9 Things To Do in the Heart of Wrocław, Poland

Looking for a family-friendly destination in Poland? Let me introduce you to Wrocław! Located on the southwestern border of Poland near Czechia, Wrocław offers a more chill and less crowded experience for tourists than, say, Kraków.

While the city has historical and traditional sites for adults, there are also plenty of more engaging experiences for the whole family. Additionally, you'll find quirky things to do in Wrocław, Poland, as well as some normal family activities like going to the zoo or a water park. All in all, the city offers an ecclectic experience, which is why I appreciate it.

So, let's get into what I believe are some of Wroclaw's main tourist attractions to see if this international destination is right for your European itinerary.

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1. Enjoy the Market Square

The Market Square (or Rynek) is the focal point, or tourist hub, of Wrocław. And for good reason! Not only is it where you'll find popular restaurants, gift shops, museums and events, but it's also a prime spot to take photos due to the cute and colorful buildings lining the center and outside edges of the square. (See the opening photo of this blog post.)

It's full of history too, from the Town Hall and other buildings to important statues and artistic details. You can learn all about its features and facts here.

2. Search for the Gnomes/Dwarves of Wrocław

Wrocław is home to hundreds of little sculpted gnome (or dwarf) figurines. Some are standing on the street, others are sitting on structures. Some are alone, and others are with friends. Some have a small paint brush or ice cream in their hand, while others are pushing a big boulder. All of them are cute and delightful!

These little statues are not hard to find either. Simply be on the lookout as you walk the city, and you're sure to find them. However, if you want to make it more of an experience, grab a physical gnome map from a souvineer shop or use this link to go hunting for some of the most popular statues. It can be a great activity for kids!

3. Watch a Multimedia Fountain Show

The Wrocław Multimedia Fountain is the biggest fountain in Poland, but that's not its usual claim to fame. Instead, the installation is made up of 300 water jets, lights and even some fire jets, and every hour on the hour, these jets are synchronized to music, creating a free water show for those nearby.

Every show is different. Sometimes the music is pop and rock, and other times it's classical. The fountain also puts on special shows some nights, during which you can see photos and films projected onto the water.

I watched three different fountain shows while in Wroclaw and loved them! There's something soothing about watching water shoot out, spray, and mist in various ways to music. Consider using this installation as your rest break or packing a picnic and eating it on the surrounding grass and concrete seating areas. OR make it an evening event on your itinerary. Just remember that it's only open from the end of April/beginning of May through October.

4. Learn about Wrocław at the Old Town Hall

Located on the Market Square, the Old Town Hall is open to and free for tourists. Inside, you'll be able to learn more about the building itself, historic furniture and items, and the history of the city of Wrocław. Additionally, there are some special, rotating exhibits that cost a small fee. (When I was there, I got to see a variety of old detailed and artsy lamps.)

5. Eat Some Traditional Polish Dishes

Poland's traditional foods are one of its highlights, and it seems some of its cities recognize this too. In Wroclaw, particularly on the square, there are many restaurants with signs or websites telling tourists that they offer authentic dishes. One of my favorites was Konspira, which not only made traditional meals, but its menu was also a magazine that included pictures of all the dishes, some background about them and even information about the history of the city.

I strongly suggest that you don't just stick to looking for "American" food or whatever food you're used to while in Poland. And if you're wondering what traditional dishes you should try, check out this list before you go.

6. View the Panorama of the Battle of Racławice

This was one of the most unique experiences I've ever had at a historical museum. I've truly never done anything like it.

The Panorama of the Battle of Racławice is a painting that depicts the Poles' victory over the Russians in 1794. It is 15 meters high and 114 meters long. In other words, it's HUGE! Created by several artists in 1893 and 1894, the canvas was hidden for many years afterward due to the wars. Somehow, it survived and is now located and displayed in a large rotunda in Wroclaw.

To see the painting, you must buy a ticket and pick a showtime. Once inside, you walk up a dark ramp to the middle of the rotunda. Inside the circular room, the painting surrounds you, making you feel as if you've gone back in time and are in the action. The overhead narrator, which speaks in Polish, or the narrator from the device in your hand (for people who speak other popular languages) takes you through each scene of the canvas and explains what happened during this shocking victory.

Not only is the panorama a beautiful piece of art, but its history is unreal and palpable. Don't rush through each scene; rather, take it all in slowly, listen carefully and appreciate the importance of such a piece.

7. Walk One (or All) of the Gardens/Parks

Wrocław is full of beautifully manicured green spaces where you can go on walks and get to know its ecosystems. These include (but are not limited to): the Japanese Garden, the botanical garden at the University of Wrocław, and Szczytnicki Park.

The Japanese Garden does cost money and is small, but many people love to take pictures on the bridges or with the flowers. However, I suggest going to Szczytnicki Park because it's free and has the same gorgeous Rhododendron bushes in all different colors OR to the botanical garden at the university. Although the latter does cost some money, it's a much bigger garden with flowers, trees and water features. Additionally, there's a small museum where you can learn about the local landscape and wildlife.

8. Visit the Four Domes Pavilion

Although known for its architecture, the Four Domes Pavilion also houses a contemporary art museum, so you can view two different types of art with one ticket. I enjoyed the variety of thought-provoking pieces here, which kept me engaged throughout the visit. I also appreciated the sunlight streaming through the windows in many of the rooms due to the architectural design.

Just a note: This visit was free after buying a ticket for the Panorama of the Battle of Racławice.

9. Follow the Lamplighter on Ostrow Tumski

Every evening just before sunset, a man in a black hat and cape walks the streets of the Old Town area on Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island). He holds a long pole with a hook at the top. As he reaches each street lamp, he raises the pole and uses it to turn on the light. In the morning, before sunrise, the lamplighter stops at those same lamps and snuffs them out before the sun lights up the cobblestone streets.

Wrocław is one of the few cities in the world that maintains the tradition of lamplighting, and it's become a tourist attraction. Many people congregate in front of the cathedral of Saint John the Baptist just before dusk to watch the lamplighter in his dark, more traditional attire, his cape billowing out as he walks. It's quite magical!

You can follow him as he lights each lamp and take photos and videos of the tradition for as long as you want. There are a lot of tourists hoping to see him, so you'll be in good company!

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