Wroclaw (pronounced ‘Vrotswarv’ – I think!) was crowned as European Capital of Culture for 2016 and is one of Poland’s most colourful cities. Although it was destroyed in large part during the war, it has been restored and makes a great city break. So, let’s spend a weekend in Wroclaw. 
Old Town
The best way to explore Wroclaw is to wander through it’s historic cobbled streets, discovering unique places the city has to offer. The Market Square known as Rynek is surrounded by colourful, picturesque town houses and has many cozy bars and restaurants.
The Old Town Hall
The Old Town Hall of Wroclaw is a key landmark of the city. Situated in the centre of the Market Square, the 13th century Gothic town hall is also home to a restaurant. The restaurant is located in the caverns underneath the town hall and offers a menu featuring traditional Polish food. It has a wonderful atmosphere, with live music being played and is well worth a visit to dine in a place boasting over 700 years of history.
The Royal Palace
The Royal Palace was originally home of the Prussian monarchy, it is now where the city museum is housed. It’s so interesting to be able to get an insight into how such a regal building would have looked in the past.
Ostrow Tumski
Ostrow Tumski, which means Cathedral Island is where the city of Wroclaw began. It was formerly an island in the Oder River and is home to Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, famous for it’s incredible stained glass windows. This is a very peaceful area of the city and totally worth dedicating an afternoon to explore.
Dwarf hunting
In the city there are over 300 dwarf statues, they are dotted around the city. You could spend a weekend in Wroclaw trying to find them all!
Where to stay
For a weekend in Wroclaw, I would recommend basing yourself in the old town. This is the most central and pretty area of the city, within easy walking distance of all of the attractions.
We stayed at Sofitel Wroclaw Old Town, a 5 star hotel situated only a couple of minutes walk to the Market Square. The hotel is quite strange in that, it seems to share the building with other businesses, visible in the large atrium entrance. However, this doesn’t diminish the understated luxury of the hotel’s lobby and bar.
Our room was tastefully decorated with a modern twist and a pop of bright colour. We were offered incredible views of the historic buildings on the street, with a ceiling to floor window.
And I have to say, the bed was literally one of the most comfortable I have ever slept in!
Have you ever visited Wroclaw? Let me know if you have any other recommendations.
I’ve actually never been to Poland, which I find pretty sad. Wroclaw seems to be teeming with beautiful buildings and culture. Gorgeous photos!
Author
Hi Katie,
I definitely recommend visiting if you get chance! It’s got so many beautiful cities. Wroclaw is especially pretty with all the colourful buildings.
I saw a cheap flight here earlier today and now I’ve read this I’m tempted to go dwarf hunting. What time of year did you visit?
Author
Hi Jenni,
Yes, you should absolutely go! We went in December, so only a couple of weeks ago. When are you thinking of heading there?
It was quite cold, but that’s the perfect excuse to dip into a cozy little cafe. It’s also worth noting that it’s super affordable when you are there.
This city definitely tops my list for travel destinations this year! I’ve long been yearning for a trip to Poland, but somehow things always happen that prevent me from a proper travel plan there. Thanks for reminding me of this great destination for 2017!
Author
Hi Fiona,
Poland is a great destination, with so many lovely cities. I enjoyed Wroclaw and would thoroughly recommend Gdansk! Hope you make it there this year.
xo Gemma
I’ve always wanted to visit Poland, but never considered Wroclaw! However, seeing this beautiful pictures and your blog post I’ve changed my mind! Never realised how stunning the architecture was there!
Author
Hi Emma,
There are a lot of beautiful cities in Poland. I do think Wroclaw is a great choice as it’s such a colourful and unique place with all of the dwarves!
Never had I heard of this beautiful place before. The buildings are so colourful and beautiful. What a great looking place.
Author
I find Poland is very colourful in general, but it is very pretty there!
Wow, this sure makes me miss travelling (harder to do with a little one in tow). But I wasn’t expecting Poland to be this beautiful! It reminds me so much of Netherlands and Belgium, where I lived and travelled extensively. Absolutely gorgeous. Will be adding this to my list. 🙂
Author
Yes, I’m sure it is more difficult – but not impossible! Poland is very underrated, it has a lot of pretty cities and great places to visit. Hope you’ll get to go one day 😊
This is definitely one of my top travel destinations for the upcoming year. So colourful and unique!
Author
That’s great to hear, Andrea!
I have been hearing so much about Poland lately that I have just added it to my travel list. However, I’ve never heard of Wroclaw. It looks like an absolutely charming little town to explore. I love the little dwarfs!
This is so cool! I’m Polish and haven’t yet been to Poland. I feel like I could learn a lot about myself just from reading this post. What a lovely place! I also love the idea of your travel blog because I get to experience culture and flavor without having to get off the couch! Thanks to you!
Author
Hi Karissa,
I’m glad you liked the post. Hope you are able to visit and explore your heritage 🙂
I have been to Poland and also heard a lot about places there that I haven;t visit but this one is new for me. Love the hotel you chose. I love staying in places like these where I can feel comfortable.
There are always cheap flights here from the UK, I really must go. It looks like such an interesting city. Thanks for sharing.
Author
Hi Kathy,
Yes, I think my flight was £20 return!!! Insanely cheap. x
What a colourful gem! Your hotel was gorgeous too. I think it Wroclaw does deserve to be European Capital of Culture.
This city has been on my bucket list for so long. Hopefully, I will manage to find the time to visit it in the near future. Thank for sharing!
Elena | http://www.inspiredtoexplore.com
I would have had no idea just from looking at these pictures that this was Poland. Such pretty buildings, and the colours! I have always wanted to visit Poland and this has made me want to go even more!
Such beautiful photos. It always amazes me how European cities bounced back, rebuilt and moved on since the war. It’s hard to believe that they were destroyed,
I love the architecture, but I love the dwarfs even more! I’m just opening my blog and putting the dwarf search on our lifetime bucket list!
Author
Hi Maja,
Haha love that you are putting it on your list. There are around 300 to find, though!
I have never been to Poland but the pictures are fantastic! The dwarves for the tourists to find is a nice touch, similar to looking for the name of your favorite celebrities at the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Was the 5-star hotel expensive?
Author
Hi Del,
Poland is an amazing country, hopefully I’ve inspired you to go there 🙂 No, it was not expensive – I think it was around £200 for 3 nights. Although, I must admit it seemed more of a 4* hotel to me, still lovely though.
Wroclaw looks like a perfect place to spend a whole day just wandering around admiring all that beautiful architecture! Do you know why there are so many dwarf statues?
Author
Hi Lydia,
I believe the Dwarf statues date back to the war time, but now they are just a quirky thing that each business in the city can have to attract people.
I’m so excited to visit Poland this year! I’ll have to check out if where I’m going is anywhere near Wroclaw. I love the dwarf statues!
I have been to Poland twice but not to Wroclaw, this is a great travel tip and a place to keep in mind for next time. Lovely shots!
I had not heard of Wroclaw, but it is such a beautiful town! I can see why it was named the European Capital of Culture. And the dwarf statures are so unique and adorable! I would have fun finding the different statues around the city.
Wroclaw is oozing with that Old European charm that I love! It seems like the perfect wanderer-friendly city!
Seeing these photos inspired me to travel to Wroclaw on my way through Poland, will be there in a mere 3 weeks!