wroclaw tourist info

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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25 Amazing Things to do in Wroclaw, Poland

Last Updated on 26/04/2024 by kami

I wouldn’t call Wroclaw, Poland a hidden gem as the city is already fairly known among tourists but still, not as popular as other famous Polish destinations – Krakow and Warsaw. Which is surprising as Wroclaw has so much to offer!

Beautiful Old Town, the variety of architecture, numerous green spaces, amazing food and cafe scene and lots of cool spots – Wroclaw has it all!

Over the years I’ve been to Wroclaw numerous times and know the place fairly well. Most of the time, when I went to visit Wroclaw, it was mostly to see my friends living there.

During my last trip to Wroclaw, however, I focused on sightseeing too so I could remind myself of some of the great Wroclaw attractions, discover new things to do in Wroclaw and fall in love with the city all over again.

I truly believe this is one of the best places to visit in Poland, the one you can’t miss in your Poland itinerary. That’s why I’ve prepared a long list of what to do in Wroclaw so you can go there fully prepared and enjoy the place as much as I always do!

Planning a trip to Wroclaw?

Here are the highly-rated hotels, tours, and services recommended for your trip:

Accomodation:

• PURO Wrocław Stare Miasto (9.2/10)
• Old Town Haston (9.5/10)
• EXCLUSIVE Aparthotel (9.1/10)

Tours and activities:

• Guided City Walk
• Project Riese and Ksiaz Castle Private Tour
• Legends of Old Town 1 Hour Walking Tour in Wroclaw

Internet: Stay connected with Airalo eSim card – click here to get yours!

Insurance: Get insured for your trip to Poland with SafetyWing

Airport Transfer: Pre-book the airport transfer from Wroclaw airport to your accommodation in Wroclaw here .

Car rental: Compare prices and find the best deals on rental cars in Poland on Discover Cars .

Table of Contents

How to pronounce “Wrocław”?

But before you set off to discover Wroclaw, you should know how to pronounce the name of the city correctly.

When saying the name of the city aim for “Vrots-Wav” and you should be more or less fine!

This youtube video gives you an idea of how to say the name of the city correctly. This knowledge might come very handy when getting around or buying a ticket.

Where is Wroclaw, Poland?

With over 600.000 inhabitants, Wroclaw is the fourth biggest city in Poland.

It is located in the south-west part of the country, not far from the borders with the Czech Republic and Germany. Krakow is 270 km away, Warsaw is 350 km away, Prague is 280 km away, Berlin is 350 km away and Dresden is 270 km away. Wroclaw has decent connections with all of these places.

A short history of Wroclaw, Poland

Wroclaw is one of the oldest cities in Poland, it was mentioned for the first time in the year 1000 however the area was inhabited already before.

Over the centuries the city has been developing rapidly, also due to the fact that two important trade routes crossed here (Via Regia and Amber Road). Wroclaw has been also changing its belongingness and thus, the name too – you might know it as Vratislavia or Breslau.

In recent centuries the biggest impact on the city and its current shape had German influences – the city was under the Prussian and the German rule from the beginning of the 19th century till the end of World War 2. That’s when some of the most spectacular and famous attractions (such as the Town Hall or the Centennial Hall) were built.

After the conference in Potsdam Lower Silesia together with Wroclaw returned to Poland and the city was inhabited by the Polish population from other parts of the country as well as territories in and around Vilnius or Lviv that Poland lost.

Wroclaw travel tips

Best time to visit wroclaw.

Wroclaw is beautiful all year round, even when it’s freezing cold ( been there, done that ).

But if you have to choose the best time to visit Wroclaw I would recommend between late spring (mid-May) to early autumn (end of September).

That’s when you can spend a lot of time outside and enjoy numerous parks, outdoor cafes or just hang out at the riverside.

How to get to Wroclaw

Wroclaw has good connections with numerous cities in Poland as well as all over Europe.

The local airport is served by low-cost airlines (Wizzair and Ryanair) as well as a few traditional airlines. You can fly to Wroclaw directly from France, Germany, the Netherlands, Israel, United Kingdom, Italy, Belgium, Ireland, Poland, Ukraine, Portugal, Spain, Malta, Norway, Greece, Montenegro, Denmark, Switzerland, Georgia, and Sweden.

You can also easily get to Wroclaw by train or bus from lots of cities in Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic. The city really is at the crossroads!

How to get from Wroclaw airport to the center

Wroclaw airport is located fairly close to the center and you can easily travel between these two by public transport.

There is a bus no 106 (in the day time) and no 206 (night one) that connects the main train station with the airport, via the city center.

The ticket costs 4,60 PLN one way (around €1). You can buy the ticket in the bus, payment is made by card.

Wroclaw is also served by UBER and Bolt. The estimated price of the Uber ride from the airport to the main train station is between 25 and 39 PLN (€6-9).

How to get around Wroclaw

Most of the things to do in Wroclaw are within a walking distance from each other.

However, Centennial Hall or WUWA are a bit outside of the center and you might walk there, of course, but you might also use public transport to get there. Your best option will be tram – it’s efficient, reliable and very affordable.

Before your trip, you might want to download the app with schedules and life info of Wroclaw public transport. The official app is “iMPK” but another one (that works in many cities in Poland) is “Jak dojade”.

You need to purchase the ticket before the journey, you can do it from the ticket machine at the stop or inside the tram. There are a few kinds of tickets, from 15-minutes to 7-days tickets.

You can find all the details at the website of Wroclaw public transport.

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Things to do in Wroclaw, Poland

Now, that you know all the practicalities of visiting Wroclaw it’s time to talk about what to see in Wroclaw.

There are so many attractions that will keep you busy for at least 2 days but of course the more time you spend in Wroclaw, the better (especially with all the great day trips from Wroclaw too!).

Here is the list of some amazing things to do in Wroclaw that you might enjoy!

Fall in love with the beautiful old town

Wroclaw has one of the most beautiful market squares in Poland, and I even dare to say in Europe.

The medieval Market Square is now a pedestrian zone and the heart of the city. Around the square, you can admire numerous colorful houses, one prettier than another.

Some of them still hold their historical names, associated with their exterior details or the function. You can find here house under the golden jug, under the golden eagle, under the golden star, under the black eagle and many more.

Most of the houses were built centuries ago, in the gothic or renaissance style, but you can also find some art nouveau gems here, such as the department store “Feniks”.

There is only one building that doesn’t really fit here – a sky scrapper from 1931 (back then it was the tallest building in Wroclaw). Fans of modernist architecture will definitely appreciate it but let’s be honest – it really doesn’t belong to the picture-perfect Market Square of Wroclaw.

The real gem of the Market Square is the old town hall. It looks like from a fairy tale, it makes my jaw drop every single time I see it.

It was built in the late gothic style, between the end of the 13th century and 16th century. Afterward, it was rebuilt, extended and renovated numerous time to eventually become the gem we can admire now.

Underground used to be one of the oldest restaurants in Europe, Piwnica Świdnicka, operating there since 1237. Unfortunately recently it was closed and is waiting for the renovation.

The whole Market Square was badly destroyed during World War 2 and what you can admire now might be a reconstruction but, just like in Warsaw Old Town , it was done perfectly well and the place is just stunning.

But Market Square isn’t the only beautiful part of Wroclaw Old Town.

Wander around nearby streets, find some hidden gems (like the old street – Jatki – where butchery stores used to be located) and just enjoy the place.

You can also visit Wroclaw Old Town with a guide – click here for more details and to book the tour !

Find as many dwarves as possible

When doing Wroclaw sightseeing you will quickly stumble across small dwarves, many of them. Currently, there are around 400 of them and the number is constantly growing!

Dwarves are the legacy of Orange Alternative, an underground protest movement that was fighting with the system in the 1980s using methods that were considered funny.

The first dwarf appeared on the streets of Wrocław in 2001. No one knows exactly how many dwarves are in the city, currently the estimated number is over 400 and it’s still growing.

Dwarves hunting is one of the coolest things to do in Wroclaw. It lets you see the city from a different perspective and finding more and more dwarves is always so much fun!

You can pick up the map with the dwarves or just follow your instincts.

My personal favorite dwarves are the tourist one, the one taking money from the ATM or the one eating pierogi.

Fun fact, you can find Wroclaw dwarves not only in Wroclaw but also in its sister cities, like Kaunas Lithuania or Lviv Ukraine !

Click here to read my article about Wroclaw dwarves.

Enjoy the local cafe scene

The cafe scene in Poland is growing, new places are popping up and Wroclaw is no exception here. Whenever Wroclaw sightseeing tires you or you just want to relax with the cup of coffee there are plenty of places you can stop at.

Here are some of my favorite cafes and those recommended by my local friends from Wroclaw:

• Art Cafe Kalambur
• Tajne Komplety
• Cafe Rozrusznik
• Cafe Targowa
• Cherubinowy Wędrowiec

See different architecture styles

Due to the long and rich history, Wroclaw is a real mix of architecture styles. They all work together really well, creating an interesting blend in the cityscape.

You can find here Romanesque church, Gothic (mostly churches and the town hall), Renaissance (houses in the Market Square), Baroque (University), Neoclassical (Opera), Historicism (Main Train Station), Art Nouveau (Department Store Feniks on the Market Square), Modernism (Centennial Hall), monumental architecture from the Nazi times (Lower Silesian Voivodeship building), Socialist realism (main building of the Technical University), Brutalism (Racławice Panorama building), and Modern architecture.

These are only a few examples of what kind of architecture you can find in Wroclaw. The city is a real playground for all architecture fans!

Admire Wroclaw from above

I love looking at the cities from above to see it from a different perspective. Fortunately, Wroclaw offers some amazing viewpoints that will help you get to know the city better.

I’ve visited four of them (and one more that is not really accessible) but apparently I missed the best one – from the tower of the Garrison Church (there is always a reason to return to Wroclaw again!).

The Penitent Bridge is probably the most unique viewpoint as you are on the bridge, 45 meters above the ground, connecting two towers of Mary Magdalene church.

It’s not the place for faint-hearted as looking down might give you chills but if you are brave enough you can enjoy a really nice view of Market Square and beyond.

Keep in mind that there is no elevator up and you need to walk over 200 stairs to get to the bridge. But it’s worth it!

In the Cathedral of St. John Baptist you can take the elevator up to the tower (there are still some steps included but not too many) and enjoy the view of Odra river floating around and Ostrow Tumski island – one of the oldest parts of Wroclaw.

The cathedral itself is worth visiting too. It was rebuilt after WW2 and now you can admire some spectacular monuments inside, such as a triptych Dormition of Mary from 1552 or many tombstones from the Middle Ages.

The Mathematical Tower, part of the main building of Wroclaw University, offers nice views of both, the Old Town and the islands on Odra river.

With the ticket to the tower, you can also see the beautiful interior of the university building as well as Aula Leopoldinum – a real baroque masterpiece. There is no elevator to the tower but taking the stairs isn’t too exhausting.

Another viewpoint, not so popular, is from the terrace of the restaurant in Hotel Monopol. It’s a bit of a fancy place but together with the food and drinks, you get a really nice view of the center of Wroclaw.

Hotel Monopol itself is the oldest hotel in Wroclaw, visited by some of the famous people of the world – Pablo Picasso or Marlena Dietrich.

See the city from a different perspective

Wroclaw, together with cities like Saint Petersburg, Hamburg or Amsterdam, is known as “Venice of the North”.

The second longest river in Poland – Odra – goes through Wroclaw, four smaller rivers confluent to Odra within the city’s borders. There is also an extensive network of canals as well as moss.

Wroclaw is a perfect city to see from the water’s perspective and that’s what you should definitely do when the weather is good!

You can go for the boat cruise or rent a boat or kayak and explore the city yourself. Either way, it will be a fun experience!

Click here to book the boat cruise.

Or you can go for the evening party boat, a perfect ending to your day in Wroclaw. Click here for details.

Visit the oldest part of Wroclaw – Ostrow Tumski

The former island of Ostrów Tumski is the oldest part of Wroclaw, with remnants of the first settlement from the 10th century. You need to come here for the viewpoint at the tower of Cathedral of St. John Baptist but there is more to see in the area.

Most of the buildings you will find here are religious but they are of the extremely high historical value and are worth paying attention to. Ostrów Tumski feels like a completely different world than the rest of Wroclaw.

It’s so peaceful and quiet, like the time has stopped here. A perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The bridge leading to Ostrow Tumski, Most Tumski, is known as the lovers’ bridge. There were lots of lovelocks on it but since it’s currently going through the renovation process they were all removed. Let’s see what happens once it’s open again.

Try to be here before the dusk. Everyday rain or shine, some 20-40 minutes before the sunset, the lamplighter walks around the area and light up 103 original gas lamps.

You are welcome to join him in his walk around, peek into his job and chat a bit. Only a few cities in Europe still have gas lamps ( Brest, Belarus is one of them) but Wroclaw is the only one in Poland so this is a really unique attraction you can’t miss!

Go for grocery shopping to monumental Market Hall

You can find beautiful market halls in many places around the world (recently I visited a really lovely one in Santiago de Chile ) but the one in Wroclaw is different than others.

It looks impressive already from the outside but it’s still nothing in comparison with the interior.

The market hall was built between 1905 and 1908 in the place where the former armory was located (two towers are its remnants). It was a very innovative project for its times, one of the first with the use of concrete.

Inside you will see a large open space with massive and monumental concrete arches. If you are a fan of architecture (I am) your heart will beat faster here, that’s how spectacular the place is!

If you are planning to do some grocery shopping this is the perfect place (many local people and chefs can’t be wrong). You can find here lots of fresh vegetables and fruits as well as other products. A really decent cafe, Cafe Targowa, is located here too.

