Wroclaw

Wroclaw, Poland

The streets of Wroclaw's old town are a colourful mosaic of architectural styles, with the magnificent market square as its crown jewel. A lively multicultural centre, the city is home to a thriving student community and acts as the cultural, gastronomical, and commercial hub of the region, hosting many musical and theatrical events, a wide array of restaurants and bars and eclectic shopping. Back in 2016, Wroclaw was named European Capital of Culture and World Book Capital.

Population:

638,659 (2019)

Currency:

1 zloty (PLN) = 100 grosz

Emergency Numbers:

Emergency: 112
Police: 997
Fire Brigade: 998
Medical: 999

Opening Hours:

Shops are generally open from 9am to 6pm on weekdays, and from 9am to 3pm on Saturdays. Some larger department stores and supermarkets are open on Sundays, and often until 9 or 10pm on weekday evenings.

Newspapers:

Wrocław Weekly
Gazeta Wrocławska

The City

Wroclaw is one of the prettiest and liveliest cities in Poland, a multicultural city that is home to an important university, a vast array of restaurants and bars, designer shops, theatre and musical events. The Odra River and dozens of little canals that meander through its tree-lined streets with their tall, multi-coloured buildings set the scene. In fact, Wroclaw is made up of no less than 12 islands, joined by over 100 bridges, and simply begs to be explored.

To visit Wroclaw is akin to stepping back in time, and yet the atmosphere is purely cosmopolitan. The city is one of the oldest in Poland, and can trace its history right back to the 7th century when dwellers made Otrów Tumski (Cathedral island) their home. That area is still the centre of activity today.

Residents and visitors alike eat in bistro style restaurants, shop for designer clothes and visit theatre or philharmonic venues. Music is important to Wroclaw, as it is home to more than 50 internationally acclaimed orchestras, choirs and musical societies.

Do & See

Wroclaw has lots to see, including its town hall, widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in central Europe, and the Hall of Lepoldin, in the University of Wroclaw, which has the largest Baroque interior in Poland. Art lovers can visit the numerous galleries, while visitors who want to enjoy leisurely walks can do so in the mighty Szczytnicki Park – one of a dozen or so parks in the city.

Dining

Eating out in Wroclaw tends to begin early, with many restaurants opening as early as 7 am for breakfast. Restaurants tend to be waiter serviced and efficient, while other eateries expect guests to order at the bar. Traditional dishes of meat, fish, and vegetables cooked to age-old recipes are served alongside international cuisine.

Cafes

Wroclaw is home to some interesting and unique cafes, often leaning towards the artsy and bohemian side. Many double as record shops, bookstores, literary venues or wine bars, and there is no shortage of great chocolateries and patisseries throughout the city.