Wroclaw. It's a great adventure to explore them because most have their own specific style and atmosphere.

Beer [ edit ]

• 51.10997 17.03115 2 Spiż Cellar , Rynek-Ratusz 2 . See how to brew beer and how delicious it tastes.  
• 51.1318 17.0593 3 Browar Stu Mostów ( 100 Bridges Brewery ), ul. Jana Długosza 2-6 . A micro-brewery and pub that opened in 2014. ( updated Jan 2016 )
• 51.11274 17.03986 4 Targowa , ul. Piaskowa 17 . Craft beer (including local ones) and food. ( updated Jan 2016 )

Sleep [ edit ]

• [dead link] Alien Hostel , ul. Sienkiewicza 31 , ☏ +48 519 115 075 (Polish), +48 781 180 911 (English & German) , [email protected] . English, German and Polish speaking staff. From 50 zł, no dorms .  
• Boogie Hostel , ul. Ruska 35 , ☏ +48 71 342 44 72 , [email protected] . Cheap, comfortable accommodation in the centre of town. 19 and very spacious but cosy private rooms (for 1, 2, 3 or 4 people), and dorms (8 or 10).  
• Flower Power Hostel , al. Lipowa 15/2 , ☏ +48 71 794 98 68 , [email protected] . Eco. Located in a 1920s villa. Not in the centre. Pets welcome. 40 zł dorm bed .  
• HiWay Hostel . Price form: 35 zł (8 bedded dorm). Apparently the smallest hostel in Wroclaw. Comfortable facilities, WiFi, Internet, free breakfast, laundry, friendly staff. Only few minutes walk from Ostrow Tumski and Panorama Raclawicka. About 15 minutes from the Main Square.  
• 51.100342 17.035825 1 Hostel Babel ( Formerly called The Stranger Hostel ), Kołłątaja 16 , ☏ +48 71 342 02 50 . Just around the corner from the train station. Sheets, lockers and Internet are provided. There is a media lounge where you can watch DVD movies and play video games. Dorm bed from 45 zl .  
• 51.116096 17.040612 2 Youth Hostel on the Island ( Hotel Tumski Wrocław/Na Wyspie ), Ul. Wyspa Slodowa 10 , ☏ +48 71 3226099 , +48 71 3226088 , fax : +48 71 3226113 , [email protected] .  
• 51.145869 17.125343 3 Na Kielczowskiej , Ul.Kielczowska 43 , ☏ +48 71 3457396 , fax : +48 71 3457396 , [email protected] .  
• The One Hostel , Rynek 30 , ☏ +48 71 337 2402 , [email protected] . Elegant hostel in the centre (on the Main Square). Dorm beds from 40 zł .  
• [formerly dead link] Chopper Hostel , Kotlarska 42 , ☏ +48 71 344 3781 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 11:00 . Biker friendly hostel in the centre of Wroclaw. Dorm beds from 35 zł .  
• 51.1062 17.0441 4 U Szermierzy , ul. Zygmunta Krasińskiego 30b ( By the large brown doors under the 'U Szermierzy' sign is an intercom; enter '55' and the receptionist will buzz you in. Walk directly ahead (through a large corridor and a second identical set of large brown doors) into the courtyard, where you will see the hostel entrance straight ahead. ), ☏ +48 71 343 49 89 . Check-in: noon , check-out: 10:00 . Treading the line between hostel and cheap hotel, "U Szermierzy" has 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-bed rooms, the more expensive ones equipped with en suites and televisions. Dilapidated but clean, and less than 1 km from the Old Town Market. Free parking available, enter via ul. Generała Romualda Traugutta, 150m east of the intersection with ul. Zygmunta Krasińskiego. Free Wi-Fi internet access. single from 70 zł, double with bathroom and shower 90 zł .  
• Premiere Classe Wroclaw Centrum
• Qubus Hotel Wrocław . Four-star hotel located in the heart of the city, near a beautiful Market Square. There is also a fitness centre with bodybuilding gym, sauna, Jacuzzi and swimming pool.  
• Hotel System . Is one of the newest hotels in Wroclaw, conveniently situated close to the city centre but at the same time not far from major roads, (E67 8 Wrocław - Warsaw, and E261 5 Wrocław - Poznań ).  
• Scandic Wrocław . The first hotel in Poland managed by the most popular Scandinavian hotel chain, it is in the centre of Wrocław, close to the Old Town and to the railway station, easily accessible from the A4 highway.  
• Campanile Wroclaw Centrum
• Orbis Hotel Wroclaw
• Hotel im. Jana Pawła II
• HP Park Plaza
• Best Western Hotel Prima Wrocław
• Novotel Wrocław
• 51.112223 17.029829 5 Art Hotel , Kiełbaśnicza 20 .  
• 51.111204 17.028933 7 Sofitel Wrocław Old Town , ul. Św. Mikołaja 67 ( Stare Miasto ). Check-in: 14:00-midnight , check-out: 07:00-12:00 . 50 metres from the Rynek Główny. 216 zł and up .  
• 51.111052 17.0437 8 Radisson Blu , ul. Purkyniego 10 ( Stare Miasto ). Check-in: from 15:00 , check-out: until noon . A bit farther from the Old Town, but right in front of the Panorama of Racławice. PLN 184 and up .  
• The Granary - La Suite Hotel
• Europeum Hotel
• Mercure Wrocław Centrum

Medical tourism [ edit ]

Wroclaw is also popular destination for medical tourism. A lot of experienced and trustworthy plastic surgeons work in Wroclaw. The most popular aesthetic surgeries in Wroclaw are: breast enlargement, liposuction, tummy tuck and rhinoplasty. These clinics specialize in treating foreign patients:

• Medicus Self

Stay safe [ edit ]

Wrocław, like most of Poland, is a very safe city but you should exercise the usual caution and keep guard of your valuables especially around crowded places or places popular with tourists like the main train station or the town square (Rynek).

Connect [ edit ]

As of Aug 2022 city centre has 5G from all Polish carriers, while outlying districts and the approach highways have 4G. Wifi is widely available in public places.

Go next [ edit ]

• Świdnica — interesting old town, UNESCO Heritage Peace Church.
• Bolesławiec — some 100 km (60 mi) away, the place to shop for porcelain, with a nearby Kliczków Castle converted to a hotel.
• Jawor — UNESCO Heritage Peace Church.
• Gola Dzierżoniowska Castle — a beautiful castle less than 50 km South of Wroclaw.
• Jelenia Góra — a town of hot springs just twenty minutes away from the mountains.
• Wałbrzych — to visit the nearby Książ Castle.
• Niemcza , about 50 km to the south, is a small town with a larger historical importance and a row of lovely Baroque buildings on the Rynek (Market Square).

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Navigation menu

Everyone loves Wrocław (vrots-wahf) and it’s easy to see why. With an idyllic location on the Odra River, the venerable city comprises 12 islands, 130 bridges and verdant riverside parks. The beautifully preserved Cathedral Island is a treat for lovers of Gothic architecture.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Panorama of Racławice

Wrocław’s pride and joy is this giant painting of the battle for Polish independence fought at Racławice on 4 April 1794, between the Polish army led by…

Wrocław Dwarves

See if you can spot the tiny bronze statue of a dwarf resting on the ground, just to the west of the Hansel & Gretel houses. A few metres away you’ll spot…

Old Town Hall

This glorious Gothic edifice, Wrocław's quintessential photo opportunity, took shape over more than 200 years. The right-hand part of the eastern facade,…

Church of the Holy Name of Jesus

Wrocław University's baroque-rococo church is arguably the most beautiful in the city. It was built by the Jesuits in the 1690s on the site of the former…

University of Wrocław

Established by the Jesuits in the early 18th century, the University of Wrocław's main edifice was built between 1728 and 1742. While it's very much a…

Cathedral of St Mary Magdalene

One block east of the Rynek is this mighty Gothic red-brick cathedral, dating to the 14th century. Its showpiece is a Romanesque portal from around 1280…

National Museum

Wrocław's National Museum is a treasure trove of fine art from across the ages. Medieval sculpture is displayed on the ground floor; exhibits include the…

Aula Leopoldinum

On the first floor of the main building of the University of Wrocław, this ceremonial hall is Wrocław's most beautiful baroque interior, embellished with…

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The buzzing capital of the Dolnosląskie province, or Lower Silesia, boasts a complex history spanning many centuries, to which the city owes its large number of historical sites. By far the most important cultural, economic, academic and tourist hub of south-west Poland, here you’ll discover a colourful city with a plethora of attractions to suit every tourist…

History and Modernity, and Don’t Forget the Dwarves!

For over 1,000 years, the city has been magnificently reflected in the waters of the River Oder. With visible reminders of Czech, German and Polish rule, Wrocław has become a truly modern European city, and one that you simply must experience for yourself.

City of Bridges

Here’s an amazing fact for you: More than 100 road bridges and footbridges pin together the riverbanks in Wroclaw – the only places where you’ll find more are Venice, Amsterdam, St. Petersburg and Hamburg. The distinctive turquoise railings of the Tumski Bridge are heavily weighed down by hundreds of love padlocks – just like the Ponte Milvio in Rome. Another must-see is the Witches’ Bridge, Wrocław’s highest at some 45 feet above ground level, which connects the towers of the Gothic Cathedral of St. Mary Magdalene and also offers incredible views of the city. But it’s the Grunwald or Grunwaldzki Bridge that reigns supreme in Wrocław – it’s been a trademark of the city for over a century now; its pioneering suspension structure is impressive both by day and night, when it is stunningly illuminated.

Travel Through Times Past

A fortified town built on Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island) in the 10th Century marked the city’s beginnings. Priceless historic buildings you simply must visit here include the mammoth Gothic Cathedral of St. John the Baptist with its vertiginous twin towers, the two-storey brick Collegiate Church of the Holy Cross and St. Bartholomew and the Archdiocese Museum. The latter houses the Book of Henryków from the 13-14th Centuries, containing the first sentence ever written down in Polish, which is listed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register.

The charming Old Town Square offers a perfect blend of historical Renaissance and Mannerist tenement buildings and post-war reconstructions. One of the biggest in Europe, it is also one of the most beautiful, a dynamic soul of the city where busker music plays day and night and mouth-watering smells come from inviting restaurant terraces. The stunning Baroque “House Under the Golden Sun” (because there’s a large golden sun on the centre-top of its facade) is home to the Pan Tadeusz Museum, housing the manuscript of Adam Mickiewicz’s famous poem. After dusk, you’ll notice ladies and gentlemen in tradition costumes from the Romantic period moving behind the curtains on the first floor – enticing you to enter and visit the museum. The late-Gothic Old Town Hall is quite the showstopper. It houses the Museum of Burgher Art, and in its basement, the oldest bar in Europe.

Close by, the Four Denominations District is a unique place, where an Orthodox church, a Roman Catholic church, a Lutheran church and a synagogue all stand harmoniously beside one another. This charming area is not just a space of religious worship but also caters to those who follow the gods of music – it’s a popular clubbing spot!

Its beauty may provoke controversy, but its revolutionary design is something most can agree on: the huge, reinforced-concrete Centennial Hall, (where policeman Eberhard Mock from Marek Krajewski’s crime novels debuted as a specialist solving the biggest crimes), is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its 28-metre dome is topped with a steel and glass lantern, and the fountain in front of the hall is not only the largest in Poland but one of the biggest in Europe, spurting out water from 300 nozzles, “breathing” fire from three outlets and illuminated by some 800 lights. It puts on quite a show, don’t miss it!

Another Wrocław must is the Racławice Panorama – a monumental painting of the 1794 battle between Polish and Russian forces. Painted by a whole team of artists supervised by Wojciech Kossak and Jan Styka, it measures an extraordinary 114 metres long and 15 metres high. You can see it in a purpose-built rotunda where added elements, decorations and lighting bring the battle to life. The detail and scale of this artwork is quite mindboggling.

For a real insight into the city’s complicated history, be sure to see the 1,000 Years of Wrocław exhibition at the Historical Museum located in the Royal Palace, which is surrounded by beautiful Baroque gardens. The University of Wrocław is also a museum, where features include the magnificent Aula Leopoldina hall and an astronomical observatory in the Mathematical Tower with priceless instruments such as a celestial globe that dates back 500 years. The university itself is one of the most spectacular examples of architecture in the city.

Close to Nature

Young and old enjoy a day at Wroclaw Zoo, which you can reach by taking a boat ride from the city centre. Not only is this the oldest zoo in Poland, it’s also the one that can boast the highest number of animals. The pools in the aquarium hold an incredible 15 million litres and are home to 260 fish species from all over the world, including rays and sharks, while a walk through the rainforest allows you to hear all manner of birds singing merrily. If you enjoy time in nature, the nearby Szczytnicki Park, the city’s largest, tempts visitors with its Japanese Garden featuring many traditional architectural elements, and offers a vast oasis of lush vegetation and welcome solace to recharge your batteries.

Meanwhile, over at the ultracool underground, interactive exhibition at Hydropolis you can learn fascinating facts such as the water supply system in Wrocław is the same length as the distance from Silesia to Madrid, and horrifyingly, that by the year 2050, weight-wise there is likely to be more plastic than fish in the oceans. Hydropolis is one of Europe’s most advanced centres, where all kinds of multimedia technology, interactive installations, replicas and models are used to teach about water from many intriguing angles. Kids of all ages will love it!

Delicious Flavours – and Dwarves!

Visitors arriving in Wroclaw can take their pick of several interesting routes to discover the city: Military Historical Sites, In the Footsteps of Eberhard Mock, the Wrocław Film Trail, Street Art in Wrocław – you can find all these and more by following the descriptions on https://visitwroclaw.eu/en.

Hands down the most original tour, however, is the one that introduces you to the local dwarves; there are already over 300 of these fun figurines to track down in the streets of Wrocław. So important are the little fellows, that they even have an official website: http://krasnale.pl/en, and tourist information points sell souvenirs and sweets referencing the little rascals.

Like many other cities in Poland, Wrocław is another one that really must be appreciated from the river, whether that’s using a tour boat, kayak, pedal boat, motorboat or catamaran. The River Oder can also be crossed through the air – using the Polinka cableway. A city bike or electric golf cart are other good options for getting around.

There’s still much more to Wrocław to discover. The fact that it was chosen a 2016 European Capital of Culture speaks volumes about just how vibrant a city it is. To mention just the most important festivals: Wratislavia Cantans for music, Nowe Horyzonty for films and the Crime and Mystery Festival for literature. Culture enthusiasts will find plenty of art galleries, museums, theatres, the opera house and the National Forum of Music, whose acoustic design was the work of specialists from New York.

