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

Should you visit Warsaw or Leipzig?

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 Leipzig 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 diverse, cultural, and historical 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Leipzig

Leipzig is a cultural, historic, and growing city. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Warsaw and Leipzig: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Warsaw or Leipzig?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Warsaw than Leipzig, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Warsaw is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Leipzig is known for its shopping and quaint atmosphere. Leipzig is more touristy than Warsaw and is known for being the home of several great musicians such as Bach and Richard Wagner. Warsaw is popular for its historical position as a cultural and political center. It is also home to The Old Town Market Square.

How is Warsaw different from Leipzig?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Leipzig 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 Leipzig?

Warsaw
Leipzig

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Warsaw or Leipzig.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Leipzig. There are many historic landmarks like Old City Hall, St. Thomas Church, St. Nicholas Church, and the Battle of the Nations Monument.


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

Warsaw
Leipzig

Dining out at restaurants in both Warsaw and Leipzig can be an enjoyable experience.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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).

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Leipzig. Coffee houses and cellar restaurants offer an unique atmosphere where you can enjoy local specialties. Sample beef roulade or Saxon dumplings while you soak up the cozy ambiance.

Is Warsaw or Leipzig Better for Nightlife?

Warsaw
Leipzig

Warsaw is great for nightlife. Also, Leipzig is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Warsaw for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Leipzig. Nightlife in town centers around live theater, cultural centers, and live entertainment.

Is Warsaw or Leipzig Better for its Old Town?

Warsaw
Leipzig

Warsaw is great for its historic old town. However, Leipzig does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Warsaw to see the historical old town. 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.

Leipzig does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Warsaw or Leipzig?

Warsaw
Leipzig

Leipzig is a great city for shopping. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Leipzig. The city center has most of the best shopping areas. There are pedestrian streets and squares like Petersstraße and Marktplatz, as well as large shopping malls like Promenaden Hauptbahnhof Leipzig and Petersbogen.

Warsaw offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Warsaw or Leipzig Better for Families?

Warsaw
Leipzig

Both Warsaw and Leipzig are good to visit with kids.

Warsaw offers lots of family activities. 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.

Leipzig is a family-friendly place to visit. Head to Belantis, which is an amusement park with rides, or take the kids to one of the many parks like Clara-Zetkin Park where they can unwind. The Leipzig Zoo makes a nice outing as well or Maya Mare is a fun waterpark. There are also several good museums like the Leipzig Panometer.

Is Warsaw or Leipzig Better for Couples?

Warsaw
Leipzig

Both Warsaw and Leipzig are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Warsaw is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Leipzig makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many beautiful outdoor parks and natural areas where couples can enjoy this beautiful city.


Is Warsaw or Leipzig Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Warsaw
Leipzig

For backpackers, both Warsaw and Leipzig are good places to visit.

Warsaw is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Leipzig. Many backpackers overlook this city, but there are a few hostels and some nice areas to explore for those who make their way here.

Is Warsaw or Leipzig Better for Students?

Warsaw
Leipzig

Warsaw is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Leipzig is not popular with students.

Warsaw is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Leipzig is not popular with students.

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

Warsaw
Leipzig

Warsaw and Leipzig both offer high quality public transit to get you around.

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

The public transit in Leipzig can get you around easily. The city has 61 bus lines and 13 tram lines that connect Leizpig to elsewhere in the region.


Is Warsaw or Leipzig a more walkable city?

Warsaw
Leipzig

Leipzig is a city with good options for its walkability. However, Warsaw is not known for its high level of walkability.

Leipzig is somewhat walkable. Parts of Leizpig are more walkable than others.

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 Warsaw Worth Visiting? and Is Leipzig Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Leipzig or Warsaw?

How long in Warsaw or Leipzig?

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Warsaw than Leipzig 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 Warsaw.


  • How many days in Warsaw or Leipzig? Ideal Length of Stay
    Warsaw 1-3 
    Leipzig 1-3

One day in Warsaw or Leipzig?

In Warsaw, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Leipzig. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Warsaw or Leipzig?

