The European city of Gdansk is a perfect destination for a weekend getaway and won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
A city that’s easy on the wallet has been dubbed the ideal spot for a weekend escape, without breaking the bank.
The Polish city of Gdansk, nestled on the Baltic Coast, is merely a two-hour and 15-minute flight from the UK. A journey from Liverpool John Lennon to Gdansk will only cost you £17.99 if you choose to fly with Wizz Air.
Accommodation starts from a mere £32, and you can anticipate some savings on food and beverages as well, given Poland’s reputation as one of the most affordable countries for beer, with some finding it for as little as £1.25.
Gdansk, a coastal city, boasts a plethora of waterfront eateries to sample during your visit. The former shipyard has undergone an impressive transformation, now hosting cafes, bars, and shops in repurposed shipping containers.
You can also explore the island of Wyspa Spichrzow, linked to the city centre by several bridges, for genuine Polish dining experiences.
Perhaps the city’s most famous landmark is the iconic Neptune’s Fountain, situated next to the stunning Artus Court, adjacent to the Town Hall. The fountain, crafted by sculptor Abraham van den Blocke, dates back to the 17th century.
In 1634, six years after van den Blocke’s passing, a fence adorned with gilded Polish Eagles was installed around the fountain. This was later removed in the 1930s by the Nazis, who aimed to erase traces of the city’s Polish history; this fence was subsequently restored following the downfall of Nazi Germany.
The Artus Court has earned its reputation as the ‘parlour of historical Gdansk’ and is an absolute must-see for art and history enthusiasts, brimming with artwork that portrays legends and myths from ancient times and the Middle Ages.
Gdansk also boasts the world’s largest brick church, St Marys Church, nestled in the heart of the old town. The construction of this church spanned over 123 years, finally opening its doors in 1502.
From 1536 to 1572, St. Mary’s Church served both Catholic and Lutheran congregations but has since been exclusively Catholic.
St Mary’s Church shares co-cathedral status with the nearby Olliwa Cathedral, a late 14th-century Brick Gothic structure that has housed a magnificent organ since 1763.
Other must-see attractions include the Museum of the Second World War, the European Solidarity Centre, Oliwa Park, and Sobieszewo Beach, dubbed the ‘greenest and wildest’ part of Gdansk.
