If you’re looking for a truly enchanting and cheap winter break to help take away some of those daylight savings time blues, then you can’t go wrong with the hidden gem city of Wroclaw in Poland.
It’s less well known than bigger Polish cities like Krakow or the capital Warsaw, but that just adds to its peaceful, old world charm.
However, that isn’t to say that Wroclaw doesn’t have lively nightlife. It’s packed with plenty of bars and clubs and food and drink prices are much cheaper than they are in the UK – so you can paint the town red without breaking the bank.
What’s more, this year, Wrocław’s Christmas market claimed the truly impressive title of Best Christmas Market in Europe 2024, surpassing arguably more famous markets like Berlin, Vienna, and Prague.
The dates for the Christmas market 2024 have since been officially confirmed, with Wroclaw officials announcing that it will open from November 29, 2024 to January 7, 2025. Its situated in the famous medieval market square in the city centre, one of the largest open spaces in Europe, surrounded by elegant, historic townhouses.
The stalls are packed with Polish delicacies, gorgeous local crafts, festive ornaments and seasonal treats.
One UK visitor who travelled to Wroclaw in 2022 took to TripAdvisor to rave about their experience at the Christmas market, writing: “The market is also surrounded by all bars and restaurants with different cuisines. There is not much more you can ask for with a city break!
“We came home to the UK with lots of gifts from the markets and tried several foods, mulled wines and hot chocolates that they have on offer. We bought candles, gingerbread, cannolis, nuts, a snood and a few other Polish delicacies. All of the bars and restaurants we tried around the centre were also really nice and very reasonable.”
Speaking of bars, you might be pleased to hear that the average price of a pint of domestic beer in Wroclaw is just 13.50 Polish złoty: about £2.50, according to cost of living website Numbeo.
Also, a slap up three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant in Wroclaw costs, on average, 200zł – just £38.
One of the most popular spots to grab a drink in the city is the atmospheric Lamus Pub. It’s built into a railway arch and boasts a traditional, rustic interior, with people calling it a “joy to visit”.
You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to restaurants as well. If you’re looking to sample some traditional Polish fare then you can’t go wrong with historic eatery Piwnica Świdnicka. It’s one of the best-rated restaurants in the city. It’s also oldest city inn in Europe, first established in 1273.
It now operates as a restaurant and brewery, serving up authentic dishes such as pierogi with black pudding, potato pancakes with forest mushroom sauce and a wide range of steaks, burgers and other hearty dishes.
In terms of attractions and things to do, there’s more to Wroclaw than just the Christmas market.
You can burn off some of your pierogi calories by taking a stroll around beautiful Ostrow Tumski (Cathedral Island), the oldest part of Wrocław, dating from the 10th century. As its name suggests, it is full of ancient church buildings, but it’s far from boring.
The quiet cobblestone streets are incredibly pretty, and on your way there you can check out the famous view of the island from Xawery Dunikowski Boulevard, across the Oder River.
One person who visited the island recently said: “Absolutely beautiful architecture left, right and centre. So many churches, free to walk into. Highly recommend talking a look around, also go to the botanical gardens there!”
If you’re looking for a more sheltered activity, Wroclaw Zoo is considered to one of the best in Europe. It has a huge indoor aquarium with an underwater tunnel, featuring unusual fish, rays, seals, and turtles.
Oh, and did we mention that all of these charming sights and interesting things to do are only a little over two hours from Edinburgh?
Ryanair operate a direct service to Wroclaw from Edinburgh Airport from just £54, with a flight time of just two hours and twenty minutes – meaning you could be there in less time than it takes to travel from the Scottish capital to Aberdeen by train, and treat yourself to some mulled wine in a festive, snow-filled square when you arrive.
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