Wrocław is an ancient city established in the 10th century as Vratislavia and later known as Breslau because it was German for an extended period. Chances are high you haven’t been there – but it is definitely worth a visit!
I was truly impressed by how many treasures are hidden here; you’ll need at least 2-3 days to explore them!
Throughout its complex history, Wrocław has been destroyed by the Mongols and has been under the rule of the Bohemians, Habsburgs, Prussians, Napoleon, and the Weimar Republic until it became a part of Poland in 1945, after the end of WWII.
You can see the remnants of all these periods here, including the influences of the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union!
Check out my guide below to learn more about this city.
1. Market Square in Wrocław
The Market Square, or Rynek, is the very heart of Wrocław; there’s no way you can miss it! It dates back to the 13th century and has always been a significant place for social gatherings, including Christmas markets.
Besides that, it’s one of the largest squares in all of Europe and an architectural gem with many colorful houses in the area (many are named after the coats of arms depicted there). For instance, you can spot the Golden Sun House, which houses the Pan Tadeusz Museum; the Hensel and Gretel houses connected by an arch; and the beautiful house N8, where Leopold I is depicted alongside seven Prince-electors.
Unusual events take place here too; for instance, it’s the site of the Thanks Jimi festival, where people gather to play “Hey Joe,” a song by Jimi Hendrix, all together simultaneously. And, of course, don’t forget to spot the Krasnals, or dwarfs, here! The information office about them is located here too.
You can also see a monument to the famous Polish poet Aleksander Fredro here. We had lunch just behind it at a restaurant called Pod Fredra, which serves traditional Polish cuisine; the goose breast and ‘Russian’ pierogi with cheese and potato were amazing. Another feature of the main square is a glass fountain dating back to 2000.
2. Town Halls: Old and New
The majestic building of the Old Town Hall is one of the best-known sites in Wrocław. Its construction started in 1299 and lasted for three centuries.
It’s decorated with many sculptures, all modeled after real people from various social classes, and the architect Richard Plüddemann is depicted on one of the statues as well!
Pop inside to explore the Wrocław City Museum, which is now located inside. The most amazing views over the square are guaranteed!
In the museum, there are some gorgeous artefacts, such as tableware and metalwork, as well as temporary exhibitions (for instance, during our visit, there were old table lamps).
The New Town Hall, built in the vicinity of the Old Town Hall on the Market Square, dates back to 1860-1863 and now houses the administrative offices of the city.
3. Salt Market Square
A smaller square just off the Market Square is the Salt Square. In the past, salt was brought here, and now you can see flower stalls.
Some souvenirs and arts & crafts goods are sold here as well – and many restaurants are located to the flanks of the square. Be sure to spot the beautiful Old Exchange building here too!
4. Krasnals
Do you know what the symbol of Wrocław is? It’s a dwarf, or Krasnal in Polish!
The Solidarity political movement arose in 1980, and the story of the dwarfs began in the 1980s as well: anti-communists started painting dwarfs in protest against the government.
They were dearly admired, and in the 2000s, the first bronze figurine appeared.
Now there are hundreds of them – probably around 800! We saw dozens of them placed on the pavement, benches, or even lanterns, all with different facial expressions and doing various activities.
We even bought a map as a souvenir that marks some of the most famous dwarfs in the old center.
However, it’s more fun to spot them independently – sometimes in the most unusual spots!
5. National Museum in Wrocław
First of all, it’s important to mention that many objects of art were transferred away or even destroyed during Poland’s turbulent history when it was under German and Soviet control. The National Museum in Wrocław was established in 1947 and houses the surviving art pieces from a few older museums of Wrocław established in the 19th century.
The museum’s permanent collection is divided into several sections: Silesian Art from the 12th to 19th century (two sections), Polish Art from the 17th to 19th century, and European Art from the 15th to 20th century.
My heart breaks for all those amazing pieces that were lost due to bombing and looting in the 20th century, as Wrocław clearly holds some of the finest examples of European religious art and the Silesian (today’s mixed Polish, Czech, and German) royal heritage. Some valuable items were also transferred to Warsaw’s National Museum.
Thus, the collection you see today is just a tiny fraction of what was once kept in Wrocław, but it’s still very impressive. The museum is very well organized, with lots of information in English, a shop, and a café. Entry to the permanent collection on Saturdays is free. During our visit, a temporary exhibition featured Rubens.
For more museum experiences, visit the former Royal Palace!
6. Cathedral Island
One of the main attraction of Wroclaw is St. John the Baptist Archcathedral. The cathedral is located in the oldest part of the city, Ostrów Tumski, or Cathedral Island, which used to be surrounded by water.
In the 19th century, the Breslau Moat that framed it on one side was filled with soil; however, this part of the city is still referred to as an island. The Cathedral, made of bricks, dates to 1272; however, it has been reconstructed several times. Come inside to admire its restored altarpiece and stained glass windows!
