Lublin

Poland

Lublin is a city in eastern Poland and the capital of Lublin Voivodeship with a population of 324 637 (2016). In the Middle Ages Lublin played an important role in the life of the Polish state as a trade centre and as a city with military significance. Today, most travellers to Lublin will be there to visit the Majdanek Memorial and Museum - a former Nazi German concentration camp.

Lublin's very own royal castle.

First mentioned in 13th century, Lublin reached its "golden age" in 16th century, when - due to its central location between Kraków (capital of Poland) and Vilnius (capital of Lithuania) - it was chosen as the place where the Union of Lublin was signed, effectively uniting the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania for several centuries. Due to its location at a crossroads between the rest of Poland, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine and Russia, the city was always a melting pot of different cultures - an important centre of Judaism as well as of the Christian reformation movement. From the 17th century onwards, together with the rest of the country, it suffered a gradual decline.

During World War II the Jewish and Polish populations suffered heavy losses with many people being interned and killed at Majdanek, a Nazi concentration camp. In 1939, the city's Jewish population numbered 42,380, nearly a third of the total population. The war and Nazi crimes reduced the Jewish population to a mere 4,553 by 1945. After the war, the city developed to be an important university site, with six state universities and a number of smaller ones. As well, the city served as Poland's post-war capital city for approximately six months after the Soviet occupation forces installed a puppet regime.

Today, Lublin is a beautiful mid-sized city with its own particular Renaissance style, called the Lublin Renaissance. That said, it's easy to say that the city has fallen on hard times with shuttered buildings in the heart of its old town. If you're coming from Warsaw, a slightly-less-than-thorough day trip to Lublin can be achieved, if you rely on taxis versus public transportation. Most of the major sites are not that far from the train station by car, so taxis can be a fast, cheap, and efficient way to traverse the city.

St. Joseph Church, in the style of Lublin Renaissance

  • The Castle of Lublin and Chapel of the Holy Trinity, Zamkowa St. 9 (at the northernmost part of the Old Town, near Main Bus Station, +48 81 532 50 01. Tu-Sa: 10:00-17:00, Sundays: 10:00-18:00 (September-May: Tu, Th-Sa: 9:00-16:00, W, Su: 9:00-17:00). The castle of Lublin has been rebuilt in the 19th century in the neogothic style. Proceed to the yard to take a look at the 13th century Romanesque donjon and the Chapel of Holy Trinity. The Chapel is a must-see - its interior conceals unique Byzantine wall paintings dating back to 1418. If you have some more time, check out the interior of the museum - especially the Polish Paintings Gallery and the huge Union of Lublin painting by Jan Matejko. 6.50zł / students, children: 4.50zł.Po Farze square in the Old Town
  • Po Farze square. Square with the uncovered foundation of the 14th-century St. Michael church. A beautiful view on the castle.
  • Crown Tribunal, Rynek (Old Town Square). Built in the 1400s, it was the highest court in Lesser Poland.
  • St. Stanislas Dominican Basilica and Monastery, Złota St (Go to the Market Sq., face the Crown Tribunal, pass it on the left and continue straight on for 200 m.. One of the oldest churches in Lublin, built around 1253. Rebuilt into its current shape after a fire in 1575, in the style of Lublin Renaissance. Take a look at the various chapels, surrounding the church and opening to the inside.
  • Lublin Cathedral and Trinity Tower, plac Katedralny. 10:00—17:00 (October-April: only Saturdays and Sundays: 10:00—17:00). A unique baroque church with wall paintings. The tower provides a beautiful city panorama. For the tower: normal ticket 5 zł, students and children pay 3 zł. The cathedral is for free..
  • Grodzka Gate, Grodzka St (take the street leading out of the castle towards the Old Town, +48 81 532 58 67. 09:00-15:00. One of the original city gates, rebuilt in 1785. In the past also known as the Jewish Gate, as it separated the Jewish District from the Old Town. Entering the gate, there is a door to the «Brama Grodzka — Teatr NN», a cultural institution with a permanent exhibition, dedicated to common Polish-Jewish history. 5-12 zł.Krakowskie Przedmieście, the most important pedestrianized street in the city
  • Kraków Gate, Łokietka Sq. (in the very center of Lublin, follow Bramowa St. from the Market Sq. or Krakowskie Przedmieście until the end of the pedestrian zone. One of the two original city gates, built in 14th century in the Gothic style and then rebuilt during the Baroque period. A symbol of Lublin. The gate clock was in that same very place since 16th century. At noon, a trumpeter plays the city "Hejnał" from the balcony. Next to the gate, there is a small Lublin History Museum.
  • Krakowskie Przedmieście. Stroll along the nice pedestrian zone in downtown and have a coffee in one of the cosy restaurants along the way.
  • TV tower, ul. Rektora Henryka Raabego. It has a very unconventional design.

