As we know Europe is a vibrant continent on earth home to diverse cultures, ancient historical architecture, world class cuisine options and many interesting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Thanks to different European countries and cities, each country offers a number of unique architectural beauties and historical landmarks that help to add more travel value to this continent.
In the same way today we are going to explain another European city that is “Wroclaw”. Wroclaw is the third largest city in Poland, which is a relatively unknown city to outsiders, especially its hidden gems.
Often known as “Venice of the North” where you’ll be more fortunate to see more than 100 bridges and canals connected to islands along the Odra River. However, city even ideal choice for history buffers and architecture seekers, since it home to colorful buildings, market square, ornate Baroque hall and gnome trail.
If you’re looking to make your weekend a more historical and culturally rich destination with your family, then here are all the best and unique things to do in Wroclaw for you. Let’s dig it;
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What is the Historic Background of Wroclaw City?
Since the city has deep historical values and significance, it is crucial task for us to understand more about its historical background before discussing further details. It is very difficult to begin to understand Wroclaw things and activities unless to understand historical contexts.
Wroclaw’s history began early during the 10th century when initial settlements calls “Slavice Tribes” are landed this land. They are Silesians tribes and slowly they began take control over the ancient Poland administration. The first kingdom of the region named Mieszko I, first ruler of Poland belongs to this original tribe community.
They took regional administration till the 12th century, but by the end of 12th century Wroclaw city became a major center for trades, cultures and commercial activities. However, a significant urban point for Silesia later turned into the capital city of Silesia and this helped to get eligibility to grant town rights in 1241.
In the early 14th century the city underwent major renovations and numerous territorial changes. You can see the capital city later became a part of Bohemian Crown, capital of various Duchy rulers and finally at the end of 14th century the entire region’s power was held by the Habsburg dynasty.
Until German power came to Wroclaw land, the Habsburg dynasty ruled the entire city. But their legacy stopped after the Silesian War during the 18th century. After the defeat Habsburg, Prussian took control over the city and made it one of the outstanding cities to the German Empire especially after 1871 German unifications.
During Nazi period the city witnessed massive murders against Jews and also bombed for destroying the Soviet Red Army between World War I and II (1914-1918 and 1944 to 1945). These incidents caused millions of human losses in the pages of Wroclaw history.
After World Wars, Wroclaw city transformed from Germany to Poland and the majority of city populations changed from German to Polish. This causes even today cities witnessing combinations of German and Polish architectures, cultures and traditions and even some Czech and Jewish cultures too.
After too much of hustle and bustle its journey of history comes to an end by a hub of beautiful centre of architectural, cultural heritages and unique traditions and customs. Even today Wroclaw stands as an important hub for Poland’s economic and academic centres along with some beautiful attractions to backpackers.
10 Unique Things to Do in Wroclaw, Poland
1. Visit Vibrant Wroclaw’s Market Square
Start your Wroclaw city journey by visiting the most magical and colorful Market Square. Where visitors would surely appreciate and admire its stunning architectural beauty and lively atmospheres. One of the largest market squares in Europe where we can spot more colorful buildings with murals and unique facades.
Located in the central part of the city, this market square boasts the city’s popular year round cafes, crooked tenement houses and world class dwarf and other bronze statues. However, while you stroll amidst these colorful yet historical buildings, you will surely catch some of the beautiful fountains, cafes, boutiques and restaurants that serve unique local Polish and International cuisines. Despite 13th century architecture, Market square even today witnesses live performances, gatherings and shops to browse and help us to learn local cultures.
2. Chase Wroclaw’s Dwarfs
Hunting Dwarfs is one of the most sought after things to do in Wroclaw. Also called as “krasnal” by Polish peoples, these dwarfs are scattered throughout the city approximately over 400 small bronze dwarf statues. Each one has its own story and fun seeking the scavenger hunt.
Currently the city boasts over 600 dwarf sculptures and it continues each year with new cute additions. You can expect a new edition of dwarf statues with unique styles, but all you need to do is hunt. There are a number of Dwarfs available, even adults and children can separately find these little guys of dwarfs all over the city. Everything has unique styles, features and gestures. But Krasnal Profesor, Krasnal Motocyklista Wentyle, Black Cat, Krasnal Wroclovek and 2 Witches are the most popular among them.
3. Visit Centennial Hall
Constructed between 1911 and 1913, this Centennial Hall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site offers modern architectures to visitors especially its most innovative concrete construction architectures.
Designed by the popular architect Mr. Max Berg, he decided to construct the world’s largest dome (42 meters high) during his construction before starting this project. If you see today its major constructions design as temple of cultures, where it easily hosts theatre performances, exhibitions and sports venues upto the accommodation capacity of 10,000 peoples.
Built as a symbol to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the defeat of Great Emperor Napoleon at the Battle of Leipzig (1813). Despite being modern architecture, Centennial Hall is located with easy access to other city’s popular attractions such as Pergola, Japanese Garden and Szczytnicki Park.
