A Travel Price Comparison for Poland Krakow vs. Gdansk for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Krakow or Gdansk?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Krakow or Gdansk? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Krakow or Gdansk?

Krakow

Krakow is Poland's second largest city. It sits on both sides of the Wisla River at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains. There are more than 1.4 million residents in the metropolitan area. Krakow is known as a historical and beautiful city that is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. Tourism makes up a large part of the city's economy, but there is also a university and several local colleges which are major employers as well. Technology has grown in recent years and the city has some notable employees including Google, IBM and Motorola. Other important industries include steel, pharmaceuticals and tobacco.

Gdansk

Gdansk is the capital and largest city of the Pomeranian Voivodeship in northern Poland. The port dates back a thousand years and was an influential city in the Hanseatic League during the Middle Ages. The city was essentially destroyed during World War II but has rebuilt into one of Europe's most beautiful port cities. The city now has a population of around 460,000 and is a popular tourist destination for visitors from around the globe. It is known for its impressive city center, its great museums, and its beaches that line the coast of the Gulf of Gdansk. In particular, it is a popular summer destination.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Poland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Warsaw, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Poland.


Which place is cheaper, Gdansk or Krakow?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Krakow is $82, while the average daily cost in Gdansk is $77. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Krakow and Gdansk in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Krakow $46
    Gdansk $30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Krakow $92
    Gdansk $60
Compare Hotels in Krakow and Gdansk

Looking for a hotel in Krakow or Gdansk? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Krakow


Hotels in Gdansk


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Krakow Hotel Prices and Gdansk Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Krakow $7.10
    Gdansk $9.47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krakow

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Krakow:

  • 1 Day Trip Auschwitz Birkenau and Salt Mines with Hotel Transfer: $70
  • Airport to Cracow transfer by Minivan: $61
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Krakow Airport KRK to Krakow City: $53
  • Auschwitz Birkenau Guided Tour with Private Transfer and Tickets: $119
  • Auschwitz Birkenau Round Transfer, Private Driver from Krakow: $156
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour from Krakow with Ticket & Transfer: $63
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum with Private Transfers from Krakow: $239
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau Self-Guided Visit from Krakow with Private Transfers: $174
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour from Katowice with Private Transfers: $229
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour with Transfer: $119
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau guided tour from Krakow with Ticket & Transfer: $35
  • Balice KRK airport OneWay PRIVATE TRANSFER to/from Krakow’s hotel: $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gdansk

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Gdansk:

  • CO2-OffsetArrival Transfer from Gdansk Airport GDN to Gdansk City: $72
  • Gdansk Airport Private Transfer: $74
  • Gdansk Airport Transfers : $69
  • Gdansk Airport: Private Transfer to Gdansk, Sopot, or Gdynia: $59
  • Gdansk to Torun Private Transfer : $145
  • Bubble Football with Hotel Transfers: $99
  • Indoor Go Karting Package in Gdansk with Hotel Transfers : $131
  • Luxury Limousine Transfer from Gdansk Airport (GDN) : $137
  • Private Round-Trip Transfers: Gdansk Airport (GDN): $149
  • Private Transfer From the Port Gdynia to Gdansk Old Town: $114
  • Private Transfer from Airport Gdansk GDN to Starogard Gdanski: $144
  • Private Transfer from Gdansk (GDN) Airport to Bytów city: $250

Is it cheaper to fly into Krakow or Gdansk?

Prices for flights to both Gdansk and Krakow change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Krakow $25
    Gdansk $39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Krakow

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Krakow.

  • Krakow Tipsy Polish Food Tour with History Pierogi and Shots: $40
  • Polish Folk Show with 3 course dinner in Krakow legendary restaurant: $49
  • Pierogi Cooking Class with Market Shopping and Local Snacks: $83
  • Folk Show A Taste of Polish Tradition with Dinner: $84
  • Krakow Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting and Dinner: $95
  • Traditional Jewish Ashkenazi Food Tour in Krakow: $121
  • EVERYDAY Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $176
  • Katowice Private Traditional Polish Food Tour: $195
  • Krakow Private Traditional Polish Food Tour: $195

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gdansk

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Gdansk.

