WROCLAW – 6 Must Dos

This beautiful city in western Poland is an ideal destination for a city break, as we at Travellowdown discovered a few months ago. The country’s fourth largest city has all the essential ingredients needed to keep you occupied during your few days away.

 Here are six must-dos to help plan your itinerary…

Many Polish cities are blessed with beautiful market squares and Wroclaw is no exception. Actually, it must rate among he country’s finest. Laid out by city planners in the 13th century, it’s also one of Europe’s largest.

Its central landmark is the Town Hall with its fine, medieval architecture and tower reaching over 200 feet high; understandably, it’s among the city’s most photographed sites. Bordering the square is an eclectic mix of, among other attractions, restaurants and cafes housed in some of the 60-odd decorative tenement houses; there is also an impressive statue of Aleksander Fredro, one of Poland’s most famous playwrights.

Created with the help of the city’s university in 1811, the botanical garden – which has two entrances – is classed as Poland’s second oldest. Just five years after opening, there were already 2,000 plants here and the garden expanded rapidly thereafter. Now, there are nearly 12,000 plants comprising everything from mountain and water plants to marsh and tropical varieties.

Registered as a monument of history, this isn’t just a place to come and admire the plants. Its tranquil setting means this environment is perfect for anyone wanting to relax and while away an hour or two, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s also a venue for cultural events, including the Festival of Pumpkins, while newly-weds often choose the setting for their photo-shoot.

Location: Henryka Sienkiewicza 23

If you’re visiting between March and the end of October (check the website for exact dates), this is a must. Located in picturesque Szczytnicki Park, next to the Centennial Hall’s main entrance is the Pergola, a large ivy-covered colonnade edging one of Wroclaw’s most popular attractions: the Multimedia Fountain.

This is not only the largest multimedia in Poland but among Europe’s biggest, too. It’s been attracting visitors and locals alike since opening in 2009 to mark the 20th anniversary of free elections in post-war Poland.

Regular water shows are held every hour, accompanied by everything from classical to pop music and, wow, what a performance it is, thanks to 800 lights, 300 water jets and three fire jets. Opt for one of the evening performances when the fountain is illuminated.

Location: Wystawowa 1

Meaning Cathedral Island when translated into English, cross Most Piaskowy (a.k.a. Sand Bridge, the city’s oldest) and explore this quiet corner of the city. Wroclaw Cathedral is, of course, among the main highlights here/ With its distinctive double spires, the cathedral can be spotted from afar and one thing is certain: this Gothic construction – the first brick building in Poland – will have you reaching for your camera. For an unbeatable bird’s-eye view of the city, head to the viewing platform within one of the towers. The cathedral is also home to the Battle of Raclawice

Location: pl. Katedralny 18

Model villages and worlds in miniature appeal to all ages – well, they do as far as the Travellowdown team is concerned. I must admit, popping along to Kolejkowo – located in Sky Tower, among Poland’s highest buildings – was a last-minute decision but we’re so glad we managed to squeeze in a visit.

This will probably rate among the best miniature worlds you’ll ever see, especially as it’s probably the only venue where you’ll encounter a lifelike storm. Every eight minutes over miniature Ruda Slaska, thunder, lightning and even rain are experienced.

This huge model (there are over 3,400 figures, 215 cars and 510 metres of railway track) depicts the country’s Lower Silesia region – including Wroclaw – and encompasses many themes, such as rural and town life. Tourists enjoying mountain treks, sunbathers, cars driving along the road, building sites, circus artists, shoppers – there is so much to see you could easily spend an hour or two just admiring this beautifully constructed model.

Location:  Sky Tower (1st floor), ul. Powstańców Śląskich 95

This was our favourite coffee stop. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow light to flood in to this comfy space where staff are attentive and polite. While the coffee was delicious and the chocolate cake equally tasty, the highlight of our visit was having our photo taken and reproduced on top of our coffee – a brilliant idea! We spoke to the owner who told us that photos can be emailed or one can be taken in the caff; the best reproduction is on soya or dairy milk.

Opened in 2019, it’s – apparently – the only selfie cafe in Poland and would soon become our local if we were residents of this beautiful city.

Location: Kuźnicza 33/1a

For more information about the city

[Visited: September 2024]