Lublin in one day – what to see in the Old Town
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Lublin Old Town is small and compact – all the main sights are within about 400 metres of the Market Square. That makes it easy to see in one day, entirely on foot. Below is a ready-made route starting from our townhouse at Rynek 5.
One-day route (1.5–2 hours of walking)
- Market Square and the Crown Tribunal – start in the heart of the Old Town. The former seat of the highest court of the nobility of the Crown stands in the middle of the square, surrounded by historic townhouses (including the Lubomelski and Konopnica houses).
- Grodzka Gate (“Jewish Gate”) – the passage to the former Jewish quarter and home of the “Grodzka Gate – NN Theatre” Centre.
- Fara Square (Plac po Farze) – the trace of a vanished parish church, with a model of the church and a view of the Castle.
- Lublin Castle – with the Chapel of the Holy Trinity, decorated with unique Ruthenian-Byzantine frescoes from the 15th century, and a museum inside the castle walls.
- Lublin Cathedral – Baroque frescoes by Józef Meyer and the famous Acoustic Chapel.
- Krakow Gate and Krakowskie Przedmieście – a symbol of Lublin, home to the Museum of the History of the City of Lublin with a viewing platform at the top, then a pedestrian street lined with cafés and restaurants.
Sights and distances from Rynek 5
- Crown Tribunal – 20 m (opposite our townhouse)
- Krakow Gate – 150 m
- Fara Square – 200 m
- Grodzka Gate – 250 m
- Lublin Cathedral – 300 m
- Lublin Castle – 400 m
When to come
The best light for photos is early in the morning (fewer tourists) and in the evening, when the historic townhouses are lit. In summer the Market Square hosts fairs and concerts – Night of Culture in June and the Carnaval Sztukmistrzów street festival on the last weekend of July. In winter the Old Town is decorated with Christmas lights.
Parking
Vehicle entry to the Old Town is banned (entry only with a permit) – leave your car in a car park around the Old Town. Details: where to park in Lublin Old Town.
Apartamenty Magdalena, Rynek 55 apartments in a historic townhouse right on the Old Town Market Square, opposite the Crown Tribunal. Check-in from 4 pm, check-out until 11 am. Prices from PLN 103 per night. Guest rating on Booking.com: 9.7/10.See the apartments →
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to see Lublin Old Town?
A walk past the main sights takes about 1.5–2 hours. Adding a visit inside Lublin Castle, the viewing tower of the Krakow Gate and a coffee stop easily fills a full day.
Where should I start sightseeing in Lublin?
Start at the Market Square with the Crown Tribunal in its centre, then head towards the Grodzka Gate, Fara Square and Lublin Castle. All the sights are within about 400 metres.
Can Lublin Old Town be explored on foot?
Yes. The Old Town is small and compact – all the key monuments are within 400 metres of the Market Square and are visited on foot.
Where should I park before sightseeing?
Vehicle entry to the Old Town is banned (entry only with a permit), so leave your car in a car park around the Old Town.