What to do in Wroclaw? — 13+ cool, must see & best things to do in Wroclaw

August 16, 2022

I am currently a final year student majoring in Finance at Wroclaw University of Economics. This is really not a famous place in Poland with Vietnamese people compared to Warsaw, the ancient capital of Krakow or the tourist coastal city of Gdansk. Even I myself have hesitated in choosing to study in this city because of the strangeness even though Wroclaw University of Economics is the top school in Poland. So, what to do in Wroclaw (Wroclaw things to do) and what to see in Wroclaw? Let’s check out our suggested 13+ best things to do in Wroclaw, cool things to do in Wroclaw to help you figure out Wroclaw what to do, Wroclaw what to see in one of the most beautiful cities in Poland!

But for those who have set foot in this country as well as have the opportunity to experience traveling to major cities here, there is a very deep impression with Wroclaw. This is really a tourist destination worth experiencing for those who love to visit unique architectures and immerse themselves in a pleasant atmosphere from the city voted as the Cultural Capital of Europe in 2016.

Wroclaw has been influenced by Bohemian, Austrian and Prussian cultural influences, so it has a rich and proud history and is a worth place to visit. | what to do in wroclaw

Wrocław’s gnomes are small figurines that first appeared in the streets of Wrocław and have become funny icons of the city.

With 3 years of experience living and studying here, I am confident that I can give you a fascinating look at the best things to do if you have the opportunity to visit this city. Let’s travel to Wroclaw with me in the following interesting activities:

What to do in Wroclaw: Enjoy taking a walk on Cathedral Island

Everything should start from the Cathedral Island, which is the oldest settlement of the city. Although it is not really an island because of the change of rivers, the name Cathedral Island remains an integral symbol of the area.

Cathedral Island Wroclaw Poland — | what to do in wroclaw

Cathedral Island is home to several churches and religious organizations including St. John the Baptist, Church of the Holy Cross and the Archbishop Palace. This is a beautiful area with typical European architecture (which I don’t remember what it is called). Even though I’m not religious, I still regularly visit churches in every European city I’ve ever set foot in. I’ve always been in love with the design and dignified atmosphere here, it makes me feel like I’m in Hollywood movies or The Hunchback at Notre Dame. Wonderful!

In addition, when coming here you can also visit the Botanical Garden. It is quite hidden behind the area of St.John church.

Enjoy a cruise on the Oder River

River cruises are a super comfortable way to see the city from a special spot, and especially when you’re in one of these stunningly beautiful cities. It will be one of the most unforgettable experiences when exploring Wroclaw.

Most cruises depart from a small pier just before you cross Cathedral Island. There are quite a few trips served during the day, which are serviced and purchased at the pier.
Actually, because I don’t have too much Polish vocabulary, I don’t understand what is written in the instruction sheet. But with the blue sky, clear water and great air, it was more than enough for this experience for me.

Explore the area of University of Wroclaw

Wroclaw has a charming University Quarter, located at the north end of the Old Town. Although I come here often, I still think it is a place worth experiencing when visiting this city.

University of Wroclaw Poland | wroclaw things to do

In the University Quarter you’ll find the University of Wroclaw, home to an area famous for the Aula Leopoldina, a ceremonial hall done in the Baroque Style. I had seen pictures of pastel ceilings and hand-carved drawings online and I immediately wanted to visit this place. A great spot to chill out if you’re a lover of classical art. Before every exam or stress in life, I often come to this place to rest and enjoy the moments immersed in those wonderful masterpieces.

You should visit the Math Tower and climb to the top for a view of the city. The terrace is 42 meters high, which doesn’t sound like much, but you can look out over the Old Town and across the Oder river. The view will definitely not let you down.

What to do in Wroclaw: Visit the Baroque-Rococo church

After touring the University Quarter, you can visit Our Lord’s Name Parish which is located right next to the main entrance of the university.

Baroque-Rococo church Wroclaw Poland | wroclaw things to do

The church is constructed in the Baroque-Rococo style. The textures and decorations inside make everyone who has been here admire its sophistication and detail.

Wroclaw things to do: Visit the Market Square

Almost all major cities in Poland as well as in Europe have a central square, which hosts the traditional markets and cultural space of the whole city. The Market Square in Wroclaw is not too big, but there are many interesting things here. My friends and I often gather at Market Square every weekend because that’s when this place is most crowded and bustling.

