The little-known Polish city that ticks every box
It might not sit atop many bucket lists when it comes to picking a city break, but this undiscovered gem just 50km from Poznan ticks just about every box.
Gniezno, Poland's first capital, is teeming with history and culture – an experience to satisfy the budding history buff or just the curious onlooker alike.
And what better time to explore something a little bit different and off the beaten track than during the city's 2025 heritage celebrations?
Take a leisurely walk back in time along the cobbled streets of the Old Town, thronged with historic pastel townhouses, buildings and churches.
Leaf back a page in Poland's history books to discover the very cradle of the country's origins with a rich tapestry of stunning architecture.
The sprawling Gothic cathedral in the Old Town is one of the most iconic landmarks in the country, having witnessed the crowning of several Polish monarchs dating back 1,000 years to the first King of Poland, Bolesław the Brave.
The cathedral's intricately carved bronze doors are famous for depicting the story of St Adalbert of Prague, one of Poland's patron saints.
Enjoy an iced coffee gazing at the multitude of statues, murals and public art installations that draw inspiration from the country's rich and vibrant cultural heritage.
The Archdiocese of Gniezno Museum at the cathedral showcases a stunning collection of medieval art including paintings, sculptures and fabrics.
Coffin portraits take pride of place in the exhibition alongside a plethora of Christian artefacts and antiquities.
The museum also houses a fascinating collection of church utensils including St Adalbert's chalice.
The Old Town's 'Rabbit Chase' is a collection of bronze bunnies that the kids will love scavenging for in one of a number of family-friendly activities.
Alton Towers it isn't but there are plenty of playparks, green areas for a game of football - and don't forget your swimming trunks for the indoor aquapark with an array of flumes, slides and a lazy river.
The heart of the town is located in its red-brick market square known as Stary Rynek – an eclectic assortment of architecture that seamlessly blends the ancient with the contemporary.
The focal point for city life that often slows to a crawl, the square is the ideal place to watch the sunset with a cocktail.
While the city may be rooted to its past, the culinary experience on offer is anything but.
Whether you are after a quick bite on the go, some hearty comfort food or a first-class dining experience, then Gniezno has you covered.
No visit to Poland would be complete, of course, without a little sample of pierogi, the famous Polish dumplings that simply can't be missed. Or bigos, a fantastic hunter's stew that is slow cooked with a variety of meats and wild mushrooms.
For those with a sweet tooth, you are in for something of a treat when it comes to Gniezno's local pastries.
The St Martin Croissant, a crescent-shaped pastry stuffed with almonds, honey, ground nuts and fruit is a speciality of the region and simply must be sampled before you leave.
Cafes and restaurants are scattered along the Old Town but if you are on a tight budget, visit one of the location's 'milk bars' which offer traditional Polish food at prices to suit every pocket.
Craft ale lovers should set aside a few hours – if not a few aspirin – for a visit to the Dobry Brewery which offers a selection of homemade beers including their own Gnieznienskie Pilsner.
As the sun sets on this beautiful location it might not be Amsterdam or Berlin when it comes to nightlife but then again, isn't that the whole point?
Instead, unwind, relax and drink in the chill with a cold Polish beer enjoying some local music.
For the aspiring thespians, the Alexsander Fredro Theatre, named after the renowned Polish playwright and the 'Father of Polish comedy', stages a range of productions throughout the year from classical Shakespeare to more contemporary performances.
From July 18 to 20, the Slavic Culture Festival will celebrate the anniversary of the Royal Coronation with a number of cultural activities and events.
Attractions will include a Piast village for children with a workshop and educational stations, a shepherd's glade, theatre and stage performances, craft shows, firework displays and music concerts.
From August 8 to 13, come and celebrate the 'Millennium of the Coronation of Bolesław the Brave', a unique and not to be missed outdoor performance dating back to the middle ages that is this year commemorating the 1,000th anniversary of the king's coronation.
All in all there are worse ways to get away from it all and if you are tired of the same old bustling metropolises and tourist traps, immerse yourself instead in one of European travel's best kept secrets.
Getting there: Gniezno is served by Poznan Airport and Ryanair flies here from both Dublin and Cork. Other major cities in Poland are also well-serviced with Ryanair and Aer Lingus flights.
Find out more: Visit www.poland.travel/en and start planning your journey today.
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Irish Daily Mirror
16 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
The little-known Polish city that ticks every box
It might not sit atop many bucket lists when it comes to picking a city break, but this undiscovered gem just 50km from Poznan ticks just about every box. Gniezno, Poland's first capital, is teeming with history and culture – an experience to satisfy the budding history buff or just the curious onlooker alike. And what better time to explore something a little bit different and off the beaten track than during the city's 2025 heritage celebrations? Take a leisurely walk back in time along the cobbled streets of the Old Town, thronged with historic pastel townhouses, buildings and churches. Leaf back a page in Poland's history books to discover the very cradle of the country's origins with a rich tapestry of stunning architecture. The sprawling Gothic cathedral in the Old Town is one of the most iconic landmarks in the country, having witnessed the crowning of several Polish monarchs dating back 1,000 years to the first King of Poland, Bolesław the Brave. The cathedral's intricately carved bronze doors are famous for depicting the story of St Adalbert of Prague, one of Poland's patron saints. Enjoy an iced coffee gazing at the multitude of statues, murals and public art installations that draw inspiration from the country's rich and vibrant cultural heritage. The Archdiocese of Gniezno Museum at the cathedral showcases a stunning collection of medieval art including paintings, sculptures and fabrics. Coffin portraits take pride of place in the exhibition alongside a plethora of Christian artefacts and antiquities. The museum also houses a fascinating collection of church utensils including St Adalbert's chalice. The Old Town's 'Rabbit Chase' is a collection of bronze bunnies that the kids will love scavenging for in one of a number of family-friendly activities. Alton Towers it isn't but there are plenty of playparks, green areas for a game of football - and don't forget your swimming trunks for the indoor aquapark with an array of flumes, slides and a lazy river. The heart of the town is located in its red-brick market square known as Stary Rynek – an eclectic assortment of architecture that seamlessly blends the ancient with the contemporary. The focal point for city life that often slows to a crawl, the square is the ideal place to watch the sunset with a cocktail. While the city may be rooted to its past, the culinary experience on offer is anything but. Whether you are after a quick bite on the go, some hearty comfort food or a first-class dining experience, then Gniezno has you covered. No visit to Poland would be complete, of course, without a little sample of pierogi, the famous Polish dumplings that simply can't be missed. Or bigos, a fantastic hunter's stew that is slow cooked with a variety of meats and wild mushrooms. For those with a sweet tooth, you are in for something of a treat when it comes to Gniezno's local pastries. The St Martin Croissant, a crescent-shaped pastry stuffed with almonds, honey, ground nuts and fruit is a speciality of the region and simply must be sampled before you leave. Cafes and restaurants are scattered along the Old Town but if you are on a tight budget, visit one of the location's 'milk bars' which offer traditional Polish food at prices to suit every pocket. Craft ale lovers should set aside a few hours – if not a few aspirin – for a visit to the Dobry Brewery which offers a selection of homemade beers including their own Gnieznienskie Pilsner. As the sun sets on this beautiful location it might not be Amsterdam or Berlin when it comes to nightlife but then again, isn't that the whole point? Instead, unwind, relax and drink in the chill with a cold Polish beer enjoying some local music. For the aspiring thespians, the Alexsander Fredro Theatre, named after the renowned Polish playwright and the 'Father of Polish comedy', stages a range of productions throughout the year from classical Shakespeare to more contemporary performances. From July 18 to 20, the Slavic Culture Festival will celebrate the anniversary of the Royal Coronation with a number of cultural activities and events. Attractions will include a Piast village for children with a workshop and educational stations, a shepherd's glade, theatre and stage performances, craft shows, firework displays and music concerts. From August 8 to 13, come and celebrate the 'Millennium of the Coronation of Bolesław the Brave', a unique and not to be missed outdoor performance dating back to the middle ages that is this year commemorating the 1,000th anniversary of the king's coronation. All in all there are worse ways to get away from it all and if you are tired of the same old bustling metropolises and tourist traps, immerse yourself instead in one of European travel's best kept secrets. Getting there: Gniezno is served by Poznan Airport and Ryanair flies here from both Dublin and Cork. Other major cities in Poland are also well-serviced with Ryanair and Aer Lingus flights. Find out more: Visit and start planning your journey today.