See where one of the popular Polish TV-shows was filmed

A few years ago a tv-show called “Belfer” (“Teacher”) was very popular in Poland, I’ve been watching it too.

The second season was filmed in Wroclaw and one of the main venues was the main building of the Faculty of Architecture.

The building dates back to the very beginning of the 20th century and it was designed by leading Wroclaw’s architects of the period Karl Klimm and Richarda Plüddemanna (they are behind numerous buildings in the city from that period, including the Market Hall).

It is a wonderful example of art nouveau architecture and even if you haven’t seen the tv-show you should see this beauty.

The building is located next to the nice park, in a very pleasant residential area, and is a nice getaway from the center.

Find some interesting brutalism architecture

It’s no surprise I like brutalism architecture and try to find it everywhere. And I did it in Wroclaw too.

Besides the Market Hall that can be considered brutalist (even if it was built years before this style was popular) I really enjoyed the blocks of flats next to Grunwaldzki Bridge.

So-called “sedesowce” (or “Wroclaw’s Manhattan”) were designed by the well known local architect Jadwiga Grabowska-Hawrylak and built between 1970 and 1973. The complex of six residential blocks and three service pavilions will interest every fan of brutalism!

Nearby you can also stop by at the university campus to find the chemistry auditorium that desperately needs renovation.

Another interesting building is the pavilion of Racławice Panorama. The rotunda was built in 1985 to be home for the magnificent painting from the end of the 19th century (it was one of Lviv’s attractions but was moved to Poland after World War 2).

The painting impresses numerous visitors from all over the world, including some well-known people, but not many seem to pay attention to the building itself that is worth seeing too!

Admire some incredible Wroclaw’s bridges

Due to its location on the water, Wroclaw has a lot of bridges – the official number is 118.

The most beautiful and impressive ones are the Grunwaldzki Bridge and Zwierzyniecki Bridge. Both were designed by the architects mentioned above, Karl Klimm and Richarda Plüddemanna, and built at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.

See the building of the National Museum in autumn

Don’t get me wrong, it’s worth visiting the National Museum all year long but it’s extra special in autumn.

The museum building is all covered in leaves that turn into all shades of autumn colors, making it look just spectacular! Click here to see how amazing it is!

The National Museum itself has been established in this building in 1947 and shows exhibitions on Medieval art, Silesian art from 14th-16th century and Polish art until 19th century.

Find beautiful staircases

Wroclaw is beautiful not only outside but also inside. You can find here some beautiful and very picturesque staircases and tiled floors that will be a nice add-on to your Instagram feed.

One of them is at Plac Teatralny 1, entrance is next to the “Niezły Dym” pizza place. You need to ring the bell to enter the door but it’s definitely worth it!

Hang out at the islands

With all the water flowing through the city there are a few islands that are a nice addition to the cityscape.

The most popular one is probably Słodowa Island that is a nice getaway from the busy center. It is located across the university and is the unofficial students’ zone with lots of cultural activities and performances.

While in most of the places in Poland it is forbidden to drink alcohol in the public spaces, Słodowa Island is the official exception and you can enjoy a beer or two in here.

Explore edgy Nadodrze district

For years this part of the city was considered dangerous and shady but in the past few years it has been going through a major revival and is the cool, alternative and somehow edgy part of the city. You might compare it to Praga in Warsaw, Kazimierz in Krakow or Zizkov in Prague .

The district, with cobbled streets and tenant houses from the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, is full of cozy cafes, street art, charming corners, craftsmen’s shops and lots of tiny details that make the place unique.

You should take it easy here, just wander around aimlessly and discover what it has to offer. If you like alternative Berlin – you will like Nadodrze too!

Take the cable car across the river

Wroclaw has probably the shortest cable car I’ve seen but that’s already a big attraction. It connects two banks of Odra river and two parts of the Technical University, the journey takes some 2-3 minutes.

Students were often late for classes and using excuses that they were stuck in the traffic jam. So they got a cable car to be in time for classes.

But even if you are not a student you can use it. The regular ticket for public transport applies here, you can buy it in the ticket machine at the cable car station.

Admire the UNESCO gem – Centennial Hall

Most of the places on UNESCO World Heritage List are pretty and colorful but there are some unusual buildings too (like Villa Tugendhat in Brno, Czech Republic ). And one of these surprising buildings is the Centennial Hall in Wroclaw, a real masterpiece of modernist architecture.

The Centennial Hall was opened in 1913 when Wroclaw hosted the Centennial Exhibition for the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Leipzig.

The hall was built mostly with ferroconcrete, which was very innovative for its time. The dome has 65 meters span and it used to be the largest dome in the world.

The hall is used for events, exhibitions, and shows (some 20 years ago I was there at Nick Cave’s concert!).

When you are there be sure to walk around a bit as the park around is very pleasant too.

The best view of the Centennial Hall is from across the pond on the right side. That’s also where you can attend the light show in the evening.

Next to the hall, you can find the Japanese Garden that apparently is very nice too (but I haven’t been there yet).

You can visit the Centennial Hall and the surroundings on the guided tour – click here for details !

Find the colorful yard

Once you enter the gate at Ruska 46C street you will be transferred to a completely different world, full of typography and colors. That’s where you will find neon signs lighting brightly and making everyone smile.

The peculiar gallery was created here in 2005, when the passionate local man bought the first neon that was supposed to be destroyed (a story similar to Neon Museum in Warsaw ). Now there are around 30 neon signs that used to advertise shops, companies, restaurants and more.

Recently the yard with the neons went through the renovation and now is shining brighter than before!

But these are not the only neon signs you can find in Wroclaw. Look carefully around as there are more of them on the streets.

Here is the map of all the neon signs you can find in Wroclaw.

Enjoy the nightlife

Since Wroclaw is the city of students (around 20% of the population) you can find some good nightlife options in here.

Two main hubs are “Nasyp” (“dyke”, close to the main train station) and the Four Temples District.

At “Nasyp” there is a long line of pubs and restaurants serving various food (I had good Czech and Georgian meals there). It’s opened until late night hours and always busy.

Sometimes you need to stop the conversation when a loud train is going above you but that just adds up to the overall atmosphere of the place.

The Four Temples District is just a stone’s throw away from the Market Place and besides the said temples you can find here multiple cafes, restaurants and pubs.

Some of them are hidden in the gates, like the one next to the Synagogue. It’s such a cool area to hang out!

Even if both places are alive until late evening you can enjoy them during the daytime too, you can come here for a delicious lunch, coffee or early drink with friends.

Find the unique bauhaus district

Once you are at the Centennial Hall walk across the park to get to WuWa district. The name WuWa stands for Wohnung und Werkraum – Home and Workplace.

The district was built in 1929 for the exhibition held in Wroclaw, to show the minimalist and cheap living arrangements.

11 Silesian architects were involved in this project and they created 32 example buildings in the popular at that time Bauhaus style. Today you can still walk around the area and admire the architecture.

Similar neighborhoods were created in Stuttgart, Prague, Brno and Zurich but the one in Wroclaw is considered to be of the highest architectural value.

Discover local street art scene

Wroclaw was one of the first cities in Poland that were actively involved in the street art scene. As a result, you can admire numerous works of local and world-famous artists on the city’s walls.

Some of the best places to find local street art are Neon’s Yard or Nadodrze district.

Discover Four Temples district

On a very small area between Ruska and Włodkowica streets, you can find four temples (hence the name of the place): Orthodox Church, Roman-Catholic Church, Synagogue and Evangelical Church (this reminds me a bit of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina or Jerusalem, Israel ).

The district is known for its multicultural past and mutual understanding between religions and has been set as an example of collaboration between religions.

That’s also where you will find beautiful architecture and numerous restaurants, cafes and pubs. Lots of cultural events are held in this part of the city too.

The district is cool, hip, vibrant and on the weekends it’s alive until late at night.

Dream about studying at Wroclaw university

If everyone could study at Wroclaw university this part of the education would be so much nicer.

The University of Wroclaw was founded in 1702 as Leopoldina and was changed into the Polish university after World War 2, in 1945, based on the legacy of German universities in Wroclaw and Lviv University.

Its main building – Collegium Maximum – has one of the longest and most impressive facades in Central Europe but the real beauty hides inside.

The interior is splendid and rich in decorations. The biggest gems you can’t miss are Aula Leopoldinum and Oratorium Marianum, both famous for its stunning Baroque decor.

Here you will also find Mathematical Tower offering nice views of the city.

It is possible to visit the University and other Wroclaw attractions during the guided tour – click here for the details .

See one of the most beautiful train stations in Poland

You can find some beautiful train stations in Poland (like the one in Przemysl , for example) and the station in Wroclaw is definitely among them.

It was built in the Eclecticism style and opened in 1857. Over the years the station was expanded but the building remained impressive and beautiful, reminding a bit of a castle.

The place is a beautiful starting point for your trip to Wroclaw.

Explore Lower Silesia region – day trips from Wroclaw

While there are so many great things to do in Wroclaw, the city can be also a perfect base to explore the area around in the Lower Silesia region. This is one of the most interesting parts of Poland and offers so much to see and do!

You can visit the beautiful palaces and garden, go hiking in stunning mountains, visit charming spa towns , see beautiful church moved here from Norway, do sightseeing in some lovely cities – there are just so many options to choose from!

Click here to check some of the best day trips from Wroclaw!

For more of a unique experience, I recommend staying overnight in one of the castles near Wroclaw.

I stayed in Karpniki Castle and it was one of the best accommodations I’ve ever seen.

The castle, originally from the 15th century, was transformed into a beautiful place to stay, with tasteful details and stunning interior. Click here to see the details of Karpniki Castle accommodation.

You don’t need to limit yourself with day trips from Wroclaw to Poland only. You can also easily go to the Czech Republic or Germany. The border town Goerlitz is one of the most hidden gems of Central Europe that you definitely want to see!

Map of Wroclaw attractions

I put all the places mentioned above (and a few more) on the map so you can use it during your trip to Wroclaw. Click here to access the Google map.

Then click on the three dots in the upper left corner and download kmz/kml file. Upload it to your phone and open with maps.me application. Then you will be able to use the map offline when you visit Wroclaw!

Final thoughts on visiting Wroclaw

Wroclaw really is one of the most interesting, beautiful and worth visiting places in Poland.

With so many things to see and so, such a vibrant atmosphere and so many great day trips from Wroclaw you should spend at least a few days in the city. And I guarantee you will want to come back for more!

Further reading

I published many articles about Poland that you might find useful when planning your trip there. Here are some of them:

• 37 Amazing Things to Do in Krakow, Poland
• 20 Great Places to Visit As Day Trips from Warsaw, Poland
• Visiting Auschwitz – How to Plan the Auschwitz Tour
• 17 Amazing Things to Do in Lublin, Poland
• The Complete Guide to Visiting Slownski National Park, Poland
• Visit Grudziadz – One of the Hidden Gems of Poland
• 19 Amazing Things to Do in Gdansk, Poland
• Visit Sandomierz, Poland – One of the Prettiest Towns in the Country
• Visiting Malbork Castle, Poland – the Largest Castle in the World
• and many more!

If you are looking for articles about a specific destination – check out the map with all the articles I’ve published (and their locations). You can also join my Facebook group about traveling in Central Europe and ask your questions there.

Travel Resources

Below you can find the brands I trust and use when planning trips:

• You can find the best accommodation options at Booking . They have many discounts and excellent customer service. Click here to look for the place to stay in Wroclaw
• I recommend joining organized tours to get to know the place better and to visit more places during your trip. You can find a great selection of tours at Viator or Get Your Guide .
• To always stay connected I use Airalo eSim cards – click here to get yours!
• For transportation and booking tickets online , I usually use 12Go or Omio
• Looking for the airport pickup ? Check Welcome Pickups!
• Never travel without travel insurance , you never know what might happen and better safe than sorry. You can check the insurance policy for Poland here.
• If you plan to rent a car during your trip to Poland check Discover Cars to compare prices and find the best deals
• Make sure to have the offline map always installed on your phone, they can save you so many troubles. I always use the free app Maps.Me .

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Disclaimer: during my last trip to Wroclaw I was hosted by Polish Tourism Organisation . As always all opinions and experiences described above remain my own and I really think Wroclaw is one of the best cities to visit in Poland.

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30 Comments

Wow Kami the more I read on Wroclaw the more I fall in love with this city … Been already 2 times in May and December … Personally I prefer December (don’t get me wrong, I fell in love with Wroclaw soooo much that if I have to move and live somewhere else it’s Wroclaw I choose) But in December there’s the Christmas Markets … The best Christmas Market I have ever been …. I am going again this coming December on the 2nd week …. First i’m going to Zakopane then train to Wroclaw then fly back home in Malta. The train to heaven monument is also worth a visit. Pociąg do Nieba … The sky tower, been during daylight and also when it was dark … latter the views are spectacular with the street lights on …. Finally they made the online ticket purchasing …. coz before you had to go at the ticket office and ask them what slots are available. 1st visit it was 4 hours later and 2nd visit it was 2 hours later … which is kinda waste of time when you will be on a holiday …. so thankfully with the online ticketing it will save precious time and go see more of Wroclaw. The lamp lighter is one of the things I want to see … In my 2 visits I didn’t see him …. The thing is since he goes round before dusk ….. that means on my next visit in December that will be around 3.30 / 4.00 pm … Well I will try to time him this time round … Will be staying at Tumski Hotel so def not far from he makes his rounds.

I’m very glad to hear you like Wroclaw so much, Elinor! I’m sure you will enjoy it again in December and I hope you will meet the lamp lighter this time – it’s so much fun to follow him around! :)

We are pleased that we appeared in your list! :)

I’m always happy to recommend good places :)

Libbie Griffin

Kami, I love reading your posts, your blog, your Instagram messages! I am currently planning my next trip to Europe and intend to spend at least 3 months in Central and Eastern Europe. I had Wroclaw on my list before I read this post. Now it’s a definite!

