The Old Town of Bydgoszcz offers several architectural gems connected with the city’s religious history, as well as the revitalised Mill Island. Today, the renovated Mill Island is the heart of Bydgoszcz — a place where, when there are no major events taking place, you can simply relax, sunbathe on the grass, or read a book. Historically, a mint was established here in the 16th century, powered by the current of the Młynówka canal. Because the island is surrounded by the Brda River on one side and the Młynówka canal on the other, its name is fully justified. In addition to the previously mentioned Rother’s Mills, smaller boats are moored on Mill Island, and the area also houses several buildings belonging to the District Museum, as well as a marina nearby.

The grain mills on Mill Island were built in the mid-19th century. In recent years, this impressive complex has undergone a major renovation, transforming it into a place for meetings, exhibitions and cultural events. Today, it houses exhibitions such as “Nodes”, which tells the story of Bydgoszcz’s waterway junction, and “Mill Machine”, a kind of science centre where visitors can see how grain mills once operated. Another attraction is the viewing terrace, which you can access free of charge.

In the centre of Bydgoszcz, you will mainly encounter centuries-old churches with unique histories. The oldest is Bydgoszcz Cathedral, originally founded in 1346; the church standing today is a reconstructed 15th-century building. It is a relatively small cathedral, but it has a very distinctive atmosphere. The cathedral fits beautifully into the riverside landscape of the Brda. Its bell tower houses bells originating from Kamieniec Podolski — one of them, according to Henryk Sienkiewicz’s novel With Fire and Sword, was supposed to sound the alarm during the Turkish siege in 1672.

The greatest treasure of the cathedral is the painting of Our Lady of Beautiful Love, also known as Our Lady of Bydgoszcz. The image of the Virgin Mary with a rose was commissioned in 1466 by the local governor Jan Kościelecki. The painting is famous for reported miracles. For centuries, however, it was not particularly well displayed and was even hidden away. It was rediscovered in 1922 by parish priest Tadeusz Skarbek-Malczewski, who brought attention back to its beauty. During the Second World War, the painting was hidden in Mąkowarsko. In 1966, it was crowned by Blessed Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński in the presence of Cardinal Karol Wojtyła, who later became Pope Saint John Paul II. As pope, he crowned the image again in 1999.

The second-oldest surviving church in Bydgoszcz is known as the Poor Clares’ Church — the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Already in the 15th century, a wooden church dedicated to the Holy Spirit stood on this site. The brick church was built in the 16th century and takes its historical name from the arrival of the Poor Clare order of nuns. In the 19th century, a clock tower was added to the church. Since 1946, every day at noon, the Bydgoszcz bugle call has been played from this tower. Today, the parish is run by the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin.

There is a good chance you will catch a concert

Since October 2023, Bydgoszcz has held the title of UNESCO Creative City of Music, and that comes with certain expectations. The city offers plenty of musical attractions, from the nationally recognised Opera Nova and the Pomeranian Philharmonic to a thriving grassroots concert scene. In fact, the number of such events is so high that if you visit Bydgoszcz on a weekend during the season, there is a strong chance that something will be happening that very day. Importantly, many of these events are free of charge.

Whether it is the “River of Music” in the very centre or the “Fountain of Music” concerts near the reconstructed “Deluge” fountain, numerous performances also take place at the Planty area along the Bydgoszcz Canal. Although it is not located in the strict city centre, it is only a 10–15 minute walk away, and even quicker by tram. The Planty — trees planted at the beginning of the 19th century along the original route of the Bydgoszcz Canal (known as the Old Canal) — are a unique place worth visiting simply to enjoy nature.

This year, a restaurant inspired by the world of Harry Potter also opened in Bydgoszcz.