Wroclaw is another colorful and vibrant city in Poland that offers a great range of awesome things to do, and it is a great alternative place to visit for those who are looking to get off the beaten path and explore cities that aren't the usual trinity: Gdansk, Krakow, and Warsaw.
Within this article, we will be highlighting all the awesome places to visit as well as the best things to do in Wroclaw. From tracking down all the little gnome statues in the market square to learning more about the forgotten history of the city at the Museum of the Battle of Raclawice through its massive panoramic paintings, here are the 10 best things to do in Wroclaw for solo travelers.
- Wroclaw Things To Do Itinerary Map
- Where to Stay in Wroclaw?
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10 Best Things to Do in Wroclaw
- Be Amazed by How Colorful Wroclaw Market Square Is
- Track Down the Gnomes of Wroclaw
- Visit Wroclaw Old Town Hall
- Explore the Cathedral Island
- Visit the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
- Check out the View from the Bridge of Penitents
- Drop by Wroclaw Market Hall
- Learn the History of Wroclaw Through a Panoramic Paintings of the Battle of Raclawice
- Go on a Food Tour Around Wroclaw
- Go on a day trip around Lower Silesia
- More Wroclaw Activities
- Poland Travel Video
- When to Visit Wroclaw?
- How To Get To Wroclaw?
- How to Get Around Wroclaw?
- What to Pack for Wroclaw, Poland?
- Further Reading for Poland
Wroclaw Things To Do Itinerary Map
10 Best Things to Do in Wroclaw
1. Be Amazed by How Colorful Wroclaw Market Square Is
Wroclaw Market Square is one of the most colorful city squares in Poland and one of the largest in Europe. The square is surrounded by all kinds of shops, monuments, and some of the most accidentally Wes Anderson-colored houses in Europe.
The square was built during the founding of the city in the 13th Century, and despite it being bombed during WW2, the layout of the square still remains pretty much as it was when it was built.
Most of the houses you see right now around Wroclaw Market Square were built in the 14th Century and even though the square was damaged during the war, these houses were pretty much intact and carefully restored to their former glory and what you see today. Some of them are so old that you can still see the traditional name of the building on the facade.
- Grampa's Hostel (Budget)
- Moon Hostel (Mid-Range) 👍 Top Pick
- PURO Wrocław Stare Miasto (High-End)
- Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour from Wrocław (10 hours) 🏅 Top Pick
- Auschwitz-Birkenau Day Tour from Wroclaw (9 to 11 hours)
- Wroclaw To Stalag Luft Tour - The Great Escape Tour (6 to 7 hours)
The name of these old buildings is usually associated with the coat of arms or related to the history of individual houses, and you will often find names like "Under the Griffins" and "Under the Blue Sun" here.
If you are interested in diving deeper into the rich history of the Market Square and Wroclaw, I highly recommend you join an organized walking tour that should take you around the square as well as other tourist attractions nearby. Highly recommended.
Where to Stay in Wroclaw?
2. Track Down the Gnomes of Wroclaw
One of the awesome things about Wroclaw is its quirky little charm that you won't find anywhere else but here, like the little gnome sculptures you can spot across the Market Square and throughout the entire city.
How did these gnomes get here? Well, it all began with the protestors dressing as fairytale characters, including gnomes, to protest against the communist regime back in the 1980s.
After the Revolution of Dwarfs, the city decided to commemorate its fight against communism and built a bronze statue of a large dwarf on Świdnicka Street where the protesters used to gather.
Since then, these sculptures of dwarves and gnomes have begun to appear all over the town square, and the collection has only grown thanks to one local artist, Tomasz Moczek. He decided to create these sculptures of gnomes in order to depict the daily life of the people here.
Nowadays, there are over 400 gnomes and dwarves throughout the entire city, and they have become a part of the city's identity. They are something you should look out for when exploring Wroclaw.
3. Visit Wroclaw Old Town Hall
One of the most unique structures in the Old Market Square of Wroclaw that you shouldn't miss is the Old Town Hall, a Gothic-style town hall with a beautiful ornate facade, an astronomical clock, and a unique roof design that stands out from the rest of the Market Square.
Constructed in the 13th Century, it is one of the most important landmarks in the city, and it houses a museum and the oldest restaurant in Europe in its basement that has remained there since the town hall was constructed.
Unfortunately, the place is undergoing renovation, but hopefully, it will come back stronger and better than before. If you are exploring the Market Square in Wroclaw, be sure to visit the Old Town Hall. You can also join a walking tour if you wish to learn more about the history of the place.