You have gone to so many fascinating places off the Western Tourist’s map. I wonder if you every lead tours. If you do I’d be very happy to travel any place you’d take me. Georgia in particular seems too difficult for me to do on my own but I’d love for you to lead me there!

Libbie in-my-suitcase.com

You definitely should include Wroclaw in your itinerary, Libbie! The city is amazing, I’m sure you will enjoy it! What other places are you planning to visit?

The idea of leading a tour has been on my mind for years actually, but with a full-time job, I never have time to do that. One day I will, hopefully!

And thank you so much for your kind words, I really appreciate it!

Samantha Czwordon

Great blog! I’m going to Wroclaw on the 29th, can’t wait! Thanks for such a comprehensive guide – with lovely photos.

I hope you will enjoy it! You might not be able to do some of the outdoor activities but Wroclaw is amazing all year long!

Ewa and Mirko from WroclawGuide.com

Your travel blog is really super impressive with all the comprehensive information! We are looking forward to your travels to Ukraine in Feb 2020 and hope you also will write a similar post about Lviv where we want to go this year :)

We ourselves are writing a city blog about Wroclaw at http://www.wroclawguide.com and are sharing some local secrets that you won’t find in any travel guide. If you plan to come back at some point, don’t forget to visit us :))

All the best for you! Ewa & Mirko

Thank you for your kind comment! I’m indeed planning to write a similar post about Lviv soon, hopefully you will find it useful for your trip :) Lviv is such a wonderful city, I’m sure you will enjoy it! Great website about Wrocław, btw :) All the best and happy travels!

Great post, very informative, even for a person (myself) who used to live there. Definitely I would visit the site you had mentioned I hope soon!

Thank you, I’m glad you liked it :)

Very nice post!! It helped us a lot during our time in Wroclaw. All the best

I’m happy to hear that! All the best!

I would also mantion the zoo ( biggest in Europe or sth) and botanical garden. Ticket is very cheap and you can just grab a coffee and relax on a one of the many benches there. Also view from a sky tower might be a treat. And I would definitely mention Christmas market held in December (very big and festive – definitely worth seeing). Smilar market runs also late spring / early summer. It’s great seasonal attraction too.

Thanks for the recommendations!

What a great blog, Kami! I’ve been living in Wrocław for four years and your blog made me realise there’s still many parts of this wonderful city that I’ve not yet visited. I love your attention to detail, the historical information you provide, and of course your pictures which help highlight how beautiful Wrocław is. All the best on your future travels!

Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy living in Wroclaw. This city is so amazing, isn’t it? :) All the best!

This is definitively the best and most comprehensive information I have been able to find on Wroclaw, well done. So well written and the photos are amazing too. I will be traveling to Wroclaw next week (Christmas markets), with my husband and two teenagers and we can’t wait! I already know 3 nights will not be enough though…!

Thank you, that’s really kind of you. I hope you enjoyed Wroclaw! It’s such a wonderful city and I think Christmas markets there are the best in Poland

Kathy Zepeda

From your post we have decided to add a day trip to Wroclaw, with so much to see we will have to chose the best.

Good choice, this is such a wonderful city! I hope you will enjoy it!

This is a really well-researched post with lots of fantastic photos. It has given me a lot of ideas for my visit to Wrocław this coming March. Thank you!

Thank you, I’m glad you found it useful! Have a wonderful time in Wroclaw!

Drew Anderson

Thank you for this great blog, Kami, I’ll be going to Wroclaw at the end of July with my wife and 15 year old son. I’m looking forward to exploring but will need to find some things that my son might enjoy doing…any suggestions?

You will love Wroclaw, I’m sure of that! I’m not that good with attractions for teenagers but you can always ask on my FB group about traveling in Central Europe, here’s the link https://www.facebook.com/groups/121053081614593/ Dwarves hunting is always a fun thing to do, for everyone, not only young ones :)

Thanks for this very helpful blog about Wroclaw. What city in Czech Republic do you recommend visiting if we’re coming from Wroclaw?

I’m glad you enjoyed it. I think Olomouc or Liberec would be the best choice. Have a good trip!

Very complex introduction of my home town and love. Every time I go back, happiness feels my heart. Few places that I want to add as a very much worth to see are: One of the biggest city parks in Europe – Szczytnicki Park, Olympic Stadium near the Park and Wroclaw’s Bermuda Triangle. Very little damaged over WWII area between Traugutta and Kościuszki Streets. On the Chech Republik site I personally liked Pilsen. famous brewery and quite a few pleasant surprises around city centre.

Thank you for your recommendation, I appreciate them!

I really enjoyed Pilsen, too. You can find the article about the city here as well. All the best!

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Kami and the rest of the world

• 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
• 15.1 Consulates

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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. Pupils of Polish schools under the age of 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

• 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)
• List of taxi companies .

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.

Further afield

• 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. 21zł regular, 14zł 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.  
• 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 )
• 51.10746 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 )
• 51.10081 17.03019 2 Music Theatre Capitol , ul. Marszałka J. Piłsudskiego 67 .  
• 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 5 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 )
• 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.  
• Dialog Festival . International Theatre Festival. October.  
• [dead link] International Festival Wratislavia Cantans . Oratorio and cantata music in Wroclaw's historical venues. September.  

With children

Some free public playgrounds:

• 51.081035 16.975444 6 Mamut . 24/7 . Mammoth installation inside "Park Mamuta". free .  
• 51.0811 16.9962 7 Zipwire . 24/7 . a zipline and big spiderweb rope construction. free .  
• 51.1008 17.0556 8 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 9 Nivea playground ( Podwórko talentów Nivea ). 24/7 . Playground with a big xylophone and a small scene. free .  

Polish for foreigners is taught in several schools.

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

• Travellers' Bookshop , ul. Wita Stwosza 19/20 . Maps, guidebooks, travel books.  
• Tajne Komplety , ul. Przejście Garncarskie 2 ( small street on Rynek ). Bookshop/cafe with a good selection of English-language books and good coffee.  

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

• 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

• 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 )
• 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 )
• 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.  

• 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.

• 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 )
• [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

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

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).

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.

• 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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Tourist Information Center

Tourist Information Center offers full service for all tourists visiting Wrocław.

We provide information about sights, monuments, interesting places and city’s broad cultural offer, as well as practical tips regarding restaurants, hotels, exchange offices and public transport – among many others.

We give out promotional materials – maps, fliers, booklets. We sell souvenirs and we run a bike rental. Our cooperation with guide organizations helps us with providing local and out of town day trips.

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Tourist Information Center is open from Monday to Sunday from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.

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Home » Travel Guides » Poland » 15 Best Things to Do in Wrocław (Poland)

15 Best Things to Do in Wrocław (Poland)

The university city of Wrocław is the capital of Lower Silesia and often ranks among the most liveable places in Europe. Wrocław ‘s past is unbelievably complex, and over the last 1,000 years it has come under the control of eight different kingdoms and empires.

Under the Habsburg Monarchy in the Early Modern Age Wrocław gained much of its Baroque architecture and cultural institutions like a university that has produced nine Nobel prize winners. You might also hear Wrocław described as “Poland’s Venice”, as the Oder River breaks off into separate arms, crossed by more than 100 bridges. A lot of the city was wrecked in a three-month siege at the end of the Second World War, but you’d never know it to see Wrocław’s historical wonders today.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Wrocław :

1. Old Town

During the Siege of Breslau Wrocław was almost flattened, which only makes the skyline of church spires and Baroque gabled townhouses all the more astonishing.

The Market Square and Cathedral Island have to be your priorities, but Wrocław will also reward people who just want to wander and see what they can find.

Plac Solny is a delight for its non-stop flower market and has St Elizabeth, the city’s tallest church, with a tower that you can climb if you’ve got the energy to burn.

A little way up from there is maybe the best preserved street in the city; Stare Jatki is in the old butchers’ quarter and has a continuous row of buildings from the 1600s and 1700s.

For a bit of fun, see how many of Wrocław’s 300 little bronze “dwarf” statues you can spot as you explore the Old Town.

2. Rynek (Market Square)

At 3.8 hectares, Wrocław’s Market Square is among the largest, not just in Poland but all of Europe.

Like the rest of the Old Town, the Market Square has almost the same layout as it did when it was planned in the middle of the 13th century.

A lot of the architecture, including the rows of colourful tenements that frame the square, needed heavy restoration after the Second World War.

The pillory just next to the Town Hall dates to 1492 and had to be pieced back together.

This, along with the Zdrój fountain from 2000 and the statue of writer Aleksander Fredro, is one of the three meet-up locations of choice for friends in Wrocław.

3. Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island)

The oldest part of Wrocław cropped up on what used to be an island in the Oder.

By the 19th century the arm of the river separating it from the bank was closed off to prevent flooding.

When Ostrów Tumski was first developed in the 10th century the river created a natural defence, and the first brick buildings arrived in the middle of the 12th century.

The quarter is one of the prettiest for walks, with a church at almost every turn and the way lit by genuine gas lamps at night.

If you come at dusk you can watch the old-time lamp lighter illuminating the streets.

Give yourself an hour to see the medieval riches in the Archdiocese Museum at the episcopal palace.

4. Old Town Hall

Standing at an angle on the Market Square, the Old Town Hall is a group of Gothic buildings bundled together in one complex.

As Wrocław developed from the end of the 13th century, new wings were fixed on to account for the political and economic changes taking place in the city over the next 250 years.

On the Late Gothic east facade, look for the astronomical clock dating to 1580. Inside is a free museum detailing the history of the building and with exhibitions on aspects of life in Wrocław, like the city’s tram network.

And you can also check out the plush council chamber upstairs and the merchants’ hall on the ground floor.

As with many town halls in former German territories, there’s a beer cellar in the basement, home to one of the oldest restaurants in Europe, Piwnica Świdnicka.

5. Racławice Panorama

The Battle of Racławice took place on 4 April 1794, resulting in a Polish victory in the ultimately doomed Kościuszko Uprising against Russia.

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the battle the Lviv-based artist Jan Styka began a 15 x 114-metre cycloramic painting, and invited other famous artists of the day to help him complete it.

The panorama, riding a wave of Polish nationalism, was a raging success, and was on show in Lviv until after the Second World War when it was brought to Wroclaw.

Its patriotic subject matter in the days of the Soviet Union meant it didn’t see the light of day until 1985. Since then the Racławice Panorama has been presented at a rotunda in Wrocław, depicting a battle that is engrained in the Polish national memory.

6. Wrocław University

The main building of the city’s reputable university doubles as a museum.

This institution, taking over from a Jesuit college, was founded by the Holy Roman Emperor Leopold in 1702. One of the must-sees is the extravagantly decorated Baroque hall, Aula Leopoldina, with a ceiling fresco, gilded stucco, sculpted cherubs and portraits of the university’s founding fathers.

Also extremely rich is the Oratorium Marianum, now the university’s music hall, while the Mathematical Tower is the old Astronomic Observatory, with a 42-metre tower and a meridian line on its floor.

Elsewhere in the exhibition rooms you can dip into the story of the university where Alois Alzheimer taught, and which has produced nine noble prize winners.

7. Royal Palace

Frederick the Great chose this Baroque palace as his residence after Prussia took over Silesia in the 1740s.

Over the next century each Prussian king would make extensions and add his own touches, from Rococo to Neoclassical and Neo-Renaissance.

The building was badly damaged in the war, and after the most recent round of restorations became the venue for Wrocław’s City Museum.

You can get up to speed on the complicated 1,000-year history of the city, ponder a wealth of artefacts and view the palace’s sublime interiors.

A standout is the Beyersdorf Room, which is clad with Dutch 17th-century tiles, while outside in the Baroque formal gardens there’s intricately patterned broderie.

8. Wrocław Cathedral

Constructed in the Brick Gothic style in the 13th century after the Mongol invasion had destroyed its predecessor, the cathedral is recognised by its sky-scraping towers soaring to almost 100 metres.

The Siege of Breslau took its toll on the building, leaving about three quarters in ruins, and the restoration continued through to 1991. There are 21 chapels inside, the loveliest of which is the Italian Baroque Chapel of St Elizabeth, with a dome fresco portraying the saint’s death, burial and heavenly glory.

Some other highlights are the Dormition of Mary triptych from 1552, the oak carved choir stalls from the 1660s and the numerous ledger stones in styles ranging from Gothic to Baroque.

There’s also a lift to carry you to the top of one of the towers for the best vistas of Wrocław.

9. Wrocław Fountain

This monument by the UNESCO-listed Centennial Hall is Poland’s largest fountain, covering one full hectare.

It was completed in 2009 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the first free elections in post-war Poland, and has a long, ivy-clad pergola around its perimeter.

The fountain is equipped with 800 programmable lights that can change colour, 300 adjustable water jets and three nozzles that shoot flames into the air.

Be here in the evening from May to September on the stroke of the hour for a dazzling show that mixes light, dancing jets of water and music.

There are also special shows on weekends at 22:00.

10. Centennial Hall

Raised in 1913 for the 100th anniversary of the defeat of Napoleon at the Battle of Leipzig, the Centennial Hall is a technical marvel from the end of Wrocław’s German era.

Built at enormous expense and designed by the city architect Max Berg, this exhibition hall showed just what could be achieved with reinforced concrete.

The Centennial Hall has a maximum capacity of 11,000, under a dome 69 metres high and 42 metres in diameter.

Recognising its revolutionary design, if not its beauty, the hall was given UNESCO World Heritage listing in 2006. After a refurbishment in 2009 a discovery centre opened in the hall, laying out the facts and figures via interactive displays, and projecting a light show onto the massive dome.

