KrakowvsWarsaw
Can't decide between Krakow and Warsaw? 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
Warsaw
Warsaw is a phoenix city, meticulously rebuilt after WWII and now thriving as a modern European capital. The beautifully reconstructed Old Town contrasts with communist-era architecture and gleaming skyscrapers, telling a story of resilience and renewal.
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
Warsaw offers Old Town Market Square, Royal Castle, Lazienki Park
Food & Dining
Krakow is famous for its local dining scene
Warsaw is famous for its local dining scene
Nightlife
Krakow offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Warsaw has legendary nightlife
Best Time to Visit
April to October
May to September
Weather
Summer: 24°C, Winter: 0°C
Summer: 24°C, Winter: -1°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 Warsaw
- 1Old Town Market Square
- 2Royal Castle
- 3Lazienki Park
- 4POLIN Museum
- 5Palace of Culture and Science
- 6Warsaw Uprising Museum
Krakow is Popular With
Warsaw 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 Warsaw
- 1
KERET House
The world's narrowest house, squeezed between two buildings in the Wola district, designed by architect Jakub Szczęsny as an art installation and occasional residence for writers.
- 2
Pawilony Nowy Świat
A hidden row of tiny, eclectic bars and cafes tucked in a courtyard just off the bustling Nowy Świat street.
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 Warsaw
Stare Miasto & Nowe Miasto (Old Town & New Town)
The historic heart, painstakingly rebuilt after WWII.
Śródmieście (City Center)
The bustling modern downtown, a mix of pre-war elegance, communist-era grandeur, and contemporary glass towers.
Budget Comparison
Compare the cost of traveling in each city
Budget in Krakow
Budget in Warsaw
Book Activities
Find tours and experiences in both cities
Book Activities in Krakow
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Book Activities in Warsaw
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Getting There
Compare transport options to both destinations
Find cheap transport to Krakow
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Find cheap transport to Warsaw
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Our Verdict
Both Krakow and Warsaw are incredible destinations. Krakow excels in medieval architecture and Jewish heritage, while Warsaw stands out for rebuilt Old Town and WWII history.
Best destination for:
nightlife
Warsaw
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