Brits are raving about an affordable European city break filled with tragic history, impressive architecture, cheap food, and even cheaper drinks – with flights as low as £15 from London
Yearning for a culture-filled weekend that won’t break the bank?
Brits love a city break; a 48-hour escape from work, rain, and Greggs. It’s a concept that would probably send Americans into overdrive. But, due to its ideal location – the UK is only a couple hours away from a whole host of countries, all offering completely different experiences, from the romantic city of Paris to the party-mad island of Ibiza.
But if you’re globetrotting on a bit of a budget – there’s one particular city that’s been touted as the ‘most affordable’ city break in Europe. Now that’s a claim to fame…
Taking to TikTok, avid travellers behind the viral account Orda Twins showed some of the highlights of their recent trip to Gdańsk. The duo visited several Instagram-worthy eateries and coffee shops, as well as sandy beaches and narrow streets lined with adorable pastel houses.
Hundreds of travel enthusiasts rushed to the comments section to hail the destination, with many sharing the city’s beauty with their friends and family. “One of the top city breaks in Eastern Europe,” one user raved.
Another agreed, commenting: “100 per cent the best place to visit in Poland. Modern city, good food, and many historical sights.” A third added: “Poland is so so underrated, I absolutely love it. Always made to feel welcome as a Brit.” While a fourth simply wrote: “Gdansk is beautiful.”
Located in the north of Poland, Gdańsk has long been on the tourist map. In fact, more than 1.2 million holidaymakers flock to the portside every single year, and it’s easy to see why.
The average price of a domestic beer is around 81p, while a mid-range bottle of wine will set you back less than £5. A three-course meal for two in a decent restaurant will come to around £32, so it’s safe to say Gdańsk offers great value for money. But the city offers much more than cheap booze and cigs, and tourists can immerse themselves in the country’s chilling history.
The Museum of the Second World War is a must-visit attraction that features more than 2,000 exhibits spread over three narrative blocks: The Road to War, The Horrors of War, and The War’s Long Shadow. It is recommended to set aside at least three hours for the museum, which is located just 3km away from the Westerplatte peninsula, which was attacked by the Germans in September 1939.
You can also visit the Stutthof Concentration Camp, which is around a 45-minute drive. Here, you can learn about the horrors of the holocaust and pay your respects to those who lost their lives during the war.
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Back in Gdańsk, you can visit St Mary’s Church, Neptune’s Fountain, Golden Gate, and Oliwiski Park – all of which contribute to the city’s stunning and unique architecture. You can learn more about attractions in Gdańsk here.
Getting to Gdansk is a bit of a breeze, as most major UK airports – including Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Edinburgh, Belfast and Luton – offer direct flights. If you’re flexible with dates you can bag a complete steal – with £15 flights heading out of London in September.
Accommodation in Gdansk is also pretty affordable, especially compared to other European cities like Paris and Milan. For example, even the five-star rated Hilton hotel costs £111 per night – based on two people sharing in September. But if you’re on a tighter budget, a comfortable apartment will only set you back £25 per night.
What’s your favourite European city break? Let us know in the comments section below