Wrocław

Wrocław (pronounced VROHTS-wahf; also known as Breslau, its German name, and English name until 1945) is the largest city in Lower Silesia in Poland. It is home to 674,000 people within the city limits (2022) and the metropolitan area has a population of 1.3 million making it the largest city in Western Poland.

Wrocław Town Hall

Wrocław is the historic capital of Silesia and it has changed hands repeatedly over the centuries. At different points throughout history, Wrocław has been in the Kingdom of Poland, Bohemia, the Austrian Empire, Prussia and Germany. In 1945 the city became a part of Poland again as the borders of Poland were moved westwards in the immediate aftermath of World War II. The city came to international fame as it hosted a number of football matches during the Euro 2012 Championships and was one of the 2016 European Capitals of Culture. The World Games took place in Wrocław in 2017.

Understand

The Grunwaldzki Bridge built in 1907

History

Like many cities in Central Europe, it is a city with a troubled past, having seen a lot of violence and devastation. Prior to the Second World War, Breslau was the capital of the German province of Prussian Lower Silesia. It became Polish territory when, after the War, the Soviets moved the German/Polish border westward to the Oder/Neisse Line and ethnically cleansed the area of its overwhelmingly German population through mass expulsion. Breslau was almost completely destroyed during the end of the War as the Red Army fought its way into Germany towards Berlin, being declared a "Fortress City" by Adolf Hitler. However, since the end of the Communist regime in 1989 it has been wonderfully restored and can now be counted among the highlights of Poland and of all Central Europe.

Talk

The official language is Polish. The city is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination, and serves as Poland's secondary financial services centre (after Warsaw). Thus, you should be able to a find sufficient number of English speakers to get by. German is probably much more widely spoken and understood here than in other regions of Poland.

Tourist information

There are two tourist information points on the main market square (Rynek). There is a tourist information in the main railway station.

Get in

By plane

• 1 Copernicus Airport Wrocław (WRO  ^IATA), ☏ +48 71 35-81-100.  

Is served by:

• LOT - Warsaw
• KLM - Amsterdam Schiphol
• Lufthansa - Frankfurt Airport, Munich Airport
• Scandinavian Airlines - Copenhagen Airport
• Ryanair - Brussels-Charleroi, Cork, Dublin, Girona, Glasgow-Prestwick, Leeds-Bradford, Liverpool, London-Stansted, Malta, Nottingham/East Midlands, Rome-Ciampino, Shannon, Treviso, Sofia
• Wizz Air - Doncaster/Sheffield, Dortmund, Eindhoven, London-Luton, Birmingham

From the airport, bus 106 operates from the terminal building to central Wrocław during daytime roughly every twenty minutes. There is also a night bus 206. The night bus will take approximately one hour to get to the city centre. If you are not sure how to get to your final destination in Wrocław by public transport, it might be helpful to use the journey planner. Single-ride tickets from Wrocław Airport to the city center cost 4,60 zł (or 2,30 zł for students or ISIC/EURO 26 holders) and can be purchased at the automatic ticket vending machine at the stop or on board.

At night, some of the bus 206 services operate on the same route as bus 106.

A taxi to the city centre or train station will cost around 45-60 zł during the daytime.

By train

Wrocław Glowny station

Wrocław is a major hub on the Polish rail network, with several trains a day to all large Polish cities (route planner).

• 2 Wrocław Główny. The main train station. (updated Dec 2019)

There are about ten daily arrivals from Warsaw. Travel time varies from 3½ hours by the new high speed trains, up to almost 7 hours with a TLK (cheap) train.

Several trains a day arrive from Kraków. There are quite a lot of trains from Poznań, which itself receives trains from Szczecin, Bydgoszcz, and Berlin.

As of July 2021 the train from Berlin to Kraków and the overnight train from Berlin to Vienna both call at Wrocław and operate daily. Travel time is around 4½ hours from Berlin or 7 hours overnight from Vienna.

To get to Wrocław from Dresden take the train to Zgorzelec just across the border operated by Trilex. From there Polish trains run to Wrocław, taking about 4h to cover the distance between Dresden and Wrocław.

By bus

All international and national buses stop at the PKS Centrum station which is located directly behind the main train station (timetable; click "Odjazdy autobusów z Dworca Centralnego PKS").

Wrocław is a stop on the Eurolines international coach network.

FlixBus operates routes to Prague and Warsaw (via Łódź). Tickets are only available online, but traveling with them is comfortable. Buses are brand new and free Wi-Fi is available on board. Tickets are cheap when bought in advance. One-way tickets are available from 1 zł (plus 1 zł for reservation). They also operate buses to and from Krakow about once an hour.

