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Where to stay in Krakow? Best districts + Hotels

Looking for the best area to stay in Krakow?

Follow the guide, we have tested, listed and detailed for you the best areas to stay in Krakow as well as the best accommodation in this city that we love visiting so much.

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⏰ Don’t have time to read everything?

Here are our 3 favourite accommodations sorted by price category:

Note: Don’t delay booking as these hotels are among the most booked in Krakow.

(€) Krakow Central Apartments. Superb cheap modern studio apartment in Krakow located 2 km from the centre, close to the Old Town and St Mary’s Basilica. Book here.

(€€) ❤️ PURO Kraków Kazimierz. Magnificent hotel with modern decor located in the heart of Krakow, 1 km from the castle, with a gym, bar and pleasant terrace. Book here.

(€€) Hotel Polski Pod Białym Orłem. A 4-star hotel located in the travellers’ favourite district just minutes from the castle and the market square. The spacious rooms offer a warm decor. Book your room here.

(€€) Browar Lubicz Residence. Super Aparthotel ideal for families located less than 500 metres from the Florian Gate. Families particularly appreciate its location for sightseeing. Book here.

🌃 F ind other accommodation at the best price 👈

Where to stay in Krakow? Stare Miasto – The historic heart

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The Old Town is Krakow’s tourist hub, and for good reason. Rynek Glowny, the largest medieval market square in Central Europe, lies at the heart of the city.

Here you can buy flowers, souvenirs and the amber jewellery for which Poland is famous.

Have a drink in one of the many open-air restaurants lining the square and enjoy the magnificent view of St Mary’s Basilica.

And don’t forget to visit the high-tech underground museum, which offers free admission on Tuesdays.

Most of the restaurants and bars in this area are aimed at tourists and are therefore relatively expensive compared with what you pay in other regions.

However, I would recommend two treasures: an Italian restaurant called Trattoria La Famiglia and an authentic Mexican restaurant, Albriche.

Just west of Rynek Glowny, perched atop a hill overlooking the river Wisła, is the majestic Wawel Castle.

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The entrance to the castle is perhaps one of Kraków’s most iconic attractions.

Admission to the castle is free. You can also, for a small fee, explore the ‘dragon’s lair’, which is actually quite fun.

Here are our favourite hotels in the best area to stay in Krakow

Note: Don’t delay booking as these are some of the most booked hotels in Krakow.

(€) Krakow Central Apartments. Superb cheap modern studio apartment in Krakow located 2 km from the centre, close to the Old Town and St Mary’s Basilica. Book here.

(€€) ❤️ PURO Kraków Kazimierz. Magnificent hotel with modern decor located in the heart of Krakow, 1 km from the castle, with a gym, bar and pleasant terrace. Book here.

(€€) Hotel Polski Pod Białym Orłem. A 4-star hotel located in the travellers’ favourite district just minutes from the castle and the market square. The spacious rooms offer a warm decor. Book here.

(€€€) Bachleda: one of the most beautiful and luxurious hotels in Kraków! Jacuzzi, sauna, gourmet restaurant. You name it! Book here

(€€) Browar Lubicz Residence. Super Appart’Hotel ideal for families located less than 500 metres from the Florian Gate. Families particularly appreciate its location for sightseeing. Book here.

🌃 F ind other accommodation at the best price 👈

Kazimierz: the Jewish quarter where to stay in Krakow

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Home to one of the largest Jewish communities in the world, Kazimierz was targeted and systematically destroyed during the Second World War.

In the decades leading up to the 1990s, it was also one of the city’s most sinister districts.

Since its rediscovery, Kazimierz has become the coolest and most exciting area to stay in Krakow.

It is rich in history and bustling with bohemian bars, restaurants, boutiques and galleries. It is also home to the impressive Corpus Christi Church: be sure to take a look inside!

The Jewish community has also re-established itself and is now thriving with the colourful Jewish Square and numerous synagogues throughout the city.

Plac Nowy is a market by day and the centre of Kazimierz nightlife after dark.

The perfect evening begins with dinner at Plac Nowy 1, followed by a drink atAlchemia, a bar inspired by a traditional Polish salon. For dancing, head to Scandale, just next door.

Here are our favourite hotels in the Jewish Quarter to stay at in Krakow

Note: Don’t delay as these hotels are among the most booked in Krakow.

(€) Krakow Central Apartments. Superb cheap modern studio apartment in Krakow located 2 km from the centre, close to the Old Town and St Mary’s Basilica. Book here.

(€€) ❤️ PURO Kraków Kazimierz. Magnificent hotel with modern decor located in the heart of Krakow, 1 km from the castle, with a gym, bar and pleasant terrace. Book here.

