Comparison · Budapest vs Warsaw · Hungary / Poland
Budapest vs Warsaw
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Visions of Domino, CC BY 2.0
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Quick answer
Choose Budapest for Thermal baths and Hungarian Parliament; choose Warsaw for Rebuilt Old Town and Warsaw Uprising. Warsaw is generally less expensive, and the two are about 545 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 545 km
- Less expensive
- Warsaw
- Best time for Budapest
- April–May and September–October
- Best time for Warsaw
- May–June and September
Side by side
| Budapest | Warsaw | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Hungary | Poland |
| Known for | Thermal baths, Hungarian Parliament and Danube views | Rebuilt Old Town, Warsaw Uprising and Chopin |
| Best time to visit | April–May and September–October | May–June and September |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $110–$210 | $100–$180 |
| Cost level | Affordable | Affordable |
| Warmest month | July, 28°C (82°F) | July, 25°C (77°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 3°C (37°F) | January, 0°C (32°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 7 | 9 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 6 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | BUD | WAW, WMI |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Budapest for…
Thermal baths and Hungarian Parliament. Budapest straddles the Danube: hilly Buda on the west bank has the Castle District and Fisherman's Bastion, while flat Pest on the east holds the Parliament, St Stephen's Basilica, the old Jewish Quarter and most hotels, restaurants and bars. The city sits…
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Choose Warsaw for…
Rebuilt Old Town and Warsaw Uprising. Poland's capital was largely destroyed in the Second World War and rebuilt with remarkable care: its Old Town, reconstructed from paintings and photographs, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Warsaw's museums — the Warsaw Rising Museum, POLIN and the…
Top sights compared
| # | Budapest | Warsaw |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hungarian Parliament Building | Old Town Market Square |
| 2 | Buda Castle | Royal Castle |
| 3 | Fisherman's Bastion | Castle Square and Sigismund's Column |
| 4 | Matthias Church | Royal Route: Krakowskie Przedmieście and Nowy Świat |
| 5 | Széchenyi Thermal Bath | Łazienki Park |
Food compared
| Budapest | Warsaw |
|---|---|
| Goulash soup | Pierogi |
| Chicken paprikash | Pyzy |
| Lángos | Żurek |
| Chimney cake | Kotlet schabowy |
Which is cheaper?
Warsaw is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $100–$180 per person there, against $110–$210 in Budapest (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Warsaw on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Budapest and Warsaw are about 545 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Budapest and 3 in Warsaw.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Budapest or Warsaw cheaper?
Warsaw is usually less expensive: about $100–$180 a day mid-range against $110–$210 (estimates).
+Is Budapest or Warsaw better for a first trip?
Pick Budapest for Thermal baths and Hungarian Parliament, or Warsaw for Rebuilt Old Town and Warsaw Uprising.
+How far is Budapest from Warsaw?
About 545 km in a straight line.