An experienced Canadian traveller and content creator, who has explored nearly 100 countries across six continents, has officially declared a European city as the world's premier destination. Gabriel Morris, a seasoned globetrotter with over three decades of travel experience and more than 600,000 followers on his YouTube channel, @GabrielTravelerVideos, has set foot in 98 nations. However, he insists that one often-overlooked Polish city remains his absolute favourite, surpassing even popular spots like Kraków and Warsaw.
Why Gdansk Stands Out as a Global Gem
Gdansk, a northern port city in Poland with a population of nearly 500,000, is rapidly gaining popularity, attracting 4.5 million visitors in 2024 alone. While it is famed as the site where the first shots of World War II were fired in 1939, its appeal extends far beyond its deep-rooted historical and maritime heritage. The city boasts colourful architecture, vibrant markets, a picturesque waterfront, and St. Mary's Basilica, one of the largest brick churches in the world.
A YouTuber's Enthusiastic Endorsement
In a recent YouTube video, Gabriel Morris shared his first impressions of Gdansk, expressing sheer amazement. He described the city as "mind-blowing" and "one of the most amazing cities I've been to, absolutely." Morris highlighted the city's remarkable history and vast sights, noting that he had no prior expectation of its phenomenal nature. He praised Gdansk as "one of the most incredible" cities in Europe, thanks to its unique architecture and qualities, and admitted he barely scratched the surface of its many areas.
Although Morris has previously named Greece as his favourite overall destination, he believes Gdansk would be even more impressive in warmer weather. During his winter visit, temperatures dropped to -1°C, whereas summer typically brings balmy highs of 25°C. Despite the grey overcast conditions, which he noted were not ideal for filming and exploring, Morris affirmed that Gdansk is "one of the most beautiful cities in Europe without a doubt," with a "really pretty" market scene.
Affordable Access and Seasonal Attractions
Flights to Gdansk are surprisingly economical, with one-way fares from several UK airports costing less than £30 for journeys taking approximately two hours. Direct flights operate from hubs including London Stansted, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Leeds Bradford, and Edinburgh. In March, the cheapest fares are as low as £26 from Aberdeen Airport with budget airline Wizz Air.
For those willing to brave its freezing winter temperatures, Gdansk transforms into a festive paradise, hosting Europe's largest Christmas market. The Craiova Christmas Market, billed as the continent's biggest by area, spans over 280,000 square metres. Running from mid-November through early January, it features millions of twinkling lights, dozens of rides, and an endless variety of food stalls, turning the city into a glowing winter wonderland.
This combination of rich history, stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and affordability solidifies Gdansk's position as a top-tier global destination, according to Morris's extensive travel expertise.