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TUI launches holidays to two of Europe's cheapest cities – with beers for 84p and the continent's tallest building
TWO of Europe's cheapest cities can now be booked as a TUI city break holiday. Latvia's Riga and Warsaw in Poland both have packages available to book now - here's what you need to know about them both. 5 TUI has launched holidays to two of Europe's cheapest cities Credit: Getty Images - Getty 5 The cities are Riga in Latvia and Warsaw in Poland Credit: Getty Riga, Latvia And in the recent years the city has become increasingly popular, with tourists admiring its Such attractions include the UNESCO-listed Old Town, the Latvian National Museum of Art and the vibrant Riga Central Market. Riga was also recently named Europe's best value city for a short break. Read more on city breaks According to the Post Office Travel Money City Costs Barometer, which features 38 cities, a weekend away the Latvian capital costs just £253, for two people. On average, a cup of coffee in Riga costs £2.80 and beer costs £3.50, although you can buy beer for as little as €1 (84p) from supermarkets. The city is also known for having beautiful buildings, a pretty cobbled Old Town and a number of spires across its skyline. Prices start from £174 per person for flights and hotel for a three-night break. Most read in News Travel Excursions on offer include a scavenger hunt through Riga's old town with your phone starting from £25 per person and an art and culture You would star at the four-star Rixwell Elefant Hotel, which is conveniently located between Riga International Airport and the city centre, Old Town. Top 5 cheapest European city breaks The hotel is both bright and modern and is also within walking distance of shops. For fans of waterparks, it is 10km from Livu Aqua Park. TUI offers a two-night stay at the Rixwell Elefant Hotel flying from London Stansted on 16th September for £160 per person. Alternatively, travellers could stay at the A1 Hotel, which occupies the top floors of an historical building in the heart of Riga. The old town is a 15-minute walk from the property and guests can also find several museums near to the hotel. A two-night stay at the A1 Hotel Riga flying from 5 Prices start from £174 per person for flights and hotel for a three-night break in Riga Credit: Getty Warsaw, Poland The second destination with new TUI holidays is Warsaw. The city is home to Varso Tower which is Europe's tallest building with a brand-new observation deck opening this summer . There is also Praga - Warsaw's old industrial quarter. For those who want to experience something a little different, they can head to the Neon Museum. Beer is also cheap in the city, with the lowest pint sitting around £2.40. In Warsaw you could enjoy excursions such as a Polish dumpling cooking class with drinks from £45 per person or a private walking tour to the main sites from £142 per person. Travellers will stay at the four-star Polonia Palace Hotel at the heart of the city of Warsaw, opposite the Palace of Culture and Science and only two kilometres away from the Old Town. 5 A two-night stay in Warsaw costs from £254 per person Credit: Alamy A two-night stay at the Polonia Palace Hotel flying from Liverpool John Lennon Airport on September 22, costs from £254 per person. Alternatively, travellers could stay at the MDM Hotel City Centre in the historic Constitution Square, which is also within walking distance of the National Museum and the Palace of Culture and Science. A two-night stay at the MDM Hotel City Centre flying from London Luton Airport on 20th September costs from £224 per person. Chris Logan, commercial director of TUI UK & I said: "Riga and Warsaw are perfect additions to our expanding portfolio, offering distinctive blend of history , cuisine and arts. "Both cities have been climbing travellers' wish lists, with each offering unique attractions for foodies, culture enthusiasts and history buffs alike." These are Plus, how to take kids on cheap UK city breaks for only £40 a night for the family. 5 The packages are available to book online now Credit: Alamy
