Head to the Baltic Sea this autumn on a budget. You can get return flights with Ryanair from Prague to Gdańsk from as little as 30 eur, for example between 17 and 23 September. Or you can set off at the start of September, from 2 to 9 September, for 31 eur . Great prices are also available for other dates, particularly for week-long stays:

• 16–23 September for 31 eur
• 30 September–7 October for 41 eur
• 9–16 September for 43 eur

A week-long stay will give you plenty of time to explore Gdańsk and the surrounding area. As well as Sopot, you can also head to Gdynia, visit Malbork Castle or take a trip to the Hel Peninsula, which is about a two-hour train journey from Gdańsk.

I myself recently returned from Sopot and also visited Gdańsk. However, it gets really busy here during the peak summer season, so September can be a great choice – there’ll be fewer tourists and the weather can still be pleasant for a seaside break.

If you don’t want to go for a whole week, you can combine your trip with the direct Baltic Express train from Prague. It runs to Gdańsk, Sopot and Gdynia both during the day and at night. On the night service, you can also choose a sleeper carriage and make the journey itself an experience. Bear in mind, however, that the train is significantly more expensive than flights.

Discover practical tips in our guide and plan your trip to Gdańsk and the surrounding area:

• 15 places to see in Gdańsk and Sopot
• Where to stay in Gdańsk and the surrounding area
• Where to go on day trips
• Car hire prices at the airport