Poznan, Poland

If you arrive in Poznań any evening and stroll into its central market square, you'll receive an instant introduction to the characteristic energy of Wielkopolska's capital. The city's Old Town district is buzzing at any time of the day, and positively jumping by night, full of people heading to its many restaurants, pubs and clubs. Though it's also famous for its numerous trade fairs, which periodically make Poznań near-inaccessible to the casual traveller, the combination of international business travellers and the city's huge student population has created a distinctive vibe that is quite independent of tourism. In addition to its energetic personality, Poznań offers many historical attractions in its centre, particularly museums, and its plentiful transport links make it a great base from which to explore the quieter surrounding countryside.