The Polish city of Krakow has long been a favourite city break destination for Brits looking for a frugal city break that’s not too far from home.
Steeped in history, the city is as famous for its buzzing nightlife as it is for its medieval squares and Renaissance castles. According to data from the travel platform lastminute.com, it is also one of the most budget-friendly destinations for British tourists.
Its compact size makes it a remarkably walkable city, especially around the Old Town and Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz). Many travellers can see much of these two areas in a single day, strolling through cobblestone streets, past historic landmarks, charming cafés and vibrant markets.
Language platform Preply conducted a study to identify the ‘most walkable cities’ based on how easy it was to explore the main attractions without using public transport or a car. According to their data, Krakow placed just outside the top ten, suggesting that visitors can cover the main landmarks in just 73 minutes.
This would see savvy travellers cover approximately 7,560 steps and burn 378 kcal, leaving them able to enjoy a little bit more of the incredible food available throughout the city.
Krakow’s medieaval heart is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful in Europe. The city’s Old Town, Stare Miasto, has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and features a stunning array of medieval architecture.
Most of its major attractions are located within or near the Old City Walls, making it an easy city to navigate for first-time visitors. Wawel Castle sits perched on a hill overlooking the city, this royal residence is a symbol of Polish pride, showcasing stunning Gothic and Renaissance architecture, royal chambers and the historic Wawel Cathedral.
St. Mary’s Basilica is another must-see in the city. The impressive Gothic church is located in Krakow’s central square, Rynek Główny, and is known for its striking twin towers and beautifully crafted altarpiece.
The city is also home to a vibrant craft beer scene, with independent taverns and hostelries that serve a multitude of interesting beers to be found all over the city. Focusing on providing beers from regional and independent breweries, establishments such as the House of Beer, Pub Polski and Omerta, are regular haunts for tourists looking to sample Krakow’s finest.
For anyone not sure where to start, the city plays host to numerous beer walking tours, taking in some of the very best hidden breweries and boozy gems.
In addition to its architectural treasures, Krakow’s proximity to Auschwitz adds a poignant dimension to the tourist experience. While the former Nazi concentration camp is not a conventional tourist attraction, it is easily accessible from Krakow by bus or train.
Krakow is also an incredible place to visit during the winter. While the chilly air gives the city a fairytale feel, the Christmas markets that take place in the main squares are packed full of trinkets and treats, making it one of Europe’s most attractive festive destinations.
With daily direct flights between the UK and Krakow, city lovers could be jetting off to enjoy a brew on a budget, with cheap deals starting from as little as £16 one way.