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

Hey traveler! I see that you’re planning your trip to Poland, and I’m super excited to share with you the latest information on where to stay in Krakow! 

I’ve compared all the areas in the city, read about the places past visitors and locals recommend about the best neighborhoods to stay in Krakow, and come up with a list of the 6 best districts!

Old Town (or Stare Miasto in Polish) is the heart of the city and where most first-timers stay! But I’ve included other popular areas that I nicely sorted by interest and handpicked the top-rated hotels in each area so you can book your ideal stay in seconds!

Just remember to get that reservation in ASAP! Krakow is a stunning destination with more and more tourists visiting each year, so you don’t want to miss your favorite hotel because it ran out of rooms!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

These are the best hotels to book now in Old Town, Krakow:

Here’s a map to help you visualize all the areas in Krakow that I’ll discuss in this post:

1. The Old Town (Stare Miasto) – where to stay in Krakow first time

You can never go wrong with a holiday in a place as filled with history as Krakow, Poland! The Old Town, which is completely surrounded by a lovely park that’s entirely walkable, is one of the most charming places to stay! Especially if you’re traveling for the first time!

The Main Market Square (Rynek Główny, map) is the largest medieval town square in Europe. Imagine the atmosphere in a place like this, surrounded by buildings like St Mary’s Basilica (map), a stunning piece of Gothic architecture, or iconic The Cloth Hall Museum, also known as Sukiennice.

Florianska Street (map) is the main area in the City Center, where you’ll find many cafes, bars, and restaurants. It’s also quite romantic and good for couples who like taking long walks!

Most attractions, like the stunning Wawel Castle (map), are within walking distance of Central Krakow, so if you’re like me and enjoy exploring on foot, definitely stay here! Also, the Old Town is the perfect place to stay for Christmas Markets in Krakow, as the biggest ones take place at the Main Market Square!

I love how you can find all types of hotels here. From modern ones to more traditional accommodations, you’ll find something here for every budget. Many people decide to stay in Krakow on their way to Auschwitz, so if you’re one of them and are only planning a short stay in Krakow, I definitely recommend picking a hotel in this area.

Other accommodation in The Old Town (Stare Miasto)

Things to do in The Old Town (Stare Miasto)

• Enjoy the atmosphere in the Main Market Square
• Have a drink at the House of Beer bar (map)
• Admire the architecture of the St. Mary’s Basilica 
• Take a stroll around the Planty Park Krakow (map)
• See the beautiful St Florian’s Gate Tower (map)
• Visit The Cloth Hall Museum and the stunning Wawel Castle 
• Indulge in the Polish cuisine at U Babci Maliny Restaurant (map)

2. Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter) – where to stay in Krakow, Poland, for nightlife

Located South of the Old Town and just a 20-minute 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, Kazimierz now offers its visitors a mix of the trendiest cafes, restaurants, and bars in Krakow.

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!

You’ll find tons of affordable places to stay in Kazimierz. The hotels are definitely cheaper than in the City Center, plus they’re more authentic. So if you’re looking for a nice boutique hotel, then this is your spot!

Other options in Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter)

Things to do in Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter)

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

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

This neighborhood is the home to 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 the Fragment of Ghetto Wall monument (map) here!

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

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!

Other accommodation options in Stare Podgórze

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
• Have a glass of wine at Krako Slow Wines Bar (map)

4. Kleparz – best area to stay in Krakow for families

Located 2 miles (4 km) North of the Main Market Square in the City Center, this is one of the best places to stay in Krakow for families! It’s situated within walking distance of all the attractions in the Center, while at the same time, it’s far enough to avoid the big crowds and noisy streets!

Also, 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! 

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. 

Also, don’t forget about the cool Womai Center (map), a super fun scientific place where you and the little ones can enjoy a wide range of activities that will probably keep you occupied all day. 

Kleparz is also home to some nice historical landmarks like the Church of St. Florian (map) and popular shopping malls like the Galeria Krakowska (map).

