21 Unmissable Things to do in Wroclaw

Wrocław in Poland is another underrated gem worth every moment you spend wandering its streets. While walking through the cobbled alleys of Poland’s fourth-largest city, you might mistake it for the architecture of Rome or Florence. There are plenty of sights to see, and here’s the list of the most important things to do in Wroclaw.

Where is Wroclaw? 

Located in the southwest of Poland, Wroclaw is the capital of the Lower Silesia region, somewhat close to the Czech Republic border. Poznan, Częstochowa, and Lodz are the closest big cities.

Why visit Wroclaw?

With an optimum combination of affordability, accessibility, attractions, and delicious food traditional to Poland, you cannot go far wrong when visiting the former European capital of culture. This prestigious award rubber-stamps its quality as a destination for your next trip. 

Vibrantly colorful buildings surround you in a city that boasts Romanesque, Renaissance, and Medieval architecture and attracts a fifth of the country’s student population. With its vibrant culture, art, and entertainment scenery, the city has won many titles, including UNESCO City of Literature. 

ADVICE: always travel with comprehensive travel insurance that also covers COVID. I personally use SafetyWing. 

It also hosts many music and film festivals if you are into those. Art and history lovers will find plenty of art galleries and museums, and trendy bars and cute cafes are there for you to socialize with Wroclaw’s young crowd. 

However, one of the main reasons to visit Wroclaw is its cute little statues of dwarfs scattered across the city. And finding them is an absolute favorite thing to do in Wroclaw for many. Or maybe a local gathering at a market square to challenge Guinness records of playing the same music together? Whatever the reason is, I am sure you’ll have a splendid time here!

Best time to visit Wroclaw

March to May is the best time to visit Wroclaw, considering the cost of travel, climate, and peak seasons. Although May often has frequent rains, pack a rain jacket if you travel here in that month.  

If you want to experience warm and long summer days, August is the second-best time to visit Wroclaw. However, note that summers are usually peak season anywhere in Europe, and Wroclaw is no exception. So to avoid bigger crowds and increased prices, but still enjoy summery days, I recommend planning your trip at the beginning of June. 

Fall here is short with colder days, but it’s a great time to visit Wroclaw if you want to have the city pretty much to yourself with almost no tourists.

And if you want to see Wroclaw in its festive vibe, plan your travels for December to attend Christmas markets and see the beautifully decorated city.

How many days to spend in Wroclaw

Wroclaw sights are within walking distance from each other; therefore, you don’t need much time to see the main attractions. Although, what you want to do and see greatly affects how many days you spend in Wroclaw. 

One full day is absolutely enough if you are after main Wroclaw attractions without visiting museums. However, if you plan to visit a couple of museums, see more than top touristy sights, and even have time to properly immerse in the city vibe, two or even three full days should be enough. 

How to get to Wroclaw 

Like many cities of Poland, Wroclaw is well connected to the rest of the country and other European cities. 

Daily domestic and international flights at Wrocław Nicolaus Copernicus Airport are operated either by budget or ordinary airlines. Poland’s national airline, LOT, flies directly from Warsaw for as low as 60 USD if bought earlier. 

→ Find the best option to get to Wroclaw from any destination in Poland or elsewhere in Europe.

The second-best option to get to Wroclaw is by train from Berlin, Prague, or some of Poland’s great cities, such as Warsaw, Poznan, or Krakow. 

Where to stay in Wroclaw

Like any major city, Wroclaw doesn’t lack accommodation options. Whether you are looking for a hostel, budget-friendly hotel, an entire apartment, or a luxury option, Wroclaw has it all.  

Our choice: Ada Aparthouse – a centrally located apartment close to the main Wroclaw tourist attractions. I am not sure why it’s labeled as Hostel on the platform, as it’s more of an aparthotel with individual rooms and a shared kitchen. Some rooms even have private bathrooms, not inside the room, but you get a key to a designated bathroom only you can use. The fully equipped kitchen has everything you might need to prepare a meal; it’s also quite spacious with a big table. 

