Fall City Break

Not only international but also domestic tourism is becoming increasingly year-round. The cultural and culinary offerings—and simply the charm—of many cities are often most enticing in the fall:

• Gdansk. The fusion of historical heritage and proximity to nature makes Gdansk a leading fall destination. Strolling down Długa Street or along the Motława River waterfront can be combined with attending the Inside Seaside music festival in November or intimate candlelit concerts featuring the music of Chopin. Gdansk also serves as an excellent base for exploring Sobieszewo Island. In the fall, the Ptasi Raj and Mewia Łacha nature reserves become the setting for extraordinary natural spectacles: from the migration of thousands of waterfowl and waders to the chance to observe wild gray seals basking on the sandbars at the mouth of the Wisla River.
• Cracow. A must-do during an autumn visit to Cracow is a stroll through the Planty Park, which at this time of year creates a stunning “golden oasis” around the Old Town. The walk usually takes between 1.5 and 2 hours. Cool evenings are best spent with a mug of mulled wine in cozy spots in the artistic Kazimierz district. And the most beautiful view of an autumn sunset comes from a short climb up Krakus Mound.
• Łódź. The “City of Textile Workers” is a less obvious but very interesting destination for fall travel. A visit to Łódź’s Orientarium or the renovated Palm House in Źródliska Park lets you feel like you’re in the tropics and forget about the approaching winter for a moment. In addition to the standard stops on a tour of Łódź, such as Manufaktura or Piotrkowska Street, it’s also worth visiting the 19th-century Księży Młyn factory and residential complex. The central attraction of this historic district is the Neo-Renaissance Herbst Palace, with its stunning ballroom, mirrored salon, and orangery. The adjacent coach house houses the small Gallery of Ancient Art, home to a masterpiece of Polish Romanticism: the Portrait of Henryk Rodakowski’s Mother.
• Wroclaw. Autumn in Wroclaw is all about Ostrów Tumski, the oldest part of the city, brimming with medieval monuments and featuring the impressive Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Evening strolls through the cobblestone streets take on an almost magical character here, especially if you happen to encounter the legendary lamplighter in his black cape, manually lighting over 90 gas lamps. Late October is the last chance to see the Japanese Garden shimmering with fall colors. In case of inclement November weather, Wroclaw offers excellent indoor attractions, such as Hydropolis or the monumental Racławice Panorama.
• Poznan. The best time to visit Poznan in the fall is on November 11, St. Martin’s Day. That’s when the city’s famous fairs spring up and numerous celebrations are held. Be sure to add the following to your list of must-see attractions: watching the parade following the traditional handing over of the keys to the city gates to Saint Martin, shopping at the fair, and sampling certified Saint Martin’s croissants and goose meat.

In the fall, apartments seem like a much better choice than traditional hotels. The extra space and a well-equipped kitchen make it easy to have a good time even when the weather isn’t great. An apartment can be an attraction in itself, especially when it’s located in an interesting building—an old townhouse or a modern high-rise—and features unique decor. Bright and cozy interiors work best; bathrooms with a large tub where you can take a warming bath, and living rooms with soft sofas and armchairs for comfortably watching a movie or reading in the evening. A location right in the city center often makes it possible to carry out your travel plans with virtually no need for taxis or public transportation.

On Heyrent, you’ll find apartments in all the cities worth visiting in the fall. Our convenient search tool lets you find a place that fits your needs—whether it’s the number of travelers, your budget, or whether you’re bringing your dog or cat along. With Heyrent, you book directly without any middlemen, and if you run into any issues, you can count on our 24/7 support.