(€€) Hotel Polski Pod Białym Orłem. A 4-star hotel located in the travellers’ favourite district just minutes from the castle and the market square. The spacious rooms offer a warm decor. Book here.

(€€€) Bachleda: one of the most beautiful and luxurious hotels in Kraków! Jacuzzi, sauna, gourmet restaurant. You name it! Book here

(€€) Browar Lubicz Residence. Super Appart’Hotel ideal for families located less than 500 metres from the Florian Gate. Families particularly appreciate its location for sightseeing. Book here.

🌃 F ind other accommodation at the best price 👈

Find the best high-end accommodation in Krakow: Kleparz

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Kleparz is a small, predominantly residential and upmarket district north of the Old Town.

Here you’ll find Krakow’s oldest and most colourful market, Stary Kleparz. Locally-grown vegetables, fruit, flowers, cheeses and meats are available every day at bargain prices.

Other sights not to be missed in the area include St Florian’s Church and Jan Matejko Square.

Kleparz is a quieter alternative to Stare Miasto if you’re looking for a little peace and quiet.

Here are our favourite hotels in Kleparz where to stay in Krakow

Note: Don’t delay booking as these hotels are among the most booked in Krakow.

(€) Krakow Central Apartments. Superb cheap modern studio apartment in Krakow located 2 km from the centre, close to the Old Town and St Mary’s Basilica. Book here.

(€€) ❤️ PURO Kraków Kazimierz. Magnificent hotel with modern decor located in the heart of Krakow, 1 km from the castle, with a gym, bar and pleasant terrace. Book here.

(€€) Hotel Polski Pod Białym Orłem. A 4-star hotel located in the travellers’ favourite district just minutes from the castle and the market square. The spacious rooms offer a warm decor. Book here.

(€€€) Bachleda: one of the most beautiful and luxurious hotels in Kraków! Jacuzzi, sauna, gourmet restaurant. You name it! Book here

(€€) Browar Lubicz Residence. Super Appart’Hotel ideal for families located less than 500 metres from the Florian Gate. Families particularly appreciate its location for sightseeing. Book here.

The traditional Grzegórzk district

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The large district just east of Kleparz and Stare Miasto is called Grzegórzki. At first glance, this area is really grey and run-down. However, there are some places that are well worth a visit – you just need to know where to look.

Take a walk from the University of Economics in Kraków to the Kraków Opera House and the Botanical Gardens of theJagiellonian University and you’ll get an idea of the area.

Another fun thing to visit in Grzegórzki is Hala Targowa, the city’s most eclectic open-air flea market.

And if you want to try a dish that the locals love, find the Blue Van, which serves grilled Kielbasa every night next to Hala Targowa. Kielbasa is a traditional Central European sausage, usually served with a roll and condiments… delicious.

Here are our favourite hotels in the Grzegórzki district to stay at in Krakow

Note: Don’t delay booking as these hotels are among the most booked in Krakow.

(€) Krakow Central Apartments. Superb cheap modern studio apartment in Krakow located 2 km from the centre, close to the Old Town and St Mary’s Basilica. Book here.

(€€) ❤️ PURO Kraków Kazimierz. Magnificent hotel with modern decor located in the heart of Krakow, 1 km from the castle, with a gym, bar and pleasant terrace. Book here.

(€€) Hotel Polski Pod Białym Orłem. A 4-star hotel located in the travellers’ favourite district just minutes from the castle and the market square. The spacious rooms offer a warm decor. Book your room here.

(€€) Browar Lubicz Residence. Super Aparthotel ideal for families located less than 500 metres from the Florian Gate. Families particularly appreciate its location for sightseeing. Book here.

Podgórze district

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A district rich in history, beauty and unusual attractions, Podgórze offers so much to see and do, you could easily spend a whole day exploring it.

And since the construction of a footbridge creating direct access to Kazimierz, more and more people have started to take notice of Podgórze. That said, I still think it’s Kraków’s most underrated district.

Start with a walk along the river boulevards, then visit St. Joseph’s Church and Ghetto Heroes Square, a large monument of 70 cast-iron and bronze chairs commemorating the tragic fate of Krakow’s Jews during the Second World War. It’s a powerful sight that leaves a lasting impression on most tourists.

Continue with a visit to the Schindler factory and a walk to Krakus Mound for one of the city’s best sunsets.

End the day with a Mexican feast at Manzana, one of my favourite restaurants that has just moved from Kazimierz to Podgórze. A word of advice: treat it like tapas and order an aperitif. I promise you, your taste buds will thank me!

Here are our favourite hotels in Podgórze where to stay in Kraków

Note: Don’t delay as these hotels are among the most booked in Krakow.

