Krakow or Prague?

[Sunnyside4]

Can't pick between them. If you've been to one or both of them, please tell me what you think.

We'd enjoy architecture, character streets, history, pottering around the city and shops, river, meals out, coffee or something stronger and watching the world go by - they seem to offer both.

I love Krakow. Have been twice. The square is a perfect place to people watch and the vodka is both cheap and strong. Food is also fabulous.

Lots to do historically from the castle to old churches and the historical sites from WW2 which are harrowing and fascinating (a must see).

Never been to Prague but have been to Krakow and had a brilliant time.
I think it offers everything you're asking for, with loads of history and architecture, museums if you wish, cafes and shops to look in. It's not the largest city, so easy to walk around.

I was just in Prague last month and it's a lovely city.

Seems to tick all of your boxes. Also noticeably clean-we did a river cruise and it was noticeable that there was no debris and water looked so un-littered in.
Also a very easy metro system

Gorgeous fairy tale buildings and castles and lovely al fresco dining to watch the world go by

Great beer!🍻

Both would fit this brief. I have been to Krakow 3 times and Prague once. Loved both.

If architecture is your main priority then Prague is more impressive, Krakow has a better vibe and friendlier people imo though.

Been to both. Loved both. Hard to pick between them for me - pick the best deal and go to the other one next time

Prague for the architecture definitely.

I loved krakow for the history and food
Prague was just so so busy it was hard to do much

I'm following as I want to see both also, and can't make my mind up either. Leaning towards Krakow.

Just looking at Rome2Rio there, and there is a direct train between the two cities, takes 6 hours though. Still, if I was heading that direction I might try and fit in both, fly into one, and out of the other. The train fares seem reasonable for the distance, and are direct.

Went to both last winter. Both fabulous cities but krakow beats Prague.

Have done both interrailing and have returned to Prague, love both of them! Hoping to get back to Krakow sometime.

I’ve been to both. Much preferred Krakow. Lovely people, interesting food, plenty Vodka and just really interesting. Prague felt like lots of other European cities. I’d happily go to either again though.

Been to both twice. Definitely prefer Krakow and would go again. Much more to do (Saltmines, Zakopane etc) but less crowded whereas Prague the last time I went was full of stag/hens and very touristy and crowded.

Krakow, the castle, the salt mine, the bakeries in the Jewish quarter, the twentieth century history, the museums and exhibitions, if you go to Auschwitz/Birkenau don't get a coach trip, we saw them being walked round in large groups, people taking selfies etc.
Get a public bus or drive and get a private or small group tour guide it's not expensive. We were in a group of about 6/7 and the guide was so knowledgeable it was much easier to have a mutual conversation and ask questions than in a group of 30/40. We went in the winter and it was freezing I'd love to go back in spring/summer

I can't say which is best as I've only been to Prague but it is an absolutely beautiful city which you should definitely visit at some point.

Been to both twice. Really like both. Prague is very beautiful, the old town, Jewish quarter, the bridges, good food.

Krakow is different. Same as in good food, Jewish quarter. But it's got Auschwitz, so that changes things.

I loved both. But obviously I'm a Russian graduate and having studied Russian and German history since the age of 14 the whole Auschwitz thing was very different, important, for me.

We did both in the same trip - two nights in Prague, sleeper train to Krakow and then two nights in Krakow. Loved them both, but probably marginally enjoyed Krakow more.

I preferred Warsaw not helpful

Both provide what you want. Prague is more touristy but that can be avoided.