Latest news with #Krakow
The Independent
2 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
The best budget European city break destinations for 2025
With 44 countries to choose from, our European neighbours offer endless city break possibilities, from classic capitals to smaller, lesser-known destinations. And, in amongst sky-high prices in Swiss hotspots and the sparkling cities of the South of France, there are plenty of affordable options where accommodation, transport and activities don't have to cost an arm and a leg. As the UK tightens its collective belt on holiday spending, many travellers are looking to save on their next trip. Tourists after a quick escape from everyday life without breaking the bank can look across the Channel for inspiration, with a two or three-night urban escape. Here's our pick of budget-friendly, bucket-list city break destinations in Europe to consider visiting this year. Krakow, Poland Poland 's second-largest city makes for a great value weekend away. In Krakow's market square and its surrounding roads, quick bites, including pierogi dumplings and Polish beers can still be purchased for just a few pounds. Top attractions such as St Mary's Basilica, the Wieliczka Salt Mine and The Cloth Hall are also free or affordable to visit. Where to stay Vienna House Easy by Wyndham Cracow is a functional three-star hotel located within walking distance of Krakow Market Square and Kraków Główny Railway Station. Bucharest, Romania Bucharest, the capital and cultural hub of Romania, offers cheap, direct flights and bargain accommodation for far less than the likes of Paris and Rome. Notable highlights include the Palace of the Parliament government building, a landmark of the communist era. Many traditional Romanian meals, such as ciorba de burta and sarmale, are also locally produced, keeping eating out costs down. Budget Hello Hotels offers buffet breakfasts and standard double rooms just a three-minute walk from the Gara de Nord train station. Sofia, Bulgaria Built atop Roman ruins and overlooked by Vitosha mountain, the Bulgarian capital Sofia has everything from hot springs to hiking, ancient art and a magnificent Orthodox cathedral. Expect to spend no more than £10 on several shots of rakia fruit brandy before participating in the lively nightlife of this budget-friendly Balkan city. Generaator Sofia is centrally located with ensuite doubles, ski equipment hire and an outdoor seating area. Athens, Greece The Greek capital makes for a surprisingly affordable few days away. In stark contrast to Mykonos and Santorini, where a 'beach snack' has been known to go for £500, Athens has a history you can explore with a €2 gyro in hand. Most budget hotels have views of the Acropolis from rooftop terraces and bars, meaning you aren't losing out on experiencing Greek mythology first-hand by spending less on accommodation. Where to stay The Foundry Suites in downtown Athens has 12 spacious lofts, stocked minibars and a buzzy rooftop garden. Lisbon, Portugal Penny-save in Portugal 's coastal capital by travelling by tram or walking the hilly terrain on the hunt for the best budget pastel de nata and carafes of wine. In the right taverna, a pint will only set you back one to two pounds. With affordable accommodation, free hikes and the buzzing Time Out food market, Lisbon is a lot more wallet-friendly than other European capitals. Where to stay Stay at Mama Shelter Lisboa for a central location, eclectic furnishings and a lively rooftop bar. Prague, Czech Republic With crisscrossing bridges, an Old Town Square and gothic buildings, Prague promises architecture, culture, history and a decently priced pint. Even with flights and accommodation, it's easy to find a weekend break to the baroque Czech city for under £250pp when travelling outside peak season. The Prague Visitor Pass can also bag you discounted admission to attractions such as Prague Castle and the Petřín Tower. Where to stay The elegant Don Giovanni Hotel Prague hosts daily piano concerts and welcome drinks for a taste of affordable luxury. Toledo, Spain The former capital of the Spanish Empire, Toledo, is a walled ancient city in central Spain known for its gothic cathedral, Unesco World Heritage quarter and rich cultural heritage. Explore the winding streets on foot to try local specialities marzipan, carcamusas pork and Manchego cheese, and spend a fraction of the money you'd shell out on a trip to Barcelona. Where to stay Hotel Carlos V sits on the doorstep of Toledo's cathedral and the Alcázar Fortress. Rooms feature views of the World Heritage quarter.