(€) Krakow Central Apartments. Superb cheap modern studio apartment in Krakow located 2 km from the centre, close to the Old Town and St Mary’s Basilica. Book here.

(€€) ❤️ PURO Kraków Kazimierz. Magnificent hotel with modern decor located in the heart of Krakow, 1 km from the castle, with a gym, bar and pleasant terrace. Book here.

(€€) Hotel Polski Pod Białym Orłem. A 4-star hotel located in the travellers’ favourite district just minutes from the castle and the market square. The spacious rooms offer a warm decor. Book your room here.

(€€) Browar Lubicz Residence. Super Aparthotel ideal for families located less than 500 metres from the Florian Gate. Families particularly appreciate its location for sightseeing. Book here.

The Ludwinów district

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Ludwinów is a district of Debniki, located on the bank of the Wisła River, opposite Wawel Castle. It has undergone significant development over the last decade, resulting in an artificial beach, new hotels and a conference centre.

For a trendy and delicious meal, you should go to Forum Przestrzenie, a café located in the reception area of the former communist building, Forum Hotel.

In this area you’ll also find one of the city’s most unique and affordable accommodation options, a youth hostel on the river named Marta.

Here are our favourite hotels in Ludwinów where to stay in Kraków

Note: Don’t delay booking as these hotels are among the most booked in Krakow.

(€) Krakow Central Apartments. Superb cheap modern studio apartment in Krakow located 2 km from the centre, close to the Old Town and St Mary’s Basilica. Book here.

(€€) ❤️ PURO Kraków Kazimierz. Magnificent hotel with modern decor located in the heart of Krakow, 1 km from the castle, with a gym, bar and pleasant terrace. Book here.

(€€) Hotel Polski Pod Białym Orłem. A 4-star hotel located in the travellers’ favourite district just minutes from the castle and the market square. The spacious rooms offer a warm decor. Book your room here.

(€€) Browar Lubicz Residence. Super Aparthotel ideal for families located less than 500 metres from the Florian Gate. Families particularly appreciate its location for sightseeing. Book here.

Lesser-known areas to stay in Krakow

If you want to get off the beaten track from my suggestions above, consider exploring some of these alternative neighbourhoods.

Most of them are not the best option for the occasional visitor, but they may well suit you if you have a particular interest, want to immerse yourself in local life or want to stay in Krakow for longer.

Where to stay in Krakow: Salwator, Zakrzówek and Nowa Huta: some alternative neighbourhoods to consider

Salwator: Located in the western suburbs of the Old Town, Salwator is a relaxing place to stay away from the city’s bustling tourist areas.

The affluent district is a green oasis compared to the rest of Krakow, but for some reason it is rarely visited by tourists.

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The main attraction of the area is the Kościuszko Mound and the surrounding fortification. But the trail out of the town centre along the Wisła River is an experience in itself. It’s the ideal activity in warm weather.

When you’re at the top of the knoll, turn in the opposite direction from the Old Town and you’ll see the Camaldolese Monastery and Kraków Zoo in the middle of the Wolski Forest.

Salwator can be reached by tram 1 or 2 to the Salwator roundabout, but I also recommend hiring a bike and taking the scenic route.

Zakrzówek: Zakrzówek is the district just behind Ludwinow, a 20-minute walk from Wawel Castle.

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Zalew Zakrzówek, a turquoise lake set in a former limestone quarry, is the reason I think this area is worth a visit.

The colour of the water is breathtakingly beautiful. A hidden gem that few tourists know about.

The lake is easy to find on foot or by bike, but you can also get there by tram 18 to the Norymberska stop.

Nowa Huta: 20 minutes east of the city centre lies the suburb of Nowa Huta, a remnant of Poland’s communist past. After several revitalisation efforts over the last decade, this part of the city is now beginning to be appreciated by locals and tourists alike.

Here are our favourite hotels in these areas to stay in Krakow

Note: Don’t delay booking as these hotels are among the most booked in Krakow.

(€) Krakow Central Apartments. Superb cheap modern studio apartment in Krakow located 2 km from the centre, close to the Old Town and St Mary’s Basilica. Book here.

(€€) ❤️ PURO Kraków Kazimierz. Magnificent hotel with modern decor located in the heart of Krakow, 1 km from the castle, with a gym, bar and pleasant terrace. Book here.

(€€) Hotel Polski Pod Białym Orłem. A 4-star hotel located in the travellers’ favourite district just minutes from the castle and the market square. The spacious rooms offer a warm decor. Book your room here.

(€€) Browar Lubicz Residence. Super Aparthotel ideal for families located less than 500 metres from the Florian Gate. Families particularly appreciate its location for sightseeing. Book here.

And let us know in the comments if you have any other hotels to recommend. In the meantime, enjoy your trip!

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