Where to Stay in Krakow

Where to Stay in Krakow

Best areas by traveler type, budget hostels to luxury boutiques, and expert booking tips to find your perfect Krakow accommodation

Choosing the right area is the most important accommodation decision in Krakow. While the city is compact and walkable, each neighbourhood has a distinct character. First-timers belong in Stare Miasto (Old Town), nightlife lovers gravitate to Kazimierz, budget travelers find value in Podgorze or Kleparz, and those seeking authenticity explore Nowa Huta. Get the area right and you will love your Krakow experience. The good news? Unlike many European cities, Krakow offers excellent value across all budget levels.

Best Areas to Stay

First-Timers & Sightseers

Stare Miasto (Old Town)

300-800 zl/night

Krakow's medieval heart and the most convenient base for sightseeing. Walking distance to the Main Market Square, Wawel Castle, St. Mary's Basilica, and dozens of restaurants. The area is largely pedestrianised and beautifully maintained. Accommodation ranges from boutique hotels in historic townhouses to upscale chains. Tourist-heavy but undeniably magical.

Foodies, Nightlife & Character

Kazimierz

200-500 zl/night

Krakow's historic Jewish district turned bohemian hub has the city's best nightlife, cafe scene, and artistic energy. Plac Nowy, ul. Jozefa, and the surrounding streets are packed with bars, restaurants, galleries, and vintage shops. 10-15 minutes walk from the Main Square. More affordable than the Old Town with significantly more local character.

Budget Travelers & Emerging Area

Podgorze

150-350 zl/night

Across the Vistula from Kazimierz, Podgorze is an up-and-coming district with a growing food and bar scene. Home to Schindler's Factory, MOCAK contemporary art museum, and the Krakus Mound viewpoint. More affordable than central locations with a local neighbourhood feel. Connected to Kazimierz via the Kladka Bernatka bridge. A 20-minute walk to the Main Square.

Convenience & Transit Access

Kleparz (Near Station)

100-250 zl/night

The area around Krakow Glowny (main train station) is practical for arrivals and departures. Galeria Krakowska mall provides shopping and dining options. A 10-minute walk to the Main Square through the Barbican gate. Good budget hotels and the Matejko Square area has some charm. Ideal for short stays or early morning departures to Wieliczka or Auschwitz.

Local Experience & Very Cheap

Nowa Huta

80-150 zl/night

A planned socialist district built in the 1950s, Nowa Huta is a fascinating piece of living history with wide boulevards and monumental architecture. Very few tourists stay here but it offers an authentic local experience and the cheapest accommodation in Krakow. Good tram connections to the centre (30 minutes). Worth considering for extended stays or history enthusiasts.

Quiet & Green Retreat

Zwierzyniec / Salwator

200-400 zl/night

A leafy residential area west of the Old Town near Kosciuszko Mound. Quiet, safe, and green with a neighbourhood feel. Walking distance to Wawel Castle and the Old Town (15-20 minutes). Good mid-range options and vacation apartments. The area around Las Wolski forest is ideal for nature lovers. Less nightlife but more peace and authentic atmosphere.

Budget Picks

Under 100 zl/night

Greg & Tom Party Hostel

Old Town

50-90 zl/dorm

Europe's top-rated party hostel with nightly events and pub crawls. Central Old Town location. Social common area, free breakfast. Private rooms from 150 zl. Not for light sleepers.

Mundo Hostel

Kazimierz

55-80 zl/dorm

Relaxed, social hostel in the heart of Kazimierz. Great common room, friendly staff, and a perfect base for nightlife. Private rooms from 160 zl. Excellent value in a prime location.

One World Hostel

Old Town

50-75 zl/dorm

Community-focused hostel in the Old Town with a welcoming atmosphere. Regular events, kitchen access, and helpful staff. Good for first-time solo travelers. Private rooms from 140 zl.

Mid-Range Picks

150-500 zl/night

300-500 zl/night

Boutique Hotels in Old Town

Several charming boutique hotels in restored historic townhouses offer character, comfort, and prime Old Town locations. Hotel Maltanski and Hotel Copernicus are excellent choices with period features and modern amenities.

