New Reviews in Wrocław In Your Pocket #37

@Wałbrzych – Museum of Porcelain in Wałbrzych 1470931879_museum

Gaze at the best specimens from a vast 10,500-piece ceramics collection focused on artefacts manufactured in 19th-century Wałbrzych.

@Wałbrzych – Old Mine Science & Art Centre venue1

Recent efforts to revive Wałbrzych’s cultural life and celebrate its industrial heritage brought about the 2014 unveiling of this impressively modern museum located in the former Julia coal mine complex. Though its creation put the town in considerable debt – a move heavily criticised by some citizens – the result is remarkable to say the least. The centre features an art gallery, exhibition of mining paraphernalia, the “ecology tower,” and restored structures including a machine room, underground adit, headframe, and workshop.

@Wałbrzych – Palm House palm_tree

This 1913 palm house, commissioned by Hans Heinrich XV von Hochberg residing at the nearby Książ Castle, has seen better days, but is nevertheless a nice way to finish up your castle visit. An amiable 2km walk from the castle, the short trek is rewarded with the palm house’s splendidly leafy in-greenhouse cafe where you can literally hide among the greenery.

Cegielnia 1470931840_restaurantcoctail 

A simple, stylish eatery with much exposed brick as you’d expect from the name (‘cegielnia’ means brickyard). Offering huge bowls of basics like salads and pasta, as well as toasted sandwiches and ciabattas going for budget prices, it is a fast and healthy option. An ideal place to start the night with handsome wine and cocktail lists.

OVO Bar & Restaurant 1470931840_restaurantcoctail 

Recently opened in Wrocław’s futuristic OVO building (which does remarkably resemble na egg), this glitzy restaurant is a great spot for a slow breakfast, professional business lunch, or evening cocktails from their impressive drinks menu, as well as making your mind up about Wrocław’s newest architectural addition.

Projekt WIEŻA 1470931840_restaurant

Ultra-fine dining in a Wrocław district you probably wouldn’t explore otherwise – the leafy Zielona Wyspa – expertly created by Top Chef Poland participant Krzysztof Matuszkiewicz and his crew. The location is as unique as the seasonal dishes, with the restaurant occupying the ground floor of a restored 130-year-old tower.

Dinette 1470931840_restaurant

Wrocław’s most epic all-day breakfast has made it out of the Sky Tower shopping centre and into a far more convenient location in the old town. As such, the most difficult part of your morning might just be deciding which delicious option to choose from the extensive menu (we swear by shakshouka with excellent freshly-baked bread). Also at Plac Teatralny 8.

Niezły Dym 1470931840_restaurant

We’ll cut right to it – the pizza napoletana served here is amazing. Expertly prepared dough, splendid tomato sauce, and tasty topping combinations have elevated this spot above Wro’s other pizzerias, making this our go-to place for delicious carbs. Heartily recommended.

Ristorante Liberta7 1470931840_restaurant

End a night spent at the National Forum of Music with an upscale Italian dinner right next door. Liberta7 – located on Liberty Square 7 – offers a selection of pastas, pizzas, and seafood in a sleekly decorated interior. Wine, candles, and mood lighting round off the experience.

AleBrowar 1471791072_cerveza

As this watering hole’s official motto states, “don’t say hop until you try”. Actually, scratch that – the cool decor and crowds of chipper, well-dressed patrons draw you in as soon as you round the corner, and the great selection of craft beer makes you stay for another… and another…

Folkstar 1470932049_shop

Do all your souvenir shopping in one place, assuming that you don’t immediately get dizzy from the ubiquitous floral patterns (and we really mean ubiquitous – it’s intense). Surprisingly low on kitsch, this little shop actually carries loads of cute trinkets we wouldn’t mind having around the house.

Doubletree by Hilton hotel

Recently opened in Wrocław’s futuristic OVO building (which does remarkably resemble na egg), this Doubletree offers peace and quiet close to the old town, with comfy beds, ergonomic workspaces, flats-screen TVs, and signature chocolate chip cookies. Living in the OVO is a pretty ritzy affair, with other advantages including exclusive shops, a health centre, spa, restaurants, and casino.

 

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