Cześć! Welcome to Wrocław, a beautiful Polish city yet undiscovered by many travelers. Hundreds of cute little dwarfs, cozy and colorful old town, interesting history, delicious food, many green spaces, some weird architecture… Wroclaw has all of that and more! It’s our city, a city where we’ve spent many years and probably will spend many more. We love it, and think it’s a shame that it’s still in the shadow of other popular names like Krakow or Gdansk. It’s a cool city and it deserves at least one full day of your time so keep reading and let us show you how to spend one day in Wroclaw.
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Wroclaw, Poland FAQ
Wroclaw is located in the southwestern part of Poland on the banks of the Oder River, not far from Germany and the Czech Republic. It’s the capital of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship, one out of 16 Polish administrative divisions. Wroclaw is the third biggest city in Poland.
Wrocław is best known for its beautiful and colorful old town and the hundreds of dwarfs that took over the city. It’s also surrounded by rivers and canals featuring many bridges and footbridges thanks to what it’s often called Venice of Poland. What’s more, Wrocław is featured in the famous Netflix TV series – High Water, which focuses on the devastating 1997 flood of the century.
Yes, of course! Wroclaw is charming and colorful. It’s a city where old is intertwined with new, and beautiful with shabby. Wrocław offers a wide variety of activities – from searching for cute little dwarfs around the city and exploring nooks and crooks of the old town, to visiting interesting museums and eating delicious food… Wroclaw will please every traveler’s taste.
One day in Wroclaw is just enough to see most of the main landmarks and get a good feel of what this city is all about. But it’s definitely not enough to see all that the city offers. So if you want to experience it more, we recommend staying around 5 days in Wroclaw.
Here we had to help ourselves with the Internet because we had no idea how to write this correctly. So here it is: vrowt-swaaf (en-us) or vrot-swaaf (en-gb). Although we, as Polish people, can’t read it correctly from this. So we found a YouTube video for you, where you’ll hear correct Wrocław pronunciation in Polish.
Wrocław is a walkable city and the main landmarks aren’t too far from each other. Sometimes you might need public transport (bus/tram) but don’t worry as the city is well connected – use jakdojade.pl to quickly find connections. If you don’t mind, you can also easily rent a bike or electric scooter and move around even quicker.
Things to do in 1 day in Wroclaw
Dwarfs hunting
Dwarf hunting is probably the most popular thing to do in Wrocław among tourists. It’s fun for all, both small and big ones. These cute little creatures started to take over Wrocław about 20 years ago and now no one really knows how many of them are here. The newest information we found says that there are more than 800 of them all around the city (May 2023).
How to find the Wroclaw’s dwarfs? You can spot them all over the city, not only in its center. The two most popular options to find most of them are:
- Head to the Krasnal Info – Tourist Information, located in Market Square where you can buy maps with dwarfs locations, as well as many dwarf souvenirs.
- Download the “Wrocławskie Krasnale” app on App Store or Play Store
Of course, you can also hunt for them without any help, while sightseeing in the city.
If you want to read the detailed history behind these cute little creatures read this section of our detailed Things to do in Wroclaw post.
Wroclaw Main Square
Wroclaw Main Square (pl. Rynek Wrocławski) is one the oldest and largest market squares in Poland and in Europe. Brick houses started to appear in the square in the 13th century, and during the following years, they came through many architectural changes. During World War II about 60% of the buildings around the market square were destroyed. Later, in the 60s, they were carefully rebuilt, to the look you can admire today.
The most peculiar thing about the Wrocław market square is the fact that its central part, the mid-market block, is twisted by 7° clockwise compared to the rest of the buildings. Why it looks like that is a mystery – one says it was the builders’ mistake, other that it was a planned action to simply create a larger commercial square.
Currently Wroclaw Main Square is vibrant, colorful, and always full of life. You’ll find there many restaurants and cafes, shops, and certainly, you’ll come across street artists who will try to entertain you. Exploring the market square is definitely a must thing to do during your 1 day in Wrocław.
Points of interest in Wroclaw Main Market Square: Town Hall, Cloth Hall, St. Elisabeth’s Church, St. Mary Magdalene Church, Zdrój Fountain, and Pranger. Also, just around the corner, there’s Salt Square, another market square in the city.
