11+ Things To Do in Wroclaw, Poland | Fun Activities & Sights

Looking for things to do in Wroclaw, Poland? You’re in the right place. Situated in southwestern Poland along the Oder River, this hidden gem of a city is brimming with exciting sights.

Only a two-hour flight from London, Wroclaw is a picturesque and affordable destination that’s sure to have you returning soon. It’s the ideal spot if you’re on a budget or simply looking for a dreamy destination closer to home.

From bustling squares and historic restaurants to must-see viewpoints, quirky sights, and numerous canals, Wroclaw has a bit of everything. So whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an eager photographer, you’re sure to fall in love with this city. 

Tip: Looking for more European trip ideas? Have a look at my weekend guide to Nuremberg with kids.

How to Get to Wroclaw, Poland

The easiest and fastest way to get to Wroclaw is to fly. Many affordable and traditional carriers offer direct connections to Wroclaw from most major cities in Europe. 

If you’re travelling from other parts of the world, you’ll likely fly into Warsaw Chopin Airport, Poland’s largest airport. From there, you can take a connecting bus or train to Wroclaw.

11 Best Things to Do in Wroclaw, Poland

Wroclaw is one of the oldest and most beautiful of Poland’s attractions, complete with picture-perfect facades painted in happy hues. While it’s one of the less popular places to go in Poland, it boasts plenty of fun activities and sights. So, let’s explore what there is to do in Wroclaw!

Explore the Medieval Market Square (Rynek)

Immerse yourself in the heart of Wroclaw, admiring the multi-coloured facades and intricate architecture of its main square. 

The Rynek of Wroclaw, or Market Square, measures over 200 metres in width. It is one of Poland’s oldest and most expansive squares. Much of the cobblestoned square was damaged during WWII and rebuilt to what you can admire today. 

When you’re not snapping photos of the surroundings, stop for a coffee or beer and enjoy some people-watching. You may even spot a few performance artists — especially during summer. In winter, the Market Square comes alive with Christmas markets. The buzzing square is also home to a few other attractions, including museums, art galleries, and interesting sculptures.

Note: If you’re looking for more European Christmas destinations, have a look at this guide to exploring the Christmas markets in Leipzig, Germany. 

Go Dwarf Hunting

One of the more unique things to do in Wroclaw is to seek out the tiny dwarves scattered across the city. 

There are over 400 little bronze dwarf statues dotted throughout Wroclaw. Each dwarf (called “Krasnal” in Polish) is unique, showcasing a different occupation or theme. You can expect to bump into everything from a prison dwarf, a selfie dwarf, or a bakery dwarf to an entire dwarf orchestra. 

So, how did these dwarves become such a big part of Wroclaw? The history of these dwarves dates back to the 1980s. In political protest against the communist regime, the Orange Alternative movement painted dwarves wherever the government painted over their graffiti. This eventually became a symbol of the movement and the first commemorative dwarf, Papa Krasnal, was erected in 2001.

From there, the number of dwarves grew exponentially. Today, dwarf hunting is a favourite pastime for locals and tourists alike. It’s a great activity to do if you’re visiting Wroclaw with kids.

Tip: Dwarf hunting is an excellent way to explore and get to know the city. If you’d like to learn more about the city’s history, while looking for dwarves, consider a guided Wroclaw walking tour.

Enjoy the Views Over Witches’ Bridge

More popularly known as the Bridge of Penitents, the Witches’ Bridge connects the two towers of St. Mary Magdalene Cathedral. 

To get to this footbridge, you’ll have to climb up about 200 stairs. The bridge stands about 45 metres above ground, so this viewpoint may not be for everyone. At the top, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Market Square and the rest of Wroclaw Old Town. 

It’ll cost you about 10 PLN (​​Polish Zloty) or £2 to enter, and the bridge is open year-round from 10 am to 8 pm.

Fun fact: The bridge has many legends and myths surrounding it. Its name “the Witches’ Bridge” is allegedly attributed to the times when “witches” were hunted. If the accused person managed to safely cross the footbridge, they were supposedly proven to be a witch.

Admire the Baroque Hall at Wroclaw University

Wroclaw has a thriving student population of over 100,000 dispersed across its 25 universities. The city’s largest institution, Wroclaw University, is one of the most spectacular, home to some of the most well-preserved baroque halls.

These halls showcase a marriage of painting, architecture, and woodcarving, championing unity in arts. Wroclaw has historically been part of the territories of the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany and Poland. So the interiors of this 18th-century building draw on various influences.