The Castle of Lublin and Chapel of the Holy Trinity, Zamkowa St. 9 (at the northernmost part of the Old Town, near Main Bus Station, +48 81 532 50 01. Tu-Sa: 10:00-17:00, Sundays: 10:00-18:00 (September-May: Tu, Th-Sa: 9:00-16:00, W, Su: 9:00-17:00). The castle of Lublin has been rebuilt in the 19th century in the neogothic style. Proceed to the yard to take a look at the 13th century Romanesque donjon and the Chapel of Holy Trinity. The Chapel is a must-see - its interior conceals unique Byzantine wall paintings dating back to 1418. If you have some more time, check out the interior of the museum - especially the Polish Paintings Gallery and the huge Union of Lublin painting by Jan Matejko. 6.50zł / students, children: 4.50zł.

Po Farze square. Square with the uncovered foundation of the 14th-century St. Michael church. A beautiful view on the castle.

Crown Tribunal, Rynek (Old Town Square). Built in the 1400s, it was the highest court in Lesser Poland.

St. Stanislas Dominican Basilica and Monastery, Złota St (Go to the Market Sq., face the Crown Tribunal, pass it on the left and continue straight on for 200 m.. One of the oldest churches in Lublin, built around 1253. Rebuilt into its current shape after a fire in 1575, in the style of Lublin Renaissance. Take a look at the various chapels, surrounding the church and opening to the inside.

Lublin Cathedral and Trinity Tower, plac Katedralny. 10:00—17:00 (October-April: only Saturdays and Sundays: 10:00—17:00). A unique baroque church with wall paintings. The tower provides a beautiful city panorama. For the tower: normal ticket 5 zł, students and children pay 3 zł. The cathedral is for free..

Grodzka Gate, Grodzka St (take the street leading out of the castle towards the Old Town, +48 81 532 58 67. 09:00-15:00. One of the original city gates, rebuilt in 1785. In the past also known as the Jewish Gate, as it separated the Jewish District from the Old Town. Entering the gate, there is a door to the «Brama Grodzka — Teatr NN», a cultural institution with a permanent exhibition, dedicated to common Polish-Jewish history. 5-12 zł.

Kraków Gate, Łokietka Sq. (in the very center of Lublin, follow Bramowa St. from the Market Sq. or Krakowskie Przedmieście until the end of the pedestrian zone. One of the two original city gates, built in 14th century in the Gothic style and then rebuilt during the Baroque period. A symbol of Lublin. The gate clock was in that same very place since 16th century. At noon, a trumpeter plays the city "Hejnał" from the balcony. Next to the gate, there is a small Lublin History Museum.

Krakowskie Przedmieście. Stroll along the nice pedestrian zone in downtown and have a coffee in one of the cosy restaurants along the way.

TV tower, ul. Rektora Henryka Raabego. It has a very unconventional design.

  • Our Lady the Victorious Church, Narutowicza St. corner of Peowiakow (From Lithuanian Sq. take Krakowskie Przedmieście to the Galeria Centrum department store, then turn right.. A Gothic-Renaissance church donated by King Ladislaus Jagiello after his victory over the Teutonic Order Knights at Grunwald/Tannenberg in 1410.
  • St. Joseph Church and the Barefoot Carmelites Monastery, Świętoduska (From Kraków Gate follow Krakowskie Przedmieście and then take the first street right downhill.. Another great example of Lublin Renaissance style, built in the 17th century.
  • Our Lady Help of Christians Church, Kalinowszczyzna / Lwowska (A short walk away from the Castle, ca 10 min.. A Lublin Renaissance church & monastery built in 1621 by the Franciscan order monks and renovated in the beginning of the 19th century to create 3 floors (lower and upper church + attic with community rooms).

Our Lady the Victorious Church, Narutowicza St. corner of Peowiakow (From Lithuanian Sq. take Krakowskie Przedmieście to the Galeria Centrum department store, then turn right.. A Gothic-Renaissance church donated by King Ladislaus Jagiello after his victory over the Teutonic Order Knights at Grunwald/Tannenberg in 1410.

St. Joseph Church and the Barefoot Carmelites Monastery, Świętoduska (From Kraków Gate follow Krakowskie Przedmieście and then take the first street right downhill.. Another great example of Lublin Renaissance style, built in the 17th century.

