Toruń

Poland

Toruń (Kashubian: Torń, German: Thorn) is a beautiful, medieval city in North-Western Poland, situated on the Vistula River. Its architecture was not hit by bombs during World War II, and as such represents one of the few examples of true Gothic architecture in Poland. It is still reasonably off the radars of most European travelers, so one can expect to have an amazing Polish experience here without the nightmares of a million and one Interrail travelers.

It has been one of the capitals of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship since 1999, and was the capital of the Toruń Voivodeship from 1975 to 1998 and of the Pomeranian Voivodeship from 1921 to 1939. The city is located near the Geographic Center of Europe.

Toruń's medieval Old Town or Starówka is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Toruń is the birthplace of the world famous astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. The house where Copernicus was born and the chapel where he was christened are still standing in the city. From Middle Ages the town is known for its gingerbreads.

As of the last census in 2004, Toruń has 208,386 inhabitants.

Old Town Hall in Toruń Statue of Raftsman playing the violin Panoramic view of the Old Town

  • Stare Miasto (Old Quarter). A UNESCO World Heritage List site dating back to medieval times. Almost intact medieval street layout. In fact, it consists of two, formerly independent cities - Stare Miasto (Old Town) at the West, founded in 1233, with the most tourist attractions, Nowe Miasto (New Town) at the Northeast, found in 1264, and ruins of Teutonic Knights' Castle (one of the oldest in Poland) between them.
  • Nicolaus Copernicus' House, ul. Kopernika 15-17 (Old Town. The Copernicus' House is closed till January 2018 due to renovation works. Astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus was born in Toruń in 1473. The museum is in a house which belonged to the Copernicus family in the 15th century, and where probably Nicolaus Copernicus was born. The architecture of the building dates back to the 15th century, and its interior is a fine example of a Gothic house refurbished throughout the centuries. The museum's "collection" mostly comprises copies and facsimiles with very few explanations.
  • Old Town Hall, Rynek Staromiejski 1 (at the centre of Old Town Market Square (Rynek Staromiejski). Open daily except Mondays, Oct-Apr 10-16, May-Sep 10-18.. One of the most beautiful Gothic town halls in Europe. Despite its many treasures it is however not too rewarding for foreign visitors as it is almost entirely explained in Polish. Translations are very sparse or non-existent. The museum consists of Gallery of Gothic Art, including a collection of a 14th-century stained glasses from Toruń and Chełmno churches, Exhibition of Old Toruń 1233-1793, Exhibition of Toruń Coins, Court Hall, Hall of Polish Kings, collection of Polish 19th- and 20th- century painting, etc. Climb the tower for a beautiful view! 13 zł, reduced 9 zł; combined ticket for Old Town Hall and for the tower is 21 / 16; admission to permanent exhibition on Wednesdays is free.
  • Tower of the Old Town Hall. Open daily, Nov-Mar 10-16, Apr and Oct 10-18, May-Sep 10-20. The Old Town Hall tower is the oldest town hall tower in Central and Eastern Europe. It is worth to climb the steep wooden steps to admire beautiful view on the historic center of Toruń. 13 zł, reduced 9 zł.
  • Baj Pomorski Theatre, Piernikarska 9. Puppet theatre.
  • Cathedral of SS. Johns, ul. Żeglarska. Main church of the city in the Medieval times, built during 14th and 15th centuries, since 1996 cathedral of Toruń Diocese. Astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus was christened here. On its tower hangs Tuba Dei bell from 1500, one of the largest Medieval bells in Europe. The interior is partly renovated, and work continued in 2013. Now the Gothic stellar vault in the nave is restored. The furnishings and decorations are witnesses of history of religion in Toruń - besides Gothic wall paintings and fresco from 1380 you can see some epitaphs from protestant era, but the most prominent are Baroque and Rococo altars founded by Jesuit Order in the 18th century. The church hosts occasional concerts with performers from around Europe. Entrance is not free, additional fees apply for taking photos and filming. On the southern exterior of the tower is the Digitus Dei clock 'the finger of God', as only an hour hand shaped as a pointing finger denotes the time.
  • Church of Virgin Mary, ul. Panny Marii 2 (Northwest corner of Old Town Market Square (Rynek Staromiejski). Open all day, except during prayers. Gothic church, built in 14th century by Franciscan Order, now parish church. Notably this church has no steeple, instead are three octagonal fleshes of the chancel. This three aisled interior was the tallest nave in the area. The very high interior is filled with precious works of art: Gothic wooden stalls, Renaissance organ, Renaissance and Mannerist epitaphs of Toruń's citizens, monumental Baroque main altar and a Gothic crucifix from the early 16C. This is also a burial place of Anna Vasa of Sweden, Polish and Swedish princess, the youngest child of King John III of Sweden and Catherine Jagiellon. In the southern aisle monumental Gothic mural paintings from 14th century, depicting Christ, St. Mary and saints. Entrance is free.
