I'm curious about Warsaw.
 

I was there briefly on a tour sometime between 1966 and 1969. I think we saw the place where the Warsaw Ghetto had been, but I remember little of it or of the rest of Warsaw. My impression was that it was pretty grim--still partly destroyed by the Nazis.

I spent several days in Krakow a couple of years ago and thought it was fabulous. How does Warsaw compare, now that it's more than 20 years removed from Communist control? In 2009 I was in a couple of places that had been part of East Germany and saw before and after pictures. The difference between 1989 and 2009 was stunning.

Warsaw can't compare with Krakow. W is a sprawling new city and not a very pretty one IMHO. It's all been rebuilt and the old town has been reconstructed to look exactly as it was pre-war. I think there are a lot of communist era block type buildings. And then there is the new eyesore - the new stadium. Nothing can hide this thing, built close to the major road that runs along the river. You can even see it from old town.

Krakow is a gem and one of my top 5 favorite cities.

I'm writing a trip report now on Poland.

IMO, Warsaw is one of the most vibrant, interesting big cities in Europe now.
A huge number (for European standards) of new skyscrapers in the city center, the restored Old Town, and most of what is east or right of the culture palace also restored now. Definetely a city of contrasts.
But it's probably more a city to experience through its people and its lively pub, cafe, arts, crafts and gallery scene than by just looking at or into certain buildings. It may not be "pretty" as other cities and towns, but it sure got the right "vibe"... not grim at all anymore!
If you like before/after experiences, Warsaw will most probably be a jaw-dropping experience.

<Karkow is a gem> Certainly agree. But for Warsaw, for me, you have to look at the love by the polish people, rebuilding the 'old town'. I realize there were probably many Italian artisans brought in to help. We enjoyed Warsaw and attempted to recapture the terrible times during WW2. Imagine, Jews in the getto fighting back against the might of the Nazi's. So they destroyed the city. Reprehensible. I think if one reads about the historical prospective of the city, it is a city to enjoy. For my wife and I, a simple Chopin concert in the park was enthralling. Would like to revisit, but time is fleeting. Richard

I just felt I had to see Warsaw's amazing reconstruction, and only regret I didn't get to Gdansk. I'm not a great driver so am toying with the idea of a quick small group tour around Poland...but as he said, time is fleeting. You can't really *compare W and K, they're 2 different styles. Love the Poles and their food and look forward to visiting again.

Ib Warsaw in Oct. 2011..Was impressed with the reconstruction of the old town and the wall. The uprising memorial was awesome. Took a tour, about 3 to 3 1/2 hours that was arranged by the Westin for me and the group was 5 people. very interesting and moving. I ended up there incidently as my airmiles B. class ticket to Madrid was routed through Warsaw??? but who cares wh. It became another notch in my travel belt. As a very senior senior it was a stroke of excellent luck and I am so glad it was possible. Krakow can't be held in comparison as it is a completely different experience. Krakow is a breathtaking gem of a city, or was when I saw it several years ago. Hopefully it has been done to mar the beauty of the area In Warsaw the communist buildings left in the city are depressing and grey, but they are part of the cityscape and a grim reminder of the days that were.