Given the state of the railway connection to/from Germany (see above) several providers of Intercity buses in Germany (including Deutsche Bahn) also serve Wroclaw, mostly from Berlin and Dresden, with some making intermediate stops.

Get around

The centre of Wrocław is navigable on foot, but the city has an excellent public-transport system for access to the suburbs and outlying attractions, with 57 bus lines, 22 tram lines and 13 night bus lines. As well as that, taxis are readily available and quite affordable, even for those on a budget.

By bus or tram

Details on how to travel around Wrocław and ticket types and prices. You can also use the journey planner.

Tickets

There are two types of tickets:

• Single-ride tickets cost 4,60 zł. These tickets are not time-based or route-based - you must pay each time you enter a different vehicle.
• Period tickets:
  • 15-minutes for 3,20 zł,
  • 30-minutes for 4 zł,
  • 60-minutes for 5,20 zł,
  • 90-minutes for 7 zł,
  • 24-hours for 15 zł,
  • 48-hours for 26 zł,
  • 72-hours for 32 zł,
  • 168-hours (7-days) 54 zł.

A reduced fare is available and costs 50% of the regular fare. Pupils of Polish schools under the age of 21 and seniors aged 65 and over ride for free. A proof of age or a school ID is needed.

You must validate all tickets on boarding the bus or tram, or you'll face a 150 zł fine (plus the price of a ticket) if caught by an inspector (100 zł if paid within 7 days). A period ticket only needs to validated on the first vehicle that you board. After that, you just need to keep it on you for inspection.

Tickets are sold in lots of places. Look for "Ruch" kiosks, post offices. You should be able to buy them in most newsagents also. In the city centre you can find lots of ticket machines offering all types of tickets.

In every bus and tram there is a ticket machine installed too. Payment is only possible by credit or debit card (Visa/MasterCard/American Express). Maestro cards are not accepted. The ticket machine on the bus or tram does not print your ticket – the ticket is coded on your payment card. The validity of the ticket (this service is particularly useful in time tickets) can be checked in the ticket machine.

Transporting baggage and animals requires no additional ticket.

If you're planning to stay longer, check out the Urbancard offer.

Route numbers

• 0-79 — trams
• A,C,D,E,K,N — express buses (ticket costs 3.20 zł)
• 100-149 — normal buses
• 3xx — normal buses, peak hours only
• 4xx — fast buses
• 6xx — suburban buses (if outside town, ticket costs 3.20 zł)
• 240-259 — night buses (ticket costs 3.20 zł)

By taxi

• List of taxi companies.

By bicycle

Between April and November you can rent bicycles at about 70 locations throughout the city with the Wroclaw City Bike (Wrocławski Rower Miejski, WRM) system which is operated by Nextbike Polska on behalf of the city. You need to register once online and pay an initial fee of 10 zł. For the first 20 min you can then use the bicycles for free. 20- to 40-min rental periods cost 2 zł and every additional hour costs 4 zł. A customer service office for questions or registration is on ul. Świętego Antoniego 8 (open Tu 06:00-16:00, Th 11:00-21:00). Customer service can also called on +48 71 738 1111 or +48 71 715 2772.

See

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

• 1 Market Square (Rynek). It is the architectural centre-point of Wroclaw, and its most obvious attraction. It is one of the biggest town squares in Europe, and is lined on all sides with photogenic and interesting buildings. Centre of tourist life, place where tourists drink beer.  
  • 2 Old Town Hall (Stary Ratusz), ul. Sukiennice 14 (south side of the Rynek). Tu-Su 11:00-17:00 (closed Monday). It now serves as the Museum of Burgeois Art. Construction of the town hall began in the 13th century. It was one of the few major buildings in Wrocław to survive World War II. The interior features stunning Gothic interiors. admission 4 zł. (updated Apr 2023)
• 3 Salt Square (Plac Solny). Formerly a salt market, now a flower market.  
• 4 Cathedral Island (Ostrów Tumski). A group of islands on the Oder River with beautiful cathedrals and a few hundred year old buildings, for those who would have romantic evening, walking through mystery brick stoned streets it is a must. It is complete with hand-lit oil lamps lit nightly.  
  • 5 Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (Archikatedra św. Jana Chrzciciela), ul. Katedralna. M-Sa 10:00-17:00, Su 14:00-16:00. Dating from the 13th century, featuring stunning architecture and the largest church organ in Poland. Has elevator to the top, so this is the one to go to if you can't climb. Good river views from the tower. Admission 15 zł, tower admission 25 zł. (updated Aug 2024)
• 6 St. Elizabeth's Church (Bazylika św. Elżbiety Węgierskiej), ul. Elżbiety 1 (On the northwest side of the Rynek). M-Sa 09:00-16:00, Su 13:00-16:00. Tower: Apr-Oct: daily 10:00-19:00, Nov-Mar: closed. A large and imposing medieval building with a 90m high tower with spectacular views over the old town. Tower admission (no lift) 15 zł. (updated Aug 2023)
• 7 St. Maria Magdalena Church (Katedra św. Marii Magdaleny), Szewska 10. Tower/bridge: daily 10:00-20:00. The big church a block south of the Rynek, you can also climb this tower for 5 zł. Between the two towers, there is a small bridge known as the Pennants' Bridge, where you can walk along and enjoy the cityrama. Views are great, but if you can only do one, St Elizabeth is probably the one to do. However, the bridge makes a good story to tell people at home.  
• 8 Synagogue "Under the White Stork", ul. Pawła Włodkowica 7. 19th-century synagogue.  
• Wrocław Dwarves (Wrocławskie Krasnale). The first dwarf statue was installed in 2001 in Świdnicka Street to commemorate the Polish anti-communist underground movement Orange Alternative, whose symbol was a dwarf. Some years later smaller dwarf statues, each with their own theme, appeared and they can now be found all over the city. (updated Jan 2016)
• 9 Botanical Garden of the University of Wrocław (Ogród Botaniczny Uniwersytetu Wrocławskiego), ul. Henryka Sienkiewicza 23, ☏ +48 71 3225957. May-Aug: 08:00-20:00; Sep - mid-Nov, spring-May: 08:00-19:00; mid-Nov - spring: closed. Ticket office closes at 18:00. 15 zł adults, 5 zł concession. (updated May 2016)

