Berlin or Krakow in January?

jamo2oo9

Looking to do a short solo trip to either Berlin or Krakow but can't decide on which to go for. I'll have 4 full days to spend in whatever city I go to as in I'll be away for 6 days (1 for outbound, 4 on the ground and 1 returning)


For Krakow, the choices are as follows,

Old Town
Auschwitz
Salt Mines
Barbican
Wawal

For Berlin,

Reichstag
Berlin Wall
Brandenburg
Checkpoint Charlie
Templehof Airport (now a park)
DDR Museum

Any suggestions? I'm aware that it'll be bloody cold in Poland whereas in Berlin, it's milder in comparison but not by much.

uck51js9zml2yt

Krakow wins hands down!

jamo2oo9

Kaitlyn Sparse Farmhand wrote: »

Krakow wins hands down!

Do explain please.

thierry14

You can go skiing/visit mountains in Zakapone too.

Just a short drive from Kraków

Class thermal spas there

uck51js9zml2yt

Found Berlin drab and unappealing.
Loads to do in Krakow and it's old town is vibrant.

Thermal spas as a must and if you like skiing
.zakopane.

Mr rebel

I'd pick Berlin every time.
Sure it isn't the most attractive looking city, but there's so much to do there and the people are amazing. I think it is more a "priortiy visit" destination to check off the list if you haven't been there before.

grimm2005

You've picked two really great cities so it's definitely a tough one.

I've been to Krakow in January and while it's cold, it's a great time to visit. There's no wind really so while the temperature may be lower than here, it doesn't actually feel colder when you're moving around. Also it doesn't really rain and it might snow. They keep all their Christmas decorations up until February and last time I was there it started snowing and sticking and with all the decorations etc it was actually quite nice!

While there probably is more to see and do in Berlin, there's something nice about Krakow being a small city and 4 days will leave you with plenty of time to see a lot. It's also cheaper and has a great hostel scene if you're looking to meet people and have a few drinks etc in the evening.

spurious

Both great cities, but that time of year I would pick Krakow.
You'll be able to take your time seeing Auschwitz and related sites (Schindler's Factory, Plaszow, the old Jewish areas) and just take time to watch the world go by, while sipping your Wedel's chocolate. .
Great value to be had in accommodation too.

CarrickMcJoe

jamo2oo9 wrote: »

Looking to do a short solo trip to either Berlin or Krakow but can't decide on which to go for. I'll have 4 full days to spend in whatever city I go to as in I'll be away for 6 days (1 for outbound, 4 on the ground and 1 returning)


For Krakow, the choices are as follows,

Old Town
Auschwitz
Salt Mines
Barbican
Wawal

For Berlin,

Reichstag
Berlin Wall
Brandenburg
Checkpoint Charlie
Templehof Airport (now a park)
DDR Museum

Any suggestions? I'm aware that it'll be bloody cold in Poland whereas in Berlin, it's milder in comparison but not by much.

Did both and Krakow wins over for me. All you mention in Berlin can be done in a day, Checkpoint Charlie is a bit naff, whereas Auschwitz takes best part or a day on its own, salt mines half a day. Check out the Krakow live cam . It pans over the main square.

keane2097

I'm going to Krakow for four days in early December myself. I see they have tours now that take in the Salt Mines and Auschwitz in the one day, but some people saying that it's a bit tight to do it like that.

Anyone been to both that could recommend one over the other? I don't think I'm going to want to take two days from four out of the city on tours, particularly in what I can imagine will be fairly bitter weather...

uck51js9zml2yt

keane2097 wrote: »

I'm going to Krakow for four days in early December myself. I see they have tours now that take in the Salt Mines and Auschwitz in the one day, but some people saying that it's a bit tight to do it like that.

Anyone been to both that could recommend one over the other? I don't think I'm going to want to take two days from four out of the city on tours, particularly in what I can imagine will be fairly bitter weather...

Do the mines in the evening. It's dark outside do you miss nothing.
It's not either/ or!

keane2097

Kaitlyn Sparse Farmhand wrote: »

Do the mines in the evening. It's dark outside do you miss nothing.
It's not either/ or!

Would you say you would have enough time to do them in the one day then?

uck51js9zml2yt

keane2097 wrote: »

Would you say you would have enough time to do them in the one day then?

You'll be exhausted after the camp's. It's a tough day. Time will also be very tight to do both in the same day.

CarrickMcJoe

keane2097 wrote: »

Would you say you would have enough time to do them in the one day then?

You will be tired after it, but it can be done. Take a packed lunch with you as you will get a 10-15 minute break between camps. Security is worse that airport for Auschwitz (no backpacks allowed in, only what fits in an A4 size plastic bag and metal detectors).

rossie1977

Both will be cold having been to berlin in January. Berlin has a huge new years eve party if that's your thing. A visit to the Olympic stadium is a good way to spend an hour or two, many of the facilities from the 1936 games still stand.

As for Krakow its much smaller obviously and the two main tourist sites are located outside of town and getting there requires taking a bus/tour. Auschwitz in sub zero weather would probably help one better appreciate the conditions the people went through for 3-4 months of the year.