200-400 zl/night

Apartments in Kazimierz

Self-catering apartments on Booking.com and Airbnb offer excellent value in Kazimierz with kitchen facilities, more space, and a neighbourhood feel. Perfect for longer stays or couples wanting independence.

150-300 zl/night

Hotels near the Station

Practical hotels near Krakow Glowny station offer reliable comfort at reasonable prices. Brands like ibis and Best Western provide standardised quality. Great for short stays with early departure plans.

Luxury Picks

400+ zl/night

Iconic600-1,500+ zl

Hotel Stary

Old Town

Krakow's premier luxury hotel in a beautifully restored medieval building on ul. Szczepanska. Elegant rooms, a rooftop pool with Old Town views, fine dining, and impeccable service. Steps from the Main Market Square. The gold standard of Krakow luxury.

Iconic500-1,200+ zl

Hotel Copernicus

Old Town (near Wawel)

A stunning 5-star hotel in a Renaissance townhouse at the foot of Wawel Castle. Original frescoes, a rooftop terrace with Wawel views, and the acclaimed Copernicus restaurant. One of Poland's finest hotels with genuine historical character.

Exceptional400-800+ zl

Hotel Rubinstein

Kazimierz

Named after Helena Rubinstein who was born in this building, this luxury hotel combines Kazimierz heritage with modern elegance. Spa, excellent restaurant, and a prime location on ul. Szeroka in the heart of the Jewish Quarter. Unique character.

Booking Tips

Best Booking Platforms

  • Booking.com: Best selection of Krakow hotels and apartments with free cancellation options
  • Hostelworld: Best for comparing and booking hostels — read recent reviews carefully
  • Airbnb: Excellent for apartments in Kazimierz and Podgorze at good prices
  • Direct booking: Luxury hotels like Hotel Stary and Copernicus sometimes offer better rates directly
  • Google Hotels: Good for comparing prices across multiple platforms at once

Timing Your Booking

  • Peak season (Jun-Aug): Book 3-4 weeks ahead for best selection and prices
  • Christmas market period: Book 1-2 months ahead — popular hotels sell out
  • Shoulder season (Apr-May, Sep-Oct): Best value with good weather, book 2 weeks ahead
  • Winter (Nov-Mar): Lowest prices, book 1 week ahead is usually sufficient
  • Weekends: Prices are higher Friday-Saturday due to city-break tourism

Where to Stay in Krakow - FAQs

Stare Miasto (Old Town) is the best area for first-timers. It puts you within walking distance of the Main Market Square, Wawel Castle, St. Mary's Basilica, and the Cloth Hall. The area is pedestrianised, safe, and surrounded by restaurants and cafes. Hotels range from 100 zl hostels to 800+ zl luxury boutiques. The only downside is tourist crowds and slightly higher prices.
Kazimierz is excellent — many experienced Krakow visitors prefer it to the Old Town. It has the best nightlife, the most interesting cafe scene, and a vibrant artistic atmosphere. It is only a 10-15 minute walk from the Main Square. Hotels and apartments are 20-30% cheaper than the Old Town. Perfect for foodies, nightlife seekers, and those who want character over tourist convenience.
Kleparz, the area immediately around Krakow Glowny station, has good budget and mid-range options. It is a 10-minute walk to the Main Square and convenient for arrivals and departures. Hotels cost 100-350 zl per night. The Galeria Krakowska shopping mall is adjacent for amenities. Not the most atmospheric area but very practical and well-connected.
Nowa Huta offers the cheapest accommodation at 80-150 zl per night for private rooms. Podgorze is also affordable at 150-350 zl. For budget travelers in central locations, hostels in the Old Town and Kazimierz cost 50-100 zl for dorms. Apartments via Booking.com or Airbnb in Podgorze and Krowodrza offer excellent value at 120-250 zl per night.
November to March (excluding Christmas and New Year) offers the lowest hotel prices — 20-40% cheaper than peak summer. Peak season is June to August and the Christmas market period (late November to December). Weekend prices are higher than weekdays due to city-break tourism. Book 2-4 weeks ahead in summer and 4-6 weeks ahead for December.

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