Travel and Area Information
We’ve put together some (hopefully) helpful information below, to capture a couple travel basics, things to do in and around Wrocław, as well as some information on travel to other cities and throughout Europe. As always, please reach out to either one of us if you have any questions.
Quick Links:
Travel basics
Passports and visa information
Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months past your arrival date, otherwise you may run into issues in Customs/Immigration.
Currently, travelers from the US can enter and stay in the European Union for 90 days without any additional visas. However, there is a program (called ETIAS) that is in the process of being rolled out within the EU that will require travelers to submit some information online prior to travel. This system is not currently active, but we will continue monitoring its status and provide an update if anything changes.
For additional information, see the official website here.
Phone plans
We recommend you check whether your phone carrier has an international plan or whether they allow you to make calls from overseas.
If your international plan isn’t good, there are providers like Airalo who allow you to set up an eSIM with a temporary calling plan at a relatively low rate.
You can also buy an inexpensive SIM card (T-Mobile seems to work the best) within Poland at any Żabka convenience store. The stores are practically on every street corner, and are recognizable by their green lettering. Just be sure to bring your passport with you to validate the SIM card when you purchase.
Payments and currency
Virtually all restaurants, stores, taxis, etc. accept credit cards, so bringing cash isn’t a necessity. In our experience, Visa and MasterCard work everywhere and American Express works in most places.
Despite being in the EU, Poland does not use the Euro. The Polish currency is called the złoty (abbreviated “zł” or “PLN”) and usually converts at a rate of roughly 4 złoty per 1 US dollar. If you need a small amount of cash, there are plenty of Kantors/Currency Exchanges either at the airport or in town. If you’re bringing a larger amount, you can probably get a better conversion rate by requesting złoty from your bank prior to arrival.
Power adapters
If traveling from the US, we recommend you bring a power adapter/converter, similar to any of these. Poland uses the same kind of plugs as Germany, France, Italy, and most European countries (though oddly not Switzerland).
Getting around Wrocław
Uber and taxis
Uber is the easiest option to get to city center from the airport, and it’s relatively inexpensive — a 30 minute ride from the airport should be somewhere around 60 złoty — equivalent to about $15. If you prefer not to use public transit, it’s also a great option for getting around the city in general.
Bolt is another rideshare company that’s even less expensive than Uber and has less of a wait time, but it does require downloading an additional app.
Of course, taxis are also completely fine, though generally a little more expensive and it’s less likely the drivers will speak English.
Public transit
Trams and buses are our go-to for getting around the city, they’re generally very clean and reliable, and Google Maps is a good tool for looking up their routes. There is a Polish app called JakDojade that has slightly more up to date and accurate route information than Google Maps, but it’s not a necessity.
On all public transit, you can buy a ticket after you board:
There are several touch screen terminals in each bus/tramcar, with an English language option
You simply need to select the number of tickets you need (generally the single ticket or 15 minute option is fine), and hold your credit card to the reader
If there is a ticket inspection (which is relatively rare), the inspectors simply scan your credit card to confirm you’ve bought a ticket
Bike and scooter rentals
There are e-scooters and bicycles available throughout Wrocław, if you prefer an alternate method of transport. All of these are accessible by scanning the QR code on the vehicle and renting it via a mobile app. These can be a fun option of getting around the city, but please be careful if riding an e-scooter, since they can be difficult to handle, especially on cobblestone streets.
Things to do in Wrocław
Interactive Map
We’ve put together a map of the area to highlight some of our favorite things to do.
The Visit Wrocław website is also a fantastic resource if you’re looking for things to see or to learn more about the history of the city.
Below are also some additional details on our favorite restaurants, bars, and things to do around the city.
Eating and drinking
Our Casual Favorites
Middle Eastern small plates restaurant located in a restaurant-lined area known for food and drinks, easily one of our favorite places. The portions are light but surprisingly hearty (we almost always have leftovers) and the warm pita-esque bread they serve on the side is incredible.
Georgian food and restaurants have been on the rise in Europe for the past couple years, and this is one of our favorites. A classic dish is khachapuri, which is a bread bowl filled with some combination of cheese, eggs, potatoes, meat, or vegetables. U Gruzina is also located right next to Talerzyki, so you can peak in and see which one looks good.
