Torun is a small town located between Gdansk and Warsaw. Known for red brick, gingerbread, and Copernicus, Toruń is a must-see destination on any visit to Poland.
Torun is often represented as a fairy-tale village with few tourists. Our experience was quite different! We found that there were almost no North American tourists. You’ll find it buzzing with Polish school groups and visitors from across Europe. This unfortunately means that Torun is quite touristy but even if you don’t have the town to yourself, this 1-day itinerary is perfect for any visit to Torun.
This itinerary is more relaxed than our typical plans. Torun actually has no must-see sights so be prepared to stroll. Wander in and out of shops, churches, gardens, and quaint back lanes.
Download a list format of this itinerary below.
What to do in Torun
Old Town Torun
Start your visit outside the Old Torun Gate, in the park. You’ll see the Copernicus University Museum, which enthusiasts may consider visiting. From here, wander into the town along street Rozana. You’ll hit the main town square, marked by a statue of (guess who?) Copernicus. Look for the statue of the brass donkey: see the thin vertical strip of metal? As a punishment, minor criminals would sit atop of it!
Along Zeglarska Street, to the right, is a wealth of gingerbread shops. We liked one on the right at number 25, where you can choose from a variety of types and everything is measured by weight.
When you reach a fork in the road along Szeroka street, be sure to take both roads. To the left leads to Torun’s New Town Square and Holy Trinity Church, while the right leads to the remains of the Teutonic castle and town wall.
Churches
We recommend entering St. John’s Cathedral, the Church of the Holy Spirit, and Holy Trinity Church. You can also enter St. Katerina’s Church and St James Church, both of which we liked. Rule of thumb: if there are services, be respectful and come back later. Churches in Poland are open early and close late, which makes them very accessible for tourists to visit.
Gingerbread Museum
There are in fact two gingerbread museums in Torun. One, the Museum of Torun Gingerbread, is very traditional with displays and information boards. The other, the Living Museum of Gingerbread, is much better in our opinion.
We recommend buying your ticket online in advance at their website here. There is normally one or two English “shows” every day. We weren’t able to make the English show so attended it in Polish. We didn’t understand a word the man said, but it was still so much fun! Never let a language barrier stop you from enjoying culture.
Here’s how it works: they take you upstairs, where bakers dressed in traditional clothing tell the story of Torun gingerbread. They use traditional tools to make gingerbread dough with audience participation. Then, everyone goes to a table where you roll out and mold your own cookies! They are then cooked in traditional ovens for 12 minutes. Then, you get to take them with you!
If there is anything in Toruń that we think can’t be missed, it is this museum.
Town Hall Tower
The town hall, next to the Copernicus statue, is the most famous building in Torun. You can climb the steps up to the top to have a commanding view over the town.
It is a very beautiful view and we thought it was totally worth the climb (it’s also a good chance to work off all that gingerbread!).
Copernicus House
We did not visit this site, but visitors interested in Copernicus’ life and work may want to consider visiting it. There is also a planetarium in the old town.
Eating in Torun
Torun revolves around gingerbread. We ate dinner at the Pierogarnia Stary Mlyn chain in Torun. We normally try to avoid chains, but there is something to be said for a restaurant business that revolves around one food: they know how to do it well.
Our meal was absolutely delicious, and they have so many twists to add to traditional pierogis. We were impressed by the regionally inspired pierogis. Most notably, the baked gingerbread dessert pierogi was unique and yummy!
Transportation
Old town Torun is 100% walkable, with the exception of the train station, located outside the old town. The easiest option to and from the train station is a taxi or Uber which are very affordable in Poland, but it is also possible by public transportation.
THE BIG PICTURE
We were initially a bit shocked at the number of tourists in Torun after having read about how quiet and untouched it is. Even so, Torun is special and is probably the only small town you will visit in Poland. You’ll see enough red brick and hear enough about Copernicus to last a lifetime. Go to Torun and create your own fairy tale, or even better, a scientific theory to change the world.
