Rick Steves Says Visiting This Charming Polish Town Feels Like Stepping Into A Storybook

Nestled in the heart of Europe, Poland is a destination that rewards both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers with its historic depth and diversity of sites. There's the big city of Warsaw — one of the top-ranked city vacation spots in Europe, a capital reborn from the ashes of war. Or Kraków, Poland's cultural soul, home to the majestic Wawel Castle, the Jewish Quarter, lively squares filled with cafe terraces, and the absolute best destination in Poland, according to travel expert, Rick Steves. It's a nation with a profound and ever-present history, seen through world-class museums, medieval fortresses, and poignant memorials. Beyond the cities, Poland's countryside is dotted with historic towns and villages — perhaps none more charming than Toruń. 

Located in northern Poland, around a two-hour train ride northwest of Warsaw, this medieval town on the River Vistula was described by Rick Steves as "a town so cobbly-cute you'll think you've stepped into a storybook." With some of the most pristine Gothic architecture in the country, the historic center of Toruń is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important cultural hubs in Poland. Whether you come for history, nature, or some Rick Steves-style European galavanting, Toruń offers a portal into the Polish way of life, with a dreamy Old Town and unforgettable riverside vistas. Like Poland at large, the town invites you to uncover its many beautiful layers at your own pace.

Established in the 13th century by Teutonic Knights, Toruń luckily avoided the worst of the destruction during WWII and has remained a Gothic wonder. Rick Steves said it well with his "stepped into a storybook" description. Wandering the cobblestoned streets in the old town of Toruń, it's hard not to have your mind drift back a few centuries and imagine what the town looked like with horses, markets, helmeted knights ... and executions in the Old Town Square.

That square is also where you'll find a monument to Toruń's most famous resident: Nicolaus Copernicus. A 15th-century polymath, Copernicus crafted the revolutionary theory that the sun was the center of our solar system and the planets revolved around it. The granite plaque on the monument reads, "Nicolaus Copernicus, from Toruń, moved the Earth and stopped the Sun and the Sky."

The Old Town Hall is one of the best examples of medieval architecture in Central Europe and has a museum detailing Toruń's history. St. Mary's Church is a Gothic beauty, while the Baroque House Under the Star has an ornate exterior, and both are worth checking out. For shopping, eating, or just taking a lovely stroll, Szeroka Street is lined with centuries-old pastel-colored buildings with restaurants, shops, and cozy cafe terraces spilling out into the street. Stop for a cup of coffee and some gingerbread — another of Toruń's claims to fame — or a nice cold pint of Żywiec lager. In the evening, stroll or bike along the Vistula River promenade and admire the remaining Medieval city walls and gates, like Toruń's own "leaning tower."

The easiest way to get to Toruń is to fly to Warsaw and take the two-and-a-half-hour train. Another option is coming from the northern city of Gdańsk — Europe's greatest still-undiscovered destination, which also takes about two hours via train. A town of around 200,000 people and an important cultural hub of Poland, there are plenty of accommodations in Toruń, from Airbnbs and chain hotels to boutique spots like Hotel Petite Fleur or the historic 1231 Hotel.

Once there, it's about enjoying the authentic Polish ambience without the crowds of more touristed destinations. Wander the center, sample the city's famous gingerbread, pop into some churches, grab a bite at Pierogarnia Stary Młyn, and sit next to the Vistula to ponder life in a beautiful northern Poland town. Dine at the highly-rated Sznyt Na Winklu for some white sausage, sour rye, mashed potatoes, and a boiled egg — traditional Polish fare. Once night arrives or if it happens to rain during your visit, slip into the Jan Olbracht Old-Town Brewery, an absolute classic pub with barrel-like booths, dark wood interior, and reminders that Central and Eastern Europe do cozy, dim bars as well — if not better — than anyone.

The Toruń classics could all be realistically seen in one day, but it's best appreciated over a long weekend. As it is located roughly an equal distance between Gdańsk and Warsaw, it could and should be a stop on any tour of Poland. Eat, drink, and be merry ... but also take it slow, do a tour, and pick up some history along the way. Before you know it, you'll be stepping on cobblestones, admiring a gate in a medieval wall, and imagining yourself in a storybook.