WROCŁAW, ONE OF THE UNIQUE CITIES IN POLAND
Wrocław is the capital of the Lower Silesia region and often ranks among the most liveable cities in Europe. Although most young people speak English, older people may not necessarily understand you if you speak to them in English. The Google translator app will become your best friend whilst living in Poland. As a side note, it is worthwhile learning a couple of basic Polish phrases if you plan to visit Wrocław or Poland per se.
If there is a city in Poland that’s unique, it has to be Wrocław. First of all, it’s a challenge to get the city’s name right. It is pronounced as ‘Vrots Wahf’, or ‘Wrots Waaf’. It takes a while to pronounce the name at least close to right. Until then, you’ll have to take the gentle chiding by the city dwellers.
Once you get to the heart of the town, the postcard-perfect old town, the seemingly ever-energetic students, and all the colours of the city will enchant you. In a day or two, Wrocław will have stolen your heart. By the time you head back home it will be one of the cities in Poland that you would vow to come back to.
Students flock to Wrocław not only because of the excellent standard of education it offers, but also because of it’s vibrant and cultured way of life. Make a plan to stroll around some of the magnificent university buildings and admire the grandeur.
Ideally, I’d suggest spending at least 2 days in Wrocław. If you have 3, great! To summarize, plan your first day to check out the heart of the city in the old town, Cathedral Island, markets and milk bars. Use your second day to venture out further in the city, to check out the neighbourhoods or museums. All the best things in a European city lies in it’s old town undoubtedly.
On your second day, go dwarf hunting. Wrocław is home to more than 200 statues of dwarfs spread across the old town area, which were symbols of protests during the communist regime. These quirky dwarfs are special, and finding these can be a fun activity to enjoy. You can find dwarfs working on laptops, being mischievous, and even be doing some serious stuff. My personal favorite dwarf is the one holding out sunflowers, a great reminder that good things are always coming.
The best time to visit Wrocław is during the summer when you have the sun out, as well as the crowd. I visited in the Summer and Autumn. In Autumn it is much less crowded, you have lower prices and the beauty of the parks and gardens are magical. Yellow, orange, green, pink, red, it’s a beautiful sight.
As an expat currently residing in Kraków, my weekends are normally spent in Wrocław. For some reason, this city and the people have stolen my heart. I have genuine friendships and I’ve met really kind and helpful Poles. Many travelers are yet to be discovered in Wrocław, it’s peaceful, less touristy, and has an authentic traditional feel. Add the city to your must-see travel bucket list, I can assure you that it is chock-full of attractions worth visiting.
MY GO-TO FOOD PLACES IN WROCŁAW:
• The Vinyl Café
https://m.facebook.com/vinylcafe.wroclaw
• Petits Fours Café
• Falla
https://m.facebook.com/FALLA.Wroclaw/
• Central café — The best pancakes I have ever had!
http://centralcafe.pl/site/home/
& Karolina’s house. Her mom makes the best homemade Polish bread and dried fruit apple slices.
MUST SEE ATTRACTIONS:
• Undoubtedly the Market Square & Old Town
• Panorama of the Battle of Racławice — Rotunda containing a 360-degree painting of the 1794 battle, plus maps & videos providing context.
• Museum of Bourgeois Art — Old town hall built from the 13th to 16th centuries, now housing the Museum of Bourgeois Art.
• Cathedral of St. John the Baptist — 13th-century place of Catholic worship, dedicated to St John the Baptist, reconstructed after WWII.
• National Museum in Wrocław — Art museum in a grand 19th-century building, with paintings, sculpture, craft pieces & photography.
• Wrocław Multimedia Fountain — At this huge water fountain there are seasonal shows featuring synchronized water, light & music.
• The Japanese Garden — Szczytnicki Park & Botanical Garden of the University of Wrocław
Ps. All videos and photography about Wrocław and Poland can be found on my Instagram @kimberleebasson
