Brits have rated the Polish city of Krakow the best in Europe for a short break, beating more well-known destinations such as Amsterdam, Rome and Paris for the third consecutive year.

Which? asked thousands of holidaymakers to rate any recent trips to European cities across a range of categories including the quality of the cultural attractions, accommodation, shopping, food, and value for money.

Krakow came top of the list of more than 40 destinations with a city score of 93 per cent and was the only city in the survey to receive five stars for value money.

The Polish city offers a great deal even for the most price-sensitive travellers – with a good meal for under £7 and a beer for less than £2. The average hotel rate is less than half that visitors pay in Amsterdam or Paris.

Krakow also received an impressive five-star rating for food putting it ahead of lauded culinary destinations like Verona, Lisbon and Madrid. One traveller said: “inexpensive restaurants are plentiful so book only accommodation and eat out at your leisure”.

Visitors to Krakow were also impressed with the city’s rich history and its score for cultural experiences also received a full five stars.

Seville came second overall in the Which? survey, with a 90 per cent city score, while Valencia in Spain came in third with 89 per cent. Berlin in Germany was in fourth place with 88 per cent, while Amsterdam in Holland and Budapest in Bulgaria were in joint fifth with 86 per cent.

Rory Boland, Which? travel editor, said: “With a palace on every corner and a plate of pierogi 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.”