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As opportunities continue to open up and expand in the centre of New Europe, an increasing number of foreigners have arrived in Wroclaw to seek fame and fortune, new experiences and adventure. From the humble English teacher looking to learn the language and get to grips with Polish culture, to the quick-thinking businessman with the glint of gold in his eye, Wroclaw's expat community are a colourful mix of characters, enjoying their new lives in Poland. With an ever increasing number of multinational companies setting up shop here, there has also been a huge increase in salaried workers in Wroclaw plying their trades for the likes of LG Philips, Toyota, Whirlpool and Google.
Above: Foreigners relaxing on Wroclaw's Market Square
Expat Life in Wroclaw
A vibrant academic and business hub, Wroclaw may have a relatively small population of around 640,000 people, but there's certainly plenty going on for the city's residents to get to grips with. The theatre may be the preserve of Polish speakers, but a visit to the Wroclaw Opera House can be enjoyed by all, and film-wise most of the city's cinemas screen films in their original language - so movie buffs can keep up with the latest releases. A host of modern art museums and cultural centres exist, the big players being BWA, Impart and Wro Art Centre, and add to them a score of scintillating festivals and you've got a lively cultural programme. Our events calendar is the best way to stay in the know in Wro!
As far as eating and drinking are concerned, Wroclaw's ever expanding gastronomical realm is rich in treasures. Whilst Polish cuisine is of course the most prevalent, Wroclaw is a cosmopolitan place and that is reflected by the large number of Italian, Korean and Japanese restaurants (patronised by the large number of Italian, Korean and Japanese expatriots). In addition swanky bars such as Prowokacja, Lemoniada and Kardamon are catering to the often fancier tastes of foreigners, whilst there is of course Wroclaw's very own Irish Pub - a favourite with Brits. Check out our nightlife page for more info.
Other forms of entertainment in Wroclaw come is a diverse manner of shapes and sizes. Get out and about in Szczytnicki Park and the Japanese Gardens, admire the flowers in the Botanical Gardens, take a walk on the islands and the banks of the Oder, head over to Wroclaw zoo for a chat with the chimpanzees or get active with golf, go-karting or a swim at the aquapark. There's plenty more to do besides and if you're considering packing your suitcases for Poland then you needn't worry about becoming bored!
Settling in
Nothing helps you settle in to a new city and a new life faster than making new friends. Contacting The International Friends of Wroclaw is a great way to start and with well over a hundred families representing twenty five different nationalities, the chances are you'll be able to meet someone from your part of the world. For info about the city in English, best make Wroclaw Life your first point of call. And if you really can't find what you're searching for why not post a message on our forum... The answer is out there somewhere! | | | |