Cześć! Are you exploring Poland and have already visited popular cities like Krakow, Wroclaw, or Gdansk? If so, now it’s time to discover Torun, a charming medieval city located on the banks of the Vistula River that will transport you back in time. With its stunning UNESCO-listed Old Town, world-famous gingerbread, riverside views, and ties to Nicolaus Copernicus, Torun offers an amazing blend of history, culture, and delicious flavors. Whether you’re planning a quick day trip or a longer stay, this city is ready to capture your heart. Keep reading and explore the best things to do in Torun, Poland.
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Torun, Poland FAQ
Torun is located in northern Poland, in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, on the banks of the Vistula River. Thanks to its great location, it’s easy to reach from many major Polish cities, such as Warsaw, Gdansk, or Poznan, making it a perfect stop on any Poland itinerary.
Of course! Torun is one of Poland’s most beautiful and historically significant cities. Here, you can wander through a UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town, taste the famous gingerbread, and explore city’s connection to Copernicus. There are plenty of amazing things to do in Torun for every type of traveler, from history lovers to foodies. It’s also one of the Poland’s hidden gems, offering an authentic experience without huge crowds.
Torun is best known for its centuries-old gingerbread tradition and for being the birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus – the astronomer “who stopped the Sun and moved the Earth”. The city has been recognized by UNESCO for its outstanding medieval Old Town, and it is one of the few Polish cities that survived World War II without major destruction. Torun is also listed as one of the Seven Wonders of Poland.
You can easily explore all the main attractions of Torun in just one day as the city is compact and its highlights are within walking distance. However, if you want to get to know Torun better, fully appreciate its charm, visit more museums, and sample its culinary delights, we recommend staying 2-3 days. If you’re short on time, a day trip is still absolutely worthwhile.
Things to do in Torun Poland
UNESCO-listed Torun Medieval Old Town
Torun’s Old Town is a remarkable example of Gothic brick architecture that earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997. Unlike many other Polish cities, Torun was lucky enough to escape World War II destruction, meaning that all monuments you can see today are originals, not reconstructions.
The old town is compact and walkable, with all the main attractions located within a short walking distance from each other. And it’s mostly pedestrianized! So there’s no better way to discover it than just getting lost in a maze of its cobblestone streets, taking time to soak up the medieval vibe, and slowly exploring every corner. Impressive squares, historical landmarks, beautiful Gothic and religious buildings… There are many interesting places around which makes exploring the old town one of the best things to do in Torun.
In Torun Old Town, you’ll find points of interest like: Old Town Square, Old Town Hall, St. Johns’ Cathedral, fortifications with gates and watchtowers, Leaning Tower, House of Nicolaus Copernicus, gingerbread museums, the ruins of the Teutonic Castle, or Nicolaus Copernicus monument. Shortly, we’ll take a closer look at them.
In addition to the main landmarks, Toruń Old Town is full of smaller museums, historic churches, and plenty of cozy cafés, restaurants, and little shops where you can take a break and enjoy the local vibe.
Torun Tourist Office is located on Szeroka street, right next to the Old Town Hall.
Old Town Square
Old Town Square is the vibrant heart of Torun and one of the city’s must-see attractions. For centuries, it was the center of city life – a site of trade, tournaments, parades, official announcements, and public executions. Today, it’s a lively spot filled with history and charm, surrounded by colorful merchant houses with beautiful Gothic and Baroque facades.
At its center stands the Town Hall, and around you’ll find landmarks such as the elegant neo-Renaissance Artus Court, the Baroque House Under the Star, and the Church of the Holy Spirit. The square is also decorated with three of Toruń’s most famous monuments – Nicolaus Copernicus, the violin-playing rafter – a legendary local figure, and the Torun donkey. Exploring the Old Town Square in Toruń is without a doubt one of the most atmospheric things to do in Toruń.
Old Town Hall & Viewing Tower
The Old Town Hall is one of the most important historic buildings in Torun. And it’s considered one of the finest examples of medieval architecture in Central Europe! It was built in the 14th century and for hundreds of years served as a centre of trade and the city’s public and political life. It was the seat of town authorities and court, and its grand halls hosted Polish kings. Today, the building houses the District Museum where you can explore exhibitions on Torun history, admire art collections, and step inside beautiful Gothic interiors.
