Comparison · Kraków vs Prague · Poland / Czechia
Kraków vs Prague
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Andrzej Otrębski, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Kraków for Main Market Square, Wawel Castle and lower day-to-day costs; choose Prague for Prague Castle and Charles Bridge. Kraków is generally less expensive, and the two are about 393 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 393 km
- Less expensive
- Kraków
- Best time for Kraków
- May–June and September
- Best time for Prague
- May–June and September
Side by side
| Kraków | Prague | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Poland | Czechia |
| Known for | Main Market Square, Wawel Castle and Kazimierz | Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and Astronomical Clock |
| Best time to visit | May–June and September | May–June and September |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $90–$170 | $120–$220 |
| Cost level | Affordable | Affordable |
| Warmest month | July, 25°C (77°F) | July, 25°C (77°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 1°C (34°F) | January, 2°C (36°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 8 | 7 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 6 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | KRK, KTW | PRG |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Kraków for…
Main Market Square, Wawel Castle and lower day-to-day costs. Poland's former royal capital came through the Second World War largely intact, so its UNESCO-listed Old Town still centres on one of Europe's largest medieval squares, the Rynek Główny, with the Cloth Hall and St. Mary's Basilica. Wawel Hill's castle and…
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Choose Prague for…
Prague Castle and Charles Bridge. Prague's historic centre survived the 20th century largely intact, so Gothic, baroque and Art Nouveau buildings line both banks of the Vltava. Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral crown the hill on the west bank above the baroque palaces of Malá Strana…
Top sights compared
| # | Kraków | Prague |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Main Market Square | Prague Castle |
| 2 | Cloth Hall | St Vitus Cathedral |
| 3 | St. Mary's Basilica | Charles Bridge |
| 4 | Wawel Castle | Old Town Square |
| 5 | Wawel Cathedral | Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock |
Food compared
| Kraków | Prague |
|---|---|
| Pierogi | Svíčková |
| Obwarzanek krakowski | Roast pork, dumplings and sauerkraut |
| Zapiekanka | Czech goulash |
| Żurek | Fried cheese |
Which is cheaper?
Kraków is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $90–$170 per person there, against $120–$220 in Prague (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Kraków on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Kraków and Prague are about 393 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Kraków and 4 in Prague.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Kraków or Prague cheaper?
Kraków is usually less expensive: about $90–$170 a day mid-range against $120–$220 (estimates).
+Is Kraków or Prague better for a first trip?
Pick Kraków for Main Market Square, Wawel Castle and lower day-to-day costs, or Prague for Prague Castle and Charles Bridge.
+How far is Kraków from Prague?
About 393 km in a straight line.