9 Best Things To Do in Wroclaw, Poland

1. Rynek (Market Square)

Market Square is the very heart and soul of Wroclaw, sitting at the old town’s very center. After WWII, they completely rebuilt and restored the old town. The best time to visit is at Christmas time, when festive markets, twinkling lights, and the smells of Christmas spices are everywhere!

2. Cathedral of St Mary Magdalene

The Cathedral of St Mary Magdalene sits close to the main market square and is just one of the many amazing churches in this area. However, the red-brick cathedral has one defining and fear-testing feature: an open-air bridge between the two 72-meter towers.

It’s said that the bridge (Witches Bridge) was used to identify witches in medieval times. If the witch fell to her death while crossing the bridge, she would be liberated. However, if she made it to the end without falling, she would be assumed guilty and burnt at the stake; not much of a choice! 

Climb the tower to reach the bridge, where you will be rewarded with fantastic views over Wroclaw. Not only that, but there are also some of the famous gnomes! Note: for those with a fear of heights, the bridge is 46 meters above the ground

Opening Times: 10 AM – 6 PM every day 
Entrance Fee: 8 ZL (1.8 EUR)

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3. Go on a Gnome Hunt

Find hundreds of dwarf sculptures throughout the city: A unique thing to do in Wroclaw. In the ’80s, an anti-communist movement protested against the Soviet government using the dwarf as their symbol.

In 2001, a decade after the end of the Soviet Union, the first dwarf sculpture was made to memorialize the movement. Now, there are over 300 dwarfs to be found around the city. Download a map with locations and spend a sunny day in Wroclaw on a gnome treasure hunt. It’s a great way to see the city too!

4. Tumski Bridge

Wroclaw’s most romantic spot is the 19th-century lovelock bridge of Tumski that connects Cathedral Island with Piaskowa Island. It is covered with padlocks from couples who sealed their love. It’s a beautiful place to admire both sides of the river and read the sweet love notes engraved on the padlocks. 

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Tip: Take some time to wander along the Oder River, discovering over 100 bridges and more than 20 small islands. It’s no wonder that Wroclaw is thought of as the Venice of the north!

5. Botanical Gardens – Lovely place to visit in Wroclaw

Once on Cathedral Island, visit the stunning Botanical Gardens, a beautiful place with ponds, bridges, and luscious plant life. The Wroclaw University set it up as a place for students and researchers to analyze rare plant life. Come here to admire flora and fauna, or enjoy some peace during a busy day of sightseeing. 

Opening Times: 9 AM-6 PM (April & September). 9 AM-7 PM (May-August). 9 AM-5 PM (October).
Note: The gardens are closed from November until March.
Entrance Fee: 15 ZL (3.5 EUR)

6. Cathedral Island (Ostrow Tumski)

Cathedral Island (Polish name: Ostrow Tumski) is the oldest and most beautiful part of the city. It’s really enjoyable to walk around here. The main city Cathedral of St John the Baptist is located on the island, with its two majestic spires. Additionally, there is an elevator that takes you to the top.

The Famous Lamplighter

At night, Cathedral Island really is the most romantic, atmospheric part of the city. The whole island is illuminated with the original gas street lighting. What’s more, the lamplighter, dressed in his fashioned cape and hat, still comes every night to light the 103 street lamps in the district manually.

7. Hydropolis – Interactive museum to visit in Wroclaw

The Hydropolis is an awesome exhibit with various interactive installations that show the importance of water. Learn about the underwater world, the impact of climate change, and so much more! Hydropolis shows how water is provided in Wroclaw and explains more about the flood of 1997 (the biggest flood in the city’s history that claimed the lives of 55 people).

Entrance Fee: 27 ZL for adults (6.8 USD)
Opening Times: Tuesday to Friday, 9 AM – 6 PM. Weekends 10 AM – 8 PM. Expect to spend 2-3 hours to see Hydropolis.

8. Ksiaz Castle

Ksiaz Castle is the largest in the Silesia region of Poland and well worth the trip from Wroclaw! The scale and the design of the exterior, garden, and grand interior are breathtaking. Good to know is that your ticket also includes entrance to the Palm House, located nearby.

The fascinating part is that the Nazis took the castle over during WWII, who then created a large underground network of tunnels. To do so, they used prisoners from the concentration camps as slaves.

Opening Times: 9 AM – 4 PM (depending on the season)
Entrance Fee: 39 ZL (9 EUR)

Getting from Wroclaw to Ksiaz Castle

There are multiple options to reach Ksiaz Castle. The easiest way is by rental car or organized tour. The other option is via public transport (train + bus). Have a here for all the route options.

9. Church of Peace, Świdnica

On your way to Ksaiz Castle, make a stop at the Church of Peace in Swidnica. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest timber-framed religious building in Europe, dating back all the way to the mid-1700s.

But the real eye-catcher is its interior! The church’s entire ceiling is decorated with stunning (and enormous) paintings that have been preserved perfectly. Make the church as part of a tour whilst visit also visiting Ksiaz Castle.

Getting To & Around Wroclaw 

Wroclaw has an international airport with various flights leaving for destinations in Europe. There are also direct trains from Krakow in 3.5 hours and Warsaw in 4.5 hours.

Getting Around

Wroclaw is really small, so you can walk between the sights in a very short amount of time. If you want to take the tram out to Hydropolis, you can buy tickets at the machines in the tram/bus stops or at newsagents.

Where to Eat in Wroclaw

There are all sorts of great options for eating out in Wroclaw, from traditional Polish favorites to international fare.