tourist apartment krakow

Where to Stay in Krakow [Best Places to Stay for 2024]

Table of Contents

Are you wondering about the best areas to stay in Krakow?

Krakow, Poland, is a beautiful and historic city. Krakow is the second largest city in Poland with plenty of attractions and areas to explore. There are lots of great restaurants, bars, and cafes too. But where should you stay if you are planning on visiting Krakow?

There are many different neighbourhoods in Krakow and many hotels to choose from. Krakow is a breathtaking city and there are many areas to stay in. Some of the most popular areas to stay in Krakow are the Old Town, Kazimierz and Podgórze. Each area has its unique character and charm that make them appealing to tourists.

There are many hotels in Krakow that cater to people visiting the city. You can find budget hotels, luxury hotels and even hostels if you are looking for somewhere cheap to stay. Here is a breakdown of some of the best neighbourhoods in Krakow for tourists, along with the recommended Krakow hotels to stay in.

We will cover off all types of Krakow accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Krakow hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Krakow 2024, the best Krakow hotels, best places in Krakow to visit, the best places to stay in Krakow, hotels near Krakow attractions, Krakow neighborhood guide and many more.

Plan your trip?

Avoid hidden fees in the exchange rate while withdrawing from millions of ATMs abroad, paying in restaurants and shops, and buying your accommodation and flights using the Wise Card . You can hold up to 40+ currencies at once to spend in in over 150 countries, and convert them in real time with the free Wise app.

Need help planning your trip from start to finish? Check out these helpful links:

• Cheap flights
• Savings on accommodation from hostels to luxury hotels
• Affordable car rental options
• Affordable sightseeing tours and day trips
• Travel Adapter – All in one so you don’t have to carry a bunch around

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. You can also read our content/editorial policy here .

Stare Miasto (Old Town) – Where to stay in Krakow for first timers

Stare Miasto also known as the Old Town, is the oldest part of Krakow. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1978 and is the main tourist area in Krakow. Therefore, this makes it an extremely popular area to stay in for travellers and holidaymakers. Whether you’re spending 1 or 3 days in Krakow , you’ll find something to do!

The main market square is situated in the Old Town of Krakow, so there is plenty of shopping options along with souvenir shops, restaurants, bars and cafes. Stare Miasto also borders Wawel Hill, which houses many historic buildings such as Wawel Castle and Wawel Cathedral which makes it another huge tourist spot for the city.

If you are looking for somewhere central to stay, then the Old Town is highly recommended. This part of Krakow has plenty of accommodation options in all sizes and styles so you can find something that suits your needs.

Around this area, you will find highly rated hotels such as the Hotel Mercure Krakow Stare, Hotel Unicus Palace, Betmanowska Main Square and Queen Boutique Hotel. If you want to stay in this part of the city then it is best to book early because it often gets booked out quickly, especially in popular seasons.

Staying in Kraków Stare Miasto is a great way to get a feel for the city and explore if it is your first time visiting. This is one of the oldest parts of Kraków, with many centuries-old buildings that have been renovated into living spaces. It is also home to many shops, restaurants and bars. If you are looking for luxury hotels in Krakow then your best bet is to stay in the Old Town. This area is filled with beautiful old buildings and cobblestone streets that make it feel like you have been transported back in time.

The area is convenient because it is close to the main train station, which has direct links to other cities in Poland as well as Vienna and Prague. There are also lots of buses that go through here too, so it is easy to get around town quickly if you do not want to walk everywhere.

If you stay here then you will be within walking distance from Wawel Castle (the royal residence), St Mary’s Basilica (one of Poland’s most famous churches) and Rynek Główny (the biggest square in Europe). You will also find plenty of bars where you can relax after exploring this beautiful city. During your stay in Krakow, you will find yourself spending a lot of time here so this area is an obvious choice for where to stay.

Where to Stay in Krakow Old Town

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in
 Stare Miasto (Old Town) Draggo House AMBER Guest Rooms Mikolajska 5 Apartments Brama Hostel

Budget Hotels in 
Stare Miasto (Old Town) Globtroter Guest House Pokoje Goscinne Vera Pergamin Old Town Apartments Hotel Alexander II

Mid range Hotels in
 Stare Miasto (Old Town) Hotel Mercure Krakow Stare Hotel Unicus Palace Betmanowska Main Square Queen Boutique Hotel

Family Friendly Hotels in
 Stare Miasto (Old Town) B&B La Fontaine Krakow For You Budget Apartments Antique Apartments Plac Szczepanski Venetian House Aparthotel

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Stare Miasto (Old Town) The Bonerowski Palace Hotel Unicus Palace Hotel Stary H15 Luxury Palace

Kazimierz – Where to stay in Krakow on a budget

Kazimierz is a good choice for first-time visitors and tourists. If you choose to stay here, you will be close to the oldest part of Krakow still and be able to visit all the best spots at your own pace. The main attraction in this area of Krakow is the former Jewish Quarter.

This area is full of old synagogues, cemeteries and shops selling traditional Jewish foods. There are plenty of places where you can get good coffee or grab a quick meal on the go.

If you are wondering where to stay in Krakow for nightlife, then this would be the best place to stay if you want to party! It is where most of the clubs and bars are, so it will be easy for you to find somewhere with music and drinks. You can find some great places to stay here such as Inx Design Hotel.

If you are looking for a place to stay in Krakow on a budget, there are plenty of options too. Just make sure you do your research before booking because some hotels have high cancellation rates and can be quite expensive if booked last minute.

If you are on a budget, staying in the Old Town is still recommended, as there are plenty of bargain-friendly accommodation options. If you want to stay somewhere with a bit more luxury and modern amenities, then look at the Kazimierz district just outside of the old town.

Here there are plenty of boutique hotels which are much more affordable than some of the other top hotels in Krakow.

Where to Stay in Kazimierz

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Kazimierz Moon Hostel Mundo Hostel Hostel on the Water Marta

Budget Hotels in
 Kazimierz Shalom Kazimierz Karmel Hotel Queen Apartments Happy Tower Krakow Apartments

Mid range Hotels in
 Kazimierz Hotel Ester Perfect Hotel Armon Residence Crystal Suites chez Helena

Family Friendly Hotels in
 Kazimierz Hotel Rubinstein Inx Design Hotel PURO Krakow Kazimierz Aparthotel Miodowa

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Kazimierz Mayera Rapaporta Balthazar Design Hotel Hotel Copernicus Apartamenty Kanonicza 22

Kleparz – Where to stay in Krakow with family

Kleparz is also an excellent area to stay in whilst visiting Krakow. It is close to the main train station and it has easy access to the Krakow Stare Miasto. There are many bars and restaurants here as well —enough for any taste!

The main attraction in Kleparz is the beautiful park named Park Jalu Kurka. It is a great place to go for walks and enjoy nature. So if you are wondering where to stay in Krakow with family, this may be it.

Kraków is a stunning city, rich in history and culture. It is also one that welcomes families with open arms, as you are sure to discover when you visit. From the countless family-friendly accommodations available to the activities that will keep everyone entertained (and learning), your trip will be nothing short of magical.

Kraków hotels offer amenities for children like cribs and high chairs. Some even have swimming pools or playgrounds! Do not forget about restaurants; there are plenty where you can dine with your little ones without worrying about them disturbing other diners or misbehaving at the table (as we all know happens sometimes!).

There are plenty of ways to keep everyone busy. Take them on an educational tour through Jewish Krakow, allow them to explore Wawel Castle or check out The Salt Mine Museum.

Where to Stay in Kleparz

C heapest Backpacking Hostels in
 Kleparz Dizzy Daisy Downtown Hostel Lorf Hostel&Coffee Hostel Centrum Sabot Lorf Hostel&Apartments

Budget Hotels in
 Kleparz Jordan Guest Rooms Maly Krakow Aparthotel Words & Swords Ibis Budget Krakow Stare Miasto

Mid range Hotels in
 Kleparz Apartamenty Dluga 27 Aparthotel Pergamin Hotel Hotel Atrium Relaks Apartments

Family Friendly Hotels in
 Kleparz Yarden Hotel by Artery Hotels Zulian Aparthotel Friendhouse Apartments Lavender Hotel Cracow

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Kleparz La Gioia Chic Angel Apartments H15 Luxury Palace Bachleda Luxury Hotel Krakow Mgallery by Sofitel Balthazar Design Hotel

Grzegórzki – Where to stay in Krakow for relaxation

Grzegórzki is the next neighbourhood to visit. Located near the Jewish Quarter Kazimierz, it is convenient for travellers and easy to navigate.

The area has a lot of restaurants, bars, cafes and shops. If you want something more low-key than downtown Krakow but still want to be near everything, this would be your best bet! The Metropolitan Boutique Hotel is a four-star rated hotel in the area.

Where to Stay in Grzegórzki

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in
 Grzegórzki Blue Aparthotel Mundo Hostel Mikolajska 5 Apartments

Budget Hotels in
 Grzegórzki Lazarza 17 Apartments Happy Tower Krakow Apartments Daniel Griffin Aparthotel

Mid range Hotels in
 Grzegórzki The Loft Hotel Wawel Apartments Krakow B&B – Old Town Z14 Boutique Residence – Krakow Old Town

Family Friendly Hotels in
 Grzegórzki Wielopole 17 Apartments Leone Aparthotel Platinia Apartments Hotel Batory

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Grzegórzki Mayera Rapaporta Balthazar Design Hotel Hotel Copernicus The Bonerowski Palace

Podgorze – Where to stay in Krakow for nightlife

Located in the southern part of the city, Podgorze is a lively area with lots of bars, restaurants and great nightlife.

There is a stunning park called Park Bednarskiego, where you can enjoy natural landscapes and many species of plants and trees. If you are wondering where to stay in Krakow on a budget, Podgorze is the more affordable option.

This neighbourhood is known for its value for money but it is still near lots of attractions such as Ghetto Heroes Square and the Oskar Schindler Factory but has a cheaper variety of accommodations.

If you are still wanting to stay somewhere a bit more upmarket in the area, Qubus Hotel Krakow is a highly rated four-star hotel.

Where to Stay in Podgorze

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in
 Podgorze Chilli Hostel Hostel New Retro Hostel on the Water Marta

Budget Hotels in
 Podgorze Dom Duszpasterski Hotel Nowa Panorama Hotel Ruczaj Hotel Galicya

Mid range Hotels in
 Podgorze Garden Square Hotel Sympozjum Hotel Aparthotel Vanilla Hotel Wilga

Family Friendly Hotels in
 Podgorze Farmona Hotel Business & Spa Perla Hotel Metropolo by Golden Tulip City Hotel SM Business & SPA

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Podgorze Plaza Boutique Hotel A11 Apartments & Spa Dermique New Port Hotel Golden Tulip Krakow Kazimierz

Ludwinow – Where to stay in Krakow for creatives

Ludwinow, a suburb of Krakow, is a trendy part of town. It is known as the creative centre of Krakow and has a wide offering of film screenings, live music and street art. Go to the trendy and unique bar at the abandoned Soviet-era hotel.

This area of the city is also well-known for its business connections and crowds for concerts as the ICE Congress Center is located here. Therefore, if you are staying in Krakow for this reason, try the Hilton Krakow hotel in the area.

Where to Stay in Ludwinow

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in
 Ludwinow Hostel New Retro Hostel on the Water Marta Chilli Hostel Green Hostel

Budget Hotels in
 Ludwinow B&B Hotel Krakow Centrum Cracow Stay Apartments Hostel 70s Residence Tournet

Mid range Hotels in
 Ludwinow Hilton Garden Inn Krakow Q Hotel Plus Krakow Park Inn by Radisson Krakow

Family Friendly Hotels in
 Ludwinow Hotel Wilga Secesja Hotel U Pana Cogito Hotel Plaza Boutique Hotel

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Ludwinow New Port Hotel Mayera Rapaporta Apartamenty Kanonicza 22 Sheraton Grand Krakow

Salwator – Where to stay in Krakow for a local experience

If you are looking for a place to stay that is still nearby to the Old Town but quiet, green and off the beaten track, then Salwator is the district for you.

It is located southwest of Krakow’s Old Town and is home to the Marshal Józef Piłsudski Stadium. This district is spacious, has a small population, and is away from the hustle-and-bustle of the city.

It offers tranquillity and relaxation while still being close enough to reach other areas within Krakow easily.

Where to Stay in Salwator

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in
 Salwator Ginger Hostel Draggo House AMBER Guest Rooms Hostel New Retro

Budget Hotels in
 Salwator Vistula Boutique Exclusive Apartments Nobilton Hotel Indalo Rooms Petrus Hotel

Mid range Hotels in
 Salwator Blue Swan Vistula Boutique Exclusive Apartments ibis Krakow Centrum Hotel Novotel Krakow Centrum

Family Friendly Hotels in
 Salwator Emaus Apartments Niebieski Art Hotel & Spa Hotel Novotel Krakow Centrum Benefis

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Salwator Bachleda Luxury Hotel Krakow Mgallery by Sofitel Sheraton Grand Krakow Apartamenty Kanonicza 22 Hotel Copernicus

Zakrzówek – Where to stay in Krakow for scenic spots

If you are looking for a more boutique experience, Zakrzówek is the best place to stay in Krakow. It is located three kilometres from the centre of town and offers an incredible experience.

The Zakrzówek Park and Garden is located here that offers stunning views and landscape scenery. Take some photos at the beautiful scenic spots here, specifically around the huge blue lake!

There are wonderful hiking trails here that most definitely need to be explored.

Where to Stay in Zakrzówek

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in
 Zakrzówek Hostel New Retro Ginger Hostel Chilli Hostel

Budget Hotels in
 Zakrzówek Cracow Stay Apartments Petrus Hotel Chilli Hostel

Mid range Hotels in
 Zakrzówek Park Inn by Radisson Krakow Q Hotel Plus Krakow Hilton Garden Inn Krakow Hotel Wilga

Family Friendly Hotels in
 Zakrzówek Balthazar Design Hotel B&B Hotel Krakow Centrum Zamkowa 15 Apartments Cracow Riverside Aparthotel

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Zakrzówek New Port Hotel Sheraton Grand Krakow Bachleda Luxury Hotel Krakow Mgallery by Sofitel Balthazar Design Hotel

Nowy Swiat – Where to stay in Krakow near Wawel Royal Castle

Nowy Swiat, which means ‘New World Street’ is conveniently located near the Wawel Royal Castle grounds, making it excellently located for sightseeing.

It is also a great place to stay if you want to be close to the Old Town. It is a small area that features many restaurants and cafes, so it is perfect for people who want to eat out in Krakow.

The street also has some interesting architecture, making it a lovely place to explore during your time in Krakow.

Make sure to check out Wiślany Ogród & Statek Sobieski, where you can take a romantic boat trip along the Vistula River. Experience breathtaking views and unforgettable moments whilst drinking and dining.

Where to Stay in Nowy Swiat

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in
 Nowy Swiat Ginger Hostel Draggo House Mikolajska 5 Apartments Mundo Hostel

Budget Hotels in
 Nowy Swiat Indalo Rooms Pokoje Goscinne sw. Anny Nobilton Hotel Place 4 You Apartments Krakow

Mid range Hotels in
 Nowy Swiat Wawel Apartments By Loft Affair Hotel 32 Krakow Old Town Old Town Residence Bis Aparthotel Best Views

Family Friendly Hotels in
 Nowy Swiat Radisson Blu Hotel Krakow Pod Wawelem Hotel Czapskich Apartments Apartments ROMAN

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Nowy Swiat Aparthotel Stare Miasto Sheraton Grand Krakow Apartamenty Kanonicza 22 Grand Hotel

Nowa Huta – Where to stay in Krakow like a local

Nowa Huta is an eastern district of Kraków, Poland. It is one of the city’s most populous areas and has a population that exceeds 200,000 people.

This area is very residential and would provide a less touristy experience if you were to stay here. With the large population comes a very built-up area with a lot of hustle and bustle.

This area is 9km away from the main centre of Krakow but is still very accessible with tram links. The area is fairly safe for tourists and locals alike but be aware that it does have its share of crime.

So if you are wondering where not to stay in Krakow, Nowa Huta may be it. Especially if it is your first time travelling to Krakow.

Where to Stay in Nowa Huta 

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in
 Nowa Huta Station Aparthotel Moon Hostel

Budget Hotels in
 Nowa Huta Felix Hotel Arka Hotel Krakus Hotel Domus Mater Hotel

Mid range Hotels in
 Nowa Huta ibis Styles Krakow East Dolna Suites Krakow Poland Antique Apartments Plac Szczepanski Ibis Styles Krakow Centrum

Family Friendly Hotels in
 Nowa Huta Hotel Centrum Justyna Hotel Hampton by Hilton Krakow Automobil Hotel

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Nowa Huta Mercure Krakow Fabryczna City Mayera Rapaporta  Hotel Unicus Palace  

What neighbourhood to stay in Krakow

Kazimierz is a very trendy and bohemian neighbourhood that is full of hip bars and cafes, as well as some great boutique hotels. If you are looking for something a bit more modern than the Old Town, then this would be the next best suggestion for where to stay in Krakow.

As it is still full of sightseeing, attractions, culture and luxury places to stay. During your trip to Krakow, Poland you will find yourself spending a lot of time here too, so it is another great option for where to base yourself.

So there you have it, the best places in Krakow to stay. Whether you are looking for an extravagant experience or something more affordable, we hope this guide has helped you find what works best for your needs.

Krakow is a fantastic city with so much to see and do. It is easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the busy streets. However, if you take some time out then you will find that there are many beautiful places throughout this city.

So make sure that you pack your camera, create a fun-packed itinerary and explore all that Krakow has to offer before making your way back home.

If you’d like to save it for later, please save it to Pinterest.

Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

View all posts

Similar Posts

15 things you should know about Poland

The crown jewel of Central Europe, Poland has the right combination of medieval and modern. Walking around a Polish…

Where To Stay in Torun

Torun is an often overlooked city in Poland on the Vistula River, just over 200 km northwest of the…

Where to Stay in Warsaw [Best Places to Stay for 2024]

Poland is a beautiful destination, and a visit to Poland wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the capital…

48 Hours in Krakow – 2 Day Itinerary

While Warsaw may be the capital of Poland, Krakow’s entire old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and…

Ultimate Travel Guide to Warsaw

Warsaw is Poland’s capital city and it’s the perfect option if you’re planning a cheap, fun European city break….

The Ultimate Guide to Bydgoszcz

Bydgoszcz City is one of the most underrated cities in Poland. It is not as well known as other…

Vacation rentals in Kraków

Book unique vacation rentals, houses, and more on Airbnb

Top-rated vacation rentals in Kraków

Guests agree: these vacation rentals are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

Apartment in Kraków

LaureL-oft Apartment

The brand new apartment (2017) is located in Kazimierz district, a place where you can feel the soul of Cracow and where Jewish and Christian culture are mixing together in amazing way. Even though you are in the middle of Kazimierz the apartment is in quiet area and only one narrow path to pass and you will find yourself in a middle of street network with buzzing pubs, restaurant and cafe. Localization of the apartment is great to explore Cracow as every main attractions are reachable on foot.

Sep 27 – Oct 4

#1 OLIVE apt | City Center | FREE garage

Stylowy apartament z ogródkiem w centrum Krakowa. Blisko do starego miasta, restauracji i dworca kolejowego. Dla naszych gości dostępny jest prywatne miejsce parkingowe w garażu podziemnym w cenie. Apartament wykończony w połowie 2022 roku. Wysokiej jakości materac oraz pościel prana w wysokich temperaturach w profesjonalnej pralni zapewni naszym gościem wygodny sen. W apartamencie przygotowaliśmy udogodnienia typu: -telewizor SmartTV -Internet 300Mb/s -klimatyzacja -zmywarka -pralka -żelazko

Loft in Kraków

Krakow Penthouse

Our immaculate and spacious loft is in the heart of Krakow Old Town, at the very top of a traditional 15th century townhouse. It is an elegant studio apartment featuring a dazzling mezzanine floor space. Located at the centre of the bustling busy town, once within apartment you will be at peace, facing quiet courtyard with the view of treetops and the church bells ringing in the distance. Your time at this lovely spot in Krakow will create memories that will glow through the years to come.

Royal Apartment, Stradomska 2, Wawel Castle View

Welcome to the Royal Apartment. Designed for your convenience so you could feel that here is the place you belong to. 70sqm of the area on 1st floor in 2-storey building. - bright living room with 2 sofas, coffee table, TV. - fully equipped kitchen (induction hob, oven, dishwasher, hood, fridge) - the soul of the apartment is a corner bedroom with a unique view of the Wawel Castle (a double bed, a comfortable armchair, a coffee table with a set of chairs) - bathroom (shower) and toilet .

Sep 25 – Oct 2

Authentic, 19th century flat with a view!

Authentic, elegant, spacious flat (55m2) with high ceilings (3.70m), beautifully restored antique furniture, comfy king-size bed, custom-made kitchen furniture with a marble worktop. A real flat, not a hotel! Located in a 19th century town house with a view in the heart of Podgórze. 1 bedroom, a living room, free WIFI, 40" flat-screen satellite TV, dishwasher, cooker, oven, fridge, iron, washing machine, tumble drier, hair drier. A real home away from home! You'll love it! Our guests do!

May 15 – 22

Apartament Vinci 20 - middle of the old town

Nasz apartament to miejsce stworzone do komfortowego pobytu w Krakowie. Zwróciliśmy uwagę na wszystkie szczegóły, aby Twój pobyt był jak najbardziej komfortowy. W tym celu przygotowaliśmy przestronne, nowoczesne i dobrze zorganizowane miejsce, w którym można znaleźć wszystkie udogodnienia. Zadbaliśmy o każdy szczegół: od wygodnych materacy na łóżkach, klimatyzacji, dwóch oddzielnych łazienek (jedna z prysznicem, druga z wanną), szybkie połączenie internetowe, Netflix i telewizję kablową.

Sep 26 – Oct 3

Quiet and Homely Vibe at Old Town Footsteps.

Welcome to your beautiful home in Krakow, a top standard, spacious, quiet, and cosy apartment, with an underground parking lot, luggage storage, lift & a balcony, located in a cameral recently built tenant house. Situated halfway between Karmelicka str. with Old Town, amenities, cafes and direct Airport & Train Station bus connections being just round the corner. Designed with love and prepared for your arrival with utmost attention, I welcome you all to stay, explore, relax or work!

Oct 20 – 27

Unique designed apartment in the heart of Kraków

Beautiful, completely renovated, spacious apartment (50 m2) in the heart of the city. Apartment is located 3 min walking from the main train and bus station and in front of the biggest shopping mall Galeria Krakowska. However the windows are facing beautiful park (Strzeleciki) which makes it amazing feeling being outside of town with all the tress around it. Kitchen has all new appliances with over, stove, dishwasher and build in Coffee maker Bosh! Place has a unique design

Aug 19 – 26

*Luxury apartment between Old Town and Kazimierz

The apartment is located on the ground floor of a nineteen-century tenement. It's interior was carefully designed by a young Polish architect and features many interesting details you'll be pleased looking at. Located between the Jewish District and the Old Market Square, close to the railway station this spot is an ideal choice for Krakow explorers. Heated floor guarantees fast recovery for your feet in the winter season:) Genius loci of this place will gladly host you.

Dec 17 – 24

LUXURY DESIGN LOFT in CENTRE/OLD TOWN + Netflix

A luxurious stay awaits You in this unique 2 room designer loft in stylish black´n white finish! Discover Krakow in the middle of it all instead of just there! From here You can reach every attraction in just a few minutes, even by foot. All restaurants, shops, bars, taxi/tram, ATM etc... in even less than 1 minute! In the loft You will find a coffee machine, mixer, microwave, washing machine, dishwasher, Netflix, European queen size bed, Wi-Fi, sofa bed, etc...

