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I went to Europe’s finest nation for metropolis breaks – one factor immediately stood out

Europe has a lot of nice locations for metropolis breaks, however one nation specifically is turning into Brits’ go-to spot for weekends away

The town was glowing clear and stuffed with historic magnificence (Picture: Natalie King)

Nothing fairly beats a great metropolis break. You get to take pleasure in discovering an entire new tradition, discover historic websites, strive genuine meals, and usually take a break from your property life. However it may be troublesome to resolve on a vacation spot, particularly with so many superb locations to go to in Europe alone.

Latest analysis from Wizz Air has ranked Brits’ hottest metropolis break locations, and at primary is a rustic I lately visited. Not solely has the town I stayed in been voted the cleanest in Europe, it additionally commonly ranks among the many most cost-effective, and brief flight occasions from the UK make it good for brief breaks.

September was sunny and gentle and a good time to discover (Picture: Natalie King)

Poland topped the listing for the most well-liked vacation spot, and in line with Wizz Air it accounts for greater than a fifth of its bookings final yr. It’s additionally the fifth yr in a row that the Jap European vacation spot topped the listing for the funds airline, and it reveals no indicators of slowing down.

Kraków is Poland’s second-largest metropolis, simply behind the capital of Warsaw, though it noticed its inhabitants develop in 2025. It’s additionally one in every of Poland’s oldest cities, and through World Battle 2 it was occupied by Nazis, which means not like its neighbours in Warsaw or Gdańsk, it prevented widespread carpet bombing. This implies lots of its lovely historic structure survived the battle.

However not like lots of London’s historic buildings that may look slightly dirty and worn, even Kraków’s oldest constructions seemed clear and well-looked after. Even its Fabric Corridor market that dates again to the thirteenth century had stonework that seemed prefer it had been freshly strain washed.

One motive for this may very well be that Kraków’s air high quality is enhancing. The town has actually nice public transport that’s cheap, you may get a 24-hour tram move for simply over £3.50, and it’s additionally compact and walkable, so the roads aren’t clogged up with taxis and vehicles.

Regardless of some buildings having ugly graffiti tags, a lot of the metropolis seemed well-looked after and well-maintained, with hardly any litter and grass verges neatly trimmed. As a vacationer, it felt like a pleasing place to be, and I can see why guests come again to Poland again and again.

I used to be solely within the metropolis for a brief break, however nonetheless felt like I match lots into my itinerary. From the beautiful Rynek Główny, the medieval city sq. the place I loved a £3 pint of Polish beer, to the Kazimierz District, a Jewish neighbourhood with historic synagogues, genuine eating places, and small cafés the place you may sit exterior and other people watch.

Parks and historic buildings have been well-maintained (Picture: Natalie King)

Autumn was a good time to go to, hotter than I’d have anticipated with September nonetheless bringing sunny 25C days. In case you’re somebody who prefers gentle climate on your metropolis break, then the shoulder season may very well be the proper time to guide.

Is it one of the best nation in Europe for a metropolis break? It’s definitely excessive on my listing and I’d love to return and see extra of Poland’s cities. Whereas I went as a solo traveller, it undoubtedly ticked all of the bins for a romantic break or a ladies’ weekend. Quick flights, simple to make use of transport, and maybe most significantly, low-cost. What’s to not love?

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