Best Things To Do in Wroclaw

Wroclaw is known for its Gothic and Renaissance architecture, as well as for its many bridges and canals that give it a special charm and make it the Venice of Poland. You can also discover the medieval spirit that fills the narrow cobbled streets of this destination in its historic centre and the Old Town.

Some of the best things to do in Wroclaw include visiting the Market Square, touring the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, seeing the skyline from the top of the Town Hall Tower, walking across the Grunwald Bridge and visiting the Auschwitz extermination camp on a full-day excursion.

Wroclaw's Market Square, known as Rynek to the locals, is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. This space is not only a shopping centre, but also a cultural and social meeting point that reflects the history of this place. In addition, in its surroundings, you will find a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, with colourful buildings housing restaurants, cafés and craft shops.

The history of the Market Square dates back to the 13th century, when Wroclaw was an important trading centre in Central Europe. Over the centuries, it has witnessed numerous historical events and urban transformations.

During the Siege of Wroclaw in World War II, much of the square was destroyed, but its subsequent reconstruction has allowed it to regain its original splendour and remain an irreplaceable meeting place.

A visit to the Market Square is an opportunity to immerse yourself in Wroclaw's culture. Here you can enjoy a traditional meal in one of the many restaurants offering traditional dishes such as pierogi or bigos and you will find craft markets where you can buy unique handmade souvenirs. One of the best ways to visit Wroclaw is to book a guided tour of Wroclaw.

Wroclaw's 66-metre high Town Hall Tower is one of the highest points in the city and offers breathtaking panoramic views. From the observation deck you can enjoy a unique perspective of the historic architecture and cityscape that characterises this destination. The experience of climbing the tower is a journey in itself, allowing you to appreciate every detail of the old town.

The tower was built in the 14th century as part of the City Hall complex. Originally designed in Gothic style, it has undergone several modifications over the centuries, incorporating Renaissance and Baroque elements. Its bell, known as the Breslauer Glocke, has marked the passage of time for the city's inhabitants for generations.

Taking in the view from the Town Hall Tower is not only a visual delight, it is also an opportunity to connect with the very essence of Wroclaw from the heart of the Old Town. As you look down, you will be able to identify iconic landmarks such as the Market Square and the Leopoldina Hall building. You will usually be able to visit this site if you decide to book a guided tour of Wroclaw.

If you want to see one of the most enigmatic and fascinating sites in Wroclaw, you should visit the Old Town Prison, a place that offers a unique glimpse into the history and culture of this destination. This former 18th century building has been restored and converted into a museum that allows visitors to explore the living conditions of the prisoners who were housed there and subjected to torture and cruel solitary confinement regimes.

Originally part of the city's defensive ring, the prison became a place of confinement that housed everything from common criminals to political figures during turbulent periods. Moreover, the prison reflects not only the judicial practices of its time, but also the social and political changes that have shaped Wroclaw over the centuries.

At the Old Town Prison you will have the opportunity to take part in guided tours that offer captivating stories about the prisoners and the conditions in which they lived. In addition, you will find temporary exhibitions dealing with themes related to crime and punishment throughout history. One of the best ways to get to the prison complex is to book a bike tour of Wroclaw.

Discovering local traditions on a vodka tour in Wroclaw is a unique experience that will allow you to immerse yourself in the rich Polish culture through one of its most emblematic elements. During this tour you will have the opportunity to visit several distilleries and traditional bars where you can taste different types of vodka, learn about its production and discover how it has become an integral part of Polish life.

The history of vodka in Poland dates back to the 8th century, when it was mainly used for medicinal purposes. Over time, the drink became popular and began to form part of celebrations and social rituals. Wroclaw, as one of the oldest and most vibrant cities in the country, has a rich tradition of vodka production.

Throughout the tour, you will have the opportunity to interact with local experts who will share anecdotes and traditions related to vodka drinking in Poland. From the famous "na zdrowie" (cheers!) to the customs associated with toasting and celebrating special moments, you will learn how this drink became a constituent part of Polish folklore.

Booking a vodka tour in Wroclaw will give you a different profile of this destination and also allow you to learn about the relationship between Polish cities, many of which are interconnected through the distillation, production and transportation of vodka.

If you want to really immerse yourself in the local spirit, Wroclaw's pubs are a must. Wroclaw is famous for its many pubs, which offer spaces for cocktails and shots of white drinks.

One of the main places to start with this activity is the Old Town, where you will find historic pubs that have been part of the cityscape for decades. There you can enjoy local craft beers, Polish wines and, of course, the famous vodka while relaxing with friends or meeting other tourists.

