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Looking for a quick escape? The best cities to visit stress-free right now may not even be on your radar, according to LateRooms’ new Easy Breaks Index.
The index compared Europe’s 50 most popular cities by flight time, airport transfer cost and duration, average hotel price, and how travelers rated each city’s top attractions.
former capital of poland It may not be your typical tourist destination, but when you consider all that, Krakow came out on top.
According to LateRooms, Krakow wins because it combines: Convenience and affordability There is no confusion that often occurs when traveling abroad.
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The city is also full of history, with museums, ancient town squares, and “picturesque neighborhoods” where old traditions and buildings live on. (St. Petersburg)
Once you land, the city is small so you’ll arrive refreshed. According to LateRooms: airport train It takes just 17 minutes to reach the city center, making it one of the fastest transport options in Europe. Each station is directly connected by a pedestrian bridge, so there’s no need for expensive taxis, long lines, or stressful navigation upon arrival.
Once you arrive in Krakow, you are designed to slowly slow down. The city’s travel website boasts that the entire town center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is walkable and surrounded by the green ring of Planty Park.
According to a Polish tourism website, the entire city can be explored on foot. (St. Petersburg)
According to the Polish Tourism Board, most of the major tourist attractions are within walking distance, making it one of the most compact cultural centers in Europe. This simplicity reduces the mental friction that can often occur on short trips with overcrowded itineraries, trying to get everything done in a short amount of time.
Popular destinations levy ‘tourist tax’ of $65 or more per night
And it’s not just easy. According to the Harvard Medical Exam, even a 20-minute walk at home is okay. green space It can significantly lower cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone.
Another recent review in PLOS One found that short breaks, which researchers call “microvacations,” can help reduce fatigue and improve mood.
Pierogi are a staple of Polish cuisine and one of the many things you’ll find when visiting Krakow. (St. Petersburg)
Krakow fits perfectly into that equation, with little fuss, lots of greenery, and easy access.
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Meals here are also played to a relaxing rhythm. According to National Geographic Traveler, Krakow’s cafe scene is full of coffeehouses and restaurants hidden in squares and basements, with a tradition of hearty, comforting food that will make you want to linger.
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And, according to the city’s tourism website, prices are lower than other “budget” destinations, so you don’t have to feel guilty about your meal.
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“Even supposedly cheap places like Berlin and Lisbon are more expensive than Krakow, and restaurants are about a third cheaper in Polish cities,” the paper said.
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According to LateRooms, these are all just metrics designed to measure which cities offer an “easy escape.”
