Things To See, Eat & Do In Wroclaw, Poland During Your Stay!

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Wroclaw is full of surprises: it has one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, it’s inhabited by a legion of gnomes, and it boasts a number of fantastic restaurants doling out delicious and traditional Polish food. Plus, your money will go far here – it’s an extremely affordable and budget-friendly city.

There are so many reasons to add Wroclaw, Poland to your European travel itinerary, and the following are a few things to see, eat, and do while you’re there.

Wroclaw rooftop views from a high vantage point in Poland featuring distinct architecture

Wroclaw Travel Guide: What to Do & Experience in Wroclaw, Poland

Distinct architecture in Wroclaw, Poland with cathedral overlooking the waterway

Wander around Market Square. 

At the heart of Wroclaw’s Old Town is Market Square, a charming and colourful square dating back to the 13th century.

The entire area was restored after World War II and is now a hub of activity, with a number of restaurants, bars, shops, and historic sites.

The beautiful facades of the townhouses lining the square are worth the visit alone – the architectural styles range from Medieval to Art Nouveau in a spectrum of colours.

Things To See, Eat & Do In Wroclaw, Poland During Your Stay! Wroclaw Market Square with colorful buildings and pedestrians
Colorful buildings in the downtown of Wroclaw, Poland with yellows, pinks and greens on display and adding plenty of charm

Explore Cathedral Island. 

Cathedral Island (Ostrow Tumski) is the site of the city’s earliest settlements and is now mainly an area of worship.

Surrounded by the River Odra, it’s separated from the main part of the city and is characterized by cobbled streets, a serene atmosphere, and church spires.

Here you can visit several churches, including the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Church of the Holy Cross.

Visit the Town hall. 

The striking Gothic Town Hall was built at the end of the 13th century and was once the most important building in the city – the city council, municipal authorities, and even royalty frequented the Old Town Hall.

Today the building houses the Museum of Bourgeois Art and Piwnica Świdnicka – the oldest restaurant in the city – occupies its basement.

Old Town Hall in Wroclaw, Poland with stunning facades and distinct architecture on offer

Spot the Gnomes. 

Wroclaw’s gnomes originated in the 1980s from an anti-communist group called the Orange Alternative.

At the time, police were quick to cover up any anti-government graffiti on city walls, so members of the movement began painting gnomes over the same freshly painted surfaces. It was their way of peacefully (and gleefully) protesting the authoritarian regime.

Gnomes soon became the calling card of the Orange Alternative, and the bronze statues began appearing in the city in the early 2000s.

There are now over 300 gnomes scattered throughout the city, and you can find them with gnome maps from the local tourism office to spot them on your own or take a guided gnome walking tour.

Wroclaw Gnomes on the street in Poland are a unique and distinct feature of the city and make for a fun game of spotting them as you walk around

Take a vodka-tasting tour. 

Vodka is an inherent part of celebration and everyday life in Poland, and a vodka tour delves into the culture and tradition of the country’s favourite spirit.

You’ll visit several local bars and restaurants, taste of various types of vodka, and sample traditional food along the way.

Learn about the city’s complex history. 

From political conflict to communism, destruction and devastation, Wroclaw’s history is lengthy and tumultuous.

There are various free walking tours to help you get a better understanding of the major events that shaped the city, including the Old Town Tour and the World War II & Jewish Wroclaw Tour.

Sample the local cuisine. 

A few must-try dishes are sour rye soup, pork knuckle, and pierogi – dumplings filled with everything from meat to potatoes & cheese, sauerkraut or fruit. 

Pod Fredra is located next to the Old Town Hall and is a great spot for traditional Polish food.

The food stalls within the main square offer a multitude of inexpensive takeaway meals, like kielbasa (Polish sausage), golabki (stuffed cabbage rolls), or szaszłyk (grilled skewers of meat and vegetables).

Wroclaw Market Square Food Stall where you can sample local cuisine in Poland

Grab a Pint. 

Poland is one of the largest producers of beer in Europe, and there are a number of great bars and breweries in Wroclaw. 

Spiz is one of the most popular bars in Market Square, known for their unpasteurized dark and bronze beers produced on-site; Zloty Pies is a microbrewery and restaurant offering 5 types of beer and beer-infused cocktails, and Zakład Usług Piwnych boasts one of the largest local and international beer selections. 

Wroclaw Pierogi for lunch or dinner in Poland are the ultimate comfort food in Poland

Feast on Pierogi. 

Pierogi is arguably the most well-known Polish food, and one of the most delicious! 

Pierogarnia Stary Młyn is located in Market Square, and has an extensive menu of various types of savoury and sweet pierogi. You can try them boiled, baked, or fried, and choose from dozens of traditional or inventive fillings like potato, cottage cheese & onion, beef & cranberry, or milk chocolate. 

Pierożek is another great restaurant to sample pierogi, located away from the hustle and bustle of Wroclaw’s Old Town.

