Wroclaw is the fourth largest city in Poland, known for its leading academic centers, attracting thousands of students every year. However, Wroclaw has many more to offer. From its historic, picturesque old town, its numerous hidden gnome sculptures to the traditional lamplighter wandering around town lighting the town’s old gas lamps.
Day 1
Wroclaw Market Square
Rynek, known as Poland’s third biggest market square dates back to the 13th century. In fact, it was almost totally rebuilt after the Siege of 1945. At the square, a stone pillory as well as a bronze bear standing on a tree stump can also be found. Prepare to be amazed by the amazing, colorful building and the glass fountain located at the center of the square. Moreover, there can also be found the statue of famous writer Aleksander Fredro, brought from Lviv in 1956. At the west side of the square, the New Town Hall is located. Last but not least, in the Golden Sun House, you will find the Pan Tadeusz Museum, the latest and the most modern part of the Ossolineum.
We were surprised to be informed and actually witness the Guinness World Record breaking in the category of the largest guitar assembly, which takes place there every year. It was so thrilling watching and listening to more than 7000 people simultaneously playing ‘’Hey Joe’’ by Jimi Hendrix.
Cathedral of St. Mary Magdalene
It was built in 1226-1232 and has been one of the oldest Churches in town, also known as the “witches bridge”. You should definitely not miss the amazing view from the top part of the Church, the towers. There is a small ticket you need to purchase, 4PLN (approximately 1.5€) which goes towards the cathedral renovation. Be prepared to climb almost 700 steps. Don’t be intimidated, the view is definitely worth it!
Go on a Gnome Hunt
Another very interesting fact about Wroclaw is that there are 163 gnomes/dwarfs hidden throughout the city. Although, others believe that there might be more than 350 small statues. All those little statues were placed by an anti-Soviet resistance movement born in Wroclaw that used dwarves as its symbol and helped topple Poland’s oppressive communist regime in the 1980s. There are many organized gnome “hunts”, but you can also try locating them by yourself. Just be prepared to lose count!
Tumski Bridge
This bridge was constructed in 1889 to replace an old wooden bridge to connect Ostrów Tumski and Wyspa Piaskowa. It is also known as Lovers Bridge, as the whole bridge is full of love locks. Just don’t forget to throw the key into the Odra river as the myth says!
Ostrow Tumski
The famous Cathedral island is the oldest part of the city of Wroclaw. The island has a very strong religious connection and that is the reason why many churches and religious buildings can be found among the island. Furthermore, in the island you can also admire the Statue Bolesław Kominka, the Church of the Holy Cross and many more.
The Traditional Lamplighter
Another very interesting fact about Wroclaw is that the city has its own, historic, traditional lamplighter. In fact, Wroclaw is one of the only two cities in Europe that still employs a lamplighter. The lamplighter can be spotted at the Cathedral Island lighting its 103 gas lamps. We didn’t have the chance to come across the lamplighter, but you might be lucky.
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Day 2
Centennial Hall
It was built in 1911-1913 by architect Max Berg. The building is located on the eastern part of the city, close to other popular tourist attractions, such as the Wroclaw Zoo, the Japanese Garden, and the Pergola. It was designed to host exhibitions, concerts, theatrical and opera performances, as well as sporting events. In these days the hall continues to be used for sporting events, business summits, and concerts.
Szcytnicki Park
It is one very interesting park to visit on your way to the Centennial Hall. You can admire the landscape, the beautiful bridges and small water pools. Moreover, you can enjoy a homemade lemonade by one of the moveable canteens at the park.
Four Doomes Pavilion
The Four Domes Pavilion was designed by architect Hans Poelzig and was erected between 1912 and 1913. The complex was used for multiple purposes throughout the years such as a venue for exhibitions and special events (until 1945), and from 1953 it became the seat of the Wroclaw Feature Film Studio where many famous films were filmed. In the latest years, the Pavilion became a part of the National Museum.
Botanical Gardens
The gardens are the second oldest ones in Poland (established in 1811), after the ones in Krakow. They feature numerous fountains, ponds and various kinds of plants and trees.
The tickets cost 25 PLN and 15 PLN for the discount ones. Note that the gardens are open every day from the 1st of April till the 31st of October. Be also prepared for the long ques building up to enter the gardens.
Japanese Garden
Another interesting garden to visit when in Wroclaw is the Japanese garden. In this garden a lot of original plants, trees, bushes and flowers can be found. Furthermore, very interesting are the Japanese buildings that can be also found there, more specifically, the famous gate and the tea pavilion.
The tickets cost 8 PLN and 5 PLN for the discounted ones and are also open from April to October.
Train Above your head Dinner
Did you know that you can enjoy drinks and food while trains move above your head? It was a very fascinating experience that we recommend. This spot is located only a few kilometers from the old town and hosts various restaurants and bars. We also recommend you visit this place by night for all the bars to be open and enjoy the numerous lights. We tried the Pizzeria ‘’Pod Nasypem” which is known to have one of the best pizzas in Wroclaw.
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Where To Stay In Wroclaw
Novotel Wroclaw Centrum
📍Located at Powstańców Śląskich 7, 53-332, Wrocław
Some Useful Tips
Currency
The currency in Poland is the zloty. Currently, 1.00 Polish Zloty = 0.20€
Airport Transfer
Wroclaw’s Airport is located 10 km from the city center. There are many ways to reach the city center form the airport and vice versa.
More specifically, the public transport (BUS 106) is one of the cheapest way of transportation. One way ticket costs only 3.4 PLN (less than 1€) and the buses leave the airport every 15 minutes. The bus stop is located on the right side of the terminal entrance. Moreover, You can purchase a ticket from the machine at the exit of the Arrival terminal or in the bus. Alternatively, the taxi option costs approximately 50-60 PLN (13-15€). Feel free to confirm the price with the taxi driver before. If you are opting for the taxi option, you might want to consider UBER which is available in Wroclaw, the fare depends on the time of day, but getting to the center of Wroclaw should cost you about 25 PLN (6€). Last but not least, car rental companies are also located in the Arrival hall.
Transportation
Wroclaw has a very efficient public transportation system including buses and trams. You can purchase tickets either by the kiosk or ticket machine on bus stations or you can buy the tickets only with a contactless credit card on the tram/bus. Last but not least, you cannot buy the tickets from the driver.
Another way of transportation is by renting a electric scooter or bicycle/city bikes.
Regarding taxi options, there are also three applications Uber, Bolt and FreeNow.
Walking is also another option as the distances tend to be shorth and very graphic too.
Budget
Bottled water costs 0.5 euros in Wroclaw. However, the public water in Wroclaw is considered safe to drink.
Hotel prices are starting from 29 euros per night regarding region, stars and services.
Airbnb prices starting from 18 euros per night regarding region, stars and services.
Last but not least, the food costs approximately 7 – 15 euros per meal / per person (the prices refer to different kind of restaurant options).
Attractions cost approximately 5 – 11 euros.
Safety
Wroclaw is considered to be a safe destination for tourists and solo travelers in general. However, pickpockets can be found at the main attractions and therefore it is advisable to keep a close look at your belongings. The different currency may hide some misunderstandings as well so take your time to do your calculations in order no to be surprised.