Discover the medieval treasures of Toruń: a one-day tour of the city of Copernicus

Discover the medieval treasures of Toruń: a one-day tour of the city of Copernicus

June 11, 2025

Toruń, a UNESCO World Heritage city, is a true treasure trove of medieval architecture and history. Known as the birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus and the capital of famous gingerbread, it offers an unforgettable experience for lovers of history, architecture and Polish culture. In this article, we'll take you on a fascinating journey through the most important sights of Toruń, which can be visited in one day. Get ready to walk along the cobblestone streets, admire the Gothic churches and learn about the fascinating legends of this remarkable city. Our tour will lead you through the most interesting places of the Old Town, allowing you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a medieval trading town. Discover with us the magic of Toruń, a city that has delighted visitors with its beauty and rich history for over 800 years!

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A journey to the time of Copernicus

Our tour begins with a visit to the Nicolaus Copernicus House, located at 15/17 Nicolaus Copernicus St. This birthplace of the famous astronomer is now a museum dedicated to his life and achievements. The building, which dates back to the 15th century, has been painstakingly restored to reflect the atmosphere of the era in which Copernicus lived. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (as of 2023). A regular ticket costs about 26 zloty, but it's worth checking current prices on the museum's official website. For families with children, there are interactive exhibitions that present Copernicus' achievements in an accessible way.

After leaving the museum, we head towards the heart of the Old Town - the Old Town Square. Here our eyes are drawn to the majestic Old Town Hall, which is one of the most beautiful examples of Gothic architecture in Poland. The Town Hall, now home to the District Museum, invites visitors from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tickets cost about 20 zlotys per adult (2023 prices). Inside, rich collections of arts and crafts await, as well as the opportunity to climb the city hall tower, which offers a panoramic view of the city.

Near the city hall, in the Old Town Square, stands a statue of Nicolaus Copernicus - a must-see on any tour of Torun. It's the perfect place for a souvenir photo and a moment's rest. It is worth knowing that the monument was unveiled in 1853 and has been one of the symbols of the city ever since.

For families with children, we recommend planning a lunch break in one of the numerous restaurants in the Old Town. Many of them offer traditional Polish dishes, as well as menus for the little ones. After your meal, it's a good idea to take a short break to gain strength before continuing your sightseeing.

Keep in mind that the center of Toruń is perfectly suited for sightseeing on foot. All the listed attractions are in close proximity to each other, making our tour comfortable even for families with small children. However, it is advisable to bring comfortable shoes, as we will be walking on cobblestone streets.

In the heart of the Gothic city

Continuing our tour of medieval Torun, the next point on our route is the Live Gingerbread Museum, located at 9 Rabianska Street, a place that will delight both children and adults. The museum is open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (hours are subject to change depending on the season, it's worth checking the official website). Admission tickets cost around 20-25 zloty per adult, with various discount options for children and groups (prices as of 2023). At the museum you can not only learn about the history of Toruń's famous gingerbread, but also take part in gingerbread workshops, where everyone can make and decorate their own gingerbread with their own hands.

After the sweet adventure with gingerbread, we head towards one of the most characteristic points of Toruń - the Leaning Tower. This Gothic tower, located at 1 Pod Krzywą Wieżą 1, is inclined about 1.5 meters from the vertical. The tower is open to the public daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (hours may change seasonally). Entering the Leaning Tower is not only an opportunity to see an interesting structure, but also to enjoy the panorama of the city from the top of the tower. An entrance ticket costs about PLN 10-15 per adult.

Not far from the Leaning Tower is another important point of our trip - the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist. This monumental Gothic temple, located at 6 Mikołaja Kopernika Street, is one of the oldest and most important churches in Toruń. The cathedral is open to the public daily, admission is free. Inside you can admire the beautiful Gothic interiors, historic frescoes and altars. It is also the place where Nicolaus Copernicus was baptized.

For families with children, it's a good idea to plan short breaks between visits to the various sites. There are many cafes and ice cream parlors in the area where you can rest and recuperate. It is also worth remembering to take water with you, especially on warm days.

While strolling through the Old Town, let's pay attention to the beauty of the Gothic houses and charming backstreets. This is a great opportunity to take souvenir photos and feel the atmosphere of the medieval city. For the youngest tourists, you can prepare a small game - searching for characteristic elements of Gothic architecture, such as pointed windows or decorated portals.

It's worth remembering that Torun is a pedestrian-friendly city, but for those with limited mobility or families with young children, consider using public transportation. Buses and streetcars run regularly, connecting the most important points of the city.

Finish off an exciting day

At the end of our day tour of Torun, we suggest a walk along the medieval fortification walls, which are one of the best preserved fortification systems in Poland. The route along the walls will allow us to see a variety of towers and gates, such as the Monastery Gate and the Sailor's Gate. This is an excellent opportunity to imagine what life was like in a medieval city.

If you have some time and energy left, consider a visit to the Museum of Torun Gingerbread, located at 4 Strumykowa St. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (hours are subject to change, it's worth checking on the official website). Admission tickets cost about 20-25 zlotys per adult (prices as of 2023). This is the place where you can delve into the history of the production of Toruń's famous gingerbread and see how it has changed over the centuries.

At the end of the day, to relax and enjoy the panorama of Toruń, we recommend going to the Viewing Platform - Panorama of Toruń, located on the other side of the Vistula River. This place is easily accessible on foot or by public transportation. The platform offers unforgettable views of the entire Old Town, especially beautiful at sunset. This is a great opportunity to take some last souvenir photos and sum up your impressions of the day.

For families with children who need a moment of relaxation after an intensive sightseeing, we recommend a visit to one of the city's parks, such as the City Park in Bydgoszcz Suburbs. It's a great place for a picnic or just relaxing in the fresh air.

It's worth remembering that Torun offers many accommodation options - from luxury hotels to cozy guesthouses and apartments in the city center. If you plan to stay overnight, it's a good idea to book in advance, especially during the summer season.

All in all, a day tour of Torun is a fascinating trip back in time to discover the richness of medieval architecture and history. The city offers many attractions suited to different age groups, making it an ideal destination for the whole family. Remember to plan your route with rest and meal breaks in mind, especially if you are traveling with children.

Torun is a city that delights at any time of the year, but it looks especially beautiful in spring and summer, when you can fully enjoy strolling through the old town and relaxing by the Vistula River. Whether you are a lover of history, architecture or simply looking for an interesting place for a weekend getaway, Torun is sure to meet your expectations and leave an unforgettable impression.

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