In Wrocław Market Square you’ll also find the Tourist Office & Dwarfs Information Center (both close to Salt Square).
Important note for dwarf hunters: the market square (and its surroundings) is a place where you’ll find most dwarfs!
Book now: Private Wroclaw Old Town Guided Tour
Town Hall
Town Hall (pl. Ratusz) is one of the oldest town halls in Poland, as well as one of the best-preserved. It was built in several stages over about 250 years, between the end of the 13th century to the 16th century. Over the next few hundred years, it was renovated and rebuilt several times. Thankfully, during World War II Town Hall suffered only moderate damages and full renovation after the war ended in 1953.
In Town Hall cellars, you’ll find Piwnica Świdnicka (eng. Świdnicka Cellar) – it’s the oldest medieval restaurant in Poland and one of the oldest in Europe. It’s been operating since 1273!
Right in front of the Town Hall, you’ll also find a pranger (pl. Pręgierz). It’s a place that was used for punishments. Depending on the crime a person was tied to it for several hours, whipped, or even executed. Currently, pranger is a popular meeting place.
St. Mary Magdalene Church with Bridge of Penitents
St. Mary Magdalene Church (Kościół Św. Magdaleny) was built in the 13th century which makes it one of the oldest churches in Wroclaw. Like many other buildings in the market square, it was heavily damaged during WWII – about 70% of it was destroyed. The reconstruction started in 1946 and ended in 1953.
If you want to take a good look at Wroclaw from above, be sure to head to the Bridge of Penitents (pl. Mostek Pokutnic). It’s a footbridge at an altitude of 45m that connects two towers of Mary Magdalene church. Keep in mind that there is no elevator to the top, and you’ll have to climb all 247 stairs. But the views are definitely worth it, and we think it’s a great (and quick) thing to do during 1 day in Wrocław.
Entrance to Bridge of Penitents cost: normal – 18zł, reduced – 12zł (October 2024). For current prices and opening hours visit visitwroclaw.eu website.
If you want to discover the legend behind Bridge of Penitents read this section of our Things to do in Wroclaw post.
Explore local attractions
St. Elizabeth’s Church with observation deck
St. Elizabeth’s Church (pl. Bazylika św. Elżbiety) is located on the market square. It’s most popular for its observation deck on the church tower, at an altitude of 75m. To get there you’ll have to climb more than 300 stairs, but panoramic views over the city will make up for the effort.
The entrance to St. Elizabeth’s Church tower cost: normal – 15zł, reduced – 10zł (October 2024). For current prices and opening hours visit visitwroclaw.eu website.
In front of the St. Elizabeth’s Church also take a look at Hansel and Gretel houses (pl. Kamieniczki Jaś i Małgosia). Where did the name come from? These are two medieval buildings built in the 15th century, connected by an arched gate. Because of that gate, many think that buildings look like they are holding hands, like Hansel and Gretel from the fairy tale.
Salt Square
The Salt Square (pl. Plac Solny) is one of three market squares in Wrocław, and it acts as an auxiliary market for the main market square. It exists since 1242. In the past traders sold mainly salt from the Wieliczka and Bochnia salt mines there, but also honey, wax, or leather goods. Currently, many flower stands dominate the area and some of them are open even 24h a day.
Interesting fact. Under Salt Square, there is a bomb shelter that was created during World War II. It can fit only about 300 people.
Mathematical Tower Of Wroclaw University
Mathematical Tower Of Wroclaw University (pl. Wieża Matematyczna Uniwersytetu Wrocławskiego) is located just a few steps from the market square. It was built in the 18th century and initially used as an astronomical observatory. Currently, it’s another great city viewpoint – from the terrace at a height of 42m, visitors can admire great views over Słodowa Island and the Old Town.
The tower is part of the Museum of the University of Wrocław which also includes: Aula Leopoldina, Oratorium Marianum, and some expositions. To enter the Mathematical Tower, you’ll need to buy a ticket, and the price depends on how many parts of the museum you want to visit (2,3 or 4). To check current prices visit muzeum.uni.wroc.pl website.
