Bydgoszcz is the capital of Kujawsko- Pomorskie Voivodeship region and the eighth biggest city in Poland. It occupies part of the historical region of Kuyavia and is located on the rivers Brda, Vistula, and the Bydgoszcz Canal.
The city with its centuries-old traditions is a popular tourist destination thanks to its attractive location on the river and canals running through its centre. Bydgoszcz places growing emphasis on water, since the daily life, cultural, sports and business activities of the city take place in the immediate proximity of the River Brda. Therefore it's to no surprise, many museums and places of interest are in fact, related to water and how the city owes so much to it.

Bydgoszcz appears for the first time in historical records on June 28, 1238. The city lost some of its oldest historic sites, most importantly the castle built at the request of Casimir the Great and the medieval city walls.Today only a replica can be found, as you walk along the river Brda. Museums and galleries are on hand to learn more about the History from Bydgoszcz. In recent years, the city has been consistently turning its focus on the water. The revitalised Mill Island along with a modern marina became the new landmarks of the city. Other major investments in tourist infrastructure include restoration and opening to the public the old German nitroglycerine factory “DAG Fabrik Bromberg” as Exploseum, establishing of the Museum of Waterworks in the historical Water Tower and Gdańsk Forest, making the Bydgoszcz tourist offer very diverse.

After learning and admiring about the city's old town and churches there is still much more to enjoy here. Evenings are a good time to explore traditional Polish restaurants, sample local craft beers or go shopping and entertainment options at the nearby shopping centres and venues open till late in the evening. 

Below you will find in more detail the main sight and highlights from Bydgoszcz. 

• Granaries on the Brda River are the symbol of the city. They have always been a natural city logo.In the past, these were among many grain storehouses in the city, and nowadays they belong to the Leon Wyczółkowski District Museum. Entrance fee applies. 
• Passes Through The River Monument, as you walk over the main bridge to reach the city's old town you will see this incredible sculpture, which depicts a man of Roman origins, passing deftly through the river, with one leg bent over the rope, while the other is suspended as erectly as that of a ballerino. Constructed in the May of 2004 to celebrate the day when Poland officially became a part of the European Union.The statue is not just an iconic landmark, and the celebration of a union, but also its symbol of the city now in itself. 
• Bydgoszcz Cathedral, constructed in the years 1466- 1502. The painting from the high altar is the centrepiece of the church, attracting the attention of the faithful and tourists. It is a late-Gothic painting of the Madonna and Child, holding a little rose in the other hand. Entry fee 5 PLN. 
• Mill Island is a the "heart" of Bydgoszcz. One of the most unusual and enchanting places in Bydgoszcz. Water, footbridges, old mills, red-brick buildings reflected a great spirit where to walk, visit galleries, have a coffee, dinner or socialise.

• Bydgoszcz Autographs, if you happen to walk around Długa street, in the old town, you will realise this street has an unusual character, as this is the "Walk of Fame" of Bydgoszcz. Dedicated to many great people, whose achievements and special contribution to the city is commemorated by putting their signatures on plaques on Długa Street.

• The Water Tower, in 1900, on the hill known today as Gen, the water tower (designed by Franz Marschal) was opened. It played an important role in the modern waterworks system of Bydgoszcz.This slightly squat, cylindrical tower houses a compensation reservoir, which for 90 years guaranteed proper water pressure in the mains, making sure that in the hours of increased consumption of water, it would be available to consumers without any problems. The tower received a neo-Gothic brick façade, highlighted with plaster details. The added attraction of this tower is that it is also a lookout terrace and observation deck  It offers a view of the whole city. It was only reopened in 2012, after completion of renovation and adaptation works related to turning the Water Tower into one of the buildings of the Museum of Waterworks (the second part of the Museum is located in the Historical Pump Room at 242 Gdańska Street). Inside, you can find an exhibition recounting the history of the local waterworks and sewers. There is a collection of documents, photographs, old bathroom and toilet accessories, dating from the 16th century. Admission 5 PLN. (which is valid for the two museums on the same day). 

• Museum of Soap and History of Dirt. It offers interactive time travel through the history of cleanliness, dirt and soap making, which has deep-rooted ties with Bydgoszcz. Admission applies. 
• Forest Park of Culture and Recreation. One of the largest recreational complexes in Poland it covers an area of 830 ha, of which nearly 500 ha are forest areas that include hundred year old specimens of deciduous trees. It has excellent transport links with the centre of Bydgoszcz.
• Take a river Tram, The Water Tram is a major tourist attraction in Bydgoszcz with thousands of tourists cruising every year. The trip on a water tram starts at Rybi Rynek. The cruise takes you via the revitalized Mill Island,and the Brda river. These water trams, called Słonecznik I and II, are modern and environmentally friendly vessels, powered by solar energy, which can carry 28 people on board. They operate daily in the summer season (between May and September), several times a day. Tickets: are available online (tickeo.pl) or at the tourist information centre at the Old Market Square. Price is 5 PLN per adult. 
• August Cieszkowski Street, is considered one of the most beautiful streets in Bydgoszcz, thanks to homogenous complex of buildings built in years 1896-1904. Secession style houses decorated with eclectic, neo-baroque and neo-gothic elements were designed by renowned architects. The street is easy to reach within the city centre and although its just a residential street still has is an interesting place to visit and admire.
• Bydgoszcz castle Model: Close to the water tram terminal, you will find the replica of the Castle in the scale of 1:20. It shows how the castle used to look like back in it's glory days, when it was constructed in 1337 to 1370. It was then burnt down in 1656 due to war and the last remains where dismantled in 1895.