Nestled on the banks of the River Oder, Wrocław offers a mix of baroque architecture, medieval market squares and vibrant student culture, providing an alternative to Poland’s more visited cities, Warsaw and Kraków.
The former Silesian capital has undergone many transitions across its history, changing hands between German, Bohemian and Polish rulers throughout. During the Enlightenment, progressive German literature found its way to Wrocław while in recent years, the city was awarded European Capital of Culture status.
Steeped in 13th-century Gothic architecture, the city’s Old Town and nearby Cathedral Island are home to some of Poland’s best churches, including Wrocław Cathedral. Alternatively, the Four Denomination and Nadodrze districts offer craft beer venues and moody nightlife with a sophisticated European feel.
Poland’s fourth-largest city features many intriguing cultural landmarks, with the Racławice Panorama, Wrocław Africarium, Wrocław Opera and Kolejkowe – Poland’s largest model railway – being some of its best. If you're looking to explore Wrocław on foot, keep an eye out for some of the 600 dwarf statuettes and 100 bridges scattered around the city.
Wrocław’s foodie culture is alive and well at restaurants like Pod Fredra or Konspira, where you’ll find traditional Polish cuisine in ironic Soviet surroundings. However, the Old Town’s Świdnica Cellar is where you should head for a memorable dining experience. It's one of Europe’s oldest restaurants dating back to 1273 and you’ll be able to enjoy bar food and pilsner in underground cellars once frequented by Picasso, Chopin and Sigismund of Bohemia.