'''P?ock''' is a town of 127 000 inhabitants (agglomeration of 203 000) located in central Poland. The town is situated on the river Vistula (''Wis?a'' in Polish). P?ock is of special interest to fans of Art Nouveau, or <i>secesja</i> in Polish.

Understand

If you are looking for an undiscovered tourist attraction away from the main touristic corridors, P?ock is a good bet. Silent, picturesque, interesting. Recommended for a day or two.

Get in

People travel here by bus. Pex (Polski Express) or Komfort Bus serves the busy main line of the area - Warszawa- P?ock- Wroc?awek- Toru?. Warszawa- P?ock seem to be served hourly, journey time is approx. 1 h 50 minutes. P?ock-Wroc?awek is served with somewhat less intensive schedule, approximately a bus is running every two hours or less. There are also multiple bus connections from Kutno.

Get around

Public transport in P?ock seems not to work properly, and there is no transparent bus network schedule. Buses are old with no air conditioning. They mostly do not go directly to the historic center. Schedules are not convenient.

While in the city center, walking is the best transport mode, although the distances are long.

See

  • '''Vistula River''', particularly attractive at sunset.
  • '''Cathedral''', early romanic then modified in the centuries, on the hill neighboring the Vistula, in town center.
  • The remnants of '''Cazimir's Castle''', facing the Cathedral.
  • '''Masovian Museum''', in Ul. Tumska - a collection of Art Deco furniture and paintings.
  • '''Stary Rynek''', the City Hall square. The City Hall itself is interesting.
  • Strolling in the no-traffic area (Ul Tumska to Stary Rynek).
  • '''Zoo''', walk past the railway/road bridge, on the main road, walk over the small bridge over the rail tracks. Interesting collection: lions, many types of miniature monkeys, fish, crocodiles. A bit overcrowded in animals. Cages are small, especially for the mighty sea turtles. Fee 1,2 euro.
  • Do

  • '''Walk the riverside'''. It's a nice walk along the steep bank of the Vistula river. Go to the City Hall, then move southwards till you reach the promenade on the bank. If you choose to go down the steps, you can walk at the bottom of the steep slope and walk past the rock-like forms of the sandy cliffs that are located in the direction opposing to the two Vistula bridges. Another option is to remain atop and stroll westwards on the top of the cliffs. Nice views are guaranteed.
  • Entertainment

  • "Reggaeland" [http://www.reggaeland.eu], the second largest reggae festival in Poland. Professionally organized, 3 scenes (reggae, ragga/dancehall, raggajungle), good artists, nice vibes. Reggae festival takes place on the very river bank, in mid-July.
  • Buy

    There is a factory outlet of Levi Strauss (producing here). Reasonable prices, 2nd choice very cheap.

    Eat

  • '''Restaurant Art Deco''', Stary Rynek 17, +48 024 268 5751. Atmospheric restaurant. One specialty is <i>czernina</i>, duck blood soup. Expect 40 z?.
  • '''Restaurant Angielski''' (see below in ''sleep''). Restaurant and pizza. Expect 20 to 35 z?.
  • Many ''zapiekanka stands'', especially in the center (typical 2 z?). Kebab restaurants are popping up lately-- expect 15 - 20 z?, less at the stands).

    Drink

  • '''Blikle Caffeteria''', at the Tumska street, somewhat in the middle. "Trufle" cakes similar to muffins are delicious, as are the ice sorbets.
  • '''Black Cat''', in Stary Rynek (old town square), is a "bar for artists."
  • Sleep

  • '''Hotel Tumski P?ock****''' Piekarska 9, 09400 Plock tel. (+48) 24 262 90 60, [http://www.hoteltumski.pl].
  • '''Hotel Petropol''' (Accor/Orbis chain), Aleia Jachowicza 49, +48 (0)24 262 4451, fax +48 (0)24 262 4450, petropol@orbis.pl, [http://www.orbis.pl/indexH.php4?h=11].
  • '''Hotel Angielski''', ul. Tumska 9, +48 (0)24 264 1525, [http://www.mlask.pl/lokal.php?id_lokal=1769&=] (Polish)
  • Stay safe

    City center looks safe, compared to other cities.

    Get out