  • House Under the Star, Rynek Staromiejski 35. Open daily except Mondays. Oct-Apr 10:00-16:00, May-Sep 10:00-18:00. The house, built in 13th century and rebuilt several times up to 19th century. Baroque richly decorated facade and reconstructed interior - one of the best preserved houses from that period in Poland. You must climb the wooden spiral stairs decorated with sculpture of Minerva. The painted wooden Renaissance ceiling at the back is one of the best examples such a decoration in Poland. The interior hosts small exhibition of Far East art - not abundant, but really interesting. 10 zł, reduced 7 zł.
  • Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Granaries. Between 15th and 18th centuries Toruń was a big center of grain trade, hence many granaries are preserved in the Old Town. The oldest and most interesting can be seen on the corner of Piekary Str. and Rabiańska Str, near Leaning Tower. Its top is decorated with window bands. Another granary, so-called Swedish Granary, is adapted for a hotel.
  • Krzywa Wieża, ul. Pod Krzywą Wieżą. Part of old Toruń defense wall system built in the 13th century. Poor foundations caused by the sorting of the clay subsoil led the tower to lean at a sharp angle around 140 cm soon after its construction. Check out if you can stand with your back and heels against the wall and your arms outstretched in front of you (it's pretty much impossible)
  • Dwór Artusa, Rynek Staromiejski 6. Monumental building on the place of medieval Artus Court in the end of 19th century. Now it hosts cultural centre.
  • Vantage point on the left bank of Vistula River. Excellent panorama from left bank of the river Vistula. Vantage point on Kępa Bazarowa island is accessible by foot or by bus from pl. Rapackiego (Rapacki Sq.)
  • Bydgoskie Przedmieście. Mostly residential district build in the late 19th and early 20th century. It comprises many monuments of architecture, a city park, and a zoobotanical garden. The most interesting are timber-framed houses at Bydgoska and Konopnickiej Streets.
  • Przedmieście Świętej Katarzyny (Wilhelmstadt). Built in the late 19th and early 20th century east of the Old Town, is a specific combination of residential and military architecture. St. Catherine's church is located at Wilhelmstadt's main square; with its over 80-meter high tower it remains the highest building in Toruń.
  • Ruins of Teutonic Knights Castle, ul. Przedzamcze. 10AM-6PM. An outdoor museum. One of the first Teutonic Knights castles in Poland, built already in 13th century. It was extended and rebuild through 14th-15th centuries. In 1454, the Toruń citizens demolished the castle, and that was the beginning of a war between Poland and Teutonic Knights. Then the castle served as a bastion and garbage dump. In 1950s the castle was unearthed, as until then the whole ground floor was covered by earth and litter. The best preserved part is so-called gdanisko, used by Teutonic Knights as toilet tower. Admission: 2 zł.
  • Ethnographic Museum. An open-air museum showing the folk architecture of many regions of Poland. Includes a windmill.
  • Dybowski Castle Ruins, opposite the river and small walk from the bridge on the west most side of the city (From the Old Town, cross the bridge to the other side of Vistula, then turn right and walk a cobblestone road you found under the bridge. A skeleton of what is left of the old Castle, built by Polish king Władysław Jagiełło (Jogaila) in the 15th century (1424-1428). You can explore the ruins at your leisure and walk the walls (which can be dangerous).
  • Forts of 19th-century Toruń fortress (12).
  • Motoarena Toruń. The biggest and most modern purpose-built speedway stadium in the world, in use since 2009. It has been one of the sites for FIM Speedway Grand Prix since 2010.
  • Piwnice Radio Observatory. A radio observatory with two dishes (diameters: 32 meters and 15 meters).
  • Old-Town Market Square, Rynek Staromiejski.
  • Museum of Toruń Gingerbread, Strumykowa 4, +48 56 656 70 87. May-Sep 10:00-18:00, Oct-Apr 10:00-16:00; closed on Mondays except May-Jun. Description from Museum's website: The Museum of Toruń Gingerbread, a branch of the District Museum in Toruń, in the 19th c. gingerbread factory formerly owned by the Weese family, can be found at 4 Strumykowa St. It has taken three years to convert the building into a museum and prepare an exhibition space of some 1200 sq m. The Museum of Toruń Gingerbread is likely to become a unique tourist attraction. Not only is it Poland’s largest museum dedicated to the history of gingerbread but it is designed to be modern and interactive and solely dedicated to the long-standing European tradition of gingerbread making. Exhibition and gingerbread baking workshop – normal: PLN 13, reduced: PLN 9; gingerbread baking workshop (excluding exhibition) – normal: PLN 8, reduced: PLN 6; exhibition - normal: PLN 10, reduced: PLN 7.
  • Złotoria Castle Ruins, https://goo.gl/maps/yaYasHaB9VD2 (Bus Line 23 & 46 run every hour; or drive 10km. Anytime. Built in 1343 it was one of the most important locale during the conflicts between Poland and the Teutonic Knights and is now in ruins. A picturesque setting only meters from the Visła river. Free.

