Wrocław

Wrocław is Poland's fourth-largest city and the historic capital of Lower Silesia. Set on the River Oder, it's built across 12 islands, linked by more than a hundred bridges.

At the heart of the city sits one of Europe's biggest market squares (the Rynek), with a striking Gothic town hall and colourful burgher houses lining the sides. And right next to that the city's oldest quarter, Ostrów Tumski, home to the Gothic Cathedral of St John the Baptist. Wrocław is also a major hub for students and culture, with tens of thousands of students giving the city its lively, youthful energy, backed by a packed calendar of events all year round.

The city's famous the world over for its hundreds of tiny bronze dwarf statues hidden around the streets, but there's plenty more to see too: the UNESCO-listed Centennial Hall, the huge Racławice Panorama painting, the Hydropolis water museum, and a well-known zoo with its one-of-a-kind Afrykarium.

With the Czech-German border so close by, and great transport links, Wrocław is a perfect choice, whether you're after a quick weekend trip or a longer stay to let you really explore.