Wroclaw: attractions, restaurants, itineraries

Wroclaw - a fairy-tale world of gnomes and bridges

Wroclaw might not always come to mind for tourists planning a weekend in Europe. And that's quite unfortunate. Here, there's not only the traditional ancient architecture one expects in Europe but also charming nuances and even unique places that make this city stand out among the rest.

The first and foremost treasure of Wroclaw, which has made it a popular tourism destination, is the gnomes scattered throughout its streets. These little figurines of mythical creatures are hidden everywhere. You just have to look carefully at your feet. Also, Wroclaw is a city of bridges and canals. There are dozens of them here, in a variety of shapes. Walking on a bridge, you'll also notice that there are quite a few islands in the Oder River. One of the most interesting and picturesque is Tumski Island.

A tour of Wroclaw wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Old Town. At its heart lies the ancient Town Hall, Market Square, and the Church of St. Elizabeth. Wroclaw is perfect for traveling with children. The little travelers are most impressed by the glass fountain in the city center and the “Baba Yaga” tram-café. Moreover, tourists simply must stroll through Szczytnicki Park with the only Japanese garden in Europe.

When to go?

Wrocław is situated in a temperate climate zone, making it the perfect city for strolls in any season. Here, you won't experience the extreme heat of summer or overly cold winters. However, the majority of tourists visit Wrocław during the warmer months – from May to September. During this period, the city is especially transformed by its green parks and blooming flowerbeds.

What to buy?

The main symbol of Wrocław is the dwarfs. These mythical creatures are hidden at every turn, making a walk through Wrocław feel like an exciting quest. The little dwarf figures attract tourists from all over the world. You can buy their miniature copies, magnets with their images, and other souvenir items in all souvenir shops. If you want something original, then purchase a special dwarf-hunting kit. It will definitely lift your spirits.

Another symbolic souvenir from Wrocław is Bolesławiec pottery. Craftsmen create their masterpieces in the small town of Bolesławiec, located near Wrocław. In brand stores, you can buy painted plates, pots, cups, and pitchers, all filled with authentic Polish charm. Wrocław has several large shopping centers, so you can come here during seasonal sales and plan a full shopping trip.

What to try?

The first thing that catches your eye in Wrocław is the tiny cafes that only serve one dish – pies. And these are not the pies we usually imagine. In Poland, these traditional dough treats are similar to dumplings. They are slightly larger than dumplings, and their fillings can be very diverse, including buckwheat porridge and spinach.

A stroll through Wrocław cannot be imagined without beer. There are a tremendous number of beer bars in the city. Choose the ones that have their own breweries. Connoisseurs claim that Wrocław brewers make beer no worse than the Czechs and Belgians.

In Wrocław's restaurants, you can also explore all the other culinary delights of Poland. To truly experience the national atmosphere, try żurek soup, flaki (beef tripe soup), stewed cabbage with mushrooms and prunes.

Wroclaw, Poland

Wroclaw - a fairy-tale world of gnomes and bridges

When to go?

What to buy?

What to try?