Budget hotel: B&B Hotel Wrocław Centrum – a great place to stay in Wroclaw if you are on a budget but don’t want to stay in a hostel. Located close to Wroclaw sightseeing places, B&B Hotel Wrocław Centrum has modern rooms with a work desk and a TV. 

Mid-range hotel: Hotel Jazz Wrocław – this 3-star hotel is another excellent place to stay in Wroclaw with stunning wall art and modern and sophisticated design. 

Korona Hotel Wroclaw Market Square – another option to stay when visiting Wroclaw nestled right in the Old Market Square, so you are a few steps away from any sight. The hotel offers a restaurant, a bar, and well-equipped rooms in its simple and modern design.  

Boutique hotel: PURO Wrocław Stare Miasto – this elegantly designed 4-star hotel in the heart of Wroclaw offers soundproofed rooms, a work desk, and a tabled to regulate air conditioning and lights in the room. 

→ Find other apartments and hotels in Wroclaw here. 

Free Things to do in Wroclaw

Wroclaw offers a wide array of activities to satisfy any traveler. What to see in Wroclaw highly depends on what you like and prefer. However, this post includes the top and best things to do in Wroclaw that anyone can enjoy. 

Discover the 600+ decorative dwarves across the city

With the exact number unknown, you cannot wander through the majestic streets of Wrocław without spotting a fair few of these little guys. You can see Wroclaw gnomes doing anything from pushing boulders, promoting disability campaigns in wheelchairs, and being a prisoner behind bars.

Spotting all or as much as possible is one of the fun and free things to do in Wroclaw. The dwarves acted as a comical distraction while simultaneously representing defiance against the oppressive communist regime that Wroclaw was subject to in the 1980s. One of the most influential groups in dismantling and rising up against the Soviet government was the Orange Alternative, founded in Wrocław.

Each dwarf is a part of their work and commemoration, a reminder of the Polish spirit in times of hardship that proudly mark the nation. 

---

---

Visit a tourism center dedicated to these dwarves

If any city has a tourist center, Wroclaw gnomes have their own tourist information center, Krasnal Info, right on Main Market Square. You can get all the information you need, purchase various dwarf-themed souvenirs, and even buy a map with the locations of all the statues for only 10 PLN to create your own Wroclaw gnomes walking tour.

See the public art honoring the victims of martial law

Passage, or Przejście, is an eye-catching public sculpture representing the period of martial law in Communist Poland. It is also known as the Monument of the Anonymous Passersby in English. 

Located on a sidewalk, the sculpture shows a group of 14 people descending into the pavement on Swidnicka street and then reemerging on the other side on 56 Piłsudskiego street. 

This impressive art, placed in 2005, is often thought of as a memorial for those who went missing or were killed during martial law in the 1980s. 

During 1981-1983, Polish Communist government set provisional laws on the citizens to crush anti-Communist opposition groups and movements. 

This drove people underground in fear, and many got arrested during the night and vanished. The part of the monument where people reemerge from the ground represents the rise of Poles after martial law ended. 

Wander aimlessly around the historical Market Square (Rynek)

Wrocław Rynek is something every city needs. It’s a great open space for entertainment, social gatherings, and just about anything a city’s centerpiece could ever need.

Wrocław Old Town and Market Square are often regarded as some of the prettiest in all of Europe. It was almost entirely rebuilt in 1945 following the devastation of World War II. Still, together with its horse and carriages on cobblestone streets, it certainly feels like a destination steeped in history and culture. 

Right at the square entrance, you see its centerpiece – the Old Town Hall – a Gothic building dating back to the 13th century. It is an excellent example of how the city has developed, combining different architectural styles over the years. Today, it serves the city and is used for cultural and civic events. 

After all, there must be a reason to attract one-fifth of all of Poland’s students beyond the prestigious 300-year-old university of course.

To showcase the market’s diversity, you can witness everything you might expect, from tasty and traditional Polish cuisine to fire-breathing entertainers as the sun begins to set on this epic place. For example, you can even join around 20+ people playing volleyball right at the square. Just an ordinary evening, right?

