Where to Stay in Krakow → 6 Best Areas (With Prices!)

Where to Stay in Krakow FM

Are you as excited as me to visit this stunning cultural city? There’s no wonder this is one of the most visited cities in Poland, Krakow has a rich history and folklore stories that will enchant everyone from young to old! This city is home to the largest Market Square in Europe located in the Old Town, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was one of the first places to be added to the list when it was created in 1978!

I hope you’re ready for a holiday filled with delicious Polish food and sweets (which you can’t miss, they’re delicious), museum visits, and bar hopping! But let me get to the main point: where to stay in Krakow.

I’ve made a list of the best places to stay here, including a cool boutique hotel or 2, upscale hotels, and some affordable apartments. But don’t forget the most important thing: book them in advance. Krakow is one of Europe’s top places, and everyone will be hunting for the best hotels!

So let’s go, the Wawel Castle is waiting for us!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

If you want to book now, there’s no reason to wait any minute longer, here are the best hotels all located in The Old Town (Stare Miasto)

luxury hotel
0 1%20Hotel%20Unicus%20Palace
mid-range hotel
0 3%20Hotel%20Gr%C3%B3dek

Hotel Gródek

Best value for money

budget hotel
0 4%20Cheap%20Aparthotel%20Old%20Town

Aparthotel Old Town

Best affordable accommodation in the center

airbnb
0 2%20Unique%20Apartment%20Airbnb

Unique Apartment

An Airbnb with amazing reviews

Here’s a map that will help you visualize all the areas where to stay in Krakow that I will be talking about in this post:

Map%20of%20best%20places%20to%20stay%20Krakow
  1. The Old Town (Stare Miasto): for first-timers
  2. Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter): trendiest place
  3. Kleparz: for families
  4. Stare Podgorze: for history lovers
  5. Grzegórzki : for tranquility
  6. Ludwinow : for budget

1. The Old Town (Stare Miasto) – where to stay for the first time

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You can never go wrong with a holiday in a place as filled with history as Krakow, Poland! With stunning architecture and tons of attractions, The Old Town or Stare Miasto in Polish, is one of the most charming places to stay in town, especially if you’re traveling here for the first time.

The Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) is the largest medieval town square in Europe! History lovers, this one’s for you! Imagine how the atmosphere must be like in a place like this, where you’re surrounded by buildings, like St Mary’s Basilica, a stunning piece of gothic architecture, or The Cloth Hall Museum.

Most of the attractions like the stunning Wawel Castle, are located within walking distance of Central Krakow so if you’re like me and enjoy exploring on foot, definitely stay here. Florianska Street is the main area in the city center where you’ll find many cafes, bars, and restaurants. It’s also kind of romantic and good for couples who like taking long walks!

The sights are just breathtaking here, it really offers a great insight into the city’s history and don’t think the hotels are any different. From modern ones to more traditional accommodations, you’ll find something here for every budget. But remember to secure a nice spot in the city centre you have to book it in advance to avoid losing something you really like!

Luxury hotel
1 1%20luxury%20Hotel%20Unicus%20Palace

This super modern and charming hotel has a great location, a bar, and an on-site restaurant! Take a break from all the sightseeing and relax with a spa session or head for a swim in the indoor pool. The spacious rooms come with a private bathroom and air conditioning.

Other accommodation in The Old Town (Stare Miasto)

Mid-Range
1 2%20Hotel%20Gr%C3%B3dek

Relax in front of the fireplace of this 5-star boutique hotel that offers cozy rooms, breakfast, and parking spots

Budget
1 3%20Aparthotel%20Old%20Town

Located just a 5 minute walk away from Main Market Square, this hotel offers modern rooms and free wifi

Airbnb
1 4%20Unique%20Apartment

Have a coffee on the balcony of this stylish apartment that has free wifi, 2 rooms, and a kitchen

Things to do in The Old Town (Stare Miasto)

  • Enjoy the atmosphere in the Main Market Square (Rynek Główny)
  • Have a drink at the House of Beer bar
  • Admire the architecture of the St. Mary’s Basilica and of the Krakow Barbican Monument
  • Take a stroll around the Planty Park Krakow
  • Try to not get scared at the Lost Souls Alley Escape Room
  • See the beautiful St Florian’s Gate Tower
  • Visit The Cloth Hall Museum and the stunning Wawel Castle 
  • Indulge in the Polish cuisine at U Babci Maliny restaurant

2. Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter) – the trendiest place in Krakow

2%20Where%20to%20stay%20for%20first%20time%20in%20Kazimierz

Located south of the Old Town, and just a 20 minutes walk away from central Krakow, this area is the former Jewish Quarter. Although a long time ago this was one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the city, now, Kazimierz offers its visitors a mix of the trendiest cafes, restaurants, and bars in the city.

