7 days in Wroclaw, Poland: What to see, eat and do. Full city guide
Ah, Wroclaw, Poland – the city of a hundred bridges and charming gnomes that never fails to captivate its visitors. Located by the Oder River in western Poland, Wroclaw is a perfect blend of rich historical heritage, picturesque architecture, and modern urban life. The Market Square, lined with vibrant townhouses, and the stunning Wroclaw Cathedral will appeal to architecture and history buffs, while the countless gnomes scattered throughout the city provide a whimsical touch that enchants adults and children alike. Once you’ve had your fill of sightseeing, enjoy the city’s thriving food and drink scene at one of its many bars or restaurants. In Wroclaw, there’s something for everyone!
Things to Consider Before Arriving to the City
Affordable prices: Your wallet will thank you for visiting Wroclaw, as it’s more budget-friendly than Warsaw or Krakow.
Cultural diversity: With a rich historical background, Wroclaw offers a diverse and immersive cultural experience.
Language barrier: While English is spoken by many, there can be occasional communication difficulties.
Wroclaw is perfect for wanderers, foodies, and history enthusiasts!
What to Bring with You
– Comfortable walking shoes: Wroclaw is best explored on foot.
– An umbrella and raincoat: Rain is not uncommon, especially during spring and autumn.
– A camera or smartphone: Trust us, you’ll want to capture Wroclaw’s beauty!
Best Time of the Year to Visit
Visit Wroclaw between May and September for pleasant weather and numerous outdoor events. However, if you can handle chilly temperatures, December offers enchanting Christmas markets and twinkling lights that give the city a magical atmosphere.
How to Get Into the City
1. By airplane: Wroclaw has an international airport (Wroclaw-Copernicus Airport) with direct flights from many European cities. From there, you can take a bus, taxi, or rent a car to reach the city center.
2. By train: The city is well-connected to major Polish cities and some international destinations, with trains arriving at the Wroclaw Main Railway Station (Wroclaw Glowny).
3. By bus: There are numerous long-distance buses offering affordable and comfortable transportation to Wroclaw from both Polish and European cities.
7 day city guide trip in Wroclaw, Poland
Day 1: Exploring the Old Town
Start your day at the Market Square, the heart of Wroclaw’s Old Town. From there, walk to the nearby St. Elisabeth’s Church, and then visit the famous Wroclaw University. In the afternoon, visit the Panorama of the Battle of Racławice, a 360-degree painting that depicts a historical battle. For dinner, try the traditional Polish food at the Bema 4 restaurant.
Day 2: Discovering Ostrow Tumski
Ostrow Tumski is the oldest part of Wroclaw and lies on an island in the Oder River. Start your day with a visit to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Then go to the nearby Botanical Garden that has a large collection of plants, peaceful fountains, and ponds. In the evening, head to the Hydropolis museum to learn about water and its importance in the world.
Day 3: Day trip to Swidnica and Jawor
Take a day trip outside of Wroclaw to visit the Churches of Peace in Swidnica and Jawor, UNESCO World Heritage sites. The churches are unique wooden structures that were built in the 17th century after the Thirty Years’ War. In the evening, return to Wroclaw and have dinner at the Pod Fredra restaurant.
Day 4: Exploring Centennial Hall and Zoo
Visit the Centennial Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an impressive example of early 20th-century architecture. Then head over to the nearby Wroclaw Zoo, home to more than 10,000 animals. In the evening, enjoy a drink at the Sky Tower observation deck, the tallest building in Wroclaw.
Day 5: Day trip to Ksiaz Castle
Take a day trip to Ksiaz Castle, one of the largest castles in Poland, located about 50 km from Wroclaw. The castle is perched on a rocky hill and offers great views of the surrounding landscape. If you have time, also visit the nearby underground complex Osowka and see the Nazi Military Complex. Return to Wroclaw in the evening.
Day 6: Visiting the National Museum
Visit the National Museum, where you can explore the rich history and culture of Poland with the impressive collection of art, archaeological exhibits and historical objects. In the afternoon, check out the colorful street art in the Nadodrze district. For dinner, try the Pierogi Ruskie at Pierogarnia Stary Młyn.
Day 7: Strolling along the Oder River
End your week in Wroclaw by taking a leisurely stroll along the Oder River. Stop by the Tumski Bridge and Lock Bridge and add a padlock to the collection. Then head to the Four Denominations District, known for its diversity of religions, and visit the White Stork Synagogue, one of the few synagogues that survived World War II.
How to continue your travel after you have spent 7 days in Wroclaw
Consider visiting two cities that are within driving distance from Wroclaw:
Poznan
Located about 170 km east of Wroclaw, Poznan is a charming city with beautiful architecture, bustling markets, and numerous art galleries. The Old Market Square is a must-see and the Imperial Castle is a great place to learn about the city’s history. Trains and buses connect Wroclaw to Poznan, and the journey takes around 3 hours.
Dresden
Located just over the German border, about 200 km northwest of Wroclaw, Dresden is a beautiful city with a long and interesting history. Visit the Frauenkirche, which was destroyed during World War II but has been carefully reconstructed. See the Zwinger Palace and its lovely gardens, and stroll along the Elbe River. Trains take about 5 hours, and buses take about 3 hours, to travel to Dresden from Wroclaw.
