Craving a weekend brimming with culture that won’t leave your wallet feeling light? Brits are known for their love of a quick city getaway, a brief respite from the daily grind and the unreliable weather. It’s a concept that might just baffle our friends across the pond.
Yet, thanks to its prime location, the UK is a mere stone’s throw away from an array of diverse destinations, ranging from Paris’s romantic boulevards to the lively shores of Ibiza. For those looking to globe-trot without splurging, there’s one city that’s been singled out as Europe’s ‘most affordable’ city break. On TikTok, the travel-savvy Orda Twins have taken their followers on a virtual tour of Gdańsk, showcasing the trip’s most photogenic spots.
Their journey included visits to trendy cafes and eateries, strolls along sandy beaches, and wanders through quaint streets adorned with charming pastel-coloured houses, reports the Mirror.
The comments section quickly filled with travel buffs praising the Polish city, with many recommending it to friends and families. “One of the top city breaks in Eastern Europe,” one user said.
Another agreed, saying: “100 per cent the best place to visit in Poland. Modern city, good food, and many historical sights.”
A third said: “Poland is so so underrated, I absolutely love it. Always made to feel welcome as a Brit.” And another simply said: “Gdansk is beautiful.”
Situated in northern Poland, Gdańsk is a popular tourist destination, attracting over 1.2 million visitors annually to its bustling portside. It’s not hard to understand the appeal, with domestic beer averaging at about 81p and a decent bottle of wine costing less than £5.
A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant will set you back approximately £32, making Gdańsk an affordable holiday choice. But the city offers more than just budget-friendly food and drink; it’s also steeped in poignant history.
The Museum of the Second World War is a must-see, housing over 2,000 exhibits across three sections: The Road to War, The Horrors of War, and The War’s Long Shadow. Visitors are advised to allocate at least three hours to explore the museum, which is conveniently located just 3km from the Westerplatte peninsula, the site of a German attack in September 1939.
A 45-minute drive away is the Stutthof Concentration Camp, where visitors can learn about the atrocities of the Holocaust and pay tribute to those died during the war.
Back in Gdańsk, attractions such as St Mary’s Church, Neptune’s Fountain, Golden Gate, and Oliwiski Park showcase the city’s distinctive and captivating architecture.
Reaching Gdansk is relatively straightforward, with numerous major UK airports – including Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Edinburgh, Belfast and Luton – providing direct flights. If your travel dates are flexible, you could snap up a bargain, with flights previously going for as low as £15.
Accommodation in Gdansk is also reasonably priced, particularly when compared to other European cities like Paris and Milan. For instance, a night at the five-star Hilton hotel will set you back £133 in September, based on two people sharing.
However, if you’re working with a tighter budget, a cosy apartment can be secured for just £25 per night.