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I went on Europe's 'best city break' and was impressed by how cheap it was

With the highest destination score of any city in the world, this European city gets incredible feedback from those who visit, and it offers historic architecture, inexpensive stays, and a friendly welcome

[Krakow old town gates]

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This city stayed intact during World War 2(Image: Natalie King)

Its becoming increasingly difficult to choose a city break destination. Prices are rising, and many cities have seen overcrowding and overtourism protests, which to be honest do put me off going to a destination out of principle.

But a few months ago I visited a city that almost instantly became one of my favourites, and it seems like Im not alone. Consumer magazine Which? surveyed over 1,600 people about their experiences at destinations across the world, and this city came out on top with a solid 92% destination score that even beat Venice into second place.

Krakw is just a two-and-a-half hour flight from the UK, so its perfect for short breaks, but until recently it feels like it wasnt on many peoples radar. For a while, it had a bit of a reputation as a stag do destination, a Polish version of Prague, but it has worked hard to clean up its image and its streets.

Explaining the ranking, Which? wrote: Its no surprise. Krakw has the sort of architectural grandeur that maybe half a dozen European cities can claim., pointing out that its also much cheaper than many other continental city breaks.

[Krakw town square]

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Krakw is even more beautiful when seen in person(Image: Natalie King)

And whether youre a bit of an amateur architecture nerd like me, or just like a pretty building, its hard to deny the visual impact Krakw has. During World War Two, it was occupied by Germans rather than bombed, meaning its one of the few major European cities whose buildings werent hit by heavy shelling.

As a result, Polands second city is packed with stunningly ornate buildings stretching back as far as medieval times. The Old Town walls still stand in solid stone, and inside youll find cobbled streets lined with baroque and renaissance buildings, as well as some tastefully added modern elements. Theres even a McDonalds where you can sit in a brick cellar that dates back to the middle ages to enjoy your Happy Meal. While it's often jokingly refered to as a McDungeon, luckily, it's not part of some medieval jail it just has the aesthetic.

But while the city is old, it doesnt feel like a living museum. The buildings are well-maintained it was recently voted the cleanest city in the world and theres an incredibly vibrant and friendly atmosphere.

Theres a lot to see in Krakw, and its incredibly walkable, although I couldnt pass up a cheap ride on the modern tram. Czartoryski Museum is one of Polands oldest museums, and you could wander this converted palatial home for hours thanks to the sheer number of treasures packed into each room. Its most famous piece is the Lady with an Ermine by Leonardo da Vinci, which sits in its own climate controlled dark room that seems to demand a respectful hush as you approach it.

[Czartoryski Museum statues]

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The Czartoryski Museum was one of the most incredible I've ever visited(Image: Natalie King)

For short breaks, consider taking a Melex tour. Admittedly, being ferried around in an electric golf cart is a little embarrassing at first, but you soon learn to embrace being a cringeworthy tourist.

These vehicles will take you round key spots such as the Renaissance-era Cloth Hall and the Town Hall Tower, with short guided tours from as little as 10. Its not the most in-depth tour, with only short visits to the Jewish Quarter and outside of Schindlers Factory, although our tour guide did an amazing job of packing in a succinct overview for those new to the city.

But perhaps one of the reasons why Krakw seems to slowly be picking up top city break status is that its a European city you can still visit without feeling like everyone is out to rob you. The Old Town is pricier than the rest of the city, yet still felt inexpensive compared to other European spots. You can get a decently sized platter of pierogi for under 10, and pints around the 3 mark. The most I paid for a beer was 4.50, and that still felt reasonable since I was in the most touristy town square of Krakw and looking at a very pretty clock tower while I drank my pint.

Its no surprise that Krakw scores highly. I think it offers a lot of elements that are missing from many city breaks nowadays; cheap flights, clean and beautiful city centres, and chatty, welcoming locals who take pride in the place.

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