The Venice of Poland

Wroclaw may be a relatively small blip on the European radar, especially when compared to the likes of Paris, Rome or Barcelona, but as holidaymakers are becoming more and more adventurous the many of charms of this small but sassy city are deservedly being discovered.

Even ardent locals won't try and tell you that 'the Venice of Poland' can match Italy's original version for sheer romance and beauty, but you don't need to be a Wroclawian to be swayed by the character of this little town... Wroclaw's Old Town alone boasts the second largest medieval market square in Europe (the first prize goes to Krakow), dozens of spectacular gothic churches, scores of bridges over scenic waterways, and plenty of lush parkland besides.

Above: Climb up St. Elizabeth's Church for a stunning panorama

Below: Or get bitten by a radioactive spider and climb up any building you like!

Now cross the river onto Wroclaw's picturesque islands and, apart from plenty of strolling opportunities, you will find some of city's most precious jewels. The Ostrow Tumski in particular is a real treasure chest and tourists are drawn to it like bees to honey to admire the stunning spires that pierce Wroclaw's skyline north of the river.

Meanwhile, if you're in Wroclaw for more than a couple of days, it's well worth venturing out East in search of hidden bounty. The Plac Grunwaldzki, again just across the Odra, isn't an obvious tourist attraction but hides a history of more prosperous times, whilst go that bit further and you will discover odd ball treasures such as the Centennial Hall (now UNESCO listed as one of the World's most important cultural sites!), Wroclaw's very own zoo and the charming Japanese Gardens. Or why not head right to the city limits and to the Olympic Stadium, built by Hitler for the 1936 Berlin Olympics?

Thanks to its colourful history Wroclaw can count both treasures left over from its time as the German city of Breslau, as well as important cultural legacies transported from the old Polish city of Lwow (now Lviv in modern day Ukraine). Most of Wroclaw's splendid architecture falls into the former category, but amongst the latter is the unique Panorama of Raclawice, considered by many Poles as the symbol of the city.

Of course you could be one of those hedonistic bunch who couldn't care less about the city's rich culture and troubled history... In which case step this way for top tips on hotels, eating out, drinking and nightlife!