Your Wroclaw Travel Guide for the Perfect Weekend Escape

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First things first, let’s start with the name: Wroclaw. This city’s name has baffled many a tourist and surely also left many locals shaking their heads in disapproval. Wroclaw is not pronounced raw-claw, but rather vrots-whaf. Confusing, I know. Tricky name aside, Wroclaw turned out to be yet another beautiful city to explore, and it made me glad that Sam and I decided to dedicate a whole month to travel in Poland. The following is a travel guide to some of our favourite things to do in Wroclaw!

Showing you things to do in Wroclaw on your weekend visit to this in Poland

Things to do in Wroclaw

Explore Cathedral Island on foot

Let’s kick things off on Cathedral Island, which is the site of the city’s oldest settlement. Though the river’s flow has changed since Cathedral Island got its name (it hasn’t been an island for a very long time!), it still sits by the river’s edge and it’s a nice place to explore on foot.

Cathedral Island is home to several churches and religious institutions including the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the Church of the Holy Cross, and the Archbishop’s Palace.

Also, I can’t believe I missed this, but while on Cathedral Island, you can visit the Botanical Gardens. They are a little bit hidden from view, so they are easy to miss with the churches dominating the cityscape, but you’ll find the gardens only a couple of lanes north of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.

Crossing the bridge to Cathedral Island in Wroclaw, Poland
Nomadic Samuel taking photos of Cathedral Island in Wroclaw, Poland
That Backpacker Audrey Bergner looking stylish next to the steel arches in Wroclaw, Poland
Nomadic Samuel and That Backpacker Audrey Bergner in Wroclaw, Poland enjoying capturing the moment
Visiting the the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist with its distinct architecture in Wroclaw, Poland
Stained glass windows in the church we visited in Wroclaw

Enjoy a boat cruise down the Oder River

A river cruise is a super relaxed way to see the city from a different vantage point, and when you have a city as picturesque as Wroclaw, it seemed like a no-brainer to hop aboard.

Most cruises depart from a small dock just before you cross over to Cathedral Island, and they leave quite frequently so it’s easy to show up and get a ticket on the spot.

I can’t say I understood a single word of the Polish narration, but I enjoyed the cruise nevertheless. We had sunshine and blue skies, and that was enough for me.

Wide angle vantage point views of Cathedral Island which is a must visit in Wroclaw
Taking a river cruise in Wroclaw enjoying seated views
Boat tours on the Oder River in Wroclaw with distinct wooden features

Visit the University of Wroclaw for city views

Wroclaw has a charming University Quarter, which is located on the north end of the Old Town, and I think it’s well worth the visit even if you’re no longer a student.

University Quarter in Wroclaw as viewed creatively through an archway
The University of Wroclaw as viewed from ground level in Poland

Within the University Quarter, you’ll find the University of Wroclaw, whose claim to fame is Aula Leopoldina, a ceremonial hall done in the Baroque Style. I had seen photos of the pastel ceilings and hand-carved cherubs online and I immediately wanted to visit this place for myself. Unfortunately, on the first day we visited, the university was not open to the public, and on the second attempt, the hall was blocked off to visitors. Two strikes!

Looking for things to do in Wroclaw you can always visit Aula Leopoldina
Architecture inside the University of Wroclaw including a beautiful staircase

I may not have gotten to see one of the most beautiful university halls in Europe, but the Mathematical Tower was open, so we climbed to the top for views of the city. The terrace has a height of 42 meters, which may not sound like a lot, but you can look out over the Old Town and across the Oder River.

City views over Wroclaw from a high and distinct vantage point showcasing unique rooftop views
Views of Wroclaw from the Mathematical Tower including the imposing statue
The Mathematical Tower at the University of Wroclaw from a ground level perspective

Peek inside a Baroque-Rococo church

While wandering around Wroclaw’s University Quarter, we also came upon the Parish of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, which is right next to the university’s main entrance.