11. Szczytnicki Park

East of the “Old Oder”, the Szczytnicki Park is a 100-hectare expanse of woodland that has attracted ramblers in Wrocław since the 18th century.

One of the first English landscape parks on the European continent was laid out here in 1783 by the German commander of the Wrocław garrison.

In the same celebrations that produced the Centennial Hall in 1913, a Japanese garden was planted in the park.

This was restored in 1994 and is a genuine piece of Japanese culture in Europe.

Also brought to the park for the centenary is the stave Church of St John of Nepomuk, built in the 16th and 17th centuries and transferred here from the Opole region.

12. University Botanical Garden

On the north side of Ostrów Tumski is the second oldest botanical garden in Poland.

The garden also tells you something about the story of this former island as it was planted on what used to be the riverbed in 1811. Maintained by the Faculty of Biological Sciences, the garden has 11,500 plants in 7.5 hectares, from a diversity of climate zones and environments such as tropical, subtropical, underwater, alpine, wetland and rocky.

This haven is all the more beautiful for the Ostrów Tumski churches standing on its southern border, and has a long crescent-shaped pond, an aquarium, shop and cafe.

The garden is open from May to August and puts on evening concerts and events for children all summer.

13. Kolejkowo

In the Świebodzki Station, an easy walk from the market square, is Poland’s largest model railway.

Kids will get the most out of Kolejkowo, but parents and enthusiasts will also be amazed by the level of detail and extent of this miniature world.

There are 2,850 hand-painted figures of people and animals, 224 landmarks from around Wrocław and Lower Silesia and 188 cars on the roads beside the tracks.

And as for the railway, this 430 metres of tracks and 60 carriages pulled by 15 trains.

Kolejkowo has loads of clever touches too, like day and night effects, and an army of miniature characters, from construction workers to nuns, skiers, farmers and circus performers.

14. Hydropolis

Wrocław’s municipal water and sewerage board has found a novel use for an underground water reservoir built in 1893. In 2015 it was opened to the public as a high-tech museum where interactive and multisensory installations explore the topic of water from various angles.

You can find out about the history of water engineering, travel to the depths of the Mariana Trench, discover the physics behind water’s various states and learn about historic seafarers.

A 500-metre stream twists through the museum beneath a glass panel on the floor, and there’s a Children’s Zone with educational games.

15. Wrocław Zoo

Poland’s most-visited zoo is also the largest and oldest in the country.

What’s more, Wrocław Zoo has the third most species of any attraction in the world, with 1,382 at the last count.

New exhibits arrive by the year, and one of the most recent is the Afrikarium aquarium complex, which opened in 2014. In four different environments – Red Sea Beach and reed, East Africa, Mozambique Canal and Congo Jungle – the Afikarium has freshwater and saltwater aquariums and pools for crocodiles, rays, brown sharks and hippos.

The Madagascar Pavilion is also special, planted with the island’s native flora and with several species of lemurs constantly in the branches overhead.

15 Best Things to Do in Wrocław (Poland):

• Rynek (Market Square)
• Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island)
• Old Town Hall
• Racławice Panorama
• Wrocław University
• Royal Palace
• Wrocław Cathedral
• Wrocław Fountain
• Centennial Hall
• Szczytnicki Park
• University Botanical Garden
• Wrocław Zoo

A complete guide to visiting Wroclaw (Things to do in Wroclaw in 2022)

Do you need a perfect and complete Wroclaw travel guide? Are you wondering if Wroclaw is even worth visiting? Are you looking for the best things to do in Wroclaw? You found yourself in a perfect place! In this post I will answer those, and many more of your Wroclaw-related questions.

I can’t believe it took me so long to actually get to know this city.

Wroclaw surprised me in all sorts of incredible ways.

All my life, whenever I craved a cultured weekend city escape – Krakow was the place. And as I was sitting on the train to Wroclaw for the first time, I knew that once I arrived, I would be comparing those 2 cities.

I couldn’t be more wrong. When I crossed another bridge over the Odra River and walked into the district of Nadodrze where my hostel was located – I forgot about Krakow. Wroclaw charmed me in ways that no other city has charmed me since I visited Seville or Lisbon. For real.

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So what is special Special Wroclaw?

I think in part it’s how undefined and unpredictable it can be.

In Wroclaw you can walk from the charming colourful old town right into Art Deco neon lights square, to just a few minutes later, find yourself surrounded by brutalism architecture or inside of a colourfully painted wall art yard. Half an hour later you are standing in front of the Centennial Hall watching a multimedia fountain show with the Japanese garden right behind you.

Yet all this mish-mash somehow makes total sense.

The way I see Wroclaw is like this tall multi-layered cake. As you slice through it you will see all the colourful layers of Polish history, from a medieval witch hunt, through renascence to German and then Soviet occupation, all the way to today’s modern art and culture.

And here you have it, the most delicious Wroclaw cake.

I think if you really want to taste a little bit of everything Polish, Wroclaw is a great town to experience it.

And I am truly surprised by me saying it. In the end Wroclaw was a part of Prussia and then Germany for many years, and at times, its landscape feels a bit German. But Poland disappeared from European maps for over 130 years, and each part of it at some point belonged to another country, for a very long time. But what makes Wroclaw so Polish is that you can see the remnants of the resistance everywhere.

The references to dramatic Polish history can be seen on each corner. The bars, cafes and restaurants so often took on a deco and vibe referring to soviet occupation, communist reality but also the glorious 20s and 30s era.

Among modern international cuisine, a Polish classic is proudly served and often with a fine twist. The unknown number of street dwarfs who appear on the streets since 2005 and refer to peaceful resistance towards communist regime.

Even the students gathering on the banks of the river seem much more unapologetic and raw in comparison to a polished and cultured Krakow.

Wroclaw feels real, is absolutely beautiful and has incredible character.

Is Wroclaw worth visiting?

Wroclaw is not only worth visiting, I truly believe, that if you really want to experience Polish culture, you should visit Wroclaw alongside Krakow. Wroclaw has an incredible history with architecture and sights to show for it.

The culinary scene is on another level and along with the vibrant cultural scene, gorgeous river and multiple islands and promenades, Wrocław is the most underrated city in Poland that you need to visit.

And to top it up, there are so many fantastic things to do in Wroclaw that a weekend won’t be enough to do it all. Trust me!

What is Wroclaw known for

Wroclaw is often called the Venice of Poland. “City of One Hundred Bridges” or “Venice of the North” is what tourists and residents of Wroclaw often call the city, and that’s because of the way the Odra River runs through it creating many canals and small islands.

Wroclaw boasts the largest number of bridges in Poland and one of the largest number of bridges in Europe.

But Wroclaw is best known for its stunning colourful Old Town and numerous small dwarf statues spread around the town. Wroclaw’s Old Town Market Square features a beautiful gothic town hall and rows of the most colourful townhouses.

Some claim that Wroclaw is home to the most beautiful Old Town Market Square in Poland, but I haven’t seen them all, so I will not be judging it just yet.

It is also a vibrant student in Poland boasting a rich culture, beautiful architecture and fantastic cafe and restaurant scene.

How many days for visiting Wroclaw

Wroclaw has so many incredible attractions and places to see that visiting Wroclaw for 2 days is an absolute minimum. I would say 3 days (2 nights) is an optimal duration to spend in Wroclaw if you want to see all the best sights and spend some time relaxing as well.

If your list of things to do in Wroclaw is as long as mine was – consider spending an extended weekend, maybe 4 to 5 days. Apart from all the things to do in Wroclaw, there are also many great day trips that you can take like Ksiaz Castle and Church of Peace in Swidnica , hiking tour to Rock City or even day trip to Auschwitz from Wroclaw.

You will not run out of things to do.

If you don’t have much time and really want to make it a day trip, of course, you can too! But be sure to choose 2 or 3 things that interest you the most and leave the rest for the next time you come by, because you will, trust me!

Or  consider taking a guided tour , so you don’t miss any of the important sights like this high rated bike tour in English.

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From your chosen start date, your insurance automatically extends every 28 days until you pick an end date. Just like a subscription. And you can cancel at any time. 

Things to do in Wroclaw

The market square / things to do in wroclaw.

The Wrocław Market Square and its colourful buildings are the city’s showpiece and make it to all postcards and Instagram posts. No wonder. It’s one of the largest and most beautiful market squares in Poland.

A beautiful mix of architecture, atmospheric tenement houses, many bars and restaurants and interesting sights and museums make it the most popular attraction of Wrocław.

You could easily just stroll around and soak in the mood, but I recommend visiting Gothic Stary Ratusz (Former City Hall). For more than 740 years, in its cellars have operated the oldest pub in Europe, and inside the Old Town Hall , you will find the Museum of Burgers’ Art, which can be visited every day except Monday and Tuesday.

Take a walk towards Solny Square and stroll down the Więzienna and Malarska Streets. You will find numerous cafes and bars, interesting shops and buildings.

Discovering Market Square and its adjacent streets is definitely one of the best things to do in Wroclaw.

Spot the hidden Wroclaw Dwarfs

What Wroclaw is certainly the most famous for are the hundreds of dwarf sculptures spread around the town. Small statues of dwarfs have been placed in Wrocław successively since 2005.

The idea originated from graffiti painted in the 1980s, and then from events organized by the “Orange Alternative” movement, which was ridiculing the communist system. After the fall of the communist regime, the dwarfs were forgotten until August 2005, when the idea became alive again thanks to a Polish sculptor who, set up the first five dwarfs.

Since then, dwarf figurines have become an integral part of city space and a social phenomenon. New characters are created by artists from all over Poland all the time, and today more than 600 dwarfs live in Wroclaw. There are special tours on the trail of the dwarfs, outdoor games and maps for tourists who want to combine the search for dwarfs with a tour of Wroclaw.

See how many dwarfs you can spot – they are smaller than you think!

Discover Wroclaw’s hidden Art

Culture and art in Wroclaw are much more than just museums. Wroclaw’s artistic scene is funky, unconventional and often hidden along residential streets. Let’s say you will walk the Swidnicka street towards Nasyp (recommended for a good evening meal and drink).

Upon arriving at the crossing you will see a series of bronze figurines built as if they were disappearing into the pavement and appearing again on the other side. It’s called “Przejście” – The Passage.

This monument was supposed to refer to the realities of the former communist regime. The descent of these figures points to a conspirative struggle in the form of initiatives such as the war on the walls, underground printing, strikes or the activities of the underground organizations.

The second part of the monument, that is, the figures coming out of the sidewalk on the opposite side of the street, shows society after changes, with new possibilities and perspectives. But this is just one of the interpretations.

Along with changing times and new realities, new interpretations are emerging.

Another interesting cultural concept can be found along Roosevelt Street. Kolorowe Podworka (Colourful Yards) located in the Nadodrze district of Wroclaw, present the contrast between grey, dirty and often shabby tenement houses and the amazing colours, paintings and ceramics that covered their walls.

The project called “Our atelier yard” was created with the cooperation of local artists and residents of those tenement houses. Children, adults and seniors – all neighbours from the yard at Roosevelt Street, worked on the project for two years.

They transferred their ideas to the walls of their houses and created the most spectacular wall art. On the walls, you will see cosmic figures, lots of greenery and nature, numerous animals, palm trees, colourful fish and coral reefs, and everything imagination could produce. You will also discover numerous portraits here. They are not random figures, but the inhabitants of these tenement houses.

The contrast between often run-down yards and those incredible paintings creates a fantastic artistic experience.

Last but not least, there is a Neon Side Galerry – one of my favourite places in Wroclaw.

By day, Ruska 46 Cultural Street is a place that brings together cultural organizations, art galleries, music bands, clubs, theaters and freelance artists who have their headquarters or studios here. The walls are covered with wall art and as you step into this pretty small space you will know you have found something special.

At night, this place turns into an old neon gallery. The former commercials of shops, outlets and companies that do not exist today found shelter in this yard and illuminated the facades of the artistic urban outbuilding creating a unique atmosphere.

The Recepcja club, located in the very heart of the artistic enclave, is a place where people meet in the evening, have a drink and have fun and discuss things that matter.

I love this place. Day and night!

Wroclaw Museums / Best Things to do in Wroclaw

Wroclaw has an incredible amount of museums but few of them are definitely worth visiting:

• Hydropolis, The Water Knowledge Cente is a museum where water is presented from different and fascinating perspectives via various multimedia technologies, interactive installations, models and information-rich touch screens. You can ‘explore’ vast depths of the oceans and learn about the organisms that live there, learn the history of water engineering or visit a room where a cloud is “grown”.
• In Wroclaw Contemporary Museum , you will find exhibitions of paintings, installations and other artistic forms of the best contemporary artists. It is home to one of the most important collections of contemporary art throughout the country.
• Zajezdnia is a former bus depot which was transformed into an amazingly interactive museum. But it’s not just some bus depot. In August 1980, a strike to support workers on the Coast began in the depot and “Solidarity” was born there. The heart of the Zajzdnia is the main exhibition “Wrocław 1945-2016”, dedicated to the post-war history of Wrocław, Lower Silesia and other regions that became part of Poland. It’s a very interesting and interactive exhibition and part of it was created on the basis of souvenirs, documents and photographs donated by the inhabitants of Wrocław.
• Wroclaw Museum Games and Computers of the Past Era is one of Wroclaw’s coolest museums. You will find exhibition of video game consoles from different periods, such as the Magnavox Odyssey from 1972, the Nintendo GameCube from 2001 or unusual devices like Action Max that plug into your VCR. At the Retro computers exhibition, we will follow the history of the first copies of this type, starting with the Apple II from 1977 and the Atari 400. You will also have the opportunity to play the retro Arcade slot machines.

Jatki Street / Best Things to do in Wroclaw

Although a small street, Jatki deserves its own separate mention. 

