Krakow: The Best European Destination for Vacation According to Global Traveler
Krakow, the former royal capital of Poland, is attracting more attention from European travelers after being named the best vacation spot in Europe by Global Traveler magazine.
In the 2026 Leisure Lifestyle Awards, this southern Polish city surpassed Seville, Porto, Istanbul, and Lisbon. The winners were determined by a reader poll conducted by Global Traveler.
"Winners are determined by people who travel regularly and seek that perfect balance," the magazine stated.
This recognition coincided with a steady increase in interest in Krakow, which welcomed nearly 700,000 foreign guests in 2025. The largest inbound tourism markets were Germany, the UK, and the USA.
As the number of visitors continues to rise, local authorities are considering measures for more sustainable tourism management.
Discussions about introducing a tourist tax for city guests have been ongoing since 2017. The collected funds are expected to be used for maintaining public spaces, preserving local heritage, and alleviating pressure on residents.
Cultural Attractions
Round-trip flights from Brussels to Krakow this summer can cost as little as €67 per person, and a night in a budget hotel is around €40. This makes the Polish city one of the more affordable European destinations for a short getaway. But what to do upon arrival?
The historic city center includes the medieval privileged city of Krakow, the Wawel Hill complex, and the Kazimierz district. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1978 and boasts the highest number of historically and artistically significant buildings in Poland.
Art lovers will appreciate the restored Czartoryski Museum, which houses Leonardo da Vinci's portrait "Lady with an Ermine."
The "Rynek Underground" Museum immerses visitors in the city's history, showcasing artifacts dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries, including trading rows, medieval workshops, and a cemetery, along with numerous authentic items from that era.
After a series of museums and photo sessions at the Town Hall Tower, the lively Main Market Square offers a bustling area filled with cafes, shops, and hotels.
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Entertainment and Leisure
Krakow is very convenient to explore on foot. Green spaces, such as the Decjusz Park, are known for their floral compositions and hornbeam alleys. Special bike routes, like the Vistula Bike Route, allow for leisurely exploration of the city.
In the mood for speed? Whether on track or ice, the city has several karting centers, as well as indoor and outdoor ice rinks. Areas like the "Little Lake District" in Pszylasek-Rusęci offer swimming zones with free entry in the summer.
Other leisure centers include bowling, paintball parks, indoor and outdoor climbing walls, and complexes like GOjump (Rzemieślnicza), where visitors can try parkour, snowboarding, wakeboarding, kitesurfing, and aerial yoga.
Just a few kilometers from the historic Old Town, hilly green forests rise above Jurassic limestone cliffs. Ojcowski National Park, accessible by bus or taxi in about 45 minutes, is a quiet refuge with miles of hiking and biking trails.
On a well-marked tourist route, visitors can explore castle ruins and Neolithic caves, then stop by one of the few cafes to catch their breath.
The city is also only about two hours away from Zakopane - a tourist town that offers even more scenic trails, pine forests, and lakes for those who enjoy active walks.
Where to Eat
Saving on flights and accommodation leaves plenty of budget for food - whether it's affordable local dishes or dining at restaurants with impressive price tags.
The Polish answer to pizza is zapiekanka. This hearty and inexpensive meal is a classic street food consisting of half a baguette with any topping of your choice.
If looking to truly indulge, the Michelin Guide recommends 22 establishments in Krakow and its surroundings, including Filipa 18, which serves a modern interpretation of classic Polish cuisine.
