Wroclaw (pronounced “Vrot-swaaf”) is the vibrant capital of Lower Silesia in Western Poland. Sometimes nicknamed Poland’s Venice, this enchanting university city has more than 100 bridges and 12 islands. Travelers make a beeline for its majestic Old Town, home to cobbled streets, romantic market squares, and architectural gems such as the Gothic Old Town Hall. One of the most fun things to do in Wroclaw is to search for its adorable gnome statues—there are thought to be more than 600 of them scattered throughout the city.
If you want to escape the crowds but still enjoy mild weather, then avoid July-August, and come in late spring (May-June) or early fall (September) instead. A big annual draw is the Christmas market, which usually takes place from mid-November to mid-December. It's a true winter wonderland, with cabins selling snacks, gifts, and warm drinks, as well as live performances, nativity scenes, rides, and even animatronic fairytale characters.
With pedestrianized areas and a compact center, Wroclaw is the perfect city to explore on foot. However, if you want to travel further afield, the city also has a comprehensive tram network with contactless payment available. There’s also a cycle sharing scheme if you fancy exploring the city by bike. For taxi services, Wroclaw also has rideshare apps such as Uber and Bolt too.
For a peaceful retreat away from the buzzing center, take a stroll around the city’s Japanese Garden, which has a teahouse, pond, and endemic Japanese plants. If you’re looking for a cheatsheet to hunt down Wroclaw’s gnomes, the tourist office has created one. For delicious local food and incredible decor, go to Konspira, a 1980s Communist-era themed restaurant dedicated to Poland’s Solidarity Movement.