Our Lady Help of Christians Church, Kalinowszczyzna / Lwowska (A short walk away from the Castle, ca 10 min.. A Lublin Renaissance church & monastery built in 1621 by the Franciscan order monks and renovated in the beginning of the 19th century to create 3 floors (lower and upper church + attic with community rooms).

Majdanek State Museum

  • Majdanek State Museum, Droga Męczenników Majdanka 67 (bus no. 28 or 47; trolleybus no. 153, 156 or 158, +48 81 74 426 40. Tuesdays - Sun. 8AM-4PM (Nov.-Mar. 8AM-3PM). Former German Nazi extermination and slave labour camp.
  • Skansen Museum, al. Warszawska 96 (from city center take bus no. 5, 18 or 20, +48 81 533 85 13. Nov.-March 9AM-3PM; April 9AM-5PM; May-Sept. 9AM-6PM; Oct. 9AM-5PM. 8.00zł / students, children: 4.00zł.
  • Lublin Museum, Zamkowa St. 9 (near main bus station, +48 81 532 50 01. Tues.- Sat. 10AM-5PM, Sun. 10AM-6PM (Sept.-May: Tues., Thurs., Sat. 9AM- 4PM; Wed., Sun.: 9AM-5PM). Gallery with Polish historical and modern painting, plus folk and weapon expositions. 6.50zł / students, children: 4.50zł.
  • Lublin History Museum, Łokietka Sq. 3 (near Krakowska Gate; bus nos. 1, 2, 11, or 17, +48 81 532 60 01. W-Sa 9AM-4PM, Su 9AM-5PM. 3.50zł / students, children: 2.50zł.
  • Gestapo Jail Martyrdom Museum, Uniwersytecka St. 1 (behind the main building of Catholic University of Lublin; bus nos. 5, 10, 13, 18, 31, 57 or trolleybus no. 150, +48 81 533 36 78. Free.
  • Wincent Pol Manor, Kalinowszczyzna 13, St (near old Jewish cemetery; bus no. 1, +48 81 747 24 13. Wed.-Sat. 9AM-5PM, Sun. 9AM-6PM. Exhibitions concerning the life of Polish poet Vincent Pol and his hobby, geography. Housed in his former manor. 3.50zł / students, children: 2.50zł.
  • Jozef Czechowicz Literary Museum, Złota St. 3 (Old Town, +48 81 532 30 90. Wednesdays = Saturdays: 9AM-4PM, Sundays: 9AM-5PM. Exhibitions concerning the poets and authors from Lublin city and the region. 3.50zł / students, children: 2.50zł.
  • Under Fortune Cellar, Rynek 8, +48 81 444 55 55. Everyday 11:00—19.00. 10 underground rooms with multimedia exhibitions about history; one is a former winery with unique Renaissance polichrome. 10/8 zł.
  • Lublin Underground Route, Rynek 1 (The entrance at the southern side of Crown Tribunal, +48 81 534 65 70. May-Oct Tue-Fri: 10AM,12PM,2PM,4PM; Sat-Sun: 12PM,1PM,2PM,4PM,5PM; Nov-Apr Mon-Fri: 2PM; Sat-Sun: 12PM,1PM,2PM,4PM. A unique system of underground cellars, basements and corridors originating from the 16th and 17th centuries. They served as storehouses when Lublin was a major trade center. At present a 250m long touristic route is available (only guided tours). 10/8 zł.

Majdanek State Museum, Droga Męczenników Majdanka 67 (bus no. 28 or 47; trolleybus no. 153, 156 or 158, +48 81 74 426 40. Tuesdays - Sun. 8AM-4PM (Nov.-Mar. 8AM-3PM). Former German Nazi extermination and slave labour camp.

Skansen Museum, al. Warszawska 96 (from city center take bus no. 5, 18 or 20, +48 81 533 85 13. Nov.-March 9AM-3PM; April 9AM-5PM; May-Sept. 9AM-6PM; Oct. 9AM-5PM. 8.00zł / students, children: 4.00zł.

Lublin Museum, Zamkowa St. 9 (near main bus station, +48 81 532 50 01. Tues.- Sat. 10AM-5PM, Sun. 10AM-6PM (Sept.-May: Tues., Thurs., Sat. 9AM- 4PM; Wed., Sun.: 9AM-5PM). Gallery with Polish historical and modern painting, plus folk and weapon expositions. 6.50zł / students, children: 4.50zł.

