Introduction
What if I told you that one of Europe’s most enchanting cities could be explored in a single, whirlwind day? Welcome to Wrocław, Poland’s hidden gem, where history, charm, and a touch of whimsy await at every corner. From its vibrant Market Square and iconic Cathedral Island to the delightful Wrocław Dwarfs scattered throughout the city, this is a destination that beckons travelers seeking a blend of culture, architecture, and adventure.
In this blog post, we’ll take you along on our “extreme day trip” to Wrocław – a journey packed with discovery, surprises, and practical tips for making the most of a limited timeframe. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or planning your first visit, our experience might just inspire you to embark on your own day of unforgettable exploration.
So, fasten your seatbelt (literally and figuratively) as we dive into one of the most remarkable single-day adventures you’ll ever have!
Saturday, 11th January 2025 – Our Extreme Day Trip to Wroclaw
Planning and documenting a day trip isn’t just about capturing the sights; it’s about immersing yourself in the experience, from the places you visit to the food you savour. On this particular Saturday, we dove into the wonders of Wrocław, and here’s how our day unfolded.
Before we dive into the details, a quick note about costs: While three of us traveled, our travel budget is calculated for two people. Unless otherwise specified, all prices mentioned reflect this two-person arrangement, making it easier for couples or pairs to plan their trip.
Getting There
03:05 GMT: Departure from Home
Our adventure began bright and early – well, perhaps just early, as “bright” isn’t the word that comes to mind at 3:05 in the morning! With the excitement of the journey ahead keeping us energized, we set off from home, ready to make the most of the day.
04:05 GMT – Arrived and Parked at Premier Inn, Stansted
By 03:50 GMT, we had arrived at the Premier Inn near Stansted Airport. We parked up and were ready to begin our journey. The parking had been paid in advance, securing us a convenient spot for the day. Parking Cost: £12.42.
04:15 GMT – Bus to the Terminal
At 04:15 GMT, we hopped on the shuttle bus to the terminal. The bus ride was quick and comfortable, and we were able to relax as we made our way to check-in. Bus Fare: £8.00 (payable by card or cash to the driver).
04:45 GMT – Breakfast at Wetherspoons
Once we made it through security, it was time for breakfast. We stopped by Wetherspoons for a hearty meal to fuel up for the day ahead. We treated ourselves to a croissant, bacon butty, one orange juice and a hot chocolate —a perfect start to the morning. Total Breakfast Cost: £17.54.
06:00 GMT – Duty-Free Stop at Stansted
Before heading to our gate, we made a quick pit stop at Stansted Duty-Free. After a long morning, we grabbed a much-needed couple of bottles of water to stay hydrated for the flight. Cost: £4.40.
At 07:25 GMT, we were finally on our way! Our Ryanair flight, FR8405, took off from London Stansted Airport (STN), marking the official start of our Extreme Day Trip to Wroclaw. The flight cost was £96.60 for both of us, and we’d also paid an additional £33.00 for seat selection to ensure we’d be comfortable throughout the journey.
10:05 CET – Arrived at Wroclaw Airport
We touched down in Wroclaw Airport at 10:05 CET, excited to begin our adventure! However, we encountered a bit of a delay at passport control, which was slower than expected. After a bit of waiting, we finally made it through and left the airport at 10:45 CET.
Airport to Central Wroclaw
10:45 CET: Bolt Taxi to Market Square
We arrived in the heart of Wrocław in style, opting for a Bolt taxi to whisk us to the vibrant Market Square. The journey was smooth and hassle-free, costing 47.46 ZL – a reasonable price for the convenience of door-to-door service.
11:15 CET: Arrival at Market Square
We arrived at the iconic Market Square at 11:15 CET, ready to soak in its vibrant atmosphere. Strolling leisurely through the picturesque square, we paused to capture photos of the stunning architecture and lively scenes around us. Along the way, we treated ourselves to two hot chocolates and an oversized cinnamon bun for just 25.50 ZL – a delightful indulgence. Our walk culminated at the Mercure Wrocław Centrum hotel, the designated meeting point for our private two-hour electric car tour of the city.
Afternoon Activities
12:00 CET: Meeting Jacob for a 2-Hour Electric Car Tour
At noon, we met our friendly guide, Jacob, for an exciting two-hour electric car tour of Wrocław, booked conveniently through GetYourGuide for GBP 71.90.
The tour was a whirlwind journey through the city’s rich history and vibrant culture, covering 30 of Wrocław’s most significant monuments and attractions. Highlights included the majestic Saint Elisabeth Church, the charming Jatki, the historic University of Wrocław, and the architectural marvels of Ossolineum and Market Hall. We also explored the serene Piasek Island and Piasek Bridge, and admired the timeless beauty of Saint Martin Church and Cathedral Island, among others.
This tour was a fantastic way to see so much of the city in just two hours – an enriching and thoroughly enjoyable experience!
