Where to stay in Krakow

Krakow is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Poland. Travelers flock to Krakow for its rich history, beautiful architecture, delicious cuisine, and wonderful Christmas holidays. Also, Krakow is a great hub near the borders of Ukraine, from where you can plan further travels.

But this is a big city, and there are many districts where you can find a hotel or apartment. Deciding where to stay in Krakow can be difficult. The best area to stay depends on several factors: how many days you plan to explore Krakow, whether this is a transit trip where you want to see something interesting. Whether you are arriving in Krakow by train or by car – all this affects the choice of district where it is better to stay.

So these important nuances will be discussed in this article – choose convenient accommodation in a suitable area for you. And enjoy wonderful Krakow during your journey.

Briefly about Krakow’s tourist districts

Krakow is one of the most budget-friendly cities in Europe. This second largest city in Poland is divided into 18 different districts. But for a tourist trip, it is enough to limit yourself to at least three or four districts.

In this guide to Krakow’s neighborhoods, we will consider the best places in Krakow to stay depending on what you want to do.

Traditionally, the city center is home to Stare Miastro (Old Town). In this lively district, you will find many historical and cultural attractions, as well as restaurants, shops, and bars. This is the best district of Krakow for sightseeing and exploring the highlights.

To the north is Kleparz (Kleparz). This is the best district to stay in Krakow for families with children. As it is well connected to the city center, it has good parks and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s close enough to Stare Miastro to easily see the city’s most famous attractions. Yet far enough to avoid tourist crowds.

South of the city center lies Kazimierz (Kazimierz), which is the best district for those looking for nightlife, with bars, dancing, and restaurants. The former Jewish quarter of Krakow, Kazimierz, was almost destroyed during World War II. For many years, it was one of the city’s poorest and most dangerous districts, but today it is filled with restaurants and bars (much like the former Jewish quarter in Budapest).

Ludwinow (Ludwinow) is a charming district located to the southwest of the Old Town and Kazimierz. It is situated on the banks of the Vistula River, offering an incredible view of Wawel Castle. This is a vibrant district with amazing views and plenty of affordable accommodation options.

East of Ludwinow is Podgorze (Podgorze). Podgorze, one of the coolest places to stay in Krakow, is a huge district with a high number of historical sites, trendy hangouts, delicious restaurants, as well as hip bars and clubs.

Bonus – accommodation options near the train station, which is very close to the Old Town. And also good options for overnight stays near Krakow Airport – Krakow Balice, in case you have an early flight.

Stare Miastro – where to stay for your first time in Krakow

If you’re visiting Krakow for the first time, you won’t find a better district to stay in than the Old Town. The central historic district is the most famous area of Krakow. Here you will find the vast majority of Krakow’s most famous historic, cultural, and tourist sights. You’ll also enjoy cobbled streets and elegant architecture.

The Old Town, once located within the ancient city walls, is the best district in Krakow to stay in if you want to immerse yourself in the history of the royal city. Just stroll through the narrow streets and you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time.

What to see and do in the Old Town

Dive into the history of Poland at the National Museum.
Explore the Main Market Square, Krakow’s main symbol. Here you’ll find several other important sights, such as St. Mary’s Basilica, the Church of St. Adalbert, the Town Hall Tower, and the famous Sukiennice market – the historic cloth hall of Krakow.
The Underground Market – you will love it! The underground museum, located under the eastern part of the main square, occupies an area of over 6,000 m².
Treat yourself to amazing traditional Polish cuisine at U Babci Maliny.
Choose from a wide range of bottled and draft beer at Dom Piwa.
Take a walk through the picturesque Planty Park.
Take a look at the 14th-century Florian Gate.
Visit the historic and stunning royal Wawel Castle and its mysterious caves.
Apart from the royal castle, there is also a beautiful cathedral on Wawel Hill.

