29 May 2024 , 05:00
963
0
A picture-perfect city loved for its historic waterways and granaries is the cheapest European city break for a 24-hour holiday.
Flights from Luton Airport to Bydgoszcz, Poland can be found for as low as £29, and with all the city as to offer it seems like a no-brainer, according to Late Rooms. For less than the price of a Saturday night takeaway, you could be lounging on the banks of a serenely quiet canal, within a stroll's distance of the Old Town, home to an array of architectural styles, including Art Nouveau, Gothic and Renaissance buildings.
Bydgoszcz is a quaint city in Northern Poland, known for its canal and network of waterways extending west all the way to Rotterdam. The picturesque city is home to Mill Island, which sits at a fork in the river Brda. The island, by the Old Town, was Bydgoszcz's hive of industry from the medieval period.
Flights to Bydgoszcz in Poland can be found as cheap as £29pp from Luton Airport (Getty Images)The few mill buildings that remain from the 1800s have been given some much-needed love to make them into tourist attractions. When visiting the old mill buildings, the surrounding open green spaces and clear water are also a delight. Rowboats can be rented to make a trip along the river, there are specialty shops to explore, or simply immerse yourself in the luscious green space at the water's edge.
In addition to the city's waterways and green lawns, is the Museum of Soap and Dirt. As the name suggests, this minor museum shows a timeline of hygiene-related items, from cast-iron bathtubs to vintage detergent adverts, the museum gives an in-depth exploration of how the modern world of hygiene and cleaning came to be.
Mum snaps up four-night Butlin's break for just £41 using money-saving tricks
Whilst it may seem quirky, the museum also has some fun interactive exhibits that you can smell and touch. For those who like to really stick their hands in, the museum also offers the chance to create your own soap to take home with you.
Another on the list of pretty locations in the city is the Old Market Square. This location is exactly where King Casimir II the Great founded Bydgoszcz, back in 1346. Ever since, it has been a social hub of the city, hosting concerts, public gatherings and a wealth of outdoor seating for bars and restaurants.
The granaries by the Brda are also a hotspot in the city. Imagine rowing down the Brda — you'll be sent back to the late-18th-century, where half-timbered granaries litter the banks of the river. The Bydgoszcz Canal itself is a big draw for manufactured water way enthusiats.
Since becoming an inactive shipping lane, the spot has been favoured for lounging about in the sun. Travelling up and down the Canal you will also see some of the beautiful architecture Bydgoszcz has to offer. The canal also features five restored locks.
Eating in Bydgoszcz is also a treat. With plenty of restaurants to choose from, visitors can really immerse themselves in the local cuisine including pierogi (potato dumplings) or gołąbki (stuffed cabbage). Many of the city's bars stock Polish beers and wines, often at reasonable prices.
Transport in the city is also good. As the city is quite small, it is easily accessible to walk everywhere, but if you would rather not pavement-pound, then there is also public transport available. Buses, trams and trains will take you anywhere in the city — or if you're feeling more fancy, car rental starts from €14 (£11.91) a day.
May to September is the ideal time to visit the city as this is when the city is at its warmest. Whilst it can be rainy over the summer months, temperatures can reach around 20C. Alternatively, Christ is always special in Bydgoszcz. The streets light up with Christmas lights and the city becomes busy with festive activities and markets.
Most of the favoured hotels are located in the city centre, with both glamourous options and more affordable stays loved by backpackers. With prices for accommodation as cheap as £15 per night, what are you waiting for.
Check out by signing up to our free weekly newsletter.