What Makes Wroclaw a Special City?

With its staggering fairy-tale architecture and fortified medieval walls, Wroclaw captivates visitors from all over the world. Located amongst several rivers, canals and lakes, the charming Polish city of Wroclaw is undeniably a beautiful gem. Just a short 90-minute train ride away from both, Prague and Krakow, it’s not so surprising why the city has seen consistent tourism rates and growth in recent years. But let’s dive into what makes this city special and worth the trip.

The History of Wroclaw

The city’s charm lies in its history. Settled on the outskirts of Silesian Lowlands, Wroclaw is Poland’s fourth largest expansive city with a population of roughly 600,000 people. Though that number may seem like a lot to some, it’s worth noting that the city has been a hub of human activity for centuries.

Present-day Wroclaw dates back centuries ago, when the city first appeared in written documents back in the tenth century. The city was established around 1000 AD as a protective fortification settlement on the Island of Ostrow Tumski. The fort was eventually inherited by Piast Duke Racibórz in 1200 and moved to the mainland to become an important trading hub in Germany and Central Europe. The Silesian Chamber of Commerce had a strong influence throughout Central Europe and helped shape the city into what we know today.

The Architecture

This historical hub is home to an impressive range of architectural styles. Recent century buildings showcase well-preserved designs from the Baroque era to Neoclassical structures. The urban sprawl is filled with churches, old arcades and cobble stoned paths that are deemed invaluable UNESCO World Heritages sites. Preserved by its inhabitants, the city is such a popular destination because of its striking architecture that can be seen in places like St. Marry’s Church— the largest church in Poland— or the Gothic cathedral that hosts year round concerts in the summer.

The Waterways

We can’t talk about Wroclaw without mentioning its stunning waterways— an intricate network of rivers, canals, and lakes that serve as a connection for two dozen bridges around the city center. The most iconic bridge is the Grunwald Bridge, named after the 15th century “Battle of Grunwald” and intertwined with old folk stories finding its roots in old Silesian literature.

The best way to explore this beautiful network is by boat, where you’ll sail along the Oder River while passing by some of the oldest churches, such as St Elizabeth’s church or Church Hill in Ostrów Tumski. It’s worth noting though that although this area serves as a tourist attraction, it’s not overrun by them.

Eat & Drink

Wroclaw is also known for its thriving restaurant scene where you can find an array of Eastern European cuisines in both classic and creative styles. One of its most popular dishes is “żurek” which is a special sourdough soup recipe with bigos (a stew made of smoked sausage, sauerkraut and other ingredients). There are plenty of places to try traditional Polish dishes like pierogi (dumplings) and bigos, but what makes this city stand out is the truly unique local food scene. Many restaurants mix traditional Eastern European fare with more modern tastes without overcomplicating things.

For dessert, you can’t visit Wroclaw without tasting pączki— a traditional Polish doughnut that celebrates Fat Thursday in February each year. Some shops also incorporate ingredients such as blackberry jam or chocolate icing with these dumplings.

The Bars & Pubs

Speaking of drinks, Wrobrew has no shortage of nightlife activities. Bellow Market Hall, you can find locals gathering to catch up while enjoying craft beers or locally distilled spirits like OSM— an apple and pear flavored whiskey.
Wroclaw is filled with exciting bars, clubs and pubs; particularly on Na Piasku street— which houses many clubs from chill bars to techno clubs alongside comedy clubs and music venues. This area plays a significant role in local culture and nightlife experiences.

Overall

Whether you’re there for the history or the nightlife, Wroclaw has something for all kinds of travelers. Its dark and twisty alleys lead up to stunning architecture like featured in literature classics like “The Painted Bird” by Jerzy Kosiński. The cobbled woodland, mysterious cathedrals and maze-like bridges make this place feel like something out of a movie— especially as day turns into night as hidden watering holes begin to glitter with semi-hidden courtyards that are full of life.

With its cramped alleyways and history-drenched culture, Wroclaw is definitely one of those places that can quite easily captivate any traveler’s heart— showing you history and culture beyond what you could imagine with a unique mix of old-age charm and modern venues and experiences. For more information on this fairytale-esque city visit en.wroclaw.pl/discovering/ for a comprehensive guide to sightseeing, attractions, dining and more in this wonderful city!