A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Heraklion vs. Warsaw for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Heraklion or Warsaw?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Heraklion and Warsaw can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Heraklion

Heraklion is a bustling, historic, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Warsaw

Warsaw is a historical, under-rated, and diverse city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Heraklion and Warsaw: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Warsaw?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Heraklion than Warsaw. While Warsaw is larger than Heraklion, Heraklion has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Heraklion is very popular for its food and beaches, while Warsaw attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Heraklion is more touristy than Warsaw and is known for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Palace of Knossos. Warsaw is famous for its historical position as a cultural and political center.

How is Heraklion different from Warsaw?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Warsaw and Heraklion. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Heraklion or Warsaw?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Heraklion and Warsaw.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Heraklion. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. The impressive Palace of Knossos is a must-see, but also make sure you visit the Koules Fortress, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Natural History Museum of Crete.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Warsaw. There are a number of landmarks and interesting museums around town. Many of the museums focus on the area's history, including the Warsaw Rising Museum, POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, and the Museum of Warsaw. Other notable sights include the Royal Castle, Łazienki Królewskie Park, and Wilanów Palace Museum and Park.

Is the Food Better in Heraklion or Warsaw? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Heraklion is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Heraklion. The city is home to countless Cretan restaurants that range in style and budget. There are fine dining restaurants as well as local dives with casual street food. The restaurants reflect the island's multi-cultural past with many styles and flavors available.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Warsaw. The city's restaurants are diverse with a combination of international flavors, Michelin Star restaurants, and Soviet era "milk bars". Traditional dishes are hearty with many soups, dumplings, and desserts to choose from. Some of the most famous dishes include pierogis (dumplings), zurek (soup), and borsch (beetroot soup).

Is Heraklion or Warsaw Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Heraklion and Warsaw.

Heraklion has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has some of the best nightlife on the island of Crete. There are many all-night clubs as well as bars that stay open until 2 or 3 in the morning. In particular, there are many British tourists hanging out at the clubs and bars.

Warsaw is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has an active nightlife scene with many bars and clubs spread out in a number of different areas. Many locals dress for the occasion, so depending on your hangout spot of choice, you may want to dress to impress.

Is Heraklion or Warsaw Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is a great city for its beaches. However, Warsaw is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Heraklion attract visitors from all over. You'll find world-class beaches just outside of town, if you're willing to explore a little. Agia Pelagia Beach is about half an hour away and Limanakia Beach is also not a bad day trip. If you want to stay closer to town, head to nearby Amnissos Beach.

Warsaw is not a beach destination.

Is Heraklion or Warsaw Better for its Old Town?

Warsaw is a very popular place for its old town. However, Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Warsaw is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. While many buildings have been rebuilt following World War II, there are still some historical gems to explore. St. John's Archcathedral dates back to the 14th century and Rynek Starego Miasta is the square at the heart of the old town.

Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Warsaw?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Heraklion and Warsaw.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Heraklion. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Many visitors go to Warsaw to go shopping. The city has malls, shopping streets, flea markets and boutiques to explore. There are both global brands and local items to choose from. For the best deals you should head to an outlet mall.

Is Heraklion or Warsaw Better for Families?

Both Heraklion and Warsaw are nice to visit with kids.

Heraklion is a family-friendly city. In town you'll find many historical and educational sights such as the Palace of Knossos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Koules Venetian fortress. Kids will also enjoy walking the Venetian Walls that are in town. If you're willing to head a bit outside of town, in about half an hour you can reach the Cretaquarium, Dinosauria Park, or Acqua Plus Water Park.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Warsaw. The city has many museums that are dedicated to the area's history. These museums may, at times, cover difficult topics for young children, but there are also science and technology museums that are perfect for young minds. Make sure you check out the Copernicus Science Center. There's also a city zoo and many parks that are fun to explore.

Is Heraklion or Warsaw Better for Couples?

Heraklion is a great city for romance. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Heraklion is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Most couples head outside of town to other parts of the island, but those who linger in town for a while will enjoy world-class museums and fascinating archeological sights.

Warsaw makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While many of the city's historical buildings were destroyed during the war, there are a few gems that remain. Couples will enjoy visiting the Wilanów Palace and the Palace of Culture and Science. There are also many parks and gardens where you can wander or enjoy a picnic. And, of course, the old town is a beautiful way to pass the time.

Is Heraklion or Warsaw Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Heraklion is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

Plenty of backpackers visit Warsaw. While it's not as popular as many other city's in the area, this city remains affordable and fascinating for those who pass through. There are a few hostels around town as well as cheap places to grab a bite to eat.

Is Heraklion or Warsaw Better for Students?

Warsaw is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Heraklion is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Warsaw. The city's long history and current standing as a cultural and economic hub make it appealing to international students. The prices are reasonable and the opportunities for students are abundant.

Heraklion is not popular with students.

Is Heraklion or Warsaw Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Warsaw is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Warsaw has some very good public transit options. There are buses, trams, and a metro available.

You'll find some public transit in Heraklion, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. KTEL buses travel both within town and to nearby villages.

Is Heraklion or Warsaw a more walkable city?

Heraklion is a great city for its walkability. However, Warsaw is not known for its high level of walkability.

Heraklion is very walkable. Many parts of the town are walkable and doing a walking tour is a great way to see many of the city's sights.

Warsaw is generally not very walkable. Many sights are spread out, so walking between attractions isn't always the best option.

For even more information, also check out Is Heraklion Worth Visiting? and Is Warsaw Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Warsaw or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Warsaw?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Heraklion and Warsaw. In our opinion, Heraklion has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Heraklion than Warsaw. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Heraklion than Warsaw. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Heraklion, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Heraklion than Warsaw. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Heraklion that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Heraklion than Warsaw if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Heraklion.

One day in Heraklion or Warsaw?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Heraklion. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Warsaw. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Warsaw has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Heraklion or Warsaw?

Heraklion is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Warsaw. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Heraklion or Warsaw?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heraklion. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse city of Warsaw. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Heraklion or Warsaw?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the accessible destination of Heraklion. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Warsaw is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Heraklion and Warsaw, we can see that Heraklion is more expensive. And not only is Warsaw much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Warsaw would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Warsaw and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Heraklion would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Heraklion than you might in Warsaw.

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Warsaw?

Warsaw has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Warsaw, 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 Heraklion or Warsaw?

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 Heraklion or Warsaw in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Warsaw. The summer months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Warsaw this time of year.

In July, Heraklion is generally a little warmer than Warsaw. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 25°C (78°F), and Warsaw fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Warsaw this time of the year. In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Warsaw during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Warsaw receives 353 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Warsaw. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Warsaw receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Heraklion or Warsaw in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Warsaw. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Warsaw for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Heraklion is much warmer than Warsaw in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Warsaw fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Warsaw. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Warsaw receives 135 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in October than Warsaw. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Warsaw receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Warsaw in the Winter?

Both Warsaw and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Warsaw in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Warsaw can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Heraklion is much warmer than Warsaw. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heraklion in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Warsaw averages at about -3°C (27°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Warsaw during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Warsaw receives 35 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Warsaw. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Warsaw receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heraklion or Warsaw in the Spring?

Both Warsaw and Heraklion during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Warsaw for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Warsaw. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 16°C (61°F), and Warsaw fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

In Warsaw, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the spring, Heraklion often gets less sunshine than Warsaw. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Warsaw receives 247 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Warsaw. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Warsaw receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Warsaw and Heraklion