Warsaw vs Krakow

William Newman
July 26, 2023

Warsaw vs Krakow

Warsaw vs Krakow: Which is the Better City to Visit?


If you're debating whether to visit Warsaw or Krakow, you're in for a treat. Both cities are packed with history, culture, and things to do. Warsaw is the capital of Poland and has a more modern feel, while Krakow is an UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its medieval architecture.


If you’re trying to decide whether to visit Krakow or Warsaw, you might be wondering which city is better. Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of each city to help you make your decision.


Warsaw is the capital of Poland, so it’s naturally a larger and more bustling city than Krakow.


However, Krakow has its own share of attractions, and it’s more compact and walkable than Warsaw. It’s also cheaper than Warsaw, both in terms of accommodation and food. And, some people find Krakow to be more charming and atmospheric than Warsaw.


So, which city should you visit? It really depends on your own preferences and what you’re looking for in a city. If you want a traditional big city experience, go to Warsaw. If you’re looking for a more intimate and charming city, go to Krakow.


Here's a breakdown of the two cities to help you decide which is right for you.


History

There are many differences between the history of Warsaw and Krakow. For one, Warsaw was the capital of Poland for centuries, while Krakow was not.


Warsaw was founded in the 13th century and became the capital of Poland in the 16th century. Krakow was also founded in the 13th century and served as the capital of Poland from 1038 until 1596.


Warsaw was also a major center of the Polish Renaissance, while Krakow remained more medieval in its architecture and culture. Additionally, Warsaw was almost completely destroyed during World War II, while Krakow was spared much of the fighting. As a result, Warsaw is a much more modern city, while Krakow has more of a historic feel.


Speed of the City Life

There is a big difference between the speed of city life in Warsaw and Krakow. Warsaw is a very fast paced city with a lot of people always on the go. Krakow is a lot slower paced and people tend to take their time a bit more. It really depends on what you are looking for in a city. If you want a lot of things to do and a lot of people to see, Warsaw is the place for you. If you want a more relaxed atmosphere, Krakow is the better choice.


Architecture

The architecture of Warsaw is marked by its varied history. The city has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, and as a result, its architecture is a mix of styles from different periods. Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, neoclassical, and modernist buildings can all be found in Warsaw. In contrast, Krakow's architecture is largely Gothic, with some Renaissance and Baroque elements. The city was not destroyed during World War II, so its architecture is better preserved. Both Warsaw and Krakow have beautiful architecture worth exploring.


Warsaw Vs Krakow: the General Vibe

Warsaw is the more modern and cosmopolitan of the two cities. It is more expensive and has more international feel to it. Krakow is more traditional, charming, and picturesque. It is less expensive and has a more local feel to it. Which is Better? It depends on what you are looking for. If you want a more exciting, fast-paced city with lots to do, Warsaw is probably a better choice. If you want a more relaxed, charming city with a more traditional feel, Krakow is probably a better choice.


Things to do

There is a lot to do in both Warsaw and Krakow, and both cities have a lot to offer tourists. In Warsaw, you can visit the Old Town, the Royal Castle, and the Chopin Museum. You can also take a boat tour on the Vistula River or go to the Warsaw Uprising Museum. In Krakow, you can visit the Wawel Castle, the Old Town, and the Kazimierz Jewish Quarter. You can also take a boat tour on the Vistula River or go to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum. Click Here for - Our Complete list of 55 Amazing things to do in Krakow, Poland.


Nightlife

There is no clear winner when it comes to nightlife in Warsaw vs Krakow. Both cities offer a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants to keep visitors entertained throughout the night. Warsaw may have a slight edge when it comes to overall nightlife options but clubs are spread out so youll be taking a taxi lot, nightlife in Krakow on the otherhand in all within walking distance. Warsaw is home to a number of large festivals and events that attract visitors from all over the world.


Pricing

There is a big difference in pricing between Warsaw and Krakow. Krakow is a much cheaper city than Warsaw and this is one of the main reasons why people choose to live there. The cost of living in Krakow is about a third to half less of what it is in Warsaw and this includes the cost of food, transportation, and housing. Warsaw is a much more expensive city, but it is also a larger city. If you are looking for a cheaper city to live in, then Krakow is the better option.


An example is:

The Club Teatro Cubano Entry Fee is 50zl in Warsaw and in Krakow it's 20zl. This makes a difference to how much partying you do if youre on a budget.


If youre looking for a more luxurious night out, Warsaw has you covered with their many VIP options and bottle service. However, if youre happy to just enjoy some good music and dancing, Krakow will be more your scene.


Warsaw Vs Krakow City Size

: Warsaw is the capital and largest city of Poland with a population of 1.7 million people. On the other hand, Krakow is the second largest city in Poland with a population of around 750,000 people.


Transportation

There are many ways to get around Warsaw and Krakow. The most popular form of transportation is the bus. Warsaw has an extensive bus system with over 1,200 buses. Krakow also has a bus system, but it is not as extensive as Warsaw's. There are also trams in both cities. Warsaw has 36 tram lines and Krakow has 20. They both score equqlly on public transportation but since the city of Krakow is more compact, here you can ride an electric scooter like Lime, Bolt or Tier Scooters to get to your destination around the city.


Where to Stay In Warsaw

Budget: Lofthotel Sen Psczoly

Mid-range: Ibis Warszawa Stare Miasto

Luxury: Hotel Warszawa


Where to Stay In Krakow

Budget: Delis Apartments - Dluga Street

Mid-range: Inx Design Hotel

Luxury: Hotel H15 Luxury Palace


How Far is Krakow from Warsaw

Krakow is about 320 kilometers from Warsaw. The drive by car takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes. by bus it takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes. By train it takes about the same but there is also an option to take a speed train called Pendolino wich takes only 2 hours 30 minutes but tickets for this train is alittle more expensive. If you have come into Warsaw you definately need to make the effort to check out Krakow, the experience will be one you wont regret in this beautiful city!