Wroclaw: The Venice of Poland

• HelloCześć
  [cheshch]
• GoodbyeDo widzenia
  [do veedzenya]
• YesTak
  [tak]
• NoNie
  [nye]
• Please/You're welcomeProszę
  [prosheh]
• Thank youDziękuję
  [jen-koo-yeh]
• Excuse me/SorryPrzepraszam
  [pshay-prasham]
• How are you?Jak się masz?
  [yahk shay mahsh]
• Fine. And you?Dobrze. A ty?
  [dob-zheh. ah tee]
• Do you speak English?Czy mówisz po angielsku?
  [chi moo-veesh poh ahn-gyel-skoo]
• I don't understandNie rozumiem
  [nye roh-zoo-myem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseChciałbym zobaczyć menu, proszę
  [hchya-wym zoh-bah-chich meh-noo, pro-sheh]
• I don't eat meatNie jem mięsa
  [nye yem myen-sah]
• Cheers!Na zdrowie!
  [nah zdrovh-yeh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseChciałbym zapłacić, proszę
  [hchya-wym zah-plah-cheech, pro-sheh]

• Help!Pomocy!
  [poh-moh-tsi]
• Go away!Idź stąd!
  [eej stohnd]
• Call the Police!Zadzwoń po policję!
  [zahd-voon poh poh-leetz-yeh]
• Call a doctor!Zadzwoń po lekarza!
  [zahd-voon poh leh-kah-zah]
• I'm lostZgubiłem się
  [zgoo-bee-wem sheh]
• I'm illJestem chory
  [yeh-stem hoh-ree]

• I'd like to buy...Chciałbym kupić...
  [hchya-wym koo-peech]
• I'm just lookingTylko się rozglądam
  [tsoo-koh sh-eh rohz-gwah-dam]
• How much is it?Ile to kosztuje?
  [ee-leh toh kohs-too-yeh]
• That's too expensiveTo jest za drogie
  [toh yest zah droh-gyeh]
• Can you lower the price?Czy mogę liczyć na obniżkę cen?
  [chi moh-geh leech-eech nah ohb-nee-sh-keh tsehn]

• What time is it?Która jest godzina?
  [ktoh-rah yest goh-dzee-nah]
• It's one o'clockJest pierwsza
  [yest pyem-vee-shah]
• Half past (10)Pół do (10)
  [pohw doh]
• MorningRano
  [rah-noh]
• AfternoonPopołudnie
  [poh-poo-wood-nyeh]
• EveningWieczór
  [vyeh-choor]
• YesterdayWczoraj
  [v-choh-rye]
• TodayDzisiaj
  [jee-shy-ay]
• TomorrowJutro
  [yoo-troh]
• 1Jeden
  [yeh-den]
• 2Dwa
  [dvah]
• 3Trzy
  [tshi]
• 4Cztery
  [ch-teh-ri]
• 5Pięć
  [pyench]
• 6Sześć
  [sheshch]
• 7Siedem
  [shyeh-dem]
• 8Osiem
  [oh-shem]
• 9Dziewięć
  [jeh-vyench]
• 10Dziesięć
  [jeh-shyench]

• Where's a/the...?Gdzie jest...
  [gdz-yeh yest]
• What's the address?Jaki jest adres?
  [yah-kee yest ah-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Czy możesz mi pokazać (na mapie)?
  [chi moo-zhesh mee poh-kah-zahch (nah mah-pee-eh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kiedy jest następny (autobus)?
  [kyeh-dy yest nah-stemp-ny (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Bilet (do ...)
  [bee-let (doh)]

Wroclaw, originally known as Vratislav, was founded in the 10th century. The city's strategic location on the Oder River made it an important trade hub. It became part of the Kingdom of Poland in 990 under the rule of Mieszko I, the first historical ruler of Poland.

During the medieval period, Wroclaw flourished as a member of the Hanseatic League, a powerful economic alliance of trading cities. The city became known for its thriving market square and Gothic architecture, some of which still stand today, such as the magnificent Wroclaw Town Hall.

In the 16th century, Wroclaw came under the control of the Habsburg Monarchy. The city experienced significant cultural and architectural development during this period, including the construction of Baroque churches and palaces.

In 1741, Wroclaw was annexed by Prussia following the Silesian Wars. The city became known as Breslau during this time. Prussian rule brought industrialization and modernization, transforming Wroclaw into one of the most important cities in the German Empire.

Wroclaw suffered extensive damage during World War II. As a fortress city, it was the site of a prolonged and destructive siege by Soviet forces in 1945. Much of the city was left in ruins, and its German population was expelled following the war.

After the war, Wroclaw was incorporated into Poland, and a massive reconstruction effort began. The city was repopulated by Poles, many of whom were displaced from regions annexed by the Soviet Union. Efforts to restore Wroclaw's historical buildings were undertaken, preserving its rich architectural heritage.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Wroclaw experienced a cultural renaissance. The city became known for its vibrant arts scene, numerous festivals, and as a center of higher education. In 2016, Wroclaw was named the European Capital of Culture, further cementing its status as a cultural hub.

Today, Wroclaw is a dynamic city known for its blend of historical charm and modern innovation. It is home to a diverse population and boasts a thriving economy, making it a popular destination for tourists and businesses alike. Key landmarks include the picturesque Ostrow Tumski, the Market Square, and the Centennial Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Wroclaw is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The Wroclaw Copernicus Airport (WRO) offers flights to numerous European cities. From the airport, you can reach the city center by taxi, bus (Line 106 or 206), or the airport shuttle. Wroclaw is also a major railway hub with connections to many Polish cities and international destinations. If traveling by car, Wroclaw is accessible via major highways such as the A4 motorway.

Wroclaw has an extensive public transportation network, including buses and trams. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks, ticket machines, or via mobile apps, and must be validated upon boarding. Taxis are available but ensure they are licensed. Bike rentals and electric scooters are also popular options for getting around. Walking is a great way to explore the city center.

The official currency is the Polish Zloty (PLN). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in case you visit smaller establishments. ATMs are widely available throughout the city. Currency exchange offices (kantors) offer competitive rates and can be found in many locations.

Wroclaw is generally a safe city, but like any urban area, it's important to stay vigilant. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places. Areas near the main train station can be more prone to petty crime. Always use reputable taxi services and avoid unlicensed cabs.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Wroclaw has well-equipped hospitals and medical facilities. Pharmacies (Apteka) are widely available and usually have English-speaking staff. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. The local police and tourist police are helpful and can provide assistance if needed.

Fashion: Do dress smartly if dining at upscale restaurants or attending cultural events. Casual attire is acceptable for sightseeing. Religion: Do be respectful when visiting churches; dress modestly and avoid loud behavior. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket upon boarding. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake. A nod or slight bow is also polite. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food with gratitude. Don't tip excessively; 10-15% is customary.

To experience Wroclaw like a local, visit the Hala Targowa market for fresh produce and local delicacies. Take a walk along the Odra River and explore the many islands and bridges. Attend a performance at the Wroclaw Opera House or a concert at the National Forum of Music. Don't miss the opportunity to explore Wroclaw's dwarfs (Krasnale) scattered throughout the city, a fun and unique treasure hunt.