Tours & Tickets You Might Like
If you are looking for more activities to do here, be sure to check out some of the available tours and day trips:
- Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour from Wrocław (10 hours) 🏅 Top Pick
- Auschwitz-Birkenau Day Tour from Wroclaw (9 to 11 hours)
- Wroclaw To Stalag Luft Tour - The Great Escape Tour (6 to 7 hours)
4. Explore the Cathedral Island
One of my favorite areas to explore in Wroclaw is the Cathedral Island, or as it is known locally, Ostrow Tumski. It is the oldest part of Wroclaw with some remnants that date all the way back to the 10th Century, way before Wroclaw Square was even erected.
It is a quiet and more relaxed area of Wroclaw that almost feels like a different city. It is a great place to stroll around and explore all the old and stunning architecture here.
For a nice, stunning panoramic view of Cathedral Island, be sure to stop by the riverside promenade before crossing the bridge to Cathedral Island. From the promenade, you should be able to see the island and all its magnificent architecture all in one go.
If you are looking to escape the bustling city of Wroclaw and stroll around a medieval town where street lamps are still lit by a lamplighter, Cathedral Island is the place to be. To see the lamplighter, make sure to get there before dusk.
5. Visit the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Right at the heart of Cathedral Island is the massive Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, a Neo-Gothic/Gothic church with double spires 98 meters high, dominating the skyline across Cathedral Island in Wroclaw.
The church is one of the most famous landmarks in the city, and you can go up one of the spires to see the view of Cathedral Island and Wroclaw from above. There is an elevator to take you up there, and you have to climb a few steps to reach the top, which is more convenient than other viewpoint towers in Poland.
The tower of The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist opens during the summer months, specifically between June and September. It operates from 10 AM to 5:30 PM from Monday to Saturday and from 2 PM to 5:30 PM on Sunday. The entrance fee per person is 5 PLN.
6. Check out the View from the Bridge of Penitents
Another great viewpoint you should visit is the Bridge of Penitents, a footbridge between the two towers of Mary Magdalene Church in Wroclaw Old Town. It stands at around 45 meters, which will allow you to see the Old Town from above.
Just make sure you are prepared to climb the 200 steps to get to the top, as there is no elevator, unlike the viewpoint at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. The Bridge of Penitents is open all year round from 10 AM to 6 PM every day, and it will cost you around 8 PLN to go up.
7. Drop by Wroclaw Market Hall
Wroclaw Market Hall is a local market and food hall housed inside this unique-looking, red brick structure built in the early 20th century when the city was part of the German Empire.
Despite its classic exterior that fits well with the rest of Wroclaw's cityscape, the interior of the market is a different story. Once inside, you will find yourself in a large concrete hall with high ceilings that is way ahead of its time, almost resembling the brutalist architectural style the Soviets had honed in the mid-20th century.
Checking out the interior of the Market Hall is interesting in and of itself, but you can also come here to buy some fresh fruits, as well as enjoy a cup of coffee while people-watching. If you are looking for a place to walk around and have a cup of coffee, be sure to check out Wroclaw Market Hall.
8. Learn the History of Wroclaw Through a Panoramic Paintings of the Battle of Raclawice
If you are curious about the history of Wroclaw and are looking for a museum with creative storytelling to engage in, I highly recommend you visit the Museum of Panorama of the Battle of Raclawice, located right before the Cathedral Island crossing bridge.
Whereas other museums tell history through writing, this place tells history through a massive panoramic painting that was painted by an artist from Lwow (modern-day Lviv in Ukraine) in collaboration with many other artists in the region back in the 19th century.
The idea for the painting is to honor and tell an epic story of the Battle of Raclawice, where the Polish insurgent army fought the Russian army, and to emphasize its importance for the Polish nation. This will be achieved through visual elements and an English audio guide that narrates each section of the paintings in great detail.
If you are a history buff and are interested in learning more about the history of this part of Poland, be sure to drop by and check out the Panorama of the Battle of Raclawice. The place opens every day from 8:30 AM to 6 PM, and the entrance ticket is around 50 PLN per person.
9. Go on a Food Tour Around Wroclaw
Trying local food is one of the best ways to explore a city, and if you are interested in trying some awesome Polish food, there are a ton of dishes to try. I highly recommend you go on a food tour with a local guide and visit some hidden gem food spots around the city.
The food tour should take about 3.5 hours to complete, and you will get to sample around 13-14 local cuisines, so be sure to empty your stomach and be ready to taste some of the best Polish food in the city.
10. Go on a day trip around Lower Silesia
If you have a day to spare, I highly recommend you go on a day trip around Lower Silesia and explore all the beautiful surrounding landscapes Wroclaw has to offer.