Stare Miasto (Old Quarter). A [[UNESCO World Heritage List]] site dating back to medieval times. Almost intact medieval street layout. In fact, it consists of two, formerly independent cities - Stare Miasto (Old Town) at the West, founded in 1233, with the most tourist attractions, Nowe Miasto (New Town) at the Northeast, found in 1264, and ruins of Teutonic Knights' Castle (one of the oldest in Poland) between them.

Nicolaus Copernicus' House, ul. Kopernika 15-17 (Old Town. The Copernicus' House is closed till January 2018 due to renovation works. Astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus was born in Toruń in 1473. The museum is in a house which belonged to the Copernicus family in the 15th century, and where probably Nicolaus Copernicus was born. The architecture of the building dates back to the 15th century, and its interior is a fine example of a [[Gothic]] house refurbished throughout the centuries. The museum's "collection" mostly comprises copies and facsimiles with very few explanations.

Old Town Hall, Rynek Staromiejski 1 (at the centre of Old Town Market Square (Rynek Staromiejski). Open daily except Mondays, Oct-Apr 10-16, May-Sep 10-18.. One of the most beautiful Gothic town halls in Europe. Despite its many treasures it is however not too rewarding for foreign visitors as it is almost entirely explained in Polish. Translations are very sparse or non-existent. The museum consists of Gallery of Gothic Art, including a collection of a 14th-century stained glasses from Toruń and Chełmno churches, Exhibition of Old Toruń 1233-1793, Exhibition of Toruń Coins, Court Hall, Hall of Polish Kings, collection of Polish 19th- and 20th- century painting, etc. Climb the tower for a beautiful view! 13 zł, reduced 9 zł; combined ticket for Old Town Hall and for the tower is 21 / 16; admission to permanent exhibition on Wednesdays is free.

Tower of the Old Town Hall. Open daily, Nov-Mar 10-16, Apr and Oct 10-18, May-Sep 10-20. The Old Town Hall tower is the oldest town hall tower in Central and Eastern Europe. It is worth to climb the steep wooden steps to admire beautiful view on the historic center of Toruń. 13 zł, reduced 9 zł.

