Living in Wroclaw: A Guide to Daily Life

Wroclaw is a vibrant city, located in the south-western part of Poland. With its colorful culture and impressive historic center, it is one of the most popular cities for tourists and expats in the country. Whether you’re settling down in Wroclaw or just here for a visit, this comprehensive guide will help you get to know the city a bit better and provide historical, cultural, and practical advice on living in Wroclaw.

Overview: What to Know Before You Go

The capital of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship, Wrocław (formerly known as Breslau) is Poland’s fourth largest city. Located near the German-Czech border, it is known for its diverse culture and architecturally eclectic streetscapes. Although its present incarnation dates back to the 12th century, it has a long, winding history that gives the city an even more authentic feel.

Today, the city has a population of over one million inhabitants and hosts several international organizations such as IBM, Hewlett Packard, Rabobank, and many others. The city is heavily involved in foreign trade due to its strategic location at the heart of Central Europe and near Germany and the Czech Republic (with whom it has strong economic ties). Its geographical position also provides access to nearby beaches and mountain ranges.

Geography & Climate

Wroclaw’s topography is generally flat with some hills located in the outskirts of the city. The average elevation is only 165 m (541 ft), making it one of the lowest cities in Poland. At the same time, it is located on the mountainous Oder Uplands, giving the city its unique character.

Wroclaw’s climate is considered to be humid continental, with warm summers and mild winters. The winter season typically runs from late November to early March and is characterised by cloudy skies, light snowfall and temperatures ranging from -3°C (27°F) to 4°C (31°F). Summers typically range from 15°C (59°F) to 22°C (71°F). The city receives an average of 790 mm (31 in) of precipitation annually with an average of 93 days with measurable precipitation.

Transportation

The city of Wroclaw is served by its own airport, Copernicus Airpor Wrocław which connects the city to Great Britain, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Belgium and other major cities in Europe. Greyhound UK operates a coach service directly from the airport to destinations including London, Manchester, Birmingham and more.

Within the city limits, public transportation such as buses, trams and taxis make up the majority of transportation options. There are over 120 bus routes and 20 tram lines connecting all parts of the city. Tickets can be purchased online or at local kiosks. The public transport is “pay-as-you-go” system meaning that you do not need any additional subscription or card.

If you are looking for a more convenient way to get around the city you may want to consider renting a car through one of the local car hire companies such as Avis or Budget or using one of the many car-sharing services such as CityZipCar and Car2Go.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Wroclaw varies depending on your budget and preference. Many expats prefer to rent an apartment as it often provides more living space for a lower price than if you were to stay in a hotel. Apartments can be rented on websites such as SpotAHome, Airbnb, Booking.com, or Homelike. When it comes to hotels, Wroclaw offers a wide range of accommodation choices from budget to luxury hotels in various locations with prices starting from $25 per night up to $300 per night or more depending on your preference.

If you are staying longer term in Wroclaw then you may also want to consider renting a flat or house instead of staying in a hotel or apartment if you want more space and flexibility when living in Wroclaw.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Wroclaw is fairly affordable when compared to other cities in Europe, especially for those living outside of the city centre where some areas like John Paul II International Airport Kraków–Balice and Nowe Miasto can be up to 20% cheaper. The overall average cost of living in Wroclaw is 1,273€ per month (including rent). This will vary depending on whether you live alone or with roommates, how centrally located your apartment is and what services are included in your rent.

Food prices vary but generally fall between 1-10€ per item (bread being at the low end of that range and meals at restaurants being at the higher end). Transport costs can also vary depending on what type of ticket you purchase as both single tickets and monthly/annual passes are available; however monthly tickets can be as low as 25€.

Culture & Other Areas To Explore

Wroclaw’s culture can be divided into four distinct areas: traditional Polish culture, modern international culture, corporate culture, and academic culture. Traditional Polish culture is largely represented by its cuisine which includes pierogi (dumplings filled with vegetables or meat), red beetroot soups (barszcz), deruny (potato pancakes), herb soups (zupy), dumplings (kluski), rosol (chicken soup) and of course several types of beers brewed locally for centuries.

When it comes to modern international culture, Wroclaw hosts a wide range of activities such as cinemas, theaters, nightclubs and many festivals throughout the year. Corporate culture is also strong in Wroclaw with many international companies having offices located here.

Finally, Wroclaw also has a strong academic culture with several universities such as Wrocław University of Science and Technology (WUST), Wrocław University of Economics (WUE) and University of Wrocław having campuses located here.

For those looking for something fun to do outside of the city centre there are many attractions such notable sites like Kraków Old Town Market Square (1 km), National Museum (1 km), Racławice Panorama Museum (2 km) and Wrocław Zoo (15 km).

Conclusion

Whether you’re visiting or settling down for good in Wroclaw, you’re sure to find something unique here that you won’t experience anywhere else. With its eclectic culture, lively streetscapes, convenient transportation systems and affordable cost of living; Wroclaw can be an ideal destination for anyone looking for an unforgettable trip or a place to call home.