Wrocław (pronounced v-ROTS-wahf; also known as Breslau, its German name, and English name until 1945) is the largest city in Lower Silesia in Poland. It is home to 674,000 people within the city limits (2022) and the metropolitan area has a population of 1.3 million making it the largest city in Western Poland. Wrocław is the historic capital of Silesia and it has changed hands repeatedly over the centuries. At different points throughout history, Wrocław has been in the Kingdom of Poland, Bohemia, the Austrian Empire, Prussia and Germany.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Like many cities in Central Europe, it is a city with a troubled past, having seen a lot of violence and devastation. Prior to the Second World War, Breslau was the capital of the German province of Prussian Lower Silesia. It became Polish territory when, after the War, the Soviets moved the German/Polish border westward to the Oder/Neisse Line and ethnically cleansed the area of its overwhelmingly German population through mass expulsion. Breslau was almost completely destroyed during the end of the War as the Red Army fought its way into Germany towards Berlin, being declared a "Fortress City" by Adolf Hitler.
The centre of Wrocław is navigable on foot, but the city has an excellent public-transport system for access to the suburbs and outlying attractions, with 57 bus lines, 22 tram lines and 13 night bus lines. As well as that, taxis are readily available and quite affordable, even for those on a budget. Details on how to travel around Wrocław and ticket types and prices. You can also use the journey planner. Google Maps and its peers do not work well for public transit in Wrocław as of 2025; instead, download the Jakdojade transit app. There are two types of tickets: Single-ride tickets cost 4,60 zł.
1 Market Square (Rynek). It is the architectural centre-point of Wroclaw, and its most obvious attraction. It is one of the biggest town squares in Europe, and is lined on all sides with photogenic and interesting buildings. Centre of tourist life, place where tourists drink beer. 2 Old Town Hall (Stary Ratusz), ul. Sukiennice 14 (south side of the Rynek). Tu-Su 11:00-17:00 (closed Monday). It now serves as the Museum of Burgeois Art. Construction of the town hall began in the 13th century. It was one of the few major buildings in Wrocław to survive World War II. The interior features stunning Gothic interiors. admission 4 zł. (updated Apr 2023) 3 Salt Square (Plac Solny).
1 Opera Wrocławska, ul. Świdnicka 35. 2 Music Theatre Capitol, ul. Marszałka J. Piłsudskiego 67. 3 Polski Theatre, ul. Zapolskiej 3. Two additional stages are located at ul. Świdnicka 28 (Small Stage) and plac Orląt Lwowskich 20c (Świebodzki Train Station Stage). Współczesny Theatre (Contemporary Theatre), Ul. Rzeźnicza 12. 4 Wrocław Philharmonic, Ul. Piłsudskiego 19. Different kinds of concerts: symphonic, choral, early music, jazz, popular music. Football: Śląsk Wrocław were promoted in 2026 and now play soccer in Ekstraklasa, the top tier. Their Tarczyński Arena (capacity 45,000) is 6 km northwest of city centre. Free Walking Tours.
Cultural note: the "bars" listed below are in fact self-service canteens, known as milk bars (bar mleczny), offering inexpensive and traditional Polish meals. They are a gastronomic and cultural experience. They should be open even on national holidays. Expect short queues. 1 Bar Miś, 48 Kuźnicza Street (700 ft. north of Rynek (Market Place or central square)). M-F 07:00-18:00 and Sa 08:00-17:00. Offers an ample and diversified menu, including meat-based dishes. Students, staff and professors of the University of Wrocław usually eat there, together with homeless people, elderly and pensioners. After entering go to the cash desk (at the left corner) and order your meal (Polish only).
There are many different clubs and pubs in Wroclaw. Most of them are located in the centre of the old town, many good ones however, are situated a few crossings from the Town Square, not within its borders. The Town Square mostly contains some not very specific, quite expensive restaurants, although it is worth mentioning the Spiż Cellar, an interesting mini-brewery with a few tasty kinds of locally made beer and a unique interior design. There are also two discos that are popular among fans of house/techno music - Daytona and Związki.
Wrocław, like most of Poland, is a very safe city but you should exercise the usual caution and keep guard of your valuables especially around crowded places or places popular with tourists like the main train station or the town square (Rynek).
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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