Wrocław has many flavours, but you really shouldn’t leave without at least trying the gingerbread. The Silesian gingerbread-making tradition dates back to the 13th Century, making it the oldest in Central Europe, 100 years older than Toruń’s! At Piernikarnia Wrocławska near the main market square, you can taste the spicy biscuits or even learn to make them. They’re every bit as delicious as people say. Perhaps, even more so.

See more articles about cities from Poland:

Discovering Cities, Embracing Journeys

Wrocław Tourist Information Centers: Essential Guide to Maps, Brochures, and Expert Advice

Introduction to Wrocław’s Tourist Information Centers

Main tourist information center at rynek, tourist information point at wrocław airport, tourist information point at wrocław główny railway station, wrocław information center at the centennial hall, services offered by wrocław’s tourist information centers, contact information and opening hours, utilizing digital resources.

The city of Wrocław, known for its picturesque architecture and vibrant history, hosts several official tourist information centers. These centers serve as valuable resources for visitors, offering maps, brochures, and expert advice to help you make the most of your stay.

Located in the city’s heart at Rynek, the Main Tourist Information Center is your one-stop shop for all travel-related inquiries. Here, you can find detailed maps, city guides, brochures, and multi-lingual staff ready to assist you with any questions.

The moment you land at Wrocław Airport, you’ll find a Tourist Information Point ready to serve you. It provides key information about the city, transport advice, and more to ensure you start your journey on the right foot.

Within Wrocław’s main railway station, another Tourist Information Point exists to guide incoming travelers. Easily accessible, it’s your first resource if you’re arriving by train.

Centennial Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hosts its own Wrocław Information Center. Here, you can learn more about the historic hall itself and other city attractions.

Wrocław’s tourist information centers offer a wealth of services. They can assist with public transportation queries, provide timetables, suggest popular city tours, and offer local tips and recommendations.

Most Wrocław Tourist Information Centers are open seven days a week, but hours may vary. It’s best to check the official Wrocław travel website for the most updated information.

Besides physical centers, Wrocław offers several digital resources. The official Wrocław travel website provides a plethora of information, and many brochures and maps are available online for download.

Wrocław’s tourist information centers play an integral role in ensuring visitors have a memorable experience in the city. With their guidance, you can navigate Wrocław confidently, fully immersing yourself in the city’s rich culture and history.

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Ultimate Travel Guide to Wroclaw

Wroclaw is the fourth largest city in Poland and historically the main city in Lower Silesia. Since given the honour of European Capital of Culture in 2016, more and more travellers are learning about the existence of Wroclaw and it’s fast becoming known for its stunning Old Town, beautiful bridges and rivers, excellent brunch culture and an ‘off the beaten path’ alternative to bigger cities in Poland such as Warsaw and Krakow.

Wroclaw (pronounced vrots-wahv) feels very accessible and relaxed due to its compact size, however that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of fun things to do there.

But whereas other cities offer dozens of castles, palaces and museums, Wroclaw offers shopping in Hala Targowa, strolls along the Ostrów Tumski bridge and the cobbled banks of the River Oder broken up by pit stops in the many craft beer taprooms or cosy cafes.

Instead of grand statues to war heroes and royalty, Wroclaw is most famous for the Wroclaw Dwarf statuettes. What started out as a symbol of the anti-communist movement is now a tourist attraction as around 250 dwarf statues can be spotted throughout the Stare Miasto (Polish for Old Town). 

Wroclaw is the perfect place for an unusual city break, and you’ll leave feeling contented, relaxed and full of brunch and pierogi with barely a dent made in your wallet.

This ultimate travel guide to Wroclaw will show you all the beautiful places in Wroclaw, what to expect when visiting, where to stay in Wroclaw and things to do in Wroclaw which will help you in planning a trip to Wroclaw in Western Poland.

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Table of Contents

How to get to Wroclaw

Wroclaw is a really easy city to reach. Wroclaw Nicolaus Copernicus Airport is only 12km outside of Wroclaw city centre and is connected to other cities all over Europe via budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air and for prices as low as €30 return.

Budget travellers can hop on the 106 bus to Wroclaw Main Station just outside of Wroclaw Airport, both day and night, which costs the equivalent of €0.80. Or, UBER is available and taxis outside the airport are relatively cheap in Wroclaw.

Wroclaw Main Railway Station offers direct services all over Poland and continental Europe, but they can be confusing for non-Polish speakers.

Flixbus provides cheap bus services all over the continent and because Wroclaw is so close to the German and Czech Republic/Czechia borders, you can travel from Berlin in under five hours for around €15 or Prague in the same time for around €7!

What to expect in Wroclaw

Since Wroclaw is a Polish city, most of the residents speak the official Polish language. English is commonly spoken in younger generations and those who work in the tourist/service industries, so Wroclaw is easy to navigate as an English speaker. Poland is in the EU and part of the Schengen zone.

The local currency is the Polish zloty with is either written PLN or zł. A small tip is generally expected in restaurants, usually 10-15%, if a service charge isn’t already included but it’s not necessary to tip elsewhere. 

Wroclaw is an incredibly affordable city to visit, particularly for western travellers and is even more affordable than the Polish capital, Warsaw.

Expect to buy brunch and a nice coffee for the equivalent of €6, large beers for around €1-3 and single journeys on public transport to cost less than €1. Wroclaw is also a very safe and friendly city.

How to get around Wroclaw

The main tourist area of Wroclaw, the Old Town, is very small compared to other Polish cities, so if you don’t have any particular accessibility requirements and your accommodation is fairly central you should be able to walk everywhere you want to go.

However, public transport in Wroclaw is pretty good and the MPK tram system is extensive and really easy to use.

Most tram stops have a ticket machine that can be used in English for you to buy tickets and they accept notes, coins and cards which is better than many other Polish cities. Or, there are usually ticket machines on the trams.

It’s worth noting that if you have a large suitcase or piece of luggage (like sporting equipment) then you must buy another ticket for that item, but full price single tickets are usually less than €1 anyway and night tickets don’t cost much more.

The best time to visit Wroclaw

Wroclaw experiences a milder climate than most other parts of Poland, but that doesn’t mean the city is always really hot. Poland, like much of continental Europe, has pleasantly warm summers and winters that are often snowy and just below freezing.

If you want the best weather for your trip, visiting Wroclaw in summer (between May-September) is your best bet as temperatures are in the mid-20 degrees Celsius though there is often rainfall during this time. This is the peak season and the city will be busier and accommodation will be more expensive. 

Spring and autumn especially are still pleasant times to visit Wroclaw without the crowds and price hikes, but Christmas in Wroclaw is truly something special.

Traditional Christmas markets completely take over Wroclaw’s Market Square from the end of November until New Year’s Eve. Hundreds of wooden chalets line up selling decorations, mulled wine and festive Polish treats.

Things to do in Wroclaw

Wroclaw market square.

The heart of Wroclaw Old Town is Wroclaw Market Square and it has to be one of the most beautiful, historic town squares in Europe.

It’s covered in cobbles with so many brightly coloured, decorative buildings, including the Town Hall which has its own astronomical clock and the adjoining Salt Market Square is just as wonderful.

Specific landmarks in or near the Market Square include the Hansel and Gretel houses which are two small, medieval houses left undisrupted by the modern developments around them to demonstrate what Wroclaw would have looked like hundreds of years ago.

Stare Jatki is a cute, narrow shopping street with statues of farm animals and the Jewish Quarter is nearby with lots of cool cafes and bars.

The City Museum of Wroclaw which has found a home in an 18th-century Royal Palace on the very edge of Old Town with manicured Baroque-style gardens. There is so much to see and do in this part of the city!

St Elizabeth’s Church

Just outside Wroclaw’s Market Square is St Elizabeth’s Church which is a beautiful 14th-century church with a 90m bell tower offering without a doubt the best views over the Market Square.

The church was built as a protestant, Lutheran church but after hundreds of years, in 1945 it was taken over by the Catholic Church. It’s a striking Gothic building and one of the most notable in Wroclaw’s skyline.

Wroclaw Dwarfs

One of the most charming and quirky things about Wroclaw is the hundreds of 30cm tall dwarf statues that are dotted around the city.

As previously mentioned, the dwarf was the symbol of an anti-communist protest group called the Orange Alternative protesters who were active during the 1980s.

The first dwarf in Wroclaw was placed in 2001 as a memorial to the movement (named Papa Krasnel on Swidnicka Street) but since then, over 250 of them have popped up everywhere.

You’ll spot dwarfs eating ice cream outside of ice cream shops, dwarfs sleeping in beds outside of hotels and dwarfs gambling outside of casinos interacting with the businesses around them.

There are apps you can download to find them all but it’s fun just seeing how many you can spot as you walk around!

Centennial Hall and Japanese Gardens

One of Wroclaw’s most serene outside spaces has to be the Japanese Gardens.

This huge park is filled with tall, overgrown flora that makes you feel miles away from a city and the many Japanese-style bridges and ponds filled with carp mean you could easily spend an hour or two just strolling through the park looking at everything.

At the centre of the gardens is the Centennial Hall, a circular events venue built almost 100 years ago when Wroclaw was still part of the German Empire and it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Wroclaw Fountain which is placed just behind the hall is often incorporated in the events with synchronized water displays and light shows.

Hala Targowa Market Hall

Wroclaw’s Market Hall, Hala Targowa, is an indoor market which on the first inspection may not seem like much, but this early 20th-century building represents an era in Wroclaw that has all but passed.

The market is far quieter than it was in its heyday, but there are still fresh fruit, vegetable and meat stalls as well as some cool cafes and craft beer bars if you search for them and some independent jewellery and clothes shops on the top floor.

Panorama of the Battle of Raclawice

One of Wroclaw’s most important artifacts is the Panorama of the Battle of Raclawice . It’s a monumental 15x144m, 360-degree painting which documents the 1794 battle which was common practice in the 19th-century, but few exist, and this panorama is the oldest in Poland.

A purpose-built round structure houses the painting and you can stand in the middle and walk around as you listen to an audio guide explaining the event and the painting. The visits are arranged in 30-minute time slots so book ahead if you’re short on time. 

What to eat in Wroclaw

Traditional Polish food is primarily comforting and hearty dishes like broths, soups and stews often with lots of meat and pickled vegetables. Pierogi is possibly Poland’s most famous dish, which are dumplings filled with all kinds of sweet and savoury flavours.

One of the best restaurants for visitors to try different pierogi fillings is Pierogarnia Stary Młyn in Wroclaw Old Town. There, you can try authentic or baked pierogi in a medieval-style restaurant with English menus and Polish beer.

Surprisingly, Wroclaw has a superb brunch scene, and while brunch in other European cities can cost as much as an evening meal, you can brunch all you like in Wroclaw’s cafes for very little. Central Cafe in the Jewish Quarter is a favourite with both locals and visitors because of its low prices and great bagels.

Di Dinette is a more upmarket option with a variety of homemade bread to choose from and a huge, international menu.

Wroclaw is the unofficial craft beer capital of Poland and there are lots of local breweries and taprooms you can try. Alebrowar is one of the most popular local breweries and they have their own taproom in the Jewish Quarter. 4HOPS and Kontynuacja are great bars to visit for local craft beer too.

Where to stay in Wroclaw

Budget – Wroclaw has some fantastic hostels, with the city’s already cheap prices by western standards, travellers can stay well within budget by choosing to stay in one. Grampa’s Hostel is on Cathedral Island just north of Old Town and it’s a minimalist family-run hostel with free breakfast included.

Mid-range – There are lots of affordable Wroclaw hotels to meet any requirements. The PURO Hotel Wroclaw Stare Miasto in the Jewish Quarter is a gorgeous, modern hotel with comfy soft furnishings and looks much more luxurious than the price would suggest.

If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment, Q17 Apartments Old Town start from less than €50 per night and offer the services of a hotel with much more space.

Luxury – Wroclaw isn’t short of 5-star hotels if you want to go all out on your city break. The Bridge Wroclaw MGallery is located on Cathedral Island which offers huge, modern rooms with fantastic views of the city from less than €100 per night.

Alternatively, Hotel Monopol is housed in a 19th-century palace in Old Town and has a pool and spa facilities. 

Tours to do in Wroclaw

Old town walking tour.

There are so many fascinating and historic buildings in Wroclaw that you could wander past and never know their significance or you could admire some of the landmarks without really knowing why they’re landmarks.

By taking a walking tour around Wroclaw’s Old Town, you’ll be able to learn more about the city from a local, knowledgeable guide. 

If you’re short on time, one of the best ways to learn and see as much as possible in any city is by doing a walking tour and this one in Wroclaw Old Town is ideal.

Learn about Wroclaw’s medieval past, see the Wroclaw University buildings, the local market hall and much more.

Wroclaw Islands Tour

There’s a lot more to Wroclaw than just the historic centre, and the city is actually made up of 12 islands that are worth exploring.

The islands are the oldest parts of the city and home to some of the most beautiful religious buildings in Wroclaw including the Cathedral of St John the Baptist and the Church of the Holy Cross on the aptly named Cathedral Island.

On this walking tour , also explore some of the other notable islands – Sand Island and Malt Island – as well as the beautiful bridge that connects Old Town to Cathedral Island, Ostrów Tumski which is covered in love locks, by following a local guide.

There are so many amazing traditional and local Polish restaurants in Wroclaw. If you’re a self-confessed foodie then you might be interested in this food tour of Wroclaw where you’ll be able to visit a selection of the best authentic restaurants and cafes in the city.

You can sample 13-14 different dishes, including the chance to try Polish craft beer and vodka so make sure you don’t forget your appetite on this tour!

Day trips from Wroclaw

Auschwitz-birkenau.

Visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi concentration camps is a popular day trip for travellers visiting the Polish city of Krakow, but if you only have a limited time in Poland and want to learn about and pay your respects to the atrocities that happened here, there are plenty of day trips from Wroclaw to Auschwitz too.

This day tour includes hotel pickup, entrance fees and everything else you’d need including a guide who will be able to explain the horrors of the former camp and put the site and artefacts on display into context, including a wider history of World War II. 

Lower Silesia

Wroclaw may not be Poland’s capital city, but it is the historic capital of the region of Lower Silesia. This part of Poland has its own history and there are lots of fantastic buildings and monuments in this part of the country.

On this day trip , you can visit Ksiaz Castle which is Poland’s third-largest castle which has a beautiful teal and orange exterior surrounded by the lush green countryside.

You can also visit Europe’s largest timber-framed religious buildings, the Churches of Peace (which are a UNESCO World Heritage site) and other quirky landmarks in the area. 

Since Wroclaw is situated in the Southwest of Poland, it’s very near the Czechia capital of Prague, so a day trip is definitely doable if you want to maximise your time in Europe and see as many places as possible.

You will be picked up straight from your hotel and can choose whether you’d like to explore the city independently or follow your guide, or a bit of both! It’s entirely up to you but either way, you will no doubt explore the huge Prague Castle complex, the Charles Bridge and the city’s UNESCO certified Old Town. 

