Last year, budget airline Wizz Air launched remarkably affordable £40 return flights to the Polish city of Wrocław. As someone constantly seeking out cheap flights and undiscovered destinations, I immediately added them to my basket for a January 2026 getaway. What I didn't anticipate was that this would become one of the most economical and enjoyable city breaks I've ever experienced. Remarkably, the entire trip – including flights, three nights' accommodation, and all my spending money – came to just £150.
From Kraków to Wrocław: A Polish Love Affair
My fascination with Poland began back in 2019 when I spent a weekend in Kraków. I was completely captivated by the country's rich culture, delicious cuisine, and the genuine warmth of its people. As a final year university student at the time, the affordability factor was particularly appealing when planning holidays. I promised myself then that I would explore more of this fascinating country someday.
Discovering the 'Polish Venice'
Fast forward to 2026, and I found myself boarding a plane from Gatwick to Wrocław, a southwestern Polish city often called the 'Polish Venice' due to its network of over 100 bridges spanning the Oder River, numerous waterways, canals, and picturesque islands. However, any comparison to Venice ends there – both visually and, crucially, in terms of affordability.
A Visual Feast in Winter
The first thing that struck me about Wrocław, apart from the crisp -6°C January temperatures, was its kaleidoscopic colour palette. This became even more magical when snow began to fall, with huge flakes settling on ancient flagstone floors creating a real-life fairytale atmosphere.
During the short stroll from our accommodation to the Old Town – despite being Poland's third-largest city, Wrocław feels wonderfully compact and walkable – I was immediately impressed by the bold, bright buildings. Rynek, the main Market Square, showcases a stunning mix of Gothic and Baroque architecture, lined with colourful townhouses and dominated by the magnificent 13th-century Old Town Hall.
Considered the city's cultural heart, this is one of Europe's largest market squares and absolutely bursts with life. Local flower vendors, offering everything from butter-yellow sunflowers to raspberry-pink tulips, only enhanced the city's vibrant atmosphere.
Even though Christmas felt like a distant memory back in the UK, Wrocław's 25-metre Norwegian spruce remained centre stage, beautifully decorated with 120,000 lights, a two-metre star, and 3,000 gold and silver baubles. A local explained that in Poland, people traditionally put up their Christmas trees on Christmas Eve, allowing them to enjoy their beauty well into the New Year.
Quirky Urban History and Creative Spirit
It didn't take long to discover Wrocław's quirky, creative heartbeat – the city's famous 'gnomes' have become one of its most distinctive features. On every corner, doorstep, and restaurant entrance, I observed people photographing these tiny bronze statues, which have evolved into a popular tourist activity – essentially an urban scavenger hunt.
While these charming figures only started appearing on the streets in 2005, created by sculptor Tomasz Moczek at the city's request, they've been Wrocław's mascot since the 1980s, originally serving as an artistic act of resistance against communist authoritarianism.
Exploring Efficiently
Short on time but eager to see the city? Whether travelling solo or in a group, I highly recommend joining a one-hour E-car tour. For just £10 per person, six of us piled into an eco-friendly vehicle where our enthusiastic guide Nicholas took us on a trail of Wrocław's gnomes while stopping at key sites including the University, Cathedral Island, the UNESCO-listed Centennial Hall, Market Hall, the Pergola Fountain Show, and the National Museum.
Similarly fascinating are the 'colourful courtyards of Wrocław,' located just a 30-minute walk from the centre in the Nadodrze area. Once an unsafe and neglected residential district, local artist Mariusz Mikołajek formed the Centre for Cultural Backyard Animation (OKAP) in 2014, enlisting the community to transform gritty courtyards into open-air art galleries.
Walking past tired tenement buildings, we eventually discovered an urban art space that expanded through back streets like something from a fantasy novel. With painted murals, ceramic figures, and 3D art protruding from walls, the area has become a hub for artists and students, boasting a fresh, bohemian atmosphere with organic bakeries, trendy bars, and vegetarian cafes.
Another must-see is the Wrocław lamplighter. Every evening at dusk, 365 days a year, a mysterious man wearing a cape and top hat manually lights over 100 historic gas lamps across the city. Witnessing this 19th-century European tradition in the 21st century felt truly special.
Delicious and Affordable Dining
As an enthusiastic foodie, nothing excites me more than sampling a new city's local cuisine – and Wrocław delighted both my taste buds and my wallet. On our first day, three of us visited PRL, a traditional Polish pub where we indulged in meat-filled pierogis with fried onions and local beers, all for the astonishing price of 34 Polish złoty (£7).
Another highlight was Konspira, an atmospheric, brick-lined restaurant serving generous portions of classic Polish cuisine, including delicious zurek soup in bread (50 Polish złoty/£9). The clandestine setting immerses diners in a 1980s atmosphere, complete with hidden rooms, fake walls, secret passages, and revolutionary memorabilia.
For those seeking medieval charm with a more upmarket feel, I recommend Piwnica Świdnicka, Poland's oldest restaurant located in the Old Town Hall basement. Here, everything from pork knuckle (£16) to schnitzel (£18) has been served since 1273.
Coffee lovers should visit Vinyl Cafe, a cosy spot with floral sofas, doilies, and an extensive jazz record collection. Enjoying a superb flat white while listening to a crackly Thelonious Monk LP felt like stepping back in time to someone's front room.
Practical Travel Information
Wizz Air currently flies to Wrocław from London Gatwick for as little as £16 one way. Accommodation options are equally budget-friendly. The Great Polonia 3* Wrocław City Centre offers rooms from £22 per night, located approximately 1km from the Old Town. For those willing to spend slightly more, the modern 4* Korona Gold – Korona Hotel Wrocław, situated just 120 metres from Wrocław Town Hall, has rooms available from £56 per night.
My recommendation? If you're seeking a city break filled with fascinating history, excellent food, and a thriving underground arts scene – all at an incredibly affordable price – Wrocław absolutely deserves a place on your travel bucket list.
