Wroclaw - guide 
Sights and attractions - What should you visit in Wrocław? Rynek, Town hall with astronomical clock, Tumski island.
Accommodation - Where to stay in Wrocław? In the historic center or in the countryside outside the center? In a luxury hotel, castle, guesthouse or hostel?
Typical food and drink - What you should try in Wrocław - pierogi, local beer, regular or perhaps brewed...
Practical tips - Here you will learn how to best move around the city, where to shop and similar.
Weather - What temperatures and rainfall to prepare for in the four seasons in Wrocław?
Personalities - What famous personalities lived and worked in Wrocław?
AI Poem - What did artificial intelligence come up with about Wroclaw and its history?
Wrocław (Polish: Wrocław), the capital of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship, is located in southwestern Poland. It is one of the oldest and largest cities in the country, with a rich history that goes back more than a thousand years.
You can find Wrocław on the Odra River, approximately 350 km southwest of Warsaw and about 270 km northeast of Prague. It is also often called the Venice of the North.
Over 640,000 inhabitants live in the fourth largest city in Poland.
Wrocław was founded in the 10th century and soon became an important commercial and cultural center. In various periods of its history, the city belonged to Poland, the Czech crown, Austria and Prussia.
After World War II, they annexed the city to Poland, and the population changed significantly due to post-war population movements.
Wrocław is an important economic center with developed industry, trade and services. The city is home to many international companies and technology firms.
Thanks to its historical monuments, cultural events and pleasant atmosphere, the city attracts many tourists all year round.
The best way to get to Wroclaw is by plane or train. Wrocław International Airport (Port Lotniczy Wrocław) offers connections to many European cities.
There are direct connections to the local station from most major Polish cities and international destinations.
The University of Wroclaw, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Poland, was founded in 1702. In addition to the University of Wroclaw, the city has several other universities, including technical, economic and medical universities. Wroclaw is an important center of science and research, with a number of research institutes and innovative projects.
The city hosts many cultural events and festivals, including the Wrocław Film Festival and the "Jazz nad Odrou" festival, a tradition since 1964.
The city is home to an opera house, many theaters, concert halls, galleries and museums that offer a wide range of cultural experiences.
Sights and attractions
Market Square (Rynek) - One of the largest squares in Europe, surrounded by historic houses, restaurants and cafes. It is dominated by the Old Town Hall, one of the best-preserved Gothic town halls in Central Europe.
Old Town Hall (Ratusz) - Gothic building from the 13th to 16th centuries with a richly decorated facade and astronomical clock. There is a historical museum and a restaurant in the town hall.
Tumski Island - The oldest part of the city with many historic buildings, including the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the Church of St. Giles and the Archbishop's Palace. The area is also famous for its picturesque streets and bridges.
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist - Gothic cathedral on Tumsky Island, built in the 13th and 14th centuries. It offers a wonderful view of the city from the tower. It is the most important sacral building in Wroclaw.
Panorama of Racławice - A spectacular panoramic painting depicting the Battle of Racławice during the Kościuszko Uprising. The work has dimensions of 15 x 114 meters and is located in a specially designed rotunda.
Hall of the Century (Hala Stulecia) - A unique building registered on the UNESCO list, built in 1913 for the centenary of the victory over Napoleon in the Battle of Leipzig. Various conferences, exhibitions and cultural events are held in this important building.
Japanese Garden - A picturesque garden in the vicinity of Hall of the Century, which was established around 1913. You can rest and relax here.
Sky Tower - The tallest building in Wroclaw and the fourth tallest in all of Poland is 212 meters tall. This skyscraper and multifunctional complex offers an observation deck on the 49th floor with a breathtaking view of the city and its surroundings.
The City Museum in Wrocław - Located in the Royal Palace, it offers exhibitions focused on the thousand-year history and culture of the city.
Dwarf Statues (Krasnoludki) - You can look for more than 300 small bronze statues of dwarves all over the city. The statues are a symbol of the city and a popular attraction for tourists.
Multimedia Fountain - Located next to Hall of the Century in Szczytnické Park, it is one of the largest fountains of its kind in Europe. It offers a fascinating performance combining light effects, music, water choreography and 3D projections. During the warmer months (May to October), there are free multimedia shows that attract visitors of all ages.