Recommended tours in Wroclaw

• Ksiaz Castle and UNESCO Church of Peace in Swidnica
• Wroclaw Pub Crawl
• Private Walking Tour of Wroclaw
• Wroclaw to Table Mountaines National Park Full Day Private Tour
• Wroclaw to Pottery Factory in Boleslawiec Private Tour Including Tickets
• Adršpach-Teplice Rocks: The Chronicles of Narnia Filming Locatation Tour
• The secrets of World War II
• Wroclaw in one day City Tour by Electric Car
• Dwarf Hunting – Fun City Game Wroclaw
• Looking for the Lamplighter – Wroclaw Cathedral Island and Sand Island Tour

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Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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Wroclaw travel guide

Wroclaw tourism | wroclaw guide, you're going to love wroclaw.

With its elegant historical market square, impressive cathedral, and beautiful riverfront neighborhood, Wroclaw is everything you'd hope an Eastern European city could be. Stunning to look at, buzzing with nightlife, and culturally vibrant, it's a fantastic urban destination.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Wroclaw

1. the exquisite historical core.

Built around Rynek, the market square (which still hosts a lively market), Wroclaw's Old Town is a mixture of medieval Gothic and later baroque and rococo architecture.

2. Beautiful Churches

Wroclaw's religious architecture is second to none in southeastern Poland. Anyone who appreciates soaring Gothic engineering and sculpture will adore Cathedral Island.

3. Fabulous Cultural Attractions

Wroclaw is southeastern Poland's cultural hub, hosting the multinational Dialog Festival as well as summertime organ festivals and events dedicated to ambient music.

4. Superb Nightlife

Wroclaw and nightlife are synonymous in Poland, and anyone who loves clubbing or bar hopping will be in for a treat; visit the bars around Rynek or nightlife complexes like Pasaz Niepolda.

5. The Odra River

One of Wroclaw's major attractions is the River Odra, which is a wonderful place to walk, cycle, or kayak.

What to do in Wroclaw

1. old market square: an indestructible civic landmark.

Known locally as Rynek, the Old Market Square is Wroclaw's charming civic core. Dating back to the medieval era, Rynek has been a thriving marketplace for centuries, but it's not as ancient as it might seem. From the immense Old City Hall to the tiny flogging post used to punish criminals, everything you see was reconstructed after the siege of Wroclaw in 1945. And no expense was spared. These days, the Town Hall contains a magnificent art collection, while Plac Solny contains a flower market that almost never closes. With so many wonders to enjoy, you'd never know the area had such a turbulent past.

2. Ostrów Tumski: Wroclaw's Ancient Heart

Literally meaning "Cathedral Island" in Polish, Ostrów Tumski is the oldest section of Wroclaw and is home to a wealth of historical treasures. Crossing over the bridge and down Katedralna, visitors are transported to another Poland entirely - one where religion ruled the roost, but not entirely (the famous libertine Casanova lived here for a few years too). It's hard to believe that so many beautiful churches could be concentrated on so few square meters, and standouts like the Cathedral of St John the Baptist and the Church of the Holy Cross are among the city's most breathtaking buildings.

3. Wrocławska Fontanna: Incredible Illuminations for a Summer Evening

Between April and October, the ornamental ponds in the Wroclaw Exhibition Grounds become one of the most magical light and water shows anywhere on earth. Spread across 1 hectare of the ponds, the fountain was opened in 2009 and incorporates over 300,000 water jets and 800 colored lamps which create dazzling spectacles when night falls over the city. Bring a few bottles of Polish beer, a picnic of pierogi and sausage, and relax in front of a truly spectacular (and free) show.

4. Centennial Hall: Concrete Has Never Looked More Beautiful

Where the Fontanna is a watery wonder, the Centennial Hall is one of the most famous concrete structures in Europe. Built just before World War I to celebrate the hundredth anniversary of the city's rebellion against Napoleon, the building centers upon a 23-meter-tall concrete dome, which caps a 7,500-seat theater. If you get a chance, it's a fantastic sporting arena, regularly hosting basketball events. It's also a busy conference venue, although guided tours let you explore this concrete marvel almost any day of the year.

5. Raclawice Panorama: Art on a Gigantic Scale

Located in an attractive park just east of the city center, the Raclawice Panorama is a unique artistic attraction. Painted by a consortium of Polish patriots in the 19th century, the panorama depicts the doomed but inspirational Battle of Racławice, which took place in 1794. It was initially housed in Lvov, but then transplanted to Wroclaw in the 1980s into its own circular building, where the majesty and sheer scale of this 15 by 115 meter behemoth can be appreciated.

Activities & attractions in Wroclaw

Other activities

Where to Eat in Wroclaw

Over 700 years old, Piwnica Świdnicka is one of the oldest restaurants in Europe and is a magnet for diners, while other Polish restaurants include Pod Papugami and Przystań, with its fantastic riverside views. Expect meals to cost about zł120.

When to visit Wroclaw

Summer is the best time to visit Wroclaw as it is both the warmest time of year and festival season. Expect temperatures above 75 degrees most of the time during July and August.

How to Get to Wroclaw

Wrocław-Copernicus Airport (WRO) offers connections to many other European cities. To reach the city, take bus number 106 (zł3) or expect to pay around zł60 for a taxi.

You can reach Wroclaw by train from Warsaw, Prague, and many German cities. All trains arrive at Wroclaw Glowny, a recently modernized station just south of the main square.

If you are driving from Warsaw, take the E67 all the way to Wroclaw. The same road also runs from Prague to Wroclaw across the Czech-Polish border.

Bus companies serving Wroclaw include Eurolines and PolskiBus, with a wide variety of connections available.

Airports near Wroclaw

Airlines serving wroclaw, where to stay in wroclaw.

Popular high-end city center accommodation options include the Sofitel Wroclaw Old Town and the Hotel Monopol, while an even more upmarket option is the Grape Hotel, housed in an 18th-century mansion just outside the center.

Popular Neighborhoods in Wroclaw

Rynek - a market square since medieval times, Rynek is home to the town hall, the lively market, and most of Wroclaw's bars.

Cathedral Island - owned by the Catholic Church since the 14th century, Cathedral Island is a must-see thanks to the stunning cathedral.

Nadodrze - in the process of reinvention by artists, theater, and music venues, Nadodrze is where tourists go to find Wroclaw's creative community in full flower.

Where to stay in popular areas of Wroclaw

Most booked hotels in wroclaw, how to get around wroclaw, public transportation.

MPK Wroclaw provides trams and buses, and charges a single fare of zł3 for 30 minutes, zł4.40 for an hour.

Taxis in Wroclaw tend to charge a meter drop of zł6, followed by zł4.50 per mile after that. All cabs will charge extra after 10 pm.

You can rent a car from Avis, Europcar, and Hertz, which is a handy way to see the sights. Expect to pay around zł50 per day.

Car rental agencies in Wroclaw

The cost of living in wroclaw, shopping streets.

The Old Town around Rynek is the core of Wroclaw's shopping district, with plenty of pedestrianized streets to explore. Check out city center malls like Galeria Dominikańska or Galeria Handlowa.

Groceries and Other

Supermarkets in Wroclaw include Biedronka and Carrefour. Prices should be low, at around zł9 for a gallon of milk.

Wrocław (Poland): 27+ Best Things To Do & Places To See (Local’s Guide)

• Author: Natalia Kikowska

• Updated: March 12, 2024

Wrocław is one of the most beautiful cities in Poland, full of exciting things to do and amazing places to see. Tourists can choose from the great selection of recommended places and attractions such as the Wroclaw Old Town with the Market Square, the Centennial Hall from UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist on Ostrów Tumski or the Zoological Garden, to name only a few.

I want to share what to do & the best places to see in Wrocław . After reading, you will be well-equipped with more than 27 attractions and things to do in Wroclaw. Let’s explore! 

Inside this guide:

• an interactive map of the most exciting places to see in Wroclaw,
• a list of the most interesting attractions, monuments and places worth seeing while visiting Wrocław,
• information about less popular attractions to see in Wroclaw ,
• viewpoints worth visiting in the capital of Lower Silesia,
• the history of the city’s symbol – Wrocław dwarfs ,
• practical information about moving around the city ,
• recommendation of comfortable accommodation in the center of Wrocław & further from the center.

BEST PLACES TO SEE IN WROCŁAW ON YOUR PHONE

Do you want to save time and find the best places to see in Wroclaw? 

Get a map of best places to see & things to do   in Wrocław – attractions, monuments, the best cafes, restaurants, museums and comfy accommodation.

1. The Market Square & Old Town (Rynek i Stare Miasto)

The Market Square in Wrocław , with its area of almost 4 hectares, is one of the most beautiful market squares and a place that should not be missed when visiting the capital of Lower Silesia. Getting to know the attractions of Wrocław usually begins from here. This is the place where crowds of tourists appear every day.

The city’s central square’s most characteristic and main building is the Old Town Hall, with the face of the astronomical clock .

The Old Town Hall is easily recognizable, among others, thanks to the almost 70-meter high town hall tower growing out of it. The Wrocław Market Square is undoubtedly the most popular attraction of Wrocław – hundreds of Polish and foreign tourists come here every day. This is also the place where, next to the Aleksander Fredro monument, the free walking tour starts.

Every Sunday, precisely at 12:00, you can listen to the so-called bugle call of Wrocław . The song entitled “We Wrocławiu na Rynecku” (eng. “In Wrocław in the Market Square”) resounds in the four corners of the world from City Hall tower. As you can see, playing the bugle call is not an attraction reserved only for royal Kraków.

Right in front of the building, there is a copy of the pillory from the 15th century . Nowadays, people who want to spend time in the Old Town area, but do not know the city’s topography very well, meet here. Choosing the “pillory” meeting place, we will definitely find each other in the end. On warm days, dozens of people await their friends here.

Inside the Old Town Hall, the Museum of Burgher Art is located. You can visit it every day except Mondays and Tuesdays.

A visit to the Museum of Burgher Art in Town Hall will allow you to see permanent and temporary exhibitions about the achievements of Wrocław artists and craftsmen over the centuries. By the way, you will visit the oldest, representative part of the Old Town Hall. Visiting the permanent exhibitions is free . Tickets are valid only for temporary exhibitions.

In the basement of the building, there is one of the oldest restaurants in Europe (with a high probability it is the oldest restaurant). Świdnicka Basement operated from 1273, but due to legal disputes between the owner of the premises (the city of Wrocław) and the tenant, it was closed in 2017.

Adjacent to the Old Town Hall building is the New Town Hall . It is the seat of the Mayor of Wrocław and the City Council.

Right in front of the building, there is another contemporary symbol of the city – the Zdrój fountain made of glass. It was established in 1996 on the order of the then president of Wrocław, Bogdan Zdrojewski, as a temporary facility but happily still sprinkles with water.

Exactly 60 tenement houses surround the market square in Wrocław. The tenement houses Jaś and Małgosia are located in one of the corners of the Market Square. They are one of the most recognizable tenement houses (although formally they are already at Św. Mikołaja Street). Many buildings have their own peculiar names: Pod Gryfami, Pod Złotym Słońcem .

The Pan Tadeusz Museum operates in the tenement house Pod Złotym Słońcem. You can find the museum’s opening hours and ticket prices on its website .

One of the townhouses in Market Square is a bit “cheated”. There is a painted window on its facade – without it, it would be asymmetrical and not very pretty. Try to track this window!

The Market Square in Wrocław hosts a Christmas Market (Jarmark Bożonarodzeniowy) known all over Poland during the holiday season. If you are a fan of such events, the Midsummer Night’s Fair (Jarmark Świętojański) is organized at the turn of May and June.

Wrocław’s Old Town is a system of streets intersecting at right angles, where life is vibrant in the historic part of the city. While exploring the attractions of this part of the city, take a walk around them without a strict plan.

See all available hotels & hostels in Wrocław

One of the main routes leading pedestrians to Market Square is Świdnicka Street , formerly the main shopping street in Wrocław. I have already reserved time for its attractions later in the article – let’s treat it as the icing on the cake.

In search of interesting places for coffee and dinner, I recommend walking along Igielna and Więzienna Streets . Check also the offer of pubs on Nożownicza and Szewska Streets . However, each of the streets of Wroclaw’s Old Town is worth seeing. Allow at least one hour to walk around this area of ​​the city.

If you are at Odrzańska Street, be sure to turn into inconspicuous Jatki Street . The accumulation of the art gallery is above average. I discovered it only after living in Wrocław for several years! You will find many absorbing photo motifs and art studios that sell their works here.

Where to stay in Wrocław?​

MoHo M Hostel

modern interior close to street art

Vultor Apartments

available kitchenette close to restaurants

Hotel Dikul Wrocław

Reinassance building close to Old Town

2. Solny Square (Plac Solny)

In the southwest corner of Market Square, you will find Solny Square – the auxiliary market of the Old Town. The square was historically a place of trade where, apart from salt, many other goods were sold.

Nowadays, you can find here a never-closing flower market where you can buy flowers for your beloved even in the middle of a gloomy night.

The square’s intense life takes place on its main plate, but it also has an interesting underground. There is a shelter that can accommodate 300 people .

Part of it is currently arranged for the MovieGate gallery , where you can find a lot of props from film sets, among others, from Hollywood.

A characteristic building of this part of Wrocław is the Old Stock Exchange , the first seat of the Wrocław Stock Exchange and a representative office of local merchants. The Old Stock Exchange is now an office building that hosts, e.g. real estate offices. A restaurant occupies the basement of the building.

Nobody likes taxes. Wrocław merchants were also not very fond of them. On the Old Stock Exchange facade, they placed the letter W, symbolizing the founder of the city, Vratislav, but they did not care about the other elements of the Wrocław coat of arms. Such an “unfinished” coat of arms symbolised the reluctance of the city authorities for mercantile money.

3. Viewpoints in the Old Town

While visiting Wrocław, it is worth taking some time to look at the parts of the Old Town from above, from a different perspective. Right next to Market Square, there are two temples with viewing terraces .

The St Elizabeth’s Church is the dominant point of the Old Town with a tower reaching 90 meters and Roman Catholic Church. Near its top, there is a viewpoint , which you will get to after climbing narrow and winding stairs.

The temple has not recovered to this day after the catastrophic fire in 1976, which consumed, among others, the roof and a large part of the wooden equipment.

The observation tower is open only in the summer , except in heavy rain and intense winds. You can only go up the stairs – the facility is not adapted to the needs of disabled people. There is an admission fee.

The former evangelical St Mary Magdalene Church is on the opposite side of Market Square. Today it belongs to the Polish Catholic Church. Its two towers are connected at the height of 45 meters by the famous bridge, also known as the Mostek Pokutnic . It is one of the most visited viewpoints in Wrocław.