In Warsaw, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Warsaw has to offer.

Leipzig 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.


Five days in Warsaw or Leipzig?

Warsaw is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Leipzig. 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.

A week in Warsaw or Leipzig?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Warsaw. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Warsaw. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the growing destination of Leipzig. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, and The Best Walking Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Leipzig or Warsaw?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Warsaw is $93, while the average daily cost in Leipzig is $178. 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 Warsaw and Leipzig in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Warsaw $51
    Leipzig $97
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Warsaw $102
    Leipzig $194
Compare Hotels in Warsaw and Leipzig

Looking for a hotel in Warsaw or Leipzig? 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 Warsaw


Hotels in Leipzig


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: Warsaw Hotel Prices and Leipzig Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Warsaw $4.67
    Leipzig $29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Warsaw

Also for Warsaw, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • from Warsaw to Krakow private transfer: $495
  • Private Transfer to/from Krakow: $446
  • Private Full-Day Tour of Warsaw with Tickets and Transfers: $293
  • Private Transfer from Warsaw to Wroclaw with 2h of Sightseeing: $262
  • Chopin Airport One–Way Limousine Transfer: $248
  • Warsaw City/Airport Okecie: Private Transfer from/to Krakow: $248
  • Private Transfer from Warsaw to Krakow with 2h of Sightseeing: $247
  • Warsaw to Krakow or Krakow Airport Transfer Best Value: $240
  • Wilanow Palace and Gardens with Guide, Tickets and Transfers: $211
  • Private Transfer from Warsaw to Gdansk with 2h of Sightseeing: $193
  • Private transfer from Warszawa to Krakow: $191
  • Extreme Shooting Range Experience with Transfers: $175

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leipzig

Also for Leipzig, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Transfer Leipzig Airport LEJ to Leipzig by Car or Van: $93
  • Private Transfer from Leipzig City to Dresden City: $83
  • Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) to Leipzig hotels - Round-Trip Private Car Transfer: $68
  • Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) to Leipzig hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
  • Leipzig hotels to Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) - Departure Private Transfer: $34

Is it cheaper to fly into Warsaw or Leipzig?

Prices for flights to both Leipzig and Warsaw 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
    Warsaw $27
    Leipzig $56
Typical Food Prices in Warsaw

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Warsaw:


  • Dinner for Two
    $13
  • Lunch for Two
    $10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Warsaw

For Warsaw, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Lunch or Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe with Skip-the-Line: $17
  • Warsaw's No 1 cooking class-Polish dumplings with liqueur tasting: $61
  • Polish Dumplings Cooking Class: $62
  • Traditional Polish Cooking Class in Warsaw: $79
  • Traditional Polish Cooking Class with liquor tasting in Warsaw: $89
  • Polish Food Tour: $92
  • Taste of Poland - Old Town food tour and guided walk in one: $94
  • 4-Hour Polish Food Tour: $109
  • The 10 Tastings of Warsaw With Locals: Private Food Tour : $117
  • EVERYDAY Warsaw Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $156
  • Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $156

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leipzig

For Leipzig, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 3-Hour Sightseeing and Food Tour: $64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Warsaw $7.00
    Leipzig $39

Tours and Activities in Warsaw

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Warsaw.

  • 2 Hour Super Segway City Tour of Warsaw: $67
  • 2-Hour Breakfast Experience in a Home from Warsaw: $49
  • 3 Hour VIP Warsaw Guided City Tour: $207
  • 3-Hour Guided Cycling Tour of Warsaw: $37
  • 6 Hour Private Car Tour to Treblinka With Hotel Pickup: $305
  • Architecture Walking Tour in Warsaw: $76
  • BIKE ADVENTURE : 4-hour sightseeing tour of Warsaw /inc. Pick-up/: $97
  • Best of Warsaw - private tour by retro minibus with hotel pickup: $131
  • Best of Warsaw Full-Day Private Tour with Private Transport: $154
  • Best of Warsaw Full-Day Private Tour with Private Transport: $154
  • Chopin's Warsaw - guided tour in a minivan with evening piano concert: $67
  • Chopin’s Warsaw - City tour in the footsteps of Frédéric Chopin: $69

Tours and Activities in Leipzig

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Leipzig.

