Wroclaw

Travel Guide
Wroclaw Market Square which includes heritage architecture and night scenes
Tour this city on the water in southwest Poland to see fascinating islands, bridges, statues and green spaces.

Wroclaw, known as the “Venice of Poland,” is spread across numerous islands on the Odra River that are connected by dozens of bridges. One of Poland’s prettiest cities, Wroclaw is admired for its medieval architecture, scenic views, green spaces and…gnomes.

Start your visit in the old town’s main square. After World War II, the area was a pile of rubble, but the historic buildings have been restored to colourful Baroque and Renaissance grandeur. Admire the 14th-century town hall housing the Museum of Bourgeois Art. Explore St. Elizabeth's Church, a Gothic building with a 300-foot (91-metre) tower and climb to its observation deck near the top. 

For loftier views, take the elevator to the platform of the Sky Tower. At 696 feet (212 metres), this is one of the tallest buildings in Poland, and Wroclaw’s only skyscraper.

One of Wroclaw’s most visited attractions is the Panorama Raclawicka, a large cycloramic painting. The 374-foot-long (114-metre) canvas wraps around a specially built rotunda and depicts an important 18th-century battle.

Look for dozens of diminutive bronze statuettes of gnomes throughout Wroclaw. They commemorate the Orange Alternative, an underground movement that conducted peaceful protests against the Communist regime in the 1980s, painting images of gnomes on walls to mock authorities.

Amble along the city’s canals and cross a bridge to Cathedral Island, where most of Wroclaw’s important religious buildings are located. They include the 13th-century Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. While enjoying Wroclaw’s green spaces, delight in the flowers and waterfalls of the island’s Botanical Gardens. 

Stroll through the large urban Szczytnicki Park east of the city centre to see its Japanese garden. Nearby is Wroclaw Zoo and a multimedia fountain with water, music and light shows between May and October.

Wroclaw’s city centre is easily navigable on foot, but there are also efficient bus and tram networks. The nearest international airport is Nicolaus Copernicus Airport, less than 10 miles (16 kilometres) from central Wroclaw. Come to enjoy history, nature views and architecture.

Where to stay in Wroclaw

Wroclaw Town Hall which includes a square or plaza and street scenes

Wroclaw City Center

4.5/5(37 area reviews)

Wroclaw City Center is popular for its cosy coffee shops, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to St. Mary Magdalene Church or Skytower Observation Deck.

Wroclaw City Center
Wroclaw Town Hall which includes a square or plaza and night scenes

Wroclaw Old Town

4.5/5(79 area reviews)

Historical sites, art galleries and museums are some highlights of Wroclaw Old Town. Make a stop by Wroclaw Town Hall or Wroclaw Market Square while you're exploring.

Wroclaw Old Town
Wroclaw

Stare Miasto

4.5/5(98 area reviews)

Museums, art galleries and historical sites are some highlights of Stare Miasto. Make a stop by Wroclaw Town Hall or Wroclaw Palace while you're exploring.

Stare Miasto
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Krzyki

3.5/5(8 area reviews)

Krzyki is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Lake Morskie Oko and Wroclaw Aquapark.

Krzyki
Wroclaw Cathedral featuring heritage elements and a church or cathedral

Srodmiescie

4/5(8 area reviews)

Unique features of Srodmiescie include the river views and gardens. Make a stop by Botanical Gardens or Wroclaw Cathedral while you're exploring the area.

Srodmiescie
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Fabryczna

2/5(1 area review)

Fabryczna is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Wrocław Municipal Stadium and Magnolia Park shopping center.

Fabryczna
Scandic Wroclaw
Scandic Wroclaw
4 out of 5
Piłsudskiego 53-57, Wroclaw, Lower Silesian
The price is RM282 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
RM282
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Wroclaw. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (675 reviews)
Convenient location
"The hotel was located near the station, which is very convenient for an overnight stop. The room was clean, the bed was just a little bit hard. Breakfast is tasty and varied, definitely worth paying for."

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2024

Scandic Wroclaw
Wyndham Wroclaw Old Town
Wyndham Wroclaw Old Town
4 out of 5
UL SWIETEGO MIKOLAJA 67, Wroclaw
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM366 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
RM366
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Wroclaw. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the clean rooms in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (996 reviews)
"Would have been nice to know that the main hotel entrance is unavailable due to refurbishment. Poor lighting in the other entrance especially at night. Room and staff were great, no other issues."

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2024

Wyndham Wroclaw Old Town
Hotel Altus Palace
Hotel Altus Palace
5 out of 5
15 Wierzbowa, Wroclaw, Dolnoslaskie
The price is RM635 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
RM635
per night
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Wroclaw. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (140 reviews)
"Enjoyed out stay, staff very friendly. My only comment would be that there was no bin in our room"

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2024

Hotel Altus Palace
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Absynt Apart Ovo
Absynt Apart Ovo
3.5 out of 5
ul. Podwale 82, Wroclaw, Dolnoslaskie
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Wroclaw. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Galeria Dominikanska and Monument of Rota ...
8/10 Very Good! (250 reviews)
"Nice size and very clean apartment. The most attractive feature is location. You can find several restaurants on the ground floor, a shopping mall just across the street and the town square is just a 10-minute walk."

Reviewed on 22 Sep 2023

Absynt Apart Ovo
Sky Tower Apartments by Michał & Piotr
Sky Tower Apartments by Michał & Piotr
4 out of 5
Gwiazdzista 64, Wroclaw, Dolnoslaskie
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Wroclaw. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Lake Morskie Oko and Polish Theatre in Wroclaw ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (76 reviews)
Amazing apartment and great service from Piotr
"Piotr was a fantastic welcome to the beautiful location and showed us all around the property how to access the shopping centre underneath and how to operate the air con. We loved the apartment and can’t wait to visit again soon. Again special thanks to Piotr, thank you. Coleen and Tomasz"

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2023

Sky Tower Apartments by Michał & Piotr
Apartments in Sky Tower with Bathtub near the window
Apartments in Sky Tower with Bathtub near the window
5 out of 5
Gwiazdzista 64, Wroclaw
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Wroclaw. Enjoy free WiFi, 10 restaurants, and an attached winery. Popular attractions Lake Morskie Oko and Polish Theatre ...
9/10 Wonderful! (55 reviews)
"Amazing apartment, great stay and beautiful view"

Reviewed on 25 Jan 2023

Apartments in Sky Tower with Bathtub near the window
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Wroclaw

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
104
" "5 - Excellent 64.19753086419753%
4 - Good
52
" "4 - Good 32.098765432098766%
3 - Okay
3
" "3 - Okay 1.8518518518518519%
2 - Disappointing
3
" "2 - Disappointing 1.8518518518518519%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
19 Mar 2020

Gorgeous city a secret gem

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
17 Feb 2020

Very pretty and interesting. Beautiful promenade along the riverside. The Panorama Raclawicka was amazing - highly recommend it.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
17 Feb 2020

Beautiful clean city, lots to see and do

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
21 Jan 2020

I visited the Military Museum on Wednesday 15th January opposite the hotel (one of my reasons for staying in this hotel), where normal opening days are Wed-Fri. On arrival, I was told it was closed but no reason given. MOST disappointing.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
19 Dec 2019

Old market square within walking distance. Dominika galleria shopping centre just at end of road (2-3 min walk). Moa Burger is somewhere you have to try if you love burgers!!

5/5 - Excellent

Nick
18 Dec 2019

Pleasantly surprised by the extensive Christmas market with its friendly and festive atmosphere. Found very nice places to eat and drink at very reasonable prices. Some lovely buildings in the old town.