Further afield

The Centennial Hall

• 10 Centennial Hall (Hala Stulecia), ul. Wystawowa 1, ☏ +48 71 347 51 51. A historic building, constructed according to the plans of architect Max Berg from 1911 to 1913, when the city was part of the German Empire. As an early landmark of reinforced concrete architecture, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006.  
  • 11 Wrocław Fountain. Working only from beginning of May until end of September. A multimedia fountain located within the Pergola next to Centennial Hall in Wrocław. The one hectare fountain incorporates about 300 jets to create a screen of water for animation display. There are also 800 lights. When frozen in winter, the fountain is a 4700-square-meter ice skating rink. (updated Aug 2024)
  • 12 Wroclaw Iglica. A distinctive object placed close to the Centennial Hall. 

Japanese Garden

Wrocław's dwarfs

• 13 Park Szczytnicki (East-central Wrocław). Very large, spanning over a few kilometres, it's a common place for walks. Becomes incredibly colorful in autumn and should not be missed if you travel there in late September or October.  
  • 14 Japanese Garden (Ogród Japoński). Apr-Oct: 09:00-19:00. A remainder from the 'World Expo' of 1913 held in Wrocław, this is a large landscaped garden restored post-flooding with the assistance of the Japanese government. A part of Park Szczytnicki. 21zł regular, 14zł reduced. 
• 15 Eastern Park (pl: Park Wschodni). On the bank of Oława river is a masterpiece of design, but left forgotten for decades. After few years of restoration it's now a true gem especially worth visiting in April when wetland flowers are blooming or autumn when vegetation turns into picturesque blend of reds, yellows and gold. As it borders semi-wild forests and has plenty of water, you may even watch swans taking care of their nests just few meters from the walking path. 
• 16 Zoo Wrocław (Ogród Zoologiczny), ul. Zygmunta Wróblewskiego 1-5. Oldest zoo in Poland, having been opened in 1865 as the Breslau Zoological Garden while the city was part of Prussia. It is also the largest (in terms of the number of animals) zoo in Poland. 55 zł adults, 45 zł reduced, 45 zł students. (updated Jan 2016)
• 17 Wrocław Water Tower (Wieża ciśnień przy alei Wiśniowej), Sudecka Street. A 63-m-high water tower constructed between 1904-1905 with an observation deck at 42 m. Provided water supply until mid-1980. In 1995 it was restored and converted into a restaurant. The tower has not been open to the public since 2017. (updated May 2016)