  • Delicious Gdańsk Food Tour in Poland: $101
  • Deluxe Polish Food Tour Experience in Gdansk: $118
  • Foodpairing dinner in one of the best restaurants in Gdansk: $160
  • Gdansk Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $191
  • Sopot: Private Traditional Polish Food Tour: $194

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Krakow $22
    Gdansk $9.03

Tours and Activities in Krakow

Here are a few actual costs in Krakow for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Krakow Unveiled: Self-Guided Heritage Tour: $3.59
  • A Walk With the Dead Krakow Ghost Tour: $3.59
  • World War Two in Jewish Quarter & Ghetto Tour: $3.59
  • Street Food & Street Art Tour: $3.59
  • Archdiocesan Museum in Krakow – Entry Ticket: $3.98
  • Archeological Museum - Skip The Line Ticket : $4.55
  • Home Army Museum in Krakow - Skip The Line Ticket: $6.72
  • The Best of Walking Tour Through the Heart of the City: $6.82
  • Krakow Jewish Ghetto and Quarter Audio Guided Walking Tour: $7.50
  • Wawel Hill Audio-Guided Tour: $8.42
  • Krakow Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self Guided Tour: $9.61
  • Jewish Ghetto Guided Tour: $12

Tours and Activities in Gdansk

Here are a few actual costs in Gdansk for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Self Guided Legends and Liberty Gdansk Old Town Tour: $5.54
  • Discover Gdansk Walking Tour: $5.99
  • Cruises on the Motlawa River by a luxury catamaran - Gdańsk from the water side: $20
  • Cruises on the Motlawa River: $20
  • Sightseeing Cruise around the Old Town of Gdansk: $22
  • Gdansk Guided City Cruise on Historical Polish Boat: $23
  • Sunset on the Shipyard and Old Town Evening Cruise: $24
  • Sopot Walking Tour: $26
  • Main Town Gdańsk Walking Tour: $26
  • Culinary cruises - pierogi tasting Shipyard and Port: $32
  • Gdańsk: City Sightseeing Tour by Buggy/Golf Cart LIVE GUIDED 1H: $34
  • GDANSK City Tour by Golf Cart Live Guide & City Sightseeing 60min: $34

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Krakow $7.49
    Gdansk $5.26
Typical Alcohol Prices in Krakow

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Krakow:


  • Vodka
    $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Krakow

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Krakow:

  • Pub Crawl Krawl Through Krakow: $28
  • Pub Crawl + Unlimited Drinks + VIP entry + Drinking Games & Photographer : $30
  • Pub Crawl 1hr Unlimited Beer + Vodka then Clubs in Katowice: $31
  • Krakow Evening Pub Crawl: $49
  • Krakow Wine Tasting Private Tour with Wine Expert: $180

Sample the Local Flavors in Gdansk

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gdansk:

  • Gdansk Pub Crawl with Free Drinks: $26
  • Polish Spirits tasting in Gdańsk Craft Distillery tawern: $37
  • #1 Pub Crawl in Sopot: $44
  • Exclusive Gdańsk Wine Tour with Polish Wine Tastings: $96


When comparing the travel costs between Krakow and Gdansk, we can see that Krakow is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Krakow Expensive? and Is Gdansk Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Krakow or Gdansk?

Krakow has a larger population, and is about 63% larger than the population of Gdansk. When comparing the sizes of Krakow and Gdansk, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Krakow or Gdansk?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Krakow or Gdansk in the Summer?

Both Gdansk and Krakow are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

Krakow is a little warmer than Gdansk in the summer. The daily temperature in Krakow averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and Gdansk fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Gdansk. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Krakow. Krakow usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gdansk during summer. Krakow gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Gdansk receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Krakow usually receives more rain than Gdansk. Krakow gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Krakow 19°C (67°F) 
    Gdansk 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Krakow or Gdansk in the Autumn?

Both Gdansk and Krakow during the autumn are popular places to visit.

In the autumn, Krakow is a little warmer than Gdansk. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Krakow in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Gdansk averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the autumn, Krakow often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gdansk. Krakow gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gdansk receives 97 hours of full sun.

Krakow usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Gdansk. Krakow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Krakow 11°C (51°F) 
    Gdansk 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Krakow or Gdansk in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Krakow and Gdansk.

The weather in Gdansk can be very cold. Krakow can be very cold during winter. In January, Krakow is generally a little warmer than Gdansk. Daily temperatures in Krakow average around -2°C (29°F), and Gdansk fluctuates around -2°C (28°F).

Krakow usually receives more sunshine than Gdansk during winter. Krakow gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Gdansk receives 33 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Krakow usually receives more rain than Gdansk. Krakow gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Krakow -2°C (29°F) 
    Gdansk -2°C (28°F)

Should I visit Krakow or Gdansk in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Krakow as well as Gdansk.

Krakow is much warmer than Gdansk in the spring. The daily temperature in Krakow averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Gdansk fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the spring, Krakow often gets less sunshine than Gdansk. Krakow gets 132 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gdansk receives 162 hours of full sun.

Krakow usually gets more rain in April than Gdansk. Krakow gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Krakow 10°C (50°F) 
    Gdansk 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Gdansk and Krakow

Krakow Gdansk
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (29°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) -2°C (28°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 0°C (32°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) -2°C (28°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 1°C (34°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 2°C (36°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 1°C (33°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) -2°C (28°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)