Our ideas for the week
Five cities, five ways to enjoy the week in Poland
A forgotten river in Warsaw, a piano in Kraków, a medieval fair in Wrocław, organs in Gdańsk and runners in Poznań: ideas for the week of 28 September to 4 October 2026.
Autumn is a good reason to vary your outings: walk when the weather allows, book an evening of music or join a popular event. From Monday 28 September to Sunday 4 October 2026, here are five suggestions to suit your city, pace and interests.
Warsaw: rediscovering a forgotten river
The Water Festival, centred on Gniazdo, offers a different way of looking at the capital. Announced events include a walk devoted to the Żurawka, a former river whose name survives notably in Żurawia Street. It is an opportunity to discover the city through what is no longer visible, rather than its most photographed monuments.
Friday 2 October, 5–7 pm. Announced starting point: Gniazdo, ul. Krucza 17. Free according to the EkoOrdynacja listings. Check registration and the language with the organiser; the source consulted does not announce a French-language tour.
To extend the outing: take a break in the centre, then walk independently beside the Vistula if the weather allows. This is a suggested route, not an organised tour.
Kraków: ending the weekend with piano music
The SILENCE Music Festival concludes on Sunday 4 October with a recital by Giorgi Gigashvili at HEVRE. It is an opportunity to devote the evening to music after a day in Kazimierz. The city announces free admission to this edition’s events; the organiser offers a booking page.
Sunday 4 October, 7 pm, HEVRE, Kraków. Consult SILENCE’s “GIGASH!” page for entry passes and availability. Free admission does not guarantee a place without booking.
To extend the outing: arrive in Kazimierz earlier, walk around the neighbourhood and have dinner before the recital. A simple way to avoid rushing across the city at the last minute.
Wrocław: a medieval detour in Leśnica
The Jarmark Jadwiżański is announced for 3 and 4 October at Leśnica Castle. It combines a medieval atmosphere, crafts and activities around the castle, offering a change from a walk in central Wrocław. General admission is announced as free, while some activities carry a charge.
Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October, OPT Zamek, plac Świętojański 1. Please note: the official page gives the 2026 dates, but some lines of the detailed programme still mention 4 and 5 October. Exact times and workshops therefore need to be reconfirmed with OPT Zamek before travelling.
To extend the outing: combine the fair with a walk around the castle. Treat the journey to Leśnica as an outing in its own right, rather than a short walk from the Rynek.
Gdańsk: listening to the city differently
The autumn edition of ORGANy PLUS+ runs from 30 September to 4 October. The opening Bach concert is announced for Wednesday at 8 pm in Holy Trinity Church. On Sunday, the “Sacri Moduli” programme highlights the musical heritage of old Gdańsk in the same church and at the same time.
Wednesday 30 September or Sunday 4 October, 8 pm, Holy Trinity Church — kościół św. Trójcy. Consult the festival ticket office for prices and availability. Other concerts take place at different venues: check the location of each evening.
To extend the outing: spend the afternoon walking through the historic centre and along the Motława before the concert. A musical event gives you an indoor appointment even if the weather worsens.
Poznań: enjoying the marathon without running
The Poznań Marathon starts on Sunday 4 October at 9 am from Grunwaldzka Street. The programme also includes Poznań Run Expo in hall 3 of the international fairgrounds and the Poznań FIVE race on Saturday at 10 am. Visitors can come to cheer on participants and enjoy the weekend atmosphere.
Friday 2 to Sunday 4 October. Run Expo: Friday and Saturday, 10 am–8 pm; Sunday, 7.15 am–4 pm. Marathon start: Sunday at 9 am. Check access conditions for activities and traffic changes before choosing your route.
To extend the outing: plan an independent walk in the centre after the runners pass, adapting to accessible streets. Entering a race remains separate from simply attending as a spectator.
Before you go
This selection was prepared on 28 September. An announcement does not guarantee available places or that all times will remain unchanged. The source links provide the latest information; Warsaw details come from a specialist listings site relaying the organiser. The additional walks are independent suggestions.
Original AI-generated illustration. A conceptual scene, not documentary evidence.