What to see in Bydgoszcz in one day? Where to go and what do do? In this article we will show you some attractions that you can visit within a day, located in the Old Town. In the other articles you will read about Downtown and Gdańska Street and other places.
What to see in Bydgoszcz in one day
Let's go for a walk...
The Old Marketplace
Bydgoszcz Old Market Square is the biggest and the most important square in the city. It’s history dates back to the Middle Ages. That time (from 1346) old town hall was standing in the middle of the square. It was also the first place to organize everyday markets. this former market square today serves as an important city landmark. On the west side is the town hall, and directly in front of it sits a monument built in 1969 to commemorate the victims of the Second World War. Originally, this monument was specifically dedicated to the loss of Jewish lives in the Warsaw Ghetto but due to the social climate at the time, it was erected in Bydgoszcz.
Old Port and ``Man Crossing the River`` - city landmarks
If there is one picture to be taken in Bydgoszcz, it will definitely be the view of the Old Port. The characteristic sculpture of a man crossing the river was created in commemoration of
Poland’s entry into the European Union. The figure has been balancing over the water for the last dozen years and only twice in this time it has been taken down (once for renovation, and once as a result of damages done by a drunk tourist).
TIP: If you have a chance, it’s definitely worth visiting Bydgoszcz in May or June when the SlackLine Games are taking place. In this unique championship participants race 12m above the river surface, on 30m long web spread in the heart of the city.
The Red Castle also known as the Polish Mail
The Red Castle also known as the Polish Mail is located at 6 Jagiellonska Street (but also visible from the Old Port) is an impressive redbrick building that now serves as the regional headquarters of the Polish Mail. In olden days, the building was the only place in the town where one could communicate with the rest of the world by sending a letter or making a phone call. Although the building only dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, the Polish Mail had existed in this place 100 years prior.
TIP: Look at the Clock on the tower at the junction of Pocztowa Street and the Old Port. If you look carefully enough, you can spot icons of a mail and a telegraph which have been preserved from the old times.
Market Hall
In the place of the former Evangelical church, a modern market hall was established in the early 20th century. Already 100 years ago, one could visit the hall to stock up on fish, seafood and fresh crayfish. The new indoor establishment gave an end to fish stalls which used to be located at the nearby Fish Market.
Currently, the market hall is waiting for a new owner which will hopefully bring new life to the space. Nevertheless, you can still have a look inside to feel the atmosphere of old times.
Open: Mon -Fri 10:00 – 17:00
Mill Island
Mill Island – Wyspa Młyńska is a 6-hectare green oasis in the heart of the city. After many years of renovations, it is now regarded as the most beautiful place in the Old Town. Situated in the central part of the island is large redbrick Rother’s Mill. The island is also home to many museums and art galleries such as the Archaeological Collections Museum, European Money Center, Modern Art Gallery and a gallery of a well-known painter of the turn of the 19th and 20th century – Leon Wyczółkowski. Alternatively, you can have dinner with a ‘Venice view’ at one of the restaurants located on the island.
TIP: For great views of the city and island, take an elevator to the top floor of the Modern Art Gallery (located in the Red Granary).
TIP: On Saturdays there is no admission fee to enter the museums!
Just like Venice
100 years ago, Bydgoszcz Mill Island was built like a Polish Venice.
On the section of Brdy Młynówka surrounding Młyńska Island there was once a distillery, sawmill, tannery, chocolate factory and even laundries operating here. Some of these small buildings, factories and houses even had their own marinas and water garages where boats were moored. Unfortunately, over the years the island has lost its unique Venetian character. Gondolas can no longer access the river as the current is too fast, so all that is left is to enjoy “little Venice” from a view and appreciate its interesting industrial history.
The Cathedral - small but stunning
St. Marcin and Mikołaj Cathedral is a Gothic building erected in the 15th and 16th centuries. What is special about it is its unusually colourful interior. At the main altar there is a picture of the Mother Mary that is said by some to grant miracles. An interesting fact is that the Mother of God in the painting has a gentle smile, which is unusual for the works from this period. The painting’s eyes also follow your every step (so be careful!). All this being the works of an unknown painter. Take a closer look and try to spot the figure in the lower left corner which represents the commissioner of the painting. On either side of the painting stand the patrons of the church: Saint Marcin and Saint Nicholas.
Open: from morning service till 7 PM
The view from the river
One of the best ways to spend a summer’s day in Bydgoszcz is to take a cruise on a water tram. You can choose between two routes, each of which take about 80 minutes. Tickets are available directly from the captain before departing. Solar powered ships also run from the beginning of May to the beginning of September.
More at www.visitbydgoszcz.pl
If you want to book a private tour see our tours in Bydgoszcz www.tastytours.pl/bydgoszcz