14:00 CET: Electric Car Tour Concludes at Market Square
Our two-hour electric car tour wrapped up back at the bustling Market Square at 14:00 CET. Grateful for Jacob’s insightful guidance, we left him a well-deserved tip of 14ZL.
With time to explore on our own, we wandered through the vibrant square, soaking in its lively atmosphere. A visit to a charming sweet shop piqued our curiosity (though we limited ourselves to just browsing), and we picked up a few memorable souvenirs – a magnet and a lovely ornament – for 57 ZL. It was the perfect way to use our time in this iconic part of Wrocław.
14:15 CET: Lunch at Pierogarnia Stary Mtyn
By 14:15, it was time to refuel, and we couldn’t resist the inviting charm of Pierogarnia Stary Młyn. For lunch, we indulged in a delicious three-piece mixed pierogi platter, a quintessential Polish treat. To satisfy our sweet tooth, we shared two delightful desserts, perfectly complementing the meal. Drinks included a refreshing Coke and a small beer, rounding off a satisfying dining experience.
The total came to 136.80 ZL – a fair price for such a hearty and flavorful meal in the heart of Wrocław.
16:00 CET: Stroll to Jatki
At 16:00, we decided to head back to one of the charming streets we had spotted during our electric car tour – Jatki. This picturesque alley, with its colorful buildings and artistic vibe, was too lovely to miss. We took our time strolling through, snapping more photos along the way to capture the essence of the area.
As a memento of our visit, we picked up a cute gnome souvenir for 25 ZL – adding a little piece of Wrocław’s whimsy to our collection of keepsakes.
Evening Activities
16:50 CET: Bolt Taxi to the Neon Side Gallery
At 16:50, we opted for a Bolt taxi to the Neon Side Gallery, as the weather outside was far too harsh for a walk. The snow was falling steadily, and a biting cold wind made it feel like -12°C with the wind chill. The warmth of the taxi was a welcome relief as we made our way to the gallery, giving us a chance to stay cozy while still getting to our next stop. The fare came to 25.26 ZL – worth it to avoid the winter chill!
17:00 CET: Admiring Neon Signs and Refreshing Drinks at Recepcja Bar
At 17:00, we arrived at the Neon Side Gallery, where we marveled at the vibrant and nostalgic neon signs that illuminate this unique part of Wrocław. After soaking in the colorful displays, we made our way to the nearby Recepcja bar for a well-deserved break. There, we enjoyed a refreshing Coke and a small beer – perfect for unwinding after exploring. The total for our drinks came to 19ZL, a small price for the cozy atmosphere and the chance to relax in good company.
17:45 CET: Quick Stop at McDonald’s
By 17:45, we were in the mood for something quick and familiar, so we headed to a nearby McDonald’s. We kept it simple with one burger and a medium Big Mac meal – comfort food at its finest. The meal cost just 24ZL, offering a satisfying and affordable way to fuel up before our journey back to the airport.
18:50 CET: Uber Back to the Airport
At 18:50, it was time to head back to the airport. We opted for an Uber, which provided a comfortable and efficient ride. The fare came to 47.93 ZL, a reasonable price for the convenience of getting back to our departure point without hassle.
00:00 CET: Ryanair FR8408 Departs Wroclaw Airport
At 00:00 CET, we finally took off on Ryanair flight FR8408, bound for home. Originally scheduled for a 22:20 CET departure, our flight was significantly delayed due to a series of unexpected factors: the late arrival of the incoming plane, snowfall on the ground, and the necessary deicing of the aircraft, along with snowplowing of the runway. Despite the delay, we were relieved to be airborne and on our way.
00:45 GMT: Arrival at London Stansted Airport (STN)
At 00:45 GMT, we touched down at London Stansted Airport (STN) after our delayed flight. Despite the long journey, it was a relief to finally arrive and begin our way back home, ready to reflect on the memorable day we had in Wrocław.
01:30 GMT: Departing Stansted Airport and Heading to the Premier Inn
At 01:30 GMT, we left Stansted Airport and boarded the bus back to the Premier Inn Hotel to collect our car. The ride was straightforward, and the fare was just GBP 8.00, payable to the bus driver in either cash or card. It felt good to be heading back to familiar ground after a long day of travel.
Total Costings
Total Costs for the Day
After an unforgettable day in Wroclaw, we tallied up the costs:
- GBP: £251.86
- ZL: 421.95 ZL
Using an exchange rate of 0.19, 421.95ZL equals £80.17.
So, the total cost for our extreme day trip came to £332.03, which works out to approximately £166.02 per person.
Travel Tips
Don’t miss the Wrocław Dwarfs! These charming little statues are scattered throughout the city, with over 350 to discover. They’re not just for kids – each dwarf has its own quirky character and backstory. Enjoy wandering the streets and finding them hidden in the most unexpected spots. It’s a fun, interactive way to explore the city and capture some unique photos along the way!
Ready to plan your own extreme day trip to Wroclaw? With so many sights to see, one day will never be enough. Check out our other posts for other locations to visit, and let us know in the comments what your favourite Wroclaw attraction is!
