Need help deciding: Krakow or Barcelona
 

Hi all,

I am having the hardest time deciding. I've seen large parts of Europe, but have never been to Spain or Poland. Or Amsterdam...but I kinda eliminated that at this point. I have 3 full days to spend in either city. I am truly torn. Any advice or input would be greatly appreciated.

Woops. Sorry I forgot. But this is for mid-April if that makes a difference.

My concern is that we won't have enough time for Barcelona but feel that Krakow might not offer enough. I've been reading tons of trip reports and still not sure...

I think weather will likely be nicer in Barcelona. A lot may depend upon whether this is likely to be your only trip to either of these destinations and where else you might be before or after the three days you have. 3 days to spend in Krakow for a one time only visit, would be fine. While you can see a lot of Barcelona in 3 days, it would be better if they were the first of several trips to see the place and let it grow on and reward you for multiple visits--or if you can do it another time when you have more time to spend soaking it up. If you'll be closer to either of them, you might save on airfares, etc. Lots of factors. Both should be seen. Mostly a matter of which to see in this time frame.

Krakow's a bit overrated, much dingier than we expected. I preferred both Prague and Budapest.

Krakow has plenty for three days -- Oswiecim and the salt mines can fill 1.5 days for you. The city itself has plenty to see from the market square to the various churches to the Jewish Quarter to the art galleries to a tour with Crazy Mike's.

Visiting Krakow is like visiting any other major city in the world. I don't know any of your interests. Poland has great recreational sites, historical sites and some beautiful buildings. You could tour along the Vistula from its source near Krakow to Warsaw. You could spend your three days in and about Zakopane. Fodor's Poland offers a detailed plan for visiting Wadowice using Krakow as a base. Poland is still recovering from its occupation by the Soviets and the destruction of WWII. Krakow is now the second largest city in Poland. Use March to read about Krakow. 'Search' has a list of 200 hotels to choose from in Krakow!