For one of the best views of Torun climb the Town Hall Tower. The climb involves 175 steps, but trust us, it’s worth the effort! From the top of the 40 meter high tower, you can admire the panorama of the old town, the Vistula River, and the surrounding landscapes. Absolutely fantastic and definitely one of the most memorable things to do in Torun Poland.
Entrance to the District Museum costs 30zł for a normal ticket, and 25zł for a reduced one, while the Town Hall Tower is 28zł for a normal ticket, and 24zł for a reduced one. If you want to visit both places, buy a combined ticket for 49zł/39zł. (August 2026). For current prices, opening hours, and online tickets, visit the muzeum.torun.pl website.
Travel tip. You can also buy a two-day pass that includes entrance to 8 sites in Toruń. It cost 100zł for a normal ticket, and 83zł for a reduced one. For more information, current prices, and online tickets, visit the bilety.muzeum.torun.pl website.
Nicolaus Copernicus Monument
The Nicolaus Copernicus Monument stands proudly in Torun’s Old Town Square, honoring the city’s most famous resident. This bronze statue was unveiled in 1853 and shows the great astronomer in an academic robe, holding an astrolabe in one hand and pointing toward the sky with the other. At its base, a granite plaque bears a Latin inscription that translates to: Nicolaus Copernicus, from Toruń, moved the Earth and stopped the Sun and the Sky. Definitely a must-see stop while visiting Torun!
Donkey Monument
Toruń Donkey (pl. Osiołek) is a quirky monument on Old Town Square, located right across from the Copernicus monument. It’s a replica of a medieval wooden pillory of a similar form, once used for punishing criminals. Today, it’s a light-hearted attraction and a fun photo spot that catches visitors’ attention.
Rafter’s Monument
Rafter’s Monument (pl. Pomnik Flisaka) is one of city’s most famous landmarks, located on the Old Town Square. The bronze statue depicts a violin-playing rafter surrounded by eight frogs. It’s inspired by a local legend that tells the story of a humble rafter who once saved the city from a plague of frogs with his music, leading them out of town to swamps and ponds. It’s a quirky and fun stop in Torun old town. If you want to read the whole legend, visit the visittorun.com website.
St. Mary’s Church
Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, commonly known as St. Mary’s Church, is another beautiful Gothic church located near the Old Town Square. It was built by Franciscan friars in the mid-14th century, and its unadorned interior reflects their philosophy of simplicity. Highlights include the early 15th-century wooden stalls and fascinating medieval wall paintings. Entrance is free during opening hours.
Other Torun Old Town Square Highlights
Beyond its main landmarks, Torun Old Town Square is full of smaller gems that make wandering around here even more rewarding:
- Church of the Holy Spirit – located right opposite to the Rafter’s Monument. It’s one of the newest churches, built in the mid-18th century, featuring a modest interior.
- Artus Court – an elegant neo-Renaissance building, once used for merchant meetings and social gatherings. Today, it hosts concerts, exhibitions, and various cultural events.
- Gingerbread Walk – a short promenade in front of the Artus House, with ground bronze plaques shaped like gingerbread highlighting notable people connected with Torun.
- House Under the Star – a beautiful Baroque building famous for its ornate facade and gilded star on the top. Originally, it was used as a merchant’s house, and now it houses the Far East Art Museum.
- Figurine of Filuś – a small, adorable sculpture of a puppy with a hat in his mouth. It’s known from humorous drawing stories published during the gloomy days of the Polish People’s Republic in a popular cultural magazine.
Szeroka Street
Szeroka Street is one of the most charming and lively streets in Toruń. Lined with colorful historic buildings, cozy cafés, restaurants, craft shops, and popular brand stores, it’s a perfect place to stroll and soak up the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Along it, you’ll also find the House of Toruń Legends where you’ll discover the medieval history of the city through interactive costumed performances. This fun mix of museum and theatre makes it one of the most unique things to do in Torun for visitors of all ages. To learn more, visit the domlegend.pl website.
Saint Johns’ Cathedral
Torun is home to several Gothic churches, and the Saint Johns’ Cathedral, that full name is the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, is the most impressive one. Its construction started in the mid-13th century and continued for over 200 years, finally making it a masterpiece of medieval architecture.
