A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Warsaw vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Warsaw or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a spectacular, scenic, and world-famous national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Warsaw and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Warsaw or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Warsaw. Although Warsaw and Plitvice Lakes National Park are both popular with visitors, Warsaw has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Warsaw is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Plitvice Lakes National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Plitvice Lakes National Park is more touristy than Warsaw and is known for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Warsaw is great for its historical sights. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Warsaw specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Warsaw or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Warsaw is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Plitvice Lakes National Park. You'll find a few tourist cafes near the lakes that serve grilled meats and other simple dishes. You can also grab a snack from the food stalls that are near the entrance to the park.

Is Warsaw or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Nightlife?

Warsaw is great for nightlife. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Warsaw or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for its Old Town?

Warsaw is great for its historic old town. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Warsaw or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great national park for hiking. However, Warsaw is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking trails. There are eight different walking routes that range in length from 3 kilometers to 18 kilometers. They take between 3 and 8 hours and are well marked.

Warsaw is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Warsaw or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Warsaw is very good for shopping. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Warsaw or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great national park for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very family-friendly destination. It's a fun place to explore with kids, but if you're traveling with young ones, keep a close eye on them. Also take note that it's not stroller-friendly and make sure that you arrive early to avoid the crowds.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great national park for romance. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. It's a natural wonder that is beautiful and romantic to explore as a couple. It can get crowded, as it's a top tourist destination is Croatia, so make sure you arrive early to avoid the peak times.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great national park for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are three hotels within the park and a handful of hostels nearby. There's also some camping options in the area.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Students?

Warsaw is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not popular with students.

Warsaw is very popular with students. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not popular with students.

Is Warsaw or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Warsaw is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are several bus stops near the park but the bus service is infrequent and can involve long trips.

Is Warsaw or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is an unbeatable place for its walkability. However, Warsaw is not known for its high level of walkability.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very easy national park to get around on foot. The park is well organized into several walking routes that can be explored in a few hours.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Plitvice Lakes National Park or Warsaw?

How long in Warsaw or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Warsaw or Plitvice Lakes National Park to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Warsaw than Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Warsaw, and 1-2 days is enough time in Plitvice Lakes National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Warsaw than Plitvice Lakes National Park 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.

One day in Warsaw or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

In Warsaw, you'll find food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Warsaw or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Warsaw is a fun place to experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Warsaw. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days 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's hard to know how much time to spend in Plitvice Lakes National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

The under-rated city of Warsaw offers nightlife and food. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the spectacular destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. This national park 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 10-Day Tours in Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Warsaw and Plitvice Lakes National Park, we can see that Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 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 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Expensive?.

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

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Warsaw are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Warsaw in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Warsaw is cooler than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Warsaw averages around 19°C (65°F) in July, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Plitvice Lakes National Park. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Warsaw. Warsaw usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during summer. Warsaw gets 353 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Warsaw usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Warsaw gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Warsaw during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Warsaw for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Warsaw is cooler than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Warsaw in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Warsaw often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Warsaw gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun.

Warsaw usually gets less rain in October than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Warsaw gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Warsaw and Plitvice Lakes National Park. The winter months attract visitors to Warsaw because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the cuisine are the main draw to Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Plitvice Lakes National Park in the winter. The weather in Warsaw can be very cold. In January, Warsaw is generally much colder than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Warsaw average around -3°C (27°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Warsaw usually receives less sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during winter. Warsaw gets 35 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Warsaw usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Warsaw gets 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Warsaw as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Warsaw this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the natural beauty.

Warsaw is much colder than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Warsaw averages around 9°C (47°F) in April, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°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 Plitvice Lakes National Park. Warsaw gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun.

Warsaw usually gets less rain in April than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Warsaw gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Warsaw