4. Enjoy your Time in Wroclaw Zoo
No matter what’s your plan is here in Wroclaw, adding one of the most renowned destinations Wroclaw Zoo is a crucial aspect of your entire Wroclaw travel itinerary. Such a brilliant destination annually zoo receives more 1.9 millions of visitors considered as one of the most visited (5th most place) zoos in Europe.
Wroclaw Zoo is also recognised as the oldest in Poland where more than 1,100 species and 10,000 animals are living. “Afrykarium”, renowned oceanarium and a prime attraction, exhibits major African aquatic species like penguins, sharks, rays, sea turtles, stingrays, manatees and even Nile crocodiles. Do not leave the zoo without seeing Philippine moose deer, and Indian rhinoceros.
Spanning 33 hectares, Wroclaw Zoo is a major hotspot to see rare reptiles like Mexican beaded lizards and Asian Testudines. If you’re looking for the perfect attraction to get a family friendly experience and wish to spend time with unique and rare species, then visit this modern and eco-friendly zoo.
5. Spend Time in Japanese Garden Pagoda (Ogrod Japonski)
Pagoda is an intrinsic feature in the Japanese Garden of Wroclaw, designed in the early 20th century which showcasing traditional Japanese architecture, tiered roofs and beautiful wooden architecture.
Pagodas often represent symbols of harmony in Japanese cultures, explaining how important and deep the connection between earth and heaven is. This Japanese garden is a part of Wroclaw Centennial Hall Complex where it is easy to enjoy the beauty of Szczytnicki Park.
The Japanese Garden was designed in 1913, as a part of the Wroclaw exhibition, main moto is to deep cultural exchange and built great bond between Poland and Japan. Today this garden accelerates the Pagoda’s scenic beauty and helps visitors to find beautiful ponds, bridges and a variety of plant species in a more tranquil ambiance.
Visiting Pagods will be a more unique cultural experience to you and surely every backpacker would pass the glimpse of traditional Japanese design principles and philosophy in a more friendly environment.
6. Take a Walk Across the Tumski Bridge
Crossing the Tumski Bridge makes every traveller proud in Wroclaw if you’re newly married or coming with your partner. Also known as “Lovers Bridge” adorned with thousands of padlocks put by couples as their visit, eventually it became motivating symbol to upcoming visitors.
A wooden bridge spanning the river Odra that connects to Cathedral Island offers the region’s most beautiful and picturesque views of the surrounding including waterways and romantic views of Cathedral Island. Built during the 19th century primarily built not just to cross the river, moreover to appreciate couples who wish to come celebrate romantic life in the city.
If you observe its history, initially people call it a “Dombrucke”, later evolved as a charming pedestrian crossing that witnesses the vital point to connect Ostrow Tumski and Wyspa Piskowa. People even today call Tumski Bridge multiple names such as “Cathedral Bridge”, “Green Bridge” and Lovers Bridge.
7. Explore Inside Beauty of National Museum
The National Museum of Wroclaw is a renowned cultural centre in Poland where we can spot rich and unique collections of arts, paintings, and sculptures. The museum is home to both European and Polish art works, graphics, and applied art along with some of the Middle Ages to contemporary pieces.
The National Museum is even a great place to experience temporary exhibitions, cultural events and educational projects, which allow us to understand interactive sessions. These easy techniques help visitors understand the city’s rich traditions and history in a clear modern way.
However, the Museum is a place which collects great works of Hans Holbein, Magdalena Abakanowicz, and Albrecht Durer. Appreciate the collections of Silesian sacred art, European Baroque painting and Polish art (both 19th and 20th century). Never miss to visit this National Museum if you’re the kind of person who always loves to appreciate art works and beautiful paintings and artistic craftsmanship.
8. Enjoy Your Time in Aqua Park of Wroclaw
Aqua Park of Wroclaw is a most beautiful water park located in Poland’s Borowska 99. Aqua Park of Wroclaw is considered as Poland’s largest and modern indoor water park where visitors expect to take activities like cannons, bubble baths, wave pools and spa facilities.
Great place to spend time with Slides, Jacuzzi, enjoy pool options like Wave pool, Outdoor brine pool, outdoor recreational pool and normal swimming pools. An ideal place to experience top tier saunas includes large and well maintained sauna gardens such as outdoor Korsu earth Sauna, Kelo outdoor Sauna, Finnish sauna and Bali sauna and steam/stone baths.
Looking for a fitness and wellness park offers more modern gym, swimming pools and aqua fitness club options including a children’s paddling pool. Aqua Park of Wroclam opens at different hours for different activities and to know more about the timings of your activities and advance booking visit its official website.
9. Uncover the History of Ostrow Tumski
The city’s oldest part, Ostrow Tumski, provides the most romantic, peaceful and scenic atmospheres with some beautiful churches and leisure-friendly walkways. Located just a short ride from Market square, passing via Tumski Bridge.