In our humble opinion, the best traditional Neapolitan pizza in Wrocław. There’s sometimes a line out the door on busy days, but it’s worth the wait.
A vegetarian Polish restaurant that's been in the center of Rynek for over 20 years. Known for their soups, but delicious all around.
Old-school pub and brewery that also serves traditional Polish food. Their dark beer is fantastic, and make sure to ask for the complementary bread with smalec (traditional bacon and onion spread).
Peruvian restaurant located near the historic White Stork Synagogue, they have a fun interior design and excellent pisco sours (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic).
Wrocław has a surprisingly large Korean population, and a number of good Korean barbecue restaurants have opened in the past several years. Korill is great, and also does a good hotpot.
Located in city center, this is one of our favorite Thai places in Wrocław, especially for their curries. It can be a little hard to find a seat, but Pha Tha Thai, which is right around the corner, is a good backup.
Argentinian-run restaurant specializing in empanadas, we’re pretty sure the owner personally knows ¾ of the Spanish speaking population of Wrocław
Bars and Pubs
Nasyp (literally “the embankment”) is a small street that runs along an elevate rail road, with a bunch of small pubs and restaurants along it. It’s one of the best places in Wrocław to grab a beer, and many of the bars serve some sort of food as well.
Not technically Polish, but this Czech gastropub has some of the best beer in Wrocław and traditional, hearty Czech food.
“Graciarnia” means something like “collection of knickknacks” and the name is pretty descriptive. This cute pub/restaurant is tucked out of the way, but the outdoor patio in the back is a great place to eat or drink in the summer.
More upscale, but a good place to go to for an after dinner cocktail or if you’re looking for something a bit fancier.
Unsurprisingly, this Harry Potter themed bar is one of Carissa’s favorites, it’s definitely worth a stop for a butterbeer (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), which are delicious regardless of your familiarity with Harry Potter.
Cafes / Brunch / Snacks
Chocolate shop known for its thick, creamy hot chocolate, which is better than almost anything you can find in the US. One of Carissa’s favorites.
Carissa’s favorite brunch/coffee spot in the city, it’s a glass-windowed boat located directly on the river. They have excellent pastries, good lunch options, and it’s a perfect place to sip coffee and look at the water.
Brunch spot in city center with excellent avocado toast, eggs benedict, and french toast.
Extraordinarily cozy coffee shop and breakfast restaurant near city center. Pretty classic/typical brunch fare.
This bakery chain has kiosks and restaurants throughout the city with delicious bread, great sandwiches, and unbelievable pastries (try the flaky pistachio roll).
Another chain of small shops that’s great for a quick sweet or savory snack while walking around – they have flaky Georgian pastries and outstanding cinnamon rolls.
A Wrocław institution, specializes in melts and zapiekankas (similar to a flatbread – classic Polish street/casual food)
Upscale Options
Refined Polish dining — a must-do when in town and an absolute favorite of ours. If you’ll only try Polish food at one place, it’s hard to go wrong with Ida..
The 7th oldest restaurant on Europe – worth going to for the history alone
Polish-inspired menu in a rustic basement setting on the scenic Cathedral island
Wrocław sightseeing
City Exploration
Rynek (Market Square)
The Wrocław Market Square (Rynek in Polish) is the heart of the city, and the single biggest must-see if visiting. It features historic buildings, a beautiful town hall, the 7th oldest restaurant in Europe, and countless cafes and restaurants.
Plac Solny (Salt Square) is a smaller square right next to Market Square, known for its fountain and stalls selling flowers.
Wrocław has over 600 statuettes of gnomes/dwarfs located all over the city. They’re a ton of fun to find, and are just about everywhere you look, especially in the city center.
Odra Boat Tour
The Odra River runs through the center of Wrocław, and there are many boat tours that can take you on an short trip that showcases the architecture and history of the city. We don’t have a particular favorite tour company, but all the ones we’ve had experience with are safe and reputable.
St. Elizabeth’s Church is just off of the main town square, and has a tall tower that offers amazing views of the city. The walk up is quite long (304 stairs), but worth it if you’re looking to get some exercise.
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
The largest and oldest cathedral in Wrocław, located on Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island), across the street from The Bridge hotel. The oldest parts of the cathedral date back to the 10th century, and it’s definitely worth a stop.