Mar 15 – 22

Cute loft Old Town district

OhDeer! Loft to świeżo odnowiony mały apartament typu studio (17 + 5 m2) Znajduje się w samym sercu Krakowa, na styku Starego Miasta i Kazimierza, w XIX-wiecznej kamienicy. Apartament znajduje się na wysokim parterze, w zamykanym dziedzińcu, przez co gwarantuje spokój, ciszę i daje poczucie intymności. Stąd dzieli Cię jedynie 400m od Placu Żydowskiego, 900m od płyty Rynku Głównego i tyle samo od Zamku na Wawelu.

Sep 29 – Oct 6

♥VIEW KAZIMIERZ® 100m2∙ balcony view∙ jacuzzi∙ A/C

Air condition on board! Prawie 100m2 mieszkanie znajduje się w samym centrum Kazimierza - na Placu Nowym. Posiada dwa balkony, w tym jeden z widokiem na cały Plac. Dwie osobne sypialnie z podwójnymi łózkami oraz duży living room z rozkładaną sofą (dla dwóch osób) oraz TV i neonem. Kuchnia wraz z wyposażeniem takim jak ekspres do kawy oraz łazienka z jacuzzi uprzyjemnią pobyt na Kazimierzu.

Oct 14 – 21

Vacation rentals for every style

Get the amount of space that is right for you

Popular amenities for Kraków vacation rentals

Home rentals in kraków.

Home in Kraków

Big House close to the City in calm neighbourhood

Oct 27 – Nov 3

Villa Mary by Tyzenhauz

Jan 20 – 27

Home in Sygneczów

Cozy house near Krakow

Feb 23 – Mar 2

Art Room Luxury Apartment 2 minutes to city center

Jun 23 – 30

Zbójnicka Chata

Nov 10 – 17

Garden Apartment with 2 bikes available

Beautiful Villa with swimming pool, sauna, garden

Feb 11 – 18

Beautiful house with a large garden under Krakow

Other great vacation rentals in Kraków

Re-Imagined Loft in Rustic Historical Building

1. Your Krakow home, away from home

Oct 31 – Nov 7

Unique artist's apartment 5min to The Main Square!

Apartment with Sauna in the City Center

Sep 20 – 27

12 steps to the Main Square

Apartament Pod Lipą Old Town Wawel

Mar 20 – 27

Mikado Apartment_Krakow Old Town

Sep 21 – 28

#B2 "DREAMS" Two bedrooms in Old Town

Jan 28 – Feb 4

Your guide to Kraków

All about kraków.

Split in two by the Vistula River, Kraków is a thriving center of Polish culture and art where modern living is juxtaposed against nearly 1,400 years of history. Opulent Renaissance and medieval buildings line the open market-style streets of Old Town — the beating heart of Kraków, which sits under the Gothic towers of St. Mary’s Basilica. Visit Wawel Royal Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and from atop the castle’s hill you’ll have a spectacular view of the city. Just beneath the castle is the Planty, a grassy, tree-lined park belt circling the Old Town that people stroll along during the day, perhaps nibbling at a sesame-covered bagel as they walk. Cafe life in Kraków extends from the early morning to late at night, and you can spend an afternoon people-watching at an outdoor table. Nighttime sends revelers down to the stone-roofed underground bars and dance clubs, and from there, to the street stalls specializing in zapiekanka, open-faced sandwiches.

Immerse yourself in the city’s Jewish heritage at the moving Żydowskie Museum or the stunning Tempel Synagogue on Miodowa in the neighborhood of Kazimierz, now home to many art galleries. In recent years, the city has become a culinary powerhouse, with cuisines ranging from Ashkenazi Jewish and French to vegan, but you can always get a taste of 20th-century Poland at one of the city’s authentic Communist-style milk bars.

The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Kraków

Kraków’s location offers a year-round temperate climate with warm summers and chilly winters. With Kraków being a cultural hub, festivals and events happen nearly every weekend throughout the summer, including one of Europe’s biggest jazz festivals, which features international musicians and occurs each July. Visitor numbers drop as the summer heat dies down, and there’s a chance of the odd rainy day during the fall, so pack sturdy shoes for the Old Town’s cobbled streets. The city’s location in central Europe means that winter days can be bitingly cold, so you’ll need a warm coat, and underground bars are a popular place to warm up. Foodies will want to head here in the spring to take part in one of the city’s many culinary festivals, such as the Chocolate Festival in March or the Pierogi Festival in April.

Top things to do in Kraków

Ojców national park.

Just 40 minutes north of Kraków, Ojców National Park is the best way to reconnect with the serenity of nature during your stay in Kraków. Climb to the ancient ruins of a cliff-top castle, Pieskowa Skała, or take a casual stroll through the lush woods, passing dramatic rock formations and limestone caverns.

Auschwitz-Birkenau

It would be remiss to visit this city without acknowledging and understanding its deep and troubling past during WWII. This concentration camp turned museum, located one hour outside town, is where 1.1 million people were killed, most of them Poles of Jewish descent, and a visit provides life-changing insight into the genocidal atrocities that took place during the Holocaust. To visit Auschwitz, you can take a guided tour that leaves from Kraków, or drive or take a bus from town yourself.

Trail of the Eagle’s Nests

This 101-mile trail takes in 25 medieval palaces and fortresses, many of which were built on vertiginous limestone cliffs framed by dense woodland. The section of the route nearest Kraków takes in Tęczyn Castle and its red-tiled tower roof, more than 400 meters above sea level. You can make the journey through the countryside by car, bus, or on two wheels, but bear in mind that the cycling route is longer.

Destinations to explore

• Rentals with a patio   Kraków
• Wheelchair accessible rentals   Kraków
• Pet-friendly rentals   Kraków
• Monthly Rentals   Kraków
• Rentals with outdoor seating   Kraków
• Family-friendly rentals   Kraków
• Loft rentals   Kraków
• Villa rentals   Kraków
• Rentals with a fireplace   Kraków
• Rentals with a home theater   Kraków
• Serviced apartment rentals   Kraków
• Waterfront rentals   Kraków
• Rentals with an EV charger   Kraków
• Rentals with a washer and dryer   Kraków
• Hotel rentals   Kraków
• Condo rentals   Kraków
• Kid-friendly rentals   Kraków
• Fitness-friendly rentals   Kraków
• Rentals with lake access   Kraków
• House rentals   Kraków
• Apartment rentals   Kraków
• Aparthotel rentals   Kraków
• Rentals with breakfast   Kraków
• Smoking-friendly rentals   Kraków
• Hostel rentals   Kraków
• Rentals with a hot tub   Kraków
• Rentals with pools   Kraków
• Rentals with beach access   Kraków
• Rentals with a fire pit   Kraków
• Private suite rentals   Kraków
• Rentals with a sauna   Kraków
• Boutique hotel rentals   Kraków
• Yurt Rentals   United States
• Yurt Rentals   United Kingdom
• Castle Rentals   United States
• Houseboats   United States
• Holiday Caravans   United Kingdom
• Private Island Rentals   United States
• Farm Houses   United States
• Farm Cottages   United Kingdom
• Cabin Rentals   Australia
• Luxury Cabins   United Kingdom
• Luxury Cabins   United States
• Holiday Chalets   United Kingdom
• Cottage Rentals   United States
• Holiday Cottages   United Kingdom
• Mansion Rentals   United States
• Villa Rentals   United Kingdom
• Holiday Bungalows   United Kingdom
• Bungalow Rentals   United States
• Condo Rentals   United States
• Holiday Apartments   Australia
• Holiday Houses   United States
• Holiday Houses   United Kingdom
• Private Holiday Rentals   United Kingdom
• Big House Rentals   United States
• Big Cottages   Australia
• Large Villas   United Kingdom
• House Rentals with a Pool   United States
• Cabin Rentals with a Pool   United States
• Villas with a Pool   United Kingdom
• Apartments with a Hot Tub   United States
• Holiday Cottages with a Hot Tub   United Kingdom
• Beach Cabins   United States
• Beach Condos   United States
• Beachfront Rentals   United States
• Beach Houses   United Kingdom
• Beach Villas   United Kingdom
• Coastal Cottages   United Kingdom
• Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals   United States
• Pet-Friendly Beach Rentals   United States
• Pet-Friendly Cabin Rentals   United States
• Dog-Friendly Cottages   United Kingdom
• Luxury Dog-Friendly Cottages   United Kingdom
• Family travel hub   Tips and inspiration
• Family budget travel   Get there for less
• Vacation ideas for any budget   Make it special without making it spendy
• Travel Europe on a budget   How to take the kids to Europe for less
• Outdoor adventure   Explore nature with the family
• Bucket list national parks   Must-see parks for family travel
• Kid-friendly state parks   Check out these family-friendly hikes
• › Lesser Poland Voivodeship ›

Home » Destinations » Europe » Poland » Where To Stay In Krakow (2023): Accommodation & Area Guide

Where To Stay In Krakow (2024): Accommodation & Area Guide

Links in this article may earn us a little money if you book/ order stuff. More here .

Wondering Where To Stay In Krakow, Poland? Here Are Our Tips!

Krakow – the beautiful Polish city with UNESCO-worthy history – is a great place to explore.

Picking the best place to stay in Krakow for you, though, can be a bit tough if you haven’t visited the city before.

This is because there are many excellent Krakow accommodation options, all in really nice areas of the city.

On our last visit, we stayed in the Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz), which we really enjoyed. With popular hotels like PURO Kraków Kazimierz , it’s a great neighbourhood – and it’s only a short walk to the historic heart of the Old Town.

That said, there are many other accommodations in Krakow (including lots of Krakow hotels in the Old Town like Hotel Jan ) to choose from.

To help you make your decision, our detailed article dives into accommodations in Krakow by type and budget, and then covers the best Krakow neighbourhoods to stay in with accommodation options in each.

Let’s find the best area to stay in Krakow for you!

Friendly Disclosure: We paid for the accommodations we stayed at ourselves and were not asked to include them in this article .

Table of Contents

Accommodations By Type

Like most cities, Krakow attracts a wide variety of visitors. Backpackers looking for a cheap and fun destination, couples looking for a romantic getaway, business travellers, etc.

To cater for all these different types of travellers and their unique accommodation needs, there are various types of accommodations scattered throughout the city.

Hotels are very popular in Krakow, but apartments/aparthotels are also an option.

Similar to other Eastern European cities (such as Budapest ), Krakow accommodations are often relatively cheaper than in other European cities. This means that there are many great options to suit all price ranges, from budget to luxury.

To make it easier for you, this article is divided into two sections: the first part at the top goes covers Krakow accommodations by type, while the bottom section takes you through some of the better neighbourhoods to stay in.

If you know what type of accommodation you want (e.g. hotel, aparthotel, etc.) you can find it below rather quickly.

But if you want to read about the neighbourhoods in Krakow to see what they have to offer, you can find all that information further down!

Hotels in Krakow

Here are some popular Krakow hotels, all in nice areas. They have a good balance of location, amenities, etc.

Popular Krakow Hotels

• PURO Kraków Kazimierz – A trendy yet relaxed hotel with breakfast just outside the heart of the Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz)
• Sky Hotel Krakow – An simple, stylish hotel across the street from the train station and steps from the Old Town
• Hotel Jan – A lovely, reliable hotel with breakfast right in the heart of the Old Town
• PURO Kraków Stare Miasto – A cool but calming hotel with a nice breakfast close to the train station in Kleparz
• Hotel Pod Wawelem – A classy, cozy hotel with rooftop terrace views of the Castle & river in Nowy Świat

By sheer numbers, hotels are the most popular accommodation option in Krakow.

Choosing a hotel in Krakow can be overwhelming because there are just so many well-rated ones – all in different areas and at different price points!

You’ll find standard hotel brands, quaint budget hotels, trendy boutique hotels, a few luxury hotels, and even aparthotels with kitchens/kitchenettes.

⇒ Get started searching for hotels in Krakow here .

It’s true that many hotels are located in the Old Town (Stare Miasto), but there are also hotels in the neighbourhoods surrounding this historic centre.

A hotel anywhere here means you’re never far from attractions, places to eat and drink, and more.

The more central the hotel’s location, the higher the cost – but you can definitely find good (and cheap) exceptions to this rule – see below.

Budget/Cheap Hotels in Krakow

Krakow is a city where visitors can choose from quite a few cheap accommodation options. The main reason for this is that the cost of living is generally lower than many other places in Europe.

There are lots of great Krakow budget hotels that are absolutely stunning and in great locations (like the heart of the Old Town).

That said, regular hotel prices are already lower – so what does “cheap” mean in Krakow? It means that these hotels tend to be simpler and/or offer fewer “frills” and amenities than other comparable hotels. That’s all.

They are often still in excellent locations in or within walking distance of the train station and the famous Old Town. So you don’t even have to sacrifice location for cost.

Have a look at these great options for cheap hotels in Krakow!

• ibis Styles Kraków Centrum – A colourful, trendy hotel with breakfast steps from transit to the Old Town in Grzegórzki (Our Pick)
• ibis budget Krakow Stare Miasto – A classic, colourful budget hotel close to the train station in Kleparz (also very popular)
• Jordan Pokoje Gościnne – A fun, simple budget hotel with breakfast just north of the Old Town also in Kleparz
• Angel House Aparthotel – A spacious, updated aparthotel with a simple breakfast in the heart of Stradom, very close to the Old Town

Boutique Hotels in Krakow

Finding a boutique hotel in Krakow isn’t too difficult because there are plenty of hotels with very different styles!

“Boutique style” is also defined a little differently by each place – some lean on “old world” elegance, while others use bright colours or modern, trendy designs to build their experience.

Whatever style you’re looking for, there’s likely a Krakow boutique hotel for you. Take a look at these options – all in great locations around the city:

• Hotel Unicus Palace – An upscale, luxury boutique hotel with a terrace and spa in the heart of the Old Town (Our Pick)
• Hotel Wawel Queen – An upscale boutique hotel with breakfast beside Planty Park, steps from the Old Town in Nowy Świat
• 1891 Garni Hotel – A stylish boutique hotel with nice breakfast in the heart of Kazimierz, walkable to the Old Town
• Hotel Atrium – A stylish, chic boutique hotel with bar/restaurant just steps from the Old Town in Kleparz
• Hotel Europejski – An “old-world” boutique hotel very close to both the train station and the Old Town

Luxury Hotels in Krakow

Even though Krakow is a more affordable city for accommodations, there are definitely great options if you are looking to pamper yourself at a luxury hotel in Krakow.

In fact, Krakow is a great city for luxury because even these upscale hotels – including 5-star hotels in Krakow’s Old Town – are more affordable for many travellers!

Some hotels have spas while others have rooftop terraces with beautiful views of the city. Some have cool drink lounges and restaurants, while others lean into their history for an elegant experience.

Here are some Krakow luxury hotels to check out

• Hotel H15 Luxury Palace – A trendy, luxurious 5-star hotel with many great amenities in the north end of the Old Town (Our Pick)
• Bachleda Luxury Hotel Krakow MGallery Hotel Collection – An opulent yet trendy luxury hotel steps from the beautiful riverside in Nowy Świat
• Hotel Stary – A sophisticated luxury hotel just off the main square in the Old Town
• Hotel Polski Pod Białym Orłem – A traditional hotel with old-world elegance near the historic attractions in the Old Town
• Bonerowski Palace – A lovely, spacious luxury 5-star hotel with nice breakfast also overlooking the Old Town Square

Aparthotels/Apartments in Krakow

As the other very popular accommodation option in the city, apartments can make for a good base from which to explore.

There are many serviced apartments for rent in good areas of the city – and especially in the Old Town.

Aparthotels are also popular. These hotels specialize in suite-style rooms that usually have a full kitchen or at least a kitchenette included in the room.

Since we sometimes like to cook our own meals, this is a style we go for often.

⇒ Get started searching for apartments/aparthotels in Krakow here

A key consideration is that aparthotels usually have a reception area and some even offer breakfast, so it’s a bit more than just an apartment rental.

In Krakow, some places called “aparthotels” aren’t really aparthotels – just regular hotels. They have nice rooms in good locations – but the room options do not include a kitchen/kitchenette. So, do your research if you want a true aparthotel where you can prepare food in your room.

Typically best suited for larger groups, longer stays in the city, or those travelling with kids, aparthotels or apartments in Krakow might be a great option for you.

Below are a few nice apartments/aparthotels in great locations around Krakow:

• Venetian House Market Square Aparthotel – A clean, bright aparthotel overlooking the heart of the Old Town at the main square (Rynek Główny) (Our Pick)
• Cracow Central Aparthotel – A simple, comfortable hotel close to the shopping centre/train station in Kleparz (very popular)
• Jacuzzi Apartments – Stylish, clean apartments with nearby parking in the heart of the Jewish Quarter, close to the river.
• STRADONIA Serviced Apartments – A modern, cozy aparthotel with breakfast just steps from Wawel Castle in Stradom
• Dream&Travel Apartments – Bright, functional apartments steps from transit back to the city centre in Grzegórzki

Guesthouses/Bed and Breakfasts in Krakow

If you are looking for a traditional guesthouse, there isn’t a ton to choose from in Krakow. That said, they do exist. They tend to be located further out from the city centre (but there are exceptions).

Additionally, you could argue that some cheaper, smaller hotels in Krakow actually function more like a cozy guesthouse. More of a “home away from home”.

Bed and breakfasts are usually large houses with hosts and a nice breakfast prepared for you. Again, they do exist – but more in the suburbs of Krakow than in the heart of the action.

Here are several more cozy places to stay that might fit the above criteria:

• Indalo Rooms – A simple, comfortable guesthouse in the heart of Nowy Świat (close to Old Town) (Our Pick)
• Résidence Tournet – A quaint, simple B&B/cheap hotel with breakfast right on the edge of the Jewish Quarter (in the direction of the Old Town)
• Dom pod Tujami – A cozy, homey guesthouse with breakfast to the south of the city centre

Hostels in Krakow

Being the cheaper city that it is, Krakow is a hub for backpackers. It should come as no surprise then that there are a number of really nice hostels to suit these travellers.

These hostels are generally quite affordable and come in all different styles from party hostels to boutique-style hostels.

⇒ Get started searching for hostels in Krakow here .

If you’re looking for the best hostels in Krakow, you will have plenty to choose from.

Eric has stayed in a lot  of  hostels in Europe  but never in any in Krakow. That said, he knows which ones are popular from discussions in the European travel circuit. 

As for location, many Krakow hostels can be found in the centre of the Old Town. Some can be found in the quieter neighbourhoods around it.

Here are some of the top-rated hostels:

• Greg and Tom Hostel – A popular, award-winning hostel near the train station just outside the Old Town (Our Pick)
• Flamingo Hostel – A simple, friendly hostel right in the Old Town
• Ginger Hostel – A bright, boutique hostel just outside Nowy Świat by the river
• The Little Havana Party Hostel – A lively, social party hostel with onsite bars right in the Old Town
• Dizzy Daisy Downtown Hostel – A clean, simple hostel right in Kleparz close to the train station and Old Town

Read More: Our Sample Eastern Europe Itinerary !

Accommodations By Areas

Now that we have covered the different types of accommodation, we can head straight into the best areas to stay in Krakow.

In this part of the post, we’ll tell you about each area and what you can find there, and then highlight a few great accommodations in each one.

Krakow is made up of 18 districts, many of which have smaller neighbourhoods within them. Our guide focuses on the most central areas that would be great for visitors.

Once you arrive in Krakow and start walking around, you’ll notice that the top areas for a visitor are actually quite compact.

We walked around the Old Town, Kazimierz, Stradom, Nowy Świat, and parts of Kleparz over our time there with relative ease.

Public transit is definitely available (trams and buses), but we simply didn’t need them. Many of the city’s top attractions – like Wawel Castle – are fairly centrally located in the city.

This means that if you choose to stay in any of the Krakow neighbourhoods/areas mentioned below, you would be in a great location to explore the city.

Not to say that other areas are “bad” – just that these areas below comprise the best areas to stay in Krakow for tourists/visitors, in our opinion!

To get a sense of the Krakow areas we list in this post, have a look at the following box with a top pick for each one. Next time we visit Krakow, we’d stay in any of them!

Top Krakow Accommodations By Area

• Krakow Old Town (Stare Miasto) (Location & Sights): Hotel Jan
• Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz) (Hip Vibes & History): PURO Kraków Kazimierz
• Stradom (Quieter Vibes): STRADONIA Serviced Apartments
• Kleparz (Culture & Authenticity): PURO Kraków Stare Miasto
• Nowy Świat (River Views): Hotel Pod Wawelem
• Grzegórzki (Affordable & Relaxed): ibis Styles Kraków Centrum

A note on safety: Krakow is a farily safe city to visit. For a tourist, it has low crime rates – and we felt safe as we walked around during the day and in the evening.

However, one thing to be aware of is pickpocketing and/or scams – especially in touristy areas or near popular landmarks.

Keep an eye on your belongings and be mindful of your personal space in crowds and on public transit.

Old Town (Stare Miasto) – For Location & Sights

Krakow’s Old Town, or Stare Miasto, is the heart of the city. The once fortified medieval old town is now a place where you can experience the rich history, great food, beautiful architecture, and many of the top attractions.

In the middle of the main market square – Rynek Główny – is the Cloth Hall, a beautiful medieval-era trading post for vendors.

⇒ Check Here For Accommodations in the Old Town (Stare Miasto)

You’ll also find St. Mary’s Basilica dominating one corner of the square. The entire Old Town is surrounded by a park – Planty Park. This beautiful green space, following the former old town walls, makes for a lovely walk.

Another thing about the Old Town is that this is one of the best areas for nightlife in Krakow. While there are other pockets of bars and clubs around the city (such as in Kazimierz), the Old Town has a pretty high concentration of them.

You can find the “party street” on Szewska, where medieval cellars have been converted into watering holes. They stay open… pretty late.

The area is very flat and compact so getting around on foot is quite easy. There isn’t too much transit within this area, but a tram line runs through the southern end.

Featured Accommodations in Stare Miasto

Below are a number of featured accommodations in the Old Town. You’ll find a good mix of accommodation styles here.

Of course, if you are looking for hotels near the main square in Krakow, you’ll find a few good options here:

• Hotel Jan – A lovely, reliable hotel with breakfast in the heart of the Old Town
• Hotel Unicus Palace – An upscale, luxury boutique hotel with terrace and spa in the heart of the Old Town
• Venetian House Market Square Aparthotel – A clean, bright aparthotel overlooking the heart of the Old Town at the main square (Rynek Główny)
• Hotel H15 Luxury Palace – A trendy, luxurious 5-star hotel with many great amenities in the north end of the Old Town

Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz) – For Hip Vibes & History

Kazimierz is another very popular area to stay in beside the Old Town.

Also known as the old Jewish Quarter, a stay here is still very much in the centre of Krakow. We stayed around here and we really liked the area!

⇒ Check Here for Accommodations in the Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz)

Located between the Old Town and the Vistula River, there’s quite a bit of history here.

In fact, the area is considered one of the best-preserved examples of pre-war Jewish lifestyle and culture.

The neighbourhood was where the Jewish population lived for 500 years until the Second World War. Attractions – such as the Old Synagogue – help tell this tale.

In recent decades, the neighbourhood fell into despair as it was neglected during the communist era.

These days, the entire neighbourhood has seen a massive rejuvenation. The shops have returned and people have moved back into the area.

Kazimierz is now one of the coolest/hippest places to stay in Krakow. There is a huge variety of shops, bars, cafes, and other things that travellers would want to check out.

Featured Accommodations in the Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz)

Below are some accommodations in the Jewish Quarter. Again, there’s a good mix of hotels and apartments here.

Transit runs right through the area, but it’s also very walkable – making it a good all-around area to stay in for many visitors.

• PURO Kraków Kazimierz – A trendy yet relaxed hotel with breakfast just outside the heart of the area
• 1891 Garni Hotel – A stylish boutique hotel with nice breakfast in the heart of the area, walkable to the Old Town
• Résidence Tournet – A quaint, simple B&B/cheap hotel with breakfast right on the edge of the area in the direction of the Old Town
• Jacuzzi Apartments – Stylish, clean apartments with nearby parking in the heart of the area, close to the river

Stradom – For Quieter Vibes

A smaller neighbourhood that often gets overlooked, Stradom is located just to the north of the Jewish Quarter and just south of the Old Town. It’s this strange strip of land with a lot to offer visitors.

