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Lublin, also called “The Little Krakow” or “The Jewish Oxford” is a city full of surprises. When you walk down the Krakowskie Przedmiescie street, you feel like you were in Warsaw.
The city’s infrastructure outside the Old Town make you feel like you were in a metropolis. Then you see the Lublin Sea (Jezioro Zemborzyckie) that looks just like the lakes in the Mazurian region.
The perfect combination of interesting things to do in Lublin, its beautiful architecture, and convenient location make it one of the best places to visit in Poland.
You can’t possibly get bored in this vibrant city. Keep on reading to plan your Lublin sightseeing and making sure you won’t miss anything during you trip.
Here’s the map of Lublin attractions that you can find in this post:
See the highlights of the city by joining Lublin walking tour.
Visit Lublin Castle
The castle is a landmark of Lublin. Built in the 12th century, the impressive palace is located on the hill.
Go up the stairs to walk around the courtyard, visit Museum of Lublin and see the amazing aerial view of the city from Baszta.
The castle is a perfect starting point of Lublin sightseeing. From there, you can walk through Grodzka Gate to the Old Town area.
Walk Through The Grodzka Gate
Located just a few steps away from the castle, Grodzka Gate was built in the 14th century.
What’s interesting, in the past it was also called “The Jewish Gate” as it was the passage between the Old City and the Jewish District.
Find The Quirky Cat Tenement House
Right after going through the Grodzka Gate, you will see the Cat Tenement House on your left.
You can spot there 77 different paintings of cats, all placed there in memory of one of the most famous Lublin artists of all time- Andrzej Kot. In Polish, “Kot” means “cat”.
Andrzej Kot has been living in the neighborhood for a big part of his life.
See Parish Church’s Ruins
The Parish Church was the most important building in Lublin for many years. People were praying there for centuries. Unfortunately, the building was in danger of collapsing, so the city officials decided to demolish the church in the 19th century.
All that is left from the Parish today are the ruins. In the summer, locals and tourists are sitting on the old walls, talking, eating ice-creams, and having fun.
Look Up And Find Jasza Mazur’a Sculpture
When walking up from Plac po Farze towards Rynek, be sure to look up. You will see the sculpture of the magician balancing on a rope.
It’s Jasza Mazur, a fictional character from the “Magician of Lublin” novel, written by Isaac Bashevis Singer, a Nobel prize winner.
Take Photo Of The Blue Tenement House
Kamienica Konopniców is considered as the most beautiful tenement house in Lublin.
It’s not clear when exactly it was built, however, it was renovated in the mannerist style in the 16th century. The vivid blue color of the building is how it originally looked like, however, the tenement house was grey for many years before.
Walk Through Lublin’s Undergrounds
Get to know the history of the city by taking an interesting tour through Lublin’s Underground.
Learn how the Great Fire affected Lublin in the 18th century. Be sure to dress warm as it may get a bit chilly in the undergrounds, even in the summer!
Find But DON’T TOUCH The Stone of Misfortune
According to the legend, one of the worst things to do in Lublin is touching the Stone of Misfortune. It will bring you a bad luck, like it did to many people before you.
One of them was an innocent man who was beheaded on this stone by the executioner in the 15th century.
The other was a baker who used this stone to build his bakery. It burned shortly after with him inside.
There are many other legends of the evil power of stone. Be sure to NOT TOUCH IT.
Go Up The Trynitarska Tower
Go up 200+ stairs of the Trynitarska Tower to get the beautiful panoramic view of Lublin.
Apart from the Observation Deck, there is an interesting Diocesan Museum of Religious Art inside the tower.
Walk Down Krakowskie Przedmiescie Street
Walking down the Krakowskie Przedmiescie is definitely one of the best things to do in Lublin!
This street is the most vibrant place in the city. You can find there many restaurants, cafes, and bars. At the end of it, you will spot the big “Lublin” sign and fountains for kids that are only operating in the summer.
