Krakow is a city rich in culture and history. Rich in history, it offers a unique and privileged stay in the former Polish capital. Considered Poland’s second largest city, it’s important to choose the right place to stay during your trip. Although the most touristic activities are located in the heart of the city, other districts are also worth exploring and considering for accommodation.
That’s why we’ve put together our guide to accommodation in Krakow. We’ll show you the main areas where to stay, with their advantages and characteristics: their general location, proximity to places of interest, types of accommodation available and level of entertainment. As well as our recommendations
Key information
Before going into the description of the places to target when selecting accommodation in Krakow, here are the essentials to know from a tourist point of view. This should give you a better idea of the city and its constraints.
Our favorite places to stay
For those in a hurry, here are our favorite places to stay in Krakow:
- $ this very affordable establishment, a stone’s throw from Stare Miasto’s main square, offers great value for money
- $$ this 4-star hotel, located in the old Jewish quarter of Kazimierz, boasts a restaurant, bar and sauna
- $$$ this charming hotel, located in the heart of Stare Miasto, is one of the best places to stay in Krakow, if your budget allows it
Map of different areas to stay in Krakow
To give you a quick overview of the different places we recommend to stay in Krakow, you’ll find on the map below all the Krakow accommodation recommendations we’ll be sharing in this guide. You can also use it to locate the various alternatives we’ll be detailing.
The essentials for choosing where to stay in Krakow
Where to stay in Krakow
Let’s get to the heart of the matter with a review of the main areas where we recommend staying in Krakow.
Staying in Stare Miasto, the historic city center
Stare Miasto is located to the north of Wawel Hill and represents Krakow's old town. It's the historic heart of Krakow, the city center that's so popular with tourists. Indeed, it's in this charming district of architectural marvels that you can discover the Polish city's main points of interest.
As Krakow's capital, Stare Miasto is the ideal place to stay if you want to enjoy the city's many tourist attractions. You can visit
- the main square, Rynek Glowny
- the cloth market, Sukiennice
- planty Park, on the site of the old city walls
- st. Mary's Basilica, a Gothic Catholic church standing proudly on the main square
- the underground museum
- a little further south, the Wawel Royal Castle
- and many other points of interest easily reached by public transport (streetcar)
Stare Miasto is the busiest area for travelers, home to the majority of cafés, bars and restaurants. It's the liveliest area, especially if you're looking for a place to stay for festive evenings.
Accommodation is plentiful in this area. You'll easily find a place to stay within your budget, even if prices can be slightly higher than in other areas.
Finally, as we mentioned earlier, getting around the old capital is fairly simple thanks to public transport services. You'll even find the train and bus stations close to Stare Miasto. Alternatively, you can explore the area on foot, strolling along the typical Polish checkerboard streets.
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Charming youth hostel-style establishment offering private rooms just a stone's throw from Stare Miasto's main square. Very good value for money. Ideal for those on a budget.
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Hotel complex located 100 meters from the main square. It's housed in an old Cracovian townhouse. Choose a room combining modernity and tradition for excellent value for money. Private parking is also available.
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A 5-star establishment in the heart of Stare Miasto, set in a Renaissance palace. It offers luxurious, elegant rooms. You'll also have access to a refined restaurant, private parking and a wellness area included in the room rate!
The old Jewish quarter of Kazimierz and the student town of Podgorze
Kazimierz is located on the banks of the Vistula, southeast of the historic center. It's a district rich in history, as it was once home to Jewish citizens.
Today, the area is renowned for its cool, relaxed atmosphere, with numerous cafés in cosy alleyways. There's a good selection of bohemian bars and restaurants. A haven for artists, you can also discover a number of boutiques and art galleries. Other sights include the Corpus Christi church and numerous synagogues.
Just a 20-minute walk from Stare Miasto, it's considered Krakow's second-best place to stay. It's the ideal place to stay if you want to stay in a quieter part of the city while still being close to the sights.
Podgorze is located south of Kazimierz, across the Vistula. It is renowned as Krakow's student city. It's home to numerous cafés, bars and jazz clubs. Live to the rhythm of Polish youth in this popular area of the city.
Places to stay are less expensive than in other areas. A great place to stay if you want to save as much as possible.
This historic area is also home to the famous Schindler Museum,St. Joseph's Church and Ghetto Heroes Square, also known as Plac Bohaterów Getta.
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Rooms and apartments in the heart of the Jewish Quarter. Numerous traditional restaurants can be found in the vicinity. Take advantage of the wellness facilities and organize excursions to some of Krakow's must-see sights.
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Very modern rooms in a 4-star establishment. In addition to its convenient location, the complex boasts a restaurant and bar, as well as a garden. Private parking is available for guests, as is a bicycle loan service.
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Very modern 4-star establishment located just a few minutes from the city center. Guests have access to a restaurant, bar and garden. Take advantage of the hotel's wellness facilities and services.
