Paris is an absolutely dazzling city, unique and steeped in history. You can marvel at its neighborhoods, picturesque streets and hidden spots in every season. But while Paris may be first in our hearts, it may not be the most beautiful city in Europe. Indeed, travel website Tourlane recently ranked Europe’s most charming old cities. And surprise, surprise, the City of Light doesn’t even feature in the top five… Cracow, Poland, takes the gold medal. Perfectly preserved from the ravages of time, the old town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. And as you will see, it has not stolen its place at all…
Krakow voted most beautiful old town in Europe
To create its ranking, the travel website based itself on four main criteria: the ease of visiting on foot, the age of the city, the cost of a guided tour and the popularity of the destination on social networks.
And it’s Krakow that comes out on top. The city’s architectural treasures range from Romanesque and Baroque to Gothic. The city was fortunate enough to be relatively unscathed by the bombing and destruction of the Second World War, allowing visitors to explore sites that have been preserved for centuries.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lS1hJb3zc4
Krakow’s strength lies in the fact that the city is almost entirely pedestrianized. You can discover the magnificent Market Square, the spectacular St. Mary’s Basilica, the impressive Wawel Castle and many other gems on foot, while taking time to admire every corner. There’s no doubt that you’ll be charmed by its picturesque streets, medieval ramparts, small restaurants and cafés full of character, and unique atmosphere. According to the Tourlane website , the town has many points of interest that are easily accessible on foot – a feature that makes it so rich today, to the delight of visitors.
In second place is Naples, Italy. Finally, Regensburg( in German) comes in third place. We had to wait until the sixth position to see a French city appear: Avignon and its old-world charm, which was widely acclaimed here.