Market Square Wroclaw Poland — Crowded and bustling Market Square | wroclaw things to do

This is a medieval square surrounded by beautiful buildings that range from Gothic to Art Nouveau and painted in very cheerful and colorful colors. Interestingly, almost everything you see in and around the square must have been rebuilt from the ground up after the Siege of 1945. The main landmark in Market Square is the Old Town Hall, a structure Gothic and currently the Museum of Art.

Strolling around the square | wroclaw things to do

Buy fresh products at Hala Targowa market

This is a fairly large market in Wroclaw. It’s kind of like Dong Xuan market in Hanoi, but the main focus here is on selling food. From vegetables, dried food to fresh meat, you’ll find it at Hala Targowa. I often come here to buy food because the price is quite cheap, but it looks very fresh. Those who come to Wroclaw to travel and rent a house with a kitchen can go out to buy things at the market and then return to cook is also a very good idea.

Hala Targowa market wroclaw poland — | best things to do in wroclaw

Wroclaw things to do: Stop by Old Town Hall

Old town hall is an ancient Gothic architecture, standing tall to witness the tumultuous history of Wroclaw since the 13th century. To this day, the Old town hall is still the venue for cultural and musical events. Inside the Old town hall there is a museum and a restaurant in the basement. The time I came because the market was so busy, I didn’t take the initiative to visit. But if coming to Wroclaw is not the holiday season, it is highly recommended to visit.

Old town hall Wroclaw Poland — Walking along Old town hall | best things to do in wroclaw

Best things to do in Wroclaw: Hunt “dwarfs” (Wroclaw’s gnomes)

One of the reasons that drew me to visit Polish Wroclaw was the dwarf! In fact, after a year in Poland, I had the opportunity to visit several places like Krakow, Warsaw, Gdansk, Sopot, Tatra, etc. (Gdansk has always been one of my favorite cities in Europe; while Tatra is still one of my favorite cities in Europe. It’s such an ideal vacation spot that I’ve been back 3 times), so I didn’t particularly feel like visiting Wroclaw. But as soon as I saw the introduction of the dwarves, I decided to come right away.

Wroclaw’s gnomes Wroclaw Poland — Wrocław’s gnomes are small figurines that first appeared in the streets of Wrocław | best things to do in wroclaw

In Wroclaw, there are hundreds of tiny bronze dwarves hidden in every nook and cranny of the city. Here comes the joy of hunting dwarves. Not only do I like street art hunting like treasure hunting in general, but I especially like the feeling of having to pay attention to every nook and cranny of a new destination. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to take many pictures because I was too attentive. *cry*

Best things to do in Wroclaw: Visit the Anonymous Passerby statue

I especially like these figurines! Unlike Europe, whose art is more idealistic and divine and whose beauty is a bit imperfect, Eastern Europe is full of new, intimate and unique artistic ideas. If you love street art? Come to Poland, Hungary, Croatia or Slovenia.

Anonymous Passerby statue Wroclaw poland — Anonymous Passerby statue Wroclaw Poland

Cool things to do in Wroclaw: Try the Tartare

Tartare raw beef dish is originally from France. But Poland also “adopted” this dish, and today many Polish restaurants sell it as if it were a Polish tradition. I tried Italian Caparcio and liked it so much, I thought I’d try Tartare too. Tartare in France I don’t know, but in Poland it is quite easy to eat, because it is mixed with onions and pickled cucumbers with fresh eggs. Eating bread is quite interesting.

Tartare Wroclaw poland — Delicious Tartare in Wroclaw Poland | cool things to do in wroclaw

Cool things to do in Wroclaw: Visit the Salzmarkt

Another square is similar to Cho Lon square. But there are more local activities here. An ideal place to enjoy the spacious space and watch the activities of the people of Wroclaw.

Salzmarkt Wroclaw poland — Salzmarkt in Wroclaw Poland | cool things to do in wroclaw

Get out of the center

When I came to Poland I had a chance to walk around a bit. At that time, I was quite tired of always going around suggested spots on the internet. So I was wandering around aimlessly when I wanted to visit new cities. But the second time I came to Wroclaw, after trying Tartare at a restaurant located a bit out of the center, I met two pretty open-minded Polish boys. They took me to more “local” places. Mainly having to cross the bridge out of the city to find places where young people like to congregate. You should choose an outside park to relax and escape the crowd of tourists.

Local things Wroclaw poland — Local places in Wroclaw Poland | cool things to do in wroclaw

Bridge Wroclaw poland — Bridge in Wroclaw poland

Museum in Wroclaw Poland — Be a local in Wroclaw Poland – visit museum | cool things to do in wroclaw

Hope you have a wonderful and exciting trip!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Wroclaw you can refer to

Read more the fullest Wroclaw guide and Poland guide here.