Poland vs. Portugal

Poland

Warsaw

A city that lights up so magically in the night was once close to being obliterated. Warsaw’s unfortunate devastation during WWII was tragic enough, but its phoenix-like recovery into one of the most fascinating tourism cities in Poland has been a feat nothing short of miraculous. The Old Town quarter has been wonderfully restored to its former glory, and a number of memorials and museums tell the heart-rending tale of its occupation during World War II. Visitors would be interested to know that Warsaw – once noted as the ‘Paris of the North’ – was home to the noted Polish composer Fryderyk Chopin.

Krakow

The former capital of Poland has a rags-to-riches story not unlike the current capital, Warsaw. Krakow’s evolution from a seventh-century village to the cultural, academic and artistic centre point of the country is the stuff of legend. Its occupation and the opening of a concentration camp for the Jewish holocaust is quite well-documented, inspiring the classic Schindler’s List. Located beside the Vistula River, Krakow is also noted for its Old Town neighborhood, reputed to be the best Old Town in Poland.

How to Get There

Warsaw and Krakow may not be too popular with Indian tourists yet, but that is all the more reason for you to go there – because you’re guaranteed a ticket no matter how late you book your passage. Aeroflot, Qatar Airways, Air India, Emirates, Air France, Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines fly here. Choose your departing city and book your ticket here.    

 

Portugal

 

Lisbon

The capital of Portugal, Lisbon is a hill city that winds its way upwards in a coterie of tram tracks through a series of hills overlooking the Tagus River. Expect to see a number of rustic shopping streets, elegant bridgeways, Gothic cathedrals and vibrant neighborhoods – all abound in the traditional fado music of Portugal. If you want a history 101 on the city, hop into the Tram No. 28 which will take you through Lisbon’s important historical attractions, gardens and alleys. Also ensure that you visit the Alfama district, the oldest quarter in the city distinctive for its Moorish leanings and home to the grand St. George’s Castle. Portugal’s rich maritime history is also reflected in the museums paying homage to its heydays as the strongest naval power in Europe (once upon a time…)

 Porto

The namesake behind the famous port wine, Porto is nestled along the hills that stand watch over the Douro River in northern Portugal. The laidback air of Porto is best envisioned in its charming Ribiera pedestrian district – bustling with riverside cafes, live music bars, street vendors and restaurants. Do visit the Ponte Dom Luis, an imposing double-deck arch bridge that connects Vila Nova de Gaia with Porto. A visit to the bridge is important to get to Vila Nova de Gaia, since it is home to some rich port wine cellars. That’s always a visit worth making.

How to Get There

There are several airlines that operate between India and Portugal – dependent, of course, upon the departure and arrival cities in both countries. Carriers like Lufthansa, Air India, Aeroflot, Emirates, British Airways and Swiss Airlines will get you there. If you wish to book your ticket, please search here.     

 

Destination	Warsaw, Poland	Lisbon, Portugal
Hotels (centrally located)	Rs. 2386 (per night at the Sound Garden Hotel Warsaw) Rs. 4944 (per night at the Radisson Blu Sobieski Hotel) Rs. 1805 (per night at the Hotel Lamberton)	Rs. 4797 (per night at the Hotel 3K Barcelona) Rs. 8245 (per night at the Clarion Suites Lisbon Hotel) Rs. 8549 (per night at the Radisson Blu Hotel Lisbon)
Meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner without alcohol)	Rs. 2,650 per day	Rs. 3200 per day
Local Transportation (public bus)	Rs. 57 per ticket	Rs. 112 per ticket
Miscellaneous	Rs. 1,800 per day	Rs. 2300 per day

  *All prices are approximate and subject to change.                                                                                                           

Both countries pack a mean punch when it comes to sightseeing, recreational and cultural experiences. It all comes down to this – which country tugs at your heart (not to mention your purse strings!) more? Depending on that, you can decide which useful phrases you want to start practicing: Poland or Portugal.

Godspeed making that decision!