Stradom’s northern border basically follows Planty Park around the east side of the Old Town and ends at the Vistula River – right beside Wawel Castle.

This means it’s super central for sightseeing without being right in the heart of the action.

The area itself is beautiful with lovely architecture, a few green spaces, and lots of shops.

It’s a healthy mix of residential, accommodations, restaurants and attractions like the Kraków Pinball Museum!

We loved our Polish dinner at the very popular Pod Wawelem !

The area near the river has a lovely boardwalk to just stroll along. We really liked our wander here.

It’s also relatively flat and has a few transit routes cutting through it in case you want to hop on and get elsewhere.

Featured Accommodations in Stradom

Below are some featured accommodation options in Stradom. It’s a bit of an area “in-between” neighbourhoods.

However, it definitely has its own identity and should be considered since it can be quieter than other areas.

• STRADONIA Serviced Apartments – A modern, cozy aparthotel with breakfast located just steps from Wawel Castle
• Hotel Royal – A classic, traditional hotel with breakfast located close to Wawel Castle (same building as the famous Polish restaurant “Pod Wawelem”)
• Angel House Aparthotel – A spacious, updated aparthotel with simple breakfast in the heart of Stradom very close to Old Town
• Premium Apartments by Wawel Castle – Modern, cool apartments with paid onsite parking near the river

Kleparz – For Culture & Authenticity

Located just north of the Old Town’s entrance near St. Florian’s Gate and the Kraków Barbican, Kleparz is a smaller district with a ton of culture.

The architecture, like other places in the city, gives off this historic Art Nouveau vibe. There is a central square here too (Stary Kleparz) with lots of little pop-up shops and food vendors.

⇒ Check Here For Accommodations in Kleparz .

The area also has a few attractions including churches, museums, and green spaces. One place to check out is Jan Matejko Square with the Grunwald Monument.

You can also find a number of restaurants that lack the “touristy” feel compared to some of the ones in the Old Town. That’s just a side observation.

Generally it’s a walkable and compact area with some transit running through it.

Featured Accommodations in Kleparz

Below are a few accommodations in this area – including a few very popular hotels.

The area borders the mall (Galeria Krakowska) near the train station. This makes it a good location if you are supply shopping or taking the train.

Generally, it’s cheaper than staying right in the Old Town but you are still very close to the main attractions.

• PURO Kraków Stare Miasto – A cool but calming hotel with a nice breakfast close to the train station
• Hotel Atrium – A stylish, chic boutique hotel with bar/restaurant just steps from the Old Town
• Cracow Central Aparthotel – A simple, comfortable hotel with close to the mall/train station
• ibis budget Krakow Stare Miasto – A classic, colourful budget hotel right up near the train station

Nowy Świat – For River Views

If you want to stay in a quieter area where you have the Vistula River (almost) all to yourself, a stay in Nowy Świat is for you.

This small area borders the river to the south, Wawel Castle to the east, and part of Planty Park to the north.

It’s an area that boasts a number of cafes, restaurants, hotels and even attractions – like the Museum of Illusions Kraków.

We walked along the river near the Castle here and it was lovely. There were geese, swans, and ducks all just hanging out doing their thing.

Another fun thing in the area (well, very close by) is the Wawel Dragon. This metallic dragon statue breathes actual fire every few minutes down at the water’s edge!

Overall, the area is quite small and walkable, but there’s also a tram line that runs right through it. This will take you directly towards the Old Town in minutes.

Featured Accommodations in Nowy Świat

Below are some really nice places to stay in the area.

Many of the accommodations here take advantage of their location along the river to entice you with river views while being so close to top attractions. It definitely works!

• Hotel Pod Wawelem – A classy, cozy hotel with rooftop terrace views of the Castle & river
• Hotel Wawel Queen – An upscale, boutique hotel with breakfast overlooking Planty Park steps from the Old Town
• Indalo Rooms – A simple, comfortable guesthouse in the heart of the area close to transit, Old Town, etc.
• Bachleda Luxury Hotel Krakow MGallery Hotel Collection – An opulent yet trendy luxury hotel steps from the beautiful riverside

Grzegórzki – For Affordability & Relaxed Vibes

Last, but certainly not least, we have Grzegórzki. This more relaxed area is, geographically, quite large and the furthest from the Old Town.

That said, it’s still farily well connected to the heart of the city via transit.

Located to the east of Planty Park, to the southeast of the train station, and the north of the Vistula River, this area is technically a district of Krakow, but we’re treating it as a neighbourhood like the other areas in this post.

⇒ Check Here For Accommodations in Grzegórzki

The area is definitely more residential with lots of green spaces like the Botanical Gardens in the middle.

There’s not much in terms of attractions here. but it is right between the Old Town and the TAURON Arena Krakow.

So, if you’re coming for an event – like a concert at the famous arena – then a stay in this area might cut down on travel time for you.

Lots of transit runs along the area’s major arteries (like Mogilska) so you’re still well-connected to other popular areas of the city if you stay around here.

Featured Accommodations in Grzegórzki

Below are several top accommodations in this area. The places to stay here are more spread out but you will find many reputable brands with well-rated hotels.

The prices here are also generally a little lower compared to other, more central areas, so keep that in mind!

• ibis Styles Kraków Centrum – A colourful, trendy budget hotel with breakfast just steps from transit
• Vienna House Easy by Wyndham Cracow – A stylish and simple hotel with breakfast also steps from transit to the city centre
• DoubleTree by Hilton Krakow Hotel & Convention Center – A bright, classic hotel with a pool, walkable to transit back to the city centre
• Dream&Travel Apartments – Bright, functional apartments steps from transit back to the city centre

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about accommodations in Krakow!

Where to stay in Krakow for nightlife?

If you’re visiting Krakow with the intention of exploring the nightlife scene, there are lots of great places to stay.

You could stay right in the Old Town or right in Kazimierz – two of the most popular areas with a high concentration of bars, clubs, etc.

Residence9 in the Old Town has you close to the bars or the Golden Tulip Krakow Kazimierz in Kazimierz would have you in the hearts of the action, respectively.

Of course, you could always stay in an area close to these areas. This means you can go out but still easily return to your accommodation for a quieter night’s sleep.

A stay at the budget-friendly Pokoje Gościnne Dom św. Szymona in Stradom might work well. Being in the middle of the two nightlife areas, you can choose which area to go out in!

Where to stay in Krakow for first-time visitors?

If you’re coming to Krakow for the first time, we’d recommend a few areas and accommodations in each.

One of the best areas to stay in Krakow for tourists would undoubtedly be the Old Town.

It’s an obvious choice since you’d be in the heart of the city with many attractions, shops, and history around you. A stay at Venetian House Market Square Aparthotel may work well.

Hotel Pod Wawelem in Nowy Świat – with its rooftop terrace and river/city views – would make for a memorable first experience. It’s a little quieter, too, but so close to the Old Town.

We liked our more lively stay in the Jewish Quarter. The location is great for the river, nightlife, and getting back to the Old Town and beyond. A stay at PURO Kraków Kazimierz is a popular choice here for a reason!

Where to stay in Krakow near the train station?

Given that the city centre (in and around the Old Town) isn’t that large, you’re never too far from Kraków Główny (Krakow Mian Station).

Of course, if you have an early train or don’t want to worry about taking transit or cabs, there are plenty of great hotels right beside the station.

For hotels near Krakow central station, the very popular Sky Hotel Krakow and Hotel Europejski are both across the open plaza from the entrance.

Vienna House by Wyndham Andel’s Cracow is also very close to the station. For more of an apartment, Fresh Apartments are just a short walk north to the station.

Where to stay in Krakow near the airport?

Krakow Airport – officially “John Paul II Kraków-Balice International Airport” is located in the village of Balice. It is about a 20-minute drive or 50-minute transit ride from the city centre.

If you want to stay close to the airport to catch an early flight, there are a few accommodation options available.

The Hilton Garden Inn Krakow Airport is located right at the terminal.

The Hampton by Hilton Krakow Airport and the AirPark Balice are both very popular options just down the main road (about a 3 minute drive) that leads to the airport.

Related Articles

If you’re travelling to Poland (or exploring other parts of Europe ), here are some other helpful posts to get you planning:

• 3 Days in Krakow – Things to Do, Eat, and See
• Cheap Cities to Visit in Europe
• Europe Packing List: What to Bring

And there you have it – our detailed guide on where to stay in Krakow. In the end, there are so many great accommodation options in Krakow at such great prices.

Just remember to keep your budget in mind and book early if you know you’re visiting – especially in the busy summer season!

• Compare flights on Skyscanner
• Check for Hotel Deals or Book A Hostel
• Get A Rental Car (depending on the destination)
• Research plug types and possibly get a travel adapter
• Go over our packing list

Pin it for later!

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Destinations

Privacy policy

Disclaimer & Affiliate Disclosure

Terms of use

© 2024 Creativlier Media Inc.

Where to Stay in Krakow: 8 Best Areas

If you’re planning to visit the cultural hub and one-time capital of Poland, you’re probably wondering where to stay in Krakow to make the most of your short-break visit. Then this guide is for you!

Krakow lies in the south of Poland and covers an area of over 300 square kilometres (190 square miles). Established in the 11th century , it was the capital city of Poland until the 16th century, when that honour was passed to Warsaw.

As Poland’s only remaining medieval city centre after the horrors of the 1940s, Krakow was the first place to be awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1978, along with the nearby Wieliczka Salt Mine and the Saltworks Castle and Bochnia , to form the protected Royal Saltworks of Wieliczka and Bochnia.

Krakow is surrounded by a Jurassic landscape of rugged limestone cliffs, valleys and caves , with a backdrop of the Tatra Mountains.  

With Krakow’s John Paul II International Airport nearby (15km from the city centre) , it is a popular destination year-round, and attracts over 3-million visitors annually.

If you’re thinking about visiting this vibrant, attractive city, read on for the best places to stay in Krakow any time of the year.

Table of Contents

Where to Stay in Krakow: Best Areas

1. Stare Miasto, where to stay in Krakow for first-time visitors

Stare Miasto is the Old Town area and the shining jewel in Krakow’s crown, surrounded by the parks and gardens of Planty Park.

The area is full of cobbled streets, twisting alleyways, grand squares , numerous architectural styles, churches, synagogues, museums, hotels, restaurants and cafes.

Market Square , the large central square of the old town area, is the main hub for both residents and visitors arriving to partake in the many Catholic and Jewish religious ceremonies and gatherings that regularly take place in the city. 

It is also a popular meeting place for political rallies. Or somewhere to just chill and enjoy a coffee or drink while watching the world go by.

After coffee, you can seek out the Renaissance arcades of Cloth Hall and the asymmetrical towers of St Mary’s Basilica. You can look for the numerous Baroque churches and architecture around the area, as well as Renaissance and Gothic buildings. 

Over 20 museums cover everything from stained glass to photography to Japanese graphic comics and books (manga).

For Polish history buffs, you will also find numerous branches of the National Museum, including one in the basement of the Cloth Hall.

Look out for St Florian’s Church and the 15th-century gateway known as the Barbican. 

Then , take a stroll through St Florian’s Gate to Florianska Street and onto Grodzka Street, full of department stores and Polish high street brands.

There is a road known as ‘The Royal Road’ that passes some of the most important landmarks of the city. It includes Market Square, Wawel Hill with its 14th-century castle, the cathedral, and the Crown Treasury, home of the Polish Crown Jewels.

Walking is not the only way to explore this fascinating old area of the city. Public transport is excellent and free if you purchase a Krakow City Card , which also gives you access to most of the museums in the city. 

In addition, you can book organised tours by electric mini-moke, buses, or join a cycle tour (bikes can be hired).

With an excellent selection of restaurants, bars and clubs around the Stare Miasto area, you’re sure to find something to suit. From traditional diners to international restaurants and fast-food outlets, to quiet pubs and busy clubs, there is something here for everyone to fill their evenings.

If you prefer to avoid the busy tourist eateries, consider the Wierzynek restaurant . Situated on Market Square and said to have been operating since 1364, it has been visited by, amongst others, such notables as Fidel Castro, George Bush and Kate Moss.

If you like traditional settings offering quality regional cuisine with a bit of conventional entertainment, then you could do worse than sample the veal, lamb or pork in their own sauces, at the Morskie Oko restaurant in the old town.

If you pride yourself on being a bit of a foodie buff, consider signing up for the Krakow Food Tour , and enjoy sampling various specialities from the local area.

Accommodation in Stare Miasto for your stay in Krakow is plentiful , with a good selection of everything from hostels, self-catering apartments, B&Bs, aparthotels, Airbnb, and hotels. 

Considering its prime location for exploring the city, lodging prices in the main are excellent value.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN KRAKOW IN STARE MIASTO

• ($$$) Hotel H15 Luxury Palace
• ($$) Hotel Unicus Krakow Old Town
• ($) The Little Havana Party Hostel

2. Kazimierz, where to stay in Krakow for nightlife

Lying just south and across the river from the old town area , Kazimierz was, in 1335, founded as a town in its own right. 

Over the ensuing centuries, it became a central residential and commercial area of Krakow for Poland’s Jewish community until 1939, when Nazi Germany invaded the country. Post-war, the area never really recovered. 

By the late 1980s, it had descended into a district of derelict warehouses and empty decaying homes, occupied, save for a few hardy Jewish families, by the homeless and vagrants.

Nonetheless, its history couldn’t be erased, and when Steven Spielberg brought Schindler’s List to the big screen, it reignited the historical importance of Kazimierz .

New investment began to trickle in as increasing numbers of Jews began arriving to discover their roots, and other visitors to see first-hand the areas the film made so important.

Today, with much of the area renovated in its original style, Kazimierz is a thriving mix of Jewish and Christian cultures, combined with a flourishing arty type bohemian lifestyle of music and art, artisan shops, stores, galleries, and copious cafes and bars.

Old cobbled streets, large grand squares and narrow, twisting alleyways cry out to be walked – slowly. 

Enjoy the increasing amount of street art and murals , the numerous grand synagogues and churches with their respective cemeteries, and the old-style faux shopfronts of long ago Jewish stores.

Other places of interest include the squares of ul. Szeroka, Plac Nowy, ul. Meiselsa, ul. Dietla and Plac Wolnica . All are surrounded by grand old buildings, impressive architecture, shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants.

Many museums depict the history of Jewish life and culture in Poland, but two more general museums worth a visit are the Engineering Museum at ul. Św. Wawrzyńca 15 and the Ethnographic Museum at Pl. Wolnica 1.

With its numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants , Kazimierz is also a popular night-time area with both local students and visitors. Myriad local bars can be found tucked away in basements, cellars and terraces, making it a great area for a little pub crawling.

Although not particularly well endowed with international restaurants, you still have a choice of nearly 100 cafes and eateries to sit and enjoy the regional cuisine . Or sample the local street food and eat-on-your-feet.

Accommodation in the Kazimierz area is extensive and varied , ranging from basic guest houses, Airbnb’s and hostels to chain hotels and sumptuous lodgings.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN KAZIMIERZ

• ($$) PURO Kraków Kazimierz
• ($$) INX Design Hotel
• ($) Dom Studencki Zaułek  

3. Kleparz, cheap accommodation for backpackers and those travelling on a budget

Located just north of the city centre at the start of the Royal Road, Kleparz started life as a small independent village, then a town and then a city, before becoming a part of Krakow in 1791.

From its birth in the 12th century, the town was burnt down for one reason or another, no less than six times. Finally, its old timber buildings were demolished, and a smart new area of stone houses and mansions in art nouveau and neoclassical styles was built in the 19th century for Krakow’s wealthy elite.

Nowadays, Kleparz is primarily a residential area , especially popular with students from the University of Economics, AGH and Jagiellonian University campuses located near-by.

For residents wanting to get to other areas of Poland, the bus and train stations are just a short distance away. While for those visiting the sights and sounds during their stay in Krakow, one of the city’s largest shopping precincts, Galeria Krakowsk a, is just a short walk.

Local places of interest include the Academy of Fine Arts, St Florian Church and the Grunwald Monument . But the biggest draw with residents and visitors alike is the six days a week Stary Kleparz market.

The oldest market in Krakow , founded in the 14th century, is situated close to the main square at Rynek Kleparski 20, 31-150 Kraków. Trading since the Middle Ages, it was for many a lifeline during the years of a communist Poland. 

Today it is a market enjoyed by visitors and the local population alike, and sells everything from fresh produce and preserves, meats and dairy, to household goods, clothing, mementoes and souvenirs.

One tip if you plan on visiting the market during your stay in Krakow, make sure to change some cash to Polish zlotys. Although many stallholders have the equipment to take cards, the majority still prefer cash, which will often mean a better deal on your purchases.

Much of the accommodation available in Kleparz is private lets, guest houses or self-catering apartments , with a limited number of hotel rooms.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN KLEPARZ

• ($$) Hotel Indigo Krakow – Old Town, an IHG Hotel
• ($$) Vienna House Andel’s Cracow
• ($) Cracow Central Aparthotel

4. Grzegórzki, close to all you need to enjoy your stay in Krakow

Prior to the early 1970s, Grzegórzki was a part of Krakow city centre. Now, it has been designated a district in its own right and covers an area of 5.85sq km (2.25sq ml), with five separate suburbs of Dabie, Grzegórzki, Olsza, Osiedle Oficerskie and Wesoła.

Although a commercial and residential area , Grzegórzki is an exciting mix of historic buildings and modern apartments, bars, cafes, restaurants, hotels and shopping centres. 

Being physically still close to the city centre , it is an ideal base for those wondering where to stay in Krakow to be close to many of the city’s major attractions.

Although a relatively affluent area , it is as popular with university lecturers, families, artists, and students as with wealthy Poles and rich business people.

With a new railway station and excellent tram and bus infrastructure getting around is a breeze, although being so close to everything, cycling and walking are popular options.

One of Krakow’s most famous parks, Park Strzelecki, is located in Grzegórzki, as are the Vistula Boulevards , the historic Mańkowski Palace , an opera house and numerous theatres.

There are also several museums around the area. For example, the Celestial branch of the Krakow Museum has a permanent exhibition of the Krakow Fowler Brotherhood and City Defences, as well as regular temporary exhibitions.

If botany is your thing, pay a visit to the Palaeobotanical Museum and Gardens of the Institute of Botany , at the Jagiellonian University, reputed to be the oldest museum-style collection of Polish botanicals.

Around the area you will also find various murals on walls and buildings, such as the Wyspiański Mosaic, the”Hermes leading people to Hades” mural and the Mogilskie Rondo Mural.

For those souvenir hunts, the shopping precincts of Hala Targowa and Unitarg are also in the Grzegórzki district.

In the evenings, you can enjoy a meal in one of the many international restaurants. Or live like a local and visit a Polish bar mleczny (milk bar in polish), which are very popular with residents and those travelling on a budget.

For alcoholic type drinks, you will find plenty of choices from trendy student cocktail bars, to traditional Polish ale-houses.

For those wanting to be just a short distance from what they want to see and do during their stay in Krakow, Grzegórzki makes an excellent choice where to stay in Krakow.  

There is a good variety of accommodation around the area, comprising hostels and self-catering apartments, and private lets and hotels, including Hilton and Ibis.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN KRAKOW IN GRZEGORZKI

• ($$) Inpoint Smart Apartments
• ($$) The Loft All-Inclusive Hotel Adults Only
• ($) Vienna House Easy Cracow

5. Podgorze, cool place to stay in Krakow

On the southern bank of the River Wisla, opposite the district of Kazimierz, lies Podgorze (in English, Foothills), considered one of Krakow’s greenest areas . It has a backdrop of scenic natural beauty, made up of woods, hills and limestone cliffs that provide panoramic views across the city.

Podgorze dates back to the Stone Age, with a history going back 10,000 years. Although an independent city until 1795, it wasn’t until 1915 that it was incorporated as a part of Krakow. 

Krakow’s oldest monument, Krakus Mound , located in Podgorze, has been dated back to the Iron Age and is said to be the burial site of the city’s founder.

Through the Middle Ages and into the early 20th century, Podgorze was a central industrial hub, with numerous warehouses, quarries, brickworks and other industries providing employment for the local population. But its darkest days were yet to come.

During the war years, the Jewish community in Krakow were herded into the Podgorze ghetto , where many were to perish from ill-treatment, starvation or murder, while many more were shipped to the death camps of Plaszow, Auschwitz and Bełżec.

After the dark days of the war and years under the control of communist Russia, it wasn’t until the late 20th century that Podgorze began to move from its past.

Now, it is a mix of green parks, residential houses, apartments, light industry and warehousing. 

New bars, cafes, shopping centres and restaurants are opening, and new hotels are being built to cater to increasing numbers of visitors who want to learn more about its history, and it’s future.

If you’re staying in Kazimierz, you can begin your tour by crossing the river on the Bernatek footbridge into Podgorze. Then, follow the Brodzińskiego road to Rynek Podgórski and the magnificent St Joseph’s Church.

Follow the main walkway to Podgorze main square known as Plac Bohaterów Getta (Ghetto Heroes Square). It is a moving memorial of empty steel chairs dotted around the square to remember those who perished.

There are also several plaques describing the significance of certain buildings, and a mural to Poland’s favourite science-fiction author Stanislaw Lem.

You can visit the Schindler’s Factory Museum, and The Eagle Pharmacy. The only pharmacy allowed to dispense medication in the ghetto. In addition, you can view parts of the old ghetto wall at 25 Lwowska Street and 62 Limanowskiego Street.

Whether you are Jewish, Christian or a non-believer, even if you choose not to lodge in Podgorze, a day should be set aside during your stay in Krakow to visit the many monuments and memorials created in memorandum of those dark days of mans’ inhumanity to man.

As previously mentioned, Podgorze is blessed with much open space, and you can take a day away from the sightseeing on the many hiking and biking trails , which will take you up into the countryside for some fresh air and magnificent views.

In the evenings, Podgorze’s restaurants, bars and clubs are becoming increasingly popular with residents from across the river, who prefer to get away from the increasingly crowded venues in the main city areas.

Accommodation around Podgorze is plentiful and broad-spectrum , with hostels, guest houses, apartments, and budget, mid-range and upmarket hotels.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN PODGORZE

• ($$) Qubus Hotel Kraków
• ($$) The Bridge Suites
• ($) Hotel Wilga

Read also: Where to stay in Budapest , where to stay in Prague , where to stay in Sofia , where to stay in Budapest , where to stay in Bratislava

6. Ludwinow – Debniki, where to stay in Krakow on a budget

Sitting on the banks of the River Vistula, just two miles south of the old town area, Ludwinow is a residential/business area of hostels, apartment complexes and boutique hotels interspersed with colourful parks and gardens.

It is an increasingly popular area to stay in Krakow with business people , those travelling on a budget , or those who prefer to lodge away from the busier (and more costly) city centre hotels. But there is a lot more to Ludwinow than just cheap lodgings.

If you’re interested in how Cracovians spend their weekends and leisure time, trendy Ludwinow is the place to spend a couple of days. 

Most activities are centred around the contemporary Forum Przestrzenie . An old communist-era hotel sitting on the river bank, it has been refurbished into an impressive modern structure, specialising in the creative arts of film, music and street art.  

It also has a popular large café/restaurant and five bars, for when those thirst or hunger pangs strike.

On warm sunny days, the area is packed with people relaxing by the river bank or on the hundreds of deck chairs around the café area and towpath, where you can order breakfast, brunch, lunch or an evening meal.

The forum regularly puts on film shows, alternative music concerts, art exhibitions, book signings, conferences and fairs. 

You will also find a large Ferris wheel and a tethered hot-air balloon, from where you can enjoy fabulous views across the Krakow skyline.

If you enjoy theatre or ballet, check out the nearby ICE Congress Centre. 

Opened in 2014, with a capacity for 2,000 people, it holds many business conferences, trade shows, symposiums and business meetings, as well as cultural events such as classical concerts, opera, theatre and ballet. Check their website for upcoming events.

If you enjoy Asian art, look up the Manggha Museum of Japanese Art , where you can enjoy exhibitions of both Japanese and Korean works and learn a little about Japanese calligraphy.