Jatki is a small street where slaughterhouses were located and the meat was sold since the 13th century. Fortunately, the former meat shops are now replaced by galleries, art studios and shops, but you can still get the medieval feel as you enter.

As you enter the first thing you will see is The Monument of Slaughter Animals, which was funded by consumers. What I love most about Jatki Street are numerous privately owned arts and crafts shops where you can buy beautiful craft jewelry, ceramics and much more. It’s a very photogenic place as well!

Walk down the Piaskowy bridge towards Nadodrze

The red painted steel Piaskowy Bridge leads towards Ostrow Tumski and Nadodrze district. It’s a very picturesque bridge and one of the oldest constructions of this type in the city.

The views are great and this part of Wroclaw has a special atmosphere. There are many bridges in Wroclaw, but this one is my favorite. As you cross you will find yourself in the Nadodrze district which was once run down and is now becoming the cool artsy and alternative part of the city.

Once here, you can walk towards Roosevelt Street for the colourful yards, wander towards the river bank and sit in one of the beach bars, or hang around the river islands like Piasek or Slodowa Island.

Ostrow Tumski / Best Things to do in Wroclaw

Exploring Ostrow Tumski is one of the best things to do in Wroclaw! The best time to visit Ostrow Tumski is before dusk. The lighting of Ostrów Tumski is provided by 103 original gas lamps, which are manually lit and extinguished every day throughout the year.

Ostrow Tumski is the oldest part of Wrocław, whose history dates back to the 10th century. Around here you will find the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, a three-nave Gothic basilica built between the 13th and 14th centuries. The Cathedral tower can be climbed for some amazing views!

The streets are charming and the architecture is so different from the rest of Wroclaw that it feels like a completely different town. Or Era.

It is worth finishing your visit to Ostrów Tumski at the Botanical Garden of the University of Wroclaw, whose entrance is located next to the cathedral. The Wroclaw Botanical Garden is full of various plant species, greenhouses, ponds and benches where you can rest and relax. It’s a gorgeous peaceful place.

District of Mutual Respect

In the area of St Antoni and Włodkowica Street sits the district of Four Denominations, which is also called the district of mutual respect.

Here, in close proximity to each other are: the Catholic church, the Evangelical church, the Orthodox cathedral, and the synagogue. This place has a symbolic dimension – it reflects the diversity and tolerance of Wrocław, which in the past and today is inhabited by people of many faiths, cultures and traditions.

The district is full of charming nooks, cafes and restaurants, and also hosts a number of cultural and educational events. Great place to visit in the afternoon or in the evening. Don’t miss it!

Walk the River promenades

Start at the Boulevard of Xawery Dunikowski and stroll towards the Grunwaldzki Bridge. On a good sunny day, the Odra banks and boulevards offer unforgettable views. If you don’t feel like sightseeing and just want to stroll around and be surprised – walk along the river.

Take a river Cruise / Best Things to do in Wroclaw

Or take a river cruise. Because why not?

There is a reason why Wroclaw is called ‘Venice of the North’ With many small canals, river nooks and bays, taking a river cruise on a sunny day is one of the best things to do in Wroclaw.

See Wroclaw from different perspective

If you are looking for the perfect photo of Wroclaw and don’t mind climbing some crazy stairs, there are plenty of towers and viewpoints offering just that!

The most famous is The Penitential Bridge, also known as the Bridge of Witches. Climbing the spiral staircase toward Penitential Bridge located at a height of 45 meters, and connecting the two towers of the Cathedral of St. Mary Magdalene, is one of the most popular things to do in Wroclaw.

The bridge is not only famous for its beautiful views but also for its legends. One of them says that in the evening you can see the souls of young women who preferred to have fun instead of getting married and becoming housewives. According to another legend, if the accused of witchcraft woman managed to cross the bridge, she was considered to be helped by evil powers and sentenced to death. However, if she fell off the bridge, she was acquitted.

Another tower worth climbing is the tower of the Church of St. Elizabeth, near Market Square. That tower is over 91 meters high and the observation deck is located at a height of 75 meters. To enter the observation deck, you have to climb 300 steps, but believe me, it’s worth it!

Shop in Hala Targowa

Hala Targowa, Wroclaw’s Market Hall is just awesome. It’s not a secret that I love local markets, and Hala Targowa has it all!

Spread across two floors and containing 190 stores, Hala Targowa was built between 1905 and 1908 by German architects using reinforced concrete to build the Hall. It’s indeed very impressive, and if you are in Wroclaw on a weekday, you have to come by.

You can buy your regular fruit, veg, flowers and other products, but it’s a great place to hang around too. Enjoy a cuppa at Targowa Cafe or grab a delicious and extra cheap meal at the food bar.

Take a tram to Pergola and Centennial Hall and let your senses go crazy

This now iconic part of town is full of contrasts and surprises and is one of the must-do things in Wroclaw.

Centennial Hall (Hala Stulecia), one of the 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Poland It is one of the most important works in the world architecture of the 20th century and is one of the symbols of Wroclaw. Not my type of architecture, but I must admit it is definitely interesting.

Right behind it, you will find a gorgeous historic Pergola surrounding the biggest multimedia fountain in Poland . 300 water jets, 3 fire jets, 800 light points on the area of ​​approx. 1 hectare come alive every hour with music and lights.

As I walked around I felt dizzy from the senses overload. The fountain, the music, the strange centennial architecture, the gorgeous green pergola and hmm, what?

A Japanese garden!

The place was created in accordance with Japanese tradition and garden art. Water cascades, pond surrounded by beautiful vegetation, bridges, paths, all arranged by specialists from the city of Nagoya. The garden is magical. I recommend you spend a whole afternoon here. Right next to the Centennial Hall there is a small place with food tracks where you can grab a wonderful burger or Greek souvlaki (amazing) and wash it down with craft beer. Much better than the overpriced cafe at the Hall. Then make sure you stay till the evening for the show.

Where to eat and drink in Wroclaw

Eating and drinking are some of the best things to do in Wroclaw. Here you will find everything you might dream of, from pizza and burgers, to Polish traditional cruising with a modern twist.

For live music visit Bat Nietota , it’s a great place to have a drink and if you are lucky there will be a live band entertaining your night. The very original interiors, awesome outside seating and very affordable prices will make for a great night out in Wroclaw.

If you want to be where locals hang around in the evening head towards Nasyp . A long line of bars and restaurants is placed right under the railway viaduct, just a few minutes from the Wrocław Główny Railway Station.

You will eat here to the rhythm of the trains passing over and experience some great food and drink in a unique atmosphere. This place is particularly busy on a weekend. But I didn’t mind waiting for my delish food for half an hour while sipping an Aperol spritz after hours of walking. This is a great place to finish the day.

Not into drinking? No problem! Wroclaw has an incredible cafe scene. Pop into Cafe Bohema for the most delicious cake or to Cafe Targowa for any type of tea you can dream of.

Where to stay in Wroclaw

Wroclaw is very walkable, so if only you stay around the centre you will be just fine. Wroclaw also great variety of accommodations from affordable hostels to beautiful riverside hotels.

I stayed at Grandpa’s Hostel in the Nadodrze district and liked it very much there. I enjoyed the lower price as it was not in the centre, but it took me only about 15 minutes to get to the heart of Wroclaw. The hostel is really cool, clean and has an awesome kitchen and living space.

Another great hostel to consider is Hostel Mleczarnia which boasts awesome vintage interiors, and Babel Hostel which is conveniently located near the train station.

If you are not into hostels and looking for a great but comfortable room in Wroclaw, consider PURO Wrocław or Villa Art Novis . The Bridge Wroclaw is one of the best hotels in Wroclaw and Marina Apartments offers great apartments with self-catering amenities.

How to Get Around Wroclaw?

You can definitely visit Wroclaw and see most of it without worrying about transportation. But some places like Centennial Hall and Japanese Garden can take well over an hour to get to on foot. So, in this case, public transport is the best choice.

I do not recommend driving around Wroclaw so if you don’t like taking public transport opt for Uber or Bolt which are very affordable and reliable.

There is an efficient network of city bus and tram connections in Wroclaw. If you plan to move around the city by public transport a lot I recommend getting a 24-hour ticket that you can buy from a machine located at many bus stops.

You can also use an excellent app called jakdojade.pl or read my complete guide on how to use public transport in Poland.  

For a single ride, you can buy a ticket on the bus or tram in the machine. You pay by card only and the ticket is not printed; instead during the inspection, you must show your payment card.

One of the most popular ways to move around Wroclaw is using electric scooters or bicycles. They are available in abundance all around the city and are all easy to use. You just need to install an application and add your credit card.

The huge advantage is that you can leave the bike or scooter wherever you want, and get another if you are ready to move to another part of the town.

That’s it, my friends! I hope you will find this complete Wroclaw guide helpful and you will enjoy your trip.

This post may contain affiliate links which means that if you purchase the product or make a booking via one of my links, I will receive a small commission. Please know that I will never recommend or promote a product I don’t believe in or haven’t used. This way, you are supporting this blog at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

Visiting Katowice and wondering if there are any interesting things to do there. Wonder no more and head to my Katowice travel guide!

And if you planning your winter escape in Zakopane don’t miss this article listing all the great things to do in Zakopane in Winter !

Don’t miss visiting the iconic city of Krakow which is a must-visit for every traveler to Poland!

For off-the-beaten-path attractions in Poland, be sure to visit the charming town of Bielsko Biala!

And if you are planning your first solo trip, visit this post where I provide all the tips and hacks for solo travellers and backpackers. 

My favourite Travel Resources 

• For most of my accommodation management, I use  Bookings.com  and  Hostel World . With both booking platforms, you will often get free cancellations and access to tons of reviews. Read them! You will also get the most extensive selection of all types of accommodation. I hardly ever look elsewhere. If you are travelling in Asia – Agoda is definitely worth checking out!
• Make sure you download  Google Maps  and, on the first day, download an offline map of your location. This way, even without the internet or Wi-Fi, you will be able to get to your destination.

Moovit is also an excellent and very underrated travel and journey-planning app. It works great in many countries and will show you all possible routes by public transport, including the timetables.

For busses, I mainly use  Busbud  or  Omio  and  Flixbus to travel in Europe. 

123Go   — Great for tickets for trains, buses, ferries and charters in Southeast Asia! The best way to buy your ticket for the overnight Bangkok train! Rome2rio   – Another great journey-planning app. If your way of travel is mainly public transport  – you will use this app for sure!

 The travel insurance I use is Heymondo , and their plan suits me perfectly. They have clear policies with no deductibles, the price is excellent for what they offer and the price doesn’t go up when you are over 30 years old. They have a dedicated, easy-to-use app and free assistance calls.

I can get a cover for a month or three months and I know I can travel with peace of mind and get the best product for my money. And it also covers COVID-19.

Heymondo offers my readers 5% off so go ahead, and click on this link and your quote.

• I carry two debit cards with me. Given I don’t have a permanent country of residence,  Revolut  and Wise  work fantastically. In case one gets frozen, stolen or simply lost, I have a backup. The great thing about both cards is that you can freeze them straight from your phone and transfer money between them in case you need to. You will also get a great exchange rate and create separate foreign currency accounts. 
• I booked most of my tours via either  Get Your Guide  or  Viator . You can also book locally, but I advise you to ask around and follow the local recommendations. 

For more travel tips and recourses, visit Pati’s Travel Tips page!

Nice blog post which really covers most of the main sights! We probably would not name it a complete guide as there is much more to see and discover, but it is a really nice read 🙂 If you want to discover more next time, visit our extensive city blog (www.wroclawguide.com) where Wroclaw is the only topic 😉

Thank you for your comment! And yes, I realise that I probably only just scratched the surface (like with many beautiful cities) but I think for the first-time visitor this would be plenty 🙂 I am planning to visit again so I will definitely visit your site!

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• Visiting and attractions
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• Monuments (36)
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Places in Wrocław

National Museum

In the building in Powstańców Warszawy Square there are several permanent exhibitions, but some of the collections can be seen out..

Japanese Garden

It is one of the most popular places for walks. Apart from a few hundreds of original plants, trees, bushes and flowers, there are..

The cableway Polinka has 380m, one ride over Oder lasts 2-2.5 minutes. The cars are about seven meters above the water.

Multimedia Fountain

Wrocław Multimedia Fountain is the biggest fountain in Poland and one of the biggest in Europe. It has 1 ha of surface, 800 light..

Sky Tower Viewpoint

The tourists can get on the top 49th floor in 1 minute with the lift. The viewpoint can fit 20 people.

The Penitent Bridge

The Penitent Bridge is a footbridge between the two towers of Mary Magdalene church at the height of 45 metres.

Hydropolis, centre of knowledge about water, was opened in December 2015. It is the only object like this in Poland and one of the..

Ostrów Tumski

Surrounded by the river Oder, the old burgh, the origin of the city, has fantastic architecture.

Park Szczytnicki

The park with an area exceeding one hundred hectares is outstretched between Różyckiego, Paderewskiego, Kopernika and Olszewskiego..

The Zoo in Wrocław was created in 1865 and had a dozen hectares of surface. Today on 33 ha live 10,000 animals

Wrocław Afrykarium is the only theme oceanarium devoted solely to the African fauna. On average, 2.5 thousand people visit it on t..

Main Railway Station

After the renovation before EURO 2012 a new car park was built , the façade was renewed and commercial points were opened inside. ..

Pergola we Wrocławiu

The Pergola at the Centennial Hall in Wrocław was built in 1913 and quickly became a popular destination for walks, as well as a c..

Old Town Hall

The tenement house called Old Town Hall is located in the eastern part of Rynek. The city council held their meetings there and us..