Surrounded by the city’s ever-present colorful buildings, the market square is the perfect place to grab an affordable bite of local cuisine.  

If you need souvenirs and gifts for your loved ones to bring back home, there are also plenty of shops to fulfill all those touristy needs to remember your Wroclaw trip for many years to come. 

Visit a small allay of artsy shops

Very close to Market Square, on Jatki street, you’ll find small art shops, galleries, and art supply stores selling stunning work. Back in the 13th century, this alley was a commercial hub with lots of taverns and butcher shops. 

After WWII, the street turned into an artsy alley when the city authorities started reconstructing destroyed buildings. 

Local artists who have shops and galleries erected the Monument In Honor of Slaughter Animals to commemorate those animals slaughtered here centuries ago, accompanied by a small statue of butcher dwarf. 

Find a secret garden 

I love finding secret gardens hidden behind tall walls that offer tranquility and lush greenery to escape the city’s hustle. And Barokowy ogród Ossolineum, is exactely that. 

It is a former playground of the nearby gymnasium in pre-war times; now, it offers a peaceful environment for locals and tourists to rest and enjoy the atmosphere. 

You can enter it from the following streets: Szewska, Grodzka and plac Nankiera

Stroll down Wroclaw’s islands

Oder River creates several islands right in the middle of the city, so enjoying a pleasant stroll is one of the best things to do in Wroclaw on a warm sunny day. 

Ostrów Tumski or Cathedral Island is the most popular destination for many. Come here when the sun starts to set, and you may be fortunate enough to see the centuries-old tradition of manually liting up street lamps along the cobblestone paths. It is a beautiful sight to see as you peacefully wander down its lanes.

Only a walk away from the center, the island feels like a little town, as if you had left the city. Here you will find the famed St. John the Baptist Cathedral, a blend of Gothic with Neo-Gothic add-ons throughout the time that creates a marvelous spectacle. 

Other islands worth visiting are Młyńska (Mill Island), Piasek (Sand Island), and Słodowa (Malt Island). 

Shop for groceries in a historic market

Hala Targowa is a historical landmark built in 1908-09 when the city was part of the German Empire. Back in the day, the Market Hall was a very original, modern, and innovative construction featuring a structure with reinforced concrete arches. Such an innovative approach was not used in the rest of Europe until the 1920s, making Hala Targowa the unique building in the whole of Europe at that time. 

Second World War destroyed only parts of the building; therefore, it kept its original form and was still used as a primary food market. 

Today, it sells fresh produce under one roof. Come here to browse stalls of vegetables, fruit, fish, meat, pastries, and bread, to name a few. It also has specialty stalls of Portuguese, Spanish, and Greek cuisines. 

Apart from groceries, you can sit down at one of the dining venues and enjoy a delicious local meal. Additionally, you can get various services such as key duplication, photocopying, exchanging money, repairing a watch or a shoe, and more. 

And even if you are not there to shop for anything, visiting one of the unique market halls in Europe must be on your itinerary.

Other fun things to do in Wroclaw

Play a city game

One of the unusual things to do in Wroclaw is to play a city game, GlassGo2, designed by SIC! BWA Wrocław Gallery. It analysis the functions and conditions of ceramics and glass in urban space.

During the game, you go beyond the framework of a typical art gallery into the streets to follow the riddles and discover Wroclaw’s gems that you might ignore. 

Look for orange stickers and plates with GlassGo2 and QR codes in the Kościuszko Housing District. Scan it and start the game by solving a handful of riddles. 

Enjoy awe-inspiring panoramic views from St. Elizabeth’s Basilica

On a clear and sunny day, this view is simply spectacular. Surrounded by the old town, you can gaze upon the massive market, Wrocław’s river, and pretty much the entire city from the skies. 

What more could you ask from a view? You can see why the city can remind you of Italy’s beauty. Stunning architecture and vibrant buildings are present wherever you look. While the tower of 200+ steps takes a little while to climb, it suffices to say that the view is most definitely worth it. 

And as you’re at the Garrison Church, why not have a look around? Free to enter whether you pay for entrance to the viewing tower or not, the church’s interior is awe-inspiring in itself. 