Baj Pomorski Theatre, Piernikarska 9. Puppet theatre.

Cathedral of SS. Johns, ul. Żeglarska. Main church of the city in the Medieval times, built during 14th and 15th centuries, since 1996 cathedral of Toruń Diocese. Astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus was christened here. On its tower hangs Tuba Dei bell from 1500, one of the largest Medieval bells in Europe. The interior is partly renovated, and work continued in 2013. Now the Gothic stellar vault in the nave is restored. The furnishings and decorations are witnesses of history of religion in Toruń - besides Gothic wall paintings and fresco from 1380 you can see some epitaphs from protestant era, but the most prominent are Baroque and Rococo altars founded by Jesuit Order in the 18th century. The church hosts occasional concerts with performers from around Europe. Entrance is not free, additional fees apply for taking photos and filming. On the southern exterior of the tower is the Digitus Dei clock 'the finger of God', as only an hour hand shaped as a pointing finger denotes the time.

Church of Virgin Mary, ul. Panny Marii 2 (Northwest corner of Old Town Market Square (Rynek Staromiejski). Open all day, except during prayers. Gothic church, built in 14th century by Franciscan Order, now parish church. Notably this church has no steeple, instead are three octagonal fleshes of the chancel. This three aisled interior was the tallest nave in the area. The very high interior is filled with precious works of art: Gothic wooden stalls, Renaissance organ, Renaissance and Mannerist epitaphs of Toruń's citizens, monumental Baroque main altar and a Gothic crucifix from the early 16C. This is also a burial place of Anna Vasa of Sweden, Polish and Swedish princess, the youngest child of King John III of Sweden and Catherine Jagiellon. In the southern aisle monumental Gothic mural paintings from 14th century, depicting Christ, St. Mary and saints. Entrance is free.

House Under the Star, Rynek Staromiejski 35. Open daily except Mondays. Oct-Apr 10:00-16:00, May-Sep 10:00-18:00. The house, built in 13th century and rebuilt several times up to 19th century. Baroque richly decorated facade and reconstructed interior - one of the best preserved houses from that period in Poland. You must climb the wooden spiral stairs decorated with sculpture of Minerva. The painted wooden Renaissance ceiling at the back is one of the best examples such a decoration in Poland. The interior hosts small exhibition of Far East art - not abundant, but really interesting. 10 zł, reduced 7 zł.

Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Granaries. Between 15th and 18th centuries Toruń was a big center of grain trade, hence many granaries are preserved in the Old Town. The oldest and most interesting can be seen on the corner of Piekary Str. and Rabiańska Str, near Leaning Tower. Its top is decorated with window bands. Another granary, so-called Swedish Granary, is adapted for a hotel.

Krzywa Wieża, ul. Pod Krzywą Wieżą. Part of old Toruń defense wall system built in the 13th century. Poor foundations caused by the sorting of the clay subsoil led the tower to lean at a sharp angle around 140 cm soon after its construction. Check out if you can stand with your back and heels against the wall and your arms outstretched in front of you (it's pretty much impossible)

Dwór Artusa, Rynek Staromiejski 6. Monumental building on the place of medieval Artus Court in the end of 19th century. Now it hosts cultural centre.

Vantage point on the left bank of Vistula River. Excellent panorama from left bank of the river Vistula. Vantage point on Kępa Bazarowa island is accessible by foot or by bus from pl. Rapackiego (Rapacki Sq.)

Bydgoskie Przedmieście. Mostly residential district build in the late 19th and early 20th century. It comprises many monuments of architecture, a city park, and a zoobotanical garden. The most interesting are timber-framed houses at Bydgoska and Konopnickiej Streets.

Przedmieście Świętej Katarzyny (Wilhelmstadt). Built in the late 19th and early 20th century east of the Old Town, is a specific combination of residential and military architecture. St. Catherine's church is located at Wilhelmstadt's main square; with its over 80-meter high tower it remains the highest building in Toruń.