Book now: Wrocław Old Town Walking Tour
Four Denominations District
Four Denominations District (pl. Dzielnica Czterech Świątyń) is a small area in the Wrocław Old Town where you can find four places of worship for different denominations located in close proximity. These are Orthodox Cathedral, Roman Catholic Church, Augsburg Evangelical Church, and the Synagogue.
There, you’ll also find Neon Side Gallery (pl. Galeria Neonów), a unique place in Wroclaw’s map. It’s a small and hidden courtyard between Ruska and Antoniego streets filled with neon signs, murals, workshops, and art galleries. The courtyard is worth seeing at any time of day, but after dark, it’s most impressive.
Four Denominations District is also an area where you’ll find some of the finest Wrocław restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Cathedral Island
Another great thing to do during 1 day in Wrocław is exploring Cathedral Island (pl. Ostrów Tumski). There you’ll find points of interest like Tumski Bridge, Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, and Collegiate Church of the Holy Cross and St. Bartholomew.
Right before sunset, you can also spot a gas lamplighter on Cathedral Island. He walks around and lights up 103 original gas lamps. It’s the only place in Poland with such a unique attraction!
Tumski Bridge (pl. Most Tumski) connects Cathedral Island with Sand Island (pl. Wyspa Piasek). It’s also called Lovers Bridge as not that long ago it was full of padlocks that lovers left there to celebrate their feelings. It’s not the case anymore and after the renovations dwarfs keep an eye out for those wanting to hang a padlock again.
From the bridge, you can admire nice views over the Oder River, Bulwar Dunikowskiego, and part of the Nadodrze district. It also features a nice view over the Cathedral.
The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (pl. Katedra św. Jana Chrzciciela) dates back to the 13th century and is the most impressive building in Ostrów Tumski. Its tower is almost 100m high and as a result, serves as a great viewpoint over the city (there’s an elevator).
Entrance to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is free, although entrance to the tower with observation terrace, baroque chapels, and altar of St. John the Baptist is paid. You can check current prices on the katedra.archidiecezja.wroc.pl website.
Book now: Wroclaw Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour
Explore local attractions
Xawery Dunikowski Boulevard
Xawery Dunikowski Boulevard (pl. Bulwar Xawerego Dunikowskiego) is located opposite Cathedral Island. It stretches from Market Hall up to Peace Bridge (pl. Most Pokoju), but you can continue a nice stroll up to the Grunwald Bridge. It’s a great place to walk and relax by the river with fantastic views.
Along the boulevard, you’ll also find marinas with kayaks to rent, and boats in which you can go on a cruise. For the great panoramic views climb a small hill, Bastion Ceglarski – from there you can admire Ostrów Tumski and the crown of the Panorama Racławicka building (where you can see the huge (15x114m), 360° painting commemorating the Battle of Racławice, created by Jan Styk in just 9 months).
Book now: Wrocław Long City Walk and Cruise
Wrocław city moat
When after a lot of sightseeing you’ll need a relaxing walk among green spaces, direct your steps to Wrocław city moat (pl. Fosa Miejska we Wrocławiu). It starts near the OVO building and runs up to Sikorski Bridge where it almost connects with the Oder River. What we see today are the remains of the original 13th-century fortifications.
Depending on the part you choose, along the city moat you’ll find places like: OVO – modern and unique-looking building, Partisan Hill (pl. Wzgórze Partyzantów) – remains of the old fortification system with the Bastion Sakwowy, National Forum of Music (pl. Narodowe Forum Muzyki) – postmodern building with a large concert hall, Royal Palace (pl. Pałac Królewski) – building housing the Wroclaw City Museum, or Wrocław Opera House (pl. Opera Wrocławska).
Food in Wroclaw
Wroclaw is heaven for food lovers. No matter what you like, you’ll find it there! From typical Polish dishes (like pierogi, bigos, or barszcz) to a wide choice of international cuisine. We already tried many restaurants and most of them are amazing – the bar is set really high. But we recommend checking out some options and reviews earlier – to avoid falling into some tourist traps. You’ll find our top choices at the end of the post.
For more details about the food scene in the city visit the food section of our Things to do in Wroclaw post.