Museums

• National Museum branches:
  • 18 Panorama Racławicka, Jana Ewangelisty Purkyniego 11, ☏ +48 71 344 16 61, +48 71 344 16 62. Apr-Sep: daily 09:00-17:00; Oct-Mar: Tu-Su 09:00-16:00, M closed. Perhaps the most-visited tourist site in Wrocław, it consists of a large canvas painting wrapped around a viewing rotunda. It creates a 360-degree view of the Battle of Racławice (1794) between Russian troops and Polish insurrectionists. The battle was a victory for the Poles, however the Russians won the war. Visits are conducted in tour groups roughly every half-hour and foreign-language audio guides are available. The ticket also allows entry to the National Museum, Ethnographic Museum and Museum of Comptemporary Arts. 50 zł adults, 23zł students & families (per person). (updated Apr 2022)
  • 19 National Museum in Wrocław (Muzeum Narodowe we Wrocławiu), Plac Powstańców Warszawy 5. Apr-Sep: Tu-F Su 10:00-17:00, Sa 10:30-18:00; Oct-Mar: Tu-F 10:00-16:00, Sa Su 10:00-17:00; M closed. Features a large collection of Polish art. The Gallery of Contemporary Art is in the attic. Admission 20zł adults, 15 zł concessions. Free on Saturdays (permanent exhibitions). (updated Aug 2024)
  • 20 Ethnographic Museum (Muzeum Etnograficzne), Traugutta 111/113 (take tram 3 or 5 and get off at stop pl. Zgody), ☏ +48 71 344 33 13, +48 71 342 12 67. Tu W F-Su 10:00-16:00, Th 09:00-16:00, M closed. Located in the former summer Palace of Wrocław Bishops. Collection concentrates on folk art. Adults 5 zł, concessions 3 zł. Sat free. (updated May 2016)
  • 21 Museum of Contemporary Art (next to the Centennial Hall). The Four Domes Pavilion (Pawilon Czterech Kopuł) which is part of the historic Exhibition Grounds houses the collection of Polish contemporary art of the National Museum, which comprises works from 1945 until present. (updated May 2016)
• City Museum of Wrocław has several subsidiaries, all of them have free admission on permanent exhibition and paid admission on temporary exhibitions at 15 zł (10 zł reduced), audioguides are available in English and paid additional 15 zł:
  • 22 The Museum of Bourgeois Art (Muzeum Sztuki Mieszczańskej), Stary Ratusz, Rynek (in the Old Town Hall (Stary Ratusz)). W-Sa 10:00-17:00, Su 10:00-18:00, M Tu closed. (updated Dec 2015)
  • 23 Museum of Archeology (Muzeum Archeologiczne), ul. Cieszyńskiego 9 (in the City Arsenal (St. Nicolas Arsenal)). W-Sa 11:00-17:00, Su 10:00-18:00; M,Tu closed. Collection of mostly prehistoric artifacts. (updated Aug 2024)
    • 24 Military Museum (Muzeum Militariów), ul. Cieszyńskiego 9 (in the City Arsenal (St. Nicolas Arsenal)). W-Sa 10:00-17:00, Su 10:00-18:00, M-Tu closed. Military exhibits from 19th and 20th century. (updated Aug 2024)
  • 25 Historical Museum (Muzeum Historyczne), ul. Kazimierza Wielkiego 15. W-Sa 11:00-17:00, Su 10:00-18:00, M-Tu closed. Located in the Royal Palace of Hohenzollern dynasty of Prussia. Museum collection is named '1000 years of Wrocław' which hint at type of exhibits you can find here. (updated Aug 2024)
    • Medallic Art Museum (Muzeum Sztuki Medalierskiej), ul. Kazimierza Wielkiego 15. W-Sa 11:00-17:00, Su 10:00-18:00, M-Tu closed. (updated Aug 2024)
  • 26 Museum of Cemetery Art (Muzeum Sztuki Cmentarnej), ul. Ślężna 37/39. Apr-Oct 09:00-18:00, Nov-Mar 09:00-16:00, open daily. The Old Jewish Cemetery (Stary Cmentarz Żydowski). In Jun-Aug on Sundays at 10:00 guide is available already covered in ticket price. (updated Aug 2024)
• 27 Wrocław Contemporary Museum (Muzeum Współczesne Wrocław, MWW), Plac Strzegomski 2, ☏ +48 784 973 213. M 09:00-17:00, W-Su 12:00-20:00, closed Tu and holidays. Contemporary art, photography, also a club and a cafeteria with nice views. Admission 20 zł, reduced 10 zł, Th free, "Self-service museum" free. (updated May 2016)
• 28 Museum of Architecture (Muzeum Architektury), ul. Bernardyńska 5, ☏ +48 71 344 82 79, +48 71 343 36 75. M closed. Museum is located in a 15th-century post-Bernardine Gothic buildings - St Bernardine of Sienna Church and a monastic quadrangle with a garden. Tickets 10 zł, reduced 7 zł, Wednesday free.  
• 29 University of Wrocław Museum (Muzeum Uniwersytetu Wrocławskiego), Plac Uniwersytecki 1, ☏ +48 71 3752767. M-Tu Th-Su 10:00 - at least 15:30 (longer in summer), W closed. Ticket office closes 30 min before. The four halls are: Aula Leopoldina, Oratorium Marianum, Mathematical Tower (Wieża matematyczna) and Exposition (Wystawa). The first two are still used by the university for events (so they can be closed at times). Audio guides are available. 10/11/12 zł for visiting 2, 3 or 4 halls (adults), reduced tickets available. (updated May 2016)
• 30 Museum of Natural History (Muzeum Przyrodnicze), ul. Sienkiewicza 21, ☏ +48 71 3754145. Tu-F 09:00-15:00, Sa Su 10:00-16:00, M closed. The museum is part of Wrocław University and has its origin in 1814. The collections display many specimens of extinct and rare species including the skeleton of a Blue Whale, the largest animal that lived on the earth. Adults 10 zł, concessions 7 zł. (updated May 2016)