You can look forward to ornate, dynamic frescoes and intricate gold detailing that’s sure to leave you in awe. Even the university’s door is a spectacular sight. Be sure to go up the Mathematical Tower to enjoy beautiful vistas of the Oder River and Wroclaw Old Town.

Take an informative Wroclaw University baroque tour to learn more about the history behind these spectacular creations. You can also pop into the museum to see various University memorabilia, photos, and artefacts. 

Dine at the Oldest Restaurant in Poland

What better way to get to know Wroclaw than to dine among over seven centuries of history? Dating back to 1273, Piwnica Świdnicka is Poland’s oldest restaurant and one of the oldest in Europe. This restaurant brewery sits tucked below the Old Town Hall, in its Gothic cellars. 

Stop by this historic spot for a delicious meal made of the freshest produce and a beer crafted on-site. There’s also a vast selection of cocktails, wines and other drinks to choose from. Top it off with excellent service and delightful desserts, and you have a must-visit restaurant in the heart of the city.

Enjoy a Scenic Boat Ride on the River Oder

Did you know that Wroclaw is sometimes referred to as the Venice of Poland? While it may not sit on a lagoon, Wroclaw is surrounded by canals. For this reason, you’ll find over 130 footbridges and bridges across the city. 

Get a different perspective of the city with a scenic Oder River cruise. You’ll pass sights like Cathedral Island, Wroclaw Zoo, the Water Towers, and the National Museum. Your guide will also provide an overview of Wroclaw’s inland waterway transport system. It’s a great way to kick back and simply absorb all the beauty this city has to offer.

Tip: Not too keen on a boat trip? Why not consider a cycling tour of Wroclaw instead?

Indulge in Pierogies in Konspira

Sample traditional classics at Konspira, a must-visit restaurant with a 1980s-style Polish apartment vibe. Expect cosy interiors, complete with informational insights into the resistance during communist-era Poland. Be sure to grab a seat in the beer garden if the sun’s out, or simply enjoy the indoor aesthetics. 

The menu features all the traditional Polish classics, including tasty beef roulade, potato pancakes and goulash, and pierogi — Polish dumplings. The servings are generous here, so bring your appetite or someone to share with. 

Tip: This spot is ultra popular, so you’re likely to encounter a queue. Try to arrive early or secure a reservation.

Sip on Colourful Cocktails

After a day of exploring, kick back with a creative cocktail at Bulka Maslem. This plant-filled spot boasts cosy interiors and a magical garden perfect for whiling away sunny days. 

Bulka Maslem offers all sorts of fun cocktails — both cold and warm. So whether you’re looking to cool down or cosy up, this spot won’t disappoint.

Tip: Immerse yourself in Poland’s vodka culture with a Wroclaw Polish vodka tasting.

Visit Cathedral Island at Dusk

Escape the bustling city and stroll about Ostrów Tumski, or Cathedral Island, the oldest part of Wroclaw. Remnants of early settlements date as far back as the 10th century. This beautiful area features stunning religious architecture and a much calmer atmosphere. 

To get to this area, you’ll cross the Oder on Most Tumski, also known as the Lover’s Bridge. The bridge was once covered in lovelocks but has since been renovated. 

One of the most exciting activities on Cathedral Island is to stalk the lamplighter. Every evening at dusk, a lamplighter walks throughout Ostrów Tumski, lighting each of more than 100 gas lamps by hand. It’s a unique sight that’ll transport you back in time.

Tip: Take a combined walking tour of Wroclaw Old Town and Ostrów Tumski to learn more about these historic areas.

Head to the Neon Side Gallery

While Wroclaw certainly has a lot of stunning historic sights, it also boasts a few modern ones. For the coolest vibes, step into the backyard at Ruska 46c. Here, you’ll be teleported to a vibrant outdoor gallery of relocated signs. 

This courtyard of workshops, galleries, murals and electrifying signs saw its first addition in 2005. A local man rescued a neon sign that was meant to be destroyed and placed it in the courtyard. His addition lit the way for the 30 or so signs that would follow. 

Today it’s one of the most unique sights to seek out at night. It’s also the perfect spot to test your photography skills, so don’t forget your camera.

Munch on the Best Pizza at Iggy Pizza

If you’re craving good old comfort food, look no further than Iggy Pizza. Enjoy authentic Neapolitan-style pizza and other Italian classics in an eclectic and modern atmosphere — complete with fun neon signs. 

Pair your tasty pizza with a pink “rose lemonade” or a fun cocktail. It’s the perfect combination for fuelling up after a long day of exploring.