At the end of the 19th century, such a strong party took place on the 90th birthday of Emperor William I that one of the towers burned down due to fireworks. However, it was finally rebuilt. The Mostek Pokutnic connects the two towers and allows you to admire the Wrocław Market Square and the Old Town with its cobbled streets from an unusual perspective.

There are two competing legends associated with the Mostek Pokutnic. According to the first, after dark, the bridge is filled with the penitent souls of people who died in the city while traveling . The second says that the bridge is occupied at night by the souls of vain girls who have spent their lives playing. Who would not repent on the bridge cannot complain about the poor views.

You can climb the bridge every day, all year round. As in the case of the terrace in St Elizabeth’s Church, you can’t count on an elevator. There is an admission fee. You can find the current price list on the website of the facility.

4. Mathematical Tower Of Wrocław University (Wieża Matematyczna)

Another vantage point that gives a slightly different view of the city is the Mathematical Tower rising out of the University of Wrocław building.

Heading north along Szewska Street, come to the Ossolineum garden for a moment, and then go to the University Square. If you can see a fountain with a naked swordsman in front of you, then you are in the right place.

The fountain stands right next to the main building of the University of Wrocław from 1739. The interiors of the building hide representative university rooms.

The most impressive is definitely the Aula Leopoldina decorated with 18th-century frescoes. Students have the honour of using this room during important ceremonies, e.g. during matriculation.

Take a look at the Oratorium Marianum of Latin Congregation (Musical Oratory) , where Paganini and Ferenc Liszt gave their concerts. In contrast to the Aula Leopoldina, this room was badly damaged during the war and never returned to its original shape.

Entry to the Mathematical Tower is possible as part of visiting the Museum of the University of Wrocław . You will then see Aula Leopoldina, Oratorium Marianum of Latin Congregation, the Mathematical Tower and a museum exhibition. You can check the museum’s opening hours and ticket prices on its website .

After visiting the Oratorium Marianum and Aula Leopoldina, pay attention to the tower rising from the roof of the building. This viewpoint is called Mathematical Tower.

The plans for constructing the building assumed that two more towers would be built next to it. The eighteenth-century wars and financial problems verified these plans. The tower initially served as an astronomical and meteorological observatory. Nowadays, it is only a tourist attraction, which is not used for scientific purposes.

Check an article: Where to SLEEP in Wroclaw, Poland? 5 Best Places to STAY & Accommodation in Wroclaw

5. Cathedral Island & Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (Ostrów Tumski i Katedra św. Jana Chrzciciela)

The road to Cathedral Island Wroclaw leads through the Tumski Bridge . The area is a characteristic attraction on the map of Wrocław. The bridge has been a love intermediary for many years of love for those who live in the city. Thus, among the inhabitants of Wrocław, it is more often referred to as “the lovers’ bridge” .

It is said that hanging a padlock with the people’s initials on it guarantees them happiness and long love. The key must be thrown to the Odra River. Cathedral Island attracts those in love who want to combine visiting Wrocław with taking care of matters of the heart.

It was recently renovated in 2019. After that, all the Love Locks have disappeared from the Tumski Bridge. Gas lamps on the bridge have been replaced by LED lights, the shape of which faithfully reflects what they looked like in pre-war times. However, the bridge looks lovely and perfectly fits the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist . You can see the church at the end of Katedralna Street. On this street, you can also visit Wroclaw Archdiocese Museum.

Cathedral Island is the oldest, historic part of Wrocław. The structures of this area are currently mainly church buildings.

Is Ostrów Tumski an island? Not any more. The Oder River is visible only in the southern part of this area. Ostrów Tumski used to be an island. During the liquidation of the city fortifications, one of the branches of the Oder River (which surrounded Ostrów at that time) was also filled in. The island suddenly became mainland. You can still find the remains of the former Oder branch in the botanical garden of the University of Wrocław – a small lake.

The most important building of Cathedral Island is the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist . The temple is the first entirely gothic building in Poland.

Its two twin towers are 91 m high and are the tallest church towers in the city. There is a viewing point on one of them. You can check the opening hours on the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist website. You will see there not only Ostrów Tumski but also the panorama of Wrocław.

You can visit the interior of the cathedral and its chapels as well. You will find information on ticket prices on the cathedral’s website.

The illumination of Cathedral Island is provided by gas lamps , which are manually lit and extinguished every day , all year round.

Plan your walk to Cathedral Island when it starts getting dark. You will have a chance to see the city lighthouse keeper dressed in a black cape and bowler hat, who will light 102 lamps himself this evening.

A lighthouse keeper working in the dark, trying to light another lamp and having the illuminated churches of Ostrów Tumski in the background is a rather unreal sight in a modern, thriving city.

Next to the church buildings of Ostrów Tumski, there is the Wroclaw Botanical Garden . If you are a lover of flora (and fauna – after all, beautiful plants attract equally interesting representatives of fauna), you should definitely visit it!

6. Centennial Hall (Hala Stulecia)

You will find a significant accumulation of interesting attractions of Wrocław also behind the Old Oder branch. The Centennial Hall and its green park surroundings are located on Oder island, known as the Big Island . You should not miss it while visiting Wrocław!

The district is one of the most peaceful and comfortable housing estates in Wrocław – Sępolno, Biskupin, Bartoszowice and Dąbie. The landscape of this part of the city is dominated by sports and entertainment hall, e.g. the Centennial Hall , which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List .

The Centennial Hall, appreciated by UNESCO, was built in 1911 – 1913 according to a design by architect Max Berg, who rendered outstanding service to Wrocław.

He was also responsible for the buildings of the hydroelectric power plant next to the building of the University of Wrocław, and the municipal bath (Municipal Swimming Pools) at Maria Curie-Skłodowska street, the children’s hospital at Hoene-Wroński street or the kiosk at the City Moat.

The name “Hala Stulecia” comes from the circumstances of its creation. The construction of the complex was related to the organization of the Centennial Exhibition concerning the historical and economic achievements of Silesia. The event was celebrated on the 100th anniversary of the proclamation by Emperor Frederick William III, in which he called for popular resistance against Napoleon.

The Centennial Hall is a reinforced concrete structure whose cover at the time of its construction had the largest span in the world .

The dome of the building is 67 meters in diameter. The Centennial Hall also housed the world’s largest organ with 16706 pipes . Later, they were partially transferred to the Cathedral of St. John Baptist (although not all of them fit there).

The Centennial Hall survived Second World War unscathed. After that, it hosted one more (this time important for Poland) project – the Recovered Territories Exhibition . A steel spire , 106 meters high and then shortened to 90 meters, was erected in front of the hall for this occasion. Every few dozen years it is repaired. During that reparation, a spire is placed on the square in front of the Centennial Hall.

People interested in art should also visit the Four Domes Pavilion . In the building located next to the Centennial Hall, there is a branch of the National Museum in Wrocław presenting, among others, collections of Polish art. 

The Four Domes Pavilion is in the vicinity of the Centennial Hall, a branch of the National Museum in Wrocław. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century in preparation for the Centennial Exhibition. In 1948, he hosted a historical exhibition as part of the Recovered Territories Exhibition. Today, the Four Domes Pavilion hosts the Museum of Contemporary Art.

7. Wrocław Multimedia Fountain (Wrocławska Fontanna Multimedialna), Pergola & Japanese Garden (Ogród Japoński)

If a warm summer evening, a Wrocław citizen sees crowded trams coming from the Biskupin district, which means that the multimedia fountain show has just ended. The facility was built in 2009, making this already popular area much more attractive. Its closest neighbour is the Centennial Hall.

It is the largest fountain in Poland and one of the largest in Europe – its basin measures 115 by 108 meters. Wrocław Multimedia Fountain (Fontanna Multimedialna) gives amazing shows thanks to 300 water jets . It gives amazing performances also because of the synchronization with 800 light sources, sound, projectors and fire nozzles .

The show season lasts about 150 days, usually until the end of September. The show starts at a full hour, and the last special performance begins at 10.00 pm. However, it is worth checking the program online before going to the Pergola. The Multimedia Fountain attracts crowds of tourists on warm evenings, so the tram may be a bit crowded when you return after the show.

There is another Japan in Poland – in Wrocław, right next to the Centennial Hall. The Japanese Garden has been operating here for over a hundred years and appeared here in connection with the Centennial Exhibition.

The renovation of the garden carried out in 1995-1997, which specialists from Poland and Japan carried out, was wasted during the millennium flood in 1997. During that time, the Japanese Garden was underwater for three weeks. In 1999, restoring this place’s splendour was possible, and the Japanese Garden was opened to the public.

The place was created following Japanese tradition and garden art. Two water cascades lead to a pond surrounded by beautiful vegetation, arranged here by specialists from the city of Nagoya. You can cross the pond over a wooden bridge – the most photographed object in the garden.

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If you have enough free time, I also recommend a walk along the alleys of the large Szczytnicki Park and its green spaces, which adjoins Centennial Hall. It is one of the favourite places of Wrocław residents when it comes to relaxing in the bosom of nature in the city’s heart.

8. Wroclaw Zoological Garden (Wroclaw ZOO) & Africarium

When you arrive near the Centennial Hall and Pergola, consider visiting the Wrocław Zoo. The attraction will appeal to children, although adults should not be bored there.

The Wrocław Zoological Garden can boast of the Africarium – the largest oceanarium in Poland , which is also the only facility of this type in the world dedicated to the animals and vegetation of only one continent.

Every day, crowds of tourists appear at the Wrocław Zoo to see the most characteristic place of the Africarium, e.g. the tunnel leading through the huge aquarium.

There are 15 million litres of water in the Africarium circulation. In addition to the oceanarium, the Wrocław Zoo is home to over 1,000 species of animals, some of which are endangered.

If you plan to visit the Wrocław ZOO over the weekend, be prepared for the crowds of visitors. If you can afford it, it would be much better to show up here in the middle of the week. It will be much more intimate.

You can check the prices of tickets to the Wrocław Zoo, its opening hours and visiting details on the website . It will be most convenient to buy tickets to the zoo online . Thanks to this, you will avoid queues at the ticket offices, which can be troublesome, especially at weekends.

9. Four Denominations District (Dzielnica Czterech Wyznań)

Near Solny Square, there is a place that defines Wrocław’s diversity and wide tolerance. Visiting Wroclaw will be more complete if you see this charming and important city corner.

In the area of Świętego Antoniego and Włodkowica streets, there is the Four Denominations District . It is also known as the District of Mutual Respect .

Nearby, there are:

• Roman Catholic Saint Anthony of Padua Church,
• Nativity of Saint Mary Orthodox Church
• the   Evangelical Church of God’s Providence
• the White Stork Synagogue .

You can visit all temples. An interesting point of the Four Denominations District is especially the White Stork Synagogue, which offers visitors many cultural events every year. Apart from the sacred character of this part of the city, the streets come alive in the evening thanks to numerous pubs and restaurants.

The Four Denominations District is located between Kazimierza Wielkiego, Włodkowica and Świętego Antoniego streets. The Crystal Planet monument distinguishes the entrance to the district.

10. Słodowa Island (Wyspa Słodowa) & Wrocław Market Hall (Hala Targowa)

After visiting the University of Wrocław, it is good to go north, crossing the University Bridge. Behind your backs, with each of your steps, a more beautiful postcard frame will appear, with the University building reflecting off the Odra River in the main role.

After descending the bridge, turn right and go through the characteristic yellow Słodowa Bridge (Kładka Słodowa) to the Słodowa Island (Wyspa Słodowa) .

The island’s social life is teeming throughout the year, but it is most interesting here in spring and summer. For the inhabitants of Wrocław, the phrase “let’s go to the island” is unambiguous and means the meeting at Slodowa Island.

On the island’s southern shore, you can find many barge-restaurants, where you can have a snack or drink a beer with a view of the Oder and other river islands.

By the decision of the City Council of Wrocław, the area of ​​the island is not prohibited from drinking alcohol in public places . There are no obstacles to consuming alcohol that is not bought in the restaurants in this area. However, as everywhere, you need to take care of the environment and clean up thoroughly after your presence.

It is best to leave the island via the Sand Bridge (Kładka Piaskowa) , passing on the right side a rather peculiar sculpture of the Nave , standing on the small Daliowa Island. Its shape is quite unusual, but I leave the interpretation to you.

When you reach Sand Island (Wyspa Piasek), I recommend walking around it along Piotr Włostowic Boulevard . A walk along this road will provide a beautiful view of Ostrów Tumski.

The Sand Bridge, painted in pink, separates the Sand Island from the Market Hall. A historic building is still a place of traditional trade in exciting goods. The Market Hall (Hala Targowa Market) was built in 1908 in the neo-Gothic style. It is an interesting combination of styles – a neo-Gothic facade and a modernist interior, convenient for traders.

It has been operating continuously since its inception. Today you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables, delicious olives, dozens of types of cheeses, and even yerba mate and freshly roasted coffee beans here. It is located close to Dominican Gallery Shopping Mall, located within walking distance.

11. City Moat (Fosa Miejska) & Partisan Hill (Wzgórze Partyzantów)

The city allows tourists to see a large piece of the City Moat that Wroclaw has since the 13th century.

The present shape of the moat was influenced by the great Napoleon’s brother, Hieronim Bonaparte . He did not care about the beauty of Wrocław and the boulevards, which today allow walking along the City Moat.

He simply wanted to weaken the city’s defensive potential. After conquering Wrocław in 1807, he ordered the demolition of the city’s fortifications and put these areas into use by the inhabitants.

Walk along the entire length of Podwale street will allow you to see the vast majority of the remains of the City Moat.

The most important attractions that you will find at the City Moat are:

• Partisan Hill (Wzgórze Partyzantów),
• Wrocław Puppet Theatre (Wrocławski Teatr Lalek),
• Nicholas Copernicus Park (Park Mikołaja Kopernika), also known as the Old Park (Park Staromiejski)
• National Forum of Music (Narodowe Forum Muzyki),
• Royal Palace (Pałac Królewski),
• court and prosecutor’s office buildings.

The Old Town Promenade (Promenada Staromiejska) is one of the favorite places for walks of Wrocław residents. It stretches over the City Moat. On the way, you will pass benches overlooking the moat, which are filled with relaxing pedestrians on warm days.

12. Wrocław Główny Railway Station

The Wrocław Główny Railway Station (Main Train Station in the city) performs not only a transport function but is also a significant tourist attraction in Wrocław. With its vibrant atmosphere, you can enrich your sightseeing in Wrocław if you devote some time to Wroclaw Główny.

The building was erected in 1857 according to the design of the royal architect of the Upper Silesian Railway, Wilhelm Grapow .

After years of neglect that led to a disastrous station interior, it was completely renovated in 2010-2012. Since then, visiting the complex has become a must-see place for many tourists visiting Wrocław.