Do

• 1 Opera Wrocławska, ul. Świdnicka 35.  
• 2 Music Theatre Capitol, ul. Marszałka J. Piłsudskiego 67. 
• 3 Polski Theatre, ul. Zapolskiej 3. Two additional stages are located at ul. Świdnicka 28 (Small Stage) and plac Orląt Lwowskich 20c (Świebodzki Train Station Stage).  
• Współczesny Theatre (Contemporary Theatre), Ul. Rzeźnicza 12.  
• 4 Wrocław Philharmonic, Ul. Piłsudskiego 19. Different kinds of concerts: symphonic, choral, early music, jazz, popular music.  
• Football: Śląsk Wrocław play soccer in Ekstraklasa, Poland's top tier. Their home ground (capacity 45,000) is Stadion Wrocław or Tarczyński Arena, 6 km northwest of city centre. The 2025 UEFA Europa Conference League final will be played there, probably on 28 May 2025, tbc.
• Rope Park (Opatowicka Wyspa Przygody). Go to the rope park on Opatowicka island. 
• Free Walking Tours. (updated May 2016)
• 5 Wroclaw Food Tour, Pregierz,Rynek (Monument in front of Mc Donalds' in the Central Market), ☏ +48 791 782 792, wroclawfoodtour@gmail.com. M-F 13:00-16:30, Sa Su 12:00-15:30. Wroclaw Food Tour is an easy and enjoyable way to discover traditional Polish food in authentic locales alongside with other food lovers from all over the world. It is not just about eating food, but also touching upon Polish culture by finding out about the many intriguing facts concerning Polish cuisine under the guidance of an English-speaking food expert. €40. (updated Aug 2015)

Festivals

• Long Night of Museums. Annual event in May. 
• Festival of Good Beer, Wrocław Municipal Stadium, Aleja Śląska 1. The largest beer festival in Poland and one of the largest in Europe. In June. 
• New Horizons (Nowe Horyzonty). International Film Festival. Ten days of films, concerts and exhibitions. End of July.  
• Dialog Festival. International Theatre Festival. October. 
• International Festival Wratislavia Cantans. Oratorio and cantata music in Wroclaw's historical venues. September. (updated Aug 2024)

With children

Some free public playgrounds:

• 6 Mamut. 24/7. Mammoth installation inside "Park Mamuta". free. 
• 7 Zipwire. 24/7. a zipline and big spiderweb rope construction. free. 
• 8 Water playground. 24/7. water sandbox with an Archimedes' screw, hand water pump, tiny gates and channels. Not far from water museum Hydropolis (which is paid). free. 
• 9 Nivea playground (Podwórko talentów Nivea). 24/7. Playground with a big xylophone and a small scene. free. 

Learn

The Main Building of Wrocław University and the Oder River

Polish for foreigners is taught in several schools.

Work

Wrocław is dominated by service economy based on outsourcing, mostly in IT, accounting and finance with headquarters of several companies from the sector. Many of them are willing to employ foreigners and even deal with immigration permits.

Buy

• Travellers' Bookshop, ul. Wita Stwosza 19/20. Maps, guidebooks, travel books. 
• 1 Galeria Dominikańska. Large shopping mall, with a big supermarket in the basement floor. Free Wi-Fi.  
• Tajne Komplety, ul. Przejście Garncarskie 2 (small street on Rynek). Bookshop/cafe with a good selection of English-language books and good coffee. 
• 2 Market Hall (Hala Targowa), ul. Piaskowa 17. 08:00-18:30 M-Sa, Su closed. For fresh vegetables, fruits, pierogi, etc. (updated Aug 2024)

Eat

Budget

Pierogi-eating gnome statue, Wrocław

Cultural note: the "bars" listed below are in fact self-service canteens, known as milk bars (bar mleczny), offering inexpensive and traditional Polish meals. They are a gastronomic and cultural experience. They should be open even on national holidays. Expect short queues.

