Where to spend a weekend in Europe: a budget option

Gdansk, a city located on the Baltic Sea coast, always attracts tourists with its history, architecture, and atmosphere. It is a real open-air museum. Here you can stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets of the Old Town, admire the Gothic and Renaissance facade buildings, and visit the Gdańsk City Hall and Arthur's Court.

This budget city was recognized as an ideal option for a weekend getaway. The Express publication told why it is worth visiting Gdansk.

Hotel room rates start at 37 euros. In addition, Poland is on the list of European countries with the lowest prices for food and drinks.

Gdansk is located on the Baltic Sea, so in summer you can combine a city walk with a beach vacation. There are many opportunities for outdoor activities: cycling, surfing, and yachting.

A walk on the waterfront or river canal will allow you to feel the atmosphere of the old port city. If you like maritime themes, visit the Maritime Museum, where you can learn a lot about the history of Polish navigation and the development of shipbuilding.

Gdansk is rich in museums and galleries where you can learn more about the history of the city and the country. The World War II Museum, which tells about the tragic events of the last century, will be especially interesting.

You can also visit the island of Wyspa Spichrzów, which is connected to the city center by several bridges. Wyspa Spichrzów means "island of barns" in Polish. It is a historic part of Gdańsk that has been an important center of trade and storage for centuries. The island was home to a large number of warehouses where grain and other goods arriving by sea were stored. It is a place with a rich history, where you can see old buildings that have survived from the Middle Ages.

Perhaps the most famous building in the city is the iconic Neptune's Fountain, located next to the beautiful Arthus' Court and the town hall. The idea for the fountain originated in the 17th century when Gdańsk was experiencing a period of economic prosperity thanks to maritime trade. The fountain was supposed to symbolize the city's connection with the sea and its god Neptune.

In 1634, six years after the death of the architect van den Block, a fence decorated with gilded eagles was built around the fountain.

Arthur's Court became known as the "living room of historic Gdańsk" and is a must-see for art and history lovers. The construction of Arthus's Court began in the XIV century. Initially, it was the residence of the Brotherhood of St. George, which united wealthy merchants. Later, the Court became a place for meetings, banquets, and negotiations. Important trade agreements were concluded here, and political issues were resolved.

St. Mary's Basilica in Gdańsk is one of the largest brick churches in the world. Located in the center of the Old Town, it is not only a religious building but also a historical and cultural landmark. The cathedral was built over 123 years and opened in 1502. The temple was built in the Gothic style, characterized by high lancet windows, thin columns, and vaults. A characteristic feature of the basilica is its tower, which is one of the tallest in Europe.

Other places worth visiting include the World War II Museum, the European Solidarity Center, Olive Park, and Sobieszewo Beach.

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