Choosing Ludwinow for your stay in Krakow, you can enjoy both the benefits of cheap accommodation, and quieter, more relaxed evenings enjoying a meal and drinks.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN LUDWINOW – DEBNIKI

• ($$) Park Inn by Radisson Krakow
• ($$) Art Suites Boutique Hôtel – Krakow Center
• ($) Well Well Aparthotel

7. Nowy Swiat, a quiet picturesque district close to Old Town

Nestling on a bend on the banks of the River Vistula, west of the Stare Miasto area , lies the district of Nowy Swiat, or in English New World. 

Locally, it is often referred to as Smoleńsko, after the main street that runs west to east through the small district. In 1994 the whole area was designated an historical monument.

Just a short walk from the famous sights and attractions of the Old Town, it is a leafy suburb of luxury hotels and high-end shopping malls, chic cafes and quality restaurants.  

Zwierzyniecka Street is Krakow’s foremost centre of commerce , and runs southwest to northeast through the district, where many of Poland’s main banks have their headquarters.

While exploring along Zwierzyniecka Street, if you have a love of ghosts and ghouls, look out for Lost Souls Alley. Opened in 2013, it is an interactive mix of a haunted house and escape room.

You can choose from various game levels, depending on how scared and afraid you want to feel while trying to work out how to get from one haunted room to another.

Other, not quite so frightening attractions found in Nowy Swiat include.

• The Krakow Philharmonic Concert Hall
• The Rzeźba-Paweł Orłowski Art Gallery
• The workshop and Muzeum Witrażu w Krakowie, charting the design and making of stained glass
• And the oldest branch of the National Museum, at Emeryk Hutten-Czapski

The whole area is well served by public transport, but walking or cycling is highly recommended to make the most of this attractive district and its closeness to the nearby attractions.

Other places you might like to visit include the Stradom, and Wawel Castle with its dragon statue that breaths fire at regular intervals.

Evenings are what you make them. You can enjoy a romantic walk along the riverside towpath , before picking out your restaurant of choice for a fabulous gourmet meal. 

Or you can choose a leisurely stroll into the old town area to enjoy an al fresco cocktail while you watch the comings and goings on one of the many busy squares.

Accommodation around Nowy Swiat is plentiful , with guesthouses, B&Bs, self-catering apartments, pretty boutique hotels and five-star luxury.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN KRAKOW IN NOWY SWIAT

• ($$$) Bachleda Luxury Hotel Krakow MGallery Hotel Collection
• ($$) Hotel Kossak
• ($) Hotel Ibis Krakow Centrum

8. Nowa Huta, where to stay in Krakow for a communist-era experience

Situated east of Krakow, the industrial district of Nowa Huta was designed and built in the early 1950s, when Poland was under the influence of communist Russia.

It was decided a massive steel producing plant would help the country’s economic recovery. Nowa Huta means ‘New Steelworks’, and the area was chosen for this honour.

Paid for by Russia and gifted to Poland, the Lenin Steelworks was to provide employment for the local population, and it does, over 45,000 of them.

To house this burgeoning workforce, a whole new infrastructure of apartment blocks, shopping centres, roads, fresh water and drainage had to be built. And built to highlight all the ‘benefits’ of a new communist lifestyle.

Today, 30-years since the end of communism in Poland, the district of Nowa Huta has developed into a pleasant residential area of shopping malls, apartments, houses, hotels, ancillary businesses, parks and gardens.

Much of the communist era architecture remains , and all the wide tree-lined boulevards fan out from the city’s main square, making it easy to explore.

Consider breakfast or a coffee at one of Poland’s famous Milk Bar’s, before heading to the Nowa Huta Museum. Opened in 2019, the museum is situated underground and uses the many underground passages and shelters to display various exhibitions. 

While here, you can pick up a street map of things to visit around the area. Make your way to Central Square , always a busy area with residents and visitors. Around the square are residential apartment blocks, shops, offices, cafes and bars.

If you visit during the summer months, consider a pleasant stroll along Roz Avenue , with its borders of fragrant roses planted all along the street.

The Ludowy Folk Theatre , another communist-era building circa 1955, hosts a large collection of concerts and shows aimed at children and teenagers, and exhibitions, lectures, and seminars for adults.

For that much-needed downtime, you can pay a visit to the wide-open spaces of Wisniowy Sad Park with its children’s playground and an open-air gym. Or the Nowa Huta reservoir with its small island and abundant flora and fauna.

Other places of interest include the Military Museum and the Ice Rink.

There are plenty of pleasant Polish bars and excellent restaurants for your evenings out where you can enjoy some genuine Polish hospitality.

If you fancy a unique communist-era dining experience, look up Restaurant Stylowa. Not only is the building original, but much of the décor remains as it was in the early 1950s. 

Here you can indulge in Poland’s famous dumplings (Pierogi), beef soup (Borscht), or Bigos stew. All washed down with a popular local beer or a glass of one of the excellent local wines.

Accommodation around Nowa Huta for your stay in Krakow is plentiful and varied. From private lets, Airbnb, guesthouses, self-catering apartments and hotels to suit all pockets.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN KRAKOW IN NOWA HUTA

• ($$) Hotel Centrum Business
• ($) ibis Styles Kraków East
• ($) Hotel Justyna

Finally, many tourists arrive in Krakow specifically to visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum. 

Online or in your hotel you will find plenty of organised tour operators who will happily collect you from wherever you choose to stay in Krakow, and return you to your hotel at the end of the tour.

Images: Shutterstock

Leave a comment Cancel reply

We’re in Myanmar right now and it’s SO epic… click here to follow along on Instagram.

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Europe » Krakow

Where to Stay in Krakow (2024 • COOLEST Areas!)

As one of Poland’s oldest and largest cities, travellers flock to the city of Krakow for its rich history, vivid nightlife, mouthwatering cuisine an incredible architecture. Oh and the fact that all of that comes at a bloody great price!

Krakow is steeped in not only rich history but also folklore and legends. The city is a mosaic of unique architecture with it’s combination of Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque-style buildings. You could spend hours marvelling in the cities structures scattered around its cobbled stones streets.

But it’s a big city and there are tons of neighborhoods to choose from. Deciding where to stay in Krakow can be a daunting task. The best area to stay completely depends on YOU, your travel stuff and of course, your budget.

But never fear! Equipped with this ULTIMATE guide on the best areas to stay in Krakow – you’ll be all ready to book in your stay in no time. Not only will you find the best areas to stay but you’ll discover the top spots to stay and things to do in each area.

Whether you’re looking to dive into Poland’s tumultuous history, feast on the pierogie, or dance the night away at the hottest clubs; this guide will be your guiding light as to the best area for you.

Let’s get right to it. Here are my best top tips for where to stay in Krakow, Poland.

Where to Stay in Krakow

Krakow neighborhood guide – places to stay in krakow, krakow’s 5 best neighborhoods to stay in, faq about finding a place to stay in krakow, what to pack for krakow, don’t forget travel insurance for krakow, final thoughts on where to stay in krakow.

Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Krakow. Make sure you come up with a rough Krakow itinerary before you start your travels so you don’t end up stressing about last-minute planning or missing out on the best hotspots!

Stylish historical loft | Best Airbnb in Krakow

Style, comfort, history, great location, affordable – this Airbnb has it all. Seriously, there are no “but’s” when it comes to this home. The loft has an incredibly original design (check the pictures) while being super centrally located. Literally moments from the market and other cool things to see – there’s no FOMO for you! If you’re visiting the city for the first time, you won’t regret staying here.

INX Design Hotel | Best Hotel in Krakow

INX Design Hotel gets our vote for the best hotel in Krakow. It is ideally located in Kazimierz and is just a short walk from the hottest bars and trendiest restaurants in the city. Comprised of 122 rooms, this hotel has a variety of features, like an airport shuttle, a library and an on-site restaurant.

Woodpecker Hostel | Best Hostel in Krakow

This is our favourite hostel in Krakow because it has an excellent location in Old Town. It is within walking distance of the city’s top sights as well as restaurants, bars and shops. This modern property offers a variety of free things, like coffee/tea, vegetarian breakfast, lockers, and tours.

Need to spend some quality time with fellow backpackers? Get your fix by staying at one of these amazing hostels in Krakow!

Stare Miastro

If you’re visiting Krakow for the first time, there’s no better neighbourhood to stay in than Stare Miastro. Set at the centre of the city, Stare Miasto is the most famous neighbourhood in Krakow.

This vibrant district is located in central Krakow. It sits on the banks of the Vistula River and offers incredible views of Wawel Castle.

Just outside of Old Town is the eclectic Kazimierz neighbourhood. Krakow’s former Jewish Quarter, Kazimierz was all but destroyed during WWII. For years, it was one of the poorest and most dangerous areas of the city and was to be avoided by tourists and locals at all costs.

Across the river from Kazimierz is the massive Podgorze district. This is one of the coolest places to stay in Krakow because of its excellent mix of hip restaurants, trendy bars and stylish boutiques.

Kleparz is a laid-back residential neighbourhood situated north of the city centre. It is close enough to Stare Miastro that you can easily enjoy the city’s most famous landmarks, but it is far enough away that you can avoid the throngs of tourists.

Krakow is one of Europe’s most underrated cities. A tumultuous history, delicious restaurants, and plenty of beer, vodka and nightlife, Krakow is absolutely one of Europe’s best-kept secrets.

It is the second largest city in Poland. Krakow covers an area of 327 square kilometres and is divided into 18 diverse districts. To experience the best of Krakow, we recommend you visit at least three or four different neighborhoods based on your interests.

In this Krakow neighborhood guide, we’ll look at the best places in Krakow to stay based on what you want to do.

At the heart of the city is Stare Miastro. This lively district is where you’ll find plenty of history and culture, as well as restaurants, shops and bars. It’s our pick for the best neighborhood to stay in Krakow for sightseeing and exploring.

Set to the north is Kleparz. This is our best recommendation for where to stay in Krakow for families because it’s well connected to the city centre and has lush parks and a relaxed atmosphere.

Travel south from the city centre and you’ll arrive in Kazimierz. Home to the entertainment district, Kazimierz is the best area in Krakow to stay in for nightlife, drinking, dancing and dining.

Ludwinow is a charming district located southwest of Stare Miastro and Kazimierz. It is a vibrant district with incredible views and is packed with affordable accommodation options. Because of this, Ludwinow is our recommendation for where to stay in Krakow for a weekend or one night.

And finally, east of Ludwinow is Podgorze. One of the coolest places to stay in Krakow, Podgorze is a massive district that is home to historical attractions, hip hangouts, mouthwatering restaurants, and trendy bars and clubs.

Still not sure where to stay in Krakow? Don’t worry! Because, in this next section, we breakdown five of Krakow’s best neighborhoods in detail. Each of them offer some of the best places in Krakow , so if you can, make sure to visit all of them!

1. Stare Miastro – Where to Stay in Krakow for Your First Time

If you’re visiting Krakow for the first time, there’s no better neighborhood to stay in than Stare Miastro. Set at the centre of the city, Stare Miasto is the most famous neighborhood in Krakow. It’s where you’ll find the vast majority of Krakow’s most famous historical, cultural and tourist attractions, and is characterised by its cobblestone streets and elegant architecture.

Once located within the ancient city walls, Stare Miasto is the best neighborhood in Krakow to stay in if you’re looking to dive deep into history. Simply take a walk through the narrow streets and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Stylish historical loft | Best Airbnb in Stare Miastro

Hotel grodek | best hotel in stare miastro.

Hotel Grodek is conveniently located in Old Town, the best neighborhood in Krakow to stay in for sightseeing. You’ll find plenty of historical and cultural attractions nearby and this hotel is a short distance from bars, restaurants and shops. It offers unique and comfortable rooms, free wifi, a sauna, library and terrace.

Hotel Senacki | Best Hotel in Stare Miastro

This four-star hotel is packed with amazing features. It offers a gym, a coffee bar and a laundry service. It is comprised of 20 modern rooms with excellent amenities. Centrally located in Stare Miastro, this is one of the best places in Krakow to stay to see the top sights.

Woodpecker Hostel | Best Hostel in Stare Miastro

This is our favourite hostel in Krakow because it has an excellent location in Old Town. It is within walking distance of the city’s top sights as well as restaurants, bars and shops. This modern property offers a variety of free things, like coffee/tea, vegetarian breakfast, lockers, board games and tours.

Things to See and Do in Stare Miastro

• Browse the Sukiennice, Krakow’s historic Cloth Hall.
• Choose from a wide selection of bottled and draught brews at the House of Beer.
• Delve deep into Polish history at the National Museum.
• Drink cheap vodka and indulge in delicious pierogis at BaniaLuka.
• Explore Main Market Square, the main symbol of Krakow
• Feast on incredible traditional polish cuisine at U Babci Maliny.
• Go for a stroll through lush and scenic Planty Park.
• See the 14th century St. Florian’s Gate.
• Sip cocktails at Paparazzi.
• Visit the historic and stunning Wawel Castle.

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

2. Ludwinow – Where to Stay in Krakow on a Budget

This vibrant district is located in central Krakow. It sits on the banks of the Vistula River and offers incredible views of Wawel Castle. It is the best area in Krakow to stay in if you’re looking to be close to the action, but have the opportunity to escape the crowds.

The central neighborhood of Ludwinow is also our pick for Krakow’s best neighborhood if you’re on a budget. Tucked throughout this chic and hip ‘hood is an array of good value and affordable Krakow accommodation options. From backpacker hostels to boutique hotels, there’s something for visitors of all styles in Ludwinow.

Comfy private room | Best Airbnb in Ludwinow

Staying at very cheap places can sometimes be a bit dodgy. But not with this Airbnb. You’ll have a private room in a shared apartment. The whole place is exceptionally clean and beautifully designed. Kitchen and bathroom are shared with the host who’s always ready to give you great recommendations for the area. You’re a bit further outside the city centre but still in short walking distance.

Chilli Hostel | Best Hostel in Ludwinow

This charming hostel is conveniently located in Krakow. It’s a short walk from Old Town and is a stone’s throw from the hottest bars and clubs in Kazimierz. This hostel has spacious dorms with wooden beds and shared bathroom facilities. There’s also free wifi on-site.

Apartment London Krakow | Best Hotel in Ludwinow

Apartment London Krakow is comprised of two spacious apartments. Each is outfitted with a range of excellent amenities and has access to a terrace and a garden. This property is located in Ludwinow and is close to popular tourist attractions, landmarks, bars and clubs.

B&B Hotel Krakow Centrum | Best Hotel in Ludwinow

Set in central Krakow, this is an excellent option for Krakow accommodation if you’re on a budget. It has comfortable, stylish and spacious rooms at an affordable price. You’ll also find Krakow’s major tourist attractions, like Wawel Castle, are just a stone’s throw away.

Things to See and Do in Ludwinow

• Aim for a bullseye at Axe Nation.
• Catch some rays at Krakow’s riverside artificial beach.
• Drink and dance at Forum Przestrizenie, an alternative bar in a cool former communist venue.
• Enjoy a delicious snack from Joker Kebab.
• Excite your sense at Press Café.
• Learn about pinball machines and arcade games at the Krakow Pinball Museum.
• Rent kayaks and glide along the city’s spectacular river.
• Take a trip to nearby Zakrzowek, a fantastic reservoir perfect for swimming, trekking and relaxing.

3. Kazimierz – Where to Stay in Krakow for Nightlife

Just outside of Old Town is the eclectic Kazimierz neighborhood. Krakow’s former Jewish Quarter, Kazimierz was all but destroyed during WWII. For years, it was one of the poorest and most dangerous areas of the city and was to be avoided by tourists and locals at all costs.

Today, thanks to a recent influx of restaurants, bars and clubs, Kazimierz is one of the best places in Krakow to stay for nightlife. It’s within this district that you’ll find the best bars , liveliest clubs and an exciting and energetic atmosphere almost every day of the week. So, if you’re looking for where to stay in Krakow for nightlife, look no further than central Kazimierz.

Small and quiet studio | Best Airbnb in Kazimierz

Silence and comfort – the two things you 100% need after a night out. Make sure to get the best recovery by staying at this cute Airbnb. The loft is cosy, very comfy and in the best area. With pubs, bars and clubs only moments away you can be sure that the night is going to bring great memories. The backyard loft offers a peaceful sleep too.

Green Hostel | Best Hostel in Kazimierz

The Green Hostel offers affordable accommodations in Kazimierz, one of the best areas to stay in Krakow for nightlife. It has private rooms with bathrooms and has an authentic Polish feel. Guests have access to a shared kitchen with free coffee and tea. Wifi and towels and linens are included with each reservation.

INX Design Hotel | Best Hotel in Kazimierz

INX Design Hotel gets our vote for the best hotel in Krakow. It is ideally located in Kazimierz and is close to the hottest bars and trendiest restaurants in the city. Comprised of 122 rooms, this hotel offers a variety of features, like an airport shuttle, library and on-site restaurant.

Hotel Columbus Krakow | Best Hotel in Kazimierz

This centrally located hotel is an excellent base for exploring Krakow. It is close to popular tourist attractions and is within walking distance of restaurants, bars, clubs and shops. This cosy hotel has 24 recently refurbished rooms which are outfitted with modern amenities. There’s also a delicious on-site restaurant that serves breakfast each morning.

Things to See and Do in Kazimierz

• Dance the night away at Cocon, one of the biggest LGBTQ clubs in Poland.
• Dine on tasty Polish dishes at Moment Resto Bar.
• Drink beers at Propaganda.
• Enjoy a night of music and drinks at Le Scandale Garden.
• Grab a quick bite at Hamsa Hummus & Happiness.
• Indulge in modern Polish fare at Plac Nowy
• Satisfy your sweet tooth at Mleczarnia.
• Sip cocktails at Alchemia.
• Sit back and enjoy a few Cuban-style cocktails at La Habana.
• Start your day with a breakfast buffet at Kolanko no 6.
• Visit the Old Synagogue, one of two surviving Gothic synagogues in the world.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

4. Podgorze – Coolest Place to Stay in Krakow

Across the river from Kazimierz is the massive Podgorze district. This is one of the coolest places to stay in Krakow because of its excellent mix of hip restaurants , trendy bars and stylish boutiques. Here you can enjoy everything from a day of shopping to a night on the town at Krakow’s coolest haunts.

This lively and vibrant district is also one of the best areas to stay in Krakow for history buffs. The now popular Podgorze district was the site of the WWII Jewish Ghetto and is where you can find the Oskar Schindler Factory as well as many monuments and historical landmarks.

From history and culture to shopping, dining and beyond, Podgorze is a neighborhood that has it all!

Unique riverside apartment | Best Airbnb in Podgorze

Yeah, the area you’re staying at is super cool, but this Airbnb is even cooler. Just check out the pictures yourself! Its unique design will make you feel welcome as soon as you step in. The apartment is linked to an Art Gallery, which you can always check out. There are new artists almost every day. Bonus: you’ll have a beautiful balcony and two bikes to explore the city.

Automobil Hotel | Best Hotel in Podgorze

Automobil Hotel is a contemporary three-star property set in central Krakow. It has 18 rooms and a variety of features, like luggage storage and a ticket desk. Guests of this hotel will love how close it is to tourist attractions and landmarks, as well as eateries, bistros and bars.

Apartamenty Lila | Best Hotel in Podgorze

This modern property is the perfect home away from home in Krakow. It has comfortable and spacious rooms, a private bath and plenty of features. You’ll have your own kitchenette where you can prepare meals, and there’s also a small seating area. This property is also outfitted with free wifi.

#Lwowska26 Hostel | Best Hostel in Podgorze

This brand new, modern hostel is one of the coolest places to stay in Krakow. It provides comfortable dorm-style accommodations just steps from Krakow’s hippest restaurants, bars and shops. This hostel offers a variety of features, including a large common room with a big screen TV, a full kitchen, and free wifi.

Things to See and Do in Podgorze

• Choose from a vast array of wines at Krako Slow Wines.
• Dance the night away at Drukarnia.
• Dine on delicious Polish home cooking at Bar Mleczny Poludniowy.
• Eat tasty pierogis at Galicja Po Kolei.
• Enjoy the views from the Krakus Mound.
• Feast on traditional Polish dishes at Ogniem i Mieczem.
• Go for a stroll through Bednarski Park.
• Grab drinks at Punkt Docelowy.
• Indulge in great food at Cawa.
• Satiate your appetite at Jadlodajnia.
• See an incredible collection of modern art at MOCAK.
• Take a tour of Oskar Schindler’s Factory.
• Visit Ghetto Heroes Square.

5. Kleparz – Where to Stay in Krakow for Families

Kleparz is a laid-back residential neighborhood situated north of the city centre. It is close enough to Stare Miastro that you can easily enjoy the city’s most famous landmarks, but it is far enough away that you can avoid the throngs of tourists.

This is our number one pick for where to stay in Krakow for families. It has a great selection of lush parks, historic landmarks, cultural icons and delicious restaurants to explore and experience. So, whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it – and more – in vibrant Kleparz.

Keen to try traditional Polish fare? Kleparz is one of the best places to stay in Krakow to indulge in pierogis, herring, and other local delicacies.

Dizzy Daisy Downtown Hostel | Best Hostel in Kleparz

The Dizzy Daisy Downtown Hostel is one of the best places to stay in Krakow for families on a budget. It has spacious private rooms and provides access to a great selection of facilities and features. Just north of downtown, this hostel is close to Stare Miastro and many of Krakow’s best activities and attractions.

Old Time Hotel | Best Hotel in Kleparz

The Old Time Hotel is strategically located in central Krakow. It is comprised of 26 rooms with free wifi, private showers and comfortable settings. There are also several rooms that are perfect for families. Close to the city centre, there are restaurants, shops, bars, and more nearby.

Chic central city apartment | Best Airbnb in Kleparz

This Airbnb has made it to the top on our list. The massive apartment is ideal for families, with a total of 4 beds and a capacity of (max) 7 people. You’ll only find quality amenities, bright rooms and a sparkling clean kitchen. Jan Matejko Square is right outside your door, which is where parades and festivals usually take place. The district is safe, but central – perfect for families.

Red Brick Apartments | Best Hotel in Kleparz

Red Brick Apartments is conveniently located in Krakow. It is within walking distance of Main Market Square and is close to the train station and public transit. Apartments are well-equipped with modern features and are large enough for families. There’s also free wifi.

Things to See and Do in Kleparz

• Excite your senses with fresh flavours at Urban Garden Café Bar & Restaurant.
• Experience a fresh twist on traditional Polish dishes at Glonojad.
• Learn about Krakow history and make your own bagels at the Zywe Muzeum Obwarzanka.
• Sample and snack your way around Stary Kleparz, the oldest and most colourful market in Krakow.
• Sink your teeth into a delicious burger from Farma Burgerownia Roslinna.
• Take a stroll through Park Jalu Kurka.
• Tease your tastebuds at Polonia Restauracja.
• Tour the Barbican, a 15th-century circular fortress.
• Visit the Grunwald Monument.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Krakow and where to stay.

What’s the best area to stay in Krakow?

The best area to stay in Krakow is Podgorze. It is full of cool restaurants, bars and boutiques, as well as cultural hotspots. Unique Riverside Apartment is the best Airbnb in the area.

Where should you stay for a first time in Krakow?

Stare Miastro is a great area for first timers to Krakow. With lots of historical sights, tourist attractions and activities, your days will be filled with fun. Hotel Grodek is the best hotel in Stare Miastro.

Is 3 days enough in Krakow?

Yes! 3 days is more than enough time to be able to explore all the best bits of Krakow.

Is Krakow safe to walk at night?

As with any city, it is recommended to avoid walking or travelling by public transport alone at night in Krakow.

Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Krakow is a lively and vibrant city that is well worth a place on your bucket list. It has a diverse history and unique culture and offers an exciting selection of nightlife, dining and shopping options. So whether you want to delve deep into history or indulge in vodka and pierogies, Krakow has something to satisfy travellers of all tastes, styles AND budgets.