In the city centre

• 1 Bar Miś, 48 Kuźnicza Street (700 ft. north of Rynek (Market Place or central square)). M-F 07:00-18:00 and Sa 08:00-17:00. Offers an ample and diversified menu, including meat-based dishes. Students, staff and professors of the University of Wrocław usually eat there, together with homeless people, elderly and pensioners. After entering go to the cash desk (at the left corner) and order your meal (Polish only). Turn right, go to the food counter and hand your receipt to the person serving the meals. (updated May 2022)
• 2 Bratwursty, Szewska 24/26. Tasty sausages. One of the best street food in Wrocław. There are not many such places in Poland. (updated May 2022)
• 3 Prewar, Świętego Mikołaja 81. Pre-War restaurant. The atmosphere and decor of the place take you to another dimension. (updated May 2022)
• 4 iBO falafel, Świętego Mikołaja 15. Delicious vegan falafels, beautiful wraps and lovely service. The falafel is fresh, yummy, flavorful and filing. Small cosy place. (updated May 2022)
• 5 Pizzeria Piekielny Kupiec, Rynek 46/47. Very big variety of pizzas including some rare yet delicious combinations. You can order some additional sauce to make it even tastier. Fast, attentive and kindly service. (updated May 2022)
• 6 U Beatki, Rynek-Ratusz 13/14 (entrance on the northern side of the Town Hall). Open every day from 09:00 until the last guest leaves. May feel a bit small and old-fashioned inside but it's very clean and the staff are friendly, plus there's a beer garden open in the summer. Great and cheap pierogi, potato pancakes and soups. (updated May 2022)
• 7 Bar Bazylia, Kuźnicza Street (corner of Uniwersytecki Square, 300 ft. after bar "Miś", inside the building of University's Law Department). Very clean and fast service. Offers a more stylish ambience. 

Near the city centre

• 8 Bar Pierożek Wrocław ul. Sądowa 7, Sądowa 7 (next to the Casino, close to the Scandic Hotel). According to many Wroclavians, the best pierogi in Wrocław. Try pierogi ruskie (with potatoes and cottage cheese) with kefir and barszcz (borscht) and "nalesniki" (crêpes) to experience what real Polish food ought to taste like. The place is small and basic, you may need to wait for a seat, but the food is top-notch. (updated May 2022)
• 9 Bar Mleczny Mewa, Bolesława Drobnera 4 (7 minutes walk north from Rynek through University Main Building and Pomorski Bridge). M-F 08:00-18:00, Sa Su 09:00-16:00. The cheapest. Offers some dishes only at specific hours: pirogi - 13:00, pancakes - 14:00, pirogi with cabbage - 15:00, potato pancakes - 16:00. You pay directly at the food delivery counter (Polish only). (updated May 2022)

Mid-range

• 10 Giselle, ul. Szewska 27. A French bakery/cafe with delicious breakfast dishes (served all day) and other food. Around 12-19 zł. (updated Jan 2016)
• Amalfi, Więzienna Street. A place serving authentic thin-slice Italian pizza from a proper, scorching-hot wood oven. About 15 zł for a pizza for one person. Italian owners. 
• Oregano, Igielna Street. Inexpensive restaurant with pizza and a variety of other dishes. 
• Piramida, Wita Stwosza Street. Egyptian restaurant. Kitschy interior and big portions. 
• Gruzińskie Chaczapuri, Mikolaja Street (nearly adjacent to Market Square). A budding franchise originating from Kraków, serves Georgian food (khachapuri). Try lawasz z adżapsandałem (dough-filled with a tasty mix of tomatoes, bell peppers, aubergines, garlic and goat cheese) for about 15 zł. 
• Mexico Bar, Rzeźnicza Street. As long as you are willing to eat a somewhat modified version of Mexican cuisine, you should enjoy the large, rich portions at Mexico Bar. You might want to order the "hot" (na ostro) version of your dish, as the regular dishes are surprisingly mild. This is a small, popular place, so you may have to wait for your seat at the bar. It is best to call ahead and make reservations especially on the weekends. 
• Masala Grill & Bar, ul. Kuźnicza 3 (close to the main square), ☏ +48 71 302 69 49. 11:00-00:00. An Indian restaurant. The restaurant is air conditioned, has a seating capacity of 110 and is child friendly. The cuisine is Indian keeping European tastes in mind. The Xpress Lunch combo is a favourite and very reasonably priced with a free soft drink. The main menu has a wide variety of dishes to choose from including soups, salads, starters, Tandoori Grill, special Indian curries, fragrant basmati rice and Indian bread (naan). The bar at the restaurant specializes in a wide variety of eye-catching cocktails and mocktails. 
• Le Bistrot Parisien (French restaurant in Wrocław), ul. Nożownicza I D. Small place, genuine French cuisine, good for dates. 
• 11 Misa Hindusa, Piotra Skargi 22, ☏ +48 508760427, misahindusa@gmail.com. Daily 11:30-21:00. (updated Dec 2021)

Splurge

• Pod Papugami, ul. Sukiennice 9a (At Rynek, next to Spiż Cellar (see above)). Offers good meals and a good selection of salads. (updated Apr 2024)
• Novocaina, Rynek 13, ☏ +48 71 3436915. Organic-based pizza and pasta dishes. Reservations are necessary, but can be made a day in advance through their website. 

