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Planning a fall vacation comes with a unique set of challenges.
Since most travelers prioritize their tropical summer trips and festive winter vacations, it can be difficult to find room in the budget for a fall retreat.
The good news is that there are still a number of hidden gems scattered around the world that offer tourists excellent value.
The journey recently compiled a list of the top 10 most affordable destinations to visit this fall.
While the list was expected to be filled with some of the world’s trendiest hotspots like Prague, Bangkok and Hanoi, there was one lesser-known central European city that made its way into the top 5.
Krakow is Poland’s best budget-friendly destination
When most travelers think of Poland, their thoughts immediately go to Warsaw.
However, as the capital has become more commercialized, tourists find the stifling crowds and ever-rising prices too dampening on the overall experience.
So if you’re thinking about enjoying a different, more authentic side of Poland this fall, consider adding Krakow to your travel bucket list.
While the sprawling city of over 750,000 is by no means the cheapest in the country, it is arguably the best in terms of the overall value it offers travelers.
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Krakow offers all the benefits of experiencing a major European city yet reasonable prices, especially when compared to other destinations of its kind.
Visitors can visit some of the country’s most notable sights while enjoying a $0.5 (~2 zł) traditional Polish pretzel.
According to Numbeothe average three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant costs $40 (165 zł), while a pint of 0.5 l (17 oz) of locally brewed beer costs $3.4 (14 zł).
Given the size and allure of the city, it’s safe to say that a visit here is great value for money.
Here’s what to expect in Krakow:
Fascinating history
Krakow is famous as one of the oldest cities in Poland, dating back to the 7th century.
In addition, the area’s main historical sites are remarkably well preserved. The historical value of the city lies mainly in the medieval core and the Jewish quarters.
Krakow’s list of must-sees includes the Old Town still full of remnants of medieval walls, Wawel Castle, St. Mary’s Church, Wieliczka Salt Mines, and the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.
The latter, although not directly in Krakow, is one of the most important historical sites in the area and is only an hour’s drive from the city center.
The old town and the Wieliczka Salt Mines are even a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so if you’re ever in town, make sure to put them at the top of your itinerary.
Outstanding service
Don’t let the city’s reasonable prices fool you into thinking you’ll be getting substandard goods and services. The people here are friendly and the food is excellent.
Speaking of food, although there are some big chains in Krakow that you might be more familiar with (e.g. McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC), I can’t recommend giving enough priority to local cuisine.
Kaczka po krakowsku (a flaky cream-filled dessert), Kremówka paprika (a duck and mushroom dish), Plac Nowy zapiekanka (a toasted and filled baguette), and Obwarzanek krakowski (the traditional Polish bagel) are all must-try items.
Most bars and restaurants, especially those in tourist areas, have a long history and clear experience with tourists from all over the world, so communication should not be a problem.
In terms of safety, Poland is generally regarded as a safe country and has even been voted one of the best European countries for solo female travellers.
Exciting nightlife
The Poles take their nightlife seriously, and the people of Krakow are no exception.
The city is packed to the brim with clubs, bars and pubs that stay open until the early hours.
Since a shot of vodka will only cost you $1.2-$5 (5-20 zł), make sure you have a taxi or designated driver on standby to take you safely back to your hotel at the end of the night can bring.
This is not to say that those who are not into the whole nightclub scene cannot enjoy a quiet trip here.
There are plenty of quiet, family-friendly neighborhoods in the city, so whether you’re looking for a quiet fall getaway or a fun getaway to blow off some steam, Krakow has something for everyone.
Traveler warning: Don’t forget travel insurance for your next trip!
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
