Bydgoszcz

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Bydgoszcz

With a charming old town and a stunning location on the banks of the Brda and Vistula rivers, Bydgoszcz can't fail to amaze visitors. Fascinating museums are housed behind beautiful facades, and scattered throughout the city. Bydgoszcz's musical scene is surprisingly vibrant: here you can enjoy professional opera performances and countless music festivals.

The City

Finding yourself in this six centuries old picturesque town, surrounded by two rivers, you might even think you're in Venice. The most scenic way to explore it is following the tree-lined Old Canal. The town centre bristles with music and art. The Pomorska Philharmonic, Opera Nova, Theatre Polski and Centre for Art Exhibitions are only a few of the cultural institutions organising a plethora of concerts, performances, showcases and expositions throughout the year. The outskirts are surrounded by lush green forests, which form the largest woodland area in Poland. Here you can also find protected and vast conservation areas which are now home to rare species of native flora and fauna.

Do & See Dining Cafes Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

Bydgoszcz offers many interesting attractions due to its long history, which dates back to the Middle Ages. The past has left many traces around the city. You will find museums, beautiful gardens and cathedrals. Don't miss the Old Town Square, The City Walls and the canals around the city.

Old Town Square

The Old Town Square, "Stary Rynek" in Polish, is located in the heart of Bydgoszcz. It hosts beautiful casements and the Town Hall. This enchanting place is renowned for its 19th century fin de siècle architecture: a local interpretation of the Art Deco and Jugendstil movements, known as Bydgoszcz Secession.

St. Vincent de Paul Basilica

Located on the northern side of the river, not very far from the Bydgoszcz Bus Station, this basilica is one of the biggest in Poland. It was designed at the end of the second world war in a neoclassic revival style. It also hosts a monastery and a park. The spacious, richly decorated interior will…

Old Bydgoszcz Canal

The Old Bydgoszcz Canal is an impressive engineering work from the late eighteenth century. An important commercial route in the past, it spreads for around 25 km and connects the Vistula and Oder rivers. The boulevard alongside the canal is a favourite among locals for afternoon walks with a beautiful scenery.

Mill Island

Surrounded by the Brda River, Mill Island is a cultural and recreational hub in the heart of the city. Here picturesque mill buildings from the end of the nineteenth century stand along cobbled tree-lined streets. There are a number of interesting museums to explore in the area.

Old Granaries and Art Museum

These Prussian granaries are part of Bydgoszcz’s heritage and the town’s emblem.They house a museum dedicated to the painter Leon Wyczółkowski, who had a crucial role in two art movements in the early 20th century: the Polish realism and the local modernist wave, called Young Poland. A vast collection of his works is on display…

Phonographic Museum

The Phonographic Museum is part of the Leon Wyczółkowski Museum, and the only one of its kind in Poland. It showcases an assortment of various music players including gramophones, radio receivers, and cassette players, as well as a vinyl collection.

The City Walls

Built in the 15th century to defend the city from raids by the Teutonic Knights, these fragments of the original fortification will allow you to step back in time to an unstable yet fascinating age.

Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

As you explore the nooks and crannies of the Old Town, it is worth taking a moment to step into the peaceful interior of this Gothic church. The building was completed at the start of the 17th century for the order of the Poor Clares. The Hejnał, a trumpet hymn to the Virgin Mary, is…

Myślęcinek

Myślęcinek is the largest urban woodland park in Poland, and a must-see for lovers of the outdoors. Here you will find a zoo, a Botanical Garden and a horse riding centre.

Man Crossing the River

When exploring the city, check out this unusual work of art hovering in the air. This silver coloured man hangs on wires just across the river and is considered to be one of the main symbols of the city. The author, Jerzy Kędziora, wanted to commemorate Poland's entry in the European Union.

Mostowa Street

One of the nicest roads in Bydgoszcz, Mostowa Street is actually a bridge connecting the Old Town with the main street in Bydgoszcz. Here you can wander along the canal, eat, drink, and enjoy wonderful views of the city.

Military Museum

The Military Museum is located in the northern part of Bydgoszcz. It showcases permanent and temporary exhibitions related to the Polish Army. On exhibit you can find war artefacts like weapons, vehicles, and uniforms.

Archer Lady

The Archer Lady statue is one of the oldest statues in Bydgoszcz and has become a city symbol. The sculpture portrays a naked woman spanning an arch. You can find it near the theatre in Kochanowski Park.

Master Twardowski

Make sure to be at the Old Town Square, Stary Rynek, at 1.13pm or 9.13pm, to see the moving sculpture of Master Twardowski appear from one of the windows. A character from the old folklore, this wizard puts on an amusing show for about two minutes: he bows, waves and then disappears back behind the…

Opera Nova

The Opera Nova is a modern music theatre located on the picturesque river bank near the city centre. This unique, large building will truly catch your eye. Come here for ballets, musicals, concerts, and of course operas.

Dining

Among the specialities of the Kujawy region, where Bydgoszcz lies, you can find a delicious sour soup called “żurek”. Made with flour, it is initially prepared in the same way as sourdough, but the result is a creamy white soup with a tangy flavour. This and many other traditional regional dishes can be tasted in the many restaurants around town.

Pałac

Pałac is located in the woodland of Park Myślęciński. With an elegant and comfortable Art Nouveau decor, it is the ideal spot to satisfy an appetite after spending a whole day in the great outdoors. The restaurant has a wide range of food on its menu including traditional Polish cuisine.

Stary Port 13

Claimed to be one of the best restaurants in town, Stary Port tempts its guests with a cosy traditional Polish interior and delicious specialities. On the menu you can find grilled rack of lamb with garlic and basil, sander fillet with spinach and vegetables, homemade dumplings and much more.

