I visited Europe's 'best city break' and was blown away by the stunning architecture

Selecting the ideal city break destination is becoming ever more challenging. With soaring prices and growing unrest over overtourism in numerous cities, it's enough to make you reconsider visiting certain spots on principle alone. Yet, having visited a particular city just a few months back, I was almost instantly captivated — and it turns out I'm not the only one. Consumer magazine Which? polled more than 1,600 travellers on their experiences at destinations worldwide, and this city emerged as the clear winner with an impressive 92% destination score, surpassing even Venice, which came in second place. Kraków is a mere two-and-a-half hour flight from the UK, making it an ideal short-break destination. Until recently, it flew somewhat under the radar, carrying a reputation as a stag do hotspot — a Polish equivalent of Prague. However, the city has made considerable strides in reinventing itself and tidying up its streets, reports the Mirror. Commenting on its top ranking, Which? stated: "It's no surprise. Kraków has the sort of architectural grandeur that maybe half a dozen European cities can claim.", while noting that it remains considerably more affordable than many other European city-break destinations. Whether you're a self-confessed architecture enthusiast or simply appreciate an impressive building, Kraków's visual splendour is undeniable. During the Second World War, the city was occupied by German forces rather than subjected to bombing, leaving it as one of the few major European cities whose historic buildings escaped heavy bombardment. Consequently, Poland's second-largest city boasts an abundance of magnificently decorated structures dating back to medieval times. The Old Town's stone walls remain intact, and within them lie cobblestone lanes flanked by baroque and renaissance architecture, complemented by thoughtfully integrated contemporary touches. There's even a McDonald's housed in a brick cellar from the Middle Ages where diners can savour their Happy Meal. While it's affectionately dubbed a McDungeon, fortunately it's not part of some medieval prison – it simply has that appearance. Yet despite its age, the city doesn't feel like a static museum piece. The structures are impeccably preserved – it was recently crowned the world's cleanest city – and there's an exceptionally lively and welcoming ambience. Kraków offers plenty to explore, and it's remarkably pedestrian-friendly, though I couldn't resist hopping on the affordable modern tram. The Czartoryski Museum ranks amongst Poland's most historic museums, and visitors could spend hours wandering this transformed palatial residence given the extraordinary array of artefacts crammed into every chamber. Its most celebrated work is Leonardo da Vinci's Lady with an Ermine, displayed in its own climate-controlled darkened space that appears to command a reverent silence as you draw near. For brief getaways, consider booking a Melex tour. Admittedly, being chauffeured about in an electric golf cart feels slightly awkward initially, but you quickly learn to accept being a somewhat embarrassing tourist. These vehicles will whisk you around notable landmarks including the Renaissance-era Cloth Hall and the Town Hall Tower, with brief guided excursions starting from as little as £10. While the tour doesn't delve deeply into the city's history, offering only fleeting visits to the Jewish Quarter and the exterior of Schindler's Factory, our guide managed to deliver an excellent condensed introduction for first-time visitors. Yet one of the factors contributing to Kraków's growing reputation as a premier city break destination is that it remains a European location where visitors needn't worry about being overcharged at every turn. While the Old Town commands higher prices than other districts, it still proves remarkably affordable compared to alternative European destinations. A generous serving of pierogi can be enjoyed for under £10, with pints hovering around the £3 mark. The steepest price I encountered for a beer was £4.50, which seemed entirely fair given I was seated in Kraków's most tourist-heavy square, admiring a stunning clock tower while savouring my drink. It's hardly surprising that Kraków receives such favourable reviews. The city delivers many qualities that have become scarce in modern city breaks; affordable flights, pristine and attractive city centres, and friendly, engaging residents who demonstrate genuine pride in their hometown.