Panorama of the Battle of Racławice

The painting present the Battle of Racławice in April 1794, in which Poles won over Russians. The monumental picture is 114m long ..

The Rynek of Wrocaw has 3.8ha of surface and belongs to the biggest market places in Poland (the bigger ones are in Kraków and Ole..

Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden in Wrocław is the second oldest (after Kraków) in Poland. It was established with the University of Wrocław i..

Mathematical Tower

The Mathematical Tower is a part of the main building of the University. The tower’s terrace is at the height of 42m. It is a view..

Słodowa Island

Słodowa Island belongs to the Oder archipelago located to the north of Rynek. Apart from Słodowa, the other Wrocław Islands are: B..

Bułka z masłem II

Bułka z Masłem by the Plac Solny is located in the centre of Wrocław, but also hidden the secluded backyard, what allows to relax..

• Theatre and opera
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• Useful Information
• Travelling to Wroclaw
• Travelling in Wroclaw
• Useful information
• Tourist information
• Basic information
• Important phone numbers
• Unknown Wrocław
• Curiosities
• About Wrocław

WROCLAW TRAVEL GUIDE AND THINGS TO DO

Wroclaw is one of the most beautiful cities in Poland and a perfect destination for a city break. It has many attractions and a great historic centre to explore with beautiful architecture . The old market square is one of the most beautiful and largest in Europe. The city has a nice riverside setting, and it’s a great base for visits to Lower Silesia and the surrounding countryside.

This travel guide will help you plan the perfect trip to Wroclaw by showing you the best attractions , things to do and places to visit including a tourist map , photos and an itinerary with day trip suggestions.

INTRODUCTION TO WROCLAW

Why visit WROCLAW?

Wroclaw is the main city and capital of Silesia , a southern region of Poland. Wroclaw has become a popular destination in the last few years due to the arrival of low-cost airlines at the local airport. It is a perfect destination for a city break and it can be combined with day trips to the rest of Silesia .

Wroclaw’s old town is an attractive place to wander around with the main highlight being the large old market square with the old Town Hall , one of the most beautiful in Poland . Some of the best attractions include the Cathedral Island ( Ostrów Tumski ), where the Cathedral of St John the Baptist is located, and the Panorama of Raclawice .

Wroclaw is also famous for its Christmas Market during December.

HOW LONG TO STAY IN WROCLAW

Two days will be enough to cover most of the major sights in the city at a relaxed pace, but you would need to stay longer if you want to combine your stay with day trips to Lower Silesia; probably 3 to 4 days will be good.

WHERE TO STAY IN WROCLAW

There are some very good hotels in the centre of Wroclaw with affordable prices .

The best place to stay is the old town of Wroclaw with all the major sights within walking distance. Ostrów Tumski is also a good choice.

Best hotels in Wroclaw

• Hotel Monopol : Nicely renovated historic building near the old town with a wonderful rooftop terrace, excellent breakfast and spa facilities.
• Hotel Altus Palace : Fabulous 5-star hotel in a beautiful building, recently restored, Very helpful staff and exceptional buffet breakfast.
• The Bridge Wroclaw – MGallery : A modern hotel located in Ostrów Tumski, close to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and 10min from the old town. With spa facilities and parking.
• AC Hotel by Marriott Wroclaw : A wonderful hotel offering large rooms with a beautiful pool, a lovely lounge area, just 5min from the main square.
• Double Tree by Hilton : Close to the centre, spacious rooms, friendly staff, with underground parking and great breakfast.
• Wyndham Wroclaw Old Town : Great location, right off the main square with large rooms and a good breakfast.
• Radisson Blu Hotel, Wroclaw : A great hotel in a good location close to the Panorama Raclawicka and the river overlooking Cathedral Island.
• PURO Wrocław Stare Miasto : A modern hotel located in the centre of Wrocław, just 500 metres from the Old Market Square with small but lovely rooms.
• Hotel HP Park Plazza : A great 4-star hotel located by the Oder River, a 10min walk from the old town.
• Art Hotel : Excellent location just 200m from the main square with a parking garage.
• SleepWalker Boutique Suite s : Finely decorated rooms, and a 5min walk to the main square.
• Hotel Europeum : A boutique hotel, located in the heart of Wrocław, less than a 5-minute walk from the lively Market Square.
• Novotel Wrocław Centrum : Great hotel near the central train station, just a bit further away from the old town (15min walk).
• AbsyntApart Krawiecka : Nice apartments in the centre of Wroclaw, good value for money.
• Hostel Mleczarnia : A great hostel near the market square if you are looking for somewhere cheaper with private ensuite rooms available

Click here to check and compare prices on accommodation for the whole city of Wroclaw.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Entry requirements/visa.

Poland is part of the Schengen Area and most nationalities are not required to obtain a visa to enter any member country of the Schengen Area for tourism up to 90 days.

EU citizens only need a photo ID to enter Poland. Citizens from the rest of Europe, the USA, Australia and Canada only need a passport .

A number of countries from Africa, South America and parts of Asia will require to obtain a Schengen visa before entering. For full details regarding visa requirements check this website .

Opening hours

Shops : 10am-9pm Monday to Saturday

Banks : 10am-5pm Monday to Friday

Restaurants : 12am–10pm

Wroclaw is generally a safe place and you shouldn’t encounter any issues during your stay. However, it’s worth being vigilant in crowded places and busy areas.

Travel Insurance

Getting travel insurance before you travel is always recommended. You never know what might happen; better to be fully covered in case of an accident, medical emergency, flight delays or trip cancellations.

SafetyWing is an excellent choice for long-term travellers and digital nomads. Alternatively, you can use one of the price comparison websites for cheaper quotes.

Wroclaw has a  moderately continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers.

January is the coldest month with an average temperature of 0°C and July is the warmest month with an average temperature of 20°C.

Surprisingly the driest months are the winter months of January and February and the wettest are the summer months of May, June & July.

More information regarding the weather and average temperatures can be found here .

Travel Gear

For information on travel gear and what to pack click here .

Polish is the official language, which belongs to the West Slavic languages. The Polish alphabet is based on Latin letters.  Most young people speak some English.

Basic words:

• Good day/Hello – Dzień dobry
• Goodbye – Do widzenia
• Yes = Tak
• Thank you = Dziękuje
• You’re welcome = Zapraszamy
• Please = Proszę
• Excuse me = Przepraszam
• Good evening = Dobry wieczór
• Good night = Dobranoc
• Cheers = Na Zdrowie

The currency is the zloty . The currency code for Polish Zloty is PLN and the currency symbol is zł.

Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s worth having some cash with you as some places won’t accept cards.

The best way to get local currency is through an ATM that can be found in most areas.

Poland is one of the most affordable places in Europe, and things are considerably cheaper compared with places in Western and Northern Europe.

Electricity

The power plugs and sockets in Poland are of type C & E (with two round pins). The voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.

Internet/Mobile Phone

If you are not a resident of an EU country that offers free roaming in the EU, to avoid high roaming costs, you can buy a local SIM card .

The 4 major mobile providers are Orange, Play, Plus, and T-Mobile .

You can buy a prepaid sim card in one of the local mobile stores in the city or even at supermarkets, street kiosks and petrol stations. It is easy and affordable, but you will need to carry your passport as proof of ID.

Another option is to buy an eSIM card instead. Airalo is a great option that offers eSIM-based data services at reasonable prices without the hassle of inserting a real SIM card. However, it is only compatible with the latest mobile phones.

Most hotels, restaurants, cafes and shopping malls offer free wifi in Wroclaw.

Luggage Storage

There are luggage lockers at the main train station in Wroclaw (Wroclaw Glowny).

Alternatively, you can use Radical Storage which provides luggage storage solutions in various locations in the city at reasonable prices. You will need to book this online.

HOW TO GET TO WROCLAW

Wroclaw Airport ( Wrocław Nicolaus Copernicus Airport ) is connected to a few European countries, like the UK, France, Germany, Italy & Spain. There are mainly low-cost airlines operating here, like Ryanair & Wizz Air, so flights can be quite affordable , even in the summer months.

Getting from/to the airport

The airport is located about 10km to the west of the city of Wroclaw and it can be reached by car, taxi or bus in about 25 to 40min.

There is bus line 106 that connects the airport with the main railway station and bus station of Wroclaw. The bus service is scheduled every 15-20 minutes and the bus ride takes about 40-50 minutes (depending on traffic in the city). There is also a night bus service (bus 206). You can pay by credit card or buy the ticket from the driver.

There are also taxis  available outside the Arrivals Terminal, and the cost to the city centre is about €15-20 .

Alternatively, you can also rent a car in one of the rental offices at the airport. The airport is the best place to book if you haven’t done it before you arrive. However, booking a car is only recommended if you are planning to do day trips to Silesia and the surrounding countryside.

Wroclaw is well connected with a good road network , bus and trains to the rest of Poland. Bus and train travel in Poland is very affordable and a good option if you want to explore nearby towns but can be time-consuming.

Rome2Rio is a good website for checking prices & times on train and bus travel .

HOW TO GET AROUND WROCLAW

I would only recommend hiring a car if you would like to explore the rest of Silesia as part of your visit to Wroclaw as you can make the most of your time and enjoy this beautiful part of the country without having to rely on public transport timetables. The best place to rent a car is the airport if you haven’t done it before you arrive.

Car rental is quite inexpensive, but it is always better to book in advance before your travel for the best deals. Also in high season, there might be low availability and the prices can be much higher if you leave it until you arrive. Check the link below to book and compare car rental prices.

There are various car parks and parking garage s in the city centre where you can park your car for a fee.

You can also park on-street in various places. Payment can be made at the ticket machines that accept coins, cards or by mobile phone using an App. Parking in the city centre is free from 8pm to 9am .

Be aware that car traffic is restricted to areas of the Old Town.

Taxis are the most expensive way of travelling around the city but they are still more affordable compared to most European cities. The licenced taxis should be clearly marked with a beacon and a taximeter inside. The tariff is more expensive at night and on Sundays. It might be possible to pay by card but better to ask beforehand.

You can also use Uber .

Travelling by train is a convenient, fast and cheap way of exploring the nearby towns from Wroclaw. However, you will need to rely on the specific timetables and not ideal if you have limited time.

PKP InterCity operates all the long-distance express trains and connects Wroclaw with the rest of Poland. This is the fastest rail service.

Most of the regional and local train services in Poland are operated by  Polregio .

Koleje Dolnoslaskie operates the local train network in Lower Silesia and connects Wroclaw with the various regional towns.

By Bus/Tram

The public transport in Wroclaw is very comprehensive and the easiest way to get around. There are trams and buses operating from 4am until midnight with various routes.

Public transport tickets can be bought at newsagents and in ticket machines near bus/tram stops. You can pay for them in cash or by card. Tickets are also available to buy from a ticket machine inside the bus or tram by card or via a mobile app. Prices and other information about tickets are available  here .

More information regarding tickets, routes and timetables can be found here.

Cycling is a good way of exploring the city and reaching neighbourhoods further away from the old town. There are some dedicated cycle routes and the city is relatively flat . There is a bicycle rental service ,  Nextbike , with rental points located throughout the centre and beyond. In order to rent a bike, you have to register in the Nextbike system.

WHERE TO EAT IN WROCLAW

There are many good Polish restaurants in the heart of Wroclaw offering authentic and typical Polish cuisine . For a cheaper option, you can try the traditional “ Milk Bar ”, which is government-subsidised cafeterias from Poland’s communist era offering low-cost traditional meals. Also, you cannot leave Wroclaw without trying the traditional doughnuts .

Best restaurants in Wroclaw

• Konspira : Beautifully decorated restaurant with an 80’s theme offering large dishes of traditional Polish food
• Nasza Paczkarnia : One of the best doughnut shops in Wroclaw. Variety of fillings. Pączek z serem (doughnut with sweet cheese) is amazing.
• Karczma Lwowska : One of the best Polish restaurants on the main square with a nice interior, Touristy but offers good traditional polish cuisine
• Restauracja Pod Fredra : Rather expensive restaurant in the main square but with good authentic polish food.
• Pierogarnia Rynek 26 : A great place by the main square to taste the famous pierogi (dumplings).
• Bar Witek : Old fashioned fast food bar with good toasts and zapiekanka.
• Wrocławska : Fine traditional polish restaurant in the old town.
• Piekarnia gruzinska PURI : A good bakery for fresh buns and pastries close to the train station.
• Bar mleczny Mis : Traditional polish ‘milk bar’ with a cheap but good variety of dishes, in polish only.
• Restauracja Lepione Kuznicza : A modern self-service buffet-style restaurant with a great selection of dishes, close to the University

You can check the location of these restaurants on this map .

Local Cuisine

Polish cuisine is rich in meat, especially pork, potatoes and cabbage . It can be quite heavy but also delicious. Some well-known Polish dishes that you must try are pierogi, bigos, golabki and various soups.

