How to Spend a Weekend in Wrocław, Poland
For Black Friday this past year, I didn’t budge. To all the deals on jewelry, clothes, electronics and other gadgets that I didn’t need? I refrained. However, by Monday, I let my guard down. On Cyber Monday, an email from Ryanair snuck into my inbox: “16 euros flights,” it advertised. Yeah right, I said to myself as I proceeded to click on the link. And lo and behold: after scrolling through the dates and destinations, I found it. A round-trip flight to Wrocław, Poland, for 29 euros with a departure on Friday night and return on Sunday evening. I wouldn’t even need to ask for work off! In a matter of minutes, the flight was booked, and I proceeded researching what there is even to do in this city that I couldn’t even pronounce. I convinced my roommate to join, and it all started falling into place. We had a delightful 48 hours in Poland, and here’s how you too can spend a weekend in Wrocław.
How to get to Wrocław
The Wrocław airport was much bigger than I had anticipated and offered a variety of international flights. Located in western Poland, Wrocław is one of the largest cities in the country. And the airport is under 30 minutes drive to the city center. Public transportation is possible, but I highly recommend taking an Uber or taxi as it’s more efficient and not terribly expensive. Once you’re downtown, the city is extremely walkable. The city does have public transportation, but we had no trouble doing the entire weekend by foot. We were able to get around with English fairly well.
Where we stayed in Wrocław
We stayed at the Wyndham Wroclaw Old Town. We were thrilled with the location, property and amenities. And the price! We definitely enjoyed our trip to its spa with jacuzzi, hammam and sauna, as Poland in January is cold. No matter where you stay, I’d recommend spa facilities if you’re traveling to Poland in the winter 🙂
What to do in Wrocław
Explore downtown Wrocław
We didn’t have time for Wroclaw’s museums, but we certainly enjoyed strolling the streets and admiring architecture. From its town hall to colorful buildings that reminded me of Copenhagen, the city bears a certain charm. Take a stroll through it Market Square (Rynek) and Salt Square (Plac Solny). You’re sure to stumble across some of Wroclaw’s dwarf statues throughout the town. One legend says that these dwarves are tied to the anti-Communist movement back in the 1980s.
Stroll through Cathedral Island
Poland is rich with religious history, and Wroclaw is no different. There are cathedrals sprinkled throughout the city, and they have even have a dedicated “island.” Ostrów Tumski, or Cathedral Island, features different churches. Don’t miss St. John the Baptist Cathedral or Wroclaw Cathedral, which dates back to the 13th century, per Visit Wroclaw.
Visit the University of Wrocław and its mathematical tower
We took a day trip to Lower Silesia (more on that later), but we enjoyed our guide so much that when he said he was giving a tour the following day, we said Tak! Our Wroclaw University tour took us through the ornately decorated Aula Leopoldina and Oratorium Marianum rooms. The Baroque architecture and decor is stunning. Thanks to our guide and audioguides, we learned about the history of the university. It was wild to see the before and after photos of the university during World War II, as it was hit heavily during the war.
At the end of the tour, we climbed up to the Mathematical Tower to get the best views of the city. Thankfully, it wasn’t as cold as it sounds!
Eat pierogis and potatoes
You can’t go to Poland without trying their pierogis, which are similar to dumplings. On Saturday evening, we dined at Pierogarnia Stary Młyn. It will take you quite some time to digest the menu with all the different types of piergogis. Baked, boiled, cheese, meat — the options are endless. And best of all, they had a gluten-free option for me 🙂
On Sunday morning, we grabbed coffee at the cutest, pinkest cafe called Blossome. And for lunch, we had amazing pizza from Vivere Italiano (also with gluten-free options for me). And before we left, we took the recommendation of our guide to eat at Bistro Królestwo Ziemniaka, a restaurant with virtually just potatoes on the menu.
Take a day trip to Lower Silesia
We only had two days in Poland, and we chose to take a day trip to Lower Silesia on one of them. And in retrospect, I wouldn’t have done it any differently. On Saturday, we headed out on a day trip to Lower Silesia. Our guide picked us up in downtown Wroclaw, and then we headed toward Wałbrzych, where Książ Castle is located. We first visited the Walbrzych Palm House, a gift from Prince Hans Heinrich XV to his wife Princess Daisy. It was an enjoyable escape from the gold, gray weather to see various plants and even lemurs, peacocks and birds. Then our guide took us to the castle grounds.
Underground Tourist Route
Underneath the castle lies a labyrinth of underground tunnels dating back to World War II. Our tour continued in these very tunnels built by inmates from the Gross-Rosen concentration camp. As we walked the Underground Tourist Route, it felt heavy to explore these tunnels designed by the Nazis under Hitler’s orders and at the cost of innocent lives. We had audioguides in our preferred language and a guide who led us through the tunnels and stopped at various points to watch videos recounting the history and remembering the lives of those who died.
Książ Castle
After our 40-minute tour in the tunnels, we then started our self-guided visit of the Książ Castle. In stark contrast to the tunnels, the castle was elaborately decorated and fit for royalty. Éloïse and I enjoyed visiting the different bedrooms, salons, drawing rooms and the like as well as learning about the spicy history of the von Hochberg family.
Church of Peace in Świdnica
After free time for lunch, our guide drove us to the Church of Peace in Świdnica. This UNESCO World Heritage site was built by the Lutherans following the Thirty Years’ War. I’ve seen lots of churches in Europe, but this one stands out for its timber frames. However, it is filled with Baroque art and architecture on the inside.
Wroclaw, Poland, who would have thought? All thanks to a good flight deal from Ryanair, I had the chance to dip my toes in a new country. From its rich history to hearty cuisine, you’re sure to find your cup of tea during your weekend in Wroclaw.
