The underrated but gorgeous European city a 2-hour flight from the UK | City breaks | Travel

This gorgeous European city is both underrated and affordable. You may not have heard of it before but the Polish city of Gdańsk is one of the country’s oldest and most beautiful cities, and just a mere two-hour flight away from the UK. The city on the Baltic Sea is known for its incredible colourful buildings and cobblestone streets of the old town which will take your breath away with its Dutch looking architecture. 

Gdańsk also has an eventful history as an influential member of the Hanseatic League, a powerful alliance of maritime cities that played a key role in shaping the economy of northern Europe.  In 1939, the city became the site of the Second World War’s outbreak and suffered devastating destruction, with 90% of its center, including the Main Town, being ruined.

After the war, Gdańsk slowly rebuilt, with its historic monuments being restored. 

During the communist era, the city played a big role in the struggle against the regime, with protests in 1970 leading to the deaths of several residents, and the creation of the Solidarity movement in 1980, led by Lech Wałęsa. 

This movement contributed to the fall of communism in Poland in 1989.

For just £20 a flight, the city remains affordable even after you’ve landed. 

At Bar Turystyczny, a meal will cost you about £2.50 in a traditional cafetaria that serves homemade soups, pierogi, salads, marinated meat and delicious cakes.   

Akademicki Bar Mleczny is another place serving cheap traditional meals for five decades for a mere £3. 

From Gdansk, you can take a 45-minute train that will bring you to the world’s largest castle by land area- Malbork Castle, an incredible gothic-style brick castle.