If after reading this guide you’re still not sure which neighborhood is right for you, here is a quick recap of our favourite places:

Woodpecker Hostel in Old Town is our favourite hostel because it has a great location, modern décor, and offers a great selection of free amenities and features.

INX Design Hotel is also a great option because it is within walking distance of trendy bars and popular restaurants, and it has a vast array of features and facilities.

• Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Krakow .
• Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in Krakow to plan your trip.
• Planning out an itinerary for Krakow is a great way to maximise your time.
• Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for Europe .
• Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
• Our in-depth Europe backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Agness and Cez

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

7 minute walk to the Main Square and Railway Station

Free internet across the entire facility

Kitchenettes with kettle and microwave

• Reception open 9:00-22:00
• Check in time: 2.00 pm, check out time: 11:00 am
• City parking, payable from 10:00 to 20:00 6zł/h (Sunday and holidays free).

Radziwillowska 13

31-026 Kraków, Poland

THE 10 BEST Krakow Accommodation

Krakow Accommodation

Property types, distance from, neighbourhoods, traveller rating, hotel class, popular hotels in krakow right now.

• Best Value Properties ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data, including traveller ratings, confirmed availability from our partners, prices, booking popularity and location, as well as personal user preferences and recently viewed hotels.
• Traveller Ranked Highest rated hotels on Tripadvisor, based on traveller reviews.
• Distance to city centre See properties located closest to the centre first with confirmed availability for your dates from our partners

1. Queen Boutique Hotel

2. Metropolitan Boutique Hotel

3. Stradonia Serviced Apartments

4. PURO Krakow Kazimierz

5. Hotel Wawel Queen

6. Wyndham Grand Krakow Old Town

7. Grand Ascot Hotel

8. Hotel Betmanowska Main Square Residence Adults Only

9. Hyatt Place Krakow

10. Mercure Krakow Stare Miasto

11. Hotel Saski Krakow, Curio Collection by Hilton

12. Holiday Inn Krakow City Centre, an IHG Hotel

13. Venetian House Aparthotel

14. Antique Apartments Plac Szczepanski

15. Bachleda Luxury Hotel Kraków - MGallery

16. H15 Luxury Palace

17. Hotel Polski Pod Bialym Orlem

18. Garden Square Hotel

19. Leonardo Boutique Hotel Krakow Old Town

20. Metropolo Krakow by Golden Tulip

21. Hotel Wyspianski

22. Hotel Santi

23. Ibis Budget Krakow Stare Miasto

24. Best Western Plus Krakow Old Town

25. Radisson Blu Hotel Krakow

26. Aparthotel Stare Miasto

27. Balthazar Design Hotel

28. Hotel Stary

29. Hotel Novotel Krakow Centrum

30. AC Hotel by Marriott Krakow

Krakow Accommodations Information

Hotels in popular neighbourhoods.

Hotels near the sights

With this alert, we will update you once there are new properties available matching your filtered preferences.

By clicking Send, you agree to our Privacy Policy

Krakow Apartments for Rent

• Nestpick: Furnished Apartments & Rooms
• Apartments for Rent
• Apartments in Krakow

One of the oldest and most historic cities in Poland, Krakow is a cultural icon with a stunning old town and more cobbled, winding streets than you can count. Apartments in Krakow range from being found in storied older buildings in the city center to more modern apartment blocks as you get a little further out of town.

As well as being able to see history out of your window, renting a flat in Krakow means that you have access to one of Europe's best-known party hotspots, with the city known for its nightlife. With the amount of coffee shops and parks in the city though, there truly is something for everyone and with the country and city getting more well-known and popular, now is the perfect time to rent an apartment in Krakow.

Furnished and Serviced Apartments in Krakow

Krakow is emerging as a business powerhouse in Poland, and as such the number of serviced apartments in Krakow is rising with facilities specifically designed for the business traveler with high speed internet and more luxurious accommodations provided.

Types of Accommodations in Krakow

• Rooms for Rent in Krakow
• Student Accommodation in Krakow
• Studio Apartments in Krakow

Krakow Apartments by District

Krakow is a very historic city and has been multicultural for 100's of years. As such there are so many different districts and places to live, each with different vibes and feelings. The old town is about as charming as it gets and although rents are higher here than elsewhere, how often do you get to spend time in an UNESCO tagged old town?

Podgorze has often been none solely as the location of Schindlers infamous factory, now a thronging tourist hub – however the district is getting steadily cooler and is hailed as one of the most up and coming neighborhoods in the city. The same can be said for Nowa Huta. Although communist buildings are still everywhere, the district is experiencing gentrification with lots of trendy loft style apartments coming on the market.

Apartments in Old Town

Officially recognized as a UNESCO Heritage sight, Krakow's Old Town truly is a sight to behold. With grand market squares, bustling streets and fabulous architecture everywhere – it’s a feast for the eyes. Renting an apartment in Krakows old town comes with its ups and downs – with higher prices than elsewhere in the city and the constant presence of people, it might not be the most peaceful place to rent an apartment.

However, if you are filling to jump feetfirst into the wonders of the city, then renting a flat in Stare Miasto really is the way to go. There are allegedly more bars in the city centre, per square meter, than any other city in Europe and so nightlife here is a big draw.

Apartments in Kazimierz

Every city has a downtown, be bit big and bright like central London, or charming but grand like Krakow – every city also has the slightly more trendy neighborhoods – less chain restaurants and more of an independent feel - with bars, coffee shops and boutique clothing store littering the streets. Apartments in Kazimierz benefit, have all this bohemian coolness on their doorstep.

Kazimierz has a charm about it unlike many other places, with the haunting past of the Jewish district mixed in with the celebration of Jewish culture that is prevalent today. Both chic bars and cosy mom and pop style restaurants are undergoing a renaissance here and finding a flat for rent in Kazimierz could be one of the best decisions you make.

Salwator Apartments

Apartments in Salwator have alwys been sought after by those wanting a little more greenery around them, to be close to the city (just a 25-minute walk) but far enough away that the streets are fairly quiet at night.

Salwator has been one of the more affluent areas of Krakow for a while now and so renting an apartment here won't be the cheapest option – but with the villas and grand churches lining the streets - all surrounded by trees that are magnificent in the summer, will make you want to stay here for a long long time. Krakow's city center is easily walkable or handily reached by public transport and so flats in Salwator have both city convenience and woodland walks just moments away.

Krakow Student Apartments

Krakow is a perfect student city, and indeed during the school year, 20% of Krakow's entire population is made up of students. As such, student accommodation in Krakow is very easy to come by. With students from around Poland coming to study here as well as a host of different European and international students, there is a great multicultural feel to the student body here. A lot of the universities have student accommodation which is very affordable, however a lot of the time you may be sharing a room with someone.

Private flats are another option for student accommodation in Krakow but with higher prices, many people look for flat mates to share the cost and so you can often find good deals on rooms to rent.

Public Transport Krakow

Unlike a lot of major European cities, Krakow doesn't have a metro system for getting around town – the city isn't big enough to really warrant it. With its size, Krakow is very walkable and there tonnes of bike paths for cyclists to take advantage of. There is a good public transportation system here – with buses and trams running all over the city from 5am to 10pm every day!

Where to Stay in Krakow First Time: 9 Best Areas

In this guide, I will help you to find Where to stay in Krakow first time . We will be looking at the best areas to stay in Krakow for first-timers (with a map and video), and best hotels in Krakow for all budgets (including the hotel where I stayed).

Located in on the Vistula River in the Lesser Poland region, Kraków is the second largest city in Poland after Warsaw. Known for its well preserved historic quarters and buildings, Krakow is a fascinating city to visit. From the myth of its founding by a dragon slaying prince to its more factual history, Krakow is a city bursting with culture.

Krakow Old Town along with salt mines in Bochnia and Wieliczka is UNESCO World Heritage Site from 1978. it is home to biggest market square in Europe, Rynek Glowny!

The comprehensive public transport system with a whopping twenty-seven tram lines will allow you to explore the whole city easily and quickly, no matter where you choose to stay. Krakow’s John Paul II International Airport is only 15km from city center, easily reachable by train, bus, taxi, or car rentals.

Where to stay in Krakow first time?

The best areas to stay in Krakow for first-timer are the Old Town, Kazimierz- Jewish Quarter, Kleparz, Podgorze, Grzegórzki, and Ludwinow. These are the city’s most popular neighborhoods for tourist that offers a wide variety of tourist attractions and amenities.

Krakow is compact and walkable, I recommend to spend at least 3-4 days, which is a good amount of time to do sightseeing and get the sense of the local culture and history. If you have more time, you can take a day trip to Auschwitz Birkenau, Wieliczka Salt Mine, and Zakopane.

Where did I stay in Krakow?

When I first visited Krakow, I stayed for 5 nights at the beautiful Aparthotel Stare Miasto . It has a prime location in the heart of Old Town, a short walk from the Main Market Square. There were many restaurants and cafés nearby. I had a clean and spacious apartment with a fully-equipped kitchenette.

Overviews of best areas to stay in Krakow for first-time tourists

Here is an overview of recommended areas in Krakow for first-time visitors:

🎬 You can watch this short video about the best areas in Krakow, and continue reading:

Map of areas in Krakow:

Best areas to stay in Krakow for first-time tourists are:

1. stare miasto (old town).

The Old Town is the best overall area to stay in Krakow for first-timers beacause it is the centremost point of Krakow. It is home to many tourist attractions including the famous St. Mary’s Basilica and Wawel Royal Castle, as well as plenty of amenities such as hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Known as Stare Miasto in the native Polish, the historic Old Town is surrounded by a belt of lush Planty Park and is packed with winding cobbled streets, churches, synagogues, and squares.

Stare Miasto is one of two districts of Krakow that were granted UNESCO World Heritage status back when the very first list was created in 1978. The whole area is packed with stunning historic buildings that create a delightfully charming old world atmosphere. 

Krakow is a compact city, you can easily explore on foot or by public transport. It has good public tranport system with cheap and reliable buses and trams. You can consider to buy the Krakow City Card which is inexpensive and allows you to enter almost all Krakow’s museums.

The heart of the old town is the Main Market Square , better known locally as Rynek Glowny. As the largest medieval market square in central Europe and over eight hundred years old, Rynek Glowny is steeped in history. There are several monuments, fountains, and ancient buildings within and around the square.

The centrepiece of the market square is Cloth Hall, or Sukiennice . The grand building was once a bustling covered market. It is now populated with small souvenir shops, outdoor restaurants and café’s, many with tables spilling out into the square. A lovely place to enjoy lunch on a pleasant day or buy amber jewelry, which Poland is known for.

Overlooking the main square from the east is the massive St Mary’s Basilica . The mighty, red brick cathedral features two spired towers and a stunningly ornate interior. Both the outside and inside are worth exploring, with many relics, bronzes, and artworks to discover.

Beneath the market square is the Rynek Underground . The high tech underground museum winds through the ancient streets upon which the square was built. Entry is free on Tuesdays, so plan your visit accordingly if you want to save some cash. 

Numerous other museums are crammed within the Old Town. As you would expect, there are multiple history museums:

• The 14th century Town Hall Clock Tower , a must-see landmark, located in the main square.
• The Historical Museum of the City of Kraków is great for learning specifically about the city. 
• The Princes Czartoryski Museum , housed within an old palace, displaying a collection of artworks, sculptures, handicrafts, and Leonardo Da Vinci’s paintings. 
• The Jan Matejko House , located in the former house of the famous Polish painter Jan Matejko, displaying both his works and furniture
• The Bunkier Museum of Contemporary Art for modern artworks. 

At the northern end of Stare Miasto you can exit the Old Town via St Florian’s Gate . The gate was built in the 14th-century as part of the city’s defensive walls and now acts as a pretty entryway into leafy Planty Park.

Just beyond St Florian’s Gate is Krakow Barbican . Another fortified gateway, this one built in the 15 th century, the Krakow Barbican has a much more imposing, castle style. The fortress now acts as a branch of the city’s history museum. 

The lovely Florianska Street is one of the main streets in the center of the Old Town where you will find many cafes, bars, and restaurants. It’s a romantic walk to stroll along for couples. The Royal Route starts from St. Florian’s Gate and ends at the Wawel Royal Castle, which is located on the top of the hill overlooking Wisła river. 

On Florianska Street, you can also find Museum of the Jagiellonian University Medical College and House of Jan Matejko.

If you want to shop, you can head to the largest shopping mall in Krakow in the east of the old town, Galeria Krakowska . Alternatively, Bonarka City Center is just a short drive away and less crowded.

Apart from sightseeing, you can enjoy the food at Wierzynek restaurant and Morskie Oko restaurant . Located is right on the Main Market Square, Wierzynek restaurant is one of Krakow’s oldest restaurants that served famous people such as George Bush, Kate Moss, and Fidel Castro.

Being the centre of tourism in Krakow, this is one of the most popular places for visitors to stay. As such, you will have plenty of accommodation options to choose from, but it is also more expensive than elsewhere in the city. You can still find some more budget options, but they will be a lot more basic than what you could enjoy elsewhere in the city for the same money. 

Stay in Old Krakow (Stare Miasto) If you are visiting Krakow for the first time; you are only in Krakow for a shorter trip; you want to stay right at the heart of the city centre; you want to be completely immersed in Krakow’s rich history.

Best places to stay in Krakow Old Town for first-timers:

• Luxury ($$$): Radisson Blu Hotel Krakow
• Mid-range ($$): PURO Kraków Kazimierz
• Budget ($): Hotel Europejski

See more: Best areas to Stay in Warsaw

2. Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz)

Kazimierz along with Krakow Od Town was designated as one of the first ever UNESCO World Heritage sites . Kazimierz has developed into one of the coolest areas in the city with a bohemian vibe.

Due to its central location, conveniently located between the Old Town and Vistula River, Kazimierz is one of the best places to stay in Krakow for the first time.

Kazimierz is where much of the classic movie Schindler’s List was filmed. Although the real life events took place in another district, the old synagogues and Jewish cultural hubs made a perfect backdrop for the movie. 

Around a 20 minute walk from the Old Town, you will be staying comfortably close to the top attractions of the city. Keep your eyes peeled when walking around the area. You are sure to spot some of the incredible street art decorating various buildings. 

Previously a much rougher area, rejuvenation efforts over the last few decades have elevated Kazimierz into a vibrant centre of culture, hospitality, and entertainment. You will find tons of bohemian bars, nightclubs and restaurants here, making this one of the best areas in the city for nightlife. 

Kazimierz is great for foodies , packed full of some of the best restaurants in Krakow. There’s a huge range of food available to try here from Japanese and Georgian to traditional Polish cuisine. 

If you are after something a little less formal, head to the Okrąglak building . The permanent, circular street food market surrounds a central food court. It is a cool and cosy place to try various dishes prepared by local vendors. 

If you need something to wash all that good food down, then you will be pleased to know that Kazimierz is also a haven for craft beer fans. Within the district you will find microbreweries and numerous small pubs and bars offering a wide variety of beverages. 

If you are looking for some evening entertainment, you will want to head back to Plac Nowy , the square in which the Okrąglak food market is located. Whilst during the day the square is a bustling hub of hungry locals, it becomes the centre of Krakow’s nightlife in the evening, as it is surrounded by trendy bars. 

Szeroka Street is where you can find traditional Polish Jewish restaurants and bars. There are numerous cultural landmarks on the street such as Oppidum Judaeorum, Popper Synagogue, the 15th century Old Synagogue, and the Remah Synagogue.

Following their persecution during the second world war, the Jewish population of Kazimierz largely disappeared. However, it has built back up over the intervening years, making Kazimierz a true Jewish Quarter once again. 

The history and culture of Krakow’s Jewish population is celebrated at the Jewish Cultural festival each summer. The festival is spread over two weeks, with hundreds of events ranging from concerts and parties to lectures and workshops. 

The Jewish Quarter is home to various museums detailing the history of Krakow’s Jewish population, such as:

• The Galicia Jewish Museum , with exhibits on the local Jewish culture, and the impact of the holocaust.
• the Engineering Museum .
• the Ethnographic Museum.

Whilst the area is primarily populated with synagogues, there is one particularly lovely cathedral in the area. The Corpus Christi Basilica was built in the 15th-century by King Casimir III the Great and still towers over the surrounding buildings. Church on the Rock is also a must-see, that is dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel and St. Stanislaus.

Like the Old Town, Kazimierz is wildly popular with tourists and can get pretty pricey as a result. However, you will have an easier time finding great quality affordable accommodation here compared to Old Town.

Stay in The Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz) If You want to stay in a historic yet trendy neighbourhood; Staying at the heart of the city’s top nightlife district would be ideal; You love food and want to try as much as possible during your trip;

Best places to stay in Krakow in Kazimierz for first-time visitors:

• mid-range ($$): Golden Tulip Krakow Kazimierz
• mid-range ($$): INX Design Hotel
• Budget ($): Aparthotel Miodowa

3. Kleparz and Wesoła

Kleparz and Wesoła are much more of local neighbourhoods, located just north of the Old Town and are perfect for anyone who wants to keep close to the city centre whilst avoiding the tourist crowds.

You can also get a bit more cheaper accommodation compared to in the Old Town. It’s a great location for backpacker who travel on a budget.

Kleparz is known to be one of the more upscale neighbourhoods in Krakow. In contrast to the neighbouring Old Town, the buildings here are largely of an Art Nouveau style, offering a more contemporary elegance. That is not to say there are no historic attractions here at all. Far from it, as Kleparz is still one of the older areas of the city. 

St Florian Church , for example, dates back to the 12th-century, although it has burned and been reconstructed and altered numerous times throughout the centuries. Its current façade is in the baroque style, with pretty mouldings, domes, and towers. 

On the road leading from Kleparz into the Old Town is the Jan Matejko Square . The square honouring the talented Polish artist is home to several monuments. The most significant of these is the Grunwald Monument, a bronze and granite plinth commemorating the 15th-century Battle of Grunwald. 

While you are here, you should definitely stop by Stary Kleparz . This iconic covered market is the oldest still running market in Krakow, having been founded over eight hundred years ago. The eclectic stalls sell pretty much anything you could want to buy. Food, clothes, spices, knickknacks, you will find it all in Stary Kleparz.

If you are after a more contemporary shopping experience, then you should head to Galeria Krakowska instead. Galeria Krakowska is the largest shopping centre in Krakow, with over 250 stores, coffee shops, food stalls, and restaurants.

Kleparz is a student friendly neighorborhood, where you can find campuses of Jagiellonian University, AGH and the University of Economics.

One of the top benefits to staying in Kleparz is keeping close to Krakow Glowny Train Station . As Krakow’s main train station, Krakow Glowny is particularly well connected, with lines leading both through and out of the city. You can reach Warsaw within 3 hours by train with a lot of sights to see.

If you are hoping to explore outside of Krakow, Krakow Glowny is the perfect gateway to the surrounding area. You can easily hop on a train for day trips to places such as the infamous Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp . If you are not confident about navigating the trains on your own, there are various tour companies that will take you to the camp.

Being within walking distance of the city centre and all the attractions therein, whilst being much less busy itself, Kleparz is a great choice for families visiting Krakow with children. There are also quite a few options for keeping kids entertained such as Womai Centre, the children’s playground in Ogród Kasztanowy Park, and Park Kleparski.

Being a more upmarket area, the accommodation options in Kleparz and Wesola are similarly fancy. You will have your pick of boutique style hotels, luxury guesthouses, and stylish apartments . It is not the top choice for budget travellers, but it is a little better than the city centre. 

Stay in Kleparz and Wesoła If you want a quieter neighbourhood that is still close to the city centre; you travel on a budget; you are a family visiting with children;

Best places to stay in Krakow in Kleparz for the first time:

• mid-range ($$): Hotel Indigo Krakow
• mid-range ($$): Avena Boutique Hotel by Artery Hotels
• budget ($): Cracow Central Aparthotel

4. Grzegórzki

Located directly east of the Old Town, it is just a short walk from the attractions of central Krakow, so it is one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Krakow on a budget or want to avoid crowds whilst still seeing all the sights.

Grzegórzki is very much a diamond in the rough neighbourhood. Aesthetically utilitarian, the district nevertheless has plenty to offer for those willing to look beyond its grey façade.

Ignored by most tourists, Grzegórzki offers a brilliant opportunity to really experience life like the local people. Within the neighbourhood you will find lots of small family run restaurants and local bars, where you can get to know the locals. 

Another way to mingle with the local people and experience domestic life in Krakow is to visit Hala Targowa . The Sunday flea market is a wonderful, lively place to browse for antiques and trinkets or pick up unique souvenirs. There are always some fantastic street food vendors to grab lunch from too. 

If you would rather browse more contemporary stores, then head to Galeria Kazimierz instead. The modern shopping centre boasts over 160 stores, restaurants, and leisure facilities.

One of the top attractions within Grzegórzki itself is the Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden . The 18th-century botanical gardens are home to thousands of plant species. It is especially beautiful in the sunshine, but the glistening glass houses ensure it is comfortable to visit, whatever the weather. 

In the middle of a roundabout just across the road from the botanical gardens are the Bastion V Lubicz ruins . The ruins are the remains of a 19th-century fort and worth keeping an eye out for if you are driving around the area. 

This student hub area is also home to the Kraków University of Economics and Kraków Opera House.

Meanwhile, Krakow Glowny Train station sits right between Grzegórzki and Kleparz, making this another great location to stay if you want to keep close to transport links. 

Being that Grzegórzki is less popular with tourists, it is much more budget friendly for those who do choose to stay here with small, family-run guesthouses and holiday apartments . If you are want to stay in budget friendly area, without straying too far from the city centre, this is a fantastic option for you.

Stay in Grzegórzki If you want to stay close to the city centre without being swamped by tourists; you want to stay close to Krakow’s major train station; you want to stay in a less touristy neighbourhood, where you can experience living like a local.

Best places to stay in Krakow in Grzegórzki for first-timers:

• mid-range ($$): DoubleTree by Hilton Krakow Hotel & Convention Center
• budget ($): Hampton by Hilton Krakow
• budget ($): Vienna House Easy Cracow

5. Podgorze

Located on the right bank of Wisla river, opposite the Jewish quarter, Podgorze is an up-and-coming neighbourhood , retaining its local atmosphere whilst boasting an ever growing selection of cool bars and restaurants. 

Separated from the city centre by the Vistula river, Podgorze is connected across to Kazimierz by a footbridge. You can enjoy the peace and quiet of being removed from the main tourist centre, whilst knowing you are just a pleasant walk away. 

Speaking of pleasant walks, Podgorze contains a lot of lovely green spaces to enjoy the fresh air in. Most notable is the lush Bednarski Park , a forested city park offering multiple trails winding through the trees. In the east end of the park is the old Fort Benedict, an impressive, red brick round fortress. 

On the edge of Bednarski Park is St Joseph’s church . Built in the early 20th-century, this is far from the most historic church in the city, but it is still very impressive for its stunning, gothic architecture. 

In another swathe of green further south is the the ancient Mound of Krak. . Aside from being a popular place to watch the sunset, this prehistoric mound is believed to be the tomb of King Krakus, the legendary founder and namesake of Krakow. 

A particularly interesting attraction just south of Podgorze is the Wieliczka Salt Mine , also known as the Salt Cathedral. The labyrinth of underground tunnels bored into salt rock boasts beautiful pools of crystal blue water and several chapels with religious figures carved out of the salt.

Once home to the Jewish ghetto during the second world war, Podgorze has risen from its dark history into one of the more fashionable areas of the city. That is not to say that said history has been forgotten. Many of the significant locations from the Nazi occupation have been preserved as historic monuments.

Ghetto Heroes Square is one of the more haunting monuments in the city, as well as among the most impactful. The installation consists of seventy iron chairs spread out across an otherwise empty square. The square was once the meeting place of the Jewish resistance and the empty chairs represent those lost to the Nazi crusade. 

The Eagle Pharmacy Museum overlooks the square. The museum offers further insights into life in Krakow during the Nazi occupation. 

If you are familiar with the film Schindler’s List, or the true story that it is based on, then you will want to visit Oskar Schindler’s Factory . The factory where Schindler employed the 1200 Jews that he saved from the concentration camps has been converted into a museum.

