Warsaw and Krakow are the two biggest cities in Poland. They both display authentic Polish culture but they are quite different experiences. If you are deciding between Warsaw or Krakow here is the ultimate city comparison between the two.
Table of Contents
Quick Overview
Warsaw
Warsaw is the largest city in Poland and the 7th largest city in the EU with 1.8 million people living here. Before WW2, Warsaw was regarded as the “Paris of the North” but the war destroyed most of the city. Much of the Old Town was rebuilt following the war. The Old Town is incredible because it features many forms of architecture from different parts of Europe and time periods. Warsaw also has the 3rd most skyscrapers in the EU, giving it a terrific skyline.
Krakow
Krakow is the 2nd largest city in Poland with 775,000 residents. It has been a university city since the first university started here in 1364. The city now has 28 institutions of higher education with nearly 200,000 students city-wide. There are many parts of the city that are reminders of WW2, like the Krakow Ghetto. The city is regarded as one of the most beautiful in Europe and the Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pope John II was the Archbishop of Krakow before becoming the Pope.
Places to See
Warsaw
Old Town Market Place sits in the middle of the Old Town. All of the buildings, once decimated, have been rebuilt to look original.
The Royal Castle and Castle Square is an area that is a must-see when you visit Warsaw.
The Presidential Palace is the official residence of the Polish Head of State and the president.
The Warsaw Barbican is one of the very few remaining pieces to fortifications that used to encircle the city.
Lazienki Park is the largest park in Warsaw. It is located in the central district of the city.
The Warsaw Palace of Culture and Science was built in 1955. It remains the tallest building in the city. You can go to the 30th-floor observation deck for spectacular views of the city.
Krakow
The Main Square dates back to the 13th century and is the largest medieval square in all of Europe.
St. Mary’s Basilica sits right on the town square and dates back to the 14th century.
Wawel Cathedral is a Catholic Church located on Wawel Hill in Krakow.
Juliusz Słowacki Theatre was built in 1893 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Food
Warsaw
Pickled herring has always been a delicacy in Warsaw even though the city isn’t on the ocean. Zurek is a classic Polish cuisine. It is a loaf of bread hollowed out and filled with broth, white sausage, and hard-boiled eggs. One of the most famous Polish cuisines is the Pierogi which is basically a dumpling filled with meat, potatoes, and onions.
Krakow
All Polish cities will have their fair share of places to get pierogi, one of the most authentic Polish cuisines. Any trip to Krakow must involve Obwarzanek which is basically a bagel sprinkled with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or salt. As far as candy is concerned, krowka are small, individually wrapped, caramel treats that are staples in Krakow.
Getting Around
Warsaw
Warsaw has been known for being one of the most congested cities in Europe so you might want to think twice about renting a car. The public transportation system here will get you wherever you need to go, even if you want to go outside of city limits. Much of the city can be seen on foot and exploring the riverfront by bike is a great idea as well.
Krakow
The public transportation system in Krakow is excellent. They offer many different packages so you can choose the right one for your visit. Use the Jakdojade app to see which mode of transport to use and where to go. Central Krakow is generally very walkable but if you want to go to the Jewish Quarters or the Ghetto, you will want to take public transport. E-scooters have also become popular forms of transportation here, even though many locals hate them.
Nightlife
Warsaw
Warsaw has an incredible nightlife scene. There are many clubs to choose from and of course, many bars to explore. If you are looking to go clubbing, you should consider going to Mazowiecka Street. Some of the clubs here don’t take credit cards so make sure you have enough cash to last you the night. Warsaw is considered to have one of the biggest cultural mixes in all of Europe so you are bound to find some scenes that are new and refreshing to you.
Krakow
Krakow puts up a fight against some of the biggest cities in Europe in regard to nightlife. The Old Town of Krakow actually has the highest density of bars, per square meter, anywhere in the world. You can find bars everywhere but if you want to go clubbing, you will want to head to Florianska and Szewska streets. With nearly 200,000 university students in the city, the nightlife is quite lively depending on where you go.
Day Trips
Warsaw
Poznan is a beautiful Polish city just to the west of Warsaw.
The Masurian Lake District is situated in Northeastern Poland. The area has over 2,000 lakes to explore.
Wilanow Palace sits just outside of Warsaw. It is now a museum that displays the heritage of the Polish culture.
Lublin is the 9th largest city in Poland and is only 2 hours away from Warsaw.
Krakow
Auschwitz concentration camp is located close to Krakow. It is a grim reminder of the terrors of the Holocaust. Definitely worth visiting if you have time.
Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the oldest salt mines in the world. Salt was mined here from the 13th century until 2007.
The Tatra Mountains are just to the south of Krakow, along the Slovakian border. The rolling green hills leading up to the mountains are spectacular.
The Dunajec River Gorge is a stunning area. You can go rafting down the river to get truly spectacular views.
Tyniec is a historic village not far from the center of Krakow. It was founded back in 1044.
Wroclaw is just a few hours to the north of Krakow and would be a great city for you to go explore.
Overall
The two largest cities in Poland are both excellent cities that both deserve to be visited. If you are looking for a larger city, with newer architecture then Warsaw is the obvious choice. If you want to experience the Polish culture and older architecture then you will want to go to Krakow. Follow your gut and you can’t go wrong!