• Pierogi : Flour dumplings with a variety of fillings either savoury or sweet (e.g. meat, cheese or berries). Served usually boiled, but also baked or fried.
• Bigos : A rich stew (‘hunter’s stew’) made of chopped meats and cabbage.
• Golabki : Cabbage rolls with minced meat and rice served with tomato sauce.
• Kotlet Schabowy : Pork cutlet coated in breadcrumbs. 
• Potato dumplings : Kluski slaskie (Silesian dumplings) or Kopytka.
• Placki Ziemniaczane : Potato pancakes served with sour cream or as an accompaniment.
• Barszcz or borscht : A clear beetroot soup, coloured in red, usually served with dumplings.
• Zurek : A typical sour soup of fermented cereal.
• Rolada : Traditional dish from Lower Silesia of rolled beef patty often served with Silesian dumplings.
• Paczki : Polish doughnuts with a great variety of fillings.
• Sernik : Polish cheesecake
• Makoviec : Poppy-seed swiss roll
• Kvass: A traditional fermented beverage with low alcohol

THINS TO DO IN WROCLAW

BEST tourist attractions

• Market Square (Rynek): This is the main attraction of the city, surrounded by attractive restored townhouses and the amazing gothic town hall in the centre. It comes alive in the evenings with tourists and locals enjoying strolling or sitting in cafes, bars or restaurants. There are usually street performers in the evenings. It is one of the largest squares in Poland as well as Europe’s.
• Ostrów Tumski : This is the site where Wroclaw was founded and one of the most interesting and oldest parts of the city. It was formerly an island and it is now connected with Tumski bridge to Piasek Island. It is a great place by the river to wander around, with some fine churches and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist .
• Cathedral of St. John the Baptist : This is a beautiful cathedral, built in the 14th century, but damaged in WWII, and reconstructed. You can take the lift to one of the towers that provides the best views over the river and the city.
• Wroclaw Old Town Hall : This is one of the finest buildings of gothic architecture in Poland with an impressive facade and ornamental decorations. It now houses the Museum of Bourgeois Art.
• Church of St. Elizabeth : This is an impressive gothic church , built in the 14th century, with a tall tower offering the best views of the market square. You need to climb the tower by a narrow spiral staircase (about 300 stairs), but worth the effort. The price is 15 zl (cash only).
• Cathedral of St Mary Magdelene : This is a fine Gothic church built in the 15th century that provides views of the city from a bridge between its towers ( Bridge of Penitents ). The bridge is only accessible by stairs and costs 15 zl.
• Panorama of Raclawice : This is a huge 360-degree painting, housed in a Rotunda building, that shows the battle of Raclawice. This is a popular attraction in Wroclaw, so better to book it online in advance. A ticket holder can visit the National Museum for free.
• Plac Solny : A beautiful small square next to the main market square.
• Wroclaw University : This is a fine baroque building with a beautiful assembly hall full of frescoes. The Mathematical Tower Of Wroclaw University provides some fine views over the city.
• National Museum : The museum is housed in an attractive 19th-century building facing the river. It displays mainly Polish gothic art including sculptures and paintings by Silesian artists.
• Church of the Holy Cross and St. Bartholomew : An impressive two-tiered gothic church, close to the cathedral.
• Centennial Hall: This is a grand circular building designed by Max Berg and built in 1911. It now functions as an events venue for major exhibitions, sports events or trade fairs. It is part of the Unesco World Heritage Site List. The surrounding grounds contain a pond and a steel needle. Also, a multimedia fountain located on the premises of Centennial Hall displays a music and light show after the sun sets. This operates only during the summer months (May until October).
• Four Denomination District : It is an interesting neighbourhood where four religious denominations historically coexisted: Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, and Jewish. There are some fine churches and the area is full of bars and cafes.
• Plac Nankiera : A nice little square with the Cathedral of St. Vincent and St. James, the gothic church of St, Matthew and the church of St. Clare.
• Church of Holy Name of Jesus : This is a fine example of Silesian baroque architecture with a fine interior.
• Church of St. Mary on Piasek : Impressive gothic catholic church on Piasek island with a fine collection of gothic altars.
• Church of St. Martin : A small roman catholic church dating from the late 13th century.
• Archibishop’s Palace: A nice building that is the residence of the Archibishop only seen from the outside.
• Botanical Gardens : This is the Botanical Garden of the University of Wroclaw and one of the best in Poland. It contains ponds, fountains, bridges and thousands of plant species.
• City Museum of Wroclaw : This museum is housed in a fine baroque building. The building used to be the royal palace and residence of the Prussian King. It has an exhibition about Wroclaw history, as well as a gallery of Silesian Art.
• Museum of Architecture : This is a fine monastic building that now houses Poland’s Museum of Architecture . The are not many exhibits, but the building is beautiful. Free on Wednesdays.
• Museum of Natural History : This museum has a big collection of animals and plants; popular with children.
• Szczytnicki Park : An 18th-century park for a pleasant stroll with a Japanese garden, pavilion and footbridges.
• Wroclaw Comedy Theatre : Historical building for theatre performances
• Museum of the Archdiocese : This museum contains Silesian religious art from the middle ages. It is currently closed for renovation.
• The White Stork Synagogue: An interesting 19th-century synagogue with exhibits about the history of Jewish people in Wroclaw.
• Church of St. Stanislaus, St. Wenceslas, and St. Dorothea : A Gothic church with a baroque interior.
• Hydropolis : This is a science interactive museum of water. Good for kids.
• Opera Wrocławska : 19th-century opera house with beautiful exterior and interior. It has opera performances as well as ballet and concerts.
• Church and Monastery of St. Adalbert : Another great Gothic church in the heart of the city.

WROCLAW EXCURSIONS AND DAY TRIPS

1. swidnica.

Swidinica is a pretty town with a fine market square and a 14th-century cathedral , well worth a visit.

The main attraction is the Church of Peace located within a short walk from the town centre. It is a timber-framed Protestant church built in the 17th century, one of the few of its kind and part of the Unesco World Heritage Site List.

The Cathedral of Saints Stanislaw and Wenceslas is an impressive Gothic church with a beautiful baroque interior and a high tower.

2. Ksiaz Castle

Ksiaz Castle (Zamek Książ) is located north of the city of Walbrych. It is a great excursion from Wroclaw although it is a bit difficult to get there without your own transport.

It is an impressive sight situated on a rocky hill surrounded by forest. It used to be a Gothic castle, rebuilt in the 16th century when bought by one of the wealthy Silesian families.

During WWII it was converted into Hitler’s headquarters. There are tours of the tunnels drilled into the hill under the castle.

They are paid guided tours of the interior of the castle and gardens, and you can also explore the surrounding park for free. A nice walk is towards the viewpoint for a fine view of the castle.

More information on how to get there without a car can be found here .

Both above excursions (Swidnica and Ksiaz Castle) can easily be combined in one full-day trip.

3. Church of Peace in Jawor

This is another beautiful timber-framed church and part of the Unesco World Heritage Site List located in Jawor and well worth a visit.

4. Jelania Gora

This is a nice town in Lower Silesia further away from Wroclaw and a popular destination for hikers.

It has a beautiful market square with arcade town houses and a nice gothic basilica.

5. Czocha Castle

This is a picturesque castle by a lake and a popular attraction in Lower Silesia.

It was built in the 14th century but it has been renovated and now is a hotel.

WROCLAW TOURIST MAP

You can click on the map below for the location of the best attractions and places to visit in Wroclaw.

WROCLAW ITINERARY

It is worth staying in Wroclaw for 2 to 4 days if you want to explore it and combine it with day trips to the surrounding region. Two days should be enough to explore the city. The following itinerary includes things to do for 3 days with overnight stay in Wroclaw.

Day 1: Wroclaw Old Town

• Start with a tour of the old market square (Rynek)
• Admire the Old Town Hall
• Climb the tower of the Church of St. Elizabeth for great views of the square
• Continue towards the University and Plac Nankiera
• See the Cathedral of St Mary Magdelene and the Bridge of Penitents for more views
• Visit beautiful Plac Solny
• Wander around the Four Denomination District
• Walk on the pedestrian street where the Opera is located
• In the afternoon enjoy a walk at Szczytnicki Park or visit the zoo if you have kids
• In the evening go back to the market square for a stroll and a meal.

Day 2: Ostrów Tumski

• Enjoy a walk by the river and Piasek Island
• Cross the Tumski Bridge to the Cathedral Island
• Visit the Cathedral of St John the Baptist
• Take the lift to the top of the tower for great views of the river and city.
• Cross the Peace Bridge for an optional visit to the National Museum
• Visit the Panorama of the Battle of Racławic e
• Optional visit to the Botanical Gardens in the afternoon
• In the evening visit Centennial Hall to enjoy the light show

Day 3: Swidnica & Ksiaz Castle

Visit Swidinica and Ksiaz Castle on a day trip from Wroclaw.

WROCLAW PHOTOGRAPHY

You can check the best photographs from Wroclaw here .

Here is a list of the best viewpoint locations in Wroclaw where you enjoy great views .

• Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
• Church of St. Elizabeth
• Bridge of Penitents
• Mathematical Tower Of Wroclaw University
• Xawery Dunikowski Boulevard
• Bastion Ceglarski
• Piotr Włostowic Boulevard

You can check these viewpoints’ locations and the best photo spots of Wroclaw on the following map .

WROCLAW ACTIVITIES & TOURS

Lower silesia tour.

Lower Silesia Tour From Wroclaw is an 8hr full-day tour of Lower Silesia from Wroclaw. The tour includes visits to the Church of Peace in Świdnica and its market square and Ksiaz Castle. Price: €129.

Wroclaw Old Town Walking Tour s

Wroclaw Old Town Guided Walking Tour is a small group walking tour that lasts for 2 hr to explore the streets of Wroclaw’s historic centre with a knowledgeable local guide. Price: €35.

There are also free walking tours with GuruWalk . These tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guide at the end of the tour the amount that he considers appropriate.

Wroclaw Food Tour

Delicious Wroclaw Food Tour is a small group tour that lasts about 3hr to get a taste of Wroclaw’s culinary culture on a food and walking tour led by a guide. Price: €84.

Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour

Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour from Wrocław is a full-day trip (10h) to Auschwitz-Birkenau from Wrocław. The tour includes transportation by minibus, entrance fees to the museum and concentration camp, snacks, and hotel pickup and drop-off in Wrocław. This visit is probably more suitable when you visit Krakow, as the site is much closer from there. I don’t think it’s worth the money and time to do it from Wroclaw but if that’s your only chance, it’s something to consider.

Major Festivals & Events

• The Wroclaw Christmas Market  is regarded as one of the best Christmas markets in Poland; it is usually open from mid-November to 31st of December. It is located on Marquet Square and Plac Solny.

More information about excursions & tours in Wroclaw can be found here .

You can also search for activities hosted by locals on Airbnb experiences .

VIRTUAL TOUR OF WROCLAW

Check the following video slideshow to get further inspiration to visit Wroclaw 🙂

FURTHER READING

Some good websites for more information about Wroclaw:

• VisitWroclaw : The official tourist website of Wroclaw .
• WroclawGuide.com : A great travel blog and guide about Wroclaw written by two locals.

Some good travel guides to buy before you visit Wroclaw :

• DK Eyewitness Poland : A great guide about Poland that includes information about Wroclaw.
• Lonely Planet Poland : Another good guide for Poland that includes information about Wroclaw.

TRAVEL RESOURCES

• Flights : I always use Skyscanner as my first choice as it’s so easy to use and you can search best deals by month. Google Flights is another very good search engine.
• Accommodation : I always use Booking.com as my first choice, as it offers a great choice of accommodation at affordable prices and it’s so easy to use. Airbnb   is a great alternative for homes and apartments to rent by real homeowners.  HotelsCombined  is one of the best search engines to check deals from different websites.
• Car Rental : I always check Skyscanner for the cheapest car rental options. Discover Cars  is also a good and easy-to-use website with great prices.
• Public Transport : Rome2Rio is a good website for checking prices & times on train and bus travel.
• Day Trips & Tours : Viator provides the most comprehensive list of day trips and you can book directly with them. GetYourGuide  is also a great place to search for tours & activities to do.
• Travel Insurance : SafetyWing is a great choice for long-term travellers and digital nomads. Alternatively, you can use one of the price comparison websites for cheaper quotes.

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A blog about Wroclaw made by locals with love

Sightseeing

Food and Drinks

Plan a trip now

The best things to do in wroclaw.

You just found WroclawGuide.com which is your alternative and local travel guide to Wroclaw! We are two passionate locals who love Wroclaw and decided to create a city blog about nothing else but Wroclaw!

Here on our blog we have an extensive collection of suggestions and ideas on what to do in Wroclaw . We suggest you to start either with our introduction post about the 40 best things to see in Wroclaw or scroll down for the most recent and most popular blog posts.

Our alternative Guidebook for Wroclaw

What’s the secret behind the acoustic mirrors? Why are there dinosaur skeletons in the city center? What’s the story behind the naked fencer? Was there really a cannibal butcher in the market hall? 

Check out our alternative guidebook about Wroclaw which got released in 2023. This is a truly unique guidebook which will introduce you to 100 extraordinary places in Wroclaw.

We have a free preview prepared for you:

• Find out more and read the free preview

LATEST BLOG POSTS

Here you find our latest and most recent blog posts:

The best Guided Tours in Wroclaw

Have you seen these bizarre things in Wroclaw?

The 40 best things to do in Wroclaw!

Clubs and Party in Wroclaw

Why Nadodrze is the best part of Wroclaw

When is the best time to visit Wroclaw?

Travel to wroclaw.

Looking for really local recommendations and great hotels in Wroclaw? Want to know more about the best options to get into Wroclaw? Then the following blog posts should be helpful:

Where to stay in Wroclaw – a comprehensive district guide

Wroclaw by Train – The best Train connections to Wroclaw

How to get to Wroclaw – the best options by car, train, bus and flight

Hotels in Wroclaw – Our personal recommendations

Apartments in Wroclaw – Our personal recommendations

Best places to stay in Wroclaw: Hotel, Hostel, Camping and Apartments

Things to do in wroclaw.

You won’t get bored in Wroclaw with us. Here we have a little collection of our favourite blog posts about the best things to do in Wroclaw. No matter if you prefer lazy sightseeing on your own, if you are looking for a guided tour in Wroclaw or if you want to explore some more alternative corners of Wroclaw, here you will find it all:

Free Walking Tours in Wroclaw

Wroclaw by Boat – Cruises on the Oder River and more

The best Beach Bars in Wroclaw (2024 Update)

These are the 15 best Museums in Wroclaw!