Lublin History Museum, Łokietka Sq. 3 (near Krakowska Gate; bus nos. 1, 2, 11, or 17, +48 81 532 60 01. W-Sa 9AM-4PM, Su 9AM-5PM. 3.50zł / students, children: 2.50zł.

Gestapo Jail Martyrdom Museum, Uniwersytecka St. 1 (behind the main building of Catholic University of Lublin; bus nos. 5, 10, 13, 18, 31, 57 or trolleybus no. 150, +48 81 533 36 78. Free.

Wincent Pol Manor, Kalinowszczyzna 13, St (near old Jewish cemetery; bus no. 1, +48 81 747 24 13. Wed.-Sat. 9AM-5PM, Sun. 9AM-6PM. Exhibitions concerning the life of Polish poet Vincent Pol and his hobby, geography. Housed in his former manor. 3.50zł / students, children: 2.50zł.

Jozef Czechowicz Literary Museum, Złota St. 3 (Old Town, +48 81 532 30 90. Wednesdays = Saturdays: 9AM-4PM, Sundays: 9AM-5PM. Exhibitions concerning the poets and authors from Lublin city and the region. 3.50zł / students, children: 2.50zł.

Under Fortune Cellar, Rynek 8, +48 81 444 55 55. Everyday 11:00—19.00. 10 underground rooms with multimedia exhibitions about history; one is a former winery with unique Renaissance polichrome. 10/8 zł.

Lublin Underground Route, Rynek 1 (The entrance at the southern side of Crown Tribunal, +48 81 534 65 70. May-Oct Tue-Fri: 10AM,12PM,2PM,4PM; Sat-Sun: 12PM,1PM,2PM,4PM,5PM; Nov-Apr Mon-Fri: 2PM; Sat-Sun: 12PM,1PM,2PM,4PM. A unique system of underground cellars, basements and corridors originating from the 16th and 17th centuries. They served as storehouses when Lublin was a major trade center. At present a 250m long touristic route is available (only guided tours). 10/8 zł.

There are 8 cinemas in Lublin. The biggest - Cinema City - has 8 screens (in Galeria Plaza, Lipowa 13 Street. Single normal ticket 16-20 zł) Alternative cinema "Bajka" (pron. Bayka), only one screen, but has often sophisticated repertoire, located at Radziszewskiego Street. Single normal ticket 12 zł, on Mondays 10 zł.

  • Lublin - City of Inspiration. Full schedule of main events in the city, available in Polish, English, Ukrainian, Belarussian and Spanish, but Event Section is the most complete in Polish, less in English and Ukrainian, and only basic information are in the rest versions.
  • International Festival of Theater "Confrontation". May
  • Festival of Theater "Neighbors". June
  • International Lublin Meetings of Theater of Dance. November
  • International Days of Documentary Movies "Bifurcation of Europe". March
  • Festival of Fashion "Provocations".
  • International Folk Meetings (Międzynarodowe Spotkania Folklorystyczne im. Ignacego Wachowiaka)
  • Open City. Festival of Art in Public Spaces -,
  • Culture Night.
  • Jagiellonian Fair.
  • Lublin Juggling Carnival.
  • European Festival of Taste.

Lublin - City of Inspiration. Full schedule of main events in the city, available in Polish, English, Ukrainian, Belarussian and Spanish, but Event Section is the most complete in Polish, less in English and Ukrainian, and only basic information are in the rest versions.

International Festival of Theater "Confrontation". May

Festival of Theater "Neighbors". June

International Lublin Meetings of Theater of Dance. November

International Days of Documentary Movies "Bifurcation of Europe". March

Festival of Fashion "Provocations".

International Folk Meetings (Międzynarodowe Spotkania Folklorystyczne im. Ignacego Wachowiaka)

Open City. Festival of Art in Public Spaces -,

Culture Night.

Jagiellonian Fair.

Lublin Juggling Carnival.

European Festival of Taste.

  • Saxonian Garden (Ogród Saski), in the city center, near KFC restaurant. Established in 1837, one of the oldest city parks in Poland. Renovated in 2013.
  • UMCS Botanic Garden, Sławinkowska St. 3 (near road to Warsaw and Skansen Museum; bus no. 5, 18 or 20, +48 81 537 55 40. April and September: 9:00-18:00, Sa-Su 10:00-18:00; May and Aug. 9:00-19:00, Sa-Su 10:00-19:00; June and July 9:00-20:00, Sa-Su 10:00-20:00; Oct.-March 9:00-17:00, Sa-Su 10:00-17:00. 5.00zł / students, children: 2.50zł.
  • Zemborzycki Lake - artificial lake, some restaurants and bars. It is possible to rent a boat or water skis.

