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

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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.

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!

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 PalaceAn upscale, luxury boutique hotel with a terrace and spa in the heart of the Old Town (Our Pick)
  • Hotel Wawel QueenAn upscale boutique hotel with breakfast beside Planty Park, steps from the Old Town in Nowy Świat
  • 1891 Garni HotelA stylish boutique hotel with nice breakfast in the heart of Kazimierz, walkable to the Old Town
  • Hotel AtriumA stylish, chic boutique hotel with bar/restaurant just steps from the Old Town in Kleparz
  • Hotel EuropejskiAn “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

colourful old town buildings along pedestrian street in krakow poland.
The Venetian Aparthotel is the yellow building on the left – right on 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:

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 RoomsA 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 TujamiA 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:

Accommodations By Areas

tall red church in large public square with blue sky above.
St Mary’s Basilica is located right in the heart of the Old Town.

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

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

orange and white market hall in old town public square with man sitting beside in the open.
The Cloth Hall is in the middle of Rynek Główny (Market Square) in the Old Town.

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 PalaceA 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 ApartmentsStylish, clean apartments with nearby parking in the heart of the area, close to the river

Stradom – For Quieter Vibes

girl in winter hat and jacket seen from behind watching orange sunset.
From the Wawel Castle grounds near the Vistula River, Stradom is just to the left.

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

beautiful theatre building with blue dome roof in krakow.
The Juliusz Słowacki Theatre is just to the south of the Kleparz area.

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.

Nowy Świat – For River Views

large red brick wawel castle with tower and blue sky above.
The views of Wawel Castle from the Vistula River bank in Nowy Świat.

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!

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!

FAQ

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:

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!

As always, Happy Waddlin’,
-L&E

Booking Your Trip Soon? This Is How We Do It:
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  • 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
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    photo collage of old castle on top and historic street below with text "Where to stay in Krakow Poland".