When you need a reprieve from the heaviness of the holocaust monuments, you can head to Krakow Chocolate manufactory . Here you can sample various delightful sweet treats or even make your own. 

Outside of the city centre, this is a much more affordable place to stay. You will be able to choose from a fantastic selection of mid range and affordable but good quality accommodation options.

Stay in Podgorze if Being right at the heart of central Krakow is not a priority; you like to have plenty of green space to relax in; you have a particular interest in Krakow’s connection to the holocaust;

Best places to stay in Podgorze for first-time visitors:

• mid-range ($$): Qubus Hotel Kraków
• mid-range ($$): Plaza Boutique Hotel
• budget ($): The Bridge Suites

6. Ludwinow

Ludwinow – Dębniki along with Grzegórzki, Kleparz, is one of the best place to stay Krakow on a budget . The scenic, riverbank suburb of Ludwinow is a laid-back alternative to the hustle and bustle of the city centre. That is not to say that it is boring however, being one of the trendier areas of the city with the locals.

Just across Vistula river from Wawel Castle, Ludwinow is a neighborhood in Dębniki district wonderful views of the historic buildings across the water. It’s just a short walk across the Grunwald Bridge to Kazimierz and the Old Town.

The riverbank around Dębniki is covered in manicured lawns and public pathways. It is a lovely place to take a stroll and watch the river boats drift past the castle. 

The Forum Hotel is big block on the banks of the Wisla River. It was once a Krakow landmark, but now is home to a Forum Przestrzenie, a nice cafe in the reception area with cooked pizza, burgers and parmo.

Full of hip coffee shops and trendy bars , Ludwinow is super popular with the younger population of Krakow. The area is a centre of the arts in Krakow, with numerous events venues, convention centres, and chic galleries. 

In the summer, locals gather on Plaza Krakow to relax. The artificial riverside beach boasts soft white sand imported here to create the atmosphere of a tropical paradise. Whilst you can’t go swimming in the river from the beach, you can hire a kayak or small boat and head out on the water instead.

There are plenty more places to kick back and unwind in Ludwinow. Particularly, there are lots of green spaces within easy reach. Rod Ludwinow Garden takes up much of the south of Ludwinow, whilst Zakrzówek park , with its glistening lake, stretches out from the west. 

Dębniki is very much an up and coming area. Investments are being made to develop the neighbourhood, with lots of new hotels and convention centres springing up all the time. The ICE Congress Centre is one of the largest such venues in Krakow.

Whilst you might not expect to travel to Poland to learn about Japanese culture, the most popular museum in Dębniki is the Manggha Museum of Japanese Art . The hyper-modern building hosts exhibitions and events celebrating Japanese art and culture.

One of the focal points of life in Dębniki is Rynek Dębnicki . The little public square hosts a small, open-air market, with vendors selling wares from food and flowers to clothes.

Accommodations in Ludwinow- Dębniki are mostly budget-friendly , with several hostels and mid-range hotels.

Stay in Ludwinow If you do not mind being a little further from the city centre; you are looking for where to stay on a budget; you prefer relaxing over sightseeing; you want easy access to plenty of green space;

Best places to stay in Krakow in Ludwinow- Dębniki:

• mid-range ($$): Hilton Garden Inn Krakow
• mid-range ($$): Park Inn by Radisson Krakow
• budget ($): Cracow Stay Apartments

7. Nowy Świat

Nowy Świat is a tiny little neighbourhood, immediately west of the Old Town. Home to cosy cafes, cute bakeries, and local restaurants, this is a slice of small town Poland right at the heart of Krakow. 

The neighbourhood is separated from the Old Town by the narrow strip of Planty Park . Staying here means you will be within walking distance of the city’s top attractions, whilst staying in a much less touristy area. 

Nowy Świat overlooks the Vistula river to the south. Many of the hotels in the area are located along the riverbank, so it is ideal if you are hoping for a room with river views. 

At the south of Nowy Świat is Wawel Castle , the largest castle in Poland and one of the top attractions in the city. Wawel Castle was built in the 13th-century, although there are some pre-existing structures within that date to the 10th-century. 

The baroque style castle consists of fortified walls surrounding several other buildings. The various parts of the castle were built independently over the centuries. As such, the castle is a fantastic place to observe the various architectural styles present in the city through the ages.

For many centuries, the castle was a royal residence , whilst the cathedral within was where polish monarchs were crowned. Now that the Polish royal family has been disbanded, Wawel Castle has been repurposed as a museum and art gallery. 

Beneath the castle is a cave network known as the Dragon’s Den . According to legend, a fierce dragon once lived here, terrorising the townspeople, until it was slain by King Krak, the namesake of Krakow. Over the summer, visitors are able to enter and explore the tunnels.

The Stained Glass Workshop and Museum has been housed here since 1906. Visitors can not only view stunning works of art but also observe the craftspeople creating new pieces using centuries old techniques. 

There is, of course, a gift shop, where you can pick up a beautiful souvenir. Alternatively, participate in one of their workshops and create something yourself to take home. 

There’s a wide range of hotels here , including some of the big international brands. This offers a lot of choice, both in terms of price and quality.

Stay in Nowy Świat If you want to stay super close to the city centre; you are a first-timer; you are hoping to stay in a room with views over the Vistula river.

Best places to stay in Krakow in Nowy Świat for first-time tourists:

• luxury ($$$): Sheraton Grand Krakow
• mid-range ($$): Hotel Kossak
• budget ($): Hotel 32 Kraków Old Town

8. Salwator

Salwator is a relatively new suburb, about a twenty minute walk west of the Old Town. The leafy residential neighbourhood is refreshingly quiet, offering a relaxed alternative to the crowded city centre, whilst still being within easy reach of its popular attractions. 

Located along the north bank of the Vistula river, bisected by the Rudawa canal, and especially verdant with a sprawling park to the west, Salwator is one of the most scenic neighbourhoods in Krakow. 

For all that it is quiet and residential , there is actually a surprising number of things to see and do around Salwator. 

The most convenient to get to is the Convent of the Norbertine Sisters . Originally built in the 12 th century, the convent has been destroyed by invaders multiple times throughout its history, being swiftly rebuilt after each sacking.

To the west of Salwator is the fortified Kosciuszko Mound . The artificial mound was constructed in the early 1800s to honour Tadeusz Kościuszko, a Polish military leader and national hero. The mound was later surrounded by a red brick fortress wall and used as a defensive watch tower.

Visitors can book a tour of the mound, as well as the fortifications and buildings that surround it. Alternatively, you can head to the top to enjoy excellent views of the city. From here you should be able to see the bulbous green towers of the Camaldolese Monastery nestled amongst the trees of Wolski Forest. 

Also within the forest is another memorial mound, this time dedicated to Józefa Piłsudskiego, along with Krakow Zoo . The zoo is home to over three hundred animal species in a variety of habitats.

Stay in Salwator If You want a quieter, more laid back suburb; You like spending time outdoors; Staying right in the heart of the city centre is not a priority;

Best places to stay in Krakow in Salwator:

• luxury ($$$): Niebieski Art Hotel & Spa
• mid-range ($$): AC Hotel by Marriott Krakow
• budget ($): Blue Swan

9. Nowa Huta

Well out of the way of the city centre, Nowa Huta is a suburb right on the far eastern edge of Krakow. A couple of miles away from the Old Town, this is one of the least touristy districts in this neighbourhood guide. So, if you are looking to stay as far from tourists as possible, Nowa Huta is a good location to consider. 

If you are looking for somewhere where you can really experience what living like a local is like, Nowa Huta is pretty unbeatable. The district is the definition of a no-frills residential area. 

Being so far from the attractions of the city centre, I do not recommend Nowa Huta for anyone visiting Krakow for the first time. However, it does make an interesting option for returning visitors, particularly those interested in Poland’s communist history.

Boasting many relics of Poland’s communist heritage, Nowa Huta offers an alternative historical experience to that of the city centre. In fact, there are so many communist artefacts and sights in the area that several companies offer guided tours around them.

Aside from the various communist relics, there are also a few other curious sights to see. Mogiła Abbey has been here since the 13th-century.

Alternatively, indulge in the local legends and pay a visit to the Wanda Mound. One of the many mounds of Krakow, the Wanda Mound is the burial mound of the legendary Princess Wanda. Whilst it has proved impossible to definitively date the mound, records of it exist as far back as the 13 th century. 

Stay in Nowa Huta If It is not your first time visiting Krakow; You are happy to be well away from the city centre and surrounding districts; Sightseeing is not your priority; You are interested in Poland’s communist history.

Best places to stay in Nowa Huta:

• mid-range ($$): Hotel Centrum Business
• mid-range ($$): Hotel Justyna
• budget ($): Climate of the 60’s

Where should I stay in Krakow for the first time?

Stare Miasto is the best overall area to stay in Krakow for first-timers due to its close proximity to famous tourist attractions and a wide choice of accommodation. If you stay here, you will be located in the middle of everything.

What are the best areas to stay in Krakow?

The Old Town, Kazimierz- Jewish Quarter, Kleparz, Podgorze, Grzegórzki, and Ludwinow are the best areas to stay in Krakow for tourists because they are the most popular and safe neighborhoods that offer a wide variety of attractions and amenities. 

How many days in Kraków is enough?

If you want to explore Kraków thoroughly, we recommend spending at least three to four days in the city. This should give you ample time to visit the main attractions and soak up the city’s unique culture and charm.

Where is the main area in Kraków?

The main area in Kraków is the Old Town, or Stare Miasto, which is the historical and cultural heart of the city. It features many attractions, including Wawel Castle, the Main Market Square, and St. Mary’s Basilica.

• Best areas to stay in Prague
• How Much Does a Trip to Europe Cost?
• How to Plan Your First European Vacation
• How to Spend 10 Days in Europe

In conclusion, Old Town, Kazimierz- Jewish Quarter, Kleparz, Podgorze, Grzegórzki, and Ludwinow are the best places to stay in Krakow for tourists and first-time travalers. Stare Miasto is ideal for those seeking historical charm, while the Jewish Quarter caters to those interested in Jewish heritage.

Kleparz and Wesoła suit budget travelers, Grzegórzki is great for its central location, and Podgorze provides a peaceful ambiance. Ludwinow is perfect for families, Nowy Świat offers a lively atmosphere, and Salwator appeals to nature lovers. Lastly, Nowa Huta suits history enthusiasts. Choose your preferred area based on your interests and preferences.

Overall, Old Town is the best area to stay in Krakow because it has a central location, close to the city’s most famous tourist attractions. If you stay here, you will be within easy access to some of the best shopping, dining, and nightlife venues in city.

About Author: Linda Smith

I'm Linda Smith, the Hotel Expert, an experienced travel blogger who passionate about traveling. I'm here to share with you all my travel experiences and tips. I cover a wide range of travel topics, specializing in sharing information about the best areas, neighborhoods, and hotels in each city. I hope all these things will make your travel easier.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Search rentals
• Create SearchAgent
• Add listing
• Search properties

• Lesser Poland Voivodeship

Rent apartments in Krakow

• Pets Allowed
• Swimming Pool
• Cheap apartments in Krakow

Explore apartments in cities near Krakow

• Krakow (2284)
• Wieliczka (15)
• Skawina (5)
• Niepołomice (20)
• Myślenice (4)

Most popular cities

• Bielsko-biała

Looking for an apartment to rent in Krakow?

With Rentola you can easily find apartments for rent in Krakow. We have 1604 flats available and 2131 other rental properties for a long-term stay. The minimum monthly price to rent a cheap apartment in Krakow starts from 250 zł. The highest price for fully furnished apartments is 52 945 zł.

Subscribe to our SearchAgent to always keep track of new apartments for rent and we will link you to the landlord directly!

Average apartments rental price in Krakow

Check out the table below for basic information on the average price and number of apartments depending on the number of bedrooms in Krakow.

67% of those who found a new home were subscribers of the search agent

• Terms and conditions
• Buy Premium Profile
• Cookie Settings

For tenants

• Zombies Campaign
• Search for rental properties
• Help: Get answers for your questions here
• New Listings

For landlords

• Create rental ad
• Partnership for Rental Portals
• Partnership for Landlords

• The Best Of
• Destinations
• The Hotel Guru

Today 11°C

Search the best hotels in Kraków

• See all Kraków hotels
• Apartments & Villas in Kraków
• Kraków Where to Stay Guide
• Flights to Kraków

About Kraków

Kraków has always been Poland's artistic and cultural centre, but for 500 years it was also the royal capital. Only for 500 years though, and the fact that it’s no longer the capital might be why its beautiful Baroque, Gothic, Romanesque and Renaissance architecture survived WW2. And it’s this architecture, as well as Kraków’s incredible art collection, that many people are coming to see today. That or the food, drink and festival scene. But whatever the reason for your visit we can recommend the best places to stay in Kraków for you, from 5* properties with fine dining restaurants to boutique townhouse hotels and smart apartments that won't break the bank.

Many of our recommendations for the best places to stay in Kraków can be found in the Old Town, and because of this city’s small footprint, you can walk to most of Kraków’s main sights from here.  But every stroll around this city offers an opportunity to see more of the gorgeous architecture, and run across more fantastic places to eat and drink. The public transport service is very efficient for anywhere you can’t walk to. Click here for more information on all the different Krakow neighbourhoods .

Kraków really knows how to host an event! The summer is packed with festivals celebrating and showcasing everything from film to opera to street theatre, so this is a really busy time to visit, but a fun time too. If you are planning to attend a festival and you want to stay in one of the hotels we recommend as the best places to stay in Kraków then it’s worth booking in advance.

This city has become an increasingly popular year round destination, so if you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Krakow, do your homework, and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Kraków

For a city break.

• Elegant and rather traditional, the Hotel Pod Roza is perfectly positioned, in Stare Miasto, close to the basilica. Its 57 rooms and suites are simply decorated, with heavy wooden furniture and a warm, creamy colour palette. The bathrooms are marble, and despite being old they have every modern luxury. There are two restaurants, one in the property’s former courtyard, which is now protected from the elements by a glass roof.
• The Hotel Grodek is a boutique-style hotel in a quiet Old Town location, also close to the basilica. It has only 23 rooms and suites, traditionally, and individually decorated with varying degrees of chintz. There’s a charming library bar, with a log fire, perfectly cosy on a winter’s evening, and an award-winning restaurant. In the morning you can take your breakfast and coffee on the roof terrace overlooking the spires of St. Mary’s Basilica.

For a romantic stay

• If you want to book somewhere really memorable Hotel Wentzl is ideal. Converted from a 15th century stately home, it’s the only hotel overlooking Rynek Glówny, so you'll not miss any of the action, and there are many other Kraków highlights within a few minutes walk. There are only 18 rooms and suites, all of them individually designed and decorated, the majority with an elegant, bohemian flavour. There’s also a fantastic restaurant.
• The Hotel Stary is a five star hotel in central Kraków: right opposite the Museum Kraków. Its 53 rooms and suites are all uniquely decorated, so if you want frescoes and painted ceilings, you can opt for that, but they also have rooms with polished concrete floors, baths centre stage and sloping roofs with huge skylights. There’s an impressive spa and gym, with a large indoor pool, and the restaurant does not disappoint.
• The Hotel Polski is another Old Town option, located close to the old city walls. This is a large townhouse conversion, and now has 60 good sized rooms and suites, with some really beautiful features. Think large frescoes, marble fireplaces. heavy curtains and tapestries, and some lovely art and antiques. There’s a traditional feel to the place, an atmosphere that fits perfectly into this beautiful, old part of town. Most rooms have floor to ceiling windows with charming views, and there’s a great traditional restaurant too.

Some of Kraków’s Best Luxury Hotels

• The Hotel Copernicus is a truly special place to stay. It’s just below Wawel Castle, in the very oldest part of the Old Town, with a beautiful terrace with castle views. It has only 29 rooms and suites, complete with renaissance frescoes, carved stone portals and statuary, an indoor pool in a vaulted cellar, and Gothic details, like dark wood furniture and huge, sweeping velvet drapes. The roof top bar is quite something, and its Michelin recommended Polish restaurant is very highly regarded.
• Modern and comfortable, the 20 room Hotel Benefis is on a quiet street on the other side of the river from Stare Miasto, away from any traffic noise, but still only about 15 minutes walk from the Main Market Square. The rooms are simple, spacious and comfortable, and the best rooms and suites have views of Wawel Castle. Breakfast is served in the elegant cellar, which has contemporary decor and an impressive spread every morning. This is the perfect place to stay if you’re willing to walk a little distance to save a bit of money.

For great value

• The Hotel Pugetow is another converted, 16th century townhouse, though this time a smaller one, with only seven rooms and suites. Each room is uniquely, and traditionally decorated, with a different theme, so it feels a bit like a private home, rather than a hotel. The Italian restaurant is reasonable too, occupying an atmospheric, vaulted cellar.
• The Hotel Amber is an impressive, yet affordable hotel, sitting behind an elegant pink and white Renaissance façade. You’re only minutes from the Main Market Square, and yet the hotel is quite quiet, with just 18 rooms and suites, and a swanky dining room. The decor has an Art Deco twist, and a neutral palette, and some of the rooms are quite grand, despite being included in our ‘great value’ category. There’s also a gym and sauna in the basement.
• Overlooking Plenty Park, the Maltanski Hotel is in a delightfully leafy spot, complete with its own garden. It has 16 rooms and suites which feature parquet floor, wood burning stoves, rounded windows and garden views.

Prefer a Kraków Apartment?

• Cracowdays Apartments are a collection of just ten really charming apartments close to the Park Krakówski. Expect exposed beams and brick, and contemporary furnishings. Some of the apartments have their own cooking facilities, but they also offer a friendly communal breakfast area. There's complimentary bike hire too, so it’s ideal if you’re staying in Kraków for a bit longer and you’re looking for a home from home.
• If you’d prefer to look at other apartments or self-catering accommodation we recommend you visit our online partner, booking.com .

Travel Information

• Want to fly to Kraków?
• Kraków Airport , or John Paul II Airport, is the most convenient entry point for international visitors arriving by plane. It’s about 15 kms from the centre of town, and well connected by bus, train, private transfers, which are like taxis arranged in advance, and taxis. Depending on traffic your journey will take between 20 and 30 minutes. Some budget airlines fly to Katowise, which is 110kms to the north west of Kraków, and doesn’t have the excellent transport infrastructure of John Paul II, so you really need to get a shuttle bus, which takes about two hours, or a private transfer or taxi into Kraków. Kraków’s main train station is called Kraków Glówny, and it’s directly linked with Berlin, Vienna, Prague, Budapest, Bratislava and Kiev. The train from John Paul II Airport also arrives into Kraków Glówny. The station is only five minutes from the Old Town, and it’s got its own shopping mall, which makes it quite convenient for visitors.
• If you’re thinking about hiring a car we recommend checking what our online partners, Rentalcars have to offer.
• Kraków is in a really beautiful spot, on the Vistula River at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains, but its weather is known for being temperamental, with bouts of cold and wet when you’re not necessarily expecting it. Winter is very cold, expect many days below freezing, and summer can be rainy, but spring and autumn are comparatively dry and mild, so they’re probably the best times to visit. May, June and September, October are probably the nicest time to visit weather-wise.

Still not sure which is the best place to stay in Kraków?

• If you’ve perused all our recommendations and not found the perfect place to stay you might want to consider our recommendations for the best places to stay in Warsaw ?
• or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

Monthly Weather in Kraków

Best hotels in kraków, hotel pugetow kraków 6 rooms from £65.

Unique setting in a small 19th-century townhouse. Individually decorated rooms with traditional elegance - creams, pastels, mahogany furnishings. Dinners and conferences are arranged in the atmospheric vaulted cellar. Well situated to explore the city. See More

Hotel Benefis Kraków 20 rooms from £67

Modern, unassuming hotel. Separated from the traffic noise of the major streets, it is a perfect location for families with children. Comfortable contemporary rooms with statement pieces of art. Atmospheric cellar restaurant. Walking distance to many of the main sights. See More

Cracowdays Apartments Kraków 10 rooms from £67

Charming apartments with modern interiors in the heart of the Old Town. Exposed brick walls, beamed ceilings and clean, crisp furnishing with all the mod cons. A friendly atmosphere with communal breakfasts - a trendy home from home. Ideal for travellers who search for a true local experience. See More

Maltanski Hotel Kraków 16 rooms from £70

An utterly charming small hotel overlooking Planty Park on a leafy street. Wood burning stoves, parquet floors, lovely garden. No restaurant but many in the local area. Friendly efficient staff. A really cosy place to stay in an ideal location for exploring the city. See More

Hotel Grodek Kraków 23 rooms from £78

A boutique gem you won’t be disappointed with. Set in a quiet cul de sac but still in the heart of the medieval town. Award-winning restaurant serving fusion cuisine, beautiful individually themed rooms. A warming library bar for winter evenings. A lovely base to explore the city from. See More

Hotel Wentzl Kraków 18 rooms from £89

The only hotel overlooking Krakow’s principal square. Traditional elegance and beautifully decorated rooms with paintings, four poster beds, and stunning views. A stately house with a fantastic restaurant. A totally charming place to stay for local exploring. See More

Hotel Amber Kraków 18 rooms from £96

An impressive hotel on a quiet street. Elegant pink-and-white Renaissance façade and polished modern interiors with neutral tones and Art Deco influences. Lovely breakfasts and the added extra of a basement gym and sauna. An immaculate and friendly base for exploring the city. See More

Hotel Pod Roza Kraków 57 rooms from £96

Krakow’s first hotel in the heart of the Old Town. Its original heritage features with their traditional European elegance have been melded with modern luxuries. Two restaurants sit in the lovely former courtyard under a glazed roof. A luxurious base to explore the city from. See More

Hotel Polski Kraków 60 rooms from £92

An elegant townhouse property in the centre of Krakow. The traditionally styled opulent rooms boast large frescoes, heavy curtains and delicate floral motifs. An atmospheric restaurant, with exposed stonework and floor to ceiling windows, serves traditional fare. An ideal base for city exploring. See More

Hotel Copernicus Kraków 29 rooms from £165

The Copernicus is truly special - Renaissance frescoes, carved stone portals, and Gothic rooms with dark woods and velvets. Fabulous roof top bar with views over the Old Town. An indoor pool in the vaulted cellar. An accoladed Polish restaurant. A luxury base to explore the city. See More

Hotel Stary Kraków 53 rooms from £167

The 5* Hotel Stary is located in central Krakow. Featuring contemporary designer interiors, a Michelin recommended restaurant and an extensive spa. Boutique rooms and suites blend elegant stonework with wooden furnishings. A top city spot for the luxury traveller. See More

• Where To Stay
• Holiday Rentals
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Ask the Guru

15 Tips & Tricks for Visiting Krakow, Poland (First-timer’s Guide)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 16, 2023

Traveling to Krakow, Poland, for the first time  and looking for useful travel tips and practical information ?

When to visit? Where to stay? What are the tipping rules in Poland? How to save time and money and experience Krakow and surroundings to the fullest?.. .

This article with Krakow tips and tricks should answer all your questions. Read on!

To help you plan your first trip, we selected some of  the best tips for visiting Krakow for the first time . This no-nonsense practical guide will not only help you plan your city break, but will also show you how to make the best of your trip, time, and budget. Find out!

This guide with tips for visiting Krakow is written by our writer Christine who recently spent some time in Krakow. In her previous article, she shared her best tips for a long weekend in Krakow . In this post, you can find her experience-based Krakow tips that will help you make the most of your trip to this vibrant city, including the best areas to stay, some local habits, how to get around, how to save money, and much more! Find out!

1. Stay in the Center of Krakow

Without a doubt, the best place to stay in Krakow is the Old Town, in the heart of the city.

While in many parts of the world this might be a very expensive option, the cost of accommodation in Krakow is still reasonable enough to make a city-center stay very affordable. This is particularly true if you opt for a privately owned apartment.

But also hotel prices are very reasonable compared to Western Europe. So if you ever wanted to stay at a really nice hotel but couldn’t justify it, this might just be your chance. Check out Hotel Unicus Palace – a wonderful place to stay in the heart of the city.

