Exploring Wroclaw, Poland for Less than $25 per Day

#1 About Wroclaw

Wroclaw is the largest city in western Poland, located at the banks of Odra River in Lower Silesia. It is not only one of the most hospitable places in this part of the country, but also very cheap travel destination with a lot to offer. Not without a reason it is often being called the “Venice of Poland” (stunning scenery of Odra) and it has been selected as an European Capital of Culture for 2016.

Wroclaw city, jazz advertisement
Jazz clubs rock in Wroclaw! The entrance costs between 10-30 zlotych per person ($3 – $9)

Wroclaw is rapidly catching the attention of budget travelers. It is a student friendly place full of cozy bars, affordable restaurants, clubs, charming historical spots and various festivals. If you are in Poland and you need a place to chill out on a budget, full of history and traditions, head to Wroclaw and you will not regret it!

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Shot of vodka for 5 zloty ($1.5) in city center restaurants

The lively square with the Town Hall, Leopoldina – one of the fewest of the kind well-preserved Baroque complexes, or Cathedral Island with outstanding medieval religious architecture – Delhi will simply take your breath away! Moreover, Wroclaw is one of the major cultural and intellectual centers in Poland with 16 museums, 14 theaters, 32 galleries and 7 cinemas so there is no way you will get bored here.

Church in Wroclaw

#2 Things to See

There are plenty of areas of Wroclaw you should get familiar with depending on what your travel preferences are. If you are keen on exploring museums and cathedrals you can’t miss Ostrow Tumski featured with various different chapels, churches and monasteries. You will be taken to baroque era to experience Polish culture and traditions expressed with architecture. Most of thosesights are free of charge and museums don’t cost more than 5 – 10 zloty ($1,5 – $3).

Cathedral in Wroclaw

If you get bored with cultural spots, go to Botanical Garden. It was founded between 1811-1816 and it consists of more than 8,000 species of plants and 5,000,000 crafted animal specimens ( the place is open to the public from April 1 to November 30, opening hours: 8.00-18.00, 10.00-18.00 greenhouses). The ticket costs 10 zloty ($3).

Find Wroclaw’s dwarfs – it can be a lot of fun for families with kids. There are plenty of small figurines placed in different areas of the city and their numbers have been continually growing. Finding them all is a challenge taken by many tourists. If you buy a local guide there is a map with all dwarfs tagged.

Wroclaw eTramping2
WrocƂaw’s dwarfs I found only two :(

For those who are more romantic or need to chill out I would suggest to explore Odra area full of water plants, Franciscan monasteries, picturesque parks and market halls with cheap fresh fruits and vegetables.

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Are  you a shopaholic? Treat yourself at one of the most modern shopping malls in Wroclaw called Sky Tower. There are plenty of shops there with glamorous clothes, restaurants and bowling alley (if you wish to go bowling choose Sunday as the prices are the lowest, only 50 zloty, $15, Fridays and Saturdays are more expensive 90 zloty, $27). 

Sky Tower building, Wroclaw
Sky Tower building

Being in Wroclaw you can’t miss the Town Hall. It is one of Poland’s largest and most awe‑inspiring town halls originally built in the late 13th century. However it has been added to and renovated time and again over the centuries.

Hall Town in Wroclaw, Christmas

After exploring the Hall Town, it is time to see the Old Town!  It is not only a historical center of the city but also today’s social and cultural center as well. With many restaurant, milk bars and student pubs where you can experience locals’ hospitality and a great sense of humor!

# 3 Where to Eat

As I mentioned before, Wroclaw is a cheap city. You don’t need to walk too long to find cozy and affordable pubs or restaurants. However, there are two places I would highly recommend to everyone.

No. 1 – FcNalesniki (“nalesnik” = a “pancake”) where, as you can guess, are served mainly pancakes (hot dogs, pizzas and hamburgers are also served). A huge pancake (the one I ordered) filled with chicken, onions, peppers and topped with cheese in garlic sauce costed me only 13 zloty ($4).

