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Why This Lesser-Known City Is Being Hyped As The Best In Europe For 2024

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As we begin looking ahead toward the new year, it's only right to narrow down the best places to travel. Some will stick to the usuals of Paris, Cancun or a handful of Caribbean getaways.

Others are saying “been there, done that” and want to find new awesome places to explore. Every travel publication and their mother have seemingly been providing the top destinations for 2024 lately.

garden in krakow

However, this lesser-known city really does stand out amongst the crowd, and ironically, lacks crowds unlike many other comparable destinations.

The Irish Sun released their top picks for European getaways next year and this amazing city was ranked number one above all.

KrakowPoland's Lesser-Known Gem

Krakow has beat out all the big names of Europe to be named the top destination for 2024. Paris? Amsterdam? Athens? Nope.

waterfront castle in krakow

Krakow is the place to be for a variety of reasons. Poland may not even be on your radar when considering a European escape, but this huge country should no longer be overlooked.

Given the state of conflict in neighboring Ukraine, ‘Eastern Europe' can be a trigger word to some travelers.

However, Poland is completely safe, including the magnificent city of Krakow. Set in the southern region of the country closer to Slovakia than Ukraine, this timeless cultural wonder is waiting to be discovered by many.

Stunning Sites And Attractions

Wieliczka salt mine

Krakow is home to some truly unique attractions, such as the Wieliczka salt mine on the outskirts of the city.

This centuries-old underground attraction is full of historic tunnels, chambers and remarkable lakes reminiscent of Mexico's top cenotes.

Tourists have left rave reviews of the tours, such as “What an amazing, beautiful, and mind-blowing place to visit”.

While this is a top place to visit when you find yourself in Krakow, the city itself is full of charm and wonders, such as the gorgeous Rynek Glówny (Market Square).

Barbican in Krakow

The city is a mix of old and new, but travelers will feel more so as if they are going back in time with cobblestone streets and historical architecture, especially in Old Town.

Tourists will love exploring the city end to end with far more cultural sites to see, such as the Jewish Quarter.

The Largest Medievel Square In Europe

When travelers think of quintessential Europe, you may picture sidewalk cafes, cobbled streets and gorgeous squares in the center of the city.

tourists in krakow

Krakow's main square will blow your mind as it is the largest in all of Europe. Visitors can wander for hours in the vast beauty of this area.

With over 40,000 square feet to roam through insightful museums, cozy cafes and a mix of pubs and restaurants, you may forget about the household names of Europe.

The Affordability Factor

We're not going to say Krakow is the cheapest place in Europe, but compared to many other popular destinations, you will definitely save money here.

horse carriage in krakow

The Irish Sun took data from Kayak and determined Krakow offers some of the best bang for your buck, especially with accommodations.

Compared to Paris, for example, travelers can expect their bills to be cut in half. Krakow cracked the top 3 places in Europe for the best value for your trip, overall.

Travelers Truly Love It

Some places stand out more than others when considering a Euro trip and oftentimes it boils down to what type of traveler you are.

polish food stand

Some may be surprised at how much of a foodie destination Poland can be with a range of tasty cuisine and local craft beer and delightful wine.

Not only does Krakow earn 5 stars for its top notch sites and attractions, but for food and drinks as well. In fact, it's difficult to find much negative press about this phenomenal city.

With great food, awesome attractions, cheap stays and one of the best values in Europe, even from the U.S., do yourself a favor and add Krakow to your 2024 travel wishlist.

There are direct flights to Warsaw from the U.S., making an easy connection to Krakow.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.