Saxonian Garden (Ogród Saski), in the city center, near KFC restaurant. Established in 1837, one of the oldest city parks in Poland. Renovated in 2013.

UMCS Botanic Garden, Sławinkowska St. 3 (near road to Warsaw and Skansen Museum; bus no. 5, 18 or 20, +48 81 537 55 40. April and September: 9:00-18:00, Sa-Su 10:00-18:00; May and Aug. 9:00-19:00, Sa-Su 10:00-19:00; June and July 9:00-20:00, Sa-Su 10:00-20:00; Oct.-March 9:00-17:00, Sa-Su 10:00-17:00. 5.00zł / students, children: 2.50zł.

Zemborzycki Lake - artificial lake, some restaurants and bars. It is possible to rent a boat or water skis.

  • Hala Globus is a place where you can enjoy ice-skating. From the city centre take bus  26  or  31  or trolleybus  150  ,  152 ,  155  or  158. 
  • Klub Tornado, +48 503 483 711. every day: 8AM-8PM. Paintball.
  • Ośrodek Sportowy-Rekreacyjny RELAND, From city center by bus take no.  40   or the special summer lines  Marina  or  Dabrova, +48 81 745 63 43. Water skiing. Mon.-Fri. 28.00zł/hour; Weekends 32.00zł/hour.  

Hala Globus is a place where you can enjoy ice-skating. From the city centre take bus  26  or  31  or trolleybus  150  ,  152 ,  155  or  158. 

Klub Tornado, +48 503 483 711. every day: 8AM-8PM. Paintball.

Ośrodek Sportowy-Rekreacyjny RELAND, From city center by bus take no.  40   or the special summer lines  Marina  or  Dabrova, +48 81 745 63 43. Water skiing. Mon.-Fri. 28.00zł/hour; Weekends 32.00zł/hour.

The Old Town district offers plenty of small shops with souvenirs. Many shops with clothes, shoes, souvenirs are situated in the city centre on Krakowskie Przedmieście St. There are also Main Post Office, local divisions of biggest Polish and global banks. There is also trade city centre on Tomasza Zana St.

  • LUBLOV, Królewska 13, +48 515 989 515. Su closed. Quirky and original Lublin-themed souvenir shop, you can buy postcards, mugs and posters here. The shop is somewhat hidden on a courtyard away from the main street.

LUBLOV, Królewska 13, +48 515 989 515. Su closed. Quirky and original Lublin-themed souvenir shop, you can buy postcards, mugs and posters here. The shop is somewhat hidden on a courtyard away from the main street.

  • Galeria Olimp, Spółdzielczości Pracy Ave. 34, buses form city center - 17, 18, 31; over 130 shops with clothes and electronic equipment, also restaurants and bars
  • Plaza Center, Lipowa St. 13, city center, over 100 shops with clothes, books, music, toys, also: club, cinema, restaurants and bars
  • Centrum Handlowe im. Tomasza Zana, Zana 19 (buses from city center - 9, 11, 14, 57. Mondays-Saturdays 9AM-8PM, Sundays 10AM-9PM. market E.Leclerc, shops with clothes, books, music, toys, also restaurants and bars; near MediaMarkt with electronic equipment
  • Galeria Orkana, Orkana 16 (buses from city center - 10, 57. clothes, perfumes, restaurants and bars

Galeria Olimp, Spółdzielczości Pracy Ave. 34, buses form city center - 17, 18, 31; over 130 shops with clothes and electronic equipment, also restaurants and bars

Plaza Center, Lipowa St. 13, city center, over 100 shops with clothes, books, music, toys, also: club, cinema, restaurants and bars

Centrum Handlowe im. Tomasza Zana, Zana 19 (buses from city center - 9, 11, 14, 57. Mondays-Saturdays 9AM-8PM, Sundays 10AM-9PM. market E.Leclerc, shops with clothes, books, music, toys, also restaurants and bars; near MediaMarkt with electronic equipment

Galeria Orkana, Orkana 16 (buses from city center - 10, 57. clothes, perfumes, restaurants and bars

Most restaurants are situated in Old Town and in the city center: Krakowskie Przedmieście St. (pedestrian zone called Deptak), Narutowicza St., Okopowa St. and Chopina St. You can choose among regional, Polish, Jewish, international, Spanish, Czech and Italian restaurants (the last one are especially common). There are also a lot of kebab bars with Turkish and Arabic fast food. Nadbystrzycka St., near Technical University is a centre of this type of bars. Also in every shopping centre you can find many restaurants, bars and fast food.