The history of pubs in Wroclaw is intertwined with the city's rich cultural heritage. Founded in the 10th century, Wroclaw has been a crossroads for diverse cultures and traditions over the centuries. Many of the oldest pubs have fascinating stories to tell, which you can learn about if you decide to book a Wroclaw pub crawl.

Also, during your exploration of the pubs, you will have the opportunity to take part in local events such as trivia nights, live music and beer tastings. Some pubs even offer guided tours that combine history and tasting, allowing you to learn about local breweries while sampling their best products.

Visiting the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Wroclaw is an experience not to be missed if you want to immerse yourself in the history and architecture of this Polish city. Located on the island of Ostrów Tumski, the cathedral is a magnificent example of the Gothic style and is one of the most emblematic monuments in Wroclaw.

Inside the building you will find high vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows and sculptures telling biblical and local history stories. You can also climb the towers to enjoy panoramic views of the city and the River Oder.

The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist was built in the 13th century and was initially in the Romanesque style, which was later replaced by Gothic with ostensible modifications. Throughout its existence, it has witnessed numerous significant historical events, including coronations and important religious ceremonies. It has survived wars and natural disasters, giving it a resilient air that reflects the character of Wroclaw.

During your visit, you will have the opportunity to explore not only the interior of the cathedral, but also its surroundings. The island of Ostrów Tumski is known for its quiet and picturesque atmosphere, with cobbled streets and historic buildings that are well worth a visit. One of the best ways to get to know this area is to book a golf cart tour of Wroclaw.

Relaxing in West Park is one of the best ways to enjoy nature and tranquillity in Wroclaw. This sprawling urban park offers a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, with large green areas, walking trails and picnic areas. Here you can stroll along the shady paths, read a book under a tree or simply relax between excursions on one of the park's benches.

The history of West Park dates back to the end of the 19th century, when it was designed as part of the urban development of Wroclaw. It was conceived as a landscaped garden, but the park has evolved over the years to become one of the most popular green spaces in the city.

In West Park you can rent a bicycle to ride along the trails or enjoy a boat ride on the lake inside the park. You can also attend cultural events and festivals throughout the year, where you can enjoy live music, food fairs and other family activities.

Walking across the Grunwald Bridge in Wroclaw is an experience that combines history, architecture and views of the River Oder. This iconic bridge, opened in 1908, is a symbol of the city and connects the two banks of the river, offering easy access to various tourist attractions.

During your walk you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings, with its gardens and green spaces that invite you to relax. In addition, the bridge is adorned with sculptures and architectural elements reflecting the neo-Gothic style of the period, making it a perfect place to take some of the best photographs of your trip.

Walking across the Grunwald Bridge you will have the opportunity to enjoy panoramic views of the old town of Wroclaw and its surroundings. From there you will be able to see some of the city's most iconic landmarks, such as the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and the famous Racławice Panorama. Nearby you can also explore the trails along the River Oder or take a break in one of the local cafés.

Booking a full-day excursion to Auschwitz from Wroclaw is a deeply moving and educational experience that allows you to reflect on one of the darkest chapters in human history. This former concentration camp, located approximately 70 kilometres from Wroclaw, is a place of remembrance that preserves the stories of millions of people who suffered during World War II.

The visit includes a guided tour of the different blocks of the camp, where you can see exhibits documenting life in Auschwitz and the devastating impact of the Holocaust on this site, which was built in 1940 and where the Nazi regime established a detention centre for Polish political prisoners. It eventually became one of the main extermination camps, where more than a million people were murdered.

During the tour you will have the opportunity to explore both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. At Auschwitz I you will see the original barracks and the famous Arbeit Macht Frei sign. At Birkenau, the largest and most devastating camp, you can walk along the train tracks that carried thousands to their tragic fate.

If you want to visit one of Poland's most diverse regions, Lower Silesia is a must. Here you can visit villages, natural landscapes and castles, such as Ksiaz Castle. It is the third largest in Poland and is located in an area close to Swidnica, a rural area famous for its wooden church, which is a World Heritage Site.

Lower Silesia, even today, is marked by German, Czech and Polish influences. This region has witnessed numerous historical events, from the Middle Ages to the Second World War, and during your visit you can not only discover beautiful landscapes and striking villages, but also learn about local history in museums and cultural centres offering exhibitions on Silesian heritage.

In Lower Silesia you can also enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling in the national parks and mountains. The region is known for its nature, which includes the Sudeten Mountains and the Karkonosze National Park. If you love the outdoors, you won't want to miss out on booking a trip to Lower Silesia from Wroclaw to discover one of Poland's must-see regions.