For the views, we headed to the Sky Bar at The Bridge hotel – sadly, it was closed due to weather conditions on Saturday, and we were told it’s closed on Sundays as well.
A few other landmarks you can spot on Cathedral Island are the Collegiate Church of the Holy Cross and St. Bartholomew, the Archbishop’s Palace, and The Sisters of Saint Elizabeth (Grey Nuns) monastery. If you visit in the evening, the lanterns here are still lit by hand!
We also had a delicious meal at Lwia Brama (Michelin Guide) just steps away from the Cathedral – see more of it below.
7. The Racławice Panorama
The Racławice Panorama is an epic cycloramic painting from the 19th century depicting the main event of the Kościuszko Uprising, the Battle of Racławice. The painting is enormous: 114 meters wide and 15 meters high, with an observation point located right in its center.
The Kościuszko Uprising is an important event in the long Polish struggle for independence. In 1793, the second partition of Poland took place. In 1794, Tadeusz Kościuszko led a revolt against the Russian Empire and the Kingdom of Prussia, who benefitted from Polish territories; the battle near Racławice against Russian forces was one of the first and successful for Poles. However, after the uprising was suppressed later that same year.
Your visit lasts 30 minutes, and you enter the circular building with a group (there are two entry slots every hour – you can buy tickets in advance or on-site, but they might be sold out). The tour is conducted in Polish, so don’t forget to grab an audio guide in English!
Apart from the large panorama, there is also a free small panorama in a separate hall and a shop!
8. River Cruise
The Oder, flowing from the Czech Republic, is the second-longest river in Poland, and a river cruise on the Oder is a special treat!
There are many options available, and you can spot stalls selling various cruise tours if you walk along the river itself.
We opted not for a sightseeing tour or a regular tour but went directly to the Wrocław Zoo, which conveniently had one of its entrances precisely at the river pier.
9. Wrocław Zoo
The Wrocław Zoological Garden, or Wrocław Zoo, was established in 1865 when the city was still known as Breslau and belonged to the Kingdom of Prussia. This year marks its 160th anniversary.
This makes it the oldest zoo in Poland. Besides that, it hosts the largest number of animals among other Polish zoos, with over 10,000 animals from more than 1,100 species!
The Africarium there is a must-see; it’s a unique oceanarium with large tanks housing fish, sharks, stingrays, hippos, manatees, and other impressive animals from Africa.
There’s also a section featuring the Congo jungles, a shop, and a café.
Additionally, the zoo is actively involved in protecting animals worldwide, participating in over 30 conservation projects to help endangered species.
10. Four Temple District
From the Old Town Promenade (a nice green area along the canal) towards the center of the old city, you can find the so-called Four Temple District.
It’s called so because you can find ‘temples’ for people with various religious beliefs, all living peacefully in close proximity to each other.
Spot all of them during your visit: The White Stork Synagogue, The Orthodox Cathedral of the Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God, The Roman Catholic Church of St. Anthony of Padua, and The Augsburg Evangelical Church of Divine Providence.
11. St. Mary Magdalene Church
If you’re ready for a good climb (around 250 steps one way), come to St. Mary Magdalene Church, founded in 1330 and built in several stages. On the square besides it you can find a flea market.
Its main features are two 45-meter-high Gothic towers from the 15th century connected by a bridge you can visit! It’s called Mostek Czarownic, or Witches’ Bridge.
You can enjoy not only the most amazing panorama of Wrocław but also see a cute statue of a witch and a dwarf if you dare to climb all the stair up (it’s not too difficult but takes some time) – it’s worth a visit.
This church is also famous for a speech about the reforms of the Silesian church by J. Hess!
12. Museum of the University of Wrocław
The University of Wrocław, founded in 1702, is one of the most important historical institutions for higher education in this part of Europe. Although it has a turbulent history, it remains a magnificent example of Baroque architecture.
First, come and explore a few exhibition rooms showcasing the university collections. Then proceed to the Oratorium Marianum on the same floor to admire its decorative elements. It opened in the 1730s as a chapel and now serves as a concert hall. Just look at this grandeur!
Then, come to the upper floors to see the recently renovated Aula Leopoldina, a hall for holding university ceremonies named after its founder, Emperor Leopold I.
Finally, you can explore a small exhibition on ancient navigation and go to the very top of the Mathematical Tower to enjoy the most fantastic panoramic view of Wrocław.
The views from there are truly incredible – you can see the beauty of Wroclaw at its best!
Finally, explore the exhibition on the university history with some artefacts on the ground floor too: here you can learn how the education was structured here back in time. You can buy a ticket to the Museum of the University of Wrocław that grants entry to 1, 2, or all three main halls, and that’s what I would recommend!
13. Ossolineum
Ossolineum, or the Ossoliński National Institute, is a library, publishing center, and cultural center with an archive located in a gorgeous white-and-red building with a garden on the shores of the Oder River.