All these stylish and cool spots brought a lot of young people, and all the young people brought a nice selection of clubs, so if you’re looking for a place to stay in Krakow, Poland where you can party after the sun sets and enjoy the nightlife, then Kazimierz is your location! You’ll also find a fair share of art galleries and museums in Kazimierz so there is plenty to do for all tastes.

As you walk around the streets in this part of the city and admire the sights, you might recognize some places from the movie Schindler’s List. They filmed a few scenes in this location as well!

You’ll find tons of affordable places to stay in Kazimierz, the hotels are definitely cheaper than in the city centre plus they’re more unique so if you’re looking for a nice boutique hotel then this is your spot!

Luxury hotel
2 1%205%20star%20hotel%20Rubinstein

Located in a 15th-century building, this upscale Kazimierz hotel looks so cozy! All I want to do is crawl up under the blankets and turn on that flat-screen TV! Or you can head to the sauna to relax for a bit. The rooms are elegant and spacious with a private bathroom. Plus the hotel has an on-site restaurant, and they offer breakfast.

Other options in Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter)

Mid-Range
2 2%20affordable%20Hotel%20Perfect

This Kazimierz hotel offers an on-site restaurant, rooms with air conditioning, and a sauna where you can relax

Budget
2 3%20Hotel%20Kazimierz%20III

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at this affordable hotel that has air-conditioned rooms

Airbnb
2 4%20Trendy%20Apartment%20for%20big%20groups

Enjoy the city views at night in this modern apartment that has parking spots, a kitchen, and free wifi

Things to do in Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter)

  • Visit the Old Synagogue Museum 
  • Listen to some music at La Habana Bar and enjoy the nightlife in Kazimierz
  • Take a picture of the contemporary street art
  • Go for a drink at the Cosmic Minigolf Kazimierz Bar
  • Spend a fun day at the VR Studio Amusement Centre
  • Admire the art at Gallery Sztuki in Kazimierz
  • Have a cocktail at Le Scandale Garden Bar

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3. Kleparz – where to stay in Krakow for families

3%20Where%20to%20stay%20with%20the%20family%C2%A0in%20Kleparz

Located 2 miles (4 km) north of the Main Market Square in the city centre, this area is the perfect place to stay in town for families who are visiting Krakow. Firstly because it’s situated within walking distance of all the attractions in the centre, while at the same time it’s far enough to avoid the big crowds and noisy streets!

Secondly, there’s only a 10-minute walk from the Main Train Station (Kraków Glowny) to Kleparz, so nothing is stopping you from visiting other parts of the city or even other parts of Poland! Warsaw is just 3 hours away, and there are tons of cool neighborhoods and hotels there as well!

You’ll also find a few parks where you can take the kids out to play and enjoy a breath of fresh air before your next museum visit. But let me not forget about the cool Womai Centre, a super fun place where you and the little ones can enjoy a wide range of activities that will probably keep you occupied all day. But remember it’s your holiday too and Kleparz is also home to some nice historical landmarks like the Church of St. Florian.

Luxury hotel
3 1%20Hotel%20Indigo%20with%20Free%20cancellation

Have dinner with a view on the rooftop terrace of this upscale Krakow hotel that boasts incredible city views! The design of the rooms is supper elegant and they have space for families. Relax with a few hours at the sauna or head to the bar for a drink to end the day perfectly.

Other accommodation options in Kleparz

Mid-Range
3 2%20Puro%20Krakow%20With%20free%20parking%C2%A0

I love all the contemporary elements of this hotel that has family rooms with a private bathroom and free wifi

Budget
3 3%20Cracow%20Central%20With%20the%20pool%C2%A0

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at this modern yet affordable hotel that is pet friendly and offers family rooms

Airbnb
3 4%20Modern%20Apartment

Stay In Kraków in this cozy apartment that has a good location, a kitchen and free parking spots

Things to do in Kleparz

  • Spend a fun day with the kids at the Womai Centre
  • Visit the Church of St. Florian in the city
  • Take the kids to the cool playground in the Ogród Kasztanowy Park
  • Go to Old Kleparz Market and buy lots of local sweets and products
  • Enjoy a relaxing walk in the Park Kleparski
  • Eat a delicious breakfast at Glonojad Restaurant 

4. Stare Podgorze – best place to stay in Krakow for history

4%20Stare%20Podgorze%20hotels%20near%20Riverfront%20Promenade

Located 2 miles (3 km) south of the Old Town and across the Vistula River, this neighborhood is part of a bigger district of the same name which was an independent city before 1795. If you’re interested in the city’s history, especially of what happened during WWII, then this is the place for you.

