LNOF Guide to Wroclaw
Wroclaw is an authentic hidden gem in the heart of party Poland.
First things first, it’s pronounced ‘Vrot-swav’. You can get away with ‘Vrot-slav’, but in Polish the l has a little line through it making it a ‘w’ sound, and we know you’ll be desperate to impress the locals (and your mates) with your pronunciation.
For those who prefer the blossoming reputation of a city fresh on the stag radar, and might be looking for that hidden gem, standing at the crossroads of Central Europe is the delightfully cool Wroclaw. Packed with character, this gorgeous HQ of commerce and weekend fun was only returned to Polish rule after WW2. Previous to that it experienced something of a pass-the-parcel existence, counting the former Czechoslovakia, Austria, Prussia and Germany amongst its landlords before finally coming back home and beginning the slow, restorative climb to full health.
Wroclaw's shooting packages are amazing. I'd never even fired a gun before I arrived, and I fired an AK-47, a Glock and a shotgun all in one afternoon. It was epic.
Andrew LambertCommercial Development Manager
The large student population plays a hefty role in turning the various basement bars, cobbled courtyards and pleasant restaurants of the old Market Square on the River Odra’s south side into one big buzzing party, perfect for a stag weekend, its revellers flowing between packed pubs of Guinness, girls and cosy booths to lovely lounges of deep sofas and house music. One visit and you can understand why the Germans took so long in giving it back.
With an increasing number of air connections from the UK, a growing list of organised daytime activities, a turbulent history, landmarks coming out of its ears and that all-important word-of-mouth factor when it comes to commending a foreign city, it’s a good bet that Wroclaw stag weekends are here to stay. Take a walk along Grunwaldzki Bridge, a pint in the Highlander or a bite in the unfortunately-named Kalitoris restaurant (we still don't know how we found it!) and tell us we’re wrong.
Of course, Krakow and Warsaw are the better known Polish options for most back home - Wroclaw is not dissimilar in size or style to Krakow in many respects – but, for an extra touch of Polish authenticity, coupled with that look-what-I’ve-discovered factor we like to pretend doesn’t matter (but it does), there is nowhere better right now for delivering in those key areas of beer, nightlife and culture. And yes, we only included culture to try and sound mature – the same as you will when you tell your partner where you’re going.