Ruins of Teutonic Knights Castle, ul. Przedzamcze. 10AM-6PM. An outdoor museum. One of the first Teutonic Knights castles in Poland, built already in 13th century. It was extended and rebuild through 14th-15th centuries. In 1454, the Toruń citizens demolished the castle, and that was the beginning of a war between Poland and Teutonic Knights. Then the castle served as a bastion and garbage dump. In 1950s the castle was unearthed, as until then the whole ground floor was covered by earth and litter. The best preserved part is so-called gdanisko, used by Teutonic Knights as toilet tower. Admission: 2 zł.

Ethnographic Museum. An open-air museum showing the folk architecture of many regions of Poland. Includes a windmill.

Dybowski Castle Ruins, opposite the river and small walk from the bridge on the west most side of the city (From the Old Town, cross the bridge to the other side of Vistula, then turn right and walk a cobblestone road you found under the bridge. A skeleton of what is left of the old Castle, built by Polish king Władysław Jagiełło (Jogaila) in the 15th century (1424-1428). You can explore the ruins at your leisure and walk the walls (which can be dangerous).

Forts of 19th-century Toruń fortress (12).

Motoarena Toruń. The biggest and most modern purpose-built speedway stadium in the world, in use since 2009. It has been one of the sites for FIM Speedway Grand Prix since 2010.

Piwnice Radio Observatory. A radio observatory with two dishes (diameters: 32 meters and 15 meters).

Old-Town Market Square, Rynek Staromiejski.

Museum of Toruń Gingerbread, Strumykowa 4, +48 56 656 70 87. May-Sep 10:00-18:00, Oct-Apr 10:00-16:00; closed on Mondays except May-Jun. Description from Museum's website: The Museum of Toruń Gingerbread, a branch of the District Museum in Toruń, in the 19th c. gingerbread factory formerly owned by the Weese family, can be found at 4 Strumykowa St. It has taken three years to convert the building into a museum and prepare an exhibition space of some 1200 sq m. The Museum of Toruń Gingerbread is likely to become a unique tourist attraction. Not only is it Poland’s largest museum dedicated to the history of gingerbread but it is designed to be modern and interactive and solely dedicated to the long-standing European tradition of gingerbread making. Exhibition and gingerbread baking workshop – normal: PLN 13, reduced: PLN 9; gingerbread baking workshop (excluding exhibition) – normal: PLN 8, reduced: PLN 6; exhibition - normal: PLN 10, reduced: PLN 7.

Złotoria Castle Ruins, https://goo.gl/maps/yaYasHaB9VD2 (Bus Line 23 & 46 run every hour; or drive 10km. Anytime. Built in 1343 it was one of the most important locale during the conflicts between Poland and the Teutonic Knights and is now in ruins. A picturesque setting only meters from the Visła river. Free.

A list of events, entertainment, culture in Toruń - updated daily (also in English) can be found online:

  • Bake traditional gingerbread at Gingerbread Museum, Rabianska street, very centre of the old town, +48 56 663 66 17. 9-18. Get involved in an interactive show throughout visitors are guided by Master of gingerbread bakery and the Witch. Having sworn the oath you become member of the guild. First you will prepare dough the way it has been done for centuries, you will kneed it. You will also use traditional baking-moulds then you'll bake your own gingerbread. As the museum is located in an old granary you'll be shown how to produce flour using old mill stones as well. And remember - should you break the oath you shall be punished. If you hace passed with flying colours little examination and endured hardships of working at bakery you'll be also promoted and become a craftsman. Show takes up to one hour. This museum forms part of gingerbread tradition for which Toruń is famous.
    • Check availability in advance on +48 566636617. During peak season you should book your visit beforehand unless you plan to show up on Sat - Sun. Open from 9AM to 6PM Off-peak season (from January to the end of March) open from 10AM to 6PM. There must be at least 5 people to start show, this condition does not apply at 4PM. Need more information? Phone the museum or e-mail them at muzeumpiernika@muzeumpiernika.pl
  • Trails. There are several city trails although all poorly signed and requiring a map. The easiest to follow runs alongside the Gothic city walls of Toruń. Ceramic statues made by local artists add an artistic atmosphere and draw attention to otherwise missed features. Look out for historic townsfolk, a Teutonic knight, angles and a dragon!