Drink

Wroclaw University of Technology, Faculty of Architecture building

• 1 Kawiarnia Literatka, Rynek 56/57. Opens at 10:00 and stays open as long as you can drink. Literatka is not exactly a coffee place, because it lacks own cakes and desserts. However, they do have coffee and lots of inexpensive alcohol, as well as book shelves, free Wi-Fi connection, and nice atmosphere. Good place for a quick coffee, chat, or even evening drink. If you smoke, check the inner smoking room, which is larger and nicer than the outward non-smoking area. 

There are many different clubs and pubs in Wroclaw. Most of them are located in the centre of the old town, many good ones however, are situated a few crossings from the Town Square, not within its borders. The Town Square mostly contains some not very specific, quite expensive restaurants, although it is worth mentioning the Spiż Cellar, an interesting mini-brewery with a few tasty kinds of locally made beer and a unique interior design. There are also two discos that are popular among fans of house/techno music - Daytona and Związki. However, pub-wanderers, who want to meet interesting people and/or get involved in some discussions will probably enjoy places situated in some less obvious locations than right in the Town Square. Good examples of such places are:

• Mleczarnia (pronounced 'Mletcharnya'), ul. Włodkowica 5. A bit further from the Town Square but still not too far, near the main courthouse in a quiet street - quite a large pub occupying the basement and ground level of an old fin-de-siecle building. It has unique dark, cozy, wooden interiors and a specific atmosphere. Music played is quite specific and varied - among the styles played are: Jewish music, jazz, progressive rock, film music and others. There are often some cultural events, like discussion clubs or film projections taking place in the basement. They also have a hostel in that same building. 
• Bezseność (Insomnia), ul. Ruska 51, upstairs. Concerts, film screenings. Popular place. 
• Setka, ul. Kazimierza Wielkiego 50A, on the corner. Supposedly Communist style, well - kitschy. But open 24/7 with cheap alcohol (4 zł for a glass of beer or shot of vodka) and good meals. 

There are plenty of other clubs and pubs in Wroclaw. It's a great adventure to explore them because most have their own specific style and atmosphere.

Beer

• 2 Spiż Cellar, Rynek-Ratusz 2. See how to brew beer and how delicious it tastes. 
• 3 Browar Stu Mostów (100 Bridges Brewery), ul. Jana Długosza 2-6. A micro-brewery and pub that opened in 2014. (updated Jan 2016)
• 4 Targowa, ul. Piaskowa 17. Craft beer (including local ones) and food. (updated Jan 2016)

Sleep

Budget

• Boogie Hostel, ul. Ruska 35, ☏ +48 71 342 44 72, hostel@boogiehostel.com. Cheap, comfortable accommodation in the centre of town. 19 and very spacious but cosy private rooms (for 1, 2, 3 or 4 people), and dorms (8 or 10). 
• Flower Power Hostel, al. Lipowa 15/2, ☏ +48 71 794 98 68, office@flowerpowerhostel.pl. Eco. Located in a 1920s villa. Not in the centre. Pets welcome. 40 zł dorm bed. 
• HiWay Hostel. Price form: 35 zł (8 bedded dorm). Apparently the smallest hostel in Wroclaw. Comfortable facilities, WiFi, Internet, free breakfast, laundry, friendly staff. Only few minutes walk from Ostrow Tumski and Panorama Raclawicka. About 15 minutes from the Main Square. 
• 1 Hostel Babel (Formerly called The Stranger Hostel), Kołłątaja 16, ☏ +48 71 342 02 50. Just around the corner from the train station. Sheets, lockers and Internet are provided. There is a media lounge where you can watch DVD movies and play video games. Dorm bed from 45 zl. 
• International Youth Hostels
  • 2 Youth Hostel on the Island (Hotel Tumski Wrocław/Na Wyspie), Ul. Wyspa Slodowa 10, ☏ +48 71 3226099, +48 71 3226088, fax: +48 71 3226113, hotel@hotel-tumski.com.pl. 
  • 3 Na Kielczowskiej, Ul.Kielczowska 43, ☏ +48 71 3457396, fax: +48 71 3457396, ssm-lzn@com.pl. 
• The One Hostel, Rynek 30, ☏ +48 71 337 2402, recepcja@theonehostel.pl. Elegant hostel in the centre (on the Main Square). Dorm beds from 40 zł. 
• 4 U Szermierzy, ul. Zygmunta Krasińskiego 30b (By the large brown doors under the 'U Szermierzy' sign is an intercom; enter '55' and the receptionist will buzz you in. Walk directly ahead (through a large corridor and a second identical set of large brown doors) into the courtyard, where you will see the hostel entrance straight ahead.), ☏ +48 71 343 49 89. Check-in: noon, check-out: 10:00. Treading the line between hostel and cheap hotel, "U Szermierzy" has 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-bed rooms, the more expensive ones equipped with en suites and televisions. Dilapidated but clean, and less than 1 km from the Old Town Market. Free parking available, enter via ul. Generała Romualda Traugutta, 150m east of the intersection with ul. Zygmunta Krasińskiego. Free Wi-Fi internet access. single from 70 zł, double with bathroom and shower 90 zł. 
• Premiere Classe Wroclaw Centrum

