When it comes to weekend getaways, it doesn’t come any easier or any more indulgent than the beautiful city of Poznan. DAN KEEL discovers a squeaky clean and stress-free town with incredible food which can be explored and enjoyed without wasting your annual leave.

Nestled in the heart of Poland away from the friendly rivalry of its big brothers (Warsaw and Krakow) lies a town which offers the best elements of both – but without the hordes of tourists.

Poznan claims the friendliness, beauty and sophisticated beauty of Krakow, but also a rich, gritty and proud history comparable with the country’s capital.

This is a town which on the one hand serves up a vast array of hearty central European fare in the delightful surroundings of a cute and playful town square, but which also proudly claims to be the venue of the popular revolt which triggered European-wide opposition against 20th century communist suppression.

Unlike many so-called ‘European weekend getaways’, this city is genuinely easy to reach. It is also Brit-friendly and very compact making it the perfect destination after a long week at work.

The renaissance-style old town, destroyed during the Second World War but rebuilt, buzzes with life all day and all night.

The sunlight hours see market stalls selling a huge range of ornaments and antiques while you can feast upon a plethora of variously flavoured cheeses, sausages, potatoes and sweet snacks – all with a pint of the town’s legendary Lech beer in tow.

At night there is live music and dancing while the borders of the square come alive with a string of small but lively cafes, bars, clubs and beer cellars open until the early hours.

The Poznan Independence Museum, a 20-minute walk from the market square, is also worth a trip.

Visitors can learn about the 1956 uprising which left more than 50 people dead and which many believe was the first of many demonstrations against Soviet Communist rule before its eventual collapse in the 1990s.

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Finally, why not top off the day with a trip to one of the town square’s lively restaurants serving a variety of pierogi (dumplings) of varying flavours and cooking methods – some baked, some fried and some boiled – but all delicious.

How to get there:

Flights from London Stansted to Poznan start from £18.99 with a journey time of 2hrs and 5mins.

A taxi from the airport to the town centre costs in the region of 40pln (£10) but make sure you use an official taxi from the airport’s taxi rank rather than a private hire-car.

Where to stay:

The futuristic-looking Puro Hotel is ideally located a five-minute walk from the beautifully quaint market square.

The company, which boasts hotels in the centres of all Poland’s major cities, prides itself on elegant modernness.

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Rooms are clutter free yet warm and inviting while the service is impeccable. The foyer area serves free coffee 24 hours a day while an ipad in every room allows guests to control the heating, watch TV, order room service and even check-out online. You won’t find a more accommodating city centre hotel.

Rooms range from Superior rooms with double or twin beds (£50) to apartments measuring 55sq m (£130).

Prices vary according to the season.

Visit: www.en.purohotel.pl poznan@purohotel.pl

Call: +48 22 12 20 700

Eating out:

Hotel Puro’s adjacent restaurant Nifty No. 20 is opulemtly decked out in a similar style to the hotel.

The menu caters for both the Polish and British palate with starters including the delicious Fried goat cheese, filo pastry, spicy chutney for just £5 and a stunning main course of Baked trout, caramelised nuts, seasonal vegetables, lettuce for £8.

Visit niftyno20.pl/en