The church is done in the Baroque-Rococo style (read: as grand and exaggerated as possible!), so I felt a little better about not seeing Aula Leopoldina because this gave me a little taste of what it must be like.

Admission to the church is free of charge, though donations are welcome, and once you’re in, don’t forget to look up!

Parish of the Most Holy Name of Jesus in the University Quarter located in Wroclaw
Details inside the Parish of the Most Holy Name of Jesus in Wroclaw
Baroque and Roccoco architecture in all of its splendid glory in Wroclaw, Poland

Enjoy the beauty of a secret courtyard

Another pleasant surprise in Wroclaw was the Ossolineum. This building was originally a hospital and convent, then a college, and now it’s home to the Ossolineum Library.

We didn’t realize what we had wandered into at the time – we just knew we found a cute cobbled courtyard surrounded by hydrangeas, mirrored windows, and benches – and since an older couple was enjoying the serenity of the place, we figured it must be open to the public and sauntered in.

This place may not be a secret to the locals, but we couldn’t find it online or in our guidebook, so it felt like a little secret to us. Ahhh, why can we only find places like this in Europe?!

The Ossolineum Library in Wroclaw macro details in Poland
That Backpacker Audrey Bergner enjoying a sit down park bench break at the 'secret' courtyard at the Ossolineum Library in Wroclaw, Poland
Hydrangeas in the Ossolineumn macro details in Wroclaw
This wasn't on our list of things to do in Wroclaw but we're glad we found it by chance

Go in search of Wroclaw’s dwarves

Before visiting Wroclaw, I had read that there were little statues of dwarves scattered across the city (over 300 of them to be precise!) and it didn’t take long after arriving to start noticing them. Even on the walk from the train station to the Old Town, I managed to spot a group of dwarf statuettes on the ledge of an office building.

The idea behind the dwarves is to commemorate Orange Alternative, a Polish anti-communist underground movement which started in Wrocław and used the dwarf as its symbol. In 2001, a decade after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the first dwarf went up on Świdnicka Street, then another in 2003, and then a few more were commissioned in 2005. Fast-forward a few years, and now you can find them every few streets!

I was perfectly content to chance upon the dwarves as I did my sightseeing around Wroclaw, but if you’re up for a scavenger hunt, you can use this gnome map on your phone and try to find as many as possible.

The famous Wroclaw Dwarves are scattered across the city with macro details in Poland
Looking for dwarves in Wroclaw, Poland and spotting them everywhere

Admire the architecture around Market Square

We also visited Market Square which is a medieval square surrounded by beautiful buildings that range from Gothic to Art Nouveau styles and are painted in the most cheerful of colours. It’s crazy to think that almost everything you see in and around the square had to be rebuilt from the ground up after the Siege of 1945. The major landmark in Market Square is the Old Town Hall, a Gothic structure that now houses the Museum of Bourgeois Art.

Visiting Market Square in Wroclaw with colorful buildings and art installations in Poland
Architecture in Wroclaw featuring distinct windows from a ground level perspective
Around Market Square including the main cathedral standing tall in Wroclaw, Poland
The Old Town Hall in Wroclaw with its unique clock
Painted townhouses in the Old Town of Wroclaw that form its iconic views

Shop for fresh produce at Hala Targowa

Whether you’re renting an apartment and looking to prepare a meal at home or planning a little picnic to enjoy at a local park, Hala Targowa is a really cool market to visit.

For starters, the interior of the building kind of reminds me of the shell of a cathedral, but what caught my attention was the rainbow of produce available, and at such great prices too!

There were so many stands with trays of blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, lingonberries – pretty much every berry under the sun – not to mention all the other fresh fruits and vegetables. But that’s not all, you can also buy baked goods, deli meats, and even pick up the odd souvenir or two.

