Wroclaw is a city of dwarves, historical bridges, and colourful squares. But towering above it all is one unmissable landmark – Sky Tower, Wroclaw. This controversial yet fascinating structure changes the game for any tourist wanting to see Poland from a bird’s-eye view.
In April, Verča and I went there to explore whether buying a ticket to the 49th floor is truly worth it, or if it’s just a tourist trap.
Spoiler: The view is priceless, but you need to know how to go about it to enjoy your visit stress-free.
Before we dive into our personal experiences, let’s talk about what you’re actually looking at. Sky Tower is not just any skyscraper.
At 212 metres, Sky Tower is one of the tallest buildings in Poland (it held the record for a long time before being surpassed by Warsaw). The entire complex consists of three parts: the base (shopping centre), the residential tower, and a lower office building.
Construction began in 2007 under the direction of Polish billionaire Leszek Czarnecki. During the financial crisis, the project changed and even halted several times. Locals weren’t fond of it for a long time – the skyscraper stands in an area with significantly lower surrounding buildings, creating a unique (and for some, inappropriate) visual contrast. Today, however, it’s the most famous landmark in the city.
As we approached the building, we encountered a small hitch. The main entrance to the shopping centre appeared to be locked. The doors wouldn’t open, and the sensors didn’t respond. It turned out that the entrance we were standing at only opens from the inside.
Pro tip: Don’t panic if you encounter a “locked” door. There’s a constant bustle of people around the building where the Sky Tower is located, and someone exits every few seconds. Just wait for the doors to open or find one of the other three main entrances. It’s likely some temporary glitch or security measure, which we also encountered in April.
The entrance to the observation deck (Punkt Widokowy) has its own dedicated lift. This is where the real fun begins. The lift is extremely fast, and during the ride to the 49th floor (which takes less than a minute), you can genuinely feel the pressure change. Both Verča and I experienced ear-popping several times – just like on an airplane.
To make the journey feel shorter, a projection runs on one wall of the lift, visually preparing you for the height you’re ascending. It’s a small but very effective detail that turns an ordinary ride into an experience. Personally, I enjoyed watching the floor counter tick up – floor 20, 25, 30, 40, 49.
As soon as the doors open, you exhale. The observation deck space is surprisingly large. Even though we were there when there were quite a few tourists, no one was bumping into anyone. The glass enclosure is well-designed, and you have the city laid out before you.
On a clear day, you can see:
The observation deck also includes a bar. Be prepared for the “mountain surcharge” to apply even in a skyscraper.
If you’re not afraid of the wind, make sure to visit the outdoor terrace as well. It offers a slightly different perspective and, most importantly, the chance to take photos without glass reflections (if you find a good angle).
Important notice: The entire area, including the outdoor terrace, is strictly non-smoking. I assume this is due to fire regulations at such a height. So, save your cigarette (or e-cigarette) for when you’re back on the ground.
We chose to travel from the city centre (from Rynek) by tram. It’s the simplest and cheapest way.
We opted for purchasing through the official provider on GetYourGuide here. The Sky Tower sells tickets directly here, and compared to buying on-site, you’re guaranteed that your chosen day is accounted for. If your plans change, you can request a full refund up to 24 hours before your selected date.
You’ll have your ticket available in your email and the GetYourGuide app, even offline.
Pricing:
If you want to make the most of your visit to Wrocław, I recommend considering accommodation directly in the building. It’s an unforgettable experience.
These are apartments located right in the tower. Verča and I agreed that it’s worth every zloty for at least two nights. In the morning, you wake up, pull back the curtains, and morning mist hovers over the city below you.
If you don’t want to pay premium prices for Sky Tower accommodation but wish to be nearby:
| Item | Low-cost variant | Comfort variant |
|---|---|---|
| Ticket | 53 PLN | 53 PLN |
| Transport | On foot from the centre | Tram (4.60 PLN) |
| Food/Drinks | Snack from a ground-floor Żabka / Biedronka | Drink at the bar (60 PLN) |
| Accommodation | Hostel in the centre (150 PLN/night) | Sky Tower Apartment (600+ PLN/night) |
| Total per person | approx. 220 PLN | approx. 740+ PLN |
Absolutely yes. Although the Sky Tower is a modern skyscraper that might seem out of place with historical Wrocław, the experience from 200 metres up is unique.
For me and Verča, the lift ride with a projection and the subsequent relaxation on the swing overlooking the entire city was the highlight of our April trip. If you have the budget, pay extra for accommodation directly in the building – the moment you watch the city lights from your bed on the 40th floor at night is indescribable.
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