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Two tourists have spoken about a “beautiful” city in Europe that is also one of the most affordable places to visit in the continent. The best part is it’s just a short flight from the UK

Budget-conscious travellers reckon they’ve discovered one of Europe’s most affordable cities, combining stunning beauty with wallet-friendly prices.

Two Italian tourists are convinced this destination is ideal for those seeking a holiday that won’t empty their pockets. The historic city whisks visitors back through time with its Old Town, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features cream-coloured architecture, Gothic churches and cobblestone streets perfect for leisurely exploration. But where is this hidden gem?

In a popular TikTok clip, the travel fans enthused: “This is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and it is also affordable. Its Market Square alone is worth the trip.

“Its castle is fascinating, It seems that it once hid a dragon. Within its walls, you’ll find the beautiful cathedral. The medieval historical centre is beautiful.

“It has an important Jewish quarter with historic synagogues. And the street food is irresistible.

“A few kilometres away, there is a cathedral made completely of salt in a mine 100m below the ground. And in the evening you can drink delicious beer in peculiar places.

“We are in Krakow, Poland.”

Things to do in Krakow

1. Explore the Main Market Square – Rynek Gowny is the largest medieval town square in Europe, surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and the Cloth Hall.

2. Visit Wael Castle and Cathedral – It’s a symbol of Polish royalty and national identity that shouldn’t be missed.

3. Make a pit stop at St. Mary’s Basilica – Renowned for its breathtaking altarpiece and the hourly trumpet call from its tower.

4. Explore the Kazimierz District – Home to synagogues, Jewish museums, vibrant street art and a plethora of hip bars and eateries.

5. Pay a visit to Schindler’s Factory Museum – Here you can delve into Krakow’s WWII history and the tale of Oskar Schindler.

6. Take a stroll along the Vistula River – Soak up the picturesque views and pause at a riverside café to take it all in.

How affordable is Krakow?

Accommodation:

Krakow offers a range of hostels and budget-friendly hotels, as well as more luxurious options if that’s your preference.

You can bag accommodation from as little as £20 per night.

Transport:

Flights from London to Krakow can be bagged for as low as £40. It’s a straightforward journey that only takes around 2 hours 30 minutes.

The city is highly walkable, allowing you to save on transport costs. Alternatively, public transport is efficient and won’t break the bank.

Food and drink:

Eating and drinking is reasonably priced, particularly if you choose local restaurants known as “milk bars”.

There are also numerous affordable food truck options if you’re looking to keep costs down. Try Plac Nowy for Polish sausage zapiekanka and other local delicacies, or the food truck parks in Judah Square for a more international selection.

A charming UK town has been transformed into the Wizarding World as a location for the new Harry Potter TV series on HBO and it needs to be on your staycation radar

Harry Potter fans around the world are waiting for the arrival of the 2027 HBO TV series. With a whole new cast and reportedly some big changes from the movies, it’s set to be a huge TV event.

Once released, one local town is likely to become a must-visit destination for Potterheads, in the same way Kings Cross Station’s Platform 3/4 and Alnwick Castle are now. So, if you’re a die-hard fan, it might be worth making a trip before the crowds descend.

Looe in Cornwall is no stranger to film crews. Fans of the BBC series Beyond Paradise will recognise many of the filming locations including The Looe Guildhall which was used as the local police station, and Looe Bridge.

Recently, celebrities including John Lithgow, who’ll be playing Dumbledore, were spotted locally filming scenes for the show.

Looe already has a must-visit attraction for Potter fans, a quirky-themed shop called Henrietta Pyewacket, which is full of merchandise from the Wizarding World. It’s just one of the charming independent stores you’ll find in the town, with narrow streets that slope gently down towards the coast. Wander around the cobbled roads and find souvenir shops, boutiques, and historic pubs.

Looe Beach sits in a sandy cove, with shallow spots for swimming. It’s often busy in the summer months, with surfers and windsailing on the water. If you’d like a quieter spot, head to the rocky cove of Talland Bay, which is set in an Area of Outstanding Beauty. While rocky, there are spots for swimming, but look out for flags. It’s also a great spot for a brisk coastal walk, followed by a cup of tea in the beach cafe.

According to Cornwall Live, there are two other spots where film crews have been seen in the county. The small fishing village of Cadgwith Cove, which sits on the Lizard peninsula, has also become a location for the Harry Potter TV show.

Cadgwith Cove has a traditional Cornish vibe, with small fishing boats on the beach bringing in local crabs, which you can sample in one of the small beachfront cafes. There’s also shingle beach which is popular for swimming and snorkelling, and you’ll often see kids with nets exploring the rock pools. This cute village has lots of cosy cottages and is the perfect place to escape the crowds in high season.

Kynance Cove has also been used for filming the show, and this spectacular beach is famous for having white sands and turquoise seas that wouldn’t look out of place in the Caribbean. Actor John Lithgow was recently spotted walking on the beach in his Dumbledore robes as he filmed a scene. The National Trust-run area also has beautiful rock stacks and clifftop walks, as well as sea caves that can be explored at low tide. Visitors should be cautious about entering the caves, as a sudden high tide can cut you off. Be sure to find out the tide times and follow any warning signs.

And if visiting the filming locations wasn’t enough, Harry Potter fans can even stay in a themed AirBnb. The Wizards Cauldron in Lewannick is a cosy cabin that has been decked in Potter decor, with one reviewer saying: “If you’re a Harry Potter fan this is a must try because the attention to detail is incredible”. It’s the perfect spot to watch the movies after a day of exploring Cornwall’s Harry Potter locations.

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