Cebularz lubelski

The most known local food speciality is cebularz, a small, oven-baked flat bread topped with onion mixed with poppy seeds. The tradition of preparing it has existed since Middle Ages and is connected with Jewish cuisine. Cebularz probably originates from wheat flatbreads known in the Middle East which were brought to this part of Poland by Jewish immigration and modified afterwards. It is a very popular snack: One can buy it in every bakery or grocery in Lublin (it is uncommon to taste it in a restaurant or bar). Since 2014 cebularz has been registered within the European Union as a product with Protected Geographical Indication. The Lublin region is also famous for various kinds of pierogi. The local type is known as pierogi po lubelsku (or pierogi wiejskie). It is stuffed with a mix of cottage cheese, buckwheat groats (kasha) and mint. Look for restaurants with regional cuisine to taste them (Sielsko Anielsko, Rynek 17, Old Town). If you want to try Lublin regional alcoholic beverages (or buy Lublin-related souvenirs), you can choose among vodka, mead and beer. The most famous vodka produced here is Żołądkowa Gorzka, vodka with "bitter" (gorzka) in the name, but sweet in taste. Just like Żubrówka, it's a unique Polish product and definitely a must-try. The APIS company in Lublin is the oldest Polish mead-making factory in Poland. Among more than ten varieties of mead which are produced there, one (Staropolski Tradycyjny trójniak) is marked with an EU Traditional Speciality Guaranteed sign. Lublin also has a longstanding brewery tradition. The local beer called Perła Chmielowa (Hop Pearl) is a very tasty pilsner-type lager. You can also try beers in a micro-brewery situated in Old Town (Grodzka 15 Restaurant).

  • Pyzata Chata, Okopowa 5. Cheap, self-service restaurant with typical Polish food. Main course with soup 15-20 zł.
  • Bar Polski, Rynek 19 (Old Town central square. Small self-service restaurant situated in a Medieval basement. This is a real budget one but you can't choose the dishes - they offer only one lunch set (main course with soup 15 zł). The menu changes every day.
  • Bosko, Krakowskie Przedmieście 4. This is by far the most popular ice cream place in the city. Queues are very common, even when the weather is not particularly hot.

Pyzata Chata, Okopowa 5. Cheap, self-service restaurant with typical Polish food. Main course with soup 15-20 zł.

Bar Polski, Rynek 19 (Old Town central square. Small self-service restaurant situated in a Medieval basement. This is a real budget one but you can't choose the dishes - they offer only one lunch set (main course with soup 15 zł). The menu changes every day.

Bosko, Krakowskie Przedmieście 4. This is by far the most popular ice cream place in the city. Queues are very common, even when the weather is not particularly hot.

  • OLD PUB Bar & Restaurant, 8 Grodzka St.
  • Ulice Miasta, Łokietka Sq. 3 (Right next to Kraków Gate, +48 81 534 05 92. 10 - 23, F-Sa 10-01. A nice restaurant with Polish cuisine and great ambience, in the cellar of the Kraków Gate. 30 -40zł per main course.
  • Mandragora, Rynek 9 (Old Town central square. Traditional Jewish cuisine. Soup 9-15 zł. Main course 20-50 zł.
  • Sielsko Anielsko, Rynek 17 (Old Town central square. Very nice rustic-style restaurant with regional cuisine. Soup 7-10 zł. Main course 20-40 zł.
  • Chata - karcma regionalna, Nadbystrzycka 16 (in the nearby of Lublin University of Technology, from the downtown a 10-15 min walk via Narutowicza St.. Very popular (during weekends reservation is necessary) rustic-style restaurant with traditional Polish cuisine. Soup 9-15 zł. Main course 30-40 zł.

OLD PUB Bar & Restaurant, 8 Grodzka St.

Ulice Miasta, Łokietka Sq. 3 (Right next to Kraków Gate, +48 81 534 05 92. 10 - 23, F-Sa 10-01. A nice restaurant with Polish cuisine and great ambience, in the cellar of the Kraków Gate. 30 -40zł per main course.

Mandragora, Rynek 9 (Old Town central square. Traditional Jewish cuisine. Soup 9-15 zł. Main course 20-50 zł.

Sielsko Anielsko, Rynek 17 (Old Town central square. Very nice rustic-style restaurant with regional cuisine. Soup 7-10 zł. Main course 20-40 zł.

Chata - karcma regionalna, Nadbystrzycka 16 (in the nearby of Lublin University of Technology, from the downtown a 10-15 min walk via Narutowicza St.. Very popular (during weekends reservation is necessary) rustic-style restaurant with traditional Polish cuisine. Soup 9-15 zł. Main course 30-40 zł.

