Rynek & Old Town
★★★ Rynek (Market Square)
Wrocław's Rynek is one of the largest market squares in Europe (213 × 178 meters) and an architectural feast: Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau facades in pastel colors frame the rectangular square. In the center stand the Gothic Town Hall and a row of houses (the "Inner City"), dividing the square into different areas.
In the evening, the Rynek is Wrocław's living room: Hundreds of people sit in the street cafes, street musicians play, children chase dwarfs — the atmosphere is warm and relaxed.
★★★ Ratusz (Town Hall)
The Gothic Town Hall (13th–16th century) is one of the most beautiful in all of Europe. The facade is a masterpiece of late Gothic: intricate tracery, an astronomical clock, and countless stone figures. Inside, the city museum and the famous Schweidnitzer Beer Cellar (Piwnica Świdnicka) — one of the oldest inns in Europe (since 1273!).
Rynek 50. Museum: 15 PLN (3.50€). Wed–Sat 10:00–17:00, Sun 10:00–18:00.
★★★ The Krasnale (Wrocław Dwarfs)
Over 300 bronze dwarf figures (15–30 cm tall) populate Wrocław — and each has a character: there is the Sleeper, the Washer, the Tourist, the Banker, the Firefighter. It all began as a political protest action by the "Pomarańczowa Alternatywa" (Orange Alternative) in the 1980s: Activists painted dwarfs on house walls, covering communist propaganda slogans. When the militia painted over the dwarfs, they reappeared elsewhere — absurd resistance against an absurd system.
Since 2005, the bronze dwarfs have been officially installed. The first: Papa Krasnal at the corner of Świdnicka/Kazimierza Wielkiego. Since then, there have been over 300 — some privately sponsored, some for special occasions. The search for them is Wrocław's most popular tourist attraction.
★★ Aula Leopoldina (University of Wrocław)
The most magnificent Baroque hall in Poland: The Aula Leopoldina (1732) of the University of Wrocław is a riot of frescoes, gilded stucco, and illusionistic ceiling painting. The university itself (founded in 1702) also offers an observation terrace with a panoramic view.
Plac Uniwersytecki 1. 14 PLN (3€). Thu–Tue 10:00–17:00. Closed Wed.
★★ Hala Targowa (Market Hall)
The largest market hall in Wrocław (1908, reinforced concrete construction) is an experience for all the senses: fresh fruits and vegetables, Polish sausage, cheese, flowers, and a food court with regional cuisine. Especially lively on Saturday mornings.
Ul. Piaskowa 17. Mon–Fri 8:00–18:30, Sat 8:00–15:00.