This neighborhood is the home to the Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory featured in the famous movie “Schindler’s List” which I mentioned before. Now it has been made into a museum that you can visit. During the war, this district was a ghetto where the Nazis brought displaced Jewish people, but many were saved with the help of Oskar Schindler and his company. You’ll also be able to see here the Fragment of Ghetto Wall monument.

Apart from this big historical landmark, there are many other attractions in this location, from the beautiful St Joseph Church to The Eagle Pharmacy Museum. 

You’ll find a wide range of accommodations here, from luxury hotels to more affordable ones, and a few nice restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy a small tea break between sightseeing!

Luxury hotel
4 1%20Lwowska%201%20With%20the%20view%C2%A0

This hotel has a great location near the Enamel Factory Museum and offers family rooms. Head to the spa center for some “me time” before you head out to explore the area. The rooms have a modern design and some of them have a balcony. The accommodation has an on-site restaurant, free wifi, and a bar.

Other accommodation options in Stare Podgórze

Mid-Range
4 2%20Qubus%20Hotel%20Krak%C3%B3w

Take advantage of the swimming pool of this hotel located near Vistula River that has modern rooms

Budget
4 3%20Apartamenty%20Delecta

Enjoy the city views in this affordable hotel that has a nice location, and offers spacious rooms and free wifi

Airbnb
4 4%20Elegant%20Apartment%20honeymoon

I love the mix of traditional and modern in this apartment in Poland that has a kitchen and a cozy room

Things to do in Stare Podgórze

  • Visit the historical Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory Museum
  • Pay your respects at the Fragment of Ghetto Wall monument
  • Visit the St Joseph Church
  • Dive into the history of the neighborhood at The Eagle Pharmacy Museum
  • Eat tons of chocolate at the Krakow Chocolate Manufactory
  • Have a glass of wine at Krako Slow Wines Bar
  • Spend a fun afternoon at the VRepublic – Virtual Reality Park

5. Grzegórzki – where to stay in Krakow for tranquility

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Located 2 miles (3 km) east of the Main Market Square in the Old Town, this neighborhood is not the most touristy spot in Krakow. It’s mostly a residential area with a mix of families and young students as the University is located nearby. It’s the perfect place to stay in Krakow if you’re seeking some tranquility or if you want to experience that local vibe that you don’t really get in central Krakow.

FUN FACT: The University of Krakow was founded in 1364, making it the second oldest university in Central Europe.

You’re pretty close to the Old Town so you can always visit the side of the city if you wish, and I’m sure you’ll love the fact that in Grzegórzki the hotels are much more affordable. There are also a few nice attractions and restaurants that serve traditional food here as well, like Margit Restaurant, which is one of the best ones in the neighborhood.

The Botanical Garden is for sure the star of the show in Grzegórzki, with a long history and tons of beautiful flowers that you can admire on a tour here, the Garden is definitely an attraction that you can’t miss while you’re visiting Krakow. And if you like spending more time outdoors, the Grzegórzecki Park is also a nice spot where you can take a stroll at sunset before heading back to your hotel room.

Luxury hotel
5 1%20DoubleTree%20by%20Hilton%20Krakow%20Hotel

Take a break from all the sightseeing and enjoy a swim in the pool of this hotel in Krakow that offers its guests an airport shuttle. The rooms are super modern and each one has a flat-screen TV. Plus you’ve got access to a bar and restaurant in case you can’t find one you like nearby.

Other accommodation options in Grzegórzki

Mid-Range
5 2%20Vienna%20House%20Easy%20Cracow

Located near the train station this hotel has a trendy design, family rooms and they offer breakfast

Budget
5 3%20Apartamenty%20Platinex

Enjoy the city views from the balcony of this spacious Kraków apartment that has a kitchen and free wifi

Airbnb
5 4%20Modern%20Apartment%20jacuzzi%20in%20room

Feel at home in this elegant accommodation that has 2 rooms, a balcony, and a backyard

Things to do in Grzegórzki

  • See all the beautiful flowers in The Botanical Garden
  • Enjoy a traditional dinner at Margit Restaurant
  • Take a stroll around the Grzegórzecki Park in Kraków
  • Visit the Monument of Military Proletariat Krakow
  • Admire the art at Kazimierz Gallery

6. Ludwinow – where to stay in Krakow for budget travelers

6%20Cool%20places%20in%20Ludwinow

Located 2 miles (3 km) south of the Old Town, this neighborhood is situated on the banks of the Vistula River and it’s one of the best places to stay when visiting Krakow on a budget. You’ll find a wide range of affordable hotels to stay in here.