Hala Targowa for fresh produce featuring an assortment of colorful fruits and vegetables on display in Wroclaw, Poland
Visiting Hala Targowa in Wroclaw with an overhead perspective of the market
Shopping for fresh ingredients in Wroclaw including colorful berries on display

Where to stay in Wroclaw

Wroclaw has a variety of accommodations to fit every budget, ranging from hostels to B&Bs and hotels. We stayed at an AirBnB right in the heart of the Old Town and we found that most listings offered great value. You can find entire homes and apartments for $25-50 per night, and much lower if you’re just looking for a private room in someone’s home. The key is to book well in advance so you have a good selection to choose from!

Eating, Drinking & Getting Around: Wrocław Weekend

72-Hour Wrocław “Greatest-Hits” Itinerary

TimeDay 1 – Old Town CharmsDay 2 – Islands & CultureDay 3 – Day-Trip or Hipster Haunts
09:00Pierogi breakfast at KonspiraCoffee at Bracia Ziółko (Nadodrze)Train to Świdnica (Peace Church) or rent city bike
10:00Free walking tour departs RynekCathedral Island churches + Botanic GardenCycle the Odra river embankments
12:30Lunch: bar-mleczny classics at BazyliaCross Tumski Bridge—search for love-padlock dwarfLunch-to-go from Hala Targowa
14:00Climb St. Elizabeth Tower for skyline shotsAula Leopoldina / Mathematical Tower vantageHydropolis interactive water museum
16:00Dwarf-spotting & Ossolineum courtyard chillSunset Oder cruise + riverside craft-beer barStreet art walk in Nadodrze (Łokietka & Rydygiera)
19:00Dinner on market-square terracesPierniki (gingerbread) workshop at Art HotelFarewell feast at Kurna Chata (giant platters!)
22:00Cocktails at GinBar or Nietota clubJazz jam in Vertigo cellarLate-night zapiekanka snack, Szewska St.

Swap days to match weather; the Rynek and islands look jaw-dropping in golden light.

Local Transport Hacks

ModePriceQuick Tips
Tram & Bus4.60 PLN single ride (valid 30 min); 15 PLN 24 hTap contactless card on yellow validator—no physical ticket printed.
WRM City Bikes (Nextbike)First 20 min free, then 2 PLN / 40 minStations every 400 m; perfect for hops between islands.
Regional Rail17 PLN return to Świdnica, 25 PLN to Książ CastleBuy via Koleo app; show QR code on train.
Bolt / UberBase fare ~7 PLNCheaper than city taxis late at night, but trams run until midnight.

Airport ⇆ centre: Bus 106 (day) or 206 (night) in 35 min, 4.60 PLN; taxis ≈ 55 PLN.

Where (and What) to Eat

MealGo-To SpotMust-Order
BreakfastCharlotte (Świdnicka)Kajzerka rolls with house-made raspberry jam & hot chocolate served in bowls.
Mid-morning pick-me-upEtno Café (in the OVO building)Aeropress single-origin + cynamonka bun.
LunchPrzedwojenna (standing bar)4 PLN shot of żurawina vodka + herring on rye = local classic.
Vegan optionKrowarzywaSeitan “pastrami” burger with beetroot-horseradish mayo.
Afternoon sweetNananRose-petal eclair—Instagram legend, but worth the hype.
Dinner splurgeCzajownia (tea house + pan-Asian plates)Peking-duck bao with genmaicha brew.
Budget eatsBar Mleczny MiśHearty żurek soup in bread bowl, 12 PLN.

Craft-Beer & Nightlife Trail

  1. Browar Stu Mostów – award-winning microbrewery; book a Saturday tour for tasters straight from the tanks.
  2. Kontynuacja – 17 taps rotating Baltic porters and hazy IPAs; order the local “WRCLW” series.
  3. Whiskey in the Jar – rock bar on the Rynek, giant Mason-jar cocktails with sparklers—touristy but fun.
  4. Targowa – Craft Beer & Food – set inside Hala Targowa’s attic; pairs smoked ribs with barleywine.

Tip: Many bars add 10 % to outdoor-heating tables in winter; check menu footnotes.

Festivals & Seasonal Specials

SeasonEventWhy Go
MayJuwenalia (student carnival)Free concerts, giant water-fight on Wyspa Słodowa.
JuneWrocław Non-StopTheatre, dance, light-mapping shows around Rynek.
OctoberGuitar Guinness Record DayThousands play “Hey Joe” together; grab a rental guitar and join!
Nov–DecJarmark Bożonarodzeniowy Christmas MarketMulled mead, dwarven gingerbread huts and a fairy-tale Ferris wheel.

Day-Trip Ideas If You Stretch to 3–4 Nights

DestinationTravel TimeHighlight
Świdnica1 h by trainUNESCO-listed timber Church of Peace; stop for coffee at Café Figa.
Książ Castle & Wałbrzych1.5 h + busPink-walled château over the Pełcznica gorge, WWII tunnels.
Moszna Castle2 h 2099 turrets straight out of Hogwarts; hire costume for goofy photos.
Żytnia Forest Bison Centre1 h 40See Europe’s heaviest land mammals, then kayak the Barycz Valley.

Pack snacks—regional trains have no catering.

Budget Snapshot (48 hrs for 2 people)

ItemCost (PLN)USD*
Airbnb Old-Town studio (2 nts)38095
Airport bus + 24-h transit passes4611
Two days’ food (mix of milk-bar & mid-range)30075
River cruise (2 tickets)12030
University tower + church donations5012
Craft-beer crawl (4 bars)14035
Total1 036 PLN≈ 258 USD

*Conversion 1 USD = 4 PLN.

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11 Comments

  1. says: Czarek

    That’s great to hear you liked Wrocław so much. Have you been to Nadodrze district? It’s a grittier part of the city with lots of unique pubs, some cool street art and very old architecture. It’s quite similar to Praga district in Warsaw. You can even download an audioguide here: http://www.audiotrip.org/trip-catalog/1221. There’s also the local zoo which is known as the most beautiful in Poland. Close to that there’s Hala Stulecia, a big historic hall with beautiful fountains at the back. Japanese Garden is also lovely and worth a visit. 🙂

  2. Thanks for the detailed article. I really love Poland. In truth, I have not been in this country for 10 years … Warm memories flooded …

  3. I absolutely love Poland!

    I haven’t yet been to Wroclaw although I’ve been trying to get there for ages but I’ve always been engaged elsewhere! ‘Planning to go in the winter instead!

  4. Great to see you in Poland Audrey – one of my favourite countries and the place that helped me heal my depression. Just be aware of your spelling though (I know it can be tough on an English keypad and I am guilty of it too!) but it should be written Wrocław (where the W is pronounced like a v, the Wr almost becomes a b and the ł has the sound of “aaaoo”, although again they all vary in different word orders, as in łeba, it becomes Webba! Anyhow, great photos and to see you loving POLSKA!!

  5. says: Krystyna

    THE NAME OF THE RIVER ISN’T ODRA?

    1. says: Audrey Bergner

      Oder in English, or Odra in Polish. 😉

  6. says: Magda

    Lovely memories of my birth city flashed back as I was reading your piece. I could not have described it better! I left Poland 1980 and have been back a few times to visit extended family. It is truly a delightful place to visit! And I see, that you agree:) You have provided more insight into Wroclaw for me and I will use your piece as a guide next time I visit. Oh gosh, you really made me miss Wroclaw… Cheers:) Magda

  7. I found you on Youtube with the “10 things to do in Wroclaw”. Great video that made me want to see more of your trips!
    Thanks for the tips on this article. I am giong to Wroclaw this weekend and was helpful! 🙂

  8. says: Mutlu

    Hi, I am going To Wroclow in March. I will be there for three days. I hope it will be enough to see the highlights and wont be too cold. I have also watched your youtube video. you guys are great as usual. Mutlu

  9. says: Ewa and Mirko

    Really cool video, we like it a lot!

    For your next visit in Wroclaw that hopefully will be soon, we have put together some recommendations from real locals in our city blog http://www.wroclawguide.com! We would be very happy if you pay us a visit sometime 🙂

    All the best for you and your blog!

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