  • Hotel Alter Restaurant, Grodzka 30 (Old Town, next to the Grodzka Gate. A restaurant in the hotel Alter (the only one five-star hotel in the region). New-style Polish and international cuisine. Soup 20-25 zł, main course 60-80 zł.

Hotel Alter Restaurant, Grodzka 30 (Old Town, next to the Grodzka Gate. A restaurant in the hotel Alter (the only one five-star hotel in the region). New-style Polish and international cuisine. Soup 20-25 zł, main course 60-80 zł.

For drinking, head to the Old Town and its vicinity. That's where the most popular pubs are located. Even there, prices are low because of a large student clientèle. Pubs offer one or two varieties of draught beer (draft beer), usually only pilsner-type lagers. In the last couple of years some bars and coffee houses have opened up in the area west of the Old Town (in the direction of Ogród Saski). Unfortunately, in majority, pubs sell do not sell local beer. If you want to taste regional one ask for Perla. Prices: Big one (duże; 0,5 liter) costs 6-10 zł, small one (małe; 0.3 liter) is at 1-2 zł lower price.

  • Cafe Mari, ul. Artura Grottgera 8, +48 81 381 22 17. Quite new place that is excellent for a quiet stop during the day while sipping tea, coffee or enjoying their cakes. approx. 8-11 zł for a tea or coffee.
  • Między Słowami, ul. Rybna 4/5, +48 508 217 014. This place in the Old Town is a bar and library combined. Here you can read a chapter (or more) of one of their books and this when flavoring one of their many kinds of tea or coffee. There is a wide selection of books in English, in fact most of them are in English. They also have cakes. approx. 10 zł for tea or coffee.
  • Perłowa Beer House, ul. Bernardyńska 15A, +48 81 71 01 205. 14:00-00:00. May be open longer on Fridays and Saturdays, depending on the crowd.. This may be one of the most stylish places in Lublin to have a beer. Owned by the Perła brewery group (and located on the edge of the actual brewery) you are pretty close to the source. It may be no surprise that you can only get beers from this company here, but the wide offer of dark and light beers makes up for it. The place basically consists of one big oval-shaped bar. 8-12 zł.

Cafe Mari, ul. Artura Grottgera 8, +48 81 381 22 17. Quite new place that is excellent for a quiet stop during the day while sipping tea, coffee or enjoying their cakes. approx. 8-11 zł for a tea or coffee.

Między Słowami, ul. Rybna 4/5, +48 508 217 014. This place in the Old Town is a bar and library combined. Here you can read a chapter (or more) of one of their books and this when flavoring one of their many kinds of tea or coffee. There is a wide selection of books in English, in fact most of them are in English. They also have cakes. approx. 10 zł for tea or coffee.

Perłowa Beer House, ul. Bernardyńska 15A, +48 81 71 01 205. 14:00-00:00. May be open longer on Fridays and Saturdays, depending on the crowd.. This may be one of the most stylish places in Lublin to have a beer. Owned by the Perła brewery group (and located on the edge of the actual brewery) you are pretty close to the source. It may be no surprise that you can only get beers from this company here, but the wide offer of dark and light beers makes up for it. The place basically consists of one big oval-shaped bar. 8-12 zł.

Tourist information in Lublin provides current information on the sightseeing, tourist, cultural and recreational attractiveness of Lublin and the Lubelski Region. Contact with Tourist Information Center: [mailto:infotur@loit.lublin.pl infotur@loit.lublin.pl] or +48 81 532 44 12. See also the web page: . There are three offices in the city center:

  • Old Town: Jezuicka St. 1/3, near Krakowska Gate, 10 minutes from Bus Station and 30 minutes (by bus:  1  ) from Railway Station; 9AM-6PM, Saturdays: 10AM-4PM, Sundays: 10AM-3PM (Oct-Apr: 9AM-5PM, Saturdays: 10AM-3PM)
  • Old Town: Rynek 8 (Old Town Square), 8 minutes from Bus Station and 30 minutes (by bus:  1) from Railway Station;
  • City Center: Krakowskie Przedmieście, main street of the city, near KFC restaurant, 30 minutes (by trolleybus:  150) from Railway Station or 30 minutes (by bus:  10 ,  18 ,  57) from Bus Station.

Access to Internet by Wi-Fi:

City Hall - Łokietka Square. Free.

Era Mobile - Krakowskie Przedmieście St.

Europa Hotel - Krakowskie Przedmieście St. Free.