Fc Nalesniki restaurant
Fc Nalesniki restaurant

If you don’t feel very hungry it’s better to share one with someone. I barely managed to eat 3/4 of mine. There are also fruit pancakes available, pancakes stuffed with pork or lamb meat and of course vegetarian :), very yummy! The place is located at Kuznicza street 63/64 m. 1A.

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That’s me enjoying my huge pancake!

No. 2 – Hanoi Restaurant – for those who, like me, felt bored with Polish cuisine and wanted to taste some oriental food. This restaurant might not be the cheapest one (Chinese takeaways are cheaper), but the food is simply delicious. Every single meal is cooked by Vietnamese chef and tastes like authentic Vietnamese cuisine (I was in Vietnam so I know :)). The place is very cozy as well and the staff were nice.

Hanoi restaurant Best Vietnamese soup and chicken in Wroclaw
Best Vietnamese soup and chicken in Wroclaw!

We (me and my best friend) ordered a beef and chicken soup for a starter (6,50 zloty – $2) and then Quang Cuong mild chicken with mushrooms, rice and salad for our main course (16,50 zloty – $5).

Vietnamese food rice and chicken with mushrooms
This photo makes me wanna go back to Hanoi!

#4 Transport

As anywhere in the world, taxis are the most expensive transportation. Luckily, Wroclaw has excellent streetcar connections so you can easily get from point A to B for less than 2,50 zloty ($1). If you plan to catch streetcars more often, buy a 24h ticket for 11 zloty ($3).

A typical streetcar in Wroclaw
A typical streetcar in Wroclaw

Wroclaw is not that huge so it took me few minutes to get to any location I wanted. You can use your credit/debit card to purchase a ticket either at a streetcar stop or inside the vehicle. Easy and convenient!

Wroclaw streetcar, ticket and ticket machine

#5 Where to Sleep

I never had a problem with finding accommodation in Wroclaw as I am always being hosted by my friends. However, if you don’t fancy couchsurfing there are plenty of sleeping options available, from youth hostels to posh hotels depending on your budget. My personal recommendation would be to stay at Hotelik pod Debami where prices start from 30 zloty per single room, $9. You can always contact me and I can find someone who will be more than happy to host you and show you around the city :).

Bicycle in Wroclaw

Wroclaw has always had a special place in my heart. It is not only the closest biggest city nearby my hometown, but also the place where all my best friends live, work and study. I always come back there when I visit Poland to hang out with my best mates and catch up on our stuff. My latest visit I paid was last December (2012) where I took a few days to go sightseeing and explore the city in a different way, not as a tourist but as a local. I can’t say I know Wroclaw by heart. I got lost a few times as it’s been years since I was there last time but I could definitely notice how this city was constantly changing – new shopping malls, new office building, everything was getting more flashy and modern.

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Does Wroclaw sound like a  plan to you? 

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Agness Walewinder
Agness Walewinder
Travel freak, vagabond, photography passionate, blogger, life enthusiast, backpacker, adventure hunter and endless energy couchsurfer living by the rule "Pack lite, travel far and live long!"
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47 thoughts on “Exploring Wroclaw, Poland for Less than $25 per Day”

  1. Avatar of The Guy

    Great review and some fabulous tips. I’d be quite happy to go just for the cheap beer but you’ve highlighted so many other things to do.

    I also love those little dwarves, I think that is a great idea to occupy tourists and help them discover the city.

    1. Avatar of Agness Walewinder
      Agness Walewinder

      Yes, that’s actually an awesome idea to occupy tourists and help them fully discover and enjoy the city!

  2. Avatar of Shing

    The more I experience and read of Poland, the more I love this country – and it’s certainly a haven for budget travellers!

    Those little dwarfs are so cute, and seeking them out is a great way to see the city – plus little kids must go crazy for them! I can’t believe there are 16 museum and 32 galleries crammed into this city… no wonder it has been chosen as the European Capital of Culture in 2016!

    I’m going back to Poland at the end of this month and I’m super excited. Although I’m heading to the east side… so this beauty will have to wait!

    Thanks for writing more about Poland Agness, it’s quite possibly my favourite country in the world.

    1. Avatar of Agness Walewinder
      Agness Walewinder

      Shing, thanks! So excited to hear Poland is so high on your list of favourite countries. Wroclaw has, indeed, a lot to offer. You will be blown away by night life there and you will definitely meet so many amazing people who will be more than happy to show you around! Have fun with dwarfs! I found only two LOL.

  3. Avatar of Jason's Travels
    Jason's Travels

    Poland is actually really high on my list of places to travel to, and you just gave me more reason!

    1. Avatar of Agness Walewinder
      Agness Walewinder

      If you need any help or guidance I’m here to help! Just promise me you won’t miss Wroclaw when travelling in Poland! :-D

  4. Avatar of Mariella (Bridgekeeping Traveller)
    Mariella (Bridgekeeping Traveller)

    Lovely, Agness :) I spent New Year’s in Wroclaw this year, and I have been several times before – it is a great place. And you are so sweet to offer accomodation opportunities to everyone ;) I will try some of your restaurant recommendations! I totally agree, Wroclaw is a place more than worth going to!

    1. Avatar of Agness Walewinder
      Agness Walewinder

      You have no idea how happy I am to hear that! You should definitely try these pancakes and Vietnamese food, so lovely!

    1. Avatar of Agness Walewinder
      Agness Walewinder

      It is a very interesting place and cheap to explore. Yes, the pancakes were huge!!! That’s why I loved this restaurant :-). Can’t wait to get back there :):)

  5. Avatar of Ellis Shuman

    I am so sorry that I never made it to Poland while my wife and I were living for two years in eastern Europe (Sofia, Bulgaria). I really don’t know anything at all about modern day Poland, where to go, and what to see. This article was very informative and made me list Wroclaw on my bucket list of future destinations.

    1. Avatar of Agness Walewinder
      Agness Walewinder

      What a pitty you never made it to Poland, you missed a lot:):) but it’s never to late to get back there. I’m glad you found the post very informative and I hope you can visit Wroclaw one day and enjoy yourself together with your wife :).

  6. Avatar of Freya

    I definitely want to visit Wroclaw one day, bookmarked this page with all your great tips to revert to. Those restaurants look great, incredible how cheap everything is. I love those dwarfs must be lots of fun finding all of them :)

    1. Avatar of Agness Walewinder
      Agness Walewinder

      You should go there after your Asia journey. Who knows maybe one day we can enjoy pancakes together in Wroclaw. It’s amazingly cheap, isn’t?

  7. Avatar of Emily

    I am so happy that I found your website! I cannot express my excitement for finding you. You have so much great advice on how to travel cheaply and specifics on how to do it. My husband and I (and baby on the way) are planning to travel to/live in 12 countries over the course of a year (1 month for each country). We have been planning on doing it for $50 a day, so you’re posts will be of so much help for us! Thank you so much for sharing! (And I hope we can make it to Wroclaw!!)

    1. Avatar of Agness Walewinder
      Agness Walewinder

      Hi Emily! Thank you so much for nice words. We are thrilled to hear that. Your travel plans are so amazing, we are so happy for you. You can definitely do it for $50 without any problems. If you need some help with finding hosts in Poland, just let me know. My friends would be so excited to look after you. Baby on the way? Fantastic news! Keep in touch and I’m just checking out your blog :)

  8. Avatar of Caitlyn

    Wow your photos are beautiful! One of my closest friends is from Krakow and she is always saying how lovely Wroclaw is so I know I have to visit soon…

  9. Avatar of Jen @ WanderOneDay
    Jen @ WanderOneDay

    Agness – thank you so much for this post! My mom and I will be spending two days/one night in Wroclaw on our mother/daughter Europe trip this summer (after spending a few days in Krakow and Warsaw). We’ll be staying at a place on the old Market Square that we found via Airbnb.

    One question regarding transportation in Wroclaw – what is the best way to get to the airport from Market Square? Our host told us taxi is most convenient, but we’re trying to keep costs low and wouldn’t mind a little extra time/effort to save some money.

    I just found your website today, but I’m sure I’ll be searching through it for other helpful tips!

    1. Avatar of Agness Walewinder
      Agness Walewinder

      Hi Jen. Thank you very much for stopping by. I’m so happy to know you will be spending a few days in my favourite city with your mom. I bet you will have an amazing time! As for the airport transport, avoid taxis – they are way too expensive. Instead, catch a bus (line 406 – Airport – JarnoƂtĂłw). The bus will take you directly do the Central Train Station (Dworzec GƂówny PKP) or the Central Bus Station (Centralny PKS)from where you can either walk to the Market Square or take a tram. It runs every day, every 20 minutes. If you can’t find it, ask someone :)))))

  10. Avatar of Nick Rutten

    Looks like a great place to visit when we get back to Europe! I’m always amazed by how much cities in Eastern Europe, like Prague and Budapest, are as beautiful, or even more, as Paris and Barcelona.

    And the food looks especially good after months and months of noodles! I’d like me some of that.

    1. Avatar of Agness Walewinder
      Agness Walewinder

      Hi Nick. Eastern Europe offers a lot in terms of travels. I really enjoyed Prague last year but never been to Budapest. Paris is amazing and Barcelona’s on my list. Yes, the food tastes so different after months of having just noodles and rice :).

  11. Avatar of Andy

    Thanks for the tips Agness! Polska is high on my list for the next time I visit Europe. I have been wanting to go there for some time now. Thanks for sharing,

    MiƂego dnia!

    Andy
    BackpackingDiplomacy.com

    1. Avatar of Agness Walewinder
      Agness Walewinder

      Hey Andy! Thanks for stopping by and sharing. Let me know before you decide to visit Wroclaw. I’ve got few friends who would love to show you around. Your Polish’s great! Keep it up x

  12. Avatar of Nick - Goats On The Road

    I love the way you guys write posts with such detailed information and who doesn’t want to do everything for under $25/day! Wroclaw sounds pretty cool (god i want vietnamese food now!).
    There’s a “Venice of everywhere” isn’t there? Suzhou is the Venice of China!
    Thanks for the post and new ideas.
    Cheers.

    1. Avatar of Agness Walewinder
      Agness Walewinder

      Thank you Nick. We try to give people as many information as possible and we really do travel on the cheap. Wroclaw is one of the coolest places in Poland, you should definitely make it there one day. Sending my love to Dariece :)!

  13. Avatar of Sofia

    I’ve never been to Wroclaw, but I really liked Warsaw and it made me really curious of other cities in Poland. Thanks for the tip!

  14. Avatar of Charlie

    I’m staying in Wroclaw at the moment! It’s awesome here, I really like it. I read some travel bloggers who were a bit down on it, but I disagree with them for sure. Eaten a lot of vegetarian pierogi – the best ones were definitely homemade by our couchsurfing hosts. :)

    1. Avatar of Agness Walewinder

      Wow, great to hear that! I’m so happy you’re enjoying Poland! Gosh, I’m missing pierogi a lot these days. Can’t wait to finally dig into them this summer. If you need anything, let me know. I have plenty of friends in Wroclaw.

  15. Avatar of SUNIL DUGAR

    I want to come in october with my wife , my daughter (11 years) & my son (8 years) for 7 days. whether my children will enjoy the trip. Where to stay.
    What other places we can go in poland in those 7 days.
    Will we get vegetarian food.

    Namaste

    Sunil Dugar
    Hyderabad, India

  16. Avatar of shashijain India
    shashijain India

    hi Angness coming on july 15 2014in BRAVE FESTIVAL would luv if u guide me to see wroclaw in two days

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