A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Warsaw vs. Lagos for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Warsaw or Lagos?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Warsaw and Lagos 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.

Warsaw

Warsaw is a under-rated, diverse, and cultural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lagos

Lagos is a dramatic, vibrant, and beautiful resort town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Warsaw and Lagos: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Warsaw or Lagos?

Both Lagos and Warsaw have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Warsaw is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and big city activities, while Lagos is known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Lagos is more touristy than Warsaw and is popular for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. Warsaw is popular for its historical position as a cultural and political center.

How is Warsaw different from Lagos?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Warsaw is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Lagos is a great resort town 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 Lagos. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.

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 Warsaw or Lagos Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find very good options in both Warsaw and Lagos.

The nightlife in Warsaw has something for everybody. 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.

Lagos offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.

Is Warsaw or Lagos Better for Resorts?

Lagos is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Warsaw is not a resort destination.

Lagos is a world class resort vacation destination. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.

Warsaw is not a resort destination.

Is Warsaw or Lagos Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos is a great resort town for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Warsaw is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Lagos is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.

Warsaw is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Warsaw or Lagos Better for Beaches?

Lagos is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Warsaw is not a beach destination.

Lagos is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.

Warsaw is not a beach destination.

Is Warsaw or Lagos Better for its Old Town?

Warsaw is well known for its historic old town. However, Lagos does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Warsaw. 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.

Lagos does not have a historic old town.

Is Warsaw or Lagos Better for Hiking?

Lagos is a great resort town for hiking. However, Warsaw is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Lagos for the hiking trails. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.

Warsaw is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Warsaw or Lagos?

If you're looking to go shopping, Warsaw and Lagos both offer plenty of good spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Warsaw. 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.

Lagos offers some nice shopping areas. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.

Is Warsaw or Lagos Better for Families?

Lagos is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Lagos is an extremely popular resort town to visit for families. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.

Warsaw is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Warsaw or Lagos Better for Couples?

Lagos is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Lagos is a great resort town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.

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 Warsaw or Lagos Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lagos is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Lagos. The area is a favorite for backpackers who come to hang out on the beaches during the day or party late into the night after the sun goes down. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy to meet other travelers.

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 Warsaw or Lagos Better for Students?

Warsaw is well known for students. However, Lagos is not popular with students.

Many students visit 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.

Lagos is not popular with students.

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

Warsaw is well known for its public transit. However, Lagos is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Warsaw can move around easily with public transportation. There are buses, trams, and a metro available.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.

Is Warsaw or Lagos a more walkable city?

Warsaw is a city with a few options for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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

Lagos is not a very walkable city. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.

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

Should I spend more time in Lagos or Warsaw?

How long in Warsaw or Lagos?

In either Warsaw or Lagos, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Lagos than Warsaw because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Warsaw, and 3-5 days is enough time in Lagos.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lagos 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 Lagos.

One day in Warsaw or Lagos?

In Warsaw, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lagos. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Warsaw or Lagos?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Warsaw. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Lagos is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Warsaw or Lagos?

Warsaw is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Warsaw. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lagos. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Warsaw or Lagos?

You'll find food and shopping around the diverse destination of Warsaw. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the adventure-filled destination of Lagos. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Warsaw and Lagos, we can see that Lagos 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 Lagos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lagos 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 Warsaw Expensive? and Is Lagos Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Warsaw or Lagos?

Warsaw has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Warsaw and Lagos, 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 Warsaw or Lagos?

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 Warsaw or Lagos in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Warsaw as well as Lagos. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Warsaw this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lagos for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Warsaw is cooler than Lagos in the summer. The daily temperature in Warsaw averages around 19°C (65°F) in July, and Lagos fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite rainy in Lagos. Warsaw usually gets less rain in July than Lagos. Warsaw gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Warsaw or Lagos in the Autumn?

Both Lagos and Warsaw are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Warsaw for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Lagos in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Warsaw is much colder than Lagos. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Warsaw in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Lagos averages at about 26°C (79°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. In October, Warsaw usually receives less rain than Lagos. Warsaw gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Warsaw or Lagos in the Winter?

Both Lagos and Warsaw during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Warsaw in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lagos for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Warsaw can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Warsaw is generally much colder than Lagos. Daily temperatures in Warsaw average around -3°C (27°F), and Lagos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Warsaw usually gets more rain in January than Lagos. Warsaw gets 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Warsaw or Lagos in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Warsaw and Lagos. Most visitors come to Warsaw for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Lagos because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Warsaw is much colder than Lagos in the spring. The daily temperature in Warsaw averages around 9°C (47°F) in April, and Lagos fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Lagos receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Warsaw usually receives less rain than Lagos. Warsaw gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lagos and Warsaw