As we bid farewell to the European summer, fear not; there are still plenty of beautiful destinations waiting to be discovered, many of which truly come alive during the autumn and winter months.
Indeed, the colder seasons can provide the perfect backdrop for European city breaks, with the crisp air offering ideal conditions for meandering through enchanting cobbled streets, enjoying crowd-free sightseeing, and even exploring a Christmas market or two when winter arrives.
One city that should definitely be on your travel list is Krakow in Poland, recently crowned as having Europe’s most captivating Old Town. Highlights include the awe-inspiring St Mary’s Basilica and Wawel Hill castle, both sure to delight history enthusiasts.
Nestled at the heart of the medieval Old Town lies the aptly-named Central Square, home to an array of restaurants, cafés, museums, bars and hotels, and conveniently located within walking distance of the region’s most renowned landmarks. The city’s vibrant nightlife offers a plethora of options, making it a popular choice for stag and hen parties.
The charming buildings and striking architecture scattered throughout the Old Town provide endless photo opportunities (it’s easy to see why this city is a hit with the Instagram crowd). The majority of the area is pedestrianised, allowing you to wander around at your own pace, reports the Mirror.
While some may argue it’s too early to contemplate Christmas, there’s no disputing the extra sparkle that Krakow exudes during the festive season. The Polish city consistently ranks among Europe’s top Christmas markets and was crowned Europe’s ‘most festive’ destination last year, thanks to its wide array of stalls selling everything from trinkets and Christmas decorations to mulled wine and a plethora of scrumptious food.
Add in the likelihood of snowfall in December, and it’s easy to see why Krakow has garnered a reputation as a winter wonderland. It also tends to be one of the more budget-friendly options with a wealth of inexpensive flights and accommodations available.
This year, the main Christmas market is set to return to the Central Square, running from 29 November 2025 to 1 January 2026. Given its festive reputation, it can be one of the busier markets, so brace yourself for crowds during the peak Christmas weeks!
(There are also smaller markets scattered throughout the city, spreading the festive cheer across multiple locations if you wish to avoid the hustle and bustle).
Krakow’s stunning city centre has recently been crowned Europe’s most enchanting Old Town, according to fresh research from travel experts at Tourlane.
Analysts evaluated cities across several criteria including their historical significance and age, guided tour prices, pedestrian-friendliness and their status as popular photography destinations on social media.
Krakow stood out with origins tracing back to the 7th century, whilst visitors can secure a guided tour for around £10.
“Krakow offers an incredibly easy way to experience centuries of history,” explained Roman Karin, Head of Travel Experience at Tourlane.
“Its old town is so thoughtfully laid out that you can simply stroll from the Main Market Square to St. Mary’s Basilica and up to Wawel Castle, taking in all the highlights on foot.”
Further details about Krakow and its old town can be discovered on visitkrakow.com.