KrakowvsVilnius
Can't decide between Krakow and Vilnius? Compare these two amazing destinations to find your perfect match.
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
Vilnius
Vilnius has one of the largest surviving medieval old towns in Europe, a Baroque masterpiece earning UNESCO World Heritage status. This creative Baltic capital offers quirky Užupis "republic," excellent coffee culture, and layers of Jewish, Polish, and Soviet history.
Known for
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Head-to-Head Comparison
See how these destinations stack up in key categories
Culture & History
Krakow offers Main Market Square, Wawel Castle, St. Mary's Basilica
Vilnius offers Old Town, Gediminas Castle Tower, Užupis District
Food & Dining
Krakow is famous for its local dining scene
Vilnius is famous for its local dining scene
Nightlife
Krakow offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Vilnius offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Best Time to Visit
April to October
May to September
Weather
Summer: 24°C, Winter: 0°C
Summer: 21°C, Winter: -4°C
Top Attractions in Krakow
- 1Main Market Square
- 2Wawel Castle
- 3St. Mary's Basilica
- 4Kazimierz Jewish Quarter
- 5Auschwitz Day Trip
- 6Wieliczka Salt Mine
Top Attractions in Vilnius
- 1Old Town
- 2Gediminas Castle Tower
- 3Užupis District
- 4Gate of Dawn
- 5St. Anne's Church
- 6Vilnius Cathedral
Krakow is Popular With
Vilnius is Popular With
Hidden Gems
Discover lesser-known attractions in each city
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'.
Hidden Gems in Vilnius
- 1
St. Nicholas Church
The oldest surviving church in Vilnius, a rare example of Gothic architecture in a city dominated by Baroque.
- 2
Literatų Street (Literatų Gatvė)
A short street dedicated to writers and poets, where the walls are covered with small, unique artistic plaques and installations.
Neighborhoods to Explore
Discover the best areas to visit in each city
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.
Top Areas in Vilnius
Senamiestis (Old Town)
The historic heart and soul of Vilnius, a sprawling UNESCO World Heritage site defined by Baroque architecture, winding cobblestone streets, and hidden courtyards.
Užupis
A bohemian, artist-run republic on the other side of the Vilnia River, known for its independent spirit, quirky art, and laid-back vibe.
Budget Comparison
Compare the cost of traveling in each city
Budget in Krakow
Budget in Vilnius
Book Activities
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Book Activities in Krakow
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Book Activities in Vilnius
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Getting There
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Find cheap transport to Krakow
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Find cheap transport to Vilnius
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Our Verdict
Both Krakow and Vilnius are incredible destinations. Krakow excels in medieval architecture and Jewish heritage, while Vilnius stands out for Baroque architecture and Užupis.
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