The 20 best hipster things to do – alternative Wroclaw

The 2023 Christmas Market in Wroclaw

The best local markets in Wroclaw you probably never heard of

15 Free Things to do in Wroclaw – the ultimate Budget Guide

30 Facts about the Market Square in Wroclaw you should know

A perfect Weekend in Wroclaw: Recommendations by locals

Food, drinks and nightlife in wroclaw.

Get ready to explore the culinary scene of Wroclaw – we have plenty of amazing and affordable fine dining restaurants, amazing party spots, an extensive choice of wine bars, pubs and craft beer. This is the section to plan your evening (well, or breakfast!) in Wroclaw:

The 15 best places for coffee in Wroclaw

The best Fine Dining Restaurants in Wroclaw

The best breakfast in Wroclaw

The best Pubs and Bars in Wroclaw’s Nightlife

The best places for street food in Wroclaw

Our favourite Wine Bars in Wroclaw

About wroclawguide.

We are just people who are really passionate about the city in which we live. That’s why want to spread the word about Wroclaw and its cool, vibrant and hidden places to the world 🙂 

We know it is easy to find a lot of travel information about Wroclaw online but.. Mostly you just find some big travel websites that just tell you about the obvious and main attractions.

We want to be different and tell you about the things that we explored and discovered ourselves. In addition we use mostly our own pictures – no stock photography for sure here. The places that we recommend are the ones that we visit frequently ourselves and just love.

This is why you can expect perfect inspiration not only for a weekend in Wroclaw, but also for longer stays – we recommend at least a week in Wroclaw, there is just so much to do.  And now, explore Wroclaw as a local together with us!

We really hope that we can provide you valuable inspiration for your upcoming trip to Wroclaw!

Take care, Ewa & Mirko

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Venice of Poland

Wroclaw (Wrocław) is a city in southwestern Poland and the largest city in the historical region of Lower Silesia . It is a university city with an idyllic location on the Odra River and comprises of 12 islands, 130 bridges, riverside parks and numerous historical landmarks such as the Main Market Square, Cathedral Island and Centennial Hall , which is which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Wroclaw is often referred to as a mini- Kraków due to its cultural attributes and buzzing social scene; however it maintains its own unique and appealing character. The city is a major attraction for both domestic and international tourists and also a major industrial, commercial and educational centre for the region.

Since 2005, the city has become well-known for its bronze dwarfs, hundreds of these small figurines can be found across the city. You’ll find them on pavements, at the entrance to buildings and a number of other locations. Seeking them out is a great way to explore Wroclaw and there are plenty of good restaurants to keep your energy levels up.

The beautifully preserved  Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island) is the oldest section of the city; it was once an isolated islet between the branches of the Oder River and is a treat for Gothic architecture admirers.

The early 13 th century Main Market Square is the oldest medieval public square in the country, and also one of the largest. You’ll find a number of impressive, historical buildings on the square such as the ornate Gothic Old Town Hall, St. Elisabeth’s Church, and the Hansel and Gretel houses, two small medieval houses connected by an arched gate that once led into a churchyard.

Lower Silesia

You’ll find a wide range of architectural styles in Wroclaw, including Brick Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau. The Wroclaw Opera House, Monopol Hotel, University Library, Ossolineum, the National Museum and the castle-like District Court are among some of the grandest and most recognisable historic structures.

Wroclaw is very popular with International tourists and has a good tourist infrastructure. The city is visited by over 5 million tourists each year. You’ll find the Tourist Information Centre on the Main Market Square in building no 14. There’s plenty to see and do, check out the Top 10 things to do in Wroclaw .

The region of Lower Silesia was handed back to Poland from Germany at the end of WWII and is known for an abundance of historic architecture of various styles. During the Middle Ages, the region was part of Piast-ruled Poland and was one of the leading regions of the country with Wroclaw being one of the main cities of the Polish Kingdom.

Within Lower Silesia, you will find many castles and palaces, well preserved or reconstructed old towns, numerous spa towns, and historic burial sites of Polish monarchs and consorts. The region is one of the most visited provinces in Poland.

There’s over 100 castles and palaces in the region including: Książ Castle , Czocha Castle, Grodziec Castle, Gola Dzierżoniowska Castle, Oleśnica Castle and Kamieniec Ząbkowicki Palace.

Whether you are interested in history, culture, or just looking for a relaxing getaway, Wroclaw is a destination that will not disappoint. So come and discover the many wonders of this charming and historic city for yourself!

Best highlights of Wroclaw walking tour

See all the highlights of Wroclaw on a private tour! Explore the city, while hearing fascinating facts about what makes it so special.

Top 10 Things to Do

The 13th century Gothic Old Town Hall stands at the centre of the city’s Market Square and is one of the main landmarks of the city. It’s currently used for civic and cultural events, which are held in its Great Hall and also houses the Museum of Bourgeois Art and a restaurant in the basement. The structure is a mix of architectural styles with both Gothic and Renaissance features. The astronomical clock is made of larch wood and was built in 1580. The National Museum is one of Poland’s main branches of the National Museum system. It holds one of the largest collections of contemporary art in the country. You’ll find exhibits of Medieval sculpture on the ground floor in addition to paintings from the region, silverware, ceramics and furnishings. Polish art, primarily 17th century paintings, can be found on the 2nd floor.

• Lower Silesia (Dolnoslaskie)

Lower Silesia was handed back to Poland from Germany at the end of WWII and is known for an abundance of historic architecture of various styles. During the Middle Ages, the region was part of Piast-ruled Poland and was one of the leading regions of the country with its capital Wrocław being one of the main cities of the Polish Kingdom. Within Lower Silesia, you will find many castles and palaces, well preserved or reconstructed old towns, numerous spa towns, and historic burial sites of Polish monarchs and consorts. The region is one of the most visited provinces in Poland. There’s over 100 castles and palaces in the region including: Książ Castle, Czocha Castle, Grodziec Castle, Gola Dzierżoniowska Castle, Oleśnica Castle and Kamieniec Ząbkowicki Palace.

Centennial Hall in Wrocław

Centennial Hall was erected in 1911-1913 by the architect Max Berg as a multi-purpose recreational building and is a landmark in the history of reinforced concrete architecture. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. The building is frequently visited by tourists and the local populace. It lies close to other popular tourist attractions, such as the Wrocław Zoo, the Japanese Garden, and the Pergola with its Multimedia Fountain. The building became one of Poland’s official national Historic Monuments (Pomnik historii), as designated on 20th April 2005, together with the Four Domes Pavilion, the Pergola, and the Iglica. Its listing is maintained by the National Heritage Board of Poland. The building was designed to respond to emerging social needs and included an assembly hall, an auditorium for theatre performances, an exhibition space and a sports venue.

Tour through Wroclaw by electric car

Explore the city of Wroclaw by electric car. Choose between a 1, 2 or 3-hour tour and pass by many of the landmarks and highlights of the city in a comfortable way. During the tour you can listen to commentary on the sights you pass and learn about the interesting history of this historic city. You will explore 30 of the main attractions of Wroclaw.

Wroclaw bike tour with guide

If you want to see all the main places in Wroclaw in an ecologic and pleasant way, this tour is perfect for you! Your licensed guide will take care for you during a 3 hour bike ride across the city. At the beginning of the tour you will be helped to set your bike and you can also leave your belongings in safe locker. You will see different parts of the city, which you wouldn’t be able to see all together on a regular walking tour due to the distance. Just hop on a bike and enjoy your day.

Romantic tour in Wroclaw

Discover the most romantic places in Wroclaw with a professional local guide. Feel spellbound by the charming atmosphere of the city, visit the best places to have a date in the city. Stroll around the beautiful Szczytnicki park and visit the oldest restaurant in Europe – Piwnica. You will be surprised how many historical love stories are hidden in the streets, buildings, parks of the city. From heartbreaking and tragic, to the hilarious or spicy ones.

Editor’s pick – Wroclaw Tours & Experiences

Get your guide – tours & experiences, tour to discover the secrets of world war ii from wroclaw.

Let your guide take you along the track of the biggest secrets of World War II in Lower Silesia. Discover the Osowka complex, part of an impressive project conducted by Nazi Germany between 1943 and 1945. Experience Ksiaz Castle, ‘the Pearl of Lower Silesia’ and visit the Gross-Rosen concentration camp, the biggest Nazi-German concentration camp in the area.

• Auschwitz Birkenau
• Bialowieza National Park
• Bochnia Salt Mine
• Centennial Hall In Wroclaw
• Churches of Peace in Jawor and Swidnica
• Historic centre of Krakow
• Historic centre of Warsaw
• Kalwaria Zebrzydowska
• Krzemionki Flint Mining Region
• Malbork Castle
• Medieval town of Torun
• Muskauer Park
• Old City of Zamosc
• Tarnowskie Góry Mine
• Wieliczka Salt Mine
• Wooden Tserkvas of Carpathian Region
• Wooden Churches of Southern Malopolska
• Bedzin Castle
• Krasiczyn Castle
• Krzyztopor Castle
• Ksiaz Castle
• Lancut Castle
• Lazienki Palace
• Royal Castle Warsaw
• Wawel Royal Castle
• Art & Culture
• Polish cuisine
• Polish language for tourists
• Polish traditions
• Public holidays
• Bieszczady National Park
• Bory Tucholskie National Park
• Kampinos National Park
• Słowiński National Park
• Tatra National Park
• Water activities
• Winter activities
• Jasna Góra Monastery
• Niepokalanów
• Guido Coal Mine
• Camp Łambinowice
• KL Stutthof
• Majdanek concentration camp
• Miedzyrzecz reinforced region
• Riese complex
• Treblinka concentration camp
• Westerplatte
• Wolf’s Lair
• Weather forecast
• Around & About in Bialystok
• Top 10 things to do in Bialystok
• Around & About in Bydgoszcz
• Top 10 things to do in Bydgoszcz
• Around & About in Kielce
• Top 10 things to do in Kielce
• Kadzielnia Reserve Kielce
• Sanctuary of the Holy Cross Wood Relic
• Top 10 Things To Do in Kołobrzeg
• Historic Centre of Krakow
• Top 10 things to do in Krakow
• Top 10 things to do in Lodz
• Top 10 Things To Do in Lublin
• Top 10 things to do in Olsztyn
• Top 10 Things to Do in Poznań
• Top 10 things to do in Szczecin
• Medieval Town of Torun
• Top 10 things to do in Toruń
• Top 10 things to do in Tri-City
• Historic Centre of Warsaw
• Top 10 things to do in Warsaw
• Top 10 things to do in Wrocław
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Russia jails US citizen Robert Woodland for 12-1/2 years in drug trafficking case

A Russian court on Thursday sentenced U.S. citizen Robert Romanov Woodland to 12-1/2 years in a maximum security penal colony after finding him guilty of attempting to sell drugs, Woodland's lawyer and Moscow prosecutors said.

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Biden’s Team Plans Meeting With Governors to Shore Up Support

The White House is also discussing having President Biden travel to Wisconsin and Pennsylvania this week as they work to move past his disastrous debate performance.

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By Maggie Haberman ,  Lisa Lerer and Reid J. Epstein

• July 2, 2024

The White House is discussing holding a meeting with Democratic governors on Wednesday and having President Biden travel to the battleground states of Wisconsin and Pennsylvania this week, as he and his advisers seek to shore up support and move past his calamitous debate performance, according to two people briefed on the matter.

The meeting on Wednesday would feature governors attending in person at the White House and virtually, according to one of the two people and another person briefed on the planning. It would come two days after the governors, who have been some of Mr. Biden’s staunchest supporters throughout his presidency but whose ranks also include his possible replacements, held their own virtual meeting on Monday.

A number of those governors expressed frustration with the current set of circumstances — and the lack of contact with Mr. Biden directly — on their call on Monday, according to a person briefed on what took place. That meeting ran roughly an hour and did not include staff. Some of the elected officials who have been supportive of Mr. Biden have complained privately that he is being kept in something of a bubble, one that is making the current anxieties about the situation the Democrats are facing worse.

And while a handful of governors have interacted with him at events like fund-raisers held over the weekend, most have said they have not.

One person familiar with the call said the president and Vice President Kamala Harris’s advisers were told of the call ahead of time.

Mr. Biden’s advisers are discussing a potential trip to Wisconsin on Friday as well as a trip to Pennsylvania on Sunday, one of the people briefed on the matter said. Pennsylvania in particular has been one of Mr. Biden’s best swing states in polling.

The president’s advisers have been urged by a number of allies to make him more visible in the aftermath of the debate. He held an event in North Carolina on Friday but other than the fund-raising appearances, he did not have a public event again until Monday evening, when he commented on the Supreme Court decision giving former President Donald J. Trump partial criminal immunity. The president made the statement more than nine hours after the ruling was made public, and he took no questions from reporters.

The White House has repeatedly deployed a handful of Democratic governors as surrogates representing Mr. Biden and battling back questions about his age. Those questions have exploded since Mr. Biden delivered a halting, whispering performance on the debate stage against his predecessor and challenger, Mr. Trump.

At the same time, a number of those governors — a crop of officials that are younger and pandemic-tested — are now routinely mentioned as possible successors to Mr. Biden should he decide not to continue on as the presumptive Democratic nominee in 2024, however improbable that notion appears to his closest supporters at the moment.

Maggie Haberman is a senior political correspondent reporting on the 2024 presidential campaign, down ballot races across the country and the investigations into former President Donald J. Trump. More about Maggie Haberman

Lisa Lerer is a national political reporter for The Times, based in New York. She has covered American politics for nearly two decades. More about Lisa Lerer

Reid J. Epstein covers campaigns and elections from Washington. Before joining The Times in 2019, he worked at The Wall Street Journal, Politico, Newsday and The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. More about Reid J. Epstein

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