Ogniem i Mieczem

The stylish interior, the raging fireplace and the extensive selection of traditional Polish dishes are among the reasons that make this restaurant so appealing. Whether you come here for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Ogniem i Mieczem will have some exciting options to offer.

Pizzeria Piratto

For a quick, cheap pizza head to Pizzeria Piratto. This Italian-style trattoria has a nice and cosy interior, and it's decorated in a sailor-inspired style. On the menu you will also find salads and pasta, as well as beer and other cold drinks.

Karczma Mlynska

For some genuine Polish food you should head to Karczma Mlynska. This cosy restaurant is located by the canal in the heart of the Old Town. If the weather allows you can sit outside and enjoy a tasty local meal like a traditional beef roll.

Kurkuma

This modern fusion Japanese restaurant is located in the Drukarnia shopping centre and it seems to never disappoint its guests when it comes to food. This restaurant is very popular among visitors and serves a wide selection of sushi.

Dolce Vita

The unique rustic interior makes Dolce Vita a perfect place for Italian food. The restaurant is highly recommended and serves salads, pizzas, pastas and everything else you would expect from the Italian staff, who share a real passion about cooking.

Oto Sushi

Located next to the Focus Mall, this stylish restaurant offers great sushi at reasonable prices. Sit down in this cosy atmosphere and choose a few bites of sashimi, maki and nigiri from the wide selection of sushi.

Kaprys

Since Kaprys identifies as a bar more than a restaurant, food here is particularly affordable — but, according to the customers, no less delicious. This place offers different types of food, including homemade traditional Polish cuisine, and is very popular among students.

Weranda Restaurant

Located in the Bohema Hotel & Spa you can find the Weranda Restaurant, a cosy and charming restaurant with Art Nouveau inspired interiors. The restaurant offers a wide range of dishes, like steaks and lobster, and well-selected drinks.

Czarny Diament

Czarny Diament is one of the two restaurants at the Bohema Hotel & Spa. What makes it unique is that the dinner takes place in complete darkness. The experience will be out of the ordinary, for anyone who wants a memorable gastronomic experience.

Pireus

This restaurant serves delicious Greek specialities which come in many different varieties: you can choose between fresh Greek Salads and some scrumptious grilled dishes.

3V6

Restaurant 3V6 is connected to the Hotel City. It is perfect for banquets and weddings because it has mobile walls that open up to the hotel's premises. Here you can have both International and Polish cuisine.

Cafes

Polish cuisine holds a rich choice of specialities for visitors to discover. However, the less adventurous visitors should not panic: Bydgoszcz is known for its delicious, entirely familiar and comforting pancakes, and the cafes prepare everything from salads to soups and desserts.

Sowa Patisserie

The cellar in the Sowa Patisserie location is filled with wines from around the world, while those with a sweet tooth will be satisfied by imaginative cakes and ice-cream desserts.

Manekin

At this cafe you will find pancakes of every kind: baked with cheese, stuffed with potatoes or mozzarella, sweet-flavoured, or filled with ice-cream. They also serve soups, salads and other desserts like brownies. If you'd like to have something to drink, you can choose between coffee or tea, or cold drinks such as beer, wine…

Strefa Cafe

With a nice location on Mills Island, Strefa Cafe is a lively hip place. It serves hot drinks, sandwiches and pastries for the afternoon, but it's also a relaxed spot for a beer or a cocktail in the evening. Table games are available to spend some time with friends. The staff is attentive and speaks…

Cafe Kino

Located inside a movie theatre, this cafe has a cosy atmosphere and it's nicely decorated. The service is attentive and they cater people with dietary restrictions.

Landschaft

An artsy coffee lab, Landschaft is frequented by fancy regulars and its coffee is very well reviewed. Their vegan cakes are recommended. There is also a little vintage clothing shop inside.

Bars & Nightlife

The nightlife in Bydgoszcz is most simply described in one phrase: each to their own. After dusk the town enters the night to the sound of experimental jazz, salsa, sea shanties, rock, pop and many other pulsating tunes. With this much choice it will be difficult not to find something you will enjoy.

Eljazz Club

The friendly atmosphere of this club is a magnet for every jazz lover. El Jazz Club is truly a popular venue, located near the river. Here you can go see gigs and concerts nearly every night.

Kubryk

Located in the centre of the city, Kubryk is all about sailing: you will almost be able to feel the sea breeze on your face as you dance a little jig on the tables to the live energetic sea shanties played here.

Kraftodajnia

One of the best multi-tap craft beer bars in town, Kraftodajnia was opened by a group of friends who shared a love for home-brewed beer. They offer a wide selection of beers, both bottled and on tap. Your tasting experience here will lead you to interesting discoveries. Prices are more than reasonable for the quality…

Merlin Pub

Come to this dedicated rock and fantasy pub for an authentic ambience and good value for money. Here you can play table games, such as chess, while trying out different beers. The pub is frequented by many passionate regulars, who make the atmosphere even more cosy. Parties themed around pop culture are often held.

Sansara

This cafe and shisha bar is highly recommended by both locals and tourists - a place where you can relax while ordering tasty cold and hot drinks. Their tea is said to be particularly good. The staff is quick and friendly.

Prolog9

A wide choice of Polish beer served by knowledgeable staff makes Prolog9 a favourite among beer bars in town. There is a nice outside garden. Hard rock and metal lovers will appreciate the music choice (which is not disturbingly loud).

Shopping

Bydgoszcz is not a huge city, which transforms shopping into a pursuit of pure pleasure by keeping you away from the crowds which normally assemble in shopping centres. The old town is heaving with stalls selling an abundance of souvenirs which allows you to combine sightseeing with gift shopping.