Washington Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Washington Post
In Poland's golden hour, a looming threat to Europe's unity
KRAKOW, Poland — In this golden moment of Polish history, why do so many Poles see the future as fraught, grim, even dangerous? Across Europe's newest economic powerhouse, where living standards have leapfrogged Japan's and are on course to surpass Spain's and Israel's, incomes are surging, shops are buzzing and borders are secure — at least for now.
BBC News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
'We've got our Chelsea back'
After Chelsea won the Conference League on Wednesday, we asked for your celebration stories and what the trophy means for Enzo Maresca's is a snapshot of your submissions:Terry (picture above): Just arrived back from Wroclaw after a brilliant trip. What a second half performance from the team! The atmosphere heading to and in the stadium was fantastic. Credit to the Real Betis fans and to the Polish hosts. We heard there was some trouble between fans but didn't see anything and only take a positive experience away. It may only be the Conference League but winning it and finishing in the top four shows real progress for this young We are staying in Krakow - it has been an amazing experience. My son cried after we equalised, such a fab memory. A day of recovery exploring the city. Chill day definitely required!Jacob: I had a couple of drinks with my mates after the game and we didn't get back home until 5am!Not a Chelsea fan? Find and follow your club here Mo: People forget this isn't the same CFC that won the Champions League four years ago (apart from Reece James). This is a team full of kids with massive potential, who are yet to reach their prime. This win will do wonders for them. The bond, the hunger, the experience and the belief this win has created is invaluable. Their first steps in European Club football. Very happy for the boys and looking forward to the next few years as they hit their We've won it all! Again! Great second half from the team. Malo Gusto had a shocker but he will learn and improve. We need a new striker as Jackson isn't good enough even though he scored. We should have won the competition but being favourites isn't always easy and we did the job. Djordje Petrovic in goal and Andrey Santos in the squad and we can do good things next season!!Scott: This celebration wasn't about the Conference League - it was a marker that were rising back to where we feel we belong. I wouldn't swap Arsenal's season for ours and the questions about their current manager and team is 'have they peaked?, about whether Arteta should stay if they remain trophyless next season. The question about the current Chelsea team is solely about how far they can go. We've got our Chelsea back.
Fox News
4 days ago
- General
- Fox News
CONFRONTING HATE: Kennedy Shares About Clash with Pro-Hamas Protestors in Poland
Kennedy, host of the Kennedy Saves The World podcast, joined The Guy Benson Show today to reflect on her recent trip to Poland with Guy, Mollie Hemingway, Emily Compagno, and Mary Katharine Ham. After visiting concentration camps, Kennedy described her visceral reaction to pro-Hamas protestors back in Krakow, where her and other ladies on the trip called out the protestors vile behavior. Kennedy also weighed in on the now-viral moment when Brigette Macron slapped President Emmanuel Macron while deboarding a plane, which prompted absurd Russian disinformation theories (again) from the media. Listen to the full interview below! Listen to the full interview below: Listen to the full podcast below:
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Police make firearm-related arrest No. 11 at Naperville Topgolf lot since early February
In just under four months, police have made 11 firearm-related arrests in or near the Naperville Topgolf parking lot — the latest logged over the weekend. Delfino Andrade Jr., 32, of Chicago, was taken into custody Saturday night on felony charges of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and possession of a controlled substance. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 23, according to DuPage County Circuit Court records. Officers were conducting a proactive patrol outside the 3211 Odyssey Court business when the odor of cannabis drew their attention to a specific area of the facility's lot, Naperville police Cmdr. Rick Krakow said. Looking inside a parked, unoccupied vehicle, they observed several open alcohol containers and a handgun in plain view beneath the driver's seat, Krakow said. A check of the vehicle owner's registration showed Andrade did not possess a valid Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card. After he returned to the vehicle and got into the driver's seat, officers conducted a search, recovered a Glock 21 handgun from the car and found suspected cocaine in Andrade's pocket, Krakow said. After a nearly four-month break, gun-related arrests outside the facility started up again in early February. Last month alone, police made five arrests in the business' lot. Most recently, police arrested Roberto Chacon, 28, of Alsip, on May 17 on a felony charge of aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon as well as one charge each of possession of cannabis and unlawful use of cannabis by a driver. Ahead of this year, Naperville police made 25 arrests on gun-related offenses outside Topgolf between August 2023 and October 2024. tkenny@