Bake traditional gingerbread at Gingerbread Museum, Rabianska street, very centre of the old town, +48 56 663 66 17. 9-18. Get involved in an interactive show throughout visitors are guided by Master of gingerbread bakery and the Witch. Having sworn the oath you become member of the guild. First you will prepare dough the way it has been done for centuries, you will kneed it. You will also use traditional baking-moulds then you'll bake your own gingerbread. As the museum is located in an old granary you'll be shown how to produce flour using old mill stones as well. And remember - should you break the oath you shall be punished. If you hace passed with flying colours little examination and endured hardships of working at bakery you'll be also promoted and become a craftsman. Show takes up to one hour. This museum forms part of gingerbread tradition for which Toruń is famous.

  • Check availability in advance on +48 566636617. During peak season you should book your visit beforehand unless you plan to show up on Sat - Sun. Open from 9AM to 6PM Off-peak season (from January to the end of March) open from 10AM to 6PM. There must be at least 5 people to start show, this condition does not apply at 4PM. Need more information? Phone the museum or e-mail them at muzeumpiernika@muzeumpiernika.pl

Trails. There are several city trails although all poorly signed and requiring a map. The easiest to follow runs alongside the Gothic city walls of Toruń. Ceramic statues made by local artists add an artistic atmosphere and draw attention to otherwise missed features. Look out for historic townsfolk, a Teutonic knight, angles and a dragon!

There are many shops, boutiques in old town selling clothes, souvenirs, jewellery, music, food, drinks, vegetables and fruits (on New Town market), etc.

  • Galeria Copernicus. Large shopping centre
  • Toruń Plaza, Broniewskiego 90 (30 min walk from old town, reachable by bus #15, 17, 18, 26, 28, 34, 36, 40, tram #1N, 2, 3, 4, 5. Large shopping centre
  • Dom Towarowy, Rynek Staromiejski 36/37 (in houses on Old Town Square. Shopping centre
  • Toruńskie pierniki, Rynek Staromiejski 6, Żeglarska 24. Specialized gingerbread shops.

Galeria Copernicus. Large shopping centre

Toruń Plaza, Broniewskiego 90 (30 min walk from old town, reachable by bus #15, 17, 18, 26, 28, 34, 36, 40, tram #1N, 2, 3, 4, 5. Large shopping centre

Dom Towarowy, Rynek Staromiejski 36/37 (in houses on Old Town Square. Shopping centre

Toruńskie pierniki, Rynek Staromiejski 6, Żeglarska 24. Specialized gingerbread shops.

At warm times of year Toruń's old town is full of street cafes, restaurants where you can eat or drink outdoors and enjoy the medieval atmosphere. Some cafés are located on the bank of river Vistula, and at least two are on boats on the river. Various dishes - traditional and fast food, drinks - beer, soft drinks and ice cream are offered there. If you are a football lover there are many street cafés where you can watch a game on TV while drinking good Polish beer.

Toruń is known for its gingerbread (Toruńskie Pierniki). You must try it.

