What to see, what to do

Things to do – updated 17 January 2023.

There’s a lot to see and do in the city. Here’s our list of the Top 10 things to do in Toruń. Click on the links for further information or to book a tour & buy tickets.

1. Cathedral of SS John the Baptist & John the Evangelist

A former main parish church of the Old Town of Toruń, this huge Gothic cathedral started life in 1260 but was not completed until the end of the 15^th century. There’s a lot to see including painted decorations depicting the Crucifixion and the Last Judgement dating from the 14^th century, a 13^th century baptismal font (which was supposedly used to baptise Nicolaus Copernicus), a 15^th century clock and the Tuba Dei, a massive bell cast in 1500.

2. Old Town Hall

The Old Town Hall is a Gothic building created in stages during the 13^th & 14^th centuries and hasn’t changed much since then with the exception of some later Renaissance additions. The structure is one of the most outstanding examples of medieval city architecture in central Europe. You’ll find a museum there today with exhibits of Gothic art including both paintings and stained glass, local crafts dating from the 17^th & 18^th centuries and a gallery of Polish art.

Further information.

3. Gingerbread Museum

Located in the Old Town, take part in an interactive exhibit where you can learn about the history of Toruń gingerbread and have a go at making your own under the instruction of a gingerbread master.

Further information.

4. Teutonic Castle Ruins

The majority of the castle was destroyed during an uprising in 1454, when the local townspeople revolted against the Teutonic Order. During the 1960s excavation work uncovered underground chambers, which have been opened up to visitors. There’s a few things to see other than the ruins.

Further information.

5. House under the Star

Embellishing the Old Town Square, the House Under the Star is Baroque house built in the 1200s with a 17^th century façade. The stuccoed structure takes its name from the golden star atop the gable that was put there during its facelift in 1697. Inside, you’ll find a small branch of the Regional Museum with exhibits of Asian art including Chinese pottery and Japanese swords.

Further information.

6. Medieval Walls

The walls date all the way back to the middle of the 13^th century and were extended and reinforced in the late Middle Ages. Today, you can see large portions of the wall, which have been preserved in addition to nine gates and towers, which are still standing.

7. Leaning Tower of Toruń

One of Toruń’s most photographed buildings is the crooked tower (leaning tower), whose top and bottom is out of kilter by 1.5m. You’ll find it on the southwest corner of Toruń’s Medieval defences.

8. Nicolaus Copernicus Monument

A popular meeting point located in front of the Town Hall is the statue of Nicolaus Copernicus. The statue is twice life size and stands on a 5m pedestal. It was raised in 1853.

9. New Town Square

The New Town Square isn’t really new considering that it was laid out in 1264. It was once the centre of a separate town with its own town hall; however this was pulled down in the 15^th century when the two towns merged. You’ll find a mix of styles ranging from Gothic to Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical.

10. Cosmopolis Fountain

You’ll find the fountain on the western side of the Old Town next to the university’s Harmonica building. The fountain was switched on in 2008 and is a homage to Copernicus. Its 113 jets plot the orbits of the planets, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn with a taller central jet 5m high representing the sun. The summer light and sound shows between 9pm and midnight are worth seeing.

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