Summer in Bydgoszcz

Among these picturesque buildings nestled along the cascading waterways, you will find:

• The European Money Centre: Home to fascinating collections, including the famous Bydgoszcz Treasure.
• The Modern Art Gallery: Where you can admire works from the 22nd National Exhibition of Unique Amateur Textiles (from June 13 to August 30, 2026), as well as the exhibition "Re/Visions. Film Posters by Polish Female Artists 1954–1982" (available until July 5, 2026).
• The Archaeological Collections: Located inside the White Granary, taking you on a captivating journey into the past.

The dominant landmark on Mill Island is Rother’s Mills: two brick building wings complemented by a terrace with a fountain, a historic chimney, and smaller surrounding structures. One of them houses a cosy café-club, while the other features a popular ice cream shop during the summer. The mill’s Center for Science and Culture offers a rich educational and cultural program designed for entire families – children will certainly not find any time to be bored here!

Rother’s Mills are well worth a visit, so make sure to reserve plenty of time to explore them. After a meticulous restoration, this post-industrial site was reopened as a vibrant hub filled with culture, science, and art, boasting an event calendar packed with attractions for all ages. Don't miss the chance to take the lift to the rooftop observation deck for a stunning panoramic view of the city, and explore the permanent exhibitions:

• "Knots: A Tale of a City on the River" – a multimedia journey through the history of Bydgoszcz, highlighting the vital role of water and ecology.
• "Mill-Machine" – an interactive, hands-on science centre exhibition.
• SOWA (Discovery, Imagination, and Activity Zone) – a popular science space created in cooperation with the Copernicus Science Centre in Warsaw.

Please note: The exhibitions are closed on Mondays, though the Mills complex and the outdoor terrace remain open.

After an intensive day of sightseeing, nothing complements a summer day quite like delicious ice cream from local pastry shops (Cafe Primo at 18 Gdańska Street or Katarynka at 3 Niedźwiedzia Street), which are famous throughout the entire region! And what tastes best alongside such delicious ice cream? Masterfully brewed coffee, of course! Bydgoszcz is a true capital for coffee enthusiasts, serving as the home base for a group of elite specialists who hold World and Polish Coffee Roasting Champion titles. To taste their exceptional creations, be sure to visit the specialty coffee shops Parzymy Tutaj (61 Długa Street) and Landshaft (6 Gimnazjalna Street). Don't forget to swing by Velvet Artcafe (25 Gdańska Street) or Bromberg Kaffee (16 Gdańska Street), where you can find a wide selection of regional products alongside premium local coffee. And for dessert? A visit to the Sowa Pastry Shop is a must. Did you know that this beloved family business originated right here in Bydgoszcz before capturing the hearts of foodies across Poland and abroad?

But where can you uncover the history of Bydgoszcz itself? Not everyone knows that the city’s most famous postcard landmark – the Granaries on the Brda River – is actually a branch of the Leon Wyczółkowski District Museum dedicated specifically to local history. Currently, you can admire historical expositions there, including the permanent exhibition "From the Old Market Square to Wolności Square: A Stroll Down the Streets of Interwar Bydgoszcz," which tells the city's story in a truly captivating way. It is the perfect place to discover the roots and evolution of Bydgoszcz.

When discussing museums, we cannot overlook those tied to our deep water traditions. The first is the Waterworks Museum. Located in the historic Water Tower, its exhibition displays how old bathrooms looked and how water was historically supplied to the city. Visitors can also climb to the observation deck at the top of the tower, which offers a magnificent panoramic view of the skyline. The second spot is the Bydgoszcz Canal Museum, which introduces the intricacies of inland water engineering and showcases the vibrant daily life that once revolved around the canal.

Insider tip: You can even rent kayaks directly at the Bydgoszcz Canal Museum!

It is also well worth mentioning the Lemara Barge. While it may not be a traditional museum, it plays a vital educational and cultural role in bringing Bydgoszcz’s river history to life. Moored by the Rybi Rynek (Fish Market), this historic cargo barge offers unique exhibitions dedicated to the Brda River, local shipping, and the daily lives of Bydgoszcz rafters (flisacy). A variety of cultural events, workshops, and community gatherings are regularly hosted on its deck.

Go with the flow

Now that we’ve fed the soul with museum tours, it is time to focus on active recreation – and Bydgoszcz offers plenty of fantastic options. A visit to Myślęcinek (the Forest Park of Culture and Leisure) is perfect both for those seeking high-energy outdoor activities and those who prefer a tranquil day in nature.

The youngest travelers will love visiting the local Zoo and the Lost World dinosaur park. For thrill-seekers, the amusement park offers plenty of excitement, including a quirky "upside-down house" that is sure to playfully disorient your senses.

Bydgoszcz is a true paradise for cyclists, and Myślęcinek is its beating heart! It is an ideal spot for experienced cyclists, who will find an extensive network of scenic bike paths, as well as for toddlers taking their very first steps at the Traffic Rules Town (Miasteczko Ruchu Drogowego). On sunny days, Myślęcinek bustles with life as its paths fill with cyclists and rollerbladers enjoying the active atmosphere. Don't have your own bike? No problem at all! You can easily rent a Bydgoszcz City Bike (Bydgoski Rower Aglomeracyjny) to go for a ride through the picturesque outskirts or explore the charms of the city centre.

Bydgoszcz for Little Explorers

In addition to classic attractions like cruising the Brda River or visiting the unique Museum of Soap and the History of Dirt, the city offers an increasing number of interactive tourist games. These allow the youngest explorers to discover Bydgoszcz in a fun and engaging way.

Our city outdoor games are a massive hit with families. These self-guided walks lead participants through the city streets as they solve riddles, hunt for clues, and complete fun challenges to reach their destination. Bydgoszcz offers several fantastic themed options, such as Master Twardowski's Cipher, The Archer's Arrow, or The Rejewski Code.

For slightly older explorers, we highly recommend our guided walking tours:

• Weekend Guided Tourist Walk: Discover the Old Town | Around the City Centre

• Find more themed walks and events here: Events / Tourism