Have a moment of silence away from the famous old town and market to enjoy the columns and artistry for free.

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 8 am – 6 pm; Sun 1 pm – 6 pm 

Entrance fee: 6 PLN

Walk on Witches’ Bridge 

Gothic St. Mary Magdalene Church, constructed in the 13th century, is home to a small bridge 46 meters above the ground, connecting two towers known as Penitents’ Bridge or Witches’ Bridge. 

According to a legend that started in the 15th century, at night, the bridge would be filled with distressed souls of young women who chose to party and flirt with men instead of performing their god-appointed duties of childcare, housekeeping, and obedience of their husbands. 

Another legend also states that authorities used the bridge to determine medieval witches. Those accused of witchcraft were forced to walk across the bridge with no safety rail. Those who made it across were considered as witches and burned, while others who lost balance and fell to their deaths were pardoned. 

Despite these legends, the bridge is an excellent place to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the city and its Main Market Square. Although, you’ll need to walk 247 winding stairs to get to the bridge. 

Opening Hours: summer season: 10 am – 8 pm; winter season: 10 am – 7 pm

Entrance Fee: Adults – 10 PLN

Sky Tower observation deck

Visiting the Sky Tower observation deck is one of the things to do in Wroclaw if you are keen on a fancier sky-view of the city. The 212 meter-high with elevator to boot is a more convenient option than St Elizabeth’s Basilica, though it is a short walk outside the city center. 

Costing almost $400 million to build, the Sky Tower simultaneously offers plenty of entertainment options such as bowling and shopping if you are in Wrocław for a little longer!

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 8:45 am – 8:30 pm; Sun 9:45 am – 7:30 pm  

Entrance fee: 18 PLN

Tour Poland’s oldest sanctuary for animals

For all, you animal lovers out there, visit Wroclaw Zoo. At over 150-years-old, the oldest zoo in Poland has often featured on TV and has the highest number of different animal species in the country (1100+)!

The zoo created Poland’s first oceanarium that contains sharks and several hundred varieties of fish to see. Certainly a zoo for the record books.

Wrocław Zoo actively participates in protecting endangered species in their natural homes and many other efforts to promote animal welfare. 

By visiting, you’ll not only get to see all these fantastic creatures but support Wrocław’s effort in their conservation efforts, as mentioned above.

Opening Hours: every day, but may vary by the pavilion. Double-check here

Entrance Fee: Adults – 60 PLN.

Admire neon lights at Neon Side Gallery

Located on Ruska 46 and hidden away in a courtyard, Neon Side Gallery features an excellent collection of Soviet-era neon signs collected and saved by the Neon Side Foundation from all over Poland. I had to see this truly hidden gem of Wroclaw after visiting Neon Museum in Warsaw. 

Come here in the evening, after dark, to see various company names and logos arranged on the walls of the communist-era-looking grey building. Local artists created beautiful murals in and around the signs, whatever blank wall space was left.

On-site hip club Surowiec offers cocktails if you want to stick around and see what’s Wroclaw nightlife looks like. 

What to do in Wroclaw if you are a food lover

Enjoy a cup of coffee at a hip coffee shop

Green Caffè Nero is one of the largest Polish coffee shop chains, offering the best Italian coffee, natural food, tasty cakes, and a friendly atmosphere in all of its branches. Its cafes are designed and co-created with local artisans and artists, making each a unique place on its own. 

Their cafes have plenty of space and comfortable furniture for you to sit down, relax, and intake the city’s atmosphere while sipping a delicious coffee. 

Don’t leave without trying traditional food

No trip to Poland is complete without at least sampling sumptuous cuisine. It’s traditional, it’s cheap, and it’s tasty. Therefore, one of the things to do in Wroclaw is to try the local favorite and hearty Polish staple, pierogi. These dumplings are a must-try that come with so many different fillings that one is bound to intrigue you.

For the meat-eaters out there, pierogies will often contain pork, chicken, or fish (like cod or salmon) as a staple meal. For instance, the chicken one has a cheesy tomato sauce within the dumpling.