Inside, you can admire the richly decorated interior, the baptismal font where Copernicus was baptized, and the enormous Tuba Dei Bell – the largest medieval bell in Poland made in 1500 and weighing about 7.5 tons.
You can also visit the 52-metre-high Cathedral tower. After climbing over 200 steps and passing right by the Tuba Dei Bell, you’ll reach the top with panoramic views of Torun and the surrounding area.
Entrance to Saint Johns’ Cathedral is free, but entrance to the tower costs 20zł for a normal ticket, and 15zł for a reduced one (August 2026). The tower is open from April to mid October. For current prices and opening hours visit the katedratorun.pl website.
House of Nicolaus Copernicus
House of Nicolaus Copernicus (pl. Dom Mikołaja Kopernika) is located in Gothic townhouses where it’s believed that in 1473 the famous astronomer who stopped the Sun and moved the Earth was born.
Visiting this museum is considered one of the best things to do in Torun, as it offers both a glimpse into the life of the great scientist and the medieval bourgeois lifestyle of the city. The exhibition includes astronomical instruments, interactive displays about Copernicus’ discoveries, and period furnishings that recreate the atmosphere of a wealthy merchant’s home in the 15th century.
Entrance to the House of Nicolaus Copernicus costs 31zł for a normal ticket, and 26zł for a reduced one (August 2026). For current prices, opening hours, and online tickets, visit the muzeum.torun.pl website.
Medieval City Walls & Gates
For centuries, Torun was surrounded by a vast system of fortifications, including walls, gates, barbicans, and towers. Although much of them were dismantled in the 19th century, some of the most significant parts remain by the Vistula River, giving a good sense of how the medieval city was once protected.
Take a nice stroll along the Vistula River Promenade and admire remains like Monastery Gate (pl. Brama Klasztorna), Sailing Gate (pl. Brama Żeglarska), Bridge Gate (pl. Brama Mostowa), and iconic Leaning Tower (pl. Krzywa Wieża). Each has also a plaque with a description, making the walk both scenic and informative.
Leaning Tower
Leaning Tower (pl. Krzywa Wieża) is one of the most distinctive landmarks of Torun medieval city walls. It dates back to the second half of the 13th century and, as the name indicates, it’s known for its unique leaning structure. Apparently, it got its shape due to not so stable grounds, and after a few renovations, it’s still standing firmly in Torun’s Old Town.
Together with nearby cobbled streets and other beautiful buildings (like the Renaissance 17th century granary, now hosting MONKA Restaurant) it’s one of the most charming parts of the Old Town, and seeing it is one of the best things to do in Torun. Inside, all year round, you can find diverse exhibitions covering various trends in art.
Entrance to Leaning Tower costs 20zł for a normal ticket, and 10zł for a reduced one (August 2026). For current prices, opening hours, and online tickets, visit the tak.torun.pl website.
Explore local attractions
Philadelphia Boulevard
Philadelphia Boulevard (pl. Bulwar Filadelfijski) is the perfect place in Torun for a relaxing walk or unwinding by the Vistula River. The promenade stretches along the riverbank, offering scenic views of the city’s medieval walls, gates, and bridges connecting both sides of the river. Along the way, you’ll also find several open-air cafes, bars, or ice cream stands that are open during the summer season.
In the warmer months, you can also take a cruise on the Wanda or Katarzynka tourist boats. The panorama of the Old Town from the water is simply stunning, especially during sunset hours. It’s a fun way to explore the city and one of the most memorable things to do in Torun.
Kępa Bazarowa Viewpoint
For some of the best views in Torun, head to the Kępa Bazarowa viewing platform, located on the other site of the Vistula River. From there, you can admire the old town skyline, medieval walls and gates, church towers, bridges, and the river itself. It’s a perfect spot for Instagram-worthy photos. Kępa is also a nature reserve, home to rare riparian forest with monumental poplar and willow trees.
Getting there is easy: a peaceful 30-minute walk across the bridge and along a forest path. In our opinion, there’s no better place to admire the city, and visiting this viewpoint is definitely one of the most scenic things to do in Torun Poland.