Galeria Olimp Shopping Center - Spółdzielczości Pracy Ave.

Galeria Orkana Shopping Center - Orkana St. Free.

IBM - Żagiel Shopping Center - 1 Maja St.

Lublin University of Technology - Nadbystrzycka St. and Wapienna St.

McDondald's Restaurant - Krakowskie Przedmieście St.

Mercure Unia Hotel

Motel Na Rogatce - Sielankowa St., Sławinek. Free.

Na Strychu Pub - Głeboka St. Free.

Old Town Square - Free.

Orange Mobile - Krakowskie Przedmieście St.

Pizza Hut / KFC - Racławickie Ave.

Plac Litewski - Litewski Square, city center. Free.

Plac Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej - Maria Curie-Skłodowska Square - central place of Maria Curie-Skłodowska University. Free.

Riley Snooker Club - Zygmuntowskie Ave. Free.

Saski Park and Leszczyńskiego St. Free.

Stolarnia Club - Stefczyka St., Bursaki. Free.

Victoria Hotel

Zemborzycki Lake - Free.

  • Consulate General of the Ukraine in Lublin (Konsulat Generalny Ukrainy w Lublinie), Kunickiego St. 24, phone: (+48 81) 531-88-89, (+48 81) 531-88-01, fax (+48 81) 531-88-88, e-mail: gc_pll@mfa.gov.ua
  • British Consulate in Lublin serviced by the Honorary Consul Jan Danilczuk, Beskidzka St. 9, phone: (+48 81) 742-01-01, fax (+48 81) 742-91-30, e-mail: ukconsul@uren.com.pl
  • Honorary Consul of Brazil in Lublin, prof. Barbara Hlibowicka-Węglarz (Konsul Honorowy Brazylii w Lublinie prof. Barbara Hlibowicka-Węglarz), Maria Curie-Skłodowska Sq. 4a, phone: (+48 81) 537-26-29, e-mail: barbara.hlibowicka-weglarz@umcs.lublin.pl
  • Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany in Lublin, prof. Andrzej Kidyba, Rynek 7, +48 81 743-65-43.

Consulate General of the Ukraine in Lublin (Konsulat Generalny Ukrainy w Lublinie), Kunickiego St. 24, phone: (+48 81) 531-88-89, (+48 81) 531-88-01, fax (+48 81) 531-88-88, e-mail: gc_pll@mfa.gov.ua

British Consulate in Lublin serviced by the Honorary Consul Jan Danilczuk, Beskidzka St. 9, phone: (+48 81) 742-01-01, fax (+48 81) 742-91-30, e-mail: ukconsul@uren.com.pl

Honorary Consul of Brazil in Lublin, prof. Barbara Hlibowicka-Węglarz (Konsul Honorowy Brazylii w Lublinie prof. Barbara Hlibowicka-Węglarz), Maria Curie-Skłodowska Sq. 4a, phone: (+48 81) 537-26-29, e-mail: barbara.hlibowicka-weglarz@umcs.lublin.pl

Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany in Lublin, prof. Andrzej Kidyba, Rynek 7, +48 81 743-65-43.

Old Town: Jezuicka St. 1/3, near Krakowska Gate, 10 minutes from Bus Station and 30 minutes (by bus:  1  ) from Railway Station; 9AM-6PM, Saturdays: 10AM-4PM, Sundays: 10AM-3PM (Oct-Apr: 9AM-5PM, Saturdays: 10AM-3PM)

Old Town: Rynek 8 (Old Town Square), 8 minutes from Bus Station and 30 minutes (by bus:  1) from Railway Station;

City Center: Krakowskie Przedmieście, main street of the city, near KFC restaurant, 30 minutes (by trolleybus:  150) from Railway Station or 30 minutes (by bus:  10 ,  18 ,  57) from Bus Station.

Lublin is generally considered a very safe city, both at day and at night, with police patrols frequent throughout the Old Town and in the city's student areas. Violent crime is quite rare in the city and elsewhere in Poland. Car theft has been an issue in the past, though common sense precautions can be easily taken. If an emergency should materialise, visitors can call the all-purpose emergency number 112 on their phone. For a better specification of the kind of emergency service being requested, people can dial 999 for an ambulance, 998 for a fire emergency, and 997 for the police.

  • Zamość - old town, often called "Pearl of the Renaissance", listed in the World Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO.
  • Kazimierz Dolny - charming Renaissance old town, located directly at the Vistula river
  • Kozłówka - a well-preserved palace and garden of an old, Polish noble family, now a museum
  • Chełm