A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Katowice vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Katowice or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

Should I visit Katowice or Plitvice Lakes National Park? 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: Katowice or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Katowice

Katowice is a city east of Krakow, in the Silesian province of southern Poland. A large dome crowns the Cathedral of Christ the King, built between 1927 and 1955. The adjacent Archdiocesan Museum exhibits Silesian sacred art. The ultramodern Silesian Museum features several glass structures on the site of a former coal mine. It exhibits Polish art and chronicles the history of Upper Silesia. Historically, Katowice is a product of the 19th-century industrial boom, but it only became a city in the interwar period. After WWII, at the height of the Stalinist cult craze, the city was renamed Stalinogrod, but reverted to its old name soon after Comrade Joe died in 1953. Katowice has few significant historical monuments, but it's a major commercial and cultural center and holds sufficient attractions to make it worth a stop.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

One of the most beautiful natural sights in Europe, Plitvice Lakes National Park is an area of green forests laced with a system of interconnected turquoise lakes. It was set aside as a national park in 1949, and was later designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

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


Which place is cheaper, Plitvice Lakes National Park or Katowice?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Katowice is $46, while the average daily cost in Plitvice Lakes National Park is $133. 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 Katowice and Plitvice Lakes National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Katowice $19
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Katowice $38
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $128
Compare Hotels in Katowice and Plitvice Lakes National Park

Looking for a hotel in Katowice or Plitvice Lakes National Park? 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 Katowice


Hotels in Plitvice Lakes National Park


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: Katowice Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Katowice $12
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Katowice

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Katowice:

  • Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour from Katowice with Private Transfers: $199
  • Katowice Airport: Private Transfer to or from Krakow: $186
  • Katowice Pyrzowice KTW to Krakow City Private Transfer: $129
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau: Fast-Track Ticket & Guided Tour No Transfers: $32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also for Plitvice Lakes National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Zadar: Round-Trip Transfer to Plitvice Lakes: $42
  • From Plitvice Lakes to Zagreb private one-way transfer: $150
  • Plitvice lakes Guiding with Transfer: $182
  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zagreb Airport (ZAG): $232
  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $271

Is it cheaper to fly into Katowice or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Prices for flights to both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Katowice 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
    Katowice $19
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Katowice

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

  • Private Traditional Polish Food Tour: $179

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Katowice $6.40
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $36

Tours and Activities in Katowice

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Katowice are as follows:

  • Auschwitz & Birkenau Live Guide Tour Entrance Ticket: $55
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau - Skip the Line Tickets : $32
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau: Entry Ticket with Guided Tour: $32
  • Entrance Ticket to Auschwitz Birkenau with Guide and FREE ebook: $32
  • From Auschwitz-Birkenau Skip-the-Line Guided Tour: $95
  • Jasna Gora and Czestochowa Private Tour from Katowice by Car: $349
  • Katowice Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour: $99
  • Katowice Private Polish Beer Tasting Tour: $160
  • Katowice Private Vodka Tasting Tour: $159
  • Katowice and Nikiszowiec: bicycle tour with guide: $42
  • Private City Tour with Stories & Viewing Points: $154
  • Private Tour to Auschwitz Birkenau: $156

Tours and Activities in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Plitvice Lakes National Park.

  • Plitvice Lakes: National Park Official Entry Ticket: $11
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park Admission Ticket: $14
  • Half day tour around Plitvice Lakes: $29
  • Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour: $36
  • Plitvice Lakes: Guided Walking Tour and Boat Ride: $36
  • Plitvice lakes: Guided walking tour with a boat ride: $37
  • Private Guided Fairy Tale Tour in Ogulin: $38
  • Plitvice Guided Tour- Tickets only RESERVED: $44
  • From Split and Trogir: Plitvice Lakes Economy Group Tour: $48
  • Abandoned military airbase Zeljava -2h guided tour: $55
  • From Split: Plitvice Lakes Guided tour: $70
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park - Inspiration Buggy Tour: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Katowice $5.69
    Plitvice Lakes National Park $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Katowice

Also in Katowice, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Tyskie Brewery Tour: $111


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Katowice and Plitvice Lakes National Park, we can see that Plitvice Lakes National Park is more expensive. And not only is Katowice much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Katowice would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Katowice 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Plitvice Lakes National Park than you might in Katowice.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Katowice Expensive? and Is Plitvice Lakes National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Katowice or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Katowice or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Katowice as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Also, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Katowice is generally cooler than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Katowice average around 18°C (64°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Plitvice Lakes National Park. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Katowice this time of the year. In the summer, Katowice often gets less sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Katowice gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun.

Katowice usually gets less rain in July than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Katowice gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Katowice 18°C (64°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Katowice or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Katowice are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Katowice is cooler than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Katowice averages around 10°C (50°F) in October, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Katowice usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Plitvice Lakes National Park during autumn. Katowice gets 128 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Katowice usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Katowice gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Katowice 10°C (50°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Katowice or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Katowice during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the cuisine during these months.

Plitvice Lakes National Park can be very cold during winter. Katowice can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Katowice is much colder than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Katowice in January average around -2°C (28°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Katowice often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Katowice gets 51 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun.

Katowice usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Katowice gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Katowice -2°C (28°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Katowice or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Katowice and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the natural beauty.

In April, Katowice is generally much colder than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Katowice average around 8°C (46°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Katowice usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Plitvice Lakes National Park during spring. Katowice gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Katowice usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Katowice gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Katowice 8°C (46°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Katowice

Katowice Plitvice Lakes National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 50 mm (2 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb -2°C (28°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 4°C (39°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 50 mm (2 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)