Are you visiting Wroclaw, Poland? Here's a travel guide with some of the best things to see, eat and do in the city. Enjoy your trip!

Wrocław Planner & Tips: How to Make the Most Of Your Visit to this Underrated Polish City

You’ve got the highlights—Market Square, Cathedral Island, gnome-spotting, hearty plates and frosty pints. Let’s explore how to make the most of your visit with some practical tips.

Distinct architecture found all over the city of Wroclaw, Poland

At-a-Glance Day Plan (Classic First Day)

TimeFocusWhereTiny Tip
09:00Colour fixMarket Square (Rynek)Coffee to go from a side-street café, then do a full clockwise loop for facades.
10:00Gothic grandeurOld Town Hall + Museum of Bourgeois ArtPop into Piwnica Świdnicka for a peek even if you don’t eat—oldest beer cellar vibes.
11:00Dwarf trail warm-upRynek → Świdnicka → Uni Sq.Grab a dwarf map/apps at the info point; let kids “captain” the hunt.
12:30LunchPod Fredra or a market-square grill stallTry żurek (sour rye soup) in a bread bowl + a side of pierogi to share.
14:00Island timeOstrów Tumski (Cathedral Island)Walk Tumski Bridge; climb the cathedral tower for city + river views.
16:00Culture hourPanorama Racławicka or HydropolisPanorama is time-slotted—swing by earlier for tickets; Hydropolis is great for kids.
18:00Golden hourOdra riverfrontStroll the embankments; watch rowers glide under the bridges.
19:30Dinner & pintSpiż (Rynek) or Złoty PiesOrder a tasting flight; ask for the seasonal brew.
21:00Night strollNeon Side Gallery + back alleysThe retro neon signs are a photogenic, quick detour before bed.
Enjoying views of Wroclaw on a boat tour in Poland

At-a-Glance Day Plan (Second Day: Parks, halls, and fountains)

TimeFocusWhereTiny Tip
09:00Leafy startSzczytnicki ParkQuiet, sprawling; bring a pastry for a bench breakfast.
10:00Zen pauseJapanese GardenOpens mid-morning—go right at opening for hushed paths.
11:00UNESCO fixCentennial Hall (Hala Stulecia)Stand under the dome; it’s an engineering flex.
12:00Fountain showPergola & Multimedia FountainSpring–fall mini-shows by day; evening shows on weekends—check the board for times.
13:30LunchBar mleczny (milk bar) nearbyBelly-friendly prices, classic plates—point, smile, enjoy.
15:00University flourishAula Leopoldina (Uni of Wrocław)Baroque stunner; climb the Mathematical Tower for another angle on the city.
17:00Neighbourhood peelNadodrze craft cafés & muralsCreative quarter, calmer than Rynek—great coffee break.
19:00Pierogi partyPierożek or Stary MłynOrder one baked, one boiled, then swap.
21:00Vodka samplerGuided tasting or small bars clusterPair vodka with herring, pickles, or smalec (spread) like a local.
Wroclaw tourists and pedestrians gather around distinct landmarks in Poland

Neighbourhood Guide (Sleep + Snack + Vibe)

BaseWhy stay hereEat nearbyNight vibe
Rynek / Old TownWalkable to almost everything; storybook facadesPod Fredra, Spiż, Złoty PiesLively till late in high season.
Ostrów Tumski edgeCobblestones, lamplighter romance at duskTiny cafés on KatedralnaSerene; church bells for alarm clocks.
NadodrzeStreet art, makers’ studios, indie coffeeNeighbourhood bistros, craft bakeriesLocal, low-key.
Szczytnicki Park / Hala areaNear UNESCO hall, gardens, fountainPergola eateries, milk barsQuiet nights; quick tram to center.
Wroclaw gnome macro details of its beard up close in Poland

Theming your visit (pick a thread, build the day)

Architecture hits

  • Gothic–Renaissance mashup at Old Town Hall
  • University’s Aula Leopoldina + Mathematical Tower
  • Centennial Hall + Pergola curve + Japanese Garden bridges

Quirky Wrocław

  • Dwarfs (set a target: 25 in a day!)
  • Neon Side Gallery (glow-nostalgia)
  • Hydropolis (water museum) for unexpected wow

Water + bridges

  • Loop Grunwaldzki BridgeSand BridgeTumski Bridge
  • Sunset on the Odra embankments; hire a small electric boat in season

Rain plan

  • Panorama Racławicka, Hydropolis, Museum of Bourgeois Art, University interiors, café-hop Nadodrze
Wroclaw market colourful views from a high vantage point in Poland

Food Crawl (Snack your way through the Day)