  • Leniwa, ul. Ślusarska 5 (close to New Town Market, +48 564775403. 8-16 zł.
  • Manekin, ul. Wysoka 5, Rynek Staromiejski 16, +48 566522885. Delicious, huge naleśniki (filled crêpes) with a large choice of fillings for only about 10 zł each. It can get quite busy at peak times, but you will be warned if there will be a long wait. The staff are friendly and helpful and the restaurants have a nice ambiance. The restaurant on the old market square (Rynek Staromiejski) is particularly nice.
  • Metropolis, ul. Łazienna 26, ul. Podmurna 28.
  • Karotka, ul. Łazienna 9. Budget vegetarian and vegan food. 6 zł for soups, 12-15 zł for main dish.
  • Ciasna, ul. Podmurna 17, +48 690 060 036. Vegetarian and vegan food for reasonable price.
  • Luizjana, ul. Mostowa 10, +48 790 220 210. Mo-Th 12:00-22:00, F-Sa 12:00-23:00, Su 12:00-21:00. Restaurant serving Creole food. 11-16 zł for soups, 24-64 zł for main dishes.
  • Jan Olbracht, Szczytna 15, +48 797 903 333. 11:00-24:00. Excellent food (mainly Polish cuisine) at a reasonable price. You can sit at level 0 in a big barrel, downstairs in a pub or upstairs in a restaurant room. This place has its own microbrewery making 4-5 types of fresh beer. 11-16 zł for soups, 24-64 zł for main dishes.
  • Piccolo Grande, Wysoka 12, +48 56 684 42 29. Restaurant serving mainly Italian-style food (pizzas and pastas). 8 zł for soup, 12-20 zł for main dish.
  • Szeroka No 9, Szeroka 9.

Leniwa, ul. Ślusarska 5 (close to New Town Market, +48 564775403. 8-16 zł.

Manekin, ul. Wysoka 5, Rynek Staromiejski 16, +48 566522885. Delicious, huge naleśniki (filled crêpes) with a large choice of fillings for only about 10 zł each. It can get quite busy at peak times, but you will be warned if there will be a long wait. The staff are friendly and helpful and the restaurants have a nice ambiance. The restaurant on the old market square (Rynek Staromiejski) is particularly nice.

Metropolis, ul. Łazienna 26, ul. Podmurna 28.

Karotka, ul. Łazienna 9. Budget vegetarian and vegan food. 6 zł for soups, 12-15 zł for main dish.

Ciasna, ul. Podmurna 17, +48 690 060 036. Vegetarian and vegan food for reasonable price.

Luizjana, ul. Mostowa 10, +48 790 220 210. Mo-Th 12:00-22:00, F-Sa 12:00-23:00, Su 12:00-21:00. Restaurant serving Creole food. 11-16 zł for soups, 24-64 zł for main dishes.

Jan Olbracht, Szczytna 15, +48 797 903 333. 11:00-24:00. Excellent food (mainly Polish cuisine) at a reasonable price. You can sit at level 0 in a big barrel, downstairs in a pub or upstairs in a restaurant room. This place has its own microbrewery making 4-5 types of fresh beer. 11-16 zł for soups, 24-64 zł for main dishes.

Piccolo Grande, Wysoka 12, +48 56 684 42 29. Restaurant serving mainly Italian-style food (pizzas and pastas). 8 zł for soup, 12-20 zł for main dish.

Szeroka No 9, Szeroka 9.

  • Grota, Rynek Staromiejski 24 (north side of the Old Market Square, underneath the Orange shop. Friendly bar staff and locals, reasonable prices and an excellent range of spirits (including a terrifying assortment of vodkas!) makes this an excellent place to quench a thirst you may work up exploring Toruń's Old Town
  • Szwejk.
  • Togun, ul. Żeglarska 24.
  • Kawalerka, Rynek Staromiejski 1 (Old Town Hall building, cellar, entrance in front of the Post Office.
  • Klub NRD, ul. Browarna 6 (Near New Town Market Square (Rynek Nowomiejski). Pub, but also centre of alternative culture.
  • Dwa Światy, ul. Ducha Świętego 10/12.
  • Lizard King, Kopernika 3, +48 56 621 02 34. 17:00-04:00. Good club with rock and pop music. Two bars (two levels), dance floor, live concerts
  • Krajina Piva, Rynek Nowomiejski 3, +48 607 589 607. 16:00 - 1:00. Great place for beer lovers. Over 100 types of beer in the bar, mostly regional Polish beer and many interesting tastes from all over the world.
  • Kadr, Żeglarska 5, +48 56 621 1433. 14:00-01:00. Good place to have a drink or two. Walls filled with still pictures from movies.
  • Desperado, ul. Kopernika 45.

