Poland were a cracking discovery. We ended up in Wrocław after Skyscanner told us it were the cheapest option going, and spent four days wondering why more British people don’t visit. It’s cheaper than Prague, prettier than most folk expect, and has over 400 bronze gnomes hidden around the city which is admittedly an odd selling point but somehow makes perfect sense once tha’s there.
How much does Poland cost?
Poland is one of the best value destinations in Europe full stop. We averaged around £27 a day for two people in Wrocław – and that’s including accommodation, food, a fair amount of excellent Polish beer, entry fees and transport. Accommodation were £11 per person per night. A proper sit-down dinner for two with drinks – under £20. A pint of local beer – about £1.50. Tha does the maths.
We found our accommodation through Booking.com and had no complaints. For flights, Skyscanner with flexible dates to ‘Poland’ rather than a specific city often throws up some very cheap options – Ryanair and Wizz Air both serve multiple Polish cities from UK airports.
Where we went
Wrocław – The main event. A city that’s properly confused about what it wants to be. Old Eastern Europe, Wild West frontier town and modern European city all at once, and somehow pulls it off magnificently. The Market Square (Rynek) is one of the finest in Europe. The Gothic Cathedral on Cathedral Island is free to visit. The food market is brilliant. And yes, there are gnomes. 400+ of them, scattered around the city as a nod to the Orange Alternative anti-communist movement of the 1980s. Hunting them all is both daft and oddly compelling.
We also tried pierogi (Polish dumplings = absolutely mint), żurek (a sour rye soup that sounds alarming and tastes brilliant), and more craft beer than was strictly necessary.
Getting around Poland on a budget
Wrocław is very walkable in the centre. Trams cover the wider city cheaply. For travelling between Polish cities – Kraków, Warsaw, Poznań, Gdańsk are all worth considering. Trains are affordable and reliable, and FlixBus is even cheaper for less time-sensitive journeys.
When to go
May to September for the best weather and outdoor cafe culture. December for Christmas markets that are genuinely magical – Wrocław’s is one of the best in Europe and far cheaper than German equivalents. We went in early autumn and it were spot on.
Our Poland posts — start here
4 Days in Wrocław: A Tight Traveller’s Guide From Bargain Flights to Bronze Gnomes
A recent 4-day budget trip to Wrocław, Poland, revealed it as a vibrant alternative to Prague. Travelers explored charming streets, tasted local delicacies like pierogi, and chased over 400 hidden gnomes. Accommodation was affordable at £11 per night, and daily budgets averaged £27, making for an enriching yet economical experience.
