Top Things to do in Torun
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Top 10 Things to do Good for Big Groups in Torun, Central Poland
Famous for its native son, the astronomer Copernicus, Torun was founded by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century. You can still see the ruins of their castle, left pretty much unchanged from when it was destroyed by disgruntled medieval townsfolk. Torun was one of the few Polish cities to escape major damage in World War II. Its beautifully preserved Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t miss the striking Old Town Hall. Torun is also famed for its gingerbread.
Restaurants in Torun
1. Walking Tours of Torun
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 52 reviews
A tour to discover the most important sights of the UNESCO city of Torun, including the Town Hall, the House of Copernicus, the famous Leaning Tower, St Johns’ Cathedral the Franciscan Saint Mary’s Church, Star House, Artus Court, medieval city walls and granaries and many more. Apart from the substantial knowledge, you'll become familiar with stories, curiosities and legends associated with Torun
2. Old Town Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 408 reviews
Reviewed By Elena257 - Timisoara, Romania
This was not only the city hall, but also the place where they had a bakery, winery, the weighting machine. It tower is the symbol of the city
3. Town Square - Old Town
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,166 reviews
Reviewed By RafalWVIIX - Skoki, Poland
In general, medieval town squares had been taking two forms : of an open square, surrounded by public buildings and houses of gentry and rich townsfolk; so called patricians. And with town's hall or other public edifices in the middle of it. Torun's town square belong to this second type. Marked out after 1251 was an important point located on trade route to Malbork and Gdansk, and not so far from ford through a Vistula River. Back in the past it was most representative and prestigious part of town. And, to be honest, still is. After joining Hanseatic League in 1280 town had witnessed rapid growth. We can admire its effects in beautiful edifices of Old Town Square like Gothic Town Hall. Beside of public gatherings, fairs or tournaments, town square was place where court judgements were announced and public executions of criminals were taking place. In 1454 at the Torun's town square, Gabriel Bazynski voivode of Chelminska Land along with Torun's nobles, patricians and highest municipal officials swore allegiance to Polish King Casimir IV Jagiellon. Of course, the main function of town square were trade and commerce. Town square was divided into four markets where, along with the adjacent streets, selling goods was taking place. Around the old market place can be found one of the oldest tenements in Torun. Many of them constructed in 13th and 14th centuries were, later on, rebuilt in Renaissance, Baroque or Classicist styles. Many of those tenements concealing inside themselves beautiful historic interiors. From all the buildings of Old Town Square its western frontage is the youngest one. After being severely damaged during Swedish siege in 1703 in times of III Northern War ( or so called Great Northern War) it's been partly rebuilt after its end. In place of most damaged tenements Baroque Church of the Holy Spirit was erected. In 19th century some of the rebuilt tenements on the west side of the square were demolished by Prussian government (that was the time after III partition of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth), and Neo-Gothic edifice of Central Post Office was constructed in their place. Luckily enough, in times of WWII, when German Wehrmacht razed to the ground so many towns and cities in Poland, Russia and other countries Torun's Old Town Square was spared utter destruction, so we can admire its beauty. Definitely worth visiting.
4. Monument of Nicolaus Copernicus
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 592 reviews
Reviewed By Ula_and_Tom - Leszno, Poland
Really cool that even the great Kopernik is wearing a mask in the time of coronavirus. Very neat. No trash around it. Obviously there were lots of tourists but that's predictable since everyone wants a ????.
5. The Arthur's Court
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By Elena257 - Timisoara, Romania
The court was basically the building where the guilds were meeting. Now it is transformed into a theatre.
6. Motoarena Torun im. Mariana Rosego
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By 322ianb - Stromstad, Sweden
This purpose built stadium is excellent, complimented with great facilities, the seats are comfortable, the track is prepared for entertaining racing I have personally had the pleasure of attending the SGP and a league meeting over the last six years, I will also be attending this event in October 2018.
7. Torun House of Legends
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 230 reviews
Reviewed By 686christosc
Loads of fun When in Torun don't miss the opportunity to visit the house of legends for an amazing journeys back in mediaeval times Absolutely marvellous!!!
