The venue
The 2025 URBACT City Festival will take place at the Centennial Hall (Hala Stulecia) in Wroclaw, Poland on 8-10 April 2025.
The Centennial Hall is a pioneering work of modern engineering and architecture that has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 2006. Designed in 1911-1913 by the German architect Max Berg as a multi-purpose recreational building, it is currently used for various sporting events, shows and concerts. At the time of construction, its 23 meters high dome was the largest ever of its kind, becoming a key reference in the later development of reinforced concrete structures. The hall’s shape inspired the visual identity of the 2025 URBACT City Festival.
For more information on this outstanding historical venue in Wroclaw, visit the official website.
In addition, two other venues will be used:
- The Wroclaw Congress Centre, just next to the Centennial Hall, for the Award Ceremony of the 116 URBACT Good Practices on 8 April 2025
- The Czasoprzestrzen Centre for Young Culture (Space-Time) (old tram depot and one of the 116 URBACT Good Practices), for the Goodbye Wroclaw Party on 10 April 2025
Accessibility
The venue of the 2025 URBACT City Festival is fully accessible for persons with reduced mobility.
- Wheelchair Access: The venue offers wheelchair ramps and designated areas for wheelchair users within the event spaces.
- Elevators: Elevators are available for access to different levels of the building.
- Accessible Restrooms: Restrooms for individuals with disabilities are located on the ground floor near all main event spaces.
- Parking: Accessible parking spaces are available in the parking areas close to the entrance.
If you need special assistance, please mention that in the dedicated section of your application form.
Languages
The official language of the event is English.
For your daily communication with the locals, the following Polish words can be handy:
- Wrocław (pronounced “vrot-swaaf”) – Wroclaw
- Dzień dobry (pronounced “jane DOH-brih”) – Good morning
- Do widzenia (pronounced “doh vee-DZEN-ya) – Goodbye
- Proszę (pronounced “pro-shee”) – Please
- Dziekuję (pronounced “jen-koo-ye”) – Thank you
- Na zdrowie! (pronounced “Nah zdrov-e-yay”) – Cheers!
Internet connection
The Centennial Hall offers free Wifi services throughout the venue. The details will be communicated to participants at the venue.
How to get to the Centennial Hall
Wroclaw’s public transportation operates from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Night trams and buses are available on certain routes. Tickets for public transportation can be purchased at kiosks, ticket machines (available in multiple languages), or via mobile apps like SkyCash. For more details on route planning, visit the official Wroclaw public transport website. For ticket pricing information, visit www.urbancard.pl.
By tram:
The nearest tram stop to Centennial Hall is Hala Stulecia, served by the following tram lines:
- Line 2
- Line 4
- Line 10
Trams run frequently and offer a convenient way to reach the venue, from the city center (lines 2 and 10) or the main railway station (line 4).
By bus:
The closest bus stops are Hala Stulecia and ZOO. The following bus lines serve this area:
- Bus 145: From Dworzec Główny (Wroclaw Main Train Station)
- Bus 146: From Pl. Grunwaldzki (also runs through the Wroclaw Main Train Station)
By taxi or rideshare:
You can expect a trip from the city centre to Centennial Hall to take about 15 minutes, depending on traffic. There is a designated taxi drop-off point near the venue.
Taxis and rideshare services are available throughout Wroclaw. Several reputable taxi companies operate in the city. Here are a few to consider:
- Radio Taxi Serc: Reliable and commonly used. You can reach them at +48 71 19 626 or via their website.
- GP Taxi Wroclaw: You can reach them at +48 71 723 22 22 or via their website.
- iTaxi: An eco-friendly option with hybrid vehicles; visit their website or reach out through their app.
Important! To identify official taxis, look for a company logo and an illuminated taxi sign on top of the car. Official taxis should also display the driver’s ID and a price chart on the passenger window.
Tips to Avoid Taxi Scams:
- Stick to well-known taxi companies or use rideshare apps (Uber, Bolt) where rates are displayed upfront.
- Avoid unmarked taxis and always verify the fare before starting the ride.
- Ask for a receipt if possible, as this can be useful for complaints or if you accidentally leave something in the vehicle.
By bicycle:
The Centennial Hall is accessible via bike paths, and there is bike parking available near the main entrance.
For a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around Wroclaw, there are several bike and scooter sharing options:
- Nextbike (the city bike system): Stations are located throughout Wroclaw. Download the Nextbike app to rent a bike.
- Bolt Scooters and Lime Scooters: Both companies provide electric scooters. You can unlock and use them via the Bolt and Lime apps, respectively.
Also, on this website, you can find the City of Wroclaw explaining the use of transportation by bike or Scooter in Wroclaw.
These options are popular and provide flexibility for shorter distances, especially for areas with good bike paths, such as near Centennial Hall.
Bike lanes and parking are widely available, making it easy to navigate the city by bicycle or scooter.
How to get to Wroclaw
By air
Wroclaw Copernicus Airport (WRO) serves both domestic and international flights. The airport is located approximately 13 kilometers from the city center. Visitors can reach the city by:
- Bus 106: Connects the airport to Wroclaw Main Train Station (Dworzec Główny). The journey takes about 30 minutes.
- Taxi or Rideshare: Direct trips from the airport to the city center take around 20 minutes.
By train
Wroclaw Główny (Wroclaw Main Train Station) is one of the largest railway hubs in Poland, with frequent services connecting major cities such as Warsaw, Krakow, Poznan, and Berlin. From the train station, the venue is a 20–25 minute ride via public transport.
By bus
International and domestic bus services arrive at Wroclaw Bus Station (Dworzec Autobusowy), which is located next to the train station. Visitors can then easily connect to the venue by public transport (tram or bus).
By car
Wroclaw is well-connected by major highways and roads, making it accessible by car from within Poland and neighboring countries. Paid parking is available at and near Centennial Hall.
Here’s a breakdown of routes from key European gateways. These routes provide a mix of quick and budget-friendly options for visitors traveling to Wroclaw:
By train:
Trains run several times a day and take around 4-5 hours with a transfer at Poznań or other major stops.
By bus:
FlixBus offers direct routes, with a travel time of about 5 hours.
By train:
Direct trains take about 3.5 hours. PKP Intercity offers high-speed connections that are frequent and comfortable.
By bus:
Direct buses also run from Warsaw, typically taking around 4 hours.
By train:
Direct trains between Kraków and Wroclaw take about 3 hours, with frequent departures.
By bus:
FlixBus offers a direct route, taking around 3.5 hours.
By flight:
There are direct flights from Frankfurt to Wroclaw, with a flight time of approximately 1.5 hours.
By train:
Train connections require transfers (typically at Dresden or Berlin) and take around 7-8 hours in total.
By flight:
Direct flights are available, taking about 1.5 hours.
By train:
Train connections require transfers (usually at Berlin or Dresden) and take around 8-9 hours.
Accommodation in Wroclaw
Please find below some suggestions of hotels located nearby the venue, or well connected with it by public transportation from the Wroclaw city centre.
18 minutes by public transport to the Centennial Hall (quickest itinerary)
20 minutes by public transport to the Centennial Hall (quickest itinerary)
22 minutes by public transport to the Centennial Hall (quickest itinerary)
30 minutes by public transport to the Centennial Hall (quickest itinerary)
32 minutes by public transport to the Centennial Hall (quickest itinerary)
About Wroclaw
First time in Wroclaw? Keen to explore the city? For general tourist information, Wroclaw’s official city website is a great resource. This site includes information on attractions, events, and guided tours, along with suggestions for dining, shopping, and entertainment.
Contact
For any questions related to your participation, please send an e-mail to: city.festival@urbact.eu