Take the escalator near the ticket offices and visit the station’s top floor as well . This city library works, and sometimes exhibitions are organized.

The renovation was carried out with a high degree of conservation skill. Pay attention to the neon sign above the station ticket office and outside the building. Also, take a look at the ceilings in the station shops and restaurants. You will find stunning decorations in the Session Room . Unfortunately, the room is not open to the public daily.

According to station legends, the building’s vaults hide multi-storey shelters and a network of secret passages , including a direct connection to the Oder or a railway line to Berlin.

The fact is that during the Second World War, impressive bunkers were built here. Then, they were demolished during the modernization of the station in 2012 and replaced with an underground car park.

Initially, the trains ran right through the center of the modern station hall . The increase in front of the ticket offices is a remnant of the only platform at that time. Reconstruction in 1899-1904 led to building a platform hall, which passengers and trains use to this day. 

Their liquidation using the blast method was once an attraction that attracted a lot of onlookers to the area of ​​the renovated railway station. Other urban legends could not be confirmed despite research and drilling.

13. Colourful Backyards (Kolorowe Podwórka)

A few years ago, the Nadodrze district of Wrocław was relatively neglected and did not attract the attention of tourists. Thanks to the local activists and an interesting initiative, Nadodrze is slowly becoming a fashionable and attractive city district.

One of the most recognizable attractions of Nadodrze is the Colorful Backyards project . It was created at Roosevelt street due to the collaboration of residents and artists. They decorated the walls of the backyards of several adjacent buildings with colourful paintings. Tourists quickly appreciated the idea of street art.

You can combine your visit at Colorful Backyards with a walk along Prusa street. Next to it you will find an Art Nouveau tenement house with a beautifully decorated facade and Tołpa Park with the Wrocław Hogwarts , i.e. the Faculty of Architecture of the Wrocław University of Science and Technology (Politechnika Wrocławska).

14. Wroclaw Opera & Świdnicka Street

On the other side of Modrzejewska street, there is a magnificent building of the Wrocław Opera. After Second World War, the opera resumed its work with Moniuszko’s “Halka”, which had an eloquent, patriotic meaning.

A characteristic feature of the building is the 6-row colonnade that decorates the façade of the building from the side of Świdnicka street. The room with the stage and the audience where the performances take place is also very impressive. There are seats for viewers on the ground floor and three levels of beautifully decorated balconies.

The Opera House also organizes open-air performances. In 2018 it was staged behind Verdi’s “Nabucco” opera house. You can buy tickets for the performances on the opera’s website. Watching a performance can be a great culmination of an active day in Wrocław.

Going further, you will pass the impressive Renoma department store (formerly the State Department Store) on the left. It is undoubtedly the most architecturally beautiful shopping center in Wrocław. The building was built in 1930.

15. Monopol Hotel

Monopol Hotel was opened in 1892 as the city’s most luxurious hotel.

In 1958, Jan Kiepura sang for the fans gathered from the balcony above the main entrance to the hotel. Initially, there was no balcony here. It was built in 1937 to create a worthy place for the planned speech of the Chancellor of the Third Reich, Adolf Hitler.

Monopoly is still one of the best-known facilities in the city. In 2012, it hosted footballers playing in the EURO 2012 tournament. In the past, in this place stayed, i.a. Pablo Picasso, Marlena Dietrich, Jerzy Grotowski, Stanisław Tym.

At the height of the Monopol Hotel, it is worth paying attention to the surface of Świdnicka Street. The red cube forms the outline of the foundations of the Świdnica Gate (the former city gate) liquidated at the beginning of the 19th century.

16. Wrocław’s Dwarfs (Wrocławskie Krasnale)

While visiting Wrocław, you couldn’t miss dozens of small sculptures depicting various incarnations of dwarfs . Wroclaw Gnomes have become one of the most recognizable attractions of the capital of Lower Silesia. You can spend long days on Wrocław’s Dwarf hunting. 😉

They have been in Wrocław’s public space for over 15 years. They are a remarkable tourist attraction, but their genesis lies in the activities of anti-communist movements in the 1980s and the Orange Alternative movement .

Communist authorities painted over anti-socialist inscriptions. Then, they were often decorated with the figure of a dwarf. He was supposed to ridicule the rulers and peacefully protest against the undemocratic rule.

The first such drawing was made on the night of August 30-31, 1982, on a transformer in the Sępolno district. The dwarf became a symbol of peaceful protest against the rule of the Polish People’s Republic. By the end of 1983, over 1,000 of them had been established, also in other Polish cities.

Their popularity peaked on June 1, 1988, when an estimated 10 to 20,000 participants of the “Dwarf Revolution” passed through the streets of Wrocław. Each of them had a dwarf hat on their head.

On June 1, 2001, Papa Krasnal stood at the intersection of Świdnicka and Kazimierza Wielkiego streets.

Is Papa Dwarf a bulge in the street? With the statue of Papa Dwarf, the Orange Alternative once again proved its opposition to the authorities. The monument was not officially notified to the city authorities. It was reported as a bulge in the street. 

In 2005, approx. 30 cm tall statues of dwarfs began to be erected in various parts of the city. In 2008, there were already 100 of them, in 2011 – 200, and in 2014 their number exceeded 300 .

Dwarfs have become a Wroclaw tourist attraction, and visiting the city is often done in their footsteps.

While walking around Wrocław, look around – during one-day trips, you should find at least 20-30 of them. My favourite, Świetlik, runs on a Protram 205WrAs tram with side number 2703 .

If you do not want to hunt Wroclaw Gnomes on your own, you can also go on the free walking tour, where you will see some of them and learn the interesting stories behind them.

17. Sky Tower

Sky Tower is the tallest building in Wrocław . It is also the tallest building in Poland regarding height to the roof and height to the highest floor. The building was erected in 2012 on the site of the tallest building in the city (at this time), the 125-meter high Poltegor .

The demolition of Poltegor began on June 2, 2007. The day before, extensive exercises of the emergency services were carried out here, and the IRA band played a farewell concert on the top floor.

The Sky Tower was initially supposed to reach a height of 258 meters with a spire (roof at the height of 221 meters). The economic crisis stopped the construction for six months, and the skyscraper’s design was changed, reducing its final size.

The skyscraper in Wrocław is 206 meters (up to the roof) or 215 meters (up to the highest point of the building).

The construction of the skyscraper divided the inhabitants of Wrocław. The building is accused of not being suitable for the low-rise buildings in the city. The next tallest residential building is the Kredka dormitory, more than twice as short (85 meters) .

Other skyscrapers were announced in the so-called Southern Center area, but they will probably never appear. So Sky Tower will be the only building with a height of more than 200 or even 100 meters for many years to come.

Is the shape of the Sky Tower really obscene? It sure is quite peculiar. In addition to the over 200-meter tower, there is also building B1, which looks a bit like a fan. However, if you take pictures of the tower and the fan from a distance and then rotate them 90 degrees, you will see… a phallus. At least such are the observations of the opponents of the construction of this skyscraper. 

There is a public observation deck at an altitude of over 200 meters. A high-speed elevator will take us to the 49th floor of the skyscraper. Guests visiting the observation deck should use a separate entrance to the building, located at Gwiaździsta street (in the back of the building).

The viewpoint is open daily from 9:00 AM (Monday – Saturday) or 10:00 AM (Sunday). The last lifts are at 8:30 PM (Monday – Thursday) or 9:30 PM (Friday – Sunday). Guests are admitted to the elevator every 30 minutes.

You can ticket at the ticket sales point on the skyscraper’s ground floor. You can also buy them online via the website.

18. Panorama of the Battle of Racławice (Panorama Racławicka) & National Museum

Racławice Panorama (Panorama Racławicka), one of the most recognizable Polish paintings, has its museum in Wrocław. The painting is presented in a specially built rotunda located in Juliusz Słowacki Park. Visiting Wrocław will not be complete if you do not see this place.

The Panorama of the Battle of Racławice is a work by Jan Styk and Wojciech Kossak. It was established at the end of the 19th century to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Racławice. The insurgent troops led by Tadeusz Kościuszko clashed with the Russian army. The huge painting is 15 meters high and 114 meters long .

The Racławice Panorama was originally exhibited in Lviv. After World War II, it was brought to Wrocław. For many years it was not shown to the public. Its subject matter (the fight against the Russians) did not match the Polish-Soviet friendship being promoted at the time. It was only in 1985 that the construction of the rotunda was completed and the Racławice Panorama was available to visitors.

Panorama of the Battle of Racławice is a place that attracts crowds of tourists every day. You will see it already in the vicinity of attractions, observing the numerous tour buses with new visitors.

Next to the Racławice Panorama, there is a beautiful, ivy-covered building of the National Museum in Wrocław . On the side of the Oder river, there are sculptures “Birds” created by Małgorzata Abakanowicz.

The National Museum is a huge art museum with over 200,000 exhibits. Many of them came to Wrocław from Lviv after World War II. The National Museum can also boast a collection of artefacts from the former German museums.

The collection of the National Museum includes some images of Polish kings and princes that are part of the Gallery of Polish Kings and Princes by Jan Matejko. You can check opening hours and ticket prices on the National Museum’s website.

19. The Depot History Centre (Centrum Historii Zajezdnia)

The Depot History Centre is a facility built in the building of the former bus depot at Grabiszyńska street. It has been one of the most famous museum attractions in Wrocław since 2016 when it was opened after renovation and adaptation of the building.

The exhibition of the Depot History Cente tells the story of Wrocław – mainly in the years 1945-2016, as part of the permanent exhibition “Wrocław 1945-2016”. A visit to this place is very informative . It allowed me to learn a lot about the activities of the Independent Self-Governing Trade Union “Solidarity” (Solidarność) in Wrocław, the city’s life right after World War II and during the socialist era.

The museum’s collection also includes a lot of city artefacts – historical photos, souvenirs from the times of the past regime, plaques with old names of Wrocław streets. Thanks to the temporary exhibitions, you can visit this place regularly and never get bored .

You can find opening hours, ticket prices and details of visiting the Depot History Centre on the website . You can get here easily by tram, getting off at the “Bzowa (Centrum Zajezdnia)” stop . 

20. Old Jewish Cemetery & Museum of Funerary Art (Stary Cmentarz Żydowski i Muzeum Sztuki Cmentarnej)

The Old Jewish Cemetery (Stary Cmentarz Żydowski) is a graveyard and an open-air art gallery. Between 1856 and 1942, a large complex of tombstone sculptures and cemetery architecture was built here, representing several styles in this type of construction. Nowadays, you can visit this place thanks to the Museum of Funerary Art (Muzeum Sztuki Cmentarnej) activity, part of the City Museum of Wrocław.

Many distinguished inhabitants of the city of Jewish origin – doctors, artists and scientists – are located in the Old Jewish Cemetery in Wrocław. Among others, parents of Edith Stein and Julias Schottlander, founder of the South Park (Park Południowy) in Wrocław.

Jewish traditions require an organisation of burial of the deceased no later than one day after his death. That is why some of the tombstones belong to the city’s guests who died suddenly in Wrocław and never returned to their hometowns. Jews from even Boston, Tangier, Morocco and many cities in modern Western Germany were buried here.

It is worth paying attention to the symbolism found on some of the tombstones. A broken tree or flower motif means that the person has died suddenly and unexpectedly. The book symbolizes the rabbi’s burial. The priest’s hands signify that the person served in the temple. On almost 5 hectares, you will find over 12,000 tombstones .

The Old Jewish Cemetery is located a little bit further from center but you can easily get there by tram. It is a hidden gem that not many people know about and it is definitely a must-see place in Wroclaw, Poland.

You can find the details of visiting the Old Jewish Cemetery on the Visit Wrocław website . The cemetery is located at Ślężna 37/39 Street. Get off the tram at the “Uniwersytet Ekonomiczny” stop (“University of Economics”). 

21. Hydropolis – Centre for Ecological Education

Wrocław can be proud of having a one-of-a-kind attraction in Poland. Hydropolis Centre for Ecological Education, located near the Grunwaldzki Bridge, is  the only center of knowledge about water in Poland .

It operates on the premises of the Municipal Water and Sewerage Company in Wrocław and allows visitors to understand more the importance of water in our daily lives. Right next to Hydropolis Centre for Ecological Education, you will find  the Polinka Cableway .

One of the most exciting attractions of Hydropolis Centre for Ecological Education is  the water printer  installed at the entrance to the museum building. The exhibition in Hydropolis is devoted to water from a global perspective – its importance for life on earth, the functioning of seas and oceans, life in water, water engineering. After all, it is the center of knowledge about water, so it touches on this topic from different perspectives.

The exhibition explains what steps the water must go through to reach the taps of the city’s residents and shows how this branch of engineering has developed over the centuries.

While visiting Hydropolis Centre for Ecological Education, you will watch a 10-minute film with Krystyna Czubówna as narrator. Nobody can introduce viewers to the climate of a natural and scientific adventure as much as Mrs Krystyna.

You can find ticket prices to Hydropolis, opening hours and visiting details on the museum’s website . It will be most convenient to buy tickets online and enter Hydropolis without waiting in line.

22. Grunwaldzki Bridge (Most Grunwaldzki) & Housing Complex “Manhattan”

A symbol of Wrocław is also the Grunwaldzki Bridge – painted in blue, and hanging over the Oder River. The riveted structure was built in 1910 as the Imperial Bridge (Most Cesarski). It is a strong point in the city’s landscape and a place that will enrich your visit to Wrocław.

Despite the turbulent and rich history of this part of the city at the end of World War II (there was a field airport here serving the fiercely defending Festung Breslau), the Grunwaldzki Bridge survived. After the war, it required costly repairs. However, it was successfully carried out.

A walk along the Grunwaldzki Bridge will provide you with a beautiful view of Ostrów Tumski, the majestic building of the Lower Silesian Voivodship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki) and the carriages of the Polinka cable car running across the Oder river belonging to the Wroclaw University of Science and Technology.

A vital element of this part of Wrocław is  the housing complex called Manhattan  (also called inelegant as the Toilet Seat). The housing estate was realized in the years 1970-1978, designed by my favourite modernist architect –  Jadwiga Grabowska-Hawrylak .

The cosmic-looking blocks were supposed to bring some Mediterranean climate to Wrocław. Vegetation hanging from the façade, rounded window openings in the accompaniment of white concrete and hanging gardens with an observation deck on the roof of each block – this is how Grabowska-Hawrylak designed Wrocław’s Manhattan.

The boiled windows could not be delivered and installed by construction workers. The striking white concrete was replaced with a dull grey. The gardens, which were to symbolize the unity of construction with nature, were never realized, and many shortcomings only confirmed the belief that Manhattan is worth calling the Toilet Seat.

