48 Hours - Helsinki or Krakow?

Well, one thing to consider is that in November, it will be colder in Helsinki as it's farther north. Also, Helsinki is going to be more expensive than Krakow. So both of those are subjects for consideration, although it may not matter as much since it's only 48 hours.

If you're really on the fence, I always suggest checking out YouTube videos comparing the two cities. There is so much information on YouTube that will give you visuals. I've used this method several times to figure out certain destinations.

I was in Krakow a few days ago and I'll be returning to Helsinki next week.

From what you wrote, I'd choose Krakow. More to see and do

As Mardee wrote, it's also a lot less expensive.

I was just in Helsinki last week. It was still freezing cold and extremely expensive. It's also not that scenic.

I will visit Krakow in a heartbeat.

Krakow is extremely compact so it's easy to see quite a bit with just minimal need for transportation - and the trams in Krakow are excellent. Plus the airport is small and easy to navigate.

It's an easy walk to Wawel Castle from the main square.

Thanks everyone! Krakow it is. The flight still gives me a 6 1/2 layover in Helsinki, so I can hopefully pop into the city for lunch if everything is on time.

If the time constraint is exactly that, 48 hours, I would choose Krakow, which i visited once for 4 full days. Very interesting, intriguing and close to other places for dong a day excursion.

I just learned that November 11 is Poland’s Independence Day. This would be my 1 full day in Krakow, so I’m thinking this may not be a good time to visit. The Wawel Castle and Schindler’s Factory will be closed, and I imagine many other sites too. Looks like I may have to plan another time!

I realize, Misschris, that being a national holiday might cause some of the sites and shops to be closed, being Poland’s Independence Day. That is certainly a valid consideration when deciding to visit Krakow or Helsinki. But there is another consideration as well, a positive possibility.

A few years ago, I was on a trip in Spain (not an RS trip) and we were told that on a particular day there would be a national holiday, and that many shops, banks, restaurants etc., would probably be closed. Indeed, we found that to be the case when we arrived. (As an aside, many restaurants and shops, especially those catering to tourists, were open, though the banks and post offices were closed. ATM were plentiful and functioning, however). The positive note is that we also encountered various holiday processions, both secular and religious, and other types of festivities, things out of the ordinary. Things we would have not encountered and enjoyed had we been there on just an “ordinary” day. Think of the Fourth of July 🇺🇸. Yes, there are many things that are closed for the holiday, but on the other hand, there are the parades, the fireworks, the other celebrations. So what I am suggesting, tho some things might be closed, the local celebrations might give you a unique taste of the city, country. A trade-off. Only you can decide.

Also, in my humble opinion: Krakow v/ Helsinki? I would definitely opt for Krakow. Not saying anything negative of Helsinki, a lovely city. But no match, in my estimation, to Krakow.

So what I am suggesting, tho some things might be closed, the local celebrations might give you a unique taste of the city, country...

I agree 100% - given their history, Poles should take this day quite seriously, and you'd actually have the opportunity for a unique experience.

For a day and a half, you barely have time to explore the town, never mind the tourist sites. I found Wawel Castle a bit underwhelming - viewing it from a distance may be its best feature. As for Schindler's, I was told at breakfast one morning by another American that she had been there the day before and it was so crowded as to be unpleasant.

There's plenty to see in Krakow without buying a single ticket for admission to a museum or other site. If they set up booths in the square the street food could be amazing. And you can always get good street food in Kazimierz.

Have either of you been in Poland on November 11? I've been in other countries on national/religious holidays, and it's been a fun experience. But this doesn't look like it will be the case. It sounds like many things (including shops and supermarkets) will be closed. I won't be in Warsaw, but in Warsaw there are regular demonstrations. One blog says the "day's events take on a rather somber tone." So it doesn't sound like a 4th of July-type party. Otherwise, I'd totally go if there were fireworks.