Other accommodation options in Kleparz

Things to do in Kleparz

• Spend a fun day with the kids at the Womai Center
• Visit the Church of St. Florian
• Take the kids to the cool playground in the Ogród Kasztanowy Park (map)
• Go to Old Kleparz Market (map) and shop for local sweets and products
• Eat a delicious breakfast at Glonojad Restaurant (map)

5. Nowy Swiat – a trendy Krakow neighborhood 

Nowy Swiat is a fancy new district just walking distance from the Old Town where you can truly explore Krakow’s modern culture and vibrant atmosphere.

Most people who’ve been here say they love the area because it is near the Old Town and mention it as a great place to chill after visiting the central attractions. You’ll find tons of mini shops, restaurants, and hotels with pretty good reviews here!

The central street of the area is called Zwierzyniecka (map) and it’s really where most of the action takes place! When you head East on this street, you’ll reach the park surrounding the Old Town. While heading North on II Obwodnica Street, you’ll get to the stunning Stained Glass Workshop and Museum that’s totally worth the visit!

If I were visiting Krakow, I’d probably stay in Nowy Swiat because I love trendy areas close to important historical places. It allows me to see all parts of the city and better understand its soul!

Other accommodation options in Nowy Swiat

Things to do in Nowy Swiat

• Explore the Bulwary Wisly hiking area by the river (map)
• Shop in the iconic Jubilat department store (map)
• Try delicious home-style dishes at Bar Mleczny Flisak (map)
• Be amazed by the nearby Museum of Illusions on your way to the Old Town
• Catch a play at Theater Scena STU (map)

6. Grzegórzki – where to stay in Krakow for tranquility

Located 2 miles (3 km) East of the Main Market Square in the Old Town, this neighborhood is primarily a residential area with a mix of families and young students due to the vicinity of the University of Krakow. 

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!

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 (map), which is one of the best ones in the neighborhood!

The Botanical Garden (map) is definitely the star of the show in Grzegórzki. With a long history and tons of beautiful flowers to admire, the Garden is an attraction you can’t miss while visiting Krakow!

Other accommodation options in Grzegórzki

Things to do in Grzegórzki

• See all the beautiful flowers in The Botanical Garden
• Enjoy a traditional dinner at Margit Restaurant
• Chill out in the trendy Fabryczna 13 food court (map)
• Check if there’s a fun event at the TAURON Arena Krakow (map)
• Visit the Monument of Military Proletariat Krakow (map)

FAQs about where to stay in Krakow

💯 What is the best part of Krakow to stay?

The Old Town (Stare Miasto in Polish) is the best place to stay in Kraków! This is where you’ll find the famous Main Market Square, plus a handful of hotels 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 alone, especially around the train station or on the bus. 

📅 How many days in Krakow is enough?

You should spend 3 or 4 days in Kraków! This way, you can see the most 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. The hotel is 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.

🏛️ Is it better to stay in the Old Town in Krakow?

If you’re a first-timer looking for sightseeing, then yes! It’s best to stay in the Old Town of Krakow, which is where most of the historic attractions and popular landmarks are located.

🚶 How far is Krakow Old Town from the City Center?

Krakow’s Old Town is the City Center! So by staying in the Old Town, you’re also technically staying in the City Center!

💶 What is the most expensive part of Krakow?

Old Town! This is the historic part of town with really old buildings and hotels, so it’s normally considered the most expensive part of Krakow to stay.

🚕 How much is a taxi from Krakow Airport to the City Center?

Expect to pay from €25-€30 for a 30-minute trip from the Krakow Airport to the City Center.

Final thoughts on where to stay in Krakow, Poland

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):

• Unicus Palace – A luxury hotel that has a spa center
• Cu Residence – A lovely hotel with exceptional reviews and even better location

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 iconic 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 your trip, so leave me a comment below if you want to share your adventures with us!

Safe travels,

Victoria

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