Toruń is a historic city in Poland, situated on the Vistula River. It’s most famously known as the birthplace of the astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. The city is also renowned for its traditional gingerbread (Toruńskie Pierniki) and its exceptionally well-preserved medieval Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasting impressive Gothic architecture.
Top Sightseeing Attractions in Torun, Poland
Old Town Market Square (Rynek Staromiejski)
The heart of Toruń’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. This vibrant square is dominated by the magnificent Old Town Hall and surrounded by colorful, historic burgher houses. It’s home to the Nicolaus Copernicus Monument, the Artus Court (Dwór Artusa), and a charming statue of a raftsman playing a violin to frogs (legend says he saved the town from a plague of frogs).
Old Town Hall (Ratusz Staromiejski)
A stunning example of Gothic architecture and one of the most impressive medieval town halls in Central Europe. You can climb its tower for panoramic views of the city and the Vistula River. Inside, it houses a branch of the District Museum, showcasing Gothic art and Toruń’s history.
House of Nicolaus Copernicus (Dom Mikołaja Kopernika)
Believed to be the birthplace of the famous astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. This complex of two Gothic townhouses is now a museum dedicated to his life, work, the instruments he might have used, and the era in which he lived.
St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist Cathedral (Katedra św. Jana Chrzciciela i św. Jana Ewangelisty)
An imposing Gothic brick church, one of the oldest and largest in Toruń. It’s where Copernicus was baptized. The cathedral houses the famous “Tuba Dei” (God’s Trumpet), one of Poland’s largest medieval bells, and its tower also offers splendid views.
Leaning Tower of Toruń (Krzywa Wieża)
A quirky and iconic part of the medieval defensive walls. This red-brick tower visibly leans (about 1.5 meters off perpendicular). Legend attributes its lean to a sinful Teutonic Knight. It’s a popular spot for photos, with people trying to “hold it up.”
Toruń Gingerbread Museums
Toruń is synonymous with gingerbread (pierniki). There are two main museums:
Living Museum of Gingerbread (Żywe Muzeum Piernika): An interactive museum where you can participate in a traditional gingerbread-making workshop, learn about the spices, and bake your own. Great for families.
Museum of Toruń Gingerbread (Muzeum Toruńskiego Piernika): Housed in a historic gingerbread factory, this museum offers a more comprehensive look at the history, traditions, and industrial production of Toruń gingerbread with exhibits and historical baking equipment.
Ruins of the Teutonic Knights’ Castle (Ruiny Zamku Krzyżackiego)
The atmospheric ruins of the first Teutonic Knights’ castle built on Polish soil (Chełmno Land). It was strategically important but was destroyed by disgruntled Toruń burghers in 1454 during an uprising, marking a significant event in the Thirteen Years’ War.
City Walls and Gates (Mury Miejskie i Bramy)
Significant portions of Toruń’s medieval defensive walls are still standing, especially along the Vistula River. You can walk along them and admire impressive gates like the Bridge Gate (Brama Mostowa) and the Monastery Gate (Brama Klasztorna), which once controlled access to the city.
Planetarium Wenus
Given Copernicus’s legacy, a visit to the Planetarium is highly fitting. Located in a converted historic gas tank, it offers various astronomical shows and educational programs about the cosmos, suitable for all ages.
Philadelphia Boulevard (Bulwar Filadelfijski)
A pleasant promenade along the Vistula River, perfect for a leisurely stroll. It offers beautiful views of the Old Town skyline, the river, and the modern Józef Piłsudski Bridge. You can also take boat trips from here.
Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Kościół Wniebowzięcia Najświętszej Marii Panny)
A beautiful Gothic church, formerly Franciscan, known for its impressive height, stellar vaulting, and original 14th-century wall paintings. It also houses the mausoleum of Princess Anna Vasa of Sweden.
Toruń is a wonderfully preserved medieval gem, and walking through its Old Town feels like stepping back in time. Enjoy your visit!