StopOrder thisWhy it’s perfect for a crawl
Market-square grill stallKiełbasa + mustardWalkable protein kick; share one.
Milk bar (Bar Mleczny)Kotlet schabowy (pork cutlet) + mizeria (cucumber salad)Iconic, cheap, quick; cafeteria-style fun.
Bakery windowPączek (jam doughnut) or sernik (cheesecake)Portable sugar; pairs with tram rides.
Pierogi houseRuskie (potato & cheese) + a sweet (blueberry/choc)Split boiled vs. baked for contrast.
Evening barTatar (beef tartare) or śledź w oleju (herring) with vodkaTraditional pairing; ask for rye bread.
Boats are a popular transportation option in Wroclaw, Poland

Getting Around The City With Ease: Transportation Guide

NeedEasiest moveTiny tip
From WRO airportBus 106 to Dworcowa / Main Station or taxi/app rideContactless works on buses; validate if using a paper ticket.
Cross-town hopsTram (dense network)Stand right, face left; watch doors—some close briskly.
TicketsContactless validators on board or kiosksTap once per rider; keep card tapped on that vehicle only.
Bike & e-scooterSeasonal; hire via appsStick to lanes; cobblestones + tram tracks = slow down.
Day-trip railWrocław Główny (main station)Arrive early; the hall itself is a stunner.
Wroclaw modern city views with trams crossing the bridge in Poland

Pocket Checklist Cheat Sheet

ItemWhy it helpsUse it when
Small coins (PLN)Toilets & tiny bakeries may be cash-onlyMarket squares, parks
Contactless cardTrams, buses, most cafés accept tapAll day, every day
Light scarfCathedral shoulders, breezy bridgesOstrów Tumski, evening river walks
Comfy solesCobblestones + bridges add upFull Rynek → island loop
Offline mapTram lines spiderweb fastUnderground passages at the station
Reusable bottlePlenty of benches for sips & breaksLong island walks
Wroclaw offers visitors quiet park and green spaces as escapes in Poland

Seasonal Sense-Check (what’s likely, when)

SeasonExpectPlan for
Mar–AprCool starts, blooming parksLayered jacket; indoor museums on cold snaps
May–JunLong golden hours, fountain shows startPicnic gear for pergola lawns
Jul–AugWarm, busy squaresEarly cathedral visit; late dinners alfresco
Sep–OctCrisp air, vivid leaves in SzczytnickiBest photography light; book Panorama slots
Nov–DecChristmas Market magic on RynekWeeknight visits for thinner crowds
Jan–FebQuiet, frosty morningsCafé-heavy days; hearty soups (barszcz, żurek)

Read more about Poland

Join the Conversation

11 Comments

  1. says: Jillian

    Never been in Poland but I wish I could visit 🙂 seems like magical place

    Jillian

  2. says: Esther

    Looks beautiful and sounds like an exciting city. I’ve never been to Poland but it’s definitely on my to-visit list.

  3. says: Megan

    I might be being overly critical here but this is a very mediocre example of what to see, eat and do in Wroclaw.
    I’ve never even been to the city myself but I could still tell someone to have some dumplings and vodka and take a walking tour, these are things that are almost impossible to miss: the little guide that your hotel or the airport gives you when you arrive will have as much, or more, useful info. It seems like someone went to a city for a couple of days, did the generic tourist things and had to come up with a post about it. Individuality people!

    1. says: Audrey Bergner

      To be fair, not every traveller has the luxury of time in a new destination, so if you’re only there on a weekend break, I think these suggestions would help you scratch the surface.

      1. says: Megan

        That is so true, most people probably wont spend longer than a weekend in Wroclaw anyway, many could argue that’s all the time it needs, but then that renders this post even more redundant. If this traveler was able to turn up and randomly do these things, then any other traveler would likely do the same, they’re the most accessible activities that a quick google search or Wroclaw Wikitravel page will tell you.
        I so promise I’m not deliberately trying to be an arse, but I generally think to produce a guide you should spend some time somewhere and have a bit of variation, if you yourself can only spend a couple of days, then I think a ‘Here’s What I Did’ post is more fun, it can be more personal then.

        I’ll stop now, I didn’t even think I had any opinions on this! Lol
        And I do love your blog, no hate!

  4. says: Ioanna

    Wrocław is beautiful indeed, Audrey! My brother lives there, so I have the chance to go and visit once in a while. The architecture is stunning and it’s filled with various artsy and quirky bits… It’s just the perfect city to visit!

    Happy travels!
    Ioanna (A Woman Afoot)

  5. says: Greg

    Wroclaw has some interesting viewpoints. I especially recommend the Witches’ Bridge. Beautiful panorama and interesting history.

  6. says: Joanna

    As someone who has had the opportunity to visit Wroclaw several times, I must say it truly exceeded my expectations. Wroclaw’s rich history, stunning architecture, and friendly atmosphere make me revisit every year.
    I’d add to this list the Japanese Garden and Wroclaw’s ZOO (Afrykarium is truly impressive!). The ZOO management does a lot to protect wild species which I appreciate a lot.

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