The Perfect Day Trip To Wroclaw From Krakow (2024)
Wroclaw is one of the most picturesque towns in Poland, but most tourists skip it when visiting Poland.
If your itinerary is already packed and you can’t spend a couple of days in Wroclaw, you can take a day trip to Wroclaw from Krakow!
I visited Wroclaw several times, and this small riverside town is well worth visiting while you’re in Poland.
You can see most of the tourist attractions in Wroclaw in one day, so it’s a perfect day trip destination.
Let’s find out how to spend one day in Wroclaw!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. I hope you find the information here helpful!
Can You Visit Wroclaw On A Day Trip From Krakow?
Yes, you can easily visit Wroclaw on a day trip from Krakow.
While Wroclaw is not the closest place to visit from Krakow, the two cities are well connected making a day trip possible – even if you travel by public transport!
The city center of Wroclaw is quite compact, and the main tourist attractions are all within walking distance of each other.
I recently did this day trip by bus, and I had enough time to see everything I wanted in the city and have breakfast and lunch in a sit-down restaurant.
How To Get From Krakow To Wroclaw?
You can do this journey by car, bus, or train.
The distance between Krakow and Wroclaw is about 270km, and the trip takes 3-4 hours, depending on the traffic.
I was in Poland without a car, so I took a bus from Krakow to Wroclaw.
Both buses and trains take about the same time, but the bus is usually cheaper.
I used both to get around Poland before – they’re equally comfortable and reliable, but a bus is a more affordable option for most routes.
The train and bus station in Krakow are at the same place, and they’re about 5 minutes from each other in Wroclaw, so that shouldn’t affect your decision.
You should leave Krakow around 8 AM, I took a Flixbus at 8 and was in Wroclaw around 11.
If you’re a morning person, you can also take the one around 7 AM, but you’ll have enough time in Wroclaw even if you leave at 8.
I book my buses directly with Flixbus, and you can get train tickets on the Polishtrains website or at the train station – the price is the same.
I took a bus back at 7 PM and was in Krakow around 10 PM. Alternatively, there’s also a train around 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM.
What To Do In Wroclaw In One Day?
So, once you’re in Wroclaw you’ll have about 7 hours to explore the city.
Here’s the perfect 1 day in Wroclaw itinerary that covers all the must-see attractions with an easy-to-follow route.
1. See Wroclaw Train Station
Start by seeing the Wroclaw train station – if you arrive by train you really can’t miss it, but it is just a 5-minute walk from the bus station in the direction of the city center.
The station building dates back to the late 19th century and looks like a castle! You don’t have to go inside though, it’s just a regular train station once you enter.
2. Join A Free Walking Tour
The first time I went to Wroclaw I joined a Walkative free walking tour and it was a fantastic way to discover hidden gems in the city with a local guide.
Now, departure times for these vary throughout the year, so the timing might not work for you, but it is worth checking it out!
These are especially great if you’re backpacking Poland on a budget as you decide the price of the tour yourself.
3. See Wroclaw Old Town Hall
If you’re not joining a free walking tour, start your tour of Wroclaw with the Wroclaw Old Town Hall.
Situated on the Wroclaw Market Square, this Gothic-style Town Hall is the most beautiful building in the city.
It dates back to the 13th century, making it one of the oldest historical landmarks in the city.
4. Stroll Wrocław Market Square
Wroclaw Market Square is one of the largest medieval market squares in Europe, also dating back to the 13th century.
I love how the square is divided into several sections, and I wasn’t even aware it was all one square the first time I visited.
The houses lining the square were not badly damaged in the War, so the whole area is rather authentic.
5. Climb The Tower Of St. Elisabeth Church
Right of the Market Square, you’ll find the St Elisabeth Church. You can visit this lovely church for free, but the main tourist attraction is the view from the Tower.
Over 300 steep spiraling stairs tall, this Tower is one of the 3 iconic viewing platforms in the city. Each offers a slightly different view, but you don’t have to climb all 3.
This tower is the hardest to climb out of 3 options, so if climbing the stairs sounds too challenging, there is a better option later.
6. Find All The Dwarfs
Ok, you must have noticed small dwarf sculptures throughout the city by now.
These small figurines started popping up around the city in 2005 and became one of the city’s main tourist attractions.
There are probably more than 500 dwarfs scattered around the city, and there’s even an annual Dwarfs Festival.
I’ve seen many people with kids running around the city with maps trying to locate all the dwarfs. You can also get the free app!
7. Admire The View From The Bridge Of Penitents
Bridge of Penitents connecting the towers of a 15th-century St Mary Magdalene church is the most famous viewpoint in Wroclaw.
If you only climb one viewpoint it should be this one!
The view of the city from the bridge is beautiful, and that’s where you’ll also find the little witch sculpture!
The bridge is easier to climb than the Tower of St Elisabeth Church as there is more space between the steps and you have benches on every floor to catch your breath. It is still around 250 steps up though!
8. Have Lunch In Vega Restaurant
By the time you’re done visiting the main tourist attraction around Market Square, it should already be lunchtime.
I loved Vega Restaurant so much that I’ve visited twice, and the food was great even several years apart!
9. See Wroclaw Market Hall
After lunch, it’s time to discover the other half of the city. Head towards the Wroclaw Market Hall dating back to the early 20th century.
You can browse the fresh fruits and veggies stalls or grab a local dish in one of the milk bars inside the Market Hall.
My friend grabbed a quick lunch in the milk bar and said it was affordable and delicious. Unfortunately, nothing was clearly vegan and the menu was in Polish so I had to skip it.
10. Cross The Picturesque Tumski Bridge
Tumski Bridge connects the small Wyspa Piaskowa Island and the Cathedral area. This pedestrian bridge was also Wroclaw’s version of a love bridge, so you can still see some padlocks on it.
The weight of padlocks is actually not good for the bridge, so the city takes them off regularly. You can even see a dwarf statue taking off the padlocks and a little story of why you shouldn’t do it.
11. Stroll The Charming Katedralna Streets
Katedralna Street from the bridge to the Cathedral is quite a picturesque cobblestone street lined with red brick buildings. It looks great in photos!
If you visit close to the sunset, you can even see a man lighting up the historic gas lamps along the street manually!
12. Take An Elevator To The Top Of Wroclaw Cathedral
We finally reached the last viewpoint opportunity on this Wroclaw itinerary, and this one is the most accessible!
The Tower of Wroclaw Cathedral has a lift, making it easy to reach the top without climbing endless narrow stairs. The view is different than those around the market square and you also get to see the river.
While you have to pay to access the viewing platform, visiting the Cathedral is free.
13. Visit The Botanical Garden Of The University Of Wrocław
If you have more time before your bus back, you can also visit Wroclaw Botanical Gardens.
The gardens are situated right next to the Cathedral and it’s the second oldest in Poland. You’ll have to buy a ticket to visit, but the entrance fee is not that high.
14. Walk Along The Riverfront Promenade
Finally, you can always opt for one of the best free things to do in Wroclaw and simply stroll along the riverfront promenade.
Many locals gather to sit on the steps overlooking the Cathedral area and it is a great sunset viewpoint!
15. Take A Boat Along The Canals
Finally, if you have some time left, you can also take a boat tour or a kayak along the canals.
I didn’t have time when I was on a day trip to Wroclaw, but if you skip the Botanical Garden and don’t climb the viewpoints you might have just enough time to squeeze in this activity!
You can join a tour or rent a kayak right after you cross the bridge, so it follows the itinerary perfectly.
Summary: Wroclaw Day Trip From Krakow
If you have more than 2 days in Krakow, visiting Wroclaw on a day trip is a great idea.
You’ll get to escape the crowds in Krakow and experience a completely different city.
You’ll spend a long time in transportation – about 7-8 hours for a return trip, but you’ll have enough time to discover the city without having to spend a night.
So, what other places are on your Poland itinerary? Did you hear about the Morskie Oko hike in Zakopane?
You can also do it on a day trip from Krakow, or spend a couple of nights in the mountains!