Wrocław is also known for its lively music scene, which covers a wide range of genres. Many cafes and clubs offer live music and cultural events.
Accommodations
In Wroclaw, you can choose from almost 2000 different accommodation capacities. Popular apartments are the most represented, followed by hotels, hostels and boarding houses. If you want to be in the heart of the action, choose a hotel in the city center near Market Square (Rynek). For a calmer atmosphere and historical environment, you can choose Tumski Island, for example.
Hotel Altus Palace - Destigo Hotels belongs to the most luxurious hotels in Wrocław. You can find it in the Old Town. The hotel offers free bike rental and fitness. Guests have at their disposal a restaurant, a bar, a cafe, a steam sauna and a hot tub. The 24/7 reception offers luggage storage and concierge services.
Both individuals and large groups looking for accommodation in the city center can book a room, for example, in the popular 4* hotel PURO Wrocław Stare Miasto. In the accommodation, you can use the garden, terrace, common room, game room, restaurant, cafe, bar or fitness. The hotel allows you to stay with your pets.
Those who want to feel special can stay in a castle, for example. Topacz Castle, located 8 km from the center of Wroclaw, is surrounded by a garden with a pond. You can relax here in the spa wellness center with an indoor pool and various types of saunas. The hotel restaurant serves Polish and Mediterranean cuisine. For active rest, you can use the tennis court, golf driving range or private sandy beach.
A pleasant guesthouse in the ancient building of the Academus Pub & Guest House offers rooms right in the historic center of the city. In the building, you can have refreshments in the restaurant on the ground floor. Adults can enjoy themselves in the casino, children in the playground. There is also a mini market in the building.
Cheap accommodation 4 km from the city center is offered by Willa Zacisze - Pokoje Gościnne. Some rooms have a patio overlooking the lake, some have a balcony. The pension is surrounded by a garden with a sun terrace with outdoor furniture. The accommodation does not offer breakfast, but you can prepare your own food in the shared kitchen. You can use the sauna for an additional fee.
Rynek 30 hostel offers cheap accommodation right in the heart of the city, 90 meters from the Wrocław Town Hall. You can stay in shared or private rooms. Some rooms have a shared bathroom, others are private. From some rooms you can enjoy a view directly of the ancient town hall. You can prepare your meals in the shared kitchen.
For a complete offer of accommodation in Wroclaw, we recommend using A-HOTEL.com or Booking.com.
Typical food and drink
Wrocław, like the whole of Lower Silesia, offers a wide range of traditional Polish dishes, also influenced by German and Czech cuisine.
Pierogi - Filled dumplings made of dough that are filled with various fillings, such as meat, potatoes, cheese, cabbage or a dessert with fruit. They are served boiled or fried, often with sour cream.
Bigos - A traditional Polish stew made from sauerkraut and fresh cabbage, various types of meat and sausages, often flavored with prunes, mushrooms and spices.
Żurek - Sour soup made from rye sourdough, served with sausage, egg and sometimes potatoes. The soup has a distinct taste thanks to fermented yeast.
Dumplings (Kluski śląskie) - Typical of Silesia, these potato dumplings are round and have a characteristic dimple in the middle. They are often served with meat and sauce.
Golonka - Roasted pork knuckle, popular in Polish and German cuisines. Served with mustard, horseradish and sauerkraut.
Vodka - Polish vodka is famous all over the world. In Wrocław you will find a wide range of local brands. You can taste different types, including traditional flavored variants like rye, potato or fruit vodka.
Miód pitny - Traditional mead, popular throughout Poland. This alcoholic drink is made by fermenting honey and water, often flavored with herbs and spices.
Beer - Wroclaw has a rich beer tradition and recently many small breweries and beer bars have appeared here. Famous brands include, for example, Piast.
Grzaniec – Brewed beer. Around Christmas and actually throughout the winter in Poland, you can also warm yourself up with beer - brewed with cloves, cinnamon and sugar.
Compote - A soft drink made from boiled fruit. It is served warm or cold.
Practical advice for the trip
How to get around the city - Wrocław has an extensive network of trams and buses. Tickets can be bought from machines at bus stops or in the MPK Wrocław app.
Taxi services and Uber are readily available and affordable.
Many of the main sights are within walking distance of the centre. You will especially enjoy pleasant walks in the area of the Old Town and Tumské Island.
