Is Poland better than Italy and Spain? Yes! We're the leader in the European rankings.

Poland has become the leader in summer city breaks. According to an online travel agency, as many as 17% of city bookings are made in Poland. What's more, we've overtaken Hungary and Italy!

According to the latest data from online travel agency Thomas Cook , Poland has taken home the title of most popular summer city break destination . A staggering 17% of city bookings went to Poland, ahead of Hungary (13%) and the ever-popular Italy (11%). Sounds like a pipe dream? Yes, it does. But there are very specific reasons behind this result.

Tourists strolling around the market square in Krakow, Poland

The holiday economy matters. Accommodation and restaurants are still more affordable than in Rome or Barcelona , and the network of low-cost flights and train connections favors spontaneous decisions.

The fact that Polish cities are easily explored on foot and public transport (usually) works flawlessly makes the choice easier. Furthermore, museums and cultural institutions offer programs comparable to those in European metropolises. Simply put, there's nothing to complain about.

Polish cities offer pleasant temperatures for sightseeing, plenty of greenery, and… ubiquitous air conditioning. On hot afternoons, we visit the mall, and in the evenings, we return to the river to catch a concert or an outdoor cinema.

Plus, we have restaurants with ambitious cuisine (hello Bottigliera 1881 ), great specialty coffee, and seasonal festivals. All this without having to book a table a month in advance (with a few exceptions),

Among the trending cities, Krakow is undoubtedly the leader, with its Wawel Royal Castle , the Museum of Contemporary Art , the fabulous Main Market Square , and proximity to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial . The Vistula River is also a significant attraction, offering relief from the summer heat.

Hungary came in second with 13% of bookings – Budapest remains a magnet for thermal baths, rooftop bars, and Art Nouveau architecture. Third place went to Italy (11%) – a classic summer city break destination, with options ranging from the Roman Colosseum to Tuscan trattorias to the canals of Venice.

1. Poland 2. Hungary 3. Italy 4. Spain

5. Ireland