Accommodation in the residential district of Kleparz
Kleparz is located to the north of Stare Miasto. It's a residential area where you'll meet lots of locals. If you're looking for peace and quiet close to the hustle and bustle of the historic center, Kleparz is the place to stay. And it takes just 20 minutes to get to Krakow's central square and its most important places of interest, such as St. Mary's Basilica.
When it comes to where to stay, there's a very good choice in this area. You'll easily find good quality or even top-of-the-range accommodation at very modest prices. It's a place to stay that suits all budgets, especially those on a tight budget.
The area has excellent transport links (streetcar and bus). It's easy to get around the whole city. What's more, Krakow Glowny's main railway station is just a few meters to the east.
When it comes to must-see sights, visit Stary Kleparz, the oldest covered market. Perfect for stocking up on local specialities and produce. You can also visit St. Florian's Basilica to admire the famous relic of John Paul II, not forgetting the magnificent Jan Matejko Square, from which you can see the Barbican.
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Youth hostel located just a few minutes from the main square. Ideal accommodation for large groups or backpackers. It is also possible to book a room with private bathroom.
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Very well located hotel complex close to the main square. Rooms are very comfortable and of good quality for the price. On-site restaurant.
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A beautifully decorated hotel complex housed in a historic building in Krakow. It features a restaurant and bar, as well as private parking and a wellness area (sauna, gym, etc.).
Accommodation in Grzegorzki?
Grzegorzki represents the large area to the east of Kleparz and Stare Miasto. It's considered Krakow's residential district. Indeed, this is where you can live to the rhythm of Krakow's Poles.
It's also where students gather. This is surely due to the prices on offer, most of which are low. Indeed, in this part of town you'll find places where you can eat traditional meals for less!
The same applies to accommodation. Grzegorzki is the place to stay if you're looking for value-for-money accommodation. Many of them have this reputation in the area. A comfortable stay without breaking the bank, just a stone's throw from the historic center. Stare Miasto is just a 10-minute walk away!
And if you want to discover the most interesting points of interest in this area, don't hesitate to visit the botanical garden of the Jagiellonian University or the flea market, Hala Targowa. This is your chance to discover Krakow's local produce and Polish specialties.
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4-star establishment located just a few meters from Stare Miasto square. Rooms are modern and spacious. A restaurant, bar and parking lot are available and accessible only to hotel guests.
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Modern accommodation located 5 minutes from the historic center and 10 minutes from the main railway station. The establishment also features a restaurant and bar open to guests, as well as private parking.
Ludwinow: the fashionable sector
Ludwinow is located south of the city center. It is separated from the south of Kazimierz by the Vistula River. It's a fast-growing district, which has developed considerably over the last decade. In fact, there'san artificial beach on the banks of the Vistula.
Although you'll find a few trendy bars and restaurants, this is undoubtedly the best place to stay on a budget. And even when it comes to accommodation, prices are the most affordable in the city.
What's more, you can take the bus or streetcar to Krakow's historic center in just ten minutes. On foot, it's another ten minutes! Ludwinow's location is ideal if you want to discover the old capital while opting for low-cost accommodation where to stay.
For a cultural outing, don't hesitate to visit the ICE Krakow Congress Centre, which hosts shows, exhibitions and conferences.
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Very spacious, modern apartment near Wawel Castle and the Vistula River. It features a balcony with superb city views, as well as a terrace. Excellent value for money.
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Hotel complex located near the heart of the city. The perfect place to stay with the family. The hotel features a restaurant and bar. You can also organize your own tours of Krakow's highlights.
Nowy Swiat, to stay at the foot of Wawel Hill
Nowy Swiat is the small area to the southwest of Stare Miasto and its historic center. It's a great place to stay, as many of the Old Town's tourist attractions can be reached on foot in just ten minutes. Its location is also highly advantageous, as it offers a magnificent view of Wawel Castle, just a stone's throw away.
This part of the city is also home to a number of museums, including the Pracownia i Muzeum Witrażu illusion museum, where you can learn more about the creation of stained glass, and the Emeryk Hutten-Czapski Museum.
As with the other areas, it's easy to find a place to stay to suit any budget. However, there is also a good proportion of accommodation that comes with a slightly higher price tag.
For transport, the streetcar line runs through the area and there are several bus stops in the vicinity of Nowy Swiat.
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The hotel complex is located just a few meters from Wawel Castle. You'll find modern rooms with a choice of Vistula views when you book. The hotel features a restaurant, bar, private parking and wellness area.
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Located just a few meters from the main square, this establishment offers spacious, modern rooms at very attractive rates. It also features a restaurant and sauna. Some rooms have a terrace.
Summary
As you can see from our guide, Krakow’s main activities are in the historic center. However, you’ll find good alternative accommodation in the neighboring districts. The areas are not far apart, so you can stay in one or another without having to travel too far. Each has its own specific atmosphere, so let yourself be seduced by the one you prefer