You’re also going to be fairly close to the Old Town so you don’t have to worry about missing all the action because you couldn’t afford it! There are always practical solutions like this one. Often this district is overlooked by tourists but I’m sure you’ll appreciate its up-and-coming vibe and modern looks.

Although there aren’t as many big attractions here as you’ll find in the centre of Kraków, there are a few green spots and gardens where you can relax, take long walks and get away for a bit from the city noise. I always need a break like this, especially if the city is super packed and the Rod Ludwinow Garden is perfect. I highly recommend you visit it during the spring when all the flowers are blooming!

Luxury hotel
6 1%20Park%20Inn%20by%20Radisson%20With%20spa

Have a fantastic holiday in Kraków and relax in the sauna of this 4-star hotel that has family rooms. Located within walking distance from the Vistula River, this accommodation has a fitness center and a restaurant.

Other accommodation options in Ludwinow

Mid-Range
6 2%20Q%20Hotel%20Plus%20Krak%C3%B3w%20Panoramic%20views

This modern hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom, a bar and it offers guests parking spots

Budget
6 3%20Marta%20Boat%20Hostel%20Kids friendly%C2%A0

Wake up and enjoy a coffee with a view of the Vistula River in this unique hostel that has a bar

Airbnb
6 4%20Charming%20Apartment%20For%20couples

A super spacious and bright apartment, close to Wawel Castle that has 3 rooms, a balcony, and a kitchen

Things to do in Ludwinow

  • Relax with a walk in the Rod Ludwinow Garden
  • Have a cup of coffee at the Forum Przestrzenie Cafe
  • Experience Krakow from above in a heated balloon
  • Visit the Bartholomäuskirche Catholic Church
  • Admire the views of the Vistula River in Kraków
  • Have fun in the Robland Amusement Park
  • Take a tour of the Dwor Kapitulny Museum
👑 Luxury price:€170
:dollar: Mid-range hotel:€80
🛏️ Budget:€30
🏠 Airbnb:€50
💰 Accommodation prices:Low
📍 Best Area:The Old Town (Stare Miasto)
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:Hotel Unicus Palace
👛 Best budget hotel:Aparthotel Old Town

Frequently asked questions about Krakow

7 Best vacation rentals in Krakow

💯 What is the best part of Krakow to stay?

The Old Town (Stare Miasto) is the best place to stay in Kraków, this is where you’ll find the famous Main Market Square, plus a handful of hotels that are located just a walk away from the Main Square, like Hotel Unicus Palace.

🌃 Is Krakow safe to walk at night?

Yes, Kraków is safe to walk at night, but be mindful of exploring secluded areas by yourself, especially around the train station or on the bus. 

📅 How many days do I need in Krakow?

You should spend 3 or 4 days in Kraków, that way you get to see the important neighborhoods and attractions. 

🍹 Where to stay in Krakow for nightlife?

Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter) is the best place to stay in Kraków for nightlife, there are many clubs and bars here, and you can stay at the Hotel Rubinstein, plus it’s located just a 20-minute walk from the Main Square which is also another good spot for bars and clubs. 

🏨 Which are the best hotels in Krakow Old Town?

Hotel Unicus Palace and Hotel Gródek are the best hotels to stay in Kraków Old Town, both have amazing reviews and offer top services including an airport shuttle. 

Conclusion

8%20Where%20to%20stay%20for%20cheap%C2%A0in%20Krakow%20Poland

What a cool trip! I hope this article helped you decide where to stay in Krakow and which boutique hotel to book!

I know there are many options here but here are my 2 favorite ones both located in The Old Town (Stare Miasto)

All you have to do now is make sure you book them in advance! All the hotels on this list are the best ones and people will want to secure a good room, weeks or months before their holiday, so make sure you don’t miss your spot!

Enjoy the beautiful Krakow Stare Miasto area, explore the stunning Wawel Castle and run to the train station if you have some extra days for a quick trip to Warsaw or to Auschwitz Birkenau, the former concentration camp. I want to hear all about it so leave me a comment below if you want to share with us your adventures!

Safe Travels,

Victoria


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