Try Yummy Ice Creams At “Bosko”
Right at the beginning of the Krakowskie Przedmiescie street, there is an ice cream store that you NEED TO visit. They produce their own ice creams that are out of this world!
You can choose from variety of flavors, including milk-free, vegan, and sugar-free options!
Find Lublin’s Billy Goat On Krakowskie Przedmiescie Street
A Billy Goat can be found in the Lublin’s crest.
According to the legend, during the Tartar invasion in the Middle Ages, a goat saved a group of kids that were hiding in the gorge. She has been feeding them with her own milk.
Due to mistake, a female goat was replaced by a billy goat in the crest of Lublin.
Chill On The Beach Of Zemborzyce Lake
Visting Zemborzyce Lake, also known as the Lublin Sea, is one of the best things to do in Lublin, especially in the summer.
There is an outdoor waterpark (Sloneczny Wrotkow) right next to the lake, so you can either chill on the beach for free or have fun in the waterpark.
You can also rent a kayak or pedal boat to swim around the lake.
Have Fun At Aqua Lublin
If you are traveling to Lublin in the wintertime, the aqua park is an interesting place to visit.
There are a gym, wellness area, waterslides, saunas, and many other awesome attractions in Aqua Lublin.
Relax In The UMCS Botanical Garden
Visiting the Botanical Garden is always a good idea.
You can take a relaxing walk surrounded by nature and even join some interesting events (more info here).
Go Back In Time In Lublin Village Open Air Museum
The Village Museum is definitely one of the best places to visit in Lublin! You will have a chance how people in the area have been living in the past.
The open air museum is quite spacious, so you will need at least one hour to see everything.
What’s awesome, real animals (horses, chickens, rabbits, cows, etc.) are living in the Museum, so if you are traveling to Lublin with kids, they will love it for sure!
Try Cebularz and Visit Museum Of Cebularz
The round-shaped flatbread topped with onion and poppy seeds is a regional snack you need to try when in Lublin.
It’s originating from the Jewish cuisine. Before World War 2nd the majority of Lublin’s citizens were Jewish. That’s why the city is sometimes called “The Jewish Oxford” or “The Jerusalem of Poland”.
Sadly, the Holocaust destroyed the entire Jewish community… Right now, there are only 20 Jews living in the city.
Let’s go back to cebularz, though. You can get in all around the Old Town area. If you want to get to know a little bit more about this snack, or even make one by yourself, be sure to visit the Museum of Cebularz!
Take private food tour and try traditional Polish food!
Visit the Centre for the Meeting of Cultures
Centrum Spotkania Kultur is a place where there is always a lot going on. Interesting exhibitions and events are the top 2 reasons to visit this center.
The third is the beautiful rooftop garden that is worth seeing especially in the summer.
Learn About The History In Majdanek Concentration Camp
Majdanek, just like the infamous Auschwitz, was a concentration camp where tens of thousands people were brutally killed. Most of them were Jews.
There are no words to describe how terrible this place is… Considering the fact that the majority of Lublin citizens before World War II were Jews, we may say that Majdanek is responsible for changing the city population forever.
Take A Day Trip To Nałęczów
Nałęczów is one of the most famous spa towns of Lubelszczyzna.
Located half an hour drive from Lublin, it’s also where Naleczowianka water is produced.
Naleczow has a big and peaceful park where you can stroll and try the original healing waters that now became famous countrywide.
Where To Stay In Lublin?
As we are traveling by a car, we wanted to find a place to stay that has a private parking and is located close to the Old Town.
We chose Hotel Atelia that is connected with Hotel Luxor. This 4-star hotel is new and comfortable.
There is honestly nothing we can dislike about this place: from delicious breakfasts to facilities for kids (such as a small outdoor playground, kids’ corner in the restaurant, and the baby cot in the room), they have it all.
Hotel Atelia is located just 10 minutes drive from the city center and within the walking distance to Lublin Village Open Air Museum.
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Disclosure: We want to thank Hotel Atelia for a complimentary stay. All opinions presented in this post are honest and our own.