Staying in the Old Town means that you’ll have all of Krakow’s main attractions right on your doorstep. But thanks to the unique construction of its large, old buildings, you won’t get any of the noise typically associated with staying in the city center.

If you’re lucky, you might find an apartment or a hotel close enough to St Mary’s Basilica to be able to hear the bugler perform the hourly hejnał mariacki (bugle call) – a sound that will forever remind you of your stay in beautiful Krakow!

TIP: If you’re looking for somewhere a little less crowded, but still very central and perfect for sightseeing, consider staying in Kazimierz . It’s a quaint and beautiful Jewish Quarter located just a 10 to 15-minute walk from Krakow’s Old Town. Accommodation here is cheaper and you can find some amazing value for your money. Take a look at PURO Kraków Kazimierz or Metropolitan Boutique Hotel , to mention just a few.

2. Avoid Peak Season If You Can

The most popular time to visit Krakow is from June to August when the temperatures are high, the parks are green and the banks of the Vistula come alive with barbecues and picnics.

Of course, the popularity of the peak season comes at a price – the city is busy, queues are long, and the prices for accommodation and some attractions are higher. It can also get too warm to enjoy the city… So consider if visiting at a different time of year would suit you better.

April to May and September to October are lovely times to visit Krakow. The temperatures are mild (although it can be quite chilly in the evenings) and the city is a lot less crowded. Accommodation prices are lower and you don’t have to queue everywhere. Krakow is a great destination for a spring break in Europe !

Winter is the least popular season, but having visited at this time of the year, I can say that it surely has its charm. The Christmas-card perfection of the frosty city, the festive Christmas markets, and the cozy restaurants mean that this is a season that shouldn’t be overlooked! Most attractions are still open, but both queues and prices tend to be far lower.

TIP: Take a walk in the city early in the morning or late at night. It’s magical without the crowds.

READ ALSO: Best Time to Visit Europe

3. Book in Advance

Krakow may be a small city, but it is very busy in peak season and its popularity is growing all the time. Hotels in the city center are often fully booked in peak season and the best price-quality deals are always gone first. So if you have a specific hotel in mind you need to book well ahead of your visit.

If you waited too long to book the hotel of your choice, try looking for an apartment instead. These tend to have more availability than hotels at busy times.

Tickets to popular tours and attractions are also worth booking in advance, mainly to avoid long queues. This is particularly true for the Wieliczka Salt Mine , where the ticket hall becomes incredibly crowded during peak season, and for Auschwitz , where booking in advance is essential (or you won’t be able to visit at all).

Both these places are located outside the city, so if you are planning to go on an organized tour from Krakow, you best book the tours in advance too! Here’s the best-rated tour to the salt mine and here – to the concentration camps .

Wawel Royal Castel , home to Polish kings and queens and considered Poland’s most important collection of buildings, is not to be missed in Krakow. You can view the magnificent exterior and walk around for free (or join this great-value guided tour and learn more about the place).

However, if you want to view the Castle’s impressive art collection or visit the splendid Royal Apartments, then you should buy the tickets in advance . Entry to the interior of the Castle is strictly timed, so you may find yourself waiting for several hours during busy times if you haven’t booked ahead (or not be able to visit at all).

Also Oskar Schindler Factory is a popular place and – if you absolutely want to visit – it’s best to reserve your visit in advance .

Some other landmarks and museums in Krakow require advance booking as well. Please check our 3 days in Krakow article for more details.

4. Take Advantage of Free Activities and Free Days

There are many ways to experience Krakow on a low budget, while still being able to see everything that you want to see!

The Church of SS Peter & Paul, the grounds of Wawel Castle, the impressive Market Square and the historic architecture of St. Florian’s Gate can all be enjoyed at no charge. So too can Kazimierz, which boasts the oldest synagogue in Krakow (also free to visit). Plus, of course, there’s the beautiful Planty Park – lush and green in the summer and the perfect place for a stroll.

There are a variety of free walking tours available, usually starting from Market Square, although it is customary (and polite) to leave a tip at the end.

Auschwitz is free to visit as an independent traveler, although it’s important to note that you still need to book your free ticket. Please see our article about visiting Auschwitz for more information.

Many attractions that charge for tickets also offer FREE entrance on certain days of the week. So always check before you buy, but please note that you may still need to book a free ticket! Attractions offering free days include Schindler’s Factory, the National Museum, Wawel Castle, St Francis Basilica, the Cloth Hall, and Rynek Underground.

5. Save Money with the Krakow Card

The Krakow City Pass Krakow Card can be a worthwhile investment if you plan to fit a lot of sightseeing into your stay, but your visit doesn’t coincide with any of the ‘free days’ suggested above.

This includes entry to more than 40 attractions and museums and free public transport. Here are just a few examples of what’s included: Oskar Schindler’s Factory, Main Market Underground Museum, Pharmacy “Under Eagle”, Town Hall Tower, St. Mary’s Church, The Barbican The Old Synagogue, City Defense Walls, Former Gestapo Headquarters at Pomorska Street, The Old Synagogue, The National Museum, and many more.

This card is only worth it though if you are actually staying in the city itself for 2 or 3 days (so not counting the day trips that most people do from Krakow).

6. Learn a Few Words in Polish

Locals really appreciate it if you try to speak a few words in Polish. Just a ‘hello’ or a ‘thank you’ can get you a long way. Here are a few Polish words you may want to know:

• Dzień dobry = hello – good morning / good afternoon
• Dobry wieczór = good evening
• Do widzenia  = good bye
• Proszę  = please
• Dziękuję  = thank you
• Przepraszam  = Excuse me/ sorry
• Nie rozumiem = I don’t understand
• Tak  = yes
• Nie  = no
• Na zdrowie!  = Cheers!

7. Be Smart When Exchanging Money

Even though Poland is part of the EU, it is not a member of the Eurozone, so the Euro is not accepted there. Poland uses the zloty, which you will often see abbreviated to PLN. 1 zloty is made up of 100 groszy (the equivalent of pennies or cents).

There are many currency exchange offices ( Kantor ) throughout Krakow, but the rates they offer can vary widely, with the worst rates usually offered in the city center. It is worth comparing the rates between offices before exchanging your cash, or – better – just withdraw cash from an ATM.

During our visit, we calculated that it was much cheaper for us to withdraw cash from the ATM using our foreign bank card than to exchange cash. It is usually cheaper to make one large withdrawal than several smaller ones.

All major debit and credit cards are widely accepted in Krakow, but – as everywhere in Europe – it’s best to use VISA or MasterCard with a chip and a 4-digit pin. American Express or Diners Club cards aren’t ideal for traveling in Europe. Many banks charge a foreign currency fee per transaction, so if you don’t yet have a card with no foreign transaction fees , it might be smart to get one.

PRO TIP: When withdrawing money from an ATM or when paying for purchases, you’ll always be asked to choose the currency for the transaction. Always choose the LOCAL CURRENCY (so in Krakow, Polish zloty) and let your bank do the exchange. This is a known trick that can cost you 3-15% extra if you accept the suggested conversion rate and choose to pay in your own currency. This is something to remember for all your international trips!

8. Enjoy Krakow on Foot

One of the most wonderful things about Krakow is that it’s compact, so it’s possible to get around very comfortably on foot and see most of the attractions. Not only does it save money, but it gives you a true feel of the sights and sounds of day-to-day life in the city.

Negotiating Krakow is very simple. The center of the city is made up of the Old Town and Wawel Hill, home to the historic Wawel Castle. The Vistula River borders the city on one side and Planty Park borders the other.

TIP: If you want to see the highlights of the Old Town and familiarize yourself with the city, you can also opt for this highly-rated walking tour with a local . Try to do this at the beginning of your visit, so that you can take advantage of the local tips and recommendations during the rest of your stay!

TIP: If you’re visiting Krakow in winter, bring waterproof shoes! The snow is not always removed from the pavements, so they can become quite ‘slushy’ and muddy!

9. Live Like a Local and Use Public Transport

Krakow’s bus and tram system is cheap and efficient and a great way to get around the city. Although you might want to avoid rush hours (7 am-9 am and 3 pm-5 pm) when traffic often comes to a standstill!

Buy your tickets before you board, either from a ticket machine at a bus or tram stop, or from a kiosk. On some trams and buses, you can buy tickets from a machine onboard – those selling them have an ‘A’ sign over the door. It is possible to buy your ticket from the driver, but you need to have exactly the right change. You can’t try to pay with a higher amount than the ticket price – the driver is not allowed to accept it.

There are many ticket inspectors on the routes and – sadly – tourists often end up receiving hefty fines because they are not sure what they need to do. To avoid a fine, make sure you buy a ticket in advance or as soon as you get on the bus (if you haven’t been able to buy one beforehand) and that you validate it. To do this, you need to punch it in the validation machine. You only need to do this once – not every time you change a bus or tram. If your ticket is within its time period, it can be used for multiple rides.

TIP: If you get the Krakow Card , you can travel on buses and trams without having to worry about the tickets.

TIP: Download the popular Jakdojade app , designed to help you plan your journeys on public transport throughout Poland.

10. Save Money on Airport Transfers & More

If you plan to travel by taxi to and from the airport, book your airport transfer online – it’s cheaper than hailing a taxi from the rank. Always check the price before you travel. While it’s rare, tourists do occasionally fall prey to unscrupulous drivers who charge more than the going rate. Prices should be on display inside the taxi, on the passenger door or window.

Or consider other taxi alternatives such as iCar (local taxi service) or Uber, which operates around Krakow but is not available in the Old Town.

A fun and cost-effective way to get around is to use an electric scooter or bike. You can rent scooters and there are various locations around the city at which you can rent bikes. Sadly, however, Krakow’s popular bike-sharing service Wavelo was discontinued at the end of 2019.

11. Think Twice Before Hiring a Car

While renting a car gives you freedom, I wouldn’t recommend doing it for a visit to Krakow. Parking is hard to find and costly and the traffic can be very heavy. Some of the rules of the road can be very confusing, particularly with regard to ‘driving zones’ that even the locals find hard to understand.

If you decide to drive, be very careful to keep to posted speed limits. Speed restrictions are strictly enforced.

I’d only recommend renting a car in Krakow if you are staying in the area for longer than 3 days and are planning to explore the wide surroundings beyond the city. The most popular day trips to Auschwitz , Wieliczka Salt Mine , and Zakopane can easily be done with tours or private drivers .

12. Experience Polish Cuisine & Street Food

The Poles are rightly proud of their cuisine and you’ll find traditional food available at every turn. Be sure to try pierogis – plump little dumplings filled with a variety of ingredients, then baked or fried. You should also sample zurek – sour rye soup – and the classic borscht , a soup made from beetroot.

The food in Krakow extends far beyond traditional fare. Foodies will love the variety of high quality, gourmet meals on offer at restaurants throughout the city. Prices are very low and it’s possible to dine out very well in Poland for less than $40 a day!

If you’re traveling on a budget, then you can save money by taking advantage of Krakow’s delicious street food. You’ll find Polish bagels known as obwarzanki for sale on just about every corner. And as popular as these bagels are, I don’t think you can beat a loaf of regular Polish bread , fresh from the bakery! Be sure to also sample zapiekanka – Poland’s delicious and filling version of pizza!

TIP: Although it’s tempting to dine at restaurants in Market Square, I recommend doing a little exploring. Restaurants away from the main square are often cheaper and the standard of the food is often higher. Many lovely restaurants and cafes are almost hidden in the inner courtyards of the buildings, so don’t be afraid to stray from the beaten track.

Or you can also join a food tour and discover some of the best places and delicacies with a local guide. Also here, if you take a tour at the beginning of your trip, you can then take advantage of what you learned during the rest of your stay.

13. Tipping Etiquette

At restaurants in Poland, it’s customary to tip 10% if you find the service to be satisfactory. If the service is excellent, you can tip a bit more.

If you pay by credit card, it’s best to leave tips in cash. If you pay in cash and expect to get some change, don’t say ‘thank you’ when handing the money or it might be misunderstood that you’re ok with your waiter keeping the change. So wait to say ‘thanks’ till you have settled the money matters.

It’s not customary to tip at cafés or bars , but you can round up the bill. You can round up your taxi bill as well.

It’s customary to tip your tour guide at 10-15%, but only if you thoroughly enjoyed the service.

Tips are not expected by the hotel personnel or other similar services.

14. Don’t Drink in Public

You should know that it’s illegal to drink alcohol in public places in Poland. So make sure to not drink alcohol in public areas, including parks.

This also counts for celebrations like New Year or similar. There are no exceptions.

Outdoor cafés and restaurant terraces are, of course, ok.

15. Don’t Forget Little Important Details

• Some restrooms display symbols on the doors instead of words, which can be confusing! A restroom with a triangle is for men – a restroom with a circle is for women.
• Krakow is filled with cobbled streets and many hotels, restaurants and other buildings have no lifts. This is something to keep in mind if you are a disabled traveler or if traveling with young kids in a stroller. Make sure to also wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking a lot!
• The Polish electricity supply is 230V, 50Hz AC and the plug sockets type C/E just as in the rest of continental Europe. Visitors from the US and the UK will need to use an adapter. While these are available at shops and hotels in Krakow, the cheaper option is to buy one at home before you leave. Here you can get the UK to Europe travel adapter and here – the USA to Europe travel adapter .
• Krakow’s tap water is safe to drink, so there is no need to buy bottled water. If you are traveling in summer, you may want to bring a reusable water bottle.
• Try to buy your souvenirs away from the main Market Square. You will often find the same goods on sale elsewhere but at a cheaper price.
• Krakow often makes the list of the world’s top 20 safe destinations. Nevertheless, use the same safety precautions that you would use anywhere when traveling.
• Local pharmacies may not sell medications that you are used to using, so stock up before you travel.
• Krakow can be very cold in the winter and very hot in the summer, so be prepared with the right clothes . Bear in mind that it can also be very chilly in spring.

So these are our top tips and tricks for visiting Krakow that should help you experience the very best this city has to offer. If you found this guide useful, make sure to also check our other articles – see below.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Krakow

More tips for your trip to Krakow:

• How to Visit Auschwitz
• How to Visit Wieliczka Salt Mines
• Itinerary for 3 Days in Krakow
• Zakopane Day Tour from Krakow

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

More travel inspiration for the nicest cities all over Europe:

If you are visiting other European cities and are looking for in-depth information for your trip, take a look at some of our city guides:

• Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Antwerp, Belgium
• Barcelona, Spain
• Bern, Switzerland
• Bologna, Italy
• Brasov, Romania
• Brussels, Belgium
• Bruges, Belgium
• Bucharest, Romania
• Colmar, France
• Edinburgh, UK
• Florence, Italy
• Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
• Geneva, Switzerland
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Liverpool, UK
• Lucerne, Switzerland
• Madrid, Spain
• Manchester, UK
• Milan, Italy
• Naples, Italy
• Paris, France
• Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal
• Ravenna, Italy
• Reykjavik, Iceland
• Rome, Italy
• Salzburg, Austria
• Sintra, Portugal
• Venice, Italy
• Verona, Italy
• For more… check our  destinations page.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Wednesday 11th of August 2021

Hello. Thank you so much for the posting. It will definitely help me when I visit in September!

Thursday 12th of August 2021

Have a great trip, Jess!

Saturday 7th of November 2020

Hi Jurga, If you want to explore Poland a bit more, here are some of my suggestions where to go: south Poland -Zakopane and Tatra mountains, Krynica Gorska, Pieniny mountains near Krakow - Ojcow Park, nice for strolling north Poland - Gdansk north-central Poland - Biskupin (Bronze Age settlement) Warszawa is not my favorite , but the old town, Lazienki Park, and Wilanow Palace are beautiful.

Wednesday 11th of November 2020

Wow, thank you so much for all these tips, Kinga! Will definitely keep this in mind when we plan to go in that direction.

Kraków on a budget: how to tour Poland's cultural capital on the cheap

Jul 4, 2022 • 8 min read

These top tips can help you have a low-cost visit to Kraków © Mariia Boiko / Shutterstock

Home to a beguiling centuries-old medieval center, terrific museums, award-winning boutique hotels and many of the country’s best restaurants, the most popular city in Poland can be hard on your wallet if you really live it up. Yet getting the most out of your visit to Kraków needn’t have you drifting into insolvency, Poland overall is not a massively expensive destination. 

Picking less pricey days to visit the most popular attractions, making the best use of public transport, staying in inexpensive accommodations and eating and drinking local can all help you make the most of your stay while simultaneously immersing you in Polish culture. Here is how to visit Kraków on a budget.

Take public transport to/from the airport

Unless your evening flight to Kraków gets delayed – or you have to be at the airport between midnight and 4am – save the taxi fare by taking a bus or  train to/from the airport. The easiest way to travel is by train between Kraków Glowny (main train station) and Kraków Lotnisko (John Paul II International Airport). These run twice-hourly (first/last departures are 3:48am and 11:40pm from the train station and 4:17am and 11:08pm from the airport). A one-way ticket costs 9zł and the journey takes 20-30 minutes. 

The airport is also served by bus lines 208 and 209 from Kraków’s main bus station between 4:30am and 10:30pm (5zl, 45 minutes), and night bus 902 that runs hourly at five minutes past the hour from 11:05pm to 4:05am.  If you have no choice but to go by taxi, note that Uber and Bolt rides cost less than official taxi rides (from 45zł as opposed to from 75zł), but are less reliable.

Distances in the Old Town are perfectly walkable 

If you enjoy keeping fit while on the road, exploring Kraków on foot should help you towards your fitness goals. Old Town is wonderfully walkable, as is Kazimierz, and strolling between the two takes around 20 minutes. Morning runners will appreciate the ring of parkland surrounding Old Town.

Visit Kraków during the shoulder months

Accommodation prices shoot up by at least 25% during the summer high season, so consider traveling off-season. By far the cheapest time to come to Kraków is in the winter (with the exception of the Christmas/New Year period), but it can be bitterly cold.  Shoulder seasons (mid-March to May and September to mid-October) are a good compromise, allowing you to combine moderate room rates with mild weather and relatively few visitors.

Get to know Kraków’s trams and buses

Public buses in Kraków are not hugely useful unless you want to visit a few attractions in far-flung corners of the city, but trams are inexpensive and really handy for reaching sights in Nova Huta, Podgórze  and Kazimierz neighborhoods if you’re based centrally. 

Single tickets (2.80–6zł) can be purchased either directly from the driver or from ticket machines at most tram stops; prices vary, depending on the zone and on whether the ticket is valid for 20, 40, 60 or 90 minutes. If you have a blitzkrieg approach to sightseeing, you may wish to buy a 24/48/72-hour travel card for 15/24/36zł; seven-day travel cards also available (48zł).

A new bike-share scheme is coming

While Old Town is wonderfully walkable, if you want to combine some daily exercise with getting to attractions further out (sights in Kazimierz, Nova Huta and Podgórze), you may wish to make use of Kraków’s bicycle rental schemes. Following the demise of Wavelo – Poland’s first city bicycle rental scheme – during the pandemic, the City of Kraków is due to launch a new bicycle rental scheme in late 2022, which will include regular bikes and electric bicycles, with a subscription service and docking stations all over the city. 

Dine out on Kraków’s street food

If daily fruit and veg are not a deal breaker for you, it’s possible to happily subsist for days on some of Kraków’s best street food. Grab an obwarzanek or two (Kraków bagel topped with poppy seeds or sesame seeds) from a stall pretty much on every street corner in Old Town for 2.50zł, chow down on superlative kielbasa (signature Polish sausage; 10zł) from the van in front of the market on ul. Grzegorzecka, and try the zapiekanka (10zł) – Poland’s answer to pizza – a half-baguette topped with cheese, mushrooms and ketchup at Plac Nowy in Kazimierz.

Stay in hostels

If you’re looking to stay centrally – in Old Town, or in Kazimierz – then hostels are a terrific budget option. Some offer dorms only; others may have inexpensive singles or doubles as well as cooking facilities and communal hangout spaces; others are for women travelers only. Best of all, most offer free breakfast and have knowledgeable staff who organize inexpensive tours and nights out and can recommend the best cheap places to eat and bars. 

Kraków’s top hostels include Mundo , Draggo House and Greg and Tom’s Party Hostel . Check in advance whether you’re booking yourself into a crush-a-beer-can-against-your-forehead party hostel or a sociable, laid-back spot to meet fellow travelers (sometimes the clue’s in the name!).  

Or find room shares and short-term lets

If privacy and having a space of your own takes precedence over saving money by sleeping in a hostel dorm, look into online room-share options and short-term self-catering apartments for rent (they are especially plentiful in Old Town and Kazimierz and are even cheaper outside those two popular neighborhoods), the latter particularly good value if you’re traveling with several friends. 

In summer, student dorms are typically rented out as cheap hotel rooms, though they’re located outside of Old Town. Other budget digs to look out for include private rooms for rent (look out for "noclegi" signs in the window).

Take advantage of museum passes and discounted entry

Even if you don’t take advantage of free admission offered by different museums on different days, if you’re planning on doing some intensive sightseeing, it’s well worth purchasing multi-venue tickets for Museum of Kraków and Kraków National Museum branches online.

Take public transportation to Auschwitz and Wieliczka Salt Mine

While the most notorious Nazi death camp and an underground cathedral carved out of salt are not in Kraków proper, visits to these two sights are the most popular day trips from the city. Virtually every hotel and hostel offers long day tours to both for around 300zł, which may be worth considering if you’re really short on time.

But if time is not a factor and you wish to absorb your experiences in peace rather than share them with a busload of other visitors, set aside a day for each (it’s more than worth it) and use public transport. 

To get to Auschwitz, 66km (41 miles) west of Kraków, take a bus (8–9 times daily, 1.5–2 hours) from Kraków’s central bus station for 20zł, or one of several daily trains to Oswiecim (13zł, approx 2 hours), then walk for 25 minutes, rather than pay 170zł for a day tour. Getting to Wieliczka, 16km (10 miles) southeast of the city, is even easier: hop on one of the half-hourly trains from Kraków Glowny train station (6zł, 20–30 minutes), then walk for 10 minutes. 

Skip the expensive city tours in favor of wallet-friendly ones

As befitting a city of its stature, Kraków offers countless themed tours that cater to all budgets. Boning up on the city’s history and culture ahead of your trip and skipping the standard tours is an obvious money saver. However, a number of tours are extremely worthwhile and offer cultural immersion and the opportunity to see Kraków from an unusual angle. 

Free Walking Tour  offers excellent daily walking tours of Kraków’s Old Town, as well as the themed Macabre Kraków, Jewish Kraków, Street Art, WWII Kraków and Nova Huta Kraków that are nearly gratis. While there is no official fee for the tour, it’s customary to tip the guide at the end. We recommended a tip of around 20zł (US$5), though more generosity is always appreciated.

Drink the tap water

Kraków tap water is potable and doesn’t taste as if you’re sipping from a swimming pool. So keep your reusable flask refilled and that way you’ll be hydrated and do your bit for the environment.

Eat at a dirt-cheap bar mleczny (cafeteria)

If you’re afflicted with nostalgia for the Communist era, you’ll be thrilled to disover that you can combine your passion with a quest for some of Kraków’s cheapest eats. Throwbacks to the pre-Iron Curtain era, Kraków’s historic “ bar mleczny ” are dirt-cheap cafeteria, popular with locals, where you can fill up on soup, pierogi and juice without crossing the 10zł threshold. There’s a branch at Grodzka 43 in Old Town and another at Starowiślna 29, at the northern end of the Kazimierz neighbourhood.

Shop at produce markets and best-value supermarkets

If you’re staying in self-catering accommodations or a hostel with a guest kitchen, you can save your pennies for more memorable dining or cultural experiences by cooking for yourself at least part of the time. Some of Kraków’s cheapest fresh produce is found at local markets, such as Stary Kleparz . 

Additionally, look out for Kraków’s (and Poland’s) least expensive supermarket chain, Biedronka , with one handy branch in the Old Town and another in the shopping center adjoining Kraków’s main train station.