Grota, Rynek Staromiejski 24 (north side of the Old Market Square, underneath the Orange shop. Friendly bar staff and locals, reasonable prices and an excellent range of spirits (including a terrifying assortment of vodkas!) makes this an excellent place to quench a thirst you may work up exploring Toruń's Old Town

Szwejk.

Togun, ul. Żeglarska 24.

Kawalerka, Rynek Staromiejski 1 (Old Town Hall building, cellar, entrance in front of the Post Office.

Klub NRD, ul. Browarna 6 (Near New Town Market Square (Rynek Nowomiejski). Pub, but also centre of alternative culture.

Dwa Światy, ul. Ducha Świętego 10/12.

Lizard King, Kopernika 3, +48 56 621 02 34. 17:00-04:00. Good club with rock and pop music. Two bars (two levels), dance floor, live concerts

Krajina Piva, Rynek Nowomiejski 3, +48 607 589 607. 16:00 - 1:00. Great place for beer lovers. Over 100 types of beer in the bar, mostly regional Polish beer and many interesting tastes from all over the world.

Kadr, Żeglarska 5, +48 56 621 1433. 14:00-01:00. Good place to have a drink or two. Walls filled with still pictures from movies.

Desperado, ul. Kopernika 45.

  • Kona Coast, ul. Chełmińska 18 (near Old Town Market Place. One of the best cafes in Toruń, serving wide range of coffees. You can also eat some soup, pasta or panini. 5-13 zł for coffee, 16-18 for pasta.
  • Pijalnia czekolady E. Wedel, ul. Szeroka 40, +48 696 437 105. Mo-Sa 9:00-22:00, Su 10:00-21:00.
  • Atmosphera, ul. Panny Marii 3 (near Old Town Market Square, opposite the St. Mary church, +48 56 651 78 97.
  • Cukiernia Lenkiewicz, ul. Wielkie Garbary 14 (Old town, near the crossroad of Królowej Jadwigi, Szeroka, and Wielkie Garbary - there is an Empik store and concrete bench with clock on it. ~50 metres from there. They have the best ice-cream in Toruń, +48 56 62 256 35.

Kona Coast, ul. Chełmińska 18 (near Old Town Market Place. One of the best cafes in Toruń, serving wide range of coffees. You can also eat some soup, pasta or panini. 5-13 zł for coffee, 16-18 for pasta.

Pijalnia czekolady E. Wedel, ul. Szeroka 40, +48 696 437 105. Mo-Sa 9:00-22:00, Su 10:00-21:00.

Atmosphera, ul. Panny Marii 3 (near Old Town Market Square, opposite the St. Mary church, +48 56 651 78 97.

Cukiernia Lenkiewicz, ul. Wielkie Garbary 14 (Old town, near the crossroad of Królowej Jadwigi, Szeroka, and Wielkie Garbary - there is an Empik store and concrete bench with clock on it. ~50 metres from there. They have the best ice-cream in Toruń, +48 56 62 256 35.

  • Warsaw
  • Gdańsk
  • Chełmno - beautiful well-preserved medieval town 40 km north from Toruń.
  • Chełmża - old small town with Gothic cathedral, situated by the lake. 15 km.
  • Golub-Dobrzyń - former Teutonic Knights' Castle, 40 km east from Toruń
  • Szafarnia - Frédéric Chopin museum, 45 km east from Toruń
  • Ciechocinek - famous Polish spa, with unique graduation towers, 25 km south from Toruń
  • Biskupin - archaeological reservation of the Lusatian Culture settlement (650-550 year BC), 90 km from Toruń
  • Poznań - city where Poland has started; with beautiful Old Square and Cathedral Island
  • Bydgoszcz - second capital of the Voivodeship, on the Brda river, with art nouveau architecture, opera house, and Brda waterfront, 50 km from Toruń