  • 1.5-Hour Historical Tour of Leipzig with Costumed Guide: $21
  • 2 hours Leipzig exclusive: Private city tour with Panorama Tower: $217
  • Big city tour Leipzig Hop on hop off: $20
  • City game scavenger hunt Leipzig Südvorstadt - independent discovery tour: $43
  • City game scavenger hunt Leipzig city center - independent city tour: $43
  • City tour by motorboat: $17
  • City tour on foot, by S-Bahn and tram: $24
  • Combo Tour in Guided City Tour & City Sightseeing: $21
  • Corpses, Leprosy, Lucifer 75-minute Tour at the Old Cemetery: $18
  • From Day Tour to the Green Belt: $631
  • From Markkleeberg: Full-Day Guided Cycling Tour by the Lakes: $48
  • Gruseltour Leipzig 90-minute walking tour about the Dark Secrets of Leipzig: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Warsaw $10
    Leipzig $28

Sample the Local Flavors in Warsaw

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Warsaw:

  • The Original Pub Crawl: $16
  • #1 Pub Crawl Warsaw with Premium Open Bar: $20
  • Pub Crawl with 1-Hour Open Bar: $20
  • Warsaw Wine Tasting Private Tour with Wine Expert: $176


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


Which is Bigger, Warsaw or Leipzig?

Warsaw has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Leipzig. When comparing the sizes of Warsaw and Leipzig, 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 Leipzig?

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 Warsaw or Leipzig in the Summer?

Both Leipzig and Warsaw are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Warsaw for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Leipzig because of the family-friendly experiences.

Warsaw is around the same temperature as Leipzig in the summer. The daily temperature in Warsaw averages around 19°C (65°F) in July, and Leipzig fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Leipzig. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Warsaw. Warsaw usually receives more sunshine than Leipzig during summer. Warsaw gets 353 hours of sunny skies, while Leipzig receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Warsaw usually receives more rain than Leipzig. Warsaw gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Leipzig receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Warsaw 19°C (65°F) 
    Leipzig 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Warsaw or Leipzig in the Autumn?

Both Leipzig and Warsaw during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Warsaw because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Leipzig this time of year.

In the autumn, Warsaw is cooler than Leipzig. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Warsaw in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Leipzig averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Warsaw often gets more sunshine than Leipzig. Warsaw gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leipzig receives 107 hours of full sun.

Warsaw usually gets less rain in October than Leipzig. Warsaw gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Leipzig receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Warsaw 9°C (49°F) 
    Leipzig 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Warsaw or Leipzig in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Warsaw and Leipzig. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Warsaw this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Leipzig for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Leipzig. It's quite cold in Warsaw in the winter. In January, Warsaw is generally much colder than Leipzig. Daily temperatures in Warsaw average around -3°C (27°F), and Leipzig fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Warsaw usually receives less sunshine than Leipzig during winter. Warsaw gets 35 hours of sunny skies, while Leipzig receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Warsaw usually receives less rain than Leipzig. Warsaw gets 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Leipzig receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Warsaw -3°C (27°F) 
    Leipzig 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Warsaw or Leipzig in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Warsaw as well as Leipzig. Many travelers come to Warsaw for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Warsaw is around the same temperature as Leipzig in the spring. The daily temperature in Warsaw averages around 9°C (47°F) in April, and Leipzig fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Warsaw this time of the year. In the spring, Warsaw often gets more sunshine than Leipzig. Warsaw gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leipzig receives 143 hours of full sun.

Warsaw usually gets less rain in April than Leipzig. Warsaw gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Leipzig receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Warsaw 9°C (47°F) 
    Leipzig 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Leipzig and Warsaw

Warsaw Leipzig
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -3°C (27°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 1°C (33°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 2°C (35°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 3°C (37°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 9°C (47°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 19°C (65°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 4°C (39°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Dec -0°C (31°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)