Which city is better to visit: Warsaw or Krakow?

I've been to Krakow and Warsaw.

I loved Krakow, could quite happily live there too. Loved all the cellar cafe's as well, wonder if they are still there ?

I preferred the Old Town in Warsaw rather than the newer part. But that was about 10 years ago. Wonder how much has changed since then ?

i spent time in wawa in the mid 90s then avoided it till last summer when i spent a few weeks there... its changed, for the better, and there are some really cool places to hang out, but its a big city and for me it doesnt have the same vibe as some of the smaller polish cities...

Yes, I can identify with that BubbaWoo. Also, I found the 60's architecture in Warsaw New Town quite ugly and it was very busy. People seemd friendlier in Krakow.

But that was some time ago and I'm sure everyone is a lot friendlier now :)

My friends in Poland lived in an flat which was just outside Warsaw.
It was in a concrete high rise flat and they told me they were lucky to have it :(

I'd like to visit Poland again and concentrate on the smaller Polish cities. Which ones would you recommend, out of interest ?

simply Krakow and lot of another city except worsow (worsow was and it is ugly) and people much nice beside worsow
maybe something is change now but i don't believe it

absolutely warsaw !!

krakow is very nice ... but too much touristy and frankly ... is "just" a very nice european historical town ... like you can see in italy, france, spain (but without the charm you would find there probably)

warsaw instead is vibrant, unique, fun, electric, special ... much better than krakow for me

Can't agree with you there !
I thought Krakow was full of charm - it is also full of pubs within walking (staggering) distance of each other.
I have to admit though that I tend to find smaller cities more appealing than the capital in most countries.

mmmhhh ... i also prefer warsaw !!

yes yes Fantasy ... totally agree with you

well ... not that it hasn't charme at all szkotja ... anyway i was there last year in january and it was -20 .... that maybe had an influence !!

krakow is sooooo nice ... but i also like warsaw :)

I would agree with everyone who said Krakow, It's much more tourist friendly then Warsaw :)
But I do love Warsaw aswell (not so many annoying tourists about :P)

I've been to Kraków a few years ago - the bazar had a beautiful art glass store on the outside, Galeria AB, I think it was called. I bought some glass cats and angels which were sent on to the US to family for Christmas, and they were much appreciated. I'm tempted to drive back over (12 hours each way...sheesh!) and load the car up with crystal and china...seemed a great deal there!

I really do like Krakow but it can be a bit too touristy and "cheesy" sometimes. There are many aspects about Warsaw that I prefer! Warsaw is much more urban, gritty, hip, and "edgy". Warsaw seems to be much more modern while Krakow seems very conservative, not very "cool", and not up to date with new art, music, and style. Warsaw has much better freaky "underground" clubs, music, and galleries (but they are hard to find). It has much potential to be a new Berlin, but that can really take some time. The layout of the city is really messed up and is a huge sprawl. There will always be those who just hate Warsaw with a passion, but I think it's fascinating.

Krakow it's not only market place, wawel, and tour to wieliczka. Go from market place throught starowislna street to kazimierz, where 24/7 are great party in lot of pubs. You can meet artist, interesting people, listen local artist. And most of them speak english - on kazimierz live lot of foreginers, and, natives must knows other languages.

You must see old town, market place, hear the trumpeter, who play from mariacki churs if you want understand our culture, bu if You are not 70 years old japanish woman, You must spend evening and night on kazimierz :D