Take a Day Trip

While Wroclaw certainly has no shortage of sights, it also serves as the perfect base for a few day trips. Day tours are a great way to learn about the prominent landmarks that form part of Poland’s expansive history. 

If you’re interested in learning more about WWII, consider a day tour to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Auschwitz was the largest of the Nazi concentration camps where over a million people sadly lost their lives. 

This day tour will give you an in-depth insight into the dark history of Nazi rule. You’ll see the gas chambers, crematorium, and various exhibits that illustrate the brutal conditions people faced in the camps.

You could also take a tour of Lower Silesia from Wroclaw, exploring some monumental, historical sights. These include a visit to Poland’s third-largest castle, Książ Castle. You’ll also visit the Church of Peace, the Świdnica Market Square, and the Walbrzych Palm House.

Spend a Night at Książ Castle

Want to live like royalty for a day? Why stop at a day tour to Książ Castle when you can spend the night? You can book a stay at Hotel Książ, located in three of the castle’s outbuildings. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a calm night outside the city after exploring the beautiful grounds.

This spectacular pink and green castle is nestled among greenery about an hour and a half’s drive from Wroclaw. The postcard-worthy 13th-century castle features opulent interiors, vast manicured gardens, and towering windows. 

While the castle has a fairytale-esque appearance, its history is not as pretty. The castle was seized during Nazi rule and has mysterious Nazi-built underground tunnels. Książ is also rumoured to be the hiding place of a train filled with golden riches. But this mystery treasure is yet to be uncovered.

Where to Stay in Wroclaw, Poland

Wroclaw has plenty of affordable accommodation options for every budget. Here are just a few suggested hotels for your getaway to the city of dwarves.

Budget | Hotel Jazz

Hotel Jazz is nestled in the heart of the city, just around the corner from Market Square and the Oder River. Featuring exposed brick walls, towering windows, and muted contemporary decor, it’s the ideal budget hotel option. Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the on-site restaurant before setting out on foot for a day of exploring.

Mid-Range | Old Town Haston

Enjoy elegant, spacious rooms with modern decor at Old Town Haston. This hotel sits within a short distance of many of Wroclaw’s top sites and restaurants, including Wroclaw University, Iggy Pizza, and St. Mary Magdalene Cathedral. 

Luxury | PURO Wroclaw

The PURO hotel boasts playful yet minimalist interiors with vibrant hues. Enjoy the comfiest beds, bright and airy rooms, and complimentary coffee whenever the caffeine cravings call. If you’re a music lover, be sure to stop by the National Forum of Music nearby. Be on the lookout for the Wroclaw dwarf orchestra while there. 

Wroclaw Things to Do: FAQs

Still have a few questions about the activities and places to see in Poland’s Wroclaw? Have a look at these answers to some commonly asked questions.

How Do You Pronounce Wroclaw?

If you’re wondering how to pronounce Wroclaw, you’re not alone. Wroclaw may be a tricky word to pronounce for non-Polish speakers, but you’ll get there with a bit of practice. It helps to break the word into two; “Vrohts” plus “wahf”.

How Many Days in Wroclaw is Enough?

How long you spend in Wroclaw will depend on how many sights you want to see. However, 2–3 days offer plenty of time to explore most of the city. This makes Wroclaw the perfect destination for a weekend away. You could also use Wroclaw as a home base to explore other parts of Poland or nearby Germany and Czechia.

Is Wroclaw a Good Destination for Tourists?

Wroclaw is one of the must-see places in Poland if you’re looking for something a bit off the beaten path. It’s often overlooked for the more popular Poland tourist attractions, like Kraków, Gdańsk, and Warsaw. But the city is such a gem, with plenty of historic sights, architectural wonders, and natural beauty to marvel at.

Is Wroclaw English Friendly? 

Wroclaw is a major university city with students from all over the world, so you’re sure to find some English speakers. Due to it being a large tourist city, many people in Wroclaw speak English as their second or third language. However, it’s always good to learn a few helpful Polish phrases before your trip! 

What to Do in Wroclaw: Wrapped Up

There you have it, my guide on what to do in Poland’s Wroclaw! With its quirky statues, vast history, and undeniable charm and atmosphere, you won’t regret visiting Wroclaw. I’ve only listed some of the delightful activities and sights, but there’s even more to Wroclaw waiting to be explored. 

If you’re looking for other nearby getaway destinations, why not consider a trip to Bregenzerwald, Austria? There are also plenty of things to do in Malta if you’re craving a sunny coastal vacation. If you’re travelling from the UK, you may also find this guide on travelling to Europe after Brexit useful.