Underrated European city that's one of the cheapest places to go on holiday - My London
Summer is here and Covid-19 travel rules around Europe have very much relaxed. That means one thing: romantic city mini breaks are back in business, baby.
Unfortunately, that's not quite all of the obstacles out of the way. No, I don't mean the ongoing queues, cancellations and general chaos at Heathrow and Gatwick airports - but the more long-term issue of city holidays being especially pricey.
Food, drinks, activities, transport, it all adds up, wherever you go. But considerably less so at one underrated European capital city, according to a recent study.
READ MORE: London outrageously named one of the most overrated city breaks - here's the full list of overrated and underrated holidays
The budget-friendly capital in question is Warsaw, Poland, which was named this summer's most affordable mini break destination for couples by travel experts Forbes Advisor. According to the new research - which was conducted by analysing cost of living websites - a two-day vacation for two in Warsaw costs an average of £426, including return flights, accommodation, excursions, taxis plus meals out and alcohol.
This makes the underrated spot the most reasonable city in Europe to head to for a romantic weekend away, ahead of destinations like Sofia, Bulgaria - which narrowly placed in second with an average of £432 - or Lithuania's Vilnius, in third with £465. (FYI, even factoring in that UK residents won't need flights to London, a two-day stay had an average cost of £538.)
However, affordability definitely shouldn't be the only reason you visit Warsaw. The destination is not only exceptionally beautiful but also packed with history, with 17 UNESCO listed World Heritage Sites, including the historic Warsaw Old Town. Like much of the city, the Old Town was badly bombed during the Second World War, with its collection of squares and marketplaces needing to be meticulously rebuilt using pre-war records.
As such, it's considered the world's 'youngest' Old Town. Points to check out include Warsaw's beautiful Castle Square, located in front of the Royal Castle, the Sigismund's Column landmark and the Royal Road. The area makes a particularly lovely backdrop for a romantic stroll - as does the University of Warsaw Botanic Garden, or the many pathways and steps along the River Vistula.
Also worthy of a visits are Warsaw's many unique museums. This includes the Neon Museum, which preserves Polish and Eastern Bloc signs from after the Second World War. The small site is set in a warehouse-style building, with a shop selling merchandise. It was described by one Tripadvisor as being laid out 'in the most visually pleasing way possible' and 'endlessly photogenic'.
There's also the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews and Royal Łazienki. Facing the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes, the former is an educational institution is dedicated to remembering the 1000-year history and civilisation of Polish Jews through an immersive and dialogue-provoking exhibition.
The latter museum was formerly King Stanisław August's summer residence and is known for its regal classicist architecture and manicured gardens - said to be where the royal arranged many of his own romantic meetings.
You can find affordable accommodation options through Booking.com and Airbnb.
How to get there:
A number of London airports offer non-stop flights to Warsaw, making it quick and easy to reach this affordable city destination. British Airways flies from Heathrow, with flights (2hrs 20mins) from £71 in August, £48 in September or £36 in October, November and December. As for from London Gatwick, Norwegian offers regular flights.
The top 10 most affordable European cities for a two-day couple's break according to Forbes Advisor
- Warsaw, Poland
- Sofia, Bulgaria
- Vilnius, Lithuania
- Skopje, North Macedonia
- Belgrade, Serbia
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Podgorica, Montenegro
- Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Riga, Latvia
- Bucharest, Romania
Save £300 on your summer break with TUI
Whether you're looking to book a beach holiday and some long-awaited sun, a trip to Disney World or a cosmopolitan city break somewhere amazing, travel firm TUI has just unveiled a promo code that could save you £300 on your holiday booking.
If you use the promo code GETAWAY on the company's website when booking any holiday that departs between May and October 2022 you will get £100 off bookings over £800, £200 off bookings over £2000, or £300 off bookings over £3500.
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