Sarah Findlay, travel expert from Total Travel Protection, has highlighted this affordable and fun European city as one that should receive more visitors from the UK
A European city is an underrated destination for a getaway, offering return UK flights from £100 per person and a five-star hotel for two for £65 a night.
Sarah Findlay, travel expert from Total Travel Protection, believes that many UK holidaymakers are sleeping on an Eastern European spot that can deliver amazing value for money and an awful lot of fun.
“Located on the Baltic coast of Poland, Gdańsk is an underrated and affordable holiday destination Brits should look to book, “she told the Mirror.
The flight time from the UK to Gdansk is between two and 2.5 hours. This can vary slightly depending on your specific departure airport, for example, a flight from London Stansted is around 2 hours and 5 minutes, while a flight from Bristol is about 2 hours and 52 minutes.
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Ryanair, Wizz Air and Jet2 all fly to Gdansk, with direct flights available from airports including Newcastle, Stansted, Leeds, Belfast, Edinburgh, Manchester, Bristol, Liverpool, Aberdeen and Birmingham. Right now there are direct flights available in December for £15.
There are buckets of good deals available in terms of accomodation. Right now, a room at the five-star Hotel Podewils Old Town Gdańsk in December can be yours for £65 a night.
“While in Gdańsk, you can stroll through the Old Town, visit the Museum of World War Two, and admire the architecture with a walking tour or city cruise. You can try traditional Polish dishes such as pierogi (Polish dumplings) and żurek (sour rye soup). If you’re after the beach, you can visit the relaxing Jelitkowo Beach, located just 6 miles from the city centre,” Sarah continued.
“As Gdańsk is located in the Baltic with summer temperatures in the low 20s, you won’t need to worry about extreme heat, which was the case for many popular destinations this year. Our recent analysis of Total Travel Protection insurance claims revealed a 15% rise in heat-related travel insurance claims in summer 2025, highlighting how important it is to consider rising temperatures.”
What to do in Gdansk
- Long Market (Długi Targ) — This is the heart of Gdańsk’s Old Town: an elegant historic square lined with Renaissance / Baroque townhouses, full of character and charm.
- Neptune’s Fountain — A famous and photogenic landmark right in the Old Town. Great for a classic snap and a bit of city history.
- Wander through Mariacka Street, one of Gdańsk’s prettiest streets — packed with old merchant houses, amber shops, cosy cafés and boutiques. Evening strolls here, when the streetlights glow, feel especially magical.
- Visit the National Maritime Museum, which showcases Gdańsk’s maritime history, shipbuilding, trade, and sea-related culture. Great for history buffs or maritime-curious.
- Walk along the waterfront — along the river and port areas, where you’ll get sea breezes, views of old-town spires, cranes, and historic shipyards.
- Gdańsk Zoo — Poland’s largest zoo by area. If you travel with kids (or simply enjoy animals), this is a lovely place with many species and space to roam around.
- If the weather’s good, head to one of Gdańsk’s nearby beaches. Perfect for a relaxing walk by the Baltic, some fresh air and a break from city sightseeing.