In Wrocław you will also find many cycle paths. You can rent a bike at the accommodation or at a bike sharing service such as Nextbike.
You can also admire the city from another perspective - while sailing on the Odra River.
You can easily get to Wrocław by train. Wrocław Central Station is located in the center of the city.
Where to shop - Galeria Dominikańska - Large shopping center near the center.
Wroclavia - A modern shopping and entertainment center near the main train station.
Market Square - Many shops offer traditional Polish souvenirs such as ceramics, lace or regional food.
Most places accept credit cards, but it's a good idea to carry cash for smaller shops and stalls.
Many younger people and workers in the tourism sector speak English, but learning a few basic Polish phrases can be useful and appreciated by the locals.
Weather
Wrocław has a mild continental climate with oceanic influences. This means that you can experience four distinct seasons here with relatively mild winters and warm summers.
In spring, average temperatures range from 5°C in March to 15°C in May. Light but unpredictable precipitation occurs, so we recommend carrying an umbrella or raincoat with you at all times.
Nature comes to life, parks and gardens begin to bloom, and tourists and locals alike can enjoy walks and outdoor activities.
In the warm summer, average temperatures are around 20-25 °C, sometimes rising to 30 °C.
It often rains and storms in summer.
In the summer, you will enjoy outdoor activities, visits to parks, the Odra River and cultural events.
Autumn begins with pleasant temperatures in September (around 15-20 °C) and gradually cools down to 5-10 °C in November. Autumn can be wet and foggy.
Fall colors transform the city into a picturesque landscape, which is a great time for photography and walking.
In winter, the average temperature is around 0 °C, it often freezes, especially at night.
It doesn't snow very often, winters are rather a drier season.
In winter, you can enjoy Christmas markets and festivities, visits to museums, the opera, and the like.
Wrocław can be visited all year round, each season has its own charm and offers different ways to enjoy the city.
Famous personalities associated with Wroclaw
Fritz Haber (1868–1934) - German chemist who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1918 for his discovery of the synthesis of ammonia, which was of great importance for the production of fertilizers. He was born in Wroclaw.
Max Born (1882–1970) - Physicist who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1954 for his seminal contributions to the theory of quantum mechanics. He studied and taught at the University of Wroclaw.
Edith Stein (St. Therese Benedict of the Cross) (1891–1942) - Philosopher and Catholic saint, born in Wrocław. She converted from Judaism to Roman Catholicism, later becoming a Carmelite nun. She was killed in the Auschwitz concentration camp. She was canonized in 1998.
Gerhart Hauptmann (1862–1946) - German playwright and winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1912, representative of naturalism. He studied in Wroclaw.
Ferdinand Lassalle (1825–1864) - German socialist politician and founder of the first German Workers' Party. He was born in Wroclaw.
Olga Tokarczuk (1962) – Today's most widely read Polish writer and laureate of the 2018 Nobel Prize for Literature. She has her own publishing house in Wrocław, often visits the city, and lives in the nearby town of Krajanów.
A poem about Wrocław created by artificial intelligence
Wroclaw echoes of time
In Wrocław, the old town, stories come together,
Where the Odra flows calmly, and bridges decorate the city.
Centuries have left their mark on the stone face here,
Since ancient times, when history is seriously disputed here.
On Market Square, where the town hall stands,
In every corner hidden stories are dreamed.
Churches and towers, Tumski island quiet,
Where the bells toll, the echoes of the ages sound.
Fritz Haber shined a bright light on chemistry,
Max Born studied quanta here, in troubled and beautiful times.
Here Edith Stein sought the truth, the light of faith pure,
She dedicated her life to hidden love.
Wrocław, the city of bridges, in the heart of Europe,
Where culture and science come together.
Gerhart Hauptmann composed verses, breathed the spirit of the place,
And Stokowski ignited the breath in hearts with music.
Snow covers the winter here, spring flowers smell,
Summer dances in the streets, autumn leaves fall.
History breathes in the crooked streets,
Every stone, every house hides its secret.
Olga Tokarczuk carries light with her words,
Stories that live in people's hearts as in time.
Wrocław, the city of dreams and reality,
Where past and present live together in harmony.
Here every corner has its song, its silent melody,
Where every visitor finds their way, their truth, their moment.
In Wrocław, the old city where time does not stand still,
History and future in one rhythm are reflected.