Manhattan has had its façade renovated and gained a white colour, which made it a bit closer to the assumptions of Grabowska-Hawrylak. While walking on the Grunwaldzki Bridge, take a look at the six 55-meter-high white towers, which for me, are  one of the most important unusual and non-obvious attractions of Wroclaw .

23. Anonymous Pedestrians Statue (Pomnik Anonimowego Przechodnia)

At the intersection of Piłsudskiego and Świdnicka streets, there is my favourite monument from Wrocław. It is  not obvious and leaves a lot of room for interpretation . It has been repeatedly considered one of the most interesting monuments globally.

The Anonymous Pedestrians Statue  is an installation that occupies two sides of a pedestrian crossing across Świdnicka street.

The seven cast bronze figures descend below street level to re-emerge on the other side of the street. I have always interpreted this monument as a metaphor for people’s descent to the underground and the subsequent rebirth in changed, better conditions, i.e. the fight against communism. But you can also find more ways of interpreting the Anonymous Pedestrians Statue.

The monument was  unveiled on December 12-13, 2005. 24 years earlier, the Polish Council of State imposed martial law throughout Poland the same night. 

24. Neon Side Gallery (Wrocławska Galeria Neonów)

In the courtyard at Ruska 46 Street, you will find one of the most beautiful, unusual attractions of Wrocław, the best one to visit after dark.  The collection of thirty neon signs  owned by Tomasz Kosmalski is a trace of Wrocław from the 1960s and 1970s. At that time, dozens of such illuminated advertisements were lit on the city streets at night.

Kosmalski’s collection began to take shape in 2005 when he managed to buy his first neon, saved from a confectionery store from scrapping. Later, he added neon signs from cinemas, railway stations, industrial plants and other Wrocław stores. Some of the obtained neon signs are now displayed in the yard at Ruska Street.

The neon lights, of course, glow, which makes the courtyard bright with a riot of colours at night. Although it is still a non-obvious attraction of the city, more and more tourists learn about it, and there are many photographers there during warm evenings.

If you want to see more of Wroclaw’s neon signs, a few of them are still on the city streets:

• PZU advertisement at Kościuszko Square

This is the last animated neon sign to see in Wroclaw. The thief runs away on it with his prey. The observers of the neon are encouraged to take out insurance at PZU. Neon was built in 1975 according to a design by Jerzy Werszler.

• “Ticket offices” in the hall of the Wroclaw Main Railway Station

A green neon sign with the words “kasy biletowe kasy” looks like a handwritten letter. It has existed in Wrocław probably since the 1950s. During the renovation of the station at the beginning of the 21st century, the neon was renovated, so you can see it every time you visit the train station.

• “Dobry wieczór we Wrocławiu” on the block at Piłsudski Street

The inscription means “Good evening in Wroclaw”. The legendary neon sign has welcomed travellers coming to Wrocław’s Main Railway Station since 1962. You will see it leaving Wrocław Główny building from the north side. Originally a man with a hat bows to visitors was 4 meters tall.

• the lion above the entrance to the Wroclaw Zoological Garden

It was built by the design of Stanisław Chronowski in 1962. It was damaged for many years and did not shine. In 2009 it was finally renovated and, with minor interruptions, still adorns the entrance to the Wrocław Zoo.

• “Academy of Fine Arts” at Traugutta Street

It is the newest neon sign on the map of Wrocław. The inscription was designed by a lecturer at the Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Art and Design – professor Wiesław Gołuch. The neon sign is not on the façade of the building. It is hidden on the wall of the entrance hall. Despite this, it is clearly visible from the street in the evening. 

25. Mezonetowiec Building

There are many places to see in Wroclaw waiting for you there that you probably haven’t heard about yet. You will find a few hidden gems for those, who are into modernist architecture below.

The Mezonetowiec building  is located at  Kołłątaja 9-12 street . The building designed by the modernist architect Jadwiga Grabowska-Hawrylak was built in 1960.

The interior arrangement of the building proves its uniqueness, which at first glance looks like a typical block of buildings.

It consists of  56 two-level apartments  (the so-called mezonet – duplex apartments). The lower level is intended for daily living (living room, kitchen), and the upper level houses a bedroom and a toilet. The building was  the first apartment block in Poland with two-level flats .

Each apartment has an exterior loggia with a small balcony on each upper floor. The apartments on the top floor are single-level, but part of the roof is arranged as an adjoining terrace. 

26. Trzonolinowiec Building

The Trzonolinowiec building  (also called by inhabitants of Wrocław as “the house with chicken leg”), standing a few hundred meters away from Mezonetowiec, is in bad condition. Its construction was an attraction in itself. It was  built against common logic , starting from the highest floor and ending with the lowest. The next floors were raised using actuators.

The heart of the Trzonolinowiec is a reinforced concrete core located in the center of the building. This structure is supported by square ceilings of the next floors,  hanging on 12 steel ropes . The construction of the following storeys was done from prefabricated elements outside the construction site. When they were ready, they were lifted to their destination and fastened.

The building was put into use in 1967. Then, in 1974, it was rebuilt, taking away its unique character. The structure was stiffened by encasing the ropes with concrete and supporting the ground floor with steel pillars. It was explained by reports that the structure swayed during high winds.

The building has become a legend in the city. In 1967, he was awarded the title of  the House of the Year . The inhabitants of Trzonolinowiec were, among others,  famous Polish actors Bogusław Linda and Krzysztof Globisz .

The floor heating in the building was supposed to lead Linda to… radiculopathy.

27. WUWA House Exhibition

The WUWA House Exhibition was established in Wrocław in 1929 as one of six experimental architectural projects located in various European cities.

WUWA is an architectural exhibition and a social experiment at the same time. The buildings inhabited by artists and engineers were a testing ground for new construction methods (e.g. quick construction of prefabricated structures). It was also a test field for a new way of arranging the space of apartments, common areas and building surroundings.

Start your tour of the WUWA House Exhibition near  the “Tramwajowa” tram stop . Next to it, there is a coffee gate for walking around WUWA estate – WuWa Cafe. 

Other Things To Do & Places To See In Wroclaw, Poland

You can add a few places to your sightseeing plan:

• traditional Wroclaw attractions:  Botanical Garden of the University of Wrocław ,
• Oder Boulevards : boulevard of Wroclaw University of Science and Technology with Polinka cable car, Xawery Dunikowski boulevard with Gondola Bay, boulevards behind the Wrocław Zoological Garden with ZaZoo Beach Bar and other beach bars,
• Aquapark Wroclaw : located close to Wroclaw Główny Railway Station. This place will be an unforgettable experience both for children and adults, who like to spend time actively.

Since you have already learned about all the must-see attractions and Wrocław things to do, it is worth considering the choice of the place where you will stay for the night.

Best Places To Stay In Wroclaw, Poland

You can find a wide offer of accommodation on Booking.com . The closer you stop to the central station or the Market Square, the less time you will spend commuting to the city center during your stay.

Where To Eat & Drink In Wroclaw, Poland

Wrocław is a city full of trendy restaurants and atmospheric cafes, so it was difficult for me to choose some of the most interesting places for you. But as I already live in this city, I finally made a compilation of best restaurants and cafes in Wrocław.

Restaurants in the center of Wrocław that are worth visiting:

• Woosabi – a fashionable restaurant that serves Asian dishes in a cozy, elegant interior in the very center of Wrocław,
• Campo Modern Grill – the best Argentinian steaks in Wrocław in the restaurant located in the OVO Hotel belonging to the Hilton group,
• Pepik PUB – a restaurant serving traditional Czech dishes. The perfect place if you dream of fried cheese or a pint of Czech beer,
• U Gruzina – my favourite restaurant serving classics of Georgian cuisine. It has several points in Wroclaw, but the most atmospheric for me is the one near the main railway station.

If it turns out that you would like to locate yourself in an atmospheric place and drink a cup of good coffee, the Wrocław cafe arena has a lot to offer.

A list of best cafes in Wroclaw:

• ETNO Cafe – several locations on the map of Wrocław, e.g. at Piłsudski Street next to the Main Railway Station, Sucha Street and in Wrocław’s Okrąglak ,
• Słodki Chłopak – a small, cosy cafe in Nadodrze district, full of plants and atmosphere. They have also one spot close to Market Square,
• Gniazdo – a cafe next to the Wroclaw Opera, apart from great coffee, it also serves delicious breakfasts,
• Parrot Cafe – it has two locations in Wrocław, but I like the one near Dominican Square more. Sometimes the owner of the cafe shows up there with parrots and plays the piano live what gives amazing atmosphere.

Every month, new, exciting places open in Wrocław. So you will have the opportunity to explore. I wish you successful culinary and coffee discoveries.

Wroclaw Public Transport – How To Move Around The City

There is an efficient network of the city bus and tram connections in Wrocław.

If you plan to move around the city by public transport, 24-hour tickets and tickets valid for 2 days (48 hours) should be an interesting option for you. You can check the prices of other types of tickets on the website of Wrocław.

Tickets purchased in a vehicle (tram, bus) are  paid for by card only .  The ticket is not printed!  During the inspection, you must show your payment card. The controller will check if your ticket is encoded on it (don’t worry – it’s safe).

The jakdojade.pl will help you move around the city. This is the website where you can check connections and timetables. On this website, you will also be able to check how to move from Copernicus Wroclaw Airport to the city centre by public transport as well.

3 Reasons Why You Should Visit Wroclaw, Poland

If, after reading the entire article, you are still not convinced to visit the capital of Lower Silesia, check out  three reasons why you should visit Wroclaw .

Wrocław is a mix of various architectural styles, tourist attractions, and various types of cuisine. Lovers of classic shapes and those who love modernism and brutalism can live in harmony in Wrocław – everyone will find something for themselves here.

A trip to different parts of the city has completely different feelings and a completely different experience. If you do not like monotony and want every sightseeing moment to be a new adventure, visit Wrocław necessarily.

It sounds like a cliche, but I associate Wrocław with tolerance and acceptance of difference. This city is home to dozens of nationalities from all over the world. Multinational history is a great background for contemporary Wrocław.

Representatives of various nations, who have different skin colours and a different attitude to the world, work side by side in office buildings and cafes. These people live in great respect, and the city gives a good environment for it. Everyone in Wrocław can feel at home.

• excellent location

Wrocław owes its fantastic location to the Oder River and the surrounding rivers. Dozens of bridges will take you to different parts of the city, e.g. centrally located party Słodowa Island, Tamka Island (my favourite one) known for alternative concerts or the green and peaceful Big Island. This island is famous for the Centennial Hall and the beautiful districts of Biskupin and Sępolno (which looks like an eagle from a bird’s eye view).

Wrocław is a great city that you can visit on foot, during cruises on the Oder River, and during your kayak adventures. And if that’s not enough, there is also a cable car in the city centre and Ślęża – the favourite mountain of Wrocław residents, located 30 minutes from the city. The city also has many places to relax, e.g. Szczytnicki Park.

Wrocław is one of Poland’s most beautiful cities and a place you shouldn’t skip. From the article, you know the must-see attractions and amazing things to do in Wroclaw, Poland. This does not mean that the list is closed – Wrocław has much more to offer. I am sure that after visiting Wrocław you will have similar feelings. Have a great trip to Wrocław!

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The Perfect 1 to 2 Days in Wroclaw Itinerary

Last Updated on October 16, 2023

by Michael Rozenblit

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Planning a Wroclaw itinerary isn’t necessarily something that is on everyone’s list when planning a trip to Poland. Often overshadowed by nearby Krakow, Wroclaw is a beautiful city in southwestern Poland that is very much worth adding onto your travel route.

Spending one or two days in Wroclaw is a great way to see more of this beautiful country away from the crowds of visitors that congregate in more popular cities.

Located in the Lower Silesia region in the southwest of the country, the city of Wroclaw is situated on a series of islands on the banks of the Oder River. Sometimes lauded as the “Venice of the North,” Wroclaw boasts a beautiful old town, plenty of incredible history but also retains a funky and youthful edge that gives this city its charm.

So if you want to get a bit off the beaten path in Poland and venture beyond Krakow and Warsaw , consider planning a trip to Wroclaw.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Wroclaw?

Before planning to visit, many potential travellers to this city wonder how many days to spend in Wroclaw in order to see the top sites and really do it justice. Fortunately, Wroclaw is quite a compact city and you can easily see the highlights within the confines of a single day.

With one day in Wroclaw, you will be able to explore the Old Town and visit all of the top historic sites – and even try to find as many gnomes as possible (more on that later)!

While seeing Wroclaw in a day can be a bit rushed if you want to see multiple angles of the city, it is enough to get a good taste of the city.

If you have 2 days to spend or are thinking of a weekend in Wroclaw, then all the better. With a second day in Wroclaw, you will have time to either venture out of the old town and take in some more alternative neighbourhoods of this Polish city or to head out on a day trip to a nearby area.

No matter how much time you have, you’re sure to fall hard for this beautiful little city.

Getting To & Around Wroclaw

Located in the southwest of Poland in the Lower Silesia region, Wroclaw is a major city in the country and is well-connected as such. If you’re travelling to Wroclaw from other Polish cities, you will find plenty of direct bus and train connections.

For instance, Wroclaw is located about 3 hours by direct train and bus from Krakow , with plenty of connections leaving each day. From Warsaw , expect trains and buses to take about 4-4.5 hours, with plenty of direct connections, as well.

If you’re coming from a neighbouring country, there are also plenty of options. Wroclaw is connected by bus from Berlin – expect journeys to take about 4.5 hours. Dresden is also relatively close, with bus journeys taking about 3.5 hours. You can also take a direct bus from Prague in about 5.5 hours. You can view bus schedules here.

Once in Wroclaw, you will find that it is incredibly easy to navigate the city on foot. In fact, the majority of the stops on the route below are all accessible as a pedestrian and it’s not generally necessary to use public transit.

That being said, Wroclaw does have a public transit system consisting of both buses and trams. Tickets are affordable and can be purchased from machines at bus and tram stops and on board the vehicles.

1 to 2-Day Wroclaw Itinerary

Day 1 – explore wroclaw’s old town.

If you only have one day in Wroclaw, then make sure to spend it exploring the Old Town and historic centre of Wroclaw. All of the sites are within easy reach of each other and it’s simple to navigate on your own.

If you’re looking to explore with a bit more context, consider joining a free walking tour – this is where the tour itself is free and the guides work for tips, so ensure that you tip the guide what you believe the value of the tour was at the end. If this isn’t of interest, you can also book a paid walking tour of the Old Town with a knowledgeable local guide.

Market Square

Like most Central European cities , likely the best place to begin any day exploring Wroclaw is at the Market Square – the main square in the city. This lovely medieval square was once home to the main markets of the city and, to this day, it plays host to Wroclaw’s Christmas market in December.