A day trip around Lower Silesia should take about 8 hours, during which you will be introduced to the troubling history of Wroclaw. You can visit tourist attractions like Ksiaz, the third-largest castle in Poland, and the wooden Churches of Peace. Additionally, you can choose between visiting Complex Osówka, underground chambers where Hitler used to reside, or Gross-Rosen, the largest WW2 concentration camp in the area.
It is a full-day activity and a great chance for you to see the surrounding landscapes of Lower Silesia that you wouldn't see if you only stayed in Wroclaw. If you have a day to spare, I highly recommend spending a day exploring Lower Silesia.
When to Visit Wroclaw?
The best time to visit Wroclaw is during the shoulder seasons from late April to June or late August to September, when the weather is relatively comfortable, the places aren't too crowded, and the prices of accommodation aren't too expensive compared to the peak season of June - August.
How To Get To Wroclaw?
If you are arriving in Warsaw from abroad and would like to get to Wroclaw, you can board one of the many buses from Warsaw Western Bus Terminal bound for Wroclaw. You can easily book the bus online here and it should cost no more than 10 USD and take about 4.5 hours.
How to Get Around Wroclaw?
Most tourist attractions in Wroclaw are concentrated around the Old Town Area, and many of the places I mentioned here can easily be reached on foot, so you do not have to rely on any public transportation here.
Daily Budget
This location is less expensive than most countries, but it's not exceedingly cheap. Expect to spend around $30 - $50 USD per day per person, which includes both accommodation and meals.
Please keep in mind that these are suggested daily budgets based on my own style of travel, which leans more towards the budget side of things. If you aim to stick to this budget, anticipate sleeping in dormitories, dining out only occasionally, and being comfortable with the cheapest and most convenient modes of transportation, which often involve a considerable amount of walking.
What to Pack for Wroclaw, Poland?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Wroclaw, Poland:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Down Jacket: In freezing temperatures, a down jacket is essential. The Columbia Men's Lone Fir Hooded Jacket (for women) is my choice. They are warm, lightweight, and available in various colors.
- Wool Beanie: A wool beanie is perfect for keeping your head and ears warm.
- Wool Gloves: I always have wool gloves handy to keep my hands warm in cold weather.
- Wool Socks: Don't forget to keep your feet warm with wool socks.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Poland
I hope you found this Poland guide useful. If you want to read more about Poland, here is a selection of articles you might like:
- Looking for a complete itinerary for Poland? 2 Weeks Backpacking Itinerary for Poland.
- Planning a trip to Poland and not sure where to begin? Here are the 10 Best Places to Visit in Poland.
- Are you traveling to Poland as part of a bigger Europe trip? Be sure to check out my 3-month itinerary for Europe from Portugal all the way to Sweden.
- Packing for a trip to visit a region as big as Europe can be extremely daunting. Here's a packing guide to help you: What to Pack for Europe - The Essential Packing List.
- Want to visit Europe in winter? Better prepare for the cold. Here's a winter packing guide to help you: What to Pack for Europe in Winter - The Essential Packing List.
- Planning to visit Warsaw, the colorful capital city of Poland soon and not sure where to begin? Check out: 10 Best Things to Do in Warsaw.
- Looking for the best photo spots in Warsaw, Poland? Check out: 8 Best Photo Spots in Warsaw.
- One of the most whimsical fairy-tale cities in Poland, Torun is a must-visit place if you like medieval towns and history. Here are the 9 Best Things to Do in Torun.
- Gdansk is one of the most beautiful port cities in Europe, full of surprising things to do and see. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Gdansk.
- If you are looking to go off the beaten path in Poland, Poznan offers a great alternative to the usual touristy spots in Poland with its unique things to do and places to see. Here are the 8 Best Things to Do in Poznan.
- Wroclaw is a vibrant alternative city to visit for those who seek places in Poland that are off the beaten path, and there are quite a lot of things to do here if you know where to look. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Wroclaw.
- Planning to visit Krakow soon? Check out this travel guide: Top 9 Things to Do in Krakow, Poland that you should check out.
- Not convinced by my words? Here are 125 photos that will inspire you to visit Europe.
- You can also watch my Poland travel video here: "Poland Now" travel video.
- To see all the articles about Poland, visit my Poland Travel Guide page.
- Looking for a place to go after Poland? How about Lithuania, Germany, or Hungary? Visit our Germany travel guide page, Hungary travel guide page, and Lithuania travel guide page for more.
- Traveling in Europe can be cheap, really cheap. These are the 12 Cheap European Countries to Visit.
- Looking for more travel guides for Europe? You can find more on my Europe Travel Guide page.
- Or, if you want something more specific to the region, visit our Eastern Europe Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
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