Of course, our dear Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and nobody can deny that. But sometimes, it's nice to change the scenery, and why not let yourself be tempted by a little trip to Poland? Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for quite a while now, Krakow is famous for its undeniably charming medieval city center.
Krakow, the most beautiful old town in Europe
Narrow streets, local legends, hidden treasures around every corner, the capital of Poland is often underestimated. As you take a stroll, the city reveals itself through iconic spots like the Main Market Square or Wawel Hill. Wander through its cobblestone streets lined with colorful facades and a palace on the horizon, stop by one of the many cafes in the Kazimierz district, or visit an art gallery.
and enjoy the nightlife, but always in moderation: that’s the perfect plan. With its historical elegance and vibrancy, life is good in Krakow.On the gastronomy side, you'll be treated to the ancestor of the bagel (the obwarzanek), Polish dumplings (pierogi), or a delicious baguette topped with mushrooms and melted cheese (zapiekanka). But what will truly leave a mark on you is its history: the Nazi and then Soviet invasion, the Warsaw Uprising, and the communist vibe still visible in its architecture, not to mention the legends around every corner of the city. Always keep your eyes wide open.
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And after Krakow, what should we do?
Poland is more than just its capital. Once you're there, why not take the chance to explore! Zakrzówek Lake with its old limestone quarry and turquoise waters is among the most beautiful landscapes in the country. The Wieliczka Salt Mine is like a natural museum hidden underground, filled with secrets and legends. And we can't forget to mention the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial: the most powerful place in the region, balancing raw emotion and the duty to remember.
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But what exactly is this ranking?
It's the travel agency Tourlane that released the ranking of the most beautiful old towns in Europe, as well as the entire world. This ranking is based on four criteria: walkability, the age of the city, the cost of guided tours, and the popularity of the destination on social media. The result for Europe shows Krakow at the top! Alongside it, you’ll find Naples, Regensburg, Riga, and Saint-Martin. It just goes to show that you don’t need to travel to the other side of the world to discover amazing landscapes and stories!
For the curious ones: the most beautiful old town in Latin America is Cartagena, St. Augustine in Florida for the United States, Hoi An in Vietnam for Asia, and it's Sousse in Tunisia for the Middle East and North Africa.