The 'best' city to visit in Europe according to tourists - and it's not in Spain or Italy

When travellers discuss their favourite European cities, names like Barcelona, Rome and Venice are usually quick to come up. But on social media, one city outside those traditional hotspots has been topping the list - with some tourists saying it's the most welcoming, beautiful and surprisingly affordable destination they've ever been to.

On Reddit, one UK visitor described it simply as "one of the nicest, prettiest cities I have ever visited," praising the friendliness of locals and the way history, architecture and greenery blend seamlessly together. Others echoed the sentiment, with one writing: "I lived there for over two years... I will always cherish those years as the best so far, with the kindness of random strangers, the impeccable public transport and the incredible beauty of the city." Kraków, Poland's historic second city, is for many a far more memorable trip than the better-known capitals of Western Europe.

Visitors often remark first on Kraków's people. From airport drivers who go out of their way to help, to locals who encourage tourists making an effort with a little Polish, travellers consistently describe the city as welcoming. One visitor wrote: "Nobody yet has been unkind or rude, and it is a wonderful change of pace from English people."

That warmth is matched by a cityscape that has been remarkably preserved. Kraków's Old Town is centred on Rynek Gówny, the largest medieval town square in Europe, surrounded by elegant townhouses, Gothic spires and the Renaissance-era Cloth Hall. A walk along the royal coronation route leads past St. Mary's Basilica and up to Wawel Castle, where many of Poland's monarchs are buried.

Reddit users also point to the greenery woven into the city. The Planty, a ring of parkland that replaced the medieval walls, ensures that even in the centre, leafy trees and gardens soften the urban landscape.

Kraków's history stretches back over a thousand years - from medieval legends of chieftain Krakus, to invasions by Mongol horsemen, and the tragedies of World War 2 - and that history is deeply visible.

Oskar Schindler's enamel factory, used to shelter Jewish workers during the Nazi occupation, is now a museum. Visitors can also explore the poignant Rynek Underground museum beneath the main square, which reveals the city's medieval foundations.

Many tourists, like one Reddit user who described Auschwitz as the main reason for their trip to the city, also make the journey to Auschwitz-Birkenau, 70km away.

Kraków offers far more than history. Tourists recommend the Schindler's Factory Museum (a moving exhibition inside the actual factory featured in Schindler's List), Czartoryski Museum (Home to Leonardo da Vinci's Lady with an Ermine), and the Kazimierz District (once the centre of Jewish life, now a vibrant hub of synagogues, museums, cafés and restaurants).

Some also highlight the Wieliczka Salt Mine (a vast underground labyrinth of tunnels and chapels carved entirely out of salt) and Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains (alpine resort town that offers hiking, skiing, and hot springs).

Families aren't left out either - Kraków Zoo sits in a vast forest just outside the city, and Energylandia, Poland's biggest amusement park, is an hour away in Zator. For something more educational, the Stanisaw Lem Science Garden of Experiences combines a park with interactive exhibits.

Kraków is frequently described as one of the safest cities in Europe. Solo travellers report feeling comfortable at all hours, and parents on Reddit have even said they were happy for their teenage children to explore the city independently. The only minor drawback, according to locals, is the occasional British stag party in the Old Town, but outside those hotspots, Kraków is described as calm and welcoming.

Cycling tours, electric scooters and even horse-drawn carriages make getting around easy, while the city's trams and buses are noted by expats for being both efficient and affordable.

As one Reddit user put it: "I travel to Kraków alone at least seven times a year. It's such a beautiful and welcoming city! You'll be more than fine." Another added simply: "I fell in love. There are so many good memories and people that I've crossed paths with, with such love and appreciation for the human being. I can't wait to go back for the third time."