One of Carissa’s favorites, the entrance to this small pottery shop is slightly hidden in the patio of the neighboring restaurant, but it’s well worth stopping by if you’re to see some examples of traditional Polish pottery, all handmade and decorated by local artists.
University of Wrocław
The major buildings of the University run along the Odra river, and are recognizable by their characteristic pale yellow color. There are several great tourist attractions, including the University Church (amazing ceiling), Aula Leopoldina (also amazing ceiling), and the Mathematical Tower (average ceilings but great views).
Filip’s favorite sightseeing spot in Wrocław, this immersive, panoramic painting encircles an entire room, and includes a guided tour that makes you feel like you’re at the site of a historic Polish revolutionary battle.
Sky Tower is the tallest building in Wrocław, and possibly the world (at least if you ask some of Carissa’s students). It has a large viewing deck that gives a great view of the whole city.
Nature
Managed by the University of Wrocław, these sprawling gardens are surrounded by historic buildings, and a quick way to find a quiet, beautiful place within the city.
Located right near Centennial Hall, another one of Wrocław’s most famous buildings, these gardens are a great place to walk around for an hour or two.
Południowy, Grabizyński, and Skowroni Parks
Three of our favorite municipal parks, they’re a great place for a walk, run, or just to sit on a bench with a cup of coffee. Easily accessible by tram from most parts of the city.
If you’d like to get outside of the city, these two small mountains are accessible by train, bus, or rental car. Both offer great views after a roughly 1-2 hour hike to the summit.
Another great location just outside of Wrocław, it’s definitely worth a drive if you’re exploring the area.
Less widely known than Książ Castle, Krobielowice Palace was originally constructed in the 14th century, and was gifted to Prussian Fieldmarshal Blücher after his contributions to the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo.
Other sightseeing and entertainment
Other cities and sightseeing in the area
Kraków
A 3 hour train ride from Wrocław, Kraków is the most popular city to visit in Poland. The town square (Rynek) is a beautiful place to walk around and explore. On the outskirts of Rynek there is a 4km garden that encircles the city center. The Jewish quarter is also a must-see with lots of history and restaurants (we’re fans of Dawno Temu na Kazimierzu). Make sure to check out the famous dragon statue at Wawel Castle or take a day trip to see the Wieliczka Salt Mine.
Gdańsk
A 4-5 hour train ride from Wrocław, Gdańsk is a popular port city on the Baltic coast. Known for it’s beautiful Rynek (town square), beaches, and amber boutiques (it’s been at the center of the world’s amber trade for over a millennium) it is a must-see city in Poland. We recommend staying near the market square, or close to the canals. Gdańsk is also part of the tri-city (Trójmiasto) area with nearby Gdynia and Sopot. Gdynia is another lovely historic town, while Sopot is known for it’s beaches and a summer music festival.
Prague
If you have to leave Poland, Prague is only 4 hour train ride from Wrocław, and our favorite nearby city to visit. We’ve stayed multiple times at the Royal Road Residence, which is in an unbeatable location with walking distance to any part of Old Town. Walking to Prague Castle via Charles Bridge is a must-do, and be sure to stop at St. Wencesla’s Vineyard afterwards for beautiful views of the city. Carissa loves Prague Chocolate for their delicious hot chocolate and U Fleku for Czech food in a traditional, tourist friendly beer hall. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, Green Devil’s Absinth Bar is located in a 15th century basement and serves classic absinthe dripped over sugar cubes in an eclectically decorated space.
Berlin
For another nearby option whose only flaw is that it’s outside of Poland, Berlin might just be Filip’s (second) favorite city in Europe. You can spend all day on Museum Island with it’s collections of art and archaeology, but if you only go to one museum there, make it the Pergamon Museum, where you can see a full-scale reconstruction of the original walls of Babylon. The food scene is also incredible, with Wen Cheng (hand-pulled noodles with a deserved line out the door), House of Small Wonder (brunch/history spot in a former Jewish girls’ school), and Bellboy Bar (trendy restaurant with fun food and more fun cocktails) as some of our favorites. Either way, you can have a great time just walking around the city, and there’s no end to other attractions like the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, or the famous Berlin Zoo.