Hotels and apartments in Krakow Old Town

Home Aparthotel≫ – Cozy hotel, very convenient location, close to all tourist attractions, delicious breakfast, friendly staff at the reception who are happy to help.
Otium Old Town Boutique≫ – The hotel has a very good location in the city center. Clean, very interesting rooms, offering a great view from the window, a place on the window sill to watch sunrises and sunsets.
Loft Apartment Old Town – G47≫ – these apartments are very clean, spacious, and comfortable. The location is perfect – not far from the most important sights.

Ludwinow – budget accommodation in Krakow

This vibrant district is located in the center of Krakow on the banks of the Vistula River. From this bank, there is an incredible view of Wawel Castle. This is the best area in Krakow to stay if you want to be closer to the city center, but sleep in a quieter place without the crowds.

The central part of the Ludwinow district is also a good choice if you are on a budget. This chic, trendy neighborhood offers a range of inexpensive hotel options in Krakow with good value for money. You’ll definitely find something for yourself: from hostels for backpackers and students, to apartments and boutique hotels.

Ludwinow, what’s interesting in the area

Ride the Koło Widokowe Ferris wheel – an attraction and observation deck at the same time, which adults and children will enjoy.
If you come to Krakow in the summer, you can sunbathe on the city’s artificial riverside beach.
Or rent kayaks and paddle along the city’s picturesque river.
Have a drink and dance at Forum Przestrizenie, an alternative bar in a cool former communist venue.
Vistula river cruises by boat – especially evening cruises, are a great way to see the city from the water in the light of lanterns.

Where to stay in the Ludwinow district

Cloud9 – Barska 69≫ – Beautiful, clean apartments with everything you need. Conveniently located 5 minutes from the center. Nearby is a “Zabka” supermarket and parking.
Zamkowa15 Apartments≫ – Apartments just perfect for a comfortable stay – spacious, cozy, and very clean. The bed is extremely comfortable, and the kitchen is fully equipped for cooking. Great location: city center, close to shops, cafes, and convenient transport connections.
The Boat – Hostel&Chill≫ – An interesting experience – spend the night in a boatel. There is a bar, a lounge room with tea and coffee, and everything you need in the room. And a wonderful view of the river and Wawel Castle.

Kazimierz – where nightlife reigns in Krakow

Not far from the Old Town is the eclectic district of Kazimierz. The former Jewish quarter of Krakow was almost destroyed during World War II. For many years, it was one of the city’s poorest and most dangerous districts, and tourists and locals were to avoid it at any cost.

Today, thanks to the opening of a large number of restaurants, bars, and clubs, Kazimierz is one of the best places in Krakow for nightlife. It is in this district that you will find the best bars, the liveliest clubs, and an exciting and energetic atmosphere. So, if you are looking for where to stay in Krakow to immerse yourself in the nightlife – look towards Kazimierz.

What to see and do in Kazimierz

Start your day with a “buffet breakfast” at “Kolanko № 6“.
Treat yourself to sweet delicacies at Mleczarnia.
Ride the old vintage tram, which circles the area and starts in Kazimierz from the Dajwór stop.
See the Old Synagogue – for a small ticket price, you’ll learn about the life of Krakow’s Jews.
Visit the Museum of Engineering and Technology – it will especially interest children and adults fascinated by historic trams and cars.
Enjoy a night of music and drinks at Le Scandale Garden.
Enter (free of charge) Corpus Christi Basilica – a very beautiful church both outside and inside.
Treat yourself to modern Polish dishes at Plac Nowy.

Where to stay in Kazimierz

Aparthotel Karmel≫ – nice hotel, warm, cozy, quiet, quality furniture, good service, very friendly staff.
Dajwór 20 – Dzielnica Żydowska≫ – clean and tidy apartments in the center of Kazimierz.
Hotel Ed e n≫ – The hotel is a 30-minute walk from the train station in the historic center of Kazimierz, with ancient architecture of houses and temples. Clean, cozy rooms with views of historic sites.

