Best hotels in Krakow: where to stay by area

Krakow is one of Central Europe's most beautiful and lively cities: a vast medieval square, a castle on the hill, the Kazimierz Jewish quarter and still-affordable prices, and the area where you sleep changes the rhythm of the trip: the Old Town around the Rynek, bohemian Kazimierz, the Wawel hill, historic Podgorze, the handy station area. The centre is walkable and trams cover the rest, so location matters mostly for the atmosphere. Here are the best areas to stay, the prices to reckon with and, at the end, a selection of real hotels with live rates.

Where to stay in Krakow, area by area

Stare Miasto, the old town

The medieval centre around the Rynek Glowny, Europe's largest square, with the Cloth Hall and the basilica. It is the right call for a first-timer who wants everything on foot, with the best atmosphere and the highest prices.

• The Rynek Glowny and the Cloth Hall
• St Mary's Basilica
• The Barbican and Florianska Street
• The ring-shaped Planty park

For monuments and centrality, look for hotels in the Stare Miasto.

Kazimierz

The old Jewish quarter, now the heart of the nightlife and the food scene, among synagogues, bars and klezmer. It is the choice for anyone who loves atmosphere, venues and culture, steps from the centre.

• The Plac Nowy square and its food kiosks
• The Old Synagogue and the Remuh Synagogue
• Bars, bistros and live music
• The bohemian atmosphere of Kazimierz

For nightlife and culture, see hotels in Kazimierz.

Wawel and Stradom

Around Wawel Castle and the cathedral, the royal hill above the Vistula. It is the choice for anyone after elegance, views and a calm base, between the old town and the river.

• Wawel Castle and the Cathedral
• The royal hill above the Vistula
• Elegant, quiet streets
• Steps from the Rynek and Kazimierz

For elegance and views, look for hotels near Wawel.

Podgorze

Across the Vistula, the district of remembrance with Schindler's Factory and the former ghetto. It is the choice for anyone who loves history, a local side and better prices, a bridge from the centre.

• Schindler's Factory, now a museum
• The Ghetto Heroes Square
• The MOCAK contemporary art museum
• The Krakus Mound with its view

For history and value, see hotels in Podgorze.

Kleparz and the station

Around Krakow's station, it is the handiest area for arriving and leaving, with hotels of every class. It is the practical choice for anyone travelling by train or after good prices near the centre.

• The Krakow Glowny station
• Hotels of every category at affordable prices
• Trams and buses across the city
• A few minutes on foot from the Rynek

For convenience and value, look for hotels near the station.

What it costs

Indicative figures: Poland uses the zloty (PLN, around 4.3 to a euro) and Krakow is very affordable.

• A double room in a mid-range 3-4 star: roughly 250-500 PLN a night (about 58-115 euros).
• A dinner for two: about 120-220 PLN (about 28-51 euros); pierogi 20-35 PLN, a Polish beer 12-18 PLN.
• Transport: a single tram or bus ticket around 4-6 PLN; the centre is walkable.
• Tourist tax: Krakow charges no official tourist tax (Poland's local fee, capped around 3.22 PLN, was abolished in Krakow in 2015; a tourist tax is proposed but not in force). Some properties add a small infrastructure surcharge: verify the total at booking.

For a real sense before you choose, compare current prices in Krakow.

Getting there and around

The airport is John Paul II (KRK), about 11 km west, linked to the centre by train to Krakow Glowny in around twenty minutes. In town the old town is pedestrian and the MPK trams cover the rest.

A car is unnecessary. With a good location, almost everything is on foot or a few tram stops away.

When to go

• April-June: a mild, pleasant spring, maybe the best window.
• July-August: warm and lively, with festivals like the Jewish Culture Festival in Kazimierz.
• September-October: crisp air and autumn colours, excellent for walking.
• November-February: cold and often snowy, but with the magical Christmas market on the Rynek; low prices.

Good to know

Which