Today, however, it is simply the main meeting point in the city. While at Market Square, you can take in the beautiful Gothic town hall – which now is home to an art museum – and see the monument to Alexander Fredro.

The square is a great place to take in some of the gorgeous architecture of the city, grab a coffee at one of the many outdoor cafes or simply sit on a bench and people-watch a bit. It’s an excellent starting point for any day spent getting to know Wroclaw.

Wroclaw’s Gnomes

While at the Market Square, this is also a good opportunity to get an introduction to Wroclaw’s smallest citizens – the hundreds of gnomes who call the city home! The city of Wroclaw is adorned with over 600 small dwarf statues and it’s something that the city has become known for.

The first gnome appeared in 2001 to commemorate an anti-communist movement. It has now become a tradition in Wroclaw and you will find countless cute gnome statues scattered all over the city. Some of the statues are more traditional in style, but some have a more modern take.

You can find maps outlining where to see the gnome statues at the tourist info centre. However, there is also a mobile app that you can download if you really want to take your gnome-hunting to the next level.

As you wander throughout the old town, keep an eye out for gnome statues – it’s a fun way to add an extra element to typical sightseeing!

St Elizabeth’s Church

From the market square, make your way past the iconic Hansel & Gretel houses (these are medieval houses that are charmingly joined by a bridge) and find St Elizabeth’s Church. This is one of the most iconic Roman Catholic churches in Wroclaw and a great place to visit.

The church itself is beautiful and worth a visit in its own right, but the main attraction is its bell tower. If you’re looking for incredible views over the city, then climbing to the tower’s observation deck is one of the best things to do in Wroclaw.

From the observation, you can get a panoramic view of Wroclaw and you can clearly see all of the little islands and bridges that make up the city. It’s truly a great place to see the city from a bird’s eye view. Note that there are several steep, winding steps up the tower and there is an entry fee for the privilege, as well.

Jatki Street

From the church, make your way to one of the old town’s notable, historic streets: Jatki Street. Historically, this street was home to butchers and this is depicted by the sculpture of farm animals to be found here.

You will also notice a lot of art on this street and plenty of galleries and interesting places to browse for a unique souvenir from your time in Wroclaw.

Cathedral of St Vincent & St James

From Jatki Street, continue on exploring the Old Town and make your way past the University of Wroclaw before we make it to out next stop – another historic and interesting church, the Cathedral of St Vincent & St James. This is a Ukrainian Catholic Church and is an absolutely beautiful Gothic structure.

This structure was consecrated in 1240 and was completed in 1256. Today, it is of importance as being a place of worship for Ukrainian Catholics. Wroclaw has the highest population of Ukrainians in all of Poland, with an estimated 250,000 people calling the city home – over one-third of the city’s entire population.

Wroclaw Market Hall

After visiting the cathedral, it’s time to head to the adjacent Wroclaw Market Hall. This beautiful early 20th Century building is home to a great number of vendors selling local produce and plenty of other interesting products. This is a great place to pick up some snacks for a picnic in one of the city’s many parks.

Exploring the market is also a great way to learn a bit about the local food you will find in Wroclaw. While the city is young and hip with many cool, international eateries, it’s a great place to learn a bit about traditional Polish food, particularly if you don’t have time to join a food tour . It is more than just pierogi!

Cathedral Island

From the market, it’s time to venture away from the official Old Town to, paradoxically, explore the oldest part of Wroclaw – Cathedral Island. As mentioned, Wroclaw is made up of 21 islands and there are over 100 bridges within the confines of the city.

Cathedral Island is located across the Oder River from the Old Town and you can walk across the Wyspa Piasek island park and the charming Tumski Bridge to reach here. Though this isn’t an island anymore, it was at one point.

If you happen to be visiting in the evening, you can experience lamplighters come around and manually lights the traditional gas lamps in the area – this is one of the few places in Europe that still holds to this practice. Otherwise, Cathedral Island is filled with peaceful cobbled streets and historic buildings.

As the name would suggest, it’s also home to the main cathedral in Wroclaw – the Cathedral of St John the Baptist. This beautiful Gothic cathedral was originally built in the 13th Century, however, after it was destroyed during WWII, it was reconstructed in the 1950s.

Promenada Staromiejska

After exploring Cathedral Island, mosy your way back to the old town and enjoy a nice, leisurely stroll through some of the Old Town’s most beautiful parks. If you want to experience some history along with enjoying a park, then head to the Promenada Staromiejska – or the Old Town Promenade.

This city park is located alongside the old moat for the city of Wroclaw, which was diverted from the Oder River to protect the city in medieval times. It’s a delightful green space to spend some time in and a great way to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing.

End your day’s tour of the Old Town of Wroclaw close to where we started in the lovely Plac Solny. This smaller square is adjacent to the Market Square and it is the perfect place to kick back and people-watch a little bit as evening sets in.

Plan to spend your evening eating at one of many of the great restaurants Wroclaw calls home. Whether you’re looking to eat hearty Polish fare at a traditional milk bar or are keen for cuisines ranging from Georgian to Japanese, you will find it here.

There is also a number of different bars to enjoy if you fancy a night out. Wroclaw has a young population and it’s a great city to experience some nightlife in if that’s the vibe you’re after!

Day 2 – Explore Nadodrze or Take a Day Trip

If you’re fortunate enough to be seeing Wroclaw in 2 days, you have a few options available to you. If you’d rather stay in the city, this can be a great opportunity to explore some areas outside of the old town and to get a holistic view of the city.

Otherwise, Wroclaw makes for a great base for exploring some interesting areas in the vicinity for those who are keen to take a day trip.

Nadodrze Neighbourhood

If you’ve decided to stay within the city limits for day 2, then take the time to explore the hip Nadoodrze neighbourhood. Located just across the Oder from the old town, this is a hip and gentrified area of Wroclaw that is super cool to wander around.

Not only are there plenty of hip bars, cafes and restaurants, it’s perfect for art lovers. There is lots of street art (you can take a tour if you want to learn more) to see around here and the vibe is completely different from what you will get in the Old Town, despite the fact that nothing is that far away.

After exploring this neighbourhood, you can also take the time to visit some museums you wouldn’t have had the time to yesterday. For instance, you can visit the Panorama of the Battle of Racławice. This museum includes a 360-degree mural depicting a 1794 battle. Or, if you want to learn more about Wroclaw itself, visit the City Museum of Wroclaw, also located in the Old Town.

And if you’re interested in architecture, you could opt to hop on a tram or bus to take in Centennial Hall, which is a historic concert hall a bit outside the historic centre.

Day Trip to Poznan, Lower Silesia or Auschwitz-Birkenau

Another great option for a second day is to take a day trip. There are plenty of great places to visit with easy reach of Wroclaw so it really depends on what you’re after.

If you’re after a similar vibe to Wroclaw and want to explore another beautiful Polish city, then consider heading to Poznan. Located about 1.5 hours north of Wroclaw by train, Poznan is a compact little city with a lot to offer visitors and it’s a joy to explore.

Those who are able to hire a car (or who want to get on an organised tour ) may enjoy exploring more of the Lower Silesia region. Wroclaw is the capital of Lower Silesia, but there are plenty of other places to explore that range from charming little villages to beautiful, historic castles.

If you choose to do this independently, this area is best explored in your own vehicle as there are numerous places you could stop off at – including the Ksiaz Castle and the village of Swidnica.

A sobering place to visit within close proximity of Wroclaw is the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp. Though this is closer to Krakow, it is still doable as a day trip from Wroclaw, provided you choose to book a day tour or drive yourself. It’s difficult to navigate here using public transport only.

Where to Stay in Wroclaw

Europeum Hotel – Located in Wroclaw’s old town, this hip hotel is perfect for mid-range visitors to this cool Polish city. They have a range of bright, modern and comfortable rooms to choose from along with breakfast and other great amenities available to guests. Click here to check availability

PURO Wrocław Stare Miasto   –   This boutique hotel is located right in the centre of Wroclaw, has modern and clean rooms and a funky interior. They have a number of great amenities for guests to enjoy along with a fab breakfast and an on-site restaurant and bar. Click here to check availability

Grampa’s Hostel   – This is one of the best places to stay in Wroclaw if you’re looking for budget accommodation as they offer both dorms and private rooms, have good common areas and organise a number of social events if you want to meet other travellers. It is also well-located, clean and has great facilities.  Click here to check availability

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Wroclaw hotels!

Visiting Wroclaw is an excellent option if you want to venture a bit further into Poland and see another charming and historic city. With a fun, youthful energy and plenty of great things to do, you’re sure to quickly fall in love with this lovely city.

Are you planning to visit Wroclaw? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

Warsaw or Krakow: Which Polish City to Visit?

The Ultimate 7 to 10 Days in Poland Itinerary

Is Krakow Expensive? A Guide to Prices in Krakow

About Michael Rozenblit

Michael is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Both solo and with his partner, Maggie, he has travelled to over 50 countries across the globe and has a particular affinity for the Balkans and Eastern Europe. He’s lived in numerous countries worldwide but currently resides in his hometown of Melbourne, Australia. Read more about Michael

This was one of my favourite cities in Poland and also the favourite city of my guide. Especially good if you are able to stay close to the city square. Thanks for sharing this info so others can experience what Wroclaw has to offer.

Glad you enjoyed your time in Wroclaw, Amanda!

Wroclaw has some interesting viewpoints. I especially recommend the Witches’ Bridge. Beautiful panorama and interesting history.

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Wroclaw travel guide

Wroclaw tourism | wroclaw guide, you're going to love wroclaw.

With its elegant historical market square, impressive cathedral, and beautiful riverfront neighborhood, Wroclaw is everything you'd hope an Eastern European city could be. Stunning to look at, buzzing with nightlife, and culturally vibrant, it's a fantastic urban destination.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Wroclaw

1. the exquisite historical core.

Built around Rynek, the market square (which still hosts a lively market), Wroclaw's Old Town is a mixture of medieval Gothic and later baroque and rococo architecture.

2. Beautiful Churches

Wroclaw's religious architecture is second to none in southeastern Poland. Anyone who appreciates soaring Gothic engineering and sculpture will adore Cathedral Island.

3. Fabulous Cultural Attractions

Wroclaw is southeastern Poland's cultural hub, hosting the multinational Dialog Festival as well as summertime organ festivals and events dedicated to ambient music.

4. Superb Nightlife

Wroclaw and nightlife are synonymous in Poland, and anyone who loves clubbing or bar hopping will be in for a treat; visit the bars around Rynek or nightlife complexes like Pasaz Niepolda.

5. The Odra River

One of Wroclaw's major attractions is the River Odra, which is a wonderful place to walk, cycle, or kayak.

What to do in Wroclaw

1. old market square: an indestructible civic landmark.

Known locally as Rynek, the Old Market Square is Wroclaw's charming civic core. Dating back to the medieval era, Rynek has been a thriving marketplace for centuries, but it's not as ancient as it might seem. From the immense Old City Hall to the tiny flogging post used to punish criminals, everything you see was reconstructed after the siege of Wroclaw in 1945. And no expense was spared. These days, the Town Hall contains a magnificent art collection, while Plac Solny contains a flower market that almost never closes. With so many wonders to enjoy, you'd never know the area had such a turbulent past.

2. Ostrów Tumski: Wroclaw's Ancient Heart

Literally meaning "Cathedral Island" in Polish, Ostrów Tumski is the oldest section of Wroclaw and is home to a wealth of historical treasures. Crossing over the bridge and down Katedralna, visitors are transported to another Poland entirely - one where religion ruled the roost, but not entirely (the famous libertine Casanova lived here for a few years too). It's hard to believe that so many beautiful churches could be concentrated on so few square meters, and standouts like the Cathedral of St John the Baptist and the Church of the Holy Cross are among the city's most breathtaking buildings.

3. Wrocławska Fontanna: Incredible Illuminations for a Summer Evening

Between April and October, the ornamental ponds in the Wroclaw Exhibition Grounds become one of the most magical light and water shows anywhere on earth. Spread across 1 hectare of the ponds, the fountain was opened in 2009 and incorporates over 300,000 water jets and 800 colored lamps which create dazzling spectacles when night falls over the city. Bring a few bottles of Polish beer, a picnic of pierogi and sausage, and relax in front of a truly spectacular (and free) show.

4. Centennial Hall: Concrete Has Never Looked More Beautiful

Where the Fontanna is a watery wonder, the Centennial Hall is one of the most famous concrete structures in Europe. Built just before World War I to celebrate the hundredth anniversary of the city's rebellion against Napoleon, the building centers upon a 23-meter-tall concrete dome, which caps a 7,500-seat theater. If you get a chance, it's a fantastic sporting arena, regularly hosting basketball events. It's also a busy conference venue, although guided tours let you explore this concrete marvel almost any day of the year.

5. Raclawice Panorama: Art on a Gigantic Scale

Located in an attractive park just east of the city center, the Raclawice Panorama is a unique artistic attraction. Painted by a consortium of Polish patriots in the 19th century, the panorama depicts the doomed but inspirational Battle of Racławice, which took place in 1794. It was initially housed in Lvov, but then transplanted to Wroclaw in the 1980s into its own circular building, where the majesty and sheer scale of this 15 by 115 meter behemoth can be appreciated.

Activities & attractions in Wroclaw

Where to Eat in Wroclaw

Over 700 years old, Piwnica Świdnicka is one of the oldest restaurants in Europe and is a magnet for diners, while other Polish restaurants include Pod Papugami and Przystań, with its fantastic riverside views. Expect meals to cost about zł120.

When to visit Wroclaw

Summer is the best time to visit Wroclaw as it is both the warmest time of year and festival season. Expect temperatures above 75 degrees most of the time during July and August.

How to Get to Wroclaw

Wrocław-Copernicus Airport (WRO) offers connections to many other European cities. To reach the city, take bus number 106 (zł3) or expect to pay around zł60 for a taxi.

You can reach Wroclaw by train from Warsaw, Prague, and many German cities. All trains arrive at Wroclaw Glowny, a recently modernized station just south of the main square.

If you are driving from Warsaw, take the E67 all the way to Wroclaw. The same road also runs from Prague to Wroclaw across the Czech-Polish border.

Bus companies serving Wroclaw include Eurolines and PolskiBus, with a wide variety of connections available.

Airports near Wroclaw

Airlines serving wroclaw, where to stay in wroclaw.

Rynek - a market square since medieval times, Rynek is home to the town hall, the lively market, and most of Wroclaw's bars.

Popular Neighborhoods in Wroclaw

Cathedral Island - owned by the Catholic Church since the 14th century, Cathedral Island is a must-see thanks to the stunning cathedral.

Nadodrze - in the process of reinvention by artists, theater, and music venues, Nadodrze is where tourists go to find Wroclaw's creative community in full flower.

