'Cheap' city break with Michelin guide meals for £10 you can fly to from Liverpool John Lennon airport

If you'd like to go on a city break that won't break the bank - Liverpool John Lennon Airport could get you there.

According to consumer champion Which? charming Polish city Krakow is one of the top destinations to try on a budget. In 2023 they surveyed 1,637 of its panel members on a number of factors including food and drink, accommodation, cultural sights and attractions, ease of getting around, lack of crowds and value for money.

The city, which looks like it's plucked out of a fairytale with its own castle, stunning architecture and cobbled streets, is marked a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was formerly Poland's royal capital and has managed to preserve much of its historical buildings, having managed to miss much of the WWII destruction.

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Krakow's infrastructure was one of the only Polish cities that was fairly unscathed by the war, due to Nazi's occupying and proclaiming it the capital of the General Government. Because they took over, the Nazi army had no interest in destroying it.

The city is known for perfectly blending the charming old characterises with contemporary style - with medieval castles sitting alongside ultramodern museums and exhibitions. Krakow is also known for having a bustling nightlife, mixing student locations (thanks to its several top-ranked universities) with quaint pubs.

In the summer, there are plenty of bars and restaurants sprawled along the riverside and in the winter, the Christmas markets come to life. Tourists really are spoiled for choice all year round and the food is renowned for being cheap and cheerful.

For example, acclaimed restaurant Karater has a lunch menu which is described by the Michelin guide as being "a steal". The lunch menu, that changes frequently, features three courses at a cost of 53 Polish Zloty which is around £10.

Items on the menu have previously included soup, croquettes and pizza rolls to start, chicken gizzards, squid tortilla and pasta for mains and mascarpone amaretto cream for desert. Another called NOTA RESTO is run by the chef to the Polish national football team and features a full Michelin-guide approved tasting menu for £68, and main courses from £15.

What are the best attractions in Krakow?

Between the Old Town and the old Jewish quarter of Kazimierz, Krakow is overflowing with things to do on a city break. In the city itself, the medieval market square is one of the most popular locations with its renaissance arcades, market stalls and surrounding architecturally beautiful buildings.

People can also head towards the Vistula river and to the 14th-century Wawel Castle. If you venture further out of the city centre, a guided tour can take you to Auschwitz and Birkenau.

People visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps can learn about the millions of victims of the Holocaust and walk through the camp and see the real places and barracks that prisoners lived in. Another tour worth travelling for is the fascinating Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Hotel pick up is available for most of the tours that take tourists to Poland’s most cherished monuments. Those visiting will descend deep underground to explore the vast network of historic mining tunnels, saline lakes, and intricate salt sculptures carved over centuries.

What is the flight time from Liverpool John Lennon Airport to Krakow?

The flight time to Krakow from Liverpool John Lennon Airport is around 2 hours and 30 minutes. Travellers can fly direct from Liverpool with Ryanair.

Flights to Krakow from Liverpool depart on Thursday, Saturday and Monday. In April flight prices can be found from £20. Whereas in May, June and July, prices start from £30.

This year, Jet2 will also take travellers to Krakow in winter. The new offerings include new festive flights and breaks to Krakow operating between November 29 to December 16, with twice-weekly services (Monday and Friday) available during this period.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: "Since announcing our launch from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, we have seen a fantastic reaction from customers and independent travel agents who have been flocking to book our award-winning flights and holidays. We are delighted with the response, and on the back of that, we are very pleased to be putting our first ever Christmas Markets programme for Winter 24/25 on sale too.

"Krakow and Prague are hugely popular Christmas Market destinations, and we have no doubt that our first ever Christmas Markets programme from Liverpool John Lennon Airport will be an enormous hit with holidaymakers from Merseyside and the surrounding region."

Is Krakow good for tourists?

Krakow is a beautiful city to visit and safe for tourists. Liverpool John Lennon Airport brands it a "versatile destination that attracts a wide range of tourists each year."

It's described as being ideal for couples, history buffs and families wishing to explore. Liverpool John Lennon airport reads: "Krakow is the type of city you can visit at any time of year.

"Particularly popular with stag and hen parties during the spring and the autumn, the city welcomes tourists year-round. No matter what time of year you visit, Krakow has plenty on offer to see and do, so make sure you plan your itinerary before you arrive, to make the most of your trip."