When booking European city breaks, it’s typically places such as Paris, Rome and Barcelona that come to mind. But according to a recent study these aren’t actually best the continent has to offer. Consumer champion Which? asked 1,600 of their members to rate their experiences of cities across Europe.
Coming out on top was the Polish city of Krakow, while in second place was Venice. In third place was the stunning Valencia, beating out all other Spanish cities, including both Barcelona and Madrid, both popular destinations in their own right. Which? ranked the cities based on seven criteria including food and drink, accommodation, cultural sights and attractions, shopping, ease of getting around, lack of crowds and value for money.
Valencia, the third-largest city in Spain, offers a fantastic food scene. It has an array of Michelin-starred restaurants and more casual paella specialists, earning five stars in Which?’s food category.
With a strong reputation for accessible travel and its walkable nature, the city also received four stars for ease of getting around and has been crowned as Spain’s best value-for-money destination, alongside Malaga.
The travel experts found that an average night’s stay in the city would set you back just £106.
Responding to Which?’s survey, one visitor said: “Valencia has it all. Medieval centre with associated architecture, narrow streets and old markets.”
While on TripAdvisor, another holidaygoer wrote: “It is very interesting to walk the streets of the old town of Valencia and get lost, discovering squares, very narrow streets, facades of historic houses (including the narrowest house). And stop anywhere for a drink or a bite to eat. There’s no place in Valencia where I don’t eat well.”
And a second added: “Valencia’s Casco Histórico is a vibrant maze of history, architecture, and culture. From Gothic cathedrals to bustling markets and street art, it’s a walkable feast of sights and sounds. Don’t miss the Cathedral, La Lonja, or the lively Barrio del Carmen. A perfect blend of old and new.”
Sharing the findings of their survey, Naomi Leach, deputy editor of Which? Travel, said: “Whether you are looking for culture, art, history or top gastronomy, there are several European cities that deliver. Book ahead and choose to visit off season to secure the best prices.
“British holidaymakers who look beyond the most famous destinations, can find great value for money in foodie escapes, such as Krakow and Valencia. Despite the crowds, classic city breaks Venice and Vienna scored highly with visitors due to their unparalleled cultural attractions.”
Europe’s five best city breaks:
- Krakow, Poland
- Venice, Italy
- Valencia, Spain
- Vienna, Austria
- Istanbul, Turkey