Book now: Wroclaw Food Tasting Tour
Take advantage of guided tour
If you don’t want to put too much effort into planning, you can always take advantage of the guided tours and let someone else take care of all the details. During your 1 day in Wroclaw, you can for example take part in this Wroclaw Old Town Walking Tour or if you’re a foodie this Wroclaw Food Tasting Tour might be a great choice for you.
For a wide selection and many more well-reviewed tour options be sure to visit GetYourGuide or Viator website.
How to get to Wrocław, Poland?
Wrocław is located about 360km from Warsaw, 270km from Kraków, 180km from Poznań, and 480km from Gdańsk. The most convenient way to get to Wrocław is by car, bus, or train.
Airports near Wrocław
Wrocław has its own airport. The next closest ones are in Poznań (180km away) and Katowice (205km away). The easiest way to get from Wrocław airport to the city center is to take a bus (line 106 or 206) which arrives near the main train station. You can also take a taxi or rent a car. From other airports, you can take direct buses to Wrocław. To learn more about connections that might interest you visit rome2rio.com website.
To Wrocław by bus
You can easily get to Wrocław by bus, especially from other big Polish cities. For example, the trip from Krakow will take about 3h15min (€8-25) and from Warsaw about 4h15min (€15-35). To learn more about bus connections that might interest you visit rome2rio.com or Flixbus website.
To Wrocław by train
You can also get to Wrocław by train, as Poland is quite well connected by trains. For example, a trip from Katowice will take about 2h (€10-16), 4.5h from Warsaw (€13-21), and 5h from Gdańsk (€14-22). However, we feel obligated to warn you that trains are often unreliable and delayed. To learn more about connections that might interest you visit rozklad-pkp.pl website.
For great train ticket deals visit Trainline website.
Things to do in Wrocław, Poland – Summing up
Wrocław is such a beautiful Polish city, isn’t it? It’s charming, colorful, interesting, and very tasty. It’s a place with many things to do that will satisfy every traveler’s taste. And we’re sure that even after only one day you’ll understand why this city should be visited along with other popular names like Kraków, Gdańsk, Warsaw or Poznań.
Now, with our guide, you’re ready to explore Wroclaw in the best possible way during one day. We showed you the minimum, the most important landmarks that can be seen in just a few hours. Enjoy your one day in Wrocław!
Pss. Do you have more time to spare or are already planning your second trip to Wroclaw? Awesome! Be sure to check out our post with all the amazing things to do in Wroclaw!
Our video from Wroclaw
Our opinion about Wrocław
As we mentioned at the beginning, Wroclaw is a city where we’ve lived for many years before our digital nomads’ journey and where we come back every year – we still treat it as our Polish home. We know it pretty well and without hesitation, we can say this is our favorite one in Poland. While traveling we especially miss its amazing restaurants.
What we don’t like about it? Well, it’s a big and usually busy city that sometimes can be overwhelming (especially during the summer months and December). It’s also full of horrible graffiti on the walls even in the city center and there are lots of homeless/drunk people too. Pollution/smog is also a huge drawback but thankfully it’s noticeable almost exclusively during the autumn/winter. But no place is perfect and overall we like living in Wrocław.
Restaurants, accommodations, and map
Check out various recommended places below.
Where to eat in 1 Day in Wroclaw?
Here are your best, high-rated options in 1 Day in Wroclaw:
Where to sleep in 1 Day in Wroclaw?
Ibis Styles Wroclaw Centrum
Ibis Styles Wroclaw Centrum is a modern and stylish hotel located in the heart of Wrocław. The hotel features 133 comfortable rooms equipped with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Guests can also enjoy a buffet breakfast, fitness center, and 24-hour reception desk services during their stay.
Jungle Apartments
Jungle Apartments is an excellent choice for travelers visiting Wrocław, offering a unique and stylish accommodation option. Guests will enjoy the lush jungle-inspired decor, spacious and well-equipped apartments, and the convenient location close to the city's attractions.
Hotel Mercure Wroclaw Centrum
Hotel Mercure Wroclaw Centrum is a stylish 4-star hotel located in the heart of the city. Its prime location provides easy access to many popular tourist attractions, restaurants, and shops. The hotel features modern rooms and suites, a fitness center, restaurant and bar, and conference facilities.
Accommodations photos source: booking.com
