GdańskvsKrakow
Can't decide between Gdańsk and Krakow? Compare these two amazing destinations to find your perfect match.
Gdańsk
Gdańsk is a Baltic jewel that rose from WWII ashes to become one of Europe's most beautiful cities. Its Long Market is lined with colorful merchant houses, while the historic shipyards where Solidarity began offer powerful history lessons.
Known for
Krakow
Krakow is Poland's cultural capital, blessed with a beautifully preserved old town, royal castle, and sobering war history. The city offers affordable prices, vibrant nightlife, and a walk through centuries of European heritage.
Known for
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Head-to-Head Comparison
See how these destinations stack up in key categories
Culture & History
Gdańsk offers Long Market, Neptune Fountain, Mariacka Street
Krakow offers Main Market Square, Wawel Castle, St. Mary's Basilica
Food & Dining
Gdańsk is famous for its local dining scene
Krakow is famous for its local dining scene
Nightlife
Gdańsk offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Krakow offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Best Time to Visit
May to September
April to October
Weather
Summer: 22°C, Winter: 0°C
Summer: 24°C, Winter: 0°C
Top Attractions in Gdańsk
- 1Long Market
- 2Neptune Fountain
- 3Mariacka Street
- 4St. Mary's Church
- 5European Solidarity Centre
- 6Crane Gate
Top Attractions in Krakow
- 1Main Market Square
- 2Wawel Castle
- 3St. Mary's Basilica
- 4Kazimierz Jewish Quarter
- 5Auschwitz Day Trip
- 6Wieliczka Salt Mine
Gdańsk is Popular With
Krakow is Popular With
Hidden Gems
Discover lesser-known attractions in each city
Hidden Gems in Gdańsk
- 1
Uphagen's House (Dom Uphagena)
A perfectly preserved 18th-century bourgeois residence on Ulica Długa, offering an intimate glimpse into the daily life of a wealthy merchant family.
- 2
St. Nicholas Church (Kościół św. Mikołaja)
A Dominican church in the Old Town that miraculously survived WWII completely intact, retaining its original medieval interior.
Hidden Gems in Krakow
- 1
Krakus Mound (Kopiec Krakusa)
An ancient, mysterious man-made hill in Podgórze, believed to be the prehistoric burial mound of the legendary founder of Krakow, King Krakus.
- 2
Liban Quarry
A former limestone quarry in Podgórze that was used as a forced labor camp during WWII and later as a filming location for Steven Spielberg's 'Schindler's List'.
Neighborhoods to Explore
Discover the best areas to visit in each city
Top Areas in Gdańsk
Main Town (Główne Miasto)
The historic heart and tourist epicenter of Gdańsk.
Old Town (Stare Miasto)
Older than the Main Town but more low-key, with a lived-in, residential feel.
Top Areas in Krakow
Stare Miasto (Old Town)
The historic core and UNESCO site, encircled by the lush Planty Park.
Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter)
Once a separate town and the center of Jewish life, Kazimierz is now Krakow's most charismatic district.
Budget Comparison
Compare the cost of traveling in each city
Budget in Gdańsk
Budget in Krakow
Book Activities
Find tours and experiences in both cities
Book Activities in Gdańsk
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Book Activities in Krakow
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Getting There
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Find cheap transport to Gdańsk
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Find cheap transport to Krakow
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Our Verdict
Both Gdańsk and Krakow are incredible destinations. Gdańsk excels in amber and Hanseatic history, while Krakow stands out for medieval architecture and Jewish heritage.
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