Rzeszow, Poland: The Complete Travel Guide for UK Visitors

Rzeszow (pronounced roughly ‘ZHESH-oof’) is the largest city in south-eastern Poland — a regional capital of around 200,000 people situated near the Ukrainian and Slovakian borders that genuinely surprises the visitors who make the effort to include it on a Polish itinerary. Most UK travellers to Poland stick to Warsaw and Krakow; Rzeszow offers something different: an authentic, working Polish city with a well-preserved historic centre, a significant and sobering Jewish heritage, a genuinely fascinating underground network beneath the market square, and the relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere of a destination that has not yet been processed into a tourist commodity.

For UK visitors, Rzeszow is most accessible as part of a wider Polish trip — a stop between Krakow and the Ukrainian border, or a destination in its own right for anyone interested in central European history, Jewish heritage, or simply a Polish city experience without tourist crowds. This guide covers everything you need to plan a visit.

Quick Facts: Rzeszow, Poland

Pronunciation	ZHESH-oof (not Rez-zhow or Resh-zov — the R is silent in the Polish pronunciation)
Location	South-eastern Poland, Subcarpathian Voivodeship — near Ukrainian and Slovakian borders
Population	Approximately 200,000 (largest city in south-eastern Poland)
Founded	1354 (city rights granted)
From Warsaw	Approximately 3 hours 50 minutes by train
From Krakow	Approximately 2 hours by train
Recommended time	One full day; overnight recommended to explore at leisure
Currency	Polish Zloty (PLN) — not euros
Language	Polish; English spoken in restaurants and hotels in the city centre
Forbes ranking	2nd most attractive semi-large city for business in Poland (Forbes, 2011)

How to Pronounce Rzeszow

Rzeszow is one of the most reliably mispronounced Polish city names — and Polish has several strong contenders. The spelling in English looks like it should begin with ‘Rez’ or ‘Rsh’, but the Polish pronunciation bears no resemblance to how an English speaker would attempt it.

The correct pronunciation is approximately ‘ZHESH-oof’ — the R is effectively silent in standard Polish pronunciation, the ‘rz’ combination produces a ‘ZH’ sound (like the ‘s’ in ‘measure’), the ‘sz’ produces an ‘SH’ sound, and the ‘ow’ at the end sounds like ‘oof’ or ‘ohv’ depending on regional accent. A similar pronunciation challenge applies to Wroclaw, another major Polish city that looks nothing like it sounds.

Knowing this before you arrive saves significant confusion when asking locals for directions.

Why Visit Rzeszow?

Rzeszow’s appeal is built on several layers. The first is architectural: the Old Market Square (Rynek) and the streets surrounding it are genuinely beautiful, featuring the distinctive pastel-fronted tenement houses common to Polish historic centres alongside the remarkable neo-Gothic and Renaissance Revival Town Hall. The second is historical depth — Rzeszow’s position in south-eastern Poland placed it at the intersection of some of the 20th century’s most violent events, and the traces of that history are visible and meaningful.

The third and perhaps most distinctive layer is the Underground Tourist Route beneath the city centre — a network of medieval cellars and corridors that gives Rzeszow something few Polish cities of its size can offer: a genuinely unique attraction that is not simply a variation on what every other Polish city provides.

Rzeszow is also an important aviation and technology hub — the ‘Aviation Valley’ cluster of aerospace companies around the city includes Pratt & Whitney, Siemens, Hamilton Sundstrand, and others, making it one of Poland’s most economically significant smaller cities. For travellers who appreciate destinations that function as real, working cities rather than preserved museum pieces, Rzeszow’s mix of historical centre and contemporary ambition has a particular appeal.

How to Get to Rzeszow from the UK

By Plane

Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport (RZE) has direct connections from several UK airports, most notably London Stansted via Ryanair, which operates year-round services. The airport is approximately 10 kilometres north of the city centre, connected by bus (line 56 or 61) in approximately 30 to 40 minutes, or by taxi in 20 minutes. Check current schedules at ryanair.com as routes change seasonally.

LOT Polish Airlines and other carriers also operate Rzeszow connections via Warsaw, which is reachable from multiple UK airports including Heathrow and Gatwick. A Warsaw stopover adds travel time but increases flexibility of departure airports and schedules.

By Train within Poland

If you are travelling to Rzeszow as part of a wider Polish itinerary:

• From Warsaw: Approximately 3 hours 50 minutes by direct Intercity or Express Intercity train from Warszawa Centralna
• From Krakow: Approximately 2 hours by direct or one-change service from Krakow Glowny
• From Wroclaw: Approximately 4 to 5 hours with a change

Rzeszow Glowny (the main railway station) is located close to the city centre — approximately a 10 to 15-minute walk to the Rynek. The station was originally built in 1858 and has undergone significant modernisation since 2018. Train tickets can be purchased at station machines, at kiosk counters, or online at intercity.pl/en. The PKP Intercity website offers English-language booking.

By Bus

FlixBus and PolskiBus connect Rzeszow to Warsaw, Krakow, and other Polish cities at lower prices than the train. Journey times are longer — approximately 4.5 to 5 hours from Warsaw — but the fares are considerably cheaper and buses depart from central locations. Useful for budget travellers or when trains are fully booked.

Things to Do in Rzeszow

1. The Old Market Square (Rynek) and Town Hall (Ratusz)

The Rynek is the social and architectural heart of Rzeszow — a large, handsome market square surrounded on three sides by pastel-fronted tenement houses that have been rebuilt and restored multiple times over the centuries following fires and the damage of two world wars. The square is pleasant in all weather: in summer it fills with outdoor seating from the surrounding restaurants and cafes; in autumn the illuminated cobblestones after rain produce some of the most atmospheric photography opportunities in south-eastern Poland.

At the centre of the Rynek stands the Ratusz (Town Hall) — a disproportionately charming building that resembles a small Gothic castle from a fairy tale rather than a civic administrative building. The current structure was built in 1591 in the neo-Gothic and Renaissance Revival style. Adjacent to the Ratusz is a covered stone well dating from the second half of the 16th century — a reminder of the importance of public water infrastructure to medieval urban life.

The Rynek is the right place to begin and end any visit to Rzeszow: a morning coffee with the square relatively quiet, and an evening beer on a restaurant terrace with the Town Hall illuminated, frames the day perfectly.

2. Underground Tourist Route (Podziemia Rynku)

The Underground Tourist Route is Rzeszow’s most distinctive attraction and the one most likely to surprise visitors who have not specifically sought it out. Beneath the market square and surrounding streets lies a network of medieval cellars and corridors built from the 14th century onwards — used by citizens historically as shops, storage spaces, and shelter during times of crisis including the wars of the 20th century.

The guided tour takes visitors through the most accessible section of the network, explaining the everyday life of medieval Rzeszow’s citizens through the evidence preserved in the underground spaces. The tour is approximately 45 minutes to one hour and well worth booking in advance. Unlike some underground attractions in Poland, the Rzeszow route feels genuinely historical rather than theme-park-styled.

• Duration: Approximately 45 to 60 minutes
• Booking: Book in advance at podziemiarynku.pl/en — particularly important in summer
• Entry: From the market square; look for the entrance near the Ratusz

3. Ulica 3 Maja — The Historic Main Street

Ulica 3 Maja (3rd of May Street) is the oldest street in Rzeszow and runs from the Rynek towards the castle — a pedestrian-friendly boulevard lined with buildings spanning the 18th to early 20th centuries, independent cafes, restaurants, and a handful of notable features worth looking out for.

The monument to Tadeusz Nalepa on Ulica 3 Maja commemorates one of Poland’s most important rock musicians — a guitarist, harmonica player, vocalist and composer who founded the band Breakout in the 1960s and is widely regarded as the father of Polish blues. For music-inclined visitors, the presence of his memorial on the main street says something about Rzeszow’s cultural ambitions.

Also on the street is a glass display case preserving original historical artefacts from the street dating back to the 16th century — old cobblestones, drainage features, and architectural fragments displayed in situ as an outdoor museum element. It is the kind of thoughtful urban heritage detail that distinguishes cities that take their history seriously from those that simply clean up for tourists.

4. Rzeszow Castle (Zamek Lubomirskich)

At the end of Ulica 3 Maja stands the Rzeszow Castle (Castle of the Lubomirski family) — a walled fortress complex whose original foundation dates to 1458. The castle has had a turbulent history: it was substantially rebuilt and modified in later centuries, sold to the Austrian authorities in 1820 who converted it into a courthouse and prison, and continued in use as a prison through the Second World War. The castle was renovated in the early 20th century and the complex now functions as a court building.

The exterior walls and towers are accessible and make for impressive photography — the contrast between the medieval fortifications and the institutional use to which they have been put for two centuries gives the place a particular character. The castle is best viewed from outside as access to the interior is restricted by its functioning as a legal facility.

5. Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Cross (Kosciol pw. Swietego Krzyza)

On Ulica 3 Maja, the Church of the Holy Cross dates from 1645 and became a Parish Church in 1989. The interior features intricate Baroque decorative detail — ornate altar carvings, gilded columns, and ceiling frescoes — that makes a brief stop well worth the few minutes it requires. It is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Rzeszow and the decorative quality of its interior significantly exceeds what the modest exterior suggests.

6. The Round Overpass (Okragla Kladka Dla Pieszych)

Outside the historic core, Rzeszow’s Round Overpass is a genuinely unusual piece of contemporary urban infrastructure — the only circular pedestrian overpass in Europe, built over the busy junction of Ulica Pilsudskiego and Ulica Grunwaldzka. The circular structure is accessible via ramps, stairs, and two lifts, and functions as both a pedestrian crossing and an observation deck with panoramic views of the surrounding city.

The overpass also features a display of historical photographs of Rzeszow from earlier periods of the 20th century, including wartime images — text is in Polish only but the visual record is striking regardless of language. It is particularly impressive when illuminated at night.

7. Monument of the Revolutionary Deed (Pomnik Czynu Rewolucyjnego)

This 1970 Communist-era monument symbolising the battles waged in the Rzeszow region has become one of the most talked-about works of public art in Poland for reasons its creators certainly did not intend. Its local nickname — which translates very approximately as the ‘Giant Vagina’ — gives some indication of what visitors will find when they see it from the Round Overpass or the Bernardine Gardens (Ogrody Bernardynskie). The monument is genuine Soviet-era public art and its unintentional anatomical resemblance is simultaneously embarrassing for the authorities and a source of persistent local amusement. Worth seeing as a piece of post-war European monumental art and for the story it prompts.

8. Jewish Heritage

Rzeszow had a large and significant Jewish community before the Second World War — the Jewish population was one of the defining communities of the city’s pre-war character. The systematic murder of Rzeszow’s Jewish population during the Nazi occupation left very little trace: two synagogues (the Small Synagogue and the Large Synagogue, the latter now housing the archives of the Subcarpathian Voivodeship), the Jewish cemetery, and the names of several streets are the only remaining visible markers.

The Small Synagogue in the city centre (Synagoga Mniejsza) is open to visitors and houses a small exhibition on the Jewish community and its history. For visitors interested in Polish-Jewish heritage, Rzeszow provides a sobering and important perspective on what was lost — the traces that remain are themselves a form of memorial to what once existed.

• Small Synagogue: Located at Ulica Boznicza in the city centre; open to visitors
• Jewish Cemetery: Located on Ulica Rejtana; a significant heritage site worth visiting

Where to Eat in Rzeszow

Rzeszow’s restaurant scene is good for a city of its size, with traditional Polish cuisine well represented alongside more contemporary options — all at prices that are considerably lower than UK equivalents.

• Stary Browar Rzeszowski: A pub, restaurant, and brewery on the Rynek serving local craft beer and traditional Polish food. The golonka (pork knuckle) is a signature dish and the location overlooking the market square is excellent. A natural first stop for visitors arriving in the city.
• Restauracja Niebieskie Migdaly (Ulica 3 Maja 8): A bakery, ice cream shop, and cafe on the main pedestrian street with an impressive display of homemade cakes, pastries, and ice cream. Good for a mid-morning or afternoon stop.
• Kawiarnia Hola Lola (Ulica Adama Mickiewicza 3): A small, cosy coffee shop just off the Rynek. Good flat whites and an atmospheric interior — well suited as a morning starting point before exploring the city.
• Budget note: Polish Zloty prices are very favourable for UK visitors. A traditional Polish meal with beer typically costs £8 to £14 in Rzeszow. Prices at local pubs and traditional restaurants are significantly cheaper than tourist-facing restaurants in Warsaw or Krakow.

Where to Stay in Rzeszow

• B&B Hotel Rzeszow Centrum: A centrally located hotel close to the railway station, praised for quality rooms, comfortable beds, and excellent staff. Good value for money — one of the best options for visitors arriving by train.
• Hotel Rzeszow: A larger, more traditional hotel in the city centre with good facilities and walking distance to the Rynek and main attractions.
• Apartments: Several well-reviewed apartment options are available in the historic centre through Booking.com and Airbnb — these are often the best value option for one or two nights and provide more space than hotel rooms.