Originally founded in 1817 in Lemberg (now known as Lviv in Ukraine) by Polish aristocrat Count Józef Maksymilian Ossoliński based on his own collection, this institution was transferred to Wrocław in 1947 (sadly, the majority of artifacts were lost along the way).
Come here to admire the garden and visit the exhibitions inside!
14. University Church of the Blessed Name of Jesus
Make sure to stop at the most beautiful Baroque church in the city, the University Church of the Blessed Name of Jesus!
This amazing church is a real piece of art. Sitting on the site of Piast Castle, it was founded by the Jesuits in the late 17th century, and some castle remains are still visible, forming the church’s structure. Admire the frescoes (the ceiling painting was created by Johann Michael Rottmayr in 1705-1706), amazing sculptures, and the altarpiece dating to the 1720s.
15. Stare Jatki
Stare Jatki is just a tiny stretch of street, but it is worth your time as well! This alley, with wooden structures, shops, and bronze sculptures of animals, commemorates the medieval butchery stalls that used to be here in the 13th century.
Сurrent buildings mainly date to the 17th and 18th centuries). The bronze animals form a sculptural scene called ‘Memorial to Slaughtered Animals’ by Piotr Wieczorek.
16. Market Hall
The Market Hall, or Hala Targowa, is another landmark of Wrocław that might interest you. Sadly, it’s closed on Sundays, and we didn’t manage to go inside; however, we admired its magnificent building, created by Richard Plüddemann between 1906 and 1908, from the outside.
Come here on other days for fresh local produce – and maybe for some tea too?
17. St. Elizabeth’s Church
St. Elizabeth’s Church is an iconic church of the old town! It’s a 14th-century Gothic church sitting right next to the main square, Rynek, behind the ‘Hansel and Gretel’ house.
The main tower originally stood 130 meters tall, but now it’s only 91.5 meters because the church has suffered heavy damage on several occasions throughout its history. It used to be the main Lutheran church of Silesia, with sermons in German stopping in 1946 after WWII -now the church is Catholic. Many of its previous relics have been transferred to Warsaw’s museums.
In good weather, you can climb the tower and see the city panorama from it; however, unfortunately, we weren’t lucky, and the desk was closed.
18. Iglica
Iglica, or the Needle, is a 90-meter tall monument located right in front of the Centennial Hall and close to the Four Domes Pavilion and the Pergola.
It opened in 1948 and was originally 16 meters taller with a mirror structure on the top; however, a lightning strike destroyed it within a day of installation, and eventually, that part was removed. The Iglica was established to mark Polish technological achievements once the territories were returned to Poland after WWII!
19. Centennial Hall and Multimedia Fountain
You won’t believe this, but the Centennial Hall is one of the most important architectural landmarks in Wrocław!
It was designed by Max Berg between 1911 and 1913 for hosting exhibitions and concerts, and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Wrocław! The Pergola area around it with colonnaded promenade and peaceful shady greenery is an undoubtable gem there too. Perfercy for strolling and photo taking indeed!
Literally one minute away, you can find a gorgeous Multimedia Fountain, opened in June 2009! Come here to admire the music, light, and water performance from over 300 water jets!
20. Amazing restaurants for low prices
I’ve already mentioned the Pod Fredra restaurant on the Main Square, and let me share a few more! The Ida is part of the Bib Gourmand Michelin Guide list. This was probably our favorite gastro experience (and it was very cheap): we started with some bread and beetroot soup, followed by breaded egg and goat cheese salad starters, vegan Gołąbki stuffed cabbage rolls, and black pudding.
For a fantastic selection of Polish cuisine with a modern twist (and a good view), come to Młoda Polska at the Salt Square. Pierogi, duck breast, black pudding, croquettes, and chanterelles – everything was very good!
We also had a good lunch at Lwia Brama (Michelin Guide as well) just steps away from the cathedral, and their halibut and sweet pierogi with blueberries were mouthwatering.
Finally, as you know my passion for Asian desserts, I simply couldn’t pass Solleim in the Four Temple District with their amazing jiggly cat puddings! I had the same in Seoul and Dubai, and these ones were really good.
Where to Stay in Wrocław
We’re staying at the DoubleTree by Hilton, one of Wrocław’s top hotels. Our room, like the rest of the hotel, is modern and part of the OVO Wrocław complex – just a 10-minute walk from the historic city center.
What a view we have over the small courtyard and the rest of the building! The breakfast was quite decent, with a good selection of kiełbasa and various egg dishes and local vegetables. Although the service had room for improvement, overall, we enjoyed our stay there.
You might like my other guides about Poland:
Modern Warsaw: 6 landmarks to visit
Ultimate guide to Krakow in 17 sights
Jewish Krakow
Historical Warsaw: Old Town and Royal Route
Warsaw with kids
Hope you liked my new blog,
Yours,
Anna xxx