Where to stay in popular areas of Wroclaw

Most booked hotels in wroclaw, how to get around wroclaw, public transportation.

MPK Wroclaw provides trams and buses, and charges a single fare of zł3 for 30 minutes, zł4.40 for an hour.

Taxis in Wroclaw tend to charge a meter drop of zł6, followed by zł4.50 per mile after that. All cabs will charge extra after 10 pm.

You can rent a car from Avis, Europcar, and Hertz, which is a handy way to see the sights. Expect to pay around zł50 per day.

Best car hire deals in Wroclaw

Standard estate car

5 adults, 3 Bags

The Cost of Living in Wroclaw

Shopping streets.

The Old Town around Rynek is the core of Wroclaw's shopping district, with plenty of pedestrianized streets to explore. Check out city center malls like Galeria Dominikańska or Galeria Handlowa.

Groceries and Other

Supermarkets in Wroclaw include Biedronka and Carrefour. Prices should be low, at around zł9 for a gallon of milk.

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How to Spend 24 Hours in Wroclaw – An Unforgettable 1 Day Itinerary

Wroclaw is a beautiful city located in the Southwest of Poland, a city that should be on everyone’s Poland itinerary, especially for those who like to step away from the major tourist destinations such as Krakow and Warsaw. And while Wroclaw is rather small, this city is filled with the most beautiful sights: from stunning viewpoints, an endless amount of beautiful architecture, small cozy alleys filled with cafes to perhaps one of the most beautiful market squares of Europe. A small challenge for those visiting the city might be with the pronunciation of the city as Wroclaw is actually pronounced as “vrohts-waf”, something we sure head to get used to! Climb the church towers for the most beautiful viewpoints over the city, walk along the Oder for the most beautiful sights over the islands of Wroclaw or simply sit back and relax at one of the many cafes and restaurants you will find in Wroclaw, there is something to do for everyone in Wroclaw. Not sure where to begin? Keep on reading to find out which sights you should visit during your 24 hours in Wroclaw…

Please note: This post contains affiliate links. This means that purchasing a product or service via these links may earn us a small commission (at no extra cost to you of course).

24 Hours in Wroclaw – Things to do

1. ostrów tumski – cathedral island.

Start your day by making your way to Ostrów Tumski, the oldest part of Wroclaw. Ostrów Tumski, which translates to Cathedral Island, is a former Island located North from the Old Town. You can easily find Ostrów Tumski the Holy Cross Chuch and the St. John Baptist Cathedral dominate the skyline. Walk through the beautiful small streets and marvel at the stunning architecture. One of the oldest buildings on Cathedral Island is the St.Martin Church, a small brick church which is the only remnant of the Piast Castle (13th century). While admiring the architecture and the beautiful little streets can easily keep you busy for a couple of hours, there is another reason that you should visit Ostrów Tumski, which brings us to activity number 2…

Stunning morning views over the Oder

2. Climb the Tower of the St. John Baptist Cathedral

Well, honestly, you don’t have to climb much as, lucky for all of us, there is an elevator installed that will take you to the top of the tower. You have to walk up 40 steps, before a kind man will take you all the way to the top where you can enjoy a spectacular view over Wroclaw. A perfect activity for a sunny day! The viewpoint is a full 360 degrees, with something new to see every few steps that you take. The only downside: there is a large cage like construction, for everyone’s safety of course, but sadly it does influence the view a bit. However, with a bit of creativity, and holding on close to my camera, I managed to get the shot below without the bars in the photo! Needless to say the view was worth the (very small) climb. Price: a ticket to reach the viewpoint was 8 pln in July 2019.

View from the St John Baptist Cathedral over Ostrow Tumski

3. Tumski Bridge

From Ostrow Tumski make your way to the Tumski bridge. This bridge was known to be a bridge where couples would come and hang a lock on the bridge, as a sign of their love. A beautiful bridge that connects Cathedral Island with Piaskowa Island, a place you simply can’t miss during your 24 hours in Wroclaw. However, when we were visiting the city in July 2019 the bridge was closed for construction, and it looked like the locks were in the process of being removed. Maybe a bridge you want to reconsider hanging your love lock on…

Sunrise over Ostrow Tumski in Wroclaw with on the right the Tumski Bridge

4. Marvel at the Architecture of Wroclaw

Cross the Tumski Bridge into Piaskowa Island and slowly make your way to the old town of Wroclaw. But before you leave Cathedral Island and Piaskowa Island behind you, be sure to marvel at the architecture a bit longer. The views from Piaskowa Island over Ostrow Tumski and the Old Town are simply amazing, especially during the early mornings when the water is quiet resulting in near perfect reflections of the skylines. Stunning architecture can be simply found everywhere in Wroclaw, and it sure is one of the reasons Wroclaw should be on your Poland itinerary. From Piaskowa Island, cross the bridge into the old town side of Wroclaw…

The stunning Piaskowa Island that connects the Old Town with Ostrow Tumski

5. Stop for a coffee and some lunch

But before you make your way to the Rynek, the market square of the old town, stop for some coffee. Wroclaw is filled with cafes, you can find them simply everywhere! So try one, or two, or perhaps even three, unless you of course are not a coffee lover. Match it with a delicious pancake or a pastry and just sit back and relax, perhaps even get some lunch if you are hungry. While Wroclaw isn’t the biggest city, we got to admit that all this sightseeing can be a bit tiring, right? And lucky for all of us, the cafes in Wroclaw are really affordable. Expect to pay around $2 – $3 for a cappuccino and $5 – $8 for a meal, if you are on a budget you might want to avoid eating at the market square as prices here tend to be a bit higher.

6. The Wroclaw Market Hall – Hala Targowa

Because who doesn’t love a good market hall! Right at bridge that crosses to Piaskowa Island you will find Hala Targowa, the local market hall. Don’t expect street food, instead browse between the flowers, fresh fruits and local treats. Visiting Hala Targowa is perfect to escape the hot sun a bit during the summer, and to either grab another coffee or find yourself a delicious treat to eat. Grab some fruits or snacks to enjoy during the rest of your day and continue your journey to the highlight of the old town: the Market Square.

Hala Targowa – Wroclaw’s Market Hall

7. Rynek – Wroclaw’s Market Square

One of the most beautiful places in Wroclaw must be the Market Square. Filled with rows of colourful buildings, an endless amount of cafes, the townhouse, shops and so much more. The perfect place to just sit down for a bit and the awe at all that is happening at the square. You will find the square coming to live in the late afternoons, it is a place you will probably find yourself keep on coming back to, as every time you visit the square, it seems to have something new to offer. But your day of exploring has not ended just yet, as there are a couple of more things to see in Wroclaw that deserve your time and attention.

Beautiful coloured buildings at Wroclaw’s Market Square

8. Buy Flowers at the Salt Market Square

The Salt Market Square, Plac Solny, is located right next to Rynek, the market square we talked to above so it is almost impossible to miss this square. While at first glance it just seems like the former Salt Market Square is just a smaller version of Rynek, it is the flower market that actually earns this square a spot on the list. The flower market here is opened every day, from early in the morning to late in the evening, a perfect spot to buy your loved one (or just for yourself) some beautiful flowers to make your trip to Wroclaw an unforgettable one. From Plac Solny start one of the most unique activities you will find in Wroclaw…

9. Go Gnome Hunting

During your walk around the city you might have noticed the little gnome statues, they seem to be simply everywhere. If you are not careful, you might actually stumble over one, as they can be found in the middle of the footpaths, in alleyways, on the square, it is quite hard to miss them. There are over 350 gnome statues in Wroclaw, with new ones appearing every single year, so to find them all it might actually take you a bit more then 24 hours but you can sure give it a try to find as many as you can. However, the gnomes have not just appeared in Wroclaw without a reason, curious why there are so many gnomes in Wroclaw? Read a little bit more about it here in an article of the BBC.

Gnomes at Wroclaw’s Market Square

10. The hidden garden – Barokowy ogród Ossolineum

After you have successfully spotted a gnome or twenty, it is time to go look for the hidden garden, named Barokowy ogród Ossolineum. While Wroclaw has many beautiful locations, hidden locations like these are our personal favourites. Tucked between the colourful buildings it might be a bit of a challenge to find at first. There is a cafe located in this garden as well, in case you fancy another cup of coffee or perhaps something a little bit more refreshing! A quiet oasis in the middle of the city, the perfect spot to end your day of sightseeing in Wroclaw, after all there is only one last activity left on the list…

11. Enjoy the food

And that is of course to enjoy the delicious food in Wroclaw, and perhaps even a couple of drinks. You will find restaurants almost everywhere, from the quiet little alleyways to the main market squares, there is something to eat for everyone. We walked past vegan restaurants, burger places, restaurants serving traditional Polish food, Thai restaurants, Indian restaurants but in the end we settled four our favourite: Mexican food. As we knew we had a bit more time left in Poland we left the traditional Polish food for Krakow, and opted to get some Mexican food at Panczo instead where we enjoyed some delicious quesadillas with a classic margarita. Just simply order at the bar and sit back and enjoy your drink while you wait with your “beeper” till your food is done, the perfect way to end a day of sightseeing in our opinion!

BONUS: Enjoy a light show

There is a beautiful light show to be seen in the evening as well, but sadly the weather wasn’t too great the evenings we visited Wroclaw so we didn’t see it for ourselves. So to be sure that you don’t have to miss out on it like we did, we thought we would still add it to our 24 hour itinerary as it might still be something that would interest you! The Wroclaw Multimedia Fountain is located a bit out of the centre, but it is one of the biggest fountains in Europe, so it might be worth your effort. Read a bit more on the multimedia fountain here to see if you would like to add it to your own itinerary of Wroclaw!

Where to stay in Wroclaw

As most of Wroclaw activities are located around the old town I would personally recommend staying in this area, this is also where you will find most of the restaurants and bars so you will be within walking distance from your hostel or hotel! As we were on a budget we stayed at City Central Hostel ŁACIARSKA , but we would personally not recommend it. While the location was great, the rooms were rather small, and very warm during the hot summer days we visited, so we are sure there are some better options out there instead!

Transport in Wroclaw

While most sights in Wroclaw are within walking distance, getting in and out of the city is a bit far on foot. Lucky for all of us Wroclaw has an amazing public transport system, consisting of trams and buses. We found the trams the easiest way to get around. Single fare tickets were 3.40 pln in July 2019 (roughly 0.90$).  Just don’t forget to validate your ticket at the “time stamp machine” inside the buses and trains as without validating your ticket you can still get a fine. Not sure which tram to take? Use Google Maps to plan your journey! You can find more info on ticket prices and the public transport system in Wroclaw here .

For those who are carrying big suitcases, traveling with multiple people or just don’t want to deal with the hassle of the public transport system, use Uber instead. We paid roughly 12 pln for a ride from the old town to the bus station. A quick and very affordable option as well!

Where to go after Wroclaw

While Wroclaw is absolutely beautiful, and there might be many more cafes and sights to be explored, one of the reasons you should visit Poland on your next trip to Europe is because it truly has so much to offer. Head into the mountains from Zakopane, or perhaps explore the city of Krakow , there is so much to see and to do in this beautiful country that it could keep you busy for weeks! What is your favourite destination in Poland? Be sure to share it with us in the comment section down below!

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County Road 26 to open Monday for local, critical trips

Limited travel for commuters using the lake city cutoff opens after state and county collaboration as bridge closure continues.

Montrose and Gunnison Counties — This weekend, CDOT and Gunnison County are working together to accelerate improvements to County Road 26 (Lake City Cutoff) so it can open Monday for local commuter travel between Montrose and Gunnison.  At the same time, engineers continue to conduct safety inspections of the US Highway 50 bridge crossing the Blue Mesa Reservoir at Dillon Pinnacles. This bridge, located west of Gunnison at Mile Point 136.3, closed Thursday in the interest of public safety after an inspection revealed a crack in one of the girders. The technical structure name for the bridge is K-07-B. 

Recognizing the US 50 closure creates a significant detour for commuters traveling between Montrose and Gunnison, CDOT and Gunnison County officials this weekend prioritized getting a shorter access route in place for local travel between the two communities. That collaboration will continue as officials work to further fortify the road with gravel and manage traffic to a level that the road can safely carry.

“We are starting slow in order to increase the chances we can go faster later. The impact on western Colorado cannot be understated and we are exhausting all opportunities and partnerships to mitigate the impacts of the bridge closure,” said Martin Schmidt, Assistant Gunnison County Manager for Public Works.

On Monday, April 22, pilot cars will lead  passenger vehicles through the access route two times a day in each direction. Because CR 26 is a high-mountain, unpaved road that is not intended to accommodate the traffic volumes of US 50, travel times will be limited and commercial vehicles exceeding a 16,001 gross vehicle weight rating are prohibited. The schedule for piloted travel is:

• 6 to 6:30 a.m. and 6 to 6:30 p.m. for westbound travel 
• 7 to 7:30 a.m. and 7 to 7:30 p.m. for eastbound travel 

The queue for westbound pilot car operations will start near the intersection of CO 149 and CR 26 and the queue for eastbound travel will start near the intersection of US 50 and CR 26. The travel time on the access route is expected to be 30 minutes or more.

County Road 26 will only be open for local, essential travel during these timeframes. The road will remain closed at all other times for the ongoing restoration work needed to ensure the road remains safe for travel.

A hotline and email continue to be in place to assist customers with questions about the closure. Anyone with questions can reach out via 970-648-4423 or [email protected] . Calls will be closely monitored and will receive a prompt reply. Information is also available on the project website at bit.ly/us50bridge . Travelers should refer to COtrip.org or the smartphone COtrip Planner app to plan an alternate route.

“CDOT appreciates Gunnison county’s dedication and hard work as we cooperate to offer more options to help the western slope manage this safety closure.  CDOT will continue to support the county as we focus on the opening of County Road 26 to serve the critical needs of residents,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “County Road 26 is an important local route that is up to five hours more efficient than detouring via state highways. However, this road currently has a natural roadbed and can only accommodate limited traffic - so it is important that we help Gunnison County focus this capacity on the needs of local communities most impacted by the closure.”

There are two recommended detours for through travel via Interstate 70 to the north or US 160 to the south and these detours add six to eight hours of travel time. CDOT is coordinating with emergency service providers to ensure emergency response is unaffected.

Travel Impacts  

• US 50 is closed between Montrose and Gunnison
• Recommended alternate routes are I-70 to the north or US 160 to the south
• A limited, local detour is in place for travel at specific times

Project Contact Information 

For additional information about this project, contact the project team.  

• Webpage: bit.ly/us50bridge
• Information hotline: 970-648-4423 
• Email: [email protected]  
• Fact Sheet: County 26 Local Access
• Hoja informativa del proyecto:  Ruta de acceso local en la County Road 26

Download the COtrip App!

The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!