This Cathedral Island was built around the 13th century by the Piast dynasty, including Kluska Gate and St. Martin’s Church. While you stroll in the street of Ostrow Tumski you’ll find the city’s Gothic style buildings and other Baroque style churches. However, street lamps called as “103 street lamps”, are another prime attraction to help those who are walking at nighttime.
If you simply wander its streets you’ll admire its trees that grow on each side of the island, century old buildings and churches and padlocks at Tumski bridges. Your walking ultimately leads to the Archdiocesan Museum, where travelers attend book exhibitions and can take and read Polish literature books.
1o. Enjoy Local Cuisine Options with Wroclaw’s Coffee and Beer
It is always a good idea to finish your Wroclaw trip by tasting delicious local cuisines along with breweries and coffee options. There are a good number of places like Oh My Pasta, Konspira and Pierogarnia Rynek 26 are better options to try Polish pierogi and international dishes like Italian pasta, Ukrainian Lviv and Mexican tacos. If you’re a vegetarian, it is better to choose pierogi as your prime dish for both lunch and dinner.
Tasting delicious coffee here is the most accelerating thing since plenty of coffee shops lined its stress and city main squares. Vintage and retro themed cafes make your coffee time more memorable and help you sit in a more calm and tranquil ambiance. Just try to drink your coffee amidst the cats in the city’s renowned Cat cafe.
Drink beer in AleBrowar, a popular beer drinking hotspot where we can get more recommended beer options including local and overseas. If you’re truly a fan of beer and wish to try every beer option, then head to the annual beer festival, where you can try Ale browar, Szynkarnia, Lech, Okocim and Tyskie beer choices.
How to Get Wroclaw City
Reaching Wroclaw city isn’t tough, it is all about choosing the right transportation points. Actually visitors could reach the city through flights, trains and even car/private taxis.
1. Flight
Currently the city holds an international airport, Copernicus Airport Wroclaw (WRO), situated just 10 km away from the centre of the city. If you’re coming from different countries like Germany, Malta, Georgia, Israel, Sweden, Ireland, Netherland, Italy, United Kingdom and major European countries there are direct flights available to this international airport. However, WizzAir or Ryanair are providing low cost flights instead of other premier flight options.
2. Train
Another fastest and cheapest mode of travel option, to reach Wroclaw by train is very easy and you can book a ticket to Main Railway station, just in the heart of the city. Usually this train station welcomes trains from major Polish cities like Gdansk, Katowice, Poznan and Warsaw. Besides that, visitors even book trains from Berlin, Prague and Dresden cities, easy access if you’re coming from the Czech Republic and Germany.
3. Car
A more convenient and comfortable option in the race of travel options, book your car or hire a taxi from reputed rental companies like SIXT and Flex To Go. Reaching Wroclaw city through car is very fast, it takes just 4 hours’ drive from nearby cities like Warsaw and Prague and Berlin.
Cars are waiting outside of major airports like WRO and the city main train station to carry visitors to the city. If you love to travel and believe in Uber, you can book here.
Choosing a car option to travel inside the city is also a great idea. Since most of the city’s attractions are located within 10 km of the heart of the city, so, it is difficult to take public transit so often. However, major places like Centennial Hall, Wroclaw Stadium, Zoo and Aqua Parks are provides paid car parks and parking spaces, so travellers don’t need to stress about that.
Where to Stay In Wroclaw
After understanding everything about Wroclaw city we shouldn’t miss to go through which are the ideal places / stays available near the city. Staying near your listed things or attractions is very important.
Wroclaw has a wide range of accommodation options, the majority of the hotels are available within walking distances and each one is known for its vibrant features and longer stays.
1. B&B Hotel
If you’re looking more budget conscious then book your stay at B&B Hotel. Hotel located within walking distances from the heart of the city where top rated functional rooms are available. Despite that, each room contains free Wi-Fi facilities, pet friendly spaces and a wide range of breakfast options. Located just 5 walk from the main town and 10 minutes’ walk from main train station.
2. Hotel Piast
A unique 3 star hotel and mid-range budget hotel located opposite of Wroclaw main train station. Hotel Piast welcomes guests with 117 rooms with sound proofed windows and paid shuttle services. Each room is equipped with the most comfortable beds and A/C facilities. Located where you can just take 20 walk from Old Town, 1.1 miles from Gothic Basilica and 7 minutes’ drive from Partisan Hill.
3. Destigo Hotel
The most premier and luxurious 5 star hotel is located in the city centre, just away from Old Town and Staromiejski Park. The hotel boasts a total 81 perfectly elegant designed rooms, 24 hours of fitness centre and private spa with sauna with hot tube facilities. Guests can expect a WIERZBOWA 15 restaurant which is well known for catering international cuisines with mouthwatering breakfast. City centre, Market square and Wroclaw Puppet Theatres are located within walking distance from the Destigo Hotel.
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