kbob24

We are planning a trip to Central Europe and are planning to allocate 4-5 days to Warsaw and Krakow, including a trip to Aushwitz. How would you divide time between those cities?
Thanks, Ken

PeterB

1 day for Warsaw rest for Krakow and Area ...

blueridge

Just a different opinion: We loved both, but preferred Warsaw. Its Old Town Square is more intimate. The city is more elegant, but has retained some of the Communist Era architecture as well. Try to include the history museum's film showing actual black and white footage of ghetto life, bombing, etc. - very moving (the museum is right on the square - the building with the huge photos). Warsaw's Old Town Square is rebuilt, and though some proclaim the virtue of Krakow's original buildings (and it's also lovely), I think the Warsaw experience is more like what the buildings looked like historically. Warsaw has a nice zoo, too, and riding the buses was easy and provided some cheap sight seeing.

You'll have a great time at both places - the Polish pastry is wonderful - especially those with the plum fillings.

lucy_d

Another vote for allowing only one day in Warsaw. Yes, the rebuilt Old Town is charming and the history museum is well done. Be sure to visit both before heading to Krakow for three or four days. It's such a vibrant city and one of my favorites. Visiting Auschwitz will take one full day for travel and reflection. You may want to do another day trip to the salt mines.

kbob24

Thanks for your replies - in talking to someone personally who spends a lot of time in Poland, we tilted towards Krakow as well