Both Warsaw and Lisbon are fantastic cities, but which is better for your city-break or holiday?

We understand your dilemma. There is a wealth of information about both cities, but little stating which is the better destination and more suited for your trip.
This article will provide our unbiased opinions of Lisbon and Warsaw, and hopefully help you to choose the best city to visit.

The article is divided into the following sections, and can be jumped to using the links:
• Introduction to the cities
• Scores and ratings
• Which one should I, friends, or family visit?
• When to visit and weather
• Who is the city suited for?
• The perfect 48hours (with map)
• Tourism details (where to stay? airport details?)

At once cutting-edge and steeped in history, vibrant and packed with chilled-out parks, Warsaw is the beating heart of modern Poland.

In many ways, it's a metropolis of contradictions. UFO-like shopping malls loom large on one corner, while a USSR-era skyscraper crowns the square next door. The Old Town looks medieval but it's actually a total reconstruction following the WWII. And the food scene oscillates from hearty Slavic dumplings in traditional milk bars to chic Michelin star restaurants.

But all that's part of the fun. You never really know what's around the corner in this happening capital. From romantic walks through Łazienki Park to sobering tales of anti-Nazi uprisings, masterworks of Polish art in the national galleries to fair-trade coffee roasteries in hipster Mokotow district, there's oodles to add to the itinerary.

Lisbon is a progressive and liberal city, which still retains its rich seafaring history and distinctive Portuguese heritage. The city effortlessly blends history, vibrant culture and exciting nightlife into one charismatic tourist destination.

Lisbon is a city of compact variety; you can get lost in the maze of narrow streets in the Alfama district, be wowed by the grandeur of the plazas in Baixa or join the hipsters and fashionistas in the Principe Real. Close to the city are glorious sandy beaches, and Lisbon boasts one of the finest climates in Europe. This is an amazing city, which you must visit.

The number 28 tram passing the Se cathedral in Lisbon

The historic centre of Warsaw

Do you agree with us? Why not provide your own scores for Lisbon here

Summary
Which city would I go to?
Lisbon
Which one would I recommend to my parents?
Lisbon
Which location for my 19-year-old cousin?
Lisbon
Which for my food obsessed friend?
Lisbon
Note: The above comparison does not consider the weather, and assumes travel at the best time of year - which is detailed later in this article.

The following sections compare the two cities and considers; how long to spend in them, when to visit, and provides suggested 48hours in each city (along with an interactive map).
The final section is tourism practicalities and includes which airport to fly into, what district to be based in and how best to explore the city.

We hope that you find all of this information useful, in planning your next exciting trip!

Lisbon is a varied and fascinating city, which takes three days to fully explore.
Often, people like to visit Sintra as part of their stay, but at a minimum, we recommend you dedicate at least two days to the city itself.

If you are lucky enough for a longer stay, there are many enjoyable day trips; there are the palaces of Sintra, the beach resorts of Cascais or the historic towns of Obidos and Evora.

In the summer, a holiday to Lisbon can also include visiting the beautiful beaches along the Cascais or Costa Caparica coastlines. Best of all, these day trips can all be reached via the inexpensive public transport.
Related articles: 3 days in Lisbon – 48 hours in Lisbon

Warsaw can be done quickly. Just a few days is all you'll need to see the Old Town, the Palace of Culture and Science, the grand parks, and the main museums. To squeeze the lot in, you'll need to make use of the extensive public tram and bus networks. It might be worth considering a 72-hour (36 PLN) ticket, which you can buy at newsagent kiosks.

Of course, if you've got extra time to spare, Warsaw will always be able to fill it. Once you've checked off the main attractions, there are stacks of more local sights, eateries, and activities to get stuck into. They include café hopping down in hipster Mokotow, tasting ethnic foods in multicultural Praga, and even day outings to the Kampinos Forest or the post-industrial city of Łódź.

A tourist cruise boat passing beneath the Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge in Lisbon

The Park Royal Baths Park (Łazienki Królewskie) is the largest park in Warsaw and a great location for a summers day

If you don't want to wrap yourself up in cotton wool and thermals every time you step outside, it might be best to avoid the winter months in Warsaw. From November to December, below-zero temperatures are normal in the Polish capital, along with icy rain, sleet and snow.

Most locals often say that spring and early autumn are the sweet spots. While summer's warm, it can often be humid, and there's no beach or ocean nearby to help you cool off. Months like April and May see milder days and cool nights, while September is prime time to wander the famous parks of Warsaw, as the trees begin to change colour and glow orange, ochre and yellow.

The recommended time to visit Lisbon is in the late spring and early autumn, when the city is sunny and warm, but without the summertime crowds.

Lisbon is subject to the pressures of over-tourism at times, most notably being incredibly crowded during the summer months in the popular tourist areas, such as the Belem district and Sintra.

Due to the increased popularity of Lisbon, it is becoming a year-round destination, however, be warned that the winter months can be wet and cool.

Our favourite time of year to visit Lisbon is during the first two weeks of June, when the whole city celebrates the Santos Populares festivals with street parties and traditional dances.

Lisbon has a wide appeal; there are cultural sights, a buzzing nightlife and a blossoming artisan scene. The city will appeal to young or old, either for a cultural trip or as a fun weekend away.

In the summer (May-Sep) the beaches make for a really good extension to your trip and are easily accessible from the city. There is little to fault Lisbon and most visitors leave with fond memories of the city.

Warsaw really charms those who love fast-paced, buzzing capital cities. While the Old Town is a stunner, it's not the main show. Instead, you'll spend your hours exploring vibrant and lived-in neighborhoods that burst with fusion eats and fine dining. You'll embark on craft beer tours and have artisan breakfasts in kitschy cafes.

On the flip side, there's some seriously immersive history. The Warsaw Uprising Museum and the POLIN exhibitions are fine introductions to the struggle of the Polish people and Polish Jews during Nazi occupation. You've got the 800,000 pieces of the acclaimed National Museum to get through. And there are grand parks with Chinese gardens and monuments of Chopin.

The gothic Saint Florian's Cathedral in Warsaw

There are beautiful beaches only a short train ride away from the centre of Lisbon