Torun: attractions, restaurants, itineraries

Torun

Torun — a city steeped in legend, protected by ancient walls and towers, with medieval architecture that impresses tourists at first glance.

This city is often compared to Krakow. However, Torun has its own unique charm, and its historical center is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

The city is situated on the banks of the Vistula River. It is renowned for its rich history and numerous ancient buildings in brick Gothic style. Additionally, it is the birthplace of the world-famous scientist Nicolaus Copernicus.

In Torun, you will be transported to the Middle Ages. You can stroll through its streets, enjoy the aroma of fresh baked goods, and fall under the spell of the churches and towers, each stone of which is imbued with ancient legends.

You can start your journey through Torun from the Old Town, where the Town Hall stands, boasting majestic architecture and a centuries-old history. It is considered to be a sort of stone calendar. The tower symbolizes the year, the four wings — the seasons, and the 12 large halls and 52 rooms — correspond to the number of months and weeks. Tour guides claim that the town hall has exactly 365 windows, the same number as days in a year. According to legend, every leap year, the mayor would hire a stonemason to cut an additional window in the wall, which, as you might guess, would later be bricked up again.

You can spend a few hours trying to find and count all the windows, or you can explore the Town Hall from the inside, as it houses many fascinating artifacts in its halls. And, of course, you must climb the observation tower, which offers a breathtaking view of the Old Town.

When to go?

It's worth visiting Toruń during the warm season, from May to September. During this time of year, you can not only enjoy pleasant weather but also attend various outdoor events.

For instance, the first week of May hosts the large-scale international theater festival "Contact." Over several days, you can watch a variety of performances from countries in Central, Eastern, and Western Europe.

One of the most important summer events is the Gingerbread Festival, organized in June by the "Kopernik" confectionery factory. This event features open-air concerts and various competitions for both residents and guests of Toruń. Plus, gingerbread enthusiasts have the chance to earn a gourmet gingerbread certificate.

Want to avoid tourist crowds? Then you might consider visiting in early spring when the city is just awakening from its winter slumber and coming alive with fresh colors.

In autumn, you can take leisurely strolls along Toruń’s cozy streets, admire medieval buildings adorned with golden and red leaves, and soak in the remarkable atmosphere of tranquility and inspiration. Additionally, in November, the international film festival Camerimage takes place, showcasing the works of aspiring filmmakers.

What to buy?

If you want to bring back a souvenir and the usual magnets with city images or symbols don't appeal to you, then we recommend checking out the branded stores with the sign 'Katarzynka'. Here, you can buy those famous gingerbreads, or as we are used to calling them, cookies, which the city is famous for.

There is even a Gingerbread Museum here, where you can not only purchase this confectionery product but also listen to guides who will tell you about the history of gingerbread, or even attend a master class on how to make it.

In the local shops, you can find various souvenirs, including magnets in the shape of gingerbread, painted clay dishes, folkloric dolls, as well as notebooks, badges, and even socks featuring Copernicus.

What to try?

In Torun, you will fully appreciate the diverse Polish cuisine. You can enjoy delicious meals both in establishments located in the heart of the city and in humble cafes and canteens far from the center.

Start with soup made from cabbage brine, also known as Kapuśniak, or the national Polish soup żurek. It is prepared with oat sourdough, herbs, sausages, mushrooms, eggs, and vegetables. The dish is traditionally served in a bread bowl. You can also order barszcz — a variant of borscht with a slightly sweet taste. For the adventurous, there’s czernina — a rich soup made from pig or duck blood.

Continue your meal with traditional pierogi — dumplings with various fillings. Ensure you try the hearty and delicious bigos — cabbage stewed with meat, another symbol of Polish cuisine. And in the colder months, in addition to the usual hot tea or chocolate, you might want to try grzaniec — warmed beer with honey, spices, and dried fruits.

Torun, Poland

Torun

When to go?

What to buy?

What to try?