Krakow scoops Guardian travel gong

The Polish city of Krakow has been voted as one of the world’s favourite overseas cities by readers of The Guardian, The Observer and guardian.co.uk in the 2008 Travel Awards.

Krakow sits a proud second place in the “favourite overseas city” category, described by guardian.co.uk as a “surprise”, narrowly missing out on the top spot which went to Sydney.

PNTO Acting Director Ewa Binkin said, “Although the Guardian thinks Krakow is a surprise at number two, it’s certainly no surprise to us. The Royal Capital used to be the favourite city of Pope John Paul II and remains the favourite of artists, intellectuals, students and many people who simply love life. It exudes nobility on one hand and warmth and 'creative tension' on the other”.

The many wonderful attractions in Krakow include Wawel Castle and the Old Town or Stare Miasto, which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978 preserving the area’s medieval heritage.

17 thousand people returned questionnaires in the annual Travel Awards survey, now in its 22nd year, showing that Poland has become a must-visit destination for the keen traveller and weekend city-breaker alike.

Guardian Travel Awards 2008 – The Top Five Favourite Overseas Cities

1. Sydney
2. Krakow
3. San Francisco
4. Singapore
5. Vancouver

To view the complete survey, log on to guardian.co.uk/travel/2008/oct/12/travel-awards2008