Travel tip. On the same side of the river, not far from the viewpoint platform, you’ll also find the ruins of Dybowski Castle. It was built in 1425 by the order of King Władysław Jagiełło and served as a royal stronghold and residence.
Ruins of the Teutonic Order Castle
Teutonic Order Castle (pl. Zamek Krzyżacki) dates back to the mid-13th century and is one of the oldest constructions of this kind built in the region. It was built on a site of a former fortified settlement and had an unusual horseshoe shape.
It was thriving until the mid-15th century when it was besieged by locals during an uprising against the Teutonic Order. To prevent the Order from regaining control, the castle was demolished. Today, the only remains of the castle are the ruins which you can visit and Gdanisko, a former lavatory tower.
Entrance to the Ruins of the Teutonic Order Castle costs 20zł for a normal ticket, and 12zł for a reduced one (August 2026). For current prices, opening hours, and online tickets, visit the tak.torun.pl website.
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Dragon of Torun
While the dragon is one of the biggest attractions in Krakow, Torun has its own little dragon too! According to local legend, it was spotted in 1746 by two locals and has been part of the city’s folklore ever since. Today, you can find the cute Dragon of Toruń sculpture near the Teutonic Order Castle, at the corner of Szeroka and Przedzamcze streets.
Baj Pomorski Theatre
Visiting Baj Pomorski Theatre (pl. Teatr Baj Pomorski) is one of the quirkiest and unusual places in Torun. All thanks to its front facade designed to look like… an antique wardrobe!
Planetarium
Given Toruń’s connection to Copernicus, it’s no surprise that the city is home to a planetarium. Inside, you can take part in 40-minute shows about constellations, planets, and galaxies, available in multiple languages. Beyond the dome shows, there are also interactive exhibitions like Geodium and the Mars#17 Base.
You’ll find the Planetarium inside a 19th-century industrial building, just a short walk from the Market Square. It’s one of the best things to do in Torun, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
Entrance to the Planetarium shows costs 25zł for a normal ticket, and 20zł for a reduced one. Interactive exhibitions are additionally paid – 12zł/10zł (August 2026). For current prices, opening hours, and online tickets, visit the planetarium.torun.pl website.
New Town Square
New Town Square is a quieter part of Toruń, offering a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the bustling Old Town. It’s a great place for a leisurely stroll, surrounded by colorful historic buildings, small cafés, and local shops.
The square’s highlight is the impressive 14th-century Baroque Church of St. Jacob , considered one of the most beautiful churches in Toruń. Exploring New Town Square is a wonderful way to discover another side of the city and one of the lesser-known things to do in Torun. Hope you’ll love it!
Tip. If you enjoy visiting churches, the nearby St. Catherine’s Garrison Church is also worth a stop.
Ethnographic Museum
Ethnographic Museum is a fascinating place to dive into the folk culture and traditions of the Kuyavia and Pomerania region. It’s located a little bit outside the historic centre, but still within an easy walking distance. Inside, you’ll find exhibitions showcasing everyday life, costumes, crafts, and rituals of the local people.
For us, the highlight was the open-air ethnographic park, where you can step into traditional wooden cottages, admire historic windmills, and explore old farm buildings. It’s without a doubt one of the most unique things to do in Torun – and honestly, our favorite!
Ticket prices vary depending on which part you’d like to visit: the main exhibition, the ethnographic park, or both combined. For current ticket options, prices, and opening hours, visit the etnomuzeum.pl website.
Torun Gingerbread
No visit to Torun is complete without tasting its most famous treat – gingerbread (pl. piernik). These spiced cookies have been baked here since the 14th century but for hundreds of years, the recipes were kept secret – the first known one dates back only to the 18th century! Today, Torun gingerbread is not only a beloved local delicacy but also one of the city’s proudest symbols, earning Toruń the title of the gingerbread capital of the world.
In the Torun Old Town, you can find two different museums dedicated to gingerbread:
- Living Museum of Gingerbread (pl. Żywe Muzeum Piernika) – interactive museum that brings the city’s sweet tradition to life. Inside you can learn about the history of gingerbread and take part in a hands-on baking workshop. It’s a fun attraction in Torun for both kids and adults. Tickets sell out quickly so remember to book online in advance. For more information visit the muzeumpiernika.pl website.