Mid-range

• Qubus Hotel Wrocław. Four-star hotel located in the heart of the city, near a beautiful Market Square. There is also a fitness centre with bodybuilding gym, sauna, Jacuzzi and swimming pool. 
• Hotel System. Is one of the newest hotels in Wroclaw, conveniently situated close to the city centre but at the same time not far from major roads, (E67 8 Wrocław - Warsaw, and E261 5 Wrocław - Poznań). 
• Scandic Wrocław. The first hotel in Poland managed by the most popular Scandinavian hotel chain, it is in the centre of Wrocław, close to the Old Town and to the railway station, easily accessible from the A4 highway. 
• Campanile Wroclaw Centrum
• Orbis Hotel Wroclaw
• Hotel im. Jana Pawła II
• HP Park Plaza
• Best Western Hotel Prima Wrocław
• Novotel Wrocław

Splurge

• 5 Art Hotel, Kiełbaśnicza 20. 
• 6 Hotel Monopol, Heleny Modrzejewskiej 2 (in the centre of the city). Room prices are generally around 250 zł for a single room and 400 zł for a double room. The hotel is next door to the restored opera house.  
• 7 Sofitel Wrocław Old Town, ul. Św. Mikołaja 67 (Stare Miasto). Check-in: 14:00-midnight, check-out: 07:00-12:00. 50 metres from the Rynek Główny. 216 zł and up. 
• 8 Radisson Blu, ul. Purkyniego 10 (Stare Miasto). Check-in: from 15:00, check-out: until noon. A bit farther from the Old Town, but right in front of the Panorama of Racławice. PLN 184 and up. 
• The Granary - La Suite Hotel
• Europeum Hotel
• Puro Hotel
• Mercure Wrocław Centrum

Medical tourism

Wroclaw is also popular destination for medical tourism. A lot of experienced and trustworthy plastic surgeons work in Wroclaw. The most popular aesthetic surgeries in Wroclaw are: breast enlargement, liposuction, tummy tuck and rhinoplasty. These clinics specialize in treating foreign patients:

• Prestige
• Coramed
• Noa Clinic
• Medicus Self

Stay safe

Wrocław, like most of Poland, is a very safe city but you should exercise the usual caution and keep guard of your valuables especially around crowded places or places popular with tourists like the main train station or the town square (Rynek).

Connect

As of Aug 2022 city centre has 5G from all Polish carriers, while outlying districts and the approach highways have 4G. Wifi is widely available in public places.

Cope

Consulates

• 1 European Commission Regional Representation in Wrocław, ul. Widok 10, ☏ +48 71 324 09 09, ec-wroclaw@ec.europa.eu. (updated Jun 2024)
• 2 Germany, ul. Podwale 76, ☏ +48 71 377 27 00.  

• 3 Ukraine, pl. Biskupa Nankiera 7, ☏ +48 (71) 712 76 00, gc_plw@mfa.gov.ua. (updated Jun 2024)

Go next

• Świdnica — interesting old town, UNESCO Heritage Peace Church.
• Bolesławiec — some 100 km (60 mi) away, the place to shop for porcelain, with a nearby Kliczków Castle converted to a hotel.
• Jawor — UNESCO Heritage Peace Church.
• Gola Dzierżoniowska Castle — a beautiful castle less than 50 km South of Wroclaw.
• Jelenia Góra — a town of hot springs just twenty minutes away from the mountains.
• Wałbrzych — to visit the nearby Książ Castle.
• Niemcza, about 50 km to the south, is a small town with a larger historical importance and a row of lovely Baroque buildings on the Rynek (Market Square).

Routes through Wrocław

Forst ← Border PL/D ← Legnica ←	W  E	→ Opole → Katowice
Kłodzko ← Ząbkowice Śląskie ←	S  E	→ Oleśnica → Piotrków Trybunalski