However, vegetarians can also indulge in this hearty meal, with sour cream and cheeses, or even dessert-style pierogies with sweet fruity fillings such as blueberries. Some of the vegetarian ones are from sauerkraut, potatoes, mushrooms, carrots, and onions. Although, if any other vegetable is available in Poland, it will likely find its way into a pierogi at one fine establishment or another.

The variety of this dumpling does not stop with just the filling – you can find baked, fried, or boiled ones too. 

Furthermore, restaurants will often offer you a sauce to accompany the pierogies as well. Melted butter and sour cream are the more traditional, typical side servings. 

If you can only try a few dishes in Poland, be sure to grab a bowl of meaty Bigos stew on your travels too. It includes sliced meats, usually pork, but venison and rabbit can also be on the menu. This warm dish contains a good selection of vegetables and spices with some wine sometimes thrown in. 

Spicy Polish sausage is somewhat of a signature ingredient for the Bigos and grants it a flavor like no other; indeed, keep an eye out for it while in Wrocław. 

Don’t forget dessert! Sernik is Poland’s famous and long-standing take on cheesecake. As with their pierogies, varieties will have you tasting sernik at every opportunity. Pictured above is a chocolate and cranberry variety that was divine.

Polish cheesecake is a little less sweet and drier than cheesecakes found in the UK, US, or Europe, with a slightly different kind of cream cheese and biscuit base. A refined taste of its own topped with delicious toppings of your choice. 

→ Join a private traditional Polish food tour

Have lunch at a Milk Bar

A Milk Bar or Bar Mlezany in Polish emerged during the Communist times. It is a cafeteria-like restaurant serving low-priced but delicious local meals. 

During the Soviet era, Milk Bars offered government-funded meals mainly made from dairy products, hence the name. Although, over the years, they started offering non-dairy dishes at the lowest prices. 

Milk Bars have a simple design and menu, mainly focused on traditional staples like pierogi, pancakes, Kotlet Schabowy (Polish take on Wiener Schnitzel), and others. They also have set lunch menus, including a salad, soup, main course, and a soft drink. 

Bar Mlezany Mewa and Różowa Krowa (Pink Cow) are among the favorites of many.

Have a tasty dessert at a pink cafe

If you are after Instagrammable places in Wroclaw, Nanan bakery is the place to go. This entirely pink venue sells delicious confectionery and coffee from artisan roasters to enjoy a short break from all the sightseeing you’ve done in Wroclaw.

In its minimalist and sophisticated design, Nanan offers carefully made and intricately decorated eclairs and cookies. 

Try Polish doughnut 

For those who love doughnuts and pastries, you need to try local paczki – deep-fried donuts with fruit or cream fillings covered with sugar or glaze. 

While paczki comes in different flavors, the most traditional ones are stewed plum jam and wild rose. 

Every bakery sells paczki, but Dobra Pączkarnia is a favorite for many. 

Drink hot chocolate

One of the best things to do in Wroclaw is to sip a cup of delicious hot chocolate while admiring the beautiful architecture of the Market square. 

E. Wedel Company, established in 1851, makes confectionery and is the national chocolate company. Every city of Poland has an E.Wedel cafe serving three types of hot chocolate (bitter, milk, white), among other products they make. One small cup of hot chocolate costs 16 PLN. 

Savor Drunken Cherry liqueur

Pijana Wiśnia (Drunken Cherry) is a famous Ukrainian cherry liqueur produced since 1896. It originated in Lviv and took over by storm not only Ukraine but also extended to Poland, Moldova, and Romania. 

The liqueur is made from a traditional Galician (today’s southeastern Poland and western Ukraine) recipe using the best distillate of selected cherries. The liqueur is super delicious, with the right amount of sweetness, sourness, and alcohol. 

Each bar of Pijana Wiśnia has a dominating and robust red-lighting, while the interior often features a chandelier or a wall piece made from red bottles. 

You can try cold or hot liqueur on the spot or takeaway. And if you like it, you can also buy a bottle or other merchandise from the bar to take back home. 

Spread the word!