- Museum of Toruń Gingerbread (pl. Muzeum Toruńskiego Piernika) – located in a former 19th-century gingerbread factory. It’ll take you on a fascinating journey through the history of gingerbread making, showcasing its evolution from medieval times to the present day. You can also take part in workshops on preparing traditional decorative gingerbread. For more information visit the muzeum.torun.pl website.
And of course, don’t leave Torun without taking home some delicious gingerbread souvenirs! From beautifully decorated cookies to elaborately shaped figures, the choice is wide. We tried gingerbreads from a few shops and especially recommended ones from Sklep z piernikami Żywego Muzeum Piernika and Piernikarnia Starotoruńska, which stood out for their flavor and quality. The most popular ones, from Kopernik bakery, didn’t particularly suit your taste buds.
For an extra treat, try the famous gingerbread ice cream flavor from Kawiarnia Lenkiewicz. For a more peaceful experience, we recommend visiting one on Wielkie Garbary Street instead of the busy one on the market square.
Experiencing everything connected to gingerbread, from exploring museums to bringing them home is without a doubt one of the sweetest things to do in Torun you’ll just love!
How to get to Torun, Poland?
Torun is located about 170km from Gdansk, 180km from Poznan, 260km from Warsaw, and 350km from Wroclaw. The most convenient way to get to Torun is by car, train, or bus.
Airports near Torun
The nearest airport to Torun is in Bydgoszcz (50km away), however, this is a small airport with limited connections. Larger nearest airports are located in Gdansk (170km away) and Poznan (160km away), all with better international connections.
From each city, you can reach Torun by train or bus. To learn more about connections that might interest you, visit rome2rio.com website.
Where to park in Torun?
In Torun we recommend leaving a car in one of the city’s paid parking lots, like Parking CKK Jordanki or this underground parking, both located just a short walk from the old town. If you plan to stay longer in Torun, we recommend booking a hotel or apartment with a designated parking space.
To Torun by bus
You can easily get to Torun by bus, especially from other big Polish cities. For example, the trip from Gdansk will take 2.5 hours, 3.5 hours from Warsaw, and 2.5 hours from Poznan. To learn more about bus connections that might interest you visit rome2rio.com or Flixbus website.
To Torun by train
You can also get to Torun by train, as Poland is quite well connected by trains. For example, a trip from Warsaw will take about 2 hours, 1.5 hours from Poznan, and 3 hours from Wroclaw. To learn more about connections that might interest you visit rozklad-pkp.pl or rome2rio.com website.
Explore local attractions
Things to do in Torun, Poland – Summing up
Toruń may not be the biggest or most famous city in Poland, but it’s definitely one of the most unforgettable. It’s a captivating place full of medieval charm, history, and unique flavors. Whether you’re here for history, architecture, culture, food, or simply an authentic Polish experience away from the crowds, Torun has something for everyone.
We hope our travel guide to things to do in Torun has inspired you to add this wonderful medieval city to your Poland itinerary. Enjoy your visit!
Our opinion about Torun
For us, a visit to Torun was a long-weekend trip from Wroclaw. We visited it in mid-August, and during that time, the town was busy with other tourists – not only Polish but also many international visitors, which was a nice surprise. Thanks to Torun compact size, we explored everything we wanted, at a relaxed pace, in less than 2 days and still had time to spare.
And… We loved our time in Torun and it quickly became one of our favourite cities in Poland. What we loved most was wandering along the atmospheric streets of the medieval old town and admiring beautiful, well preserved buildings. Learning more about gingerbread was fun too! Oh, and we really enjoyed the Ethnographic Museum – fantastic experience!
What we didn’t like? Honestly, not much! The biggest disappointment was visiting the House of Nicolaus Copernicus. We left with the impression that the exhibition focused more on medieval upper-class life than on Copernicus himself. We just expected to learn a little bit more about the astronomer’s legacy. Unfortunately, we also didn’t manage to buy tickets to the Living Museum of Gingerbread – two days before our visit, all were sold out!
Restaurants, accommodations, and map
Check out various recommended places below.
Where to eat in Torun?
Here are your best, high-rated options in Torun:
