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WhereToGoForMyHoliday.com

The best destination comparison site!

Warsaw or Prague, which is better for your holiday in 2024?

Warsaw and Prague both offer unique and enticing experiences, but which one should you choose for your city break or holiday?

We recognise the difficulty in making this decision. While there is abundant information available on both destinations, clear guidance on which city better aligns with your travel preferences is often hard to find.
This article aims to provide an impartial comparison of Prague and Warsaw, and hopefully help you to choose the best city to visit.

The article is structured into several sections, each of which can be directly accessed through the following links:
• Introduction to the cities
• Scores and ratings
• Which one should I, friends, or family visit?
• When to visit and weather
• Who is the city suited for?
• The perfect 48hours (with map)
• Tourism details (where to stay? airport details?)

Introduction to Warsaw and Prague

Warsaw is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends the old with the new, offering a mix of historical sites and modern attractions.

This Polish capital is a city of contrasts. On one hand, you have futuristic shopping centres, and on the other, a Soviet-era skyscraper dominating the skyline. The Old Town, with its medieval appearance, is actually a meticulous reconstruction post-World War II.

It's this variety that makes Warsaw so intriguing. Whether you’re taking a romantic stroll through Łazienki Park, learning about the anti-Nazi uprisings, admiring Polish art in national galleries, or exploring the trendy Mokotow district, there’s always something new to discover.

Prague, the Czech capital wows visitors with its Gothic castles, cobbled lanes and handsome medieval plazas.It sits on a snaking bend in the Vltava River, unfolding with a fairy-tale Old Town district that flits from curious astronomical clocks to age-old synagogues at just the turn of a corner. Around that are other neighborhoods that beat with hipster cafes or come topped with the stunning spires of Prague Castle – one of the largest medieval fortifications in the world.

You can fill days glugging frothy beers in cosy basement bars. You can trace the footsteps of Franz Kafka in award-winning literature museums. You can delve into enchanting Christmas Markets or gaze at great monuments on Wenceslas Square. What's more, Prague sits smack bang in the heart of the beautiful region of Bohemia, a land of undulating hills and beer breweries that offers a taste of rural Europe.

Tyn Cathedral prague

The main square in Prague with the Tyn Cathedral

Warsaw

The historic centre of Warsaw

High-level summary for Warsaw and Prague

Summary
Where would I journey for a personal escape?
Prague
Where would I send my parents for a memorable visit?
Prague
Where's the ideal destination for my adventurous 19-year-old cousin?
Prague
Where should my food-obsessed friend indulge their culinary passions?
Prague
Note: The above comparisons are weather-independent and are based on travel during the most opportune times of the year. Details about the ideal travel seasons are elaborated upon later in this article.

In the sections that follow, you'll find a comprehensive comparison between these two fascinating cities. This includes recommendations on the duration of stay, the best times to visit, and tailored 48-hour itineraries for each city.
The final segment delves into practicalities for your travels, such as the best airport to fly into, the optimal districts for your accommodation, and insider tips, for when you come to explore the city.

We hope that you find all of this information useful, in planning your next exciting trip!

Destination details

How long to spend each city?

Prague is one of the original European city break destinations. With countless low-cost carriers whizzing in and out, it should be easy to put together a short trip here on a budget. To unearth the secrets of the Old Town, see Prague Castle, and enjoy at least a night on the beer and the goulash, a few days is probably all you'll need.

Of course, if you've got extra days, Prague will surely fill them. Excursions out to the wooded valleys of Bohemia, where the castles of Český Krumlov and Kutna Hora await, can be added into the mix. But you could also stay in the city itself, to break away from the more touristy centre into neighborhoods like hipster Žižkov and Nusle.

Warsaw can be done quickly. Just a couple days is all you'll need to see the Old Town, the Palace of Culture and Science, the grand parks, and the main museums.

Of course, if you've got extra time to spare, Warsaw will always be able to fill it. Once you've checked off the main attractions, there are stacks of more local sights, eateries, and activities to get stuck into. They include café hopping down in hipster Mokotow, tasting ethnic foods in multicultural Praga, and even day outings to the Kampinos Forest or the post-industrial city of Łódź.

Prague Orloj astronomical clock

The delightful Prague Orloj is the world’s oldest operating astronomical clock, and displays the position of the Sun and Moon

Park Royal Baths Park warsaw

The Park Royal Baths Park (Łazienki Królewskie) is the largest park in Warsaw and a great location for a summers day

Prague has the usual four seasons of Central Europe. The summer is generally hot and humid, with the highest temperatures in the 30s during July and August. It's also common to have regular thunderstorms that last for short bursts then. Winter, meanwhile, is cold. It's the best time to visit Prague if you're in search of kitschy Christmas markets that sell blood sausages, hot chocolate and warm Czech beer. You'll certainly need the thermals and snow coat between November and March, though. It's not uncommon for temperatures to stay below zero for weeks on end.

The upshot is that the spring and autumn probably see Prague in its prime. In April, May, September and October, things can still be mild and warm. There are fewer visitors hitting the mainstay sites like the Prague Castle. Hotel rates drop considerably to boot, and you're more likely to get bargains on flights into town.

If you don't want to wrap yourself up in cotton wool and thermals every time you step outside, it might be best to avoid the winter months in Warsaw. From November to December, below-zero temperatures are normal in the Polish capital, along with icy rain, sleet and snow.

Most locals often say that spring and early autumn are the sweet spots. While summer's warm, it can often be humid, and there's no beach or ocean nearby to help you cool off. Months like April and May see milder days and cool nights, while September is prime time to wander the famous parks of Warsaw, as the trees begin to change colour and glow orange, ochre and yellow.

Warsaw captivates those who appreciate lively, bustling capital cities. While the Old Town is stunning, it's not the main attraction. Instead, expect to spend your time exploring vibrant and authentic neighborhoods, filled with a variety of dining options from fusion to fine dining. Discover craft beer on guided tours and enjoy artisan breakfasts in quirky cafes.

On the other hand, Warsaw offers a deeply immersive historical experience. The Warsaw Uprising Museum and the POLIN exhibitions provide insightful introductions to the challenges faced by the Polish people and Polish Jews during Nazi occupation. Don't miss the 800,000 exhibits at the renowned National Museum, and take time to explore grand parks, complete with Chinese gardens and monuments dedicated to Chopin.

Prague is a heritage-rich, historic and hedonistic European city. You'll spend your time gawping at haunting castles and getting lost in medieval districts. Of course, there's also plenty of room for evenings of Czech beer and samplings of Slavic dumplings and goulash. If you're a food-loving culture vulture then there's hardly anywhere better on offer. What's more, backpackers and partygoers will find loads to like in the sleepless basement bars and pubs.

What Prague can't excel in is proximity to the ocean. If you're looking for somewhere to dine on seafood and hit the beach, it's not the place for you. The same goes for the great outdoors. It isn't hard to escape to backcountry Bohemia from here, but you will need to rent a car or organise a day trip away from the Old Town to do that.

Saint Florian Cathedral Warsaw

The gothic Saint Florian's Cathedral in Warsaw

Charles Bridge prague

The Charles Bridge spans the Vltava River in central Prague and is lined the thirty Baroque statues

48hours in Prague
Spending two days in Prague allows for a perfect balance between exploring its historical wonders and delving into its vibrant urban life. The enchanting Old Town and the imposing Prague Castle splendidly represent the city's rich history, while trendy districts such as Žižkov offer opportunities to enjoy coffee and scour through the markets.

Day 1: Start your weekend right in the heart of the city at the expansive Old Town Square, the central hub of Prague's historic quarter. It remains lively throughout the year, bustling with visitors meandering between significant landmarks such as the Old Town Hall and the Church of Our Lady before Týn. Notably, the church is renowned for its striking black Gothic turrets, towering over 80 metres tall.

Meanwhile, the Old Town Hall boasts stunning Gothic doors and gargoyles, and is home to the unique Prague Astronomical Clock. This 15th-century timepiece is the oldest functioning astronomical clock worldwide, drawing crowds every hour to witness its charming chime and the procession of apostles.

Continue east through the Old Town's intricate alleyways until you reach the riverside, leading directly to the iconic Charles Bridge. Adorned with statues of saints, it offers picturesque scenes, especially in the misty winter mornings. Cross over to Malá Strana, Prague’s oldest district, filled with traditional beer taverns such as the popular U Hrocha.

After a refreshing beer, it's time to ascend to Prague Castle, conveniently located steps away from the tavern. Dedicate your afternoon to exploring this vast complex, ranging from the magnificent St. Vitus Cathedral to the quaint workshops of Golden Lane.

Dancing House prague

The Dancing House may be one of Prague’s most distinctive buildings, but being in the heart of the old town its unique design was extremely controversial

Day 2: Treat yourself to a hearty breakfast in boho Žižkavárna Café. It's loved by the locals for its strong coffees and homemade cakes but is also a fantastic intro to the stylish neighborhood of Žižkov itself. The landmark at the heart of that district of the soaring Žižkov Television Tower in Tower Park Praha. Be sure to take in its futuristic architecture from below before going inside. Then, it's straight up to the observation decks to enjoy sweeping views of the city.

You'll also want to drop by the National Memorial on Vítkov Hill. It's an important spot in the annals of Czech history. It was once a hops plantation but now hosts the colossal equestrian statue of Jan Žižka (a revered Czech military general) and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a symbolic monument to resistance to Nazi occupation.

Keep going north across the river to Prague 7 and you'll find stripped-down hipster cafés like Kavárna Liberál. For dinner, try the multi-ethnic stalls of Hala 22 closer to the waterside, where everything from Rajasthani curry houses to Chinese noodles are options. Finally, get your beer drinking hat on, because Gyllene tigern – a legendary microbrewery – beckons with its hoppy unpasteurized tipples back in the Old Town.

Klaus synagogue prague

The Klaus synagogue and cemetery, in the Jewish quarter of Prague

48hours in Warsaw
This perfect first 48 hours offers a fun-filled and exciting introduction to life in the Polish capital. It's a cocktail of wartime history, art, and – of course – good old Slavic beer.

Day 1: Hit the Old Town of Warsaw as early as you can. That way, you'll avoid the crowds, and – on a sunny day – get to catch the gilded medieval-style frontispieces in some perfect photography light. You certainly won't want to miss a moment on grand Plac Zamkowy (Castle Square).
The Royal Castle that gives it the name is the star of the show, with its orange-tinged exteriors and Baroque domes. It, like the whole rest of the Old Town, is actually deceptively new. The entire district had to be rebuilt from ruins in the wake of WWII.

Wait for the folk from the Free Walking Tour under Zygmunt's Column. Their two-hour odyssey through this part of the capital really digs down into the unique mosaic of architecture. After that's done, you can hit Nowy Swiat and follow the route Polish monarchs once took in and out of the city. It's now a buzzing modern thoroughfare with dumpling taverns and beer halls (perfect for lunch).
Follow it all the way south and hop a few more blocks and you'll soon be in Łazienki Park. It's an icon of the metropolis. An evening stroll here could start with a vision of the huge Chopin statue and end with a sighting of the Classicist Temple of Diana. For dinner, where better than hipster Mokotow? The district has everything from Tex-Mex to stylish sushi bars.

Warsaw Barbican

The Warsaw Barbican (barbakan warszawski) dates from 1540, and was part of the fortifications that encircle the city

Day 2: A selfie stop outside of the iconic Palace of Culture and Science starts day two with a bout of Soviet architecture. A 237-metre spire of a building, it was a personal gift to Poland by one Joseph Stalin. From there, a few trams stops can whisk you over to the Warsaw Uprising Museum. The enthralling exhibits of that showcase the heroic efforts of Poland's underground resistance during the fight against the Nazis.
Afterwards, make straight for the riverside and the leafy Vistula Boulevards. They're a hubbub of life in the summer months. Dog walkers meet buskers and street entertainers right by the water. (An optional drop into the family-friendly Copernicus Science Centre is a great addition if the rain's a-pouring). For the evening, hip and elegant Praga awaits. That's arguably Warsaw's most stylish area, with Lebanese kitchens giving way to bohemian bars and cool coffee shops.

Palace of Culture warsaw

The striking Palace of Culture, standing at 237m is the tallest building in Poland

Public transport in Warsaw means trams and buses. The network of more than 260 combined lines can take you virtually anywhere you want to go.
What's more – it's cheap! Just 3,4 PLN can get you from A to B on any route, but there are also 24- and 72-hour tickets that won't break the bank. You can get them at machines located at the stops, or in any kiosk dotted around town.

Saint Alexander’s Church warsaw

Saint Alexander’s Church was constructed in honour of the Russian tsar Alexander I

Warsaw has two international airports. There's the larger Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport, which can be reached by direct train from Warsaw's main station on line S2 or S3. The smaller Warsaw Modlin International Airport is a hub for European low-cost carriers. To go from terminal to city from there, you can ride the private Modlinbus, or catch the loop train that goes to both airports and then Warszawa Centralna.

A big Polish presence and a welcoming local vibe means there's rarely trouble for tourists in WarsawPickpockets, angry bouncers in clubs, and the classic European taxi scammers are the most common frustrations beyond that. .

When it comes to picking a hotel, it's typically best to be on the western side of the Vistula River. Some of the very best accommodation choices hide amid the cobbled lanes and squares of the Old Town. Others sit within walking distance, by Mirow or the Palace of Culture and Science. Being on the far side of the river means finding some cool aparthotels in local's favourite Praga.

The Václav Havel Airport Prague is the main entry point to the Czech capital. It's also the largest international airport in the Czech Republic. That means short-haul flight connections arrive there from all over, and you can usually bag some wallet-friendly bargains on carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet

For a European capital, Prague is very walkable and bikeable. The whole Old Town is actually best explored on foot, and the same goes for the castle district. For longer trips, the uber-efficient Prague Metro and tram network combine on the PID ticket to offer easy hops from A to B.

The basic ticket costs 24 CZK ($1) and allows access and transfers for 30 minutes. Buy them via the Prague transport mobile app, in local newsagents, or at the tram stops themselves. Don't forget to validate your ticket at the yellow machines on board.

Gothic Saint Vitus Cathedral Prague

The Gothic Saint Vitus Cathedral lies within the Prague castle complex

All the usual crimes and scams of a European capital are present in Prague, though the town is generally very safe for visitors. Be vigilant of pick pocketers in busy areas and on public transport especially. Also try to dodge picking up taxis straight off the street – tourists are often prime targets for inflated rates. Prague's currency exchange points are notorious for being rip offs, so get your koruna before touching down.

For proximity to the main sites and bars, there's really nowhere better to bed down than in the Prague Old Town. Hotels will usually cost the most there, however. Something quieter and equally as atmospheric is available in the Malá Strana. But the New Town district and Žižkov are also both good options.

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