Podgorze – the coolest place to relax in Krakow

Across the river from Kazimierz lies the huge district of Podgorze. This is one of the coolest places to relax in Krakow due to its excellent combination of trendy restaurants, bars, and stylish boutiques. Here you can enjoy everything: shopping during the day to partying at the coolest spots in Krakow.

This area is also one of the best places in Krakow for history lovers. Now a popular district, Podgorze was the site of the World War II Jewish ghetto, where you can find Oskar Schindler’s factory, as well as many historical monuments.

Podgorze, what’s interesting in the area

Enjoy the views from Krak Mound. Or go on the Five Mounds Route – Krakow has five mounds, each offering a different, always beautiful panorama of the city.
Taste delicious pierogi at Galicja Po Kolei.
Take a walk in Bednarski Park.
See the incredible collection of contemporary art at MOCAK.
Go for a tour at Oskar Schindler’s Factory. You can see how Schindler was able to save the lives of many Jews during this terrible war, and learn more about his life.
An important place dedicated to World War II events – Ghetto Heroes Square (Plac Bohaterów Getta). The large bronze chairs on the square, which used to be the center of the Krakow ghetto, symbolize waiting for death (Jews from this square were sent to Bełżec and Auschwitz death camps).

Accommodation in the Podgorze district

Korona Rooms≫ – nice rooms at a good price, friendly staff, everything is clean and tidy. The interior is cozy, with a nice view out the window, and the rooms are spacious.
Apartament nad Wisłą≫ – apartments with a nice interior, great location near the river – cross the bridge and you are already in Kazimierz, walking the old Krakow streets.

Kleparz – stay in Krakow near the train station

Kleparz is a cozy residential area located north of Stare Miastro and the Kraków Główny railway station. In my opinion, this area is very convenient if you are in Krakow in transit, but want to see the Old Town in one day.

At least I most often choose hotels here because they are a bit cheaper than in the center, and you can arrive late or need to quickly reach the station in the morning to go further.

What to see and do in Kleparz

Visit the Czartoryski Museum – a museum not only designed to showcase the history of Poland, but also to celebrate art.
Learn about the history of Krakow and make your own bagels at Zywe Muzeum Obwarzanka.
Try snacks at Stary Kleparz – the oldest and most colorful market in Krakow.
Take a stroll through Dżalu Kurka Park.
Visit the Barbican, a round 15th-century fortress that served as a gateway to the Old Town.
Shop at Galeria Krakowska Shopping Mall.
Visit WOMAI – Krakow Science Center.

Accommodation near Krakow Glowny station

Lukas Guest Rooms≫ – Nice apartments, everything is perfectly clean, the kitchen has everything you need, coffee, tea, and even a washing machine. Located in a very convenient place, in an old building. 15 minutes’ walk to the train/bus station, 10 minutes to the huge Galeria Krakowska shopping mall, 12 minutes to Market Square.
Green Cat Rooms≫ – Excellent accommodation close to the train station and the center, has everything you need. And the main advantage is the ability to leave your belongings before check-in and after check-out.
Cracow Central Aparthotel≫ – Close to the railway station and city center. Easy access, pleasant staff, and clean, comfortable rooms with all the necessities.

Hotels near Krakow Balice Airport

Hampton by Hilton Krakow Airport – located 400 meters from the airport terminal. The price is not budget, but the service is Hilton standard.
Hilton Garden Inn Krakow Airport – its chain neighbor, located even closer to the airport terminal, and room rates are a bit cheaper.
Pokoje Gościnne Pałac – to reach the airport quickly, you need to take a taxi (7 minutes on the road). But it has a very nice area, prices are affordable.

Useful articles and links:

Car rental – affordable car rental options search on Rentalcars.com
Hotels – traditionally booked via Booking
Insurance – on the Hotline.Finance

Where to stay in Krakow

Briefly about Krakow’s tourist districts