It was the only destination to score five stars for value for money
Europe boasts countless stunning cities ideal for weekend breaks or extended holidays, with one destination claiming the ultimate crown. Research by Which? Travel has declared Krakow the continent’s finest city break for an unprecedented fifth consecutive year.
The Which? study evaluated seven key factors: cuisine and beverages, lodging, cultural landmarks and attractions, retail offerings, transport convenience, crowd levels, and financial value. An overall rating was then determined based on general satisfaction and the likelihood visitors would recommend the destination.
Krakow topped the rankings with a remarkable 92% score. The Polish city earned five-star ratings for its food and drink, accommodation, and transport links.
Uniquely, it was the sole destination to achieve five stars for value for money, with Kayak data showing average nightly accommodation costs of just £86. The city also secured four stars for its cultural offerings.
One survey respondent commented: “Beautiful, mainly unspoilt city. Superb food at a fair price. I’ve stayed many times, and there are lots of good-value hotels. Friendly and pretty safe.”
Kraków is particularly renowned for enabling day excursions to historically significant sites like Auschwitz and the Wieliczka Salt Mine, creating a deeply meaningful travel experience.
One visitor to Kraków shared on TripAdvisor: “We visited over Easter weekend so it was extremely busy but the atmosphere was buzzing. The markets were on, a sun was blazing and the horse and carriages were clattering around the streets.
“Whilst there the area was clean and tidy, there was no trouble at all and it was great to see people carrying their Easter baskets. The buildings and churches were beautiful and we really enjoyed the park.”
Another chimed in: “Beautiful city, what I can highly recommend as a place to discover a little Poland. Lots of attractions around and legends.”
Naomi Leach, Deputy Editor of Which? Travel, sharing the survey results, said: “Whether you are looking for culture, art, history or top gastronomy, there are several European cities that deliver. Book ahead and choose to visit off season to secure the best prices.
“British holidaymakers who look beyond the most famous destinations, can find great value for money in foodie escapes, such as Krakow and Valencia. Despite the crowds, classic city breaks Venice and Vienna scored highly with visitors due to their unparalleled cultural attractions.”
Europe’s five best city breaks:
- Kraków, Poland
- Venice, Italy
- Valencia, Spain
- Vienna, Austria
- Istanbul, Turkey