8. Katedra rzymskokatolicka Sw. Jana Chrzciciela i Jana Ewangelisty
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 146 reviews
Reviewed By retireeVancouver - Vancouver, Canada
Know ahead of time what to look for inside this medieval Gothic church, otherwise you might miss something important because there is so much to look at. When I entered the old church, I was just overwhelmed with all of the baroque altars visible from the nave, but placed in niches on the side walls. They seemed massive against the whitewashed walls - tall and wide - all gold, black with gilded decor, or even blue. They were decorated with a mix of statues, paintings, and sunbursts. Epitaphs and other commemorative plaques for noble families and notable citizens were also placed on these chapel walls. Each had a low fence in front of it. Each chapel also had at least 2 Gothic stained glass windows. Biblical scenes from the Bible were illustrated with strong colors and were just beautiful. These windows were still the originals as the city of Torun had not been damaged in WWII. However, I missed the Copernicus Chapel with its baptismal font and bust of Copernicus because my attention was elsewhere. The front of the church, of course, should be the focus of any visit. In contrast to the white walls of the nave, these walls were red brick. My eye was drawn to the 1300 Gothic wood cross with a crucified Christ hanging over the 15th century triptych of St. Wolfgang with a beautiful stained glass window behind all. On either side of the window were very large paintings of the church's two patrons - St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist. However, the painting that got the most attention was the one hanging on a side wall beside the altar - the Crucifixion and Last Judgement. This medieval painting was large and it needed to be to illustrate the essential elements of Christianity. On the top was Peter with the keys to heaven who ushered good people in while St. Gabriel with his sword directed sinners to hell. On the bottom were painted the various punishments people suffered in hell. In the midst of the painting, was the crucified Christ with Mary and others at his feet. The pulpit was really ornate and was placed at the front of the hall church. The white ceiling was vaulted with a repetitive subtle red and green design which also decorated the pointed arches. The north entrance to this church faces the square. The churchis about 1 block from the Town Hall at the intersection of Zeglarska and Kopernicka streets. This red brick church is easily recognized by its single wide tower that has a one armed clock on the south side of the tower. Beside the clock there was evidence of cannon ball damage (missing bricks) from the 18th century Swedish siege. There was no admission for the church, but there is a charge to climb the bell tower for city views and the chance to touch the bell's clapper which supposedly brings good luck. That bell - Tuba Dei- is one of the largest medieval bells in Poland. We took 15 minutes for our pictures, but a visit could be much longer if a closer examination of all of the altars is done. This medieval church is the main church of the old town and should not be missed.
9. The Living Museum of Gingerbread
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,449 reviews
The Living Museum of Gingerbreads in Torun is the first so interactive museum in Europe. It has existed since 2006 and it is located at 9 Rabianska street, in the middle of the city center. It all takes place in the Medieval Bakery under the watchful eyes of Gingerbread Master. Visitors prepare dough by themselves and bake their own gingerbreads. Another floor is a manufacturing room from the early 20th century where we teach how to decorate gingerbreads with an icing. We welcome all those who want to learn about the tradition of baking gingerbreads in Torun and its medieval culture. All of this happens in a fantastic atmosphere with a great deal of humor. The visit in our Museum is fun and joy for everyone, no matter what age you are. We welcome visitors daily 10am – 6pm. The last show starts at 5 pm. The show translated in English starts at 2 pm.
Reviewed By T9260ADcarols
Lots of fun and very hands on; this is where their famous gingerbread is made and known throughout Europe. Reserve ahead of time. Gets busy.
10. Centrum NowoczesnoSci Mlyn Wiedzy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By HaniM408
This place has 6 floors that cover most areas of knowledge and because it's brand new the exhibits are all wonderful. There is something for every age here, from 2-13 years of age. We went with our 2-year old and she obviously couldn't gain knowledge but she had a blast. Personally, there is so much it's better to go multiple times but you can spend the whole day there easily. Family place with tons for kids to do. great educational experience especially if you have some background knowledge before going. Highly recommend.
