You know us: we’re always on the lookout for the very best in tourism. So when the travel site, Tourlane, published its ranking of the best old towns in Europe, we couldn’t resist taking a peek. Purely out of curiosity — or perhaps the desire to discover a new destination for a weekend getaway, who knows? You know what? It’s Krakow that snagged the top spot! Since we were a bit surprised, we decided to dive a little deeper into this city in Poland. And what we found absolutely delighted us.
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A city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Krakow is one of those underrated cities, but it’s filled with an unmatched charm. Yet, it has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1978, thanks to its absolutely stunning historic center, with a multitude of Gothic monuments. Just behind Warsaw, the capital, Krakow is the second most populous city in Poland.
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In the ranking established by Tourlane, it is followed by Naples (Italy), Regensburg (Germany), Riga (Latvia), San Marino (a microstate in northern Italy), Avignon (France), Vilnius (Lithuania), Warsaw (Poland), Salzburg (Germany), and Graz (Austria). So, there's no room for Paris in this top 10, but it seems that the old Polish and German towns are quite popular!
Cultural gems to discover
There are a few must-see spots that you shouldn't miss if you decide to book a stay in Krakow. In the old town (Stare Miasto), be sure to stroll around the Market Square, which is nothing less than the largest medieval square.
d'Europe. In the center, The Cloth Hall is another must-see to discover. Of course, you have to step inside The Basilica of St. Mary. If you wander a bit outside the center, you can also be tempted by Wawel Castle, perched on its namesake hill, or explore Kazimierz, the historic Jewish quarter where history, memory, culture, and a vibrant atmosphere come together with its many cafes. So, are you tempted?Voir cette publication sur Instagram