Things to Do in Toruń, Poland: A Medieval Gem

Things to Do in Toruń, Poland: A Medieval Gem

If you’re visiting Poland and in the area then you need to visit Toruń! One of the oldest cities in Poland, Toruń goes as far back as the 8th century and has an interesting story to tell. From the Teutonic Knights to Nicolaus Copernicus to beautiful churches, there’s no short of things to do in Toruń, Poland! Read on to find out about this awesome city that has fortunately retained its beauty throughout history and survived WWII.

Teutonic Castle Ruins

Teutonic Castle Ruins in Toruń

Toruń has strong ties to a Teutonic past. There once stood a fortress where the Teutonic Knights ruled. However, the town eventually rebelled against the Teutonic Order and it was destroyed.

There are some fantastic ruins for you to see today and you can even venture underground where some great exhibits are on display.

Miniature Building of Teutonic Castle

And, of course, there’s a small medieval torture room but if you skip that part we don’t blame you!

House of Nicolaus Copernicus

Nicholaus Copernicus House in Toruń

A true Renaissance man, Nicolaus Copernicus was born in Toruń, Poland, and went on to make significant advances in many fields of study. However, his most important discovery was heliocentrism. There’s an absolutely fantastic museum devoted to Copernicus and his family and it’s also quite interactive. You’ll also learn about everyday life during his time there.

Bust of Nicolaus Copernicus in Torun, Poland

The Leaning Tower in Toruń

The leaning tower of Torun, Poland

One of the more unique attractions in Toruń’s Old Town is the Leaning Tower. Not quite as spectacular as the Leaning Tower of Pisa but definitely worth a look and a photo. Strolling along the Vistula and appreciating the city walls is a great way to get there!

St. John’s Cathedral

View of St. John's Cathedral in Torun, Poland

While it doesn’t appear very old today, St. John’s Cathedral dates back to the 13th century. This church is less about the exterior and more about what’s hanging on the walls inside. You’ll find numerous paintings throughout the church and some that are as old as the 14th century. The bell, Tuba Dei, is the largest medieval bell in this part of Europe.

Pierogarnia Stary Toruń

Pierogis at Pierogarnia Stary Toruń

You can’t visit Poland and not try pierogi or potato pancakes. While not exclusively Polish, pierogi is Slavic dish that many countries in this area specialize in. But trust us, you should try some at Pierogarnia Stary Toruń. It provides a great afternoon break of sightseeing where you can fill your tummy and decide what to do next.

Potato pancakes smothered in a cheesy garlic sauce

Muzeum Piernika (Gingerbread Museum)

Table for rolling out gingerbread dough at the gingerbread museum in Torun

A delightful little museum located near the House of Nicolaus Copernicus, the gingerbread museum in Toruń is a real treat. Literally. Not only do you get to make your own gingerbread like they did in the old times, but you also learn how a bakery (Piernika) would have operated in the early 20th century. Their gift shop is worth browsing as well!

Homemade gingerbread cookie from the museum in Torun, Poland

Homemade gingerbread cookie in the shape of a castle from the museum in Torun, Poland

The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Inside the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Toruń

We stumbled upon this church by accident and it’s one of the most beautiful churches we’ve visited in Europe. This church goes back to the early 1500s and the stained glass and ornate interior speaks for itself. You definitely need to stop by for a visit when in Toruń.

Old Town Hall Tower and Museum

Old Town hall in Torun Poland

For the best view of Toruń, Poland, head to the top of the Old Town Tower and get a 360 degree look at the Vistula River while appreciating over a thousand years of history below you. The museum below is also worth a visit and offers even more history for you to absorb in this historic town.

Entrance to the Old Town Hall Tower

View of Torun, Poland, from the Old Town hall tower

Piekarnia Bartkowscy Pod arkadami

We can’t pronounce it either. All that matters is that it’s a bakery. A very delicious bakery. Type it in Google Maps and enjoy.

Delicious pastry from a bakery in Torun, Poland

Cheap, friendly and inviting, so many delicious options await you in here. Grab something and then head to Grande Coffee just up the street. Find a seat outside and gaze upon Toruń’s Old Town with a hot coffee as you watch people pass by and enjoy a sweet snack.

A Walk Through Old Town

View of Toruń from the Town Hall Tower

If you’ve visited any of the things we’ve listed above, then walking through Old Town in Toruń is unavoidable. It’s a good thing because the entire medieval part of Toruń is a UNESCO Heritage Site!

Summary of Things to Do in Toruń, Poland

While we listed several wonderful things to do in Toruń, there’s still much more to do! We visited on a day trip from Poznań and are so happy we did. Toruń is one of the few towns in Poland that was not destroyed by WWII and it’s waiting for you to discover it!

Happy Travels!

Like it? Pin it!

If you're visiting Poland then you need to visit Toruń! From its vibrant town square to its medieval history, there are so many things to see and do!

Darah and Garrett in Spain

Where Food Takes Us

We’re Darah and Garrett. Our life has been an adventure ever since we eloped in a pink Cadillac in Las Vegas. Now we’re running around the world, working online, and eating everything we can.

Follow Us!

Related Posts

While looking at accommodations for our 9-day journey in Spain, we wanted to spend some time in vibrant Barcelona, but...
Our trip to Barcelona and the Catalonia region was one of our most memorable European destinations yet. With Gaudi architecture...
Bratislava, Slovakia, is full of things to do! This capital city, situated on the beautiful Danube, makes for a great...

Start Your Travel Budget!

Receive our FREE interactive trip itinerary and budget calculator!
Subscribe
Notify of

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments