The city has a special place in my heart and is perfect for a city break. (Image: Kris Boratyn/Getty)
Summer is the perfect time to discover Europe’s hidden gems. With popular destinations like Barcelona, Venice and Dubrovnik struggling under the weight of overtourism, lesser-known cities offer a quieter and often far more affordable escape.
One place that ticks all the boxes is Wrocław in south-west Poland – a city I know well because I have family there. It’s where my parents grew up, and I’ve been visiting twice a year for as long as I can remember. It holds a special place in my heart, but personal connection aside, Wrocław is a genuinely brilliant city break destination. With a population of around 700,000, Wrocław offers a mix of historic charm, riverside beauty, cultural sights and great food and drink, all at prices that make your jaw drop.
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Wrocław was heavily damaged during the Second World War but has since been lovingly rebuilt. (Image: Getty)
Wroclaw’s heart heart is the Market Square, one of the largest and most beautiful in Europe. (Image: Getty)
You can fly there with Ryanair from several UK airports including Stansted, Bristol, Birmingham and Liverpool, and I’ve often paid less than £20 for a one-way ticket.
Wrocław was heavily damaged during the Second World War but has since been lovingly rebuilt.
Its heart is the Market Square, one of the largest and most beautiful in Europe. Colourful townhouses, buzzing cafés and two impressive city halls surround this huge pedestrian zone.
It’s a place where you can sit outside with a cold drink, soak in the atmosphere and watch the world go by.
The city is often compared to Venice thanks to its location on the Oder River, its network of canals, and its 200-plus bridges connecting 12 islands. Some locals even call it “WrocLOVE” – and it’s not hard to see why.
One of the most charming and unexpected features of the city is its army of gnome statues.
The Market Square is a place where you can sit outside with a cold drink and soak in the atmosphere. (Image: Getty)
A must-visit spot is Ostrów Tumski or Cathedral Island. (Image: Getty)
These tiny bronze figures, each with a name and a story, are scattered all over the city, more than 800 in total. Spotting them is a fun way to explore, especially if you’re travelling with kids.
A must-visit spot is also Ostrów Tumski, or Cathedral Island, the oldest part of the city. The Gothic Cathedral of St. John the Baptist dominates the skyline and is especially magical in the evening.
That’s when a lamplighter appears, yes, a real person, lighting 102 gas lanterns by hand. It’s a rare and beautiful tradition, and one that makes the area feel like it’s stepped out of time.
From here, you can cross the scenic Cathedral Bridge (Most Tumski) to reach Wyspa Piasek. It’s an island that offers incredible views of the river and the cathedral.
From there, you can also take a boat to the Wrocław Zoo, which costs around £6 per person and goes every hour.
Wroclaw Zoo is one of the most biodiverse zoos in the world, home to more than 10,000 animals across 1,100 species. The Africanarium is filled with sharks, rays and tropical marine life, which is a particular highlight.
Wroclaw has an army of gnome statues scattered all over the city. (Image: Getty)
The Gothic Cathedral of St. John the Baptist dominates the skyline on Cathedral Island. (Image: Getty)
The iconic Centennial Hall and the Multimedia Fountain. (Image: Getty)
Entry is just £15 and as mentioned before you can get there via a 15-minute boat ride along the river for £6 – a journey that comes with some of the best views in the city.
For a relaxing afternoon, visitors can also head to the Japanese Garden. Entry costs just £6 and you’ll be rewarded with a peaceful, beautifully landscaped space full of colourful plants, tranquil ponds and traditional Japanese architecture. It’s one of the most popular spots for walks.
Just nearby is the iconic Centennial Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Multimedia Fountain, Poland’s largest, where light, water and music shows run regularly and are completely free to watch.
Wrocław is a student city and its nightlife reflects that energy. There are more than 100 bars and clubs, many of which stay open until the last guest leaves.
Słodowa Island is a popular local hangout in the warmer months, especially with younger crowds. It’s also the only place in the city where drinking alcohol outdoors is allowed, and the atmosphere there on sunny days is brilliant.
Wroclaw Zoo is home to thousands of incredible animals. (Image: Getty)
The Japanese Garden in Wroclaw should not be missed. (Image: Kris Boratyn)
Wroclaw Stadium will host the UEFA Conference League final this year. (Image: Getty)
Prices across Wrocław are extremely reasonable. I had a three-course dinner with my wife and a home-brewed pint of beer for under £40. A beer in a shop will cost around £2, and even in pubs or bars, you won’t usually pay more than £3.
Wrocław has hosted major events in recent years, including being named European Capital of Culture in 2016.
And this year, it will host the UEFA Conference League final between Chelsea and Real Betis – putting the city firmly on the map for British football fans.
Despite all this, it’s still relatively unknown to many travellers. But for those who make the journey, Wrocław delivers on every level – history, beauty, food, affordability and fun.
So if you’re planning a weekend getaway this year, skip the crowds and the high prices. Wrocław might just be your next favourite city break.