Save your partying for happy hour

In Kraków, keep an eye out for happy hour in most bars, when you can take advantage of discounted tipples and two-for-one deals. Even better, head for a branch of Pijalnia Wodki I Piwa – a popular local chain of old-school bars dotted around Old Town, with another branch in Kazimierz.

The decor is identical (and probably won’t make many of your Instagram photos) but they serve up uniformly cheap beer (from 8.50zł per pint), vodka (7.50zł per shot), wine, cocktails (16zł), coffee (5zł), soft drinks and shots (5zł individual; 12zł for a “kamikaze” flight of four), along with bar snacks (sandwiches, steak tartare, and zurek – sourdough soup) and a healthy dose of 1960s nostalgia.

Daily costs in Kraków

Hostel dorm: 25–35zł Basic room for two:  90–150zł Tram ticket: 3zł Dinner for two in a local restaurant: 30–40zł Beer: 9zł Coffee: 5zł

Explore related stories

Destination Practicalities

Sep 29, 2023 • 7 min read

Poland is a big country packed with incredible landscapes and beautiful cities – where to begin? With our first-timer's guide to Poland, of course!

Aug 14, 2022 • 10 min read

Aug 2, 2022 • 5 min read

Jul 25, 2022 • 6 min read

Jul 17, 2022 • 5 min read

Jan 28, 2021 • 6 min read

Aug 19, 2020 • 5 min read

Jan 26, 2020 • 6 min read

Jan 22, 2020 • 7 min read

Dec 20, 2019 • 1 min read

Find anything you save across the site in your account

A Bevy of Bold Patterns Upgrade This 614-Square-Foot Kraków Apartment

By Morgan Goldberg

Photography by Mood Authors

When a Ukrainian couple’s daughter moved to Kraków for university, they decided to join her—part time, at least. They purchased a small pied-à-terre so they could frequently visit her and enjoy the rich culture of the historical Polish city. All they needed to do was update the compact home to accommodate their family trips.

Located in a sprawling urban complex on the site of a former vodka factory, the two-bedroom unit was spare and industrial, so the owners brought in Kyiv-based interior designer Yana Molodykh to infuse it with life and color. They also requested that she incorporate an additional bed and an office without changing the floor plan. And that she stay on a tight budget, of course.

“At IKEA, there was not a lot of choice for a retro-style, good-quality, wooden kitchen—there was only white and black,” remembers Yana. “I decided on black because it’s more dramatic.”

Yana designed a whimsical foyer with a series of rounded elements, from the arched doorway and polka-dot tile floors to the spherical light fixture and circular coat closet handles.

“At first, they did not want to spend a lot of money,” Yana explains. “They had said it should be like IKEA style, very simple. But after they got involved in the process, they became open to spending more than they expected before.”

This flexibility on the financial constraints allowed Yana to accomplish the clients’ aesthetic and functional goals. She opted for a midcentury-inspired look with a warm, bold palette of reds and pinks. “I saturated the interior with thick, intense colors to create a special retro vibe that makes you feel like uncorking a bottle of wine and relaxing after a long drive,” she describes.

“The biggest challenges were to make a multifunctional space in such a small area, to locate a large number of sleeping places, and not to spend a large budget on the implementation of this project,” Yana shares.

Yana’s most daring design choice, however, was her liberal use of graphic patterns. It begins in the little foyer, where an arched doorway is paired with black-and-white polka-dot tiles. “I always try to make an impression at the entrance,” she explains. “I like to create some playful space. When you come inside of the apartment, I like to make a wow effect.”

Herringbone walnut floors lead into the open living-dining-kitchen area, which is covered in a shock of burgundy fan wallpaper. The vivid, geometric print is balanced out by the black Shaker-style cabinetry and the ivory picture frame molding that Yana installed for architectural charm. She furnished the eating zone with bentwood bistro chairs and a flower-like pendant, then outfitted the lounging section with a rose-hued velvet sofa and a vintage gilded mirror.

Mixing patterns that shouldn’t work together—but totally do—is Yana’s specialty.

By Bianca Giulione

By Vaishnavi Nayel Talawadekar

By Kristi Kellogg

Yana used washable wallpaper to create the bird-motif panels on the custom wardrobe.

In the primary bedroom, terra-cotta-and-white vertical striped wallpaper mingles with earthy tribal patterned curtains and a custom wardrobe with bird-motif panels. Meanwhile, the daughter’s bedroom mixes a whimsical gymnastics-girl wallpaper with peach-and-blue floral drapes and a tufted mauve velvet headboard. “All the prints do not match very well, but they work together,” Yana says. “I don’t know how.”

While Yana would’ve preferred to build out a pantry or walk-in closet in the tiny third room, she followed the homeowners’ wishes and curated an office with a pullout couch for their son to sleep on. The small space features a dainty Art Deco wallpaper, burnt orange botanical window treatments, and a neutral, color-block rug.

Since the daughter’s room is long and narrow, Yana placed the bed close to the window to maximize space.

Yana went even bolder in the bathroom, where she combined minty blue and ruby red tiles for a vibrant vintage look. The pastel squares serve as a backdrop for the jewel-toned ones, which create a thick horizontal stripe across the walls and cover the base of the tub and the vanity. She chose a matching scarlet shower curtain for extra drama. In this apartment, more is more.

“It’s not traditional to mix this deep red wine color and this mint color, but it’s a beautiful combination,” Yana says. “When I chose the tiles, I liked how they matched together.”

More Great Stories From Clever

Inside a Portland Bungalow Where Summer Never Ends

The Very Best Sectional Sofas, Tested and Reviewed by Our Editors

In Coastal Maine, a Writer-Carpenter’s Restored Home Is a Vision in Yellow

Why “Bookshelf Wealth” Is 2024’s First Major Design Trend

22 Best Vacuum for Hardwood Floors Options

Korean Minimalism Is Inspiring a New Generation of Creatives

Color Drenching: Everything You Need to Know About This Monochromatic Trend

Browse the  AD PRO Directory to find an  AD -approved design expert for your next project.

Not a subscriber? Join AD for print and digital access now.

By Leonie Rolinck

By Sydney Gore

By Megan Wahn

By Nora Taylor

Search hotels in Krakow

Enter your dates to see the latest prices and deals for krakow hotels, star rating, review score.

Hotel Wyspiański

With only a 5-minute walk of the Kraków’s beautiful Main Market Square, the Hotel Wyspiański features bright rooms with satellite TV and a modern bathroom with a hairdryer.

Hotel Maltański

The 3-star Hotel Maltański is just over a quarter mile from Kraków’s beautiful Main Market Square.

Hotel Pod Różą

The recently renovated 5-star Hotel Pod Różą is housed in a Renaissance palace in Kraków's Old Town, just off the Main Market Square. It features elegant restaurant and stylish, air-conditioned rooms....

Hotel H15 Luxury Palace

Located in Krakow and with St. Florian's Gate reachable within a few steps, Hotel H15 Luxury Palace has concierge services, non-smoking rooms, a garden, free WiFi throughout the property and a bar.

Hotel H15 Francuski Old Town

The elegant, 5-star Hotel H15 Francuski Old Town is located only 1312 feet from the Main Market Square in Kraków.

Old Town Vistula Premium Apartments

Old Town Vistula Premium Apartments offers a sauna and a hot tub, as well as air-conditioned accommodations in Krakow, a 14-minute walk from Schindler Factory Museum.

Aparthotel Stare Miasto

Aparthotel Stare Miasto is located in the very center of Kraków’s Old Town, just 394 feet from the Main Market Square. It features spacious modern apartments with free WiFi.

ApartmentPrestige Central Station

ApartmentPrestige Central Station offers accommodations in Krakow, one mile from St. Mary's Basilica and 2 miles from Wawel Royal Castle.

Home Aparthotel

Located in the center of Kraków, Home Aparthotel is a design property, the interiors of which are inspired by religious imagery. It offers air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and an LCD satellite...

Apartments Roman

Set within 328 feet of Town Hall Tower and 328 feet of Main Market Square in the heart of Kraków, Apartments Roman features complimentary fiber-optic WiFi.

Most-booked hotels in Krakow in the past month

AC Hotel by Marriott Krakow

Popular with guests booking hotels in Krakow

Metropolo by Golden Tulip Krakow

ibis budget Krakow Stare Miasto

Hyatt Place Krakow

PURO Kraków Kazimierz

Hilton Garden Inn Krakow Airport

Q Hotel Kraków

B&B HOTEL Krakow Centrum

Radisson Blu Hotel Krakow

ibis Styles Kraków Centrum

Krakow's best hotels with breakfast.

Well located in the center of Krakow, Hotel M29 provides air-conditioned rooms, a garden, free WiFi and a shared lounge. This 4-star hotel offers room service and a 24-hour front desk.

very clean rooms, friendly staff, enjoyed the trip)

ibis Styles Kraków East

Featuring 3-star accommodations, ibis Styles Kraków East is located in Kraków, 3.7 mi from Krakow Tauron Arena and 5.6 mi from Galeria Krakowska.

Cleanliness of the location. The breakfast was yummy.

Hotel Wawel Queen

Attractively located in Krakow, Hotel Wawel Queen has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, private parking and room service. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a concierge service.

Very central, very clean & breakfast was delicious

Garden Square Hotel

Located in Krakow, 3 miles from Wawel Royal Castle, Garden Square Hotel provides accommodations with a fitness center, private parking, a restaurant and a bar.

Very comfortable and clean Good breakfast Helpful staff

The Loft Hotel Adults Only

The Loft All-Inclusive Hotel Adults Only is set in Kraków in the Lesser Poland region, less than 0.6 mi from St. Mary's Basilica.

Hotel was beautiful. Staff so friendly and welcoming

Forest Hotel

Located in Kraków, 3.7 mi from Marszałek Piłsudski Stadium, Forest Hotel features accommodations with a shared lounge, free private parking and a garden.

Very nice place, relaxing and quiet , very close to airport

Wyndham Grand Krakow Old Town

Located in Krakow, a 1-minute walk from St. Florian's Gate, Wyndham Grand Krakow Old Town provides accommodations with a bar and private parking.

Beautiful room, amazing location, clean, lovely spa.

Mercure Krakow Stare Miasto

Ideally set in Krakow, Mercure Krakow Stare Miasto has air-conditioned rooms, a fitness center, free WiFi and a shared lounge. This 4-star hotel offers room service and a 24-hour front desk.

Loved everything perfect couldn't fault the hotel.

Budget hotels in Krakow

Krowodrza Centrum Konferencyjno - Hotelowe

Located in Krakow, 1.7 miles from Krakow Central Station, Krowodrza Centrum Konferencyjno - Hotelowe has accommodations with a fitness center, free private parking, a terrace and a restaurant.

Free parking, big room, clean, good noise isolation.

Located in Krakow, 3.7 miles from Wawel Royal Castle, Metropolo by Golden Tulip Krakow has accommodations with a garden, private parking, a terrace and a restaurant.

Great location - easy to check in. Beautiful hotel

Merci Boutique Hotel

Located in Krakow, 2.8 miles from Wawel Royal Castle, Merci Boutique Hotel has accommodations with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and a restaurant.

it was just beautiful and the meals were marvellous

Xerion Hotel

Located a 13-minute walk from Schindler Factory Museum, Xerion Hotel offers 4-star accommodations in Krakow and has a garden, a restaurant and a bar.

Excellent and very friendly staff - and in my opinion, that's what matters the most.

In a prime location in the center of Krakow, ibis budget Krakow Stare Miasto provides air-conditioned rooms, a garden, free WiFi and a shared lounge.

Perfect location for travel.and near Krakow Square

Hotel Zakliki

Featuring air conditioning, Zakliki Aparthotel is located in Kraków, 820 feet from Kraków Zakliki train stop offering connections to Kraków Balice Airport.

Very nice hotel, good service, we enjoyed very much

Hotel Kazimierz III

3-star Hotel Kazimierz III is located in the Kazimierz Jewish District, 2133 feet from the Planty Park surrounding the Old Town and 2297 feet from Wawel Royal Castle.

Good value, clean, good location, very good breakfast

Q Hotel Kraków is located in Kraków and offers free WiFi access. Each room here will provide you with air conditioning. There is also an electric kettle. Private bathroom also comes with a hairdryer.

Staff was very kind. Hotel is clean. Room is sweet.

Hotels located in the center of Krakow

Bachleda Luxury Hotel Krakow MGallery Hotel Collection

Located within a 5-minute walk from the Main Square, and 1312 feet from Wawel Castle, Bachleda Luxury Hotel Krakow MGallery Hotel Collection is located in the Old Town district of Kraków with various...

Beautiful property, lovely bedroom and welcoming staff

Balthazar Design Hotel

Located in Krakow and with St. Mary's Basilica reachable within a 8-minute walk, Balthazar Design Hotel has concierge services, allergy-free rooms, a garden, free WiFi throughout the property and a...

This is a great place … very cool.. good location.

Hotel Saski Krakow Curio Collection by Hilton

Hotel Saski, Curio Collection by Hilton, is located in the center of Kraków’s Old Town, 164 feet from the Main Market. It features various rooms, all with a private bathroom.

Excellent hotel, very clean, great location and super friendly staff

HOTEL TEATR

Ideally located in Krakow, HOTEL TEATR has air-conditioned rooms, a restaurant, free WiFi and a bar. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a concierge service.

Very stylish and modern design in a superb location

Stradom House, Autograph Collection

Located in Krakow and with Wawel Royal Castle reachable within a 7-minute walk, Stradom House, Autograph Collection provides concierge services, non-smoking rooms, a terrace, free WiFi throughout the...

Michael was very helpful with finding out about trips

The Crown Krakow Center - Handwritten Collection

Featuring a bar, The Crown Krakow Center - Handwritten Collection is located in Krakow in the Małopolskie region, a 14-minute walk from National Museum of Krakow and one mile from Stadion Miejski...

Really modern hotel loved the design of everything

The hotel has everything you need for a nice break.

PURO Kraków Kazimierz is set in vibrant district of Kraków and provides a fitness center and a terrace. You can rent a bike free of charge (when weather conditions are good).

Really relaxed, clean and modern with a great breakfast!

FAQs about hotels in Krakow

How much does it cost to stay in a hotel in krakow, how much is a hotel in krakow for this weekend, how much is a hotel in krakow for tonight, which hotels in krakow are good for families, what are the best hotels in krakow near main market square, what are the best hotels in krakow near john paul ii international airport kraków–balice, which hotels are the best ones to stay at in krakow, which hotels in krakow offer an especially good breakfast, which hotels in krakow are good for couples, which hotels in krakow have nice views, history and beauty combined.

Poland’s jewel and its most popular tourist destination, Kraków, features many medieval, Renaissance and Baroque architectural examples. Its entire Old Town is a World Heritage Site and the rest of the city has even more to offer.

The beautiful Royal Coronation Route, traversed in the past by the Kings of Poland, allows you to see the stunning Cloth Hall, standing proudly at the Main Market Square, the 15th-century Barbican, and St. Mary’s Basilica with the world’s largest Gothic altarpiece and the amazing Wawel Castle.

The picturesque streets of the Kazimierz district have Jewish-themed restaurants, bookstores and small shops. Stylish cafés can be found all over the city and trendy restaurants serve delicious polish cuisine. Upscale bars and exciting clubs are the center of Krakow’s vibrant nightlife.

If you want to get away for a day, make sure you see the stunning Wieliczka Salt Mine, built in the 13th century and featuring an entire altar carved out of rock salt! Or breathe some fresh air in Poland’s highest mountains, the Tatras, just a short drive from Kraków.

Catch a train from Balice International Airport and start exploring Kraków immediately. From luxury hotels, to comfortable apartments, to budget hostels, Booking.com has great accommodations for any Kraków vacation.

• 608 attractions
• 78 points of interest
• 19 neighborhoods

Prices drop the second you sign up!

What Guests Said About Krakow:

Great city..

Never thought I would enjoy Krakow as much as I did.

Krakow is an excellent destination for a short city break..

We arrived on Easter Monday.

Old town and market square is great!

Excellent city to visit, especially if you're up for walking....

Explore guest reviews of hotels in Krakow

Hotel 32 Kraków Old Town

Cracow Riverside Aparthotel

Apartment in Center

Hotel Pod Wawelem

Hotel Wit Stwosz

Sky Hotel Kraków

Anny 5 Apartamenty

Leonardo Boutique Hotel Krakow Old Town

K4 APARTHOTEL KRAKÓW

Hotel Kazimierz

Hotel Regent

PURO Kraków Stare Miasto

Amber Boutique Hotels - Hotel Amber

Hotel Mikołaj

Leonardo Boutique Hotel Krakow City Center

Apartamenty Gołębia 3

Research, refine, and make plans for your whole trip.

List your property

• Mobile version
• Your account
• Make changes online to your booking
• Customer Service Help
• Booking.com for Business
• Places of interest
• Guest Houses
• Unique places to stay
• Discover monthly stays
• Unpacked: Travel articles
• Seasonal and holiday deals
• Traveller Review Awards
• Flight finder
• Restaurant reservations
• Booking.com for Travel Agents
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQs
• About Booking.com
• Partner help
• Sustainability
• Press Center
• Safety Resource Center
• Investor relations
• Terms & Conditions
• Partner dispute
• How We Work
• Privacy & cookie statement
• MSA statement
• Corporate contact
• Content guidelines and reporting

Booking.com is part of Booking Holdings Inc., the world leader in online travel and related services.

Verified reviews from real guests.

We have more than 70 million property reviews, all from real, verified guests .

How does it work?

It starts with a booking.

The only way to leave a review is to first make a booking. That's how we know our reviews come from real guests who have stayed at the property.

Followed by a trip

When guests stay at the property, they check out how quiet the room is, how friendly the staff is, and more.

And finally, a review

After their trip, guests tell us about their stay. We check for naughty words and verify the authenticity of all guest reviews before adding them to our site.

If you booked through us and want to leave a review, please sign in first.

Check-in date

Check-out date

Save big in Krakow

Get exclusive Booker deals by email

For a limited time only

Error: Please enter a valid email address.

Error: Oops! An error has occurred.

Awesome! You're now subscribed

Juvenile shot at southwest Atlanta apartment complex

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Atlanta police said a juvenile was shot at a southwest Atlanta apartment complex Wednesday.

Officers responded to 3901 Campbellton Rd. SW on Wednesday afternoon in reference to a boy shot. The address is listed as the Reserve at Birch Creek apartments.

Police have not released details on the victim’s condition or said if they have identified a suspect. Police also did not say how old the shooting victim is.

An 18-year-old was killed and a 16-year-old boy was injured in a shooting at the same complex in January.

This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First for updates.

Officials identify 18-year-old killed in shooting at southwest Atlanta apartment complex

1 dead, teen injured in shooting at southwest Atlanta apartment complex, police say

Copyright 2024 WANF. All rights reserved.

Police: 20 gang members arrested; drugs, guns seized in DeKalb County

Attorney stands by explosive court filing of Fani Willis-special prosecutor relationship

DA Willis urging court to reject Trump appeal over election indictment

Metro Atlanta man with more than 100 warrants arrested in Florida, Gwinnett County police say

17 arrested, guns and drugs seized in Atlanta police gang bust operation

Latest news.

Multiple people shot at end of Ramadan event in Philadelphia

51-year-old man with ‘slight limp’ missing, Lawrenceville police say

Man sentenced to life for murders of 14-year-old niece, sister’s fiancé, DeKalb County DA says

Lawmakers credit ANF investigations for stronger property theft measures

Trump blasts DA Willis, Biden & Democrats during Atlanta fundraiser visit

Bogong Village upgrade set to ease seasonal worker housing shortage this winter

The tranquil Bogong Village, nestled above a lake in Victoria's High Country, has seen better days.

Cobwebs hang. Paint peels. Nature creeps in. 

But in just a few weeks, the village will embrace a new lease on life.

The cluster of simple wooden huts — built in the 1940s to house hundreds of workers constructing and operating the Kiewa Hydroelectric Scheme — has been given a thorough makeover after years of neglect.

It is a key player in Melbourne-based property company Grollo Group's move to plug a gaping housing hole in the alpine tourist market, which struggles every ski season to accommodate staff.

The company has spent $6 million renovating the village as part of a 73-year, sub-lease deal with AGL, which owns Bogong Village.  

By May, Bogong Village will once-again boast an operating tavern, 27 refurbished cabins, and a place for 200 winter workers to call home for the season.

The village has mostly been gutted and renovated from scratch since last spring, but it's a task that Grollo Group property director Martin Ansell said would be worth the seven-decade investment.

"We first arrived and the possums pretty much ruled the place," he said.

"Basically, there's been no maintenance done on these properties for five to six years."

The site is already mostly booked out for this year's ski season by workers who will service the popular Falls Creek snowfields, including hospitality and lift staff, cleaners, and maintenance teams.

Another 100 beds could be available at Bogong Village in the near future under plans to build more housing at the site. 

Mr Ansell said the project had support from nearby communities, such as the township of Mount Beauty, which struggled to meet housing demand for workers during the busy ski season.  

"These businesses aren't maximising their ability to make their returns because they're restricted with the their ability to be able to get staff and house them," he said.

Bogong Village has a long history of housing staff, and reminders of its previous residents can still be found.

Footprints of the European migrant community that once called the site home are still evident in the established foreign gardens thriving in the thick eucalyptus forest. 

Mr Ansell said it was important to give the village the fresh start it deserved, as Grollo Group looked to bring 1,500 new beds to market across Mount Buller, Bogong Village and Mt Hotham in the next three years.

"The whole community … are really positive now, it's just a matter of making the staff happy that they are living at Bogong," he said.

"We have got to make sure that we are doing it right this season, that the staff want to be here.

"We think, for the long term, it makes sense."

More than one village needed

Residents further down the mountain say it will take more than a single village to ease the region's housing stress.

Duane Gardiner, who owns The Park at Mount Beauty, said many local businesses sought staff accommodation at his caravan park, which was usually filled with tourists.

"People are willing to come to the area but there's no rentals, there's no blocks of land, so it's a really tough situation," Mr Gardiner said. 

He is considering restructuring his park to include some staff accommodation.

"That's something we have been working on the last couple of years — providing a couple of cabins that we can offer for full-time and seasonal staff," he said.

He said it was crucial for governments to work together to help unlock more land for development.

Mansfield navigating housing squeeze 

Mansfield, in the foothills of the Alps, is no stranger to housing stress, especially during winter.

To help uncover possible solutions, the Mansfield Shire Council has hosted a series of workshops involving landholders, banks, developers and planning teams.

It has also submitted nine applications to Regional Development Victoria for grants which could create up to 400 new housing options.

"The main challenge of keeping up with demand of an increasing population is to house our key workers," Mansfield Mayor Steve Rabie said.

The average rental price in the town is $540 per week, while the average home value is $845 000, pricing out many key workers.

"A lot of businesses are struggling to find key workers and have to close down their businesses during peak demand," he said. 

Councillor Rabie said the shire was unable to manage the problem alone, and he was hoping that federal and state government representatives would join the workshops.

"It's going to take quite some time for them to come up with a solution," he said.

Solutions being examined

As one strategy to help with housing pressures, the Victorian government has introduced laws that allow a small secondary building, such as a granny flat, to be built on land without the need for a planning permit.

But not all residents can benefit. 

Indigo Shire Council has received a steady stream of inquiries about the initiative, but warned many properties in rural areas would not meet the requirements of the new legislation, particularly in Indigo where there are a number of different property overlays.

"Towns like Beechworth and Yackandandah have lots of heritage overlays and, in those heritage overlays, you do need a planning permit for building and works, including for these small second dwellings," said Steven Hawkins from Indigo Shire Council's planning team. 

The Victorian government said it had rolled out a raft of measures to help ease housing stress, including a $150 million Regional Worker Accommodation Fund announced last year.

• X (formerly Twitter)

Related Stories

Optimism in victoria's ski country as 10,000 truckloads of dirt cleared from near landslides on key road.

Ski lifts to open this weekend at Victoria's big alpine resorts

• Alpine Skiing
• Housing Construction Industry
• Mount Beauty
• Outdoor Recreational Activities
• Tourism and Leisure Industry
• Travel and Tourism (Lifestyle and Leisure)
• Winter Sports