Spend 48 hours in Wroclaw in one of Poland’s hidden gems. From the UK it’s only a 2 hour flight time meaning you can be there in no time at all. Whether you’re indulging in pierogi at a cozy local restaurant or exploring the whimsical gnomes scattered across the city, Wroclaw promises a delightful adventure packed into just two days.
Read on for a 2 day Wroclaw itinerary!
Day 1
Morning – explore the market square
The best way to get to know a new place is to walk around. Wrocław’s old town is the perfect location to get your bearings and plan out the rest of your day. The main square is surrounded by beautiful, colourful buildings and is home to a Christmas Market in the later months of the year.
A fun way to get to know the heart of the old town is to go on a dwarf hunt. The Wroclaw dwarfs are quite famous and there are more than 400 to find around the entire city. There’s a good chance you’ll find a lot of them once you start keeping an eye out. It’s possible to buy a map from one of the souviner shops if you want to tick them all off.
Depending on time, you might also want to visit MovieGate, home to some fantastic film memorabilia. It’s located right in the city center so within walking distance of the market square. A single ticket costs under £6 and it’s a great place to spend an hour. You’ll find original items from films such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Harry Potter, as well as Star Wars and X-Men!
Lunch – Traditional Polish cuisine
Wrocław’s market square is the ideal place for lunch on your first day. It’s the perfect place for finding delicious foods with a mix of local cuisine, cheap beers and beautiful cafes. If you’re not sure where to start with traditional Polish food, here are 10 dishes along with their English translations:
- Pierogi – Dumplings (often filled with various ingredients like potato, cheese, meat, or fruit)
- Bigos – Hunter’s Stew (a hearty dish made with sauerkraut, meat, and mushrooms)
- Żurek – Sour Rye Soup (served with sausage and hard-boiled egg)
- Kotlet schabowy – Breaded Pork Cutlet (similar to a schnitzel)
- Gołąbki – Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (filled with meat and rice, served with tomato sauce)
- Kielbasa – Sausage (various types, often grilled or smoked)
- Barszcz – Beet Soup (often served hot with sour cream)
- Sernik – Cheesecake (Polish style, often less sweet than American cheesecake)
- Placki ziemniaczane – Potato Pancakes (served with sour cream or apple sauce)
- Zrazy – Beef Roulades (thinly sliced beef rolled with filling, served with gravy)
Afternoon – Szczytnicki Park
Szczytnicki Park is your go-to spot for an afternoon recharge. Stoll along tree-lined paths, listen to birds chirping overhead, as well as the gentle rustling of leaves. The highlights? Definitely the Japanese Garden, a total hidden gem with its serene ponds, picturesque bridges, and lush greenery that transport you straight to Kyoto (well, almost!).
Don’t miss a performance from Wroclaw’s multimedia fountain either, which is a good reason to visit on its own. Top tip: look up times and which songs are being used beforehand, so you can pick your favourite. If you time it right and don’t mind sitting around for a little while, you can get 2 shows in easily.
And let’s talk about the Centennial Hall—it’s not just a building; it’s a legit piece of history that adds a touch of grandeur to the park. The architecture buffs will geek out over its massive dome and intricate design, while everyone else can simply chill on the grass nearby, soaking in the park’s laid-back vibe. Whether you’re into snapping Insta-worthy pics, having a picnic with friends, or just escaping the city buzz for a bit, Szczytnicki Park is all about unwinding in style.
Dinner – Iggy Pizza
You don’t have to stick to traditional Polish food for your trip if you don’t want to. There are plenty of other options available.
If you want the best restaurant for pizza then head to Iggy Pizza. This restaurant is just a short walk from the market square and well-worth a visit. If you’re visiting when there is warm weather then maybe enjoy the outdoor seating area however, there are plenty of tables inside. You can expect to pay around £8-£10 for a huge pizza and there are vegan options available. This was one of the best places I’ve ever been for pizza and I can see why it gets so busy.
Evening – Cathedral Island (Ostrów Tumski
Cathedral Island (Ostrów Tumski) is a fun place to visit on an evening in Wroclaw. You can easily walk there in 15-20 minutes from the market square or make use of the city’s public transport. The walk past the Oder River is beautiful and you can even take a river cruise or enjoy an ice cream along the way. At dusk, you’ll find a lamplighter walking around Cathedral Island, lighting each of the lamps by hand. Obviously visiting in the summer means the the time this happens is quite late. There are plenty of things to see as you wait though, and is a very quiet area during low season.
Day 2
Morning – Panorama of Raclawice
If you’re into art and history (or just up for something cool), visiting the Panorama of Raclawice in Wroclaw is a must-do. This isn’t just any old painting—it’s a 360-degree masterpiece that wraps around you, making you feel like you’re right there in the thick of it.
The painting itself is epic—like, seriously massive—and the attention to detail is mind-blowing. You can practically feel the tension in the air as you walk around and take in the scenes of battle, complete with charging soldiers, swirling smoke, and dramatic landscapes. Shows are timed with only a certain amount of people being let in, so you might have to wait a short amount of time until the next show time.
Once you’re inside you can borrow an audio guide. You’ll be guided around the huge painting, learning about the historical context and cool tidbits about how the panorama came to be. This is a great way to learn a bit about Wroclaw’s history and to see something really different.
Lunch
Whether you’re craving traditional Polish flavors or something more international, this city has you covered.
For a taste of local cuisine, head to a Milk Bar (Bar Mleczny) like Bar Miś or Bar Pod Fredrą. These spots serve up hearty Polish comfort food at wallet-friendly prices that’ll make your taste buds happy.
If you’re in the mood for something trendy, check out Pasibus for gourmet burgers with a Polish twist. They’re known for their juicy patties and creative toppings, like crispy onion rings and local cheeses. Plus, the vibe is always lively, making it a great spot to hang out with friends over a tasty meal.
Afternoon – Visit the National Museum
If you fancy carrying on learning more about Polish culture and history then try the National Museum. This hidden gem filled with all sorts of cool art and historical treasures. Wander through halls lined with ancient artifacts and stunning Polish artwork, from intricate medieval sculptures to vibrant modern paintings. You can check out everything from classic Polish masters to lesser-known gems that surprise you around every corner. The vibe inside is super relaxed too, which is perfect for taking your time to soak it all in. Whether you’re into art history or just curious about Wroclaw’s past, the National Museum has something for everyone. Plus, it’s a great spot to escape the weather if it’s acting up outside.
Final thoughts
48 hours is ideal for a weekend break to Wroclaw. Whether you’re with friends or family, there’s plenty to do and see. I have no doubt you’ll want to want to explore more of Poland after a trip to this amazing city.