Practical Tips for Visiting Rzeszow

• Pronunciation: Locals will appreciate any attempt at the correct pronunciation — ‘ZHESH-oof.’ Even a rough approximation will go down better than ‘Rez-zhow.’
• Currency: Polish Zloty (PLN), not euros. UK cards are widely accepted at hotels and restaurants; carry some cash for smaller purchases. ATMs are plentiful in the city centre.
• Getting around: The city centre is very walkable. The railway station is a short walk from the Rynek. Buses cover the outer areas. Taxis and Bolt/Uber are affordable.
• Underground Tourist Route: Book in advance, particularly in summer and at weekends.
• Jewish heritage sites: The Small Synagogue has limited opening hours — check in advance at rzeszow.pl/en.
• Evening in the Rynek: The cobblestones of the market square illuminated after rain produce some of the most atmospheric photographs in the city. Budget time for an evening walk even if the weather is poor.
• Polish phrases: ‘Dzien dobry’ (good day), ‘Dziekuje’ (thank you), ‘Przepraszam’ (excuse me) will be appreciated. English is reasonable in tourist-facing businesses but much less common outside the centre.

Rzeszow Suggested One-Day Itinerary

1. 9:00am — Arrive at Rzeszow Glowny station; walk to the city centre
2. 9:30am — Morning coffee at Kawiarnia Hola Lola near the Rynek
3. 10:00am — Rynek exploration: Town Hall, stone well, surrounding tenement houses
4. 10:45am — Underground Tourist Route (pre-booked; approximately 1 hour)
5. 12:00pm — Walk Ulica 3 Maja: Tadeusz Nalepa monument, Church of the Holy Cross, historical display case
6. 12:45pm — Rzeszow Castle (Zamek Lubomirskich) exterior
7. 1:15pm — Lunch at Stary Browar Rzeszowski on the Rynek
8. 2:30pm — Small Synagogue and Jewish Cemetery (pre-check opening hours)
9. 3:30pm — Round Overpass: views of the city; wartime photo display
10. 4:00pm — Monument of the Revolutionary Deed from the Bernardine Gardens
11. 4:30pm — Avenue Under the Chestnuts (Aleja Pod Kasztanami) — baroque-style mansions
12. 5:30pm — Cake and coffee at Restauracja Niebieskie Migdaly
13. 6:30pm — Evening walk in the Rynek; dinner at a Rynek restaurant

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you pronounce Rzeszow?

Rzeszow is pronounced approximately ‘ZHESH-oof’ in standard Polish. The ‘rz’ at the beginning produces a ‘ZH’ sound (similar to the ‘s’ in ‘measure’), the ‘sz’ produces a ‘SH’ sound, and the ‘ow’ ending sounds like ‘oof.’ The word sounds nothing like it looks to an English speaker — it is most easily remembered by simply learning ‘ZHESH-oof’ as a sound rather than trying to decode the spelling.

Is Rzeszow worth visiting?

Yes — for travellers interested in authentic Polish city experiences away from the major tourist circuits, Rzeszow is one of the most rewarding smaller cities in the country. The Underground Tourist Route is genuinely distinctive, the Rynek is beautiful, the Jewish heritage sites provide important historical context, and the city’s relaxed, un-touristy atmosphere makes it a refreshing contrast to the more commercialised centres of Warsaw and Krakow. For one or two days, it provides more than enough to occupy an engaged traveller.

How do I get to Rzeszow from Krakow?

The easiest route from Krakow is by train from Krakow Glowny — direct or one-change services take approximately 2 hours and cost around 40 to 80 PLN (approximately £8 to £16) depending on the service and booking time. Trains run several times daily. Buy tickets at the station or online at intercity.pl/en.

What is Rzeszow known for?

Rzeszow is known primarily as the largest city and administrative capital of south-eastern Poland, for its well-preserved historic Old Market Square and neo-Gothic Town Hall, for its significant Jewish heritage, for the Underground Tourist Route beneath the market square, and as a major aviation and aerospace industry hub — the ‘Aviation Valley’ around the city includes operations from several major global aerospace companies. It was also rated the second most attractive semi-large city for business in Poland by Forbes in 2011.

Final Thoughts

Rzeszow is a city that consistently surprises the travellers who include it on their Polish itinerary. The Underground Tourist Route provides something genuinely distinctive; the Rynek provides genuine architectural beauty; and the Jewish heritage sites — modest in scale but powerful in what they represent — give the visit a historical weight that stays with you after leaving.For UK visitors exploring Poland beyond the obvious two-city Warsaw-Krakow circuit, Rzeszow makes a compelling case for itself. It is accessible, affordable, genuinely interesting, and uncrowded enough that you can wander the market square without competing for pavement space. That combination is increasingly rare in Central European travel.