Krakow has been rated as the best short break destination in Europe above Amsterdam, Rome and Paris for the third consecutive year.
The Polish city came top of a list of more than 40 destinations in a poll by consumer group Which?
Seville was ranked second overall in the survey, with a 90% city score, just below Krakow at 93%.
However, Krakow was the only city to receive five stars for value money, with a good meal for under £7 and a beer for less than £2.
The average hotel rate is less than half that travellers pay in Amsterdam or Paris.
Krakow also received a top rating for food, putting it ahead of culinary destinations such as Verona, Lisbon and Madrid.
Visitors to Krakow were also impressed with the city’s rich history and its score for cultural experiences also received a full five stars.
Respondents recommended the traditional markets, as well as salt mines where visitors can see an underground cathedral carved out of salt.
Seville earned five stars for its tourist attractions, food and drink and quality of accommodation.
Valencia came third with 89% rating followed by Berlin at 88% with Amsterdam and Budapest in joint fifth position with 86%.
Rome only managed a score of 81%, hindered by overcrowding at tourist sites such as the Sistine Chapel, Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum.
Paris came below the Italian capital, facing a similar problem with crowds at the city’s landmarks.
Alicante, the nearest city to Benidorm, was a newcomer with the lowest score in the table of 72%.
Which? Travel editor Rory Boland said: “With a palace on every corner and a plate of pierogi [dumplings] and a pint of pilsner costing under £10, it’s no wonder Krakow continues to top our survey.
“To those holidaymakers still stuck on Amsterdam, Paris and other classic European destinations, try Poland for your next trip to find food, hotels and sightseeing that’s just as good but at half the price.”