A painful decision ahead: We just don't have enough time to do both Budapest and Krakow (justly) on our upcoming trip. So, the question is: if you had to pick between the two cities, which would you choose? BTW, we're a husband and wife traveling with 2 young daughters, if that makes a difference...

been to both..actually like both cities. concurred with you, it is a painful decision. Overall, I think probably you should opt for Budapest

I enjoyed both in terms of interest but found Krakow more compact and easy to get round. The areas of interest in Budapest cover a much larger area and involve either lots of walking or using public transport - also I found some of the roads very busy and we saw a couple of near accidents involving pedestrians. I'd vote for Krakow with children.

Budapest? Noooooooo! Krakow. No question. It's simply enchanting, and in my opinion, it's in the process of being discovered as a great destination, so you should go as soon as possible, before much of the warmth and charm is lost in the deluge of tourists.

We went to both Budapest and Krakow in May 2006. Budapest isn't even in my top 20 favorite European cities. Krakow would be fighting for a spot just behind my #1.

Is one city significantly cheaper to fly or get into? Or do you have any ties to either city? Where else will you be on this trip?

We've taken our small children with us to both cities and I'd say you'll have fun either place. I'd lean toward Budapest for these reasons:
*If I went to Krakow, I'd want to go to both Auschwitz and the salt mines, neither of which I'd take small children to.
*I felt like Budapest was more "American", ie, more American food options, more people who spoke English. Not that that's what you want when you go to a foreign country, but it can make it easier with kids. (of course, it could sway you the other way as well!)
*There were lots of kid-friendly things to do in Budapest: zoo, park, puppet shows, lots of playgrounds everywhere, the funicular up the hill.
Disclaimer though: We were in Poland with my MIL who was born outside Krakow. We relied on her for communication. Maybe it would have been no problem for us to communicate if we'd had to. And the purpose of the trip was for my husband to "see his family roots." We weren't focused on going to the zoo or other "kid" things while we were there, which probably biases my opinion that Budapest has more kid activities.

Tough call. I think you won't be unhappy with either experience!

Sorry, I checked on your other posts and now am recalling that you are going to Vienna and Prague as well. How is your itinerary working out? Are you still planning to include Bratislava? We went there too and I'd say drop that stop if you want to free up some time...

I've been to both Budapest and Krakow and Budapest is just a great city!! The people food and history will make for a great vacation--I'm going back this may and it will be my 3rd trip to budapest in 2 years. Yes, it's a large city but the Metro system is great-The Szechenyi Baths are great for familes they have pools and baths that can be enjoyed by the family up in the same area is the Budapest zoo.

This forum is---no, wait--the people on this forum--are just amazing. Thank you all for your thoughtful responses. We're trying very hard to find a way to squeeze both Budapest (my husband REALLY wants to go there) and Krakow, (which I'd like to see) into our plans. One way we might make it happen is to change our departure city to Krakow, rather than Vienna. That would give us one day extra...

As for big city/more English, if I were travelling solo, I'd definitely vote for "less American-ish" experience. However, having the hubby and kids in tow might alter that.

We will be seeing Prague and Vienna as well. And, of course, we want to be able to spend enough time in each city to do them justice.

I will weigh all your opinions and suggestions. Another option I'm considering is to see Wroclaw, which is closer to Prague, rather than Krakow and save Krakow for next time!

Thanks!