Wroclaw (Poland)

Advantages: Lack of tourists, value for money, history, culture, nightlife
Disadvantages: Not enough to occupy yourself for a week

I've been living in Poland since the start of this year, in a small town about 80 kilometres from Wrocław. I've grown to really like the city and all the people who have visited me there have liked it as well. It's the fourth largest city in Poland but many people have never heard of it. Many British people who go to Poland only spend time in Krakow, but personally I prefer Wrocław as there are fewer tourists, it's cheaper and feels more ...
..."Vrotswaf"..Polish letters can be fiendishly difficult, even the airline crew often pronounce it wrong. If you're going to be getting taxis, I would recommend writing down the name of where you are going, as it's unlikely the taxi driver will understand you, unless you know the Polish alphabet. * How to get there: The cheapest way to get to Wrocław from the UK is to fly with Ryanair from East Midlands, Stansted or Liverpool airport. If you book ... Read review

Advantages: City centre buildings, hidden gems, prices, people
Disadvantages: Try to imagine that you are in the 1930s and there are no disadvantages

...was in the city of Wroclaw in Western Poland. I was apprehensive about staying in Poland because a) I new very little about the country b) people who had been told me how poor it was On the positive side, I have a Polish friend who confirms all of the Polish stereotypes I've ever heard: he's built like an out-house, he is the friendliest, most dependable person I know and he likes a drink. Wroclaw is a large city, the capital of the department ...
...The suburbs of Wroclaw are dull, grey and concrete but there is an excellent public transport system (busses and trams) which can get you to the city centre quickly enough. The main square is a revelation: every second building is a cafe/bar and the buildings themselves are magnigficent. They are about five stories high and brightly painted (blue, green, yellow, classical figures). It all seemed strangley familiar to me and a phone call home reminded ... Read review

Advantages: Friendly people, enjoying yourself at very reasonable cost.
Disadvantages: Lard Sandwiches at Spitz with your beer if on a diet.

We visited Wroclaw for the second time this June. we were a group of 3 couples, all enjoyed it. The Airport is only a £9 ride from the town (40 to 50 zaloties), easy transfer. Or about 3 zaloties if you use the town bus. The main points of interest are in the Centre or Old Town, so hotels in this area are best to save time traveling. Even if not a gardener (I am not , my wife is) the BOTANICAL GARDENS are an excellent treat, they are attached ...
...visited. Entrance 7 Zaloties. The Panorama Painting of a battle against the Russians is a truly wonderful experience. Timed entry required so book ahead if possible. You walk up into the centre of the building and are surrounded by this 110 meter painting. Hand set supplied to give a talk thru the painting. The OLD TOWN Square is a must ,hard to see which buildings have been restored, very well done. Many restaurants and Bars in this area, all ... Read review

Advantages: sweet, picturesque
Disadvantages: cold!

On arriving in the outskirts of Wroclaw, it looks grey and depressing. A mixture of the bad bits of Bristol and the old style Birmingham on a rainy day. Closer to the centre however, the town takes on a completely different approach. The cobbled streets and vibrant colours of the buildings squashed next to each other give it a childrens' TV - like appeal. Everything is packed close together so it doesn't take long to get from one area to another. ...
...are all out and desperate to impress. The general area is incredibly cheap and you can get a good meal for less than you would be able to in other areas of Poland. My tip: buy one of the hand painted postcards and send it home with a message saying, "the buildings really are this colour!" ... Read review

Advantages: cheap, friendly people
Disadvantages: bad connections (so far)

...them. I haven't been for a few years, and was surprised how the city changed. There is still a lot of old buildings, that got restored after the flood in 1997 and look very stunning. The market square is, again, great and invites to relax in and sit in one of the many bars. But what I noticed as well is, that a few new shopping centres have been build with a lot of foreign shops. I didn't really like this change of things, but I guess it had to come one day. Even Tesco is now a normal thing is Poland, where everyone goes shopping in, rather then their local mini supermarket, that had everything. This is a bit sad. There is a river called Odra, in the middle of Wroclaw. We wanted to make a boat tour, but unfortunately missed the last boat. I'm sure it would have been great. Instead we went to the zoo, which was very nice as well. I can only... Read review

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