Krakow vs Prague: Jewish quarter or Charles Bridge?
Krakow has an Auschwitz day trip + the Jewish quarter Kazimierz. Prague is more intact and medieval, with Charles Bridge and Prague Castle.
Updated: 22 July 2026 · compiled by the CheapTrips editors
Choose Krakow for an atmospheric old town for little money. Choose Prague for fairy-tale streets and cheap beer. Flights from the Netherlands take about 2 hours to Krakow and about 1 hour 30 to Prague. On price, are similarly priced. For a first visit most travellers pick Krakow.
Krakow
Krakow is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe: left intact during WW2, with a giant market square and the Jewish Kazimierz quarter.
Flight from NL: €55 return
View Krakow →Prague
Prague is one of Europe's most beautiful and cheapest city break destinations. The fully intact medieval centre is on the UNESCO list and a beer still costs you less than €2.
Flight from NL: €70 return
View Prague →Krakow vs Prague at a glance
| Krakow | Prague | |
|---|---|---|
| Return flight from NL | €55 return | €70 return |
| Flight time from Schiphol | about 2 hours | about 1 hour 30 |
| Coast / beach | No | No |
| Museums | Good | Good |
| Nightlife | Lively | Lively |
| Winter weather | Cold | Cold |
| Best months | May, June, September | May, June, September |
| Ideal length | 3 days | 3 days |
| Price level | € | € |
Krakow and Prague are both popular for a trip from the Netherlands, but they feel quite different. Krakow is known for an atmospheric old town for little money, while Prague is about fairy-tale streets and cheap beer. On price, are similarly priced. Krakow ideally needs 3 days, while you can see Prague well in 3 days. The best months are May, June, September for Krakow and May, June, September for Prague. Want to combine them: Train or bus takes about 7 hours; many travellers fly or plan a stopover. All prices below are indicative and based on return flights from Schiphol or Eindhoven outside the school holidays.
Best time to visit compared
Krakow
May to September for terrace weather (18-25°C). December has the beautiful Christmas markets on Rynek Główny. Avoid January/February (often around -5°C and grey).
Prague
May, June and September are perfect: 18-25°C with little rain. April and October are quieter and cheaper. December has the beautiful Christmas markets on the Old Town Square, highly recommended. Avoid July/August (too busy, too warm in the narrow streets).
Flights + transfer from the Netherlands
Krakow
From Schiphol to Krakow Balice (KRK) in 2 hours. KLM, Ryanair. Train to the centre €3 in 20 minutes.
Prague
From Schiphol to Prague-Václav Havel (PRG) in 1 hour 35 minutes. KLM and Smartwings fly daily. Locally: metro/tram ticket €1.20 (90 min), 24-hour pass €4.30.
Costs compared
Krakow
Hostels from €10, mid-range hotels €40 to 70, vacation rentals €50 per night. Food: pierogi €3, lunch €7, dinner €12 to 18, a beer €2.
Prague
Hostels from €15, mid-range hotels €60-90, vacation rentals €70 per night. Food: goulash soup + beer for €8, dinner in a restaurant €12-20.
Who is it for?
Choose Krakow if you are...
History lovers (WW2 + Jewish heritage), very low budget, alternative culture.
Choose Prague if you are...
Architecture fans, Christmas market visitors, romantic couples.
Our verdict
Krakow is cheaper (~30%). Prague is more touristy but more beautiful. Both ideal in May-June or September.
Plan your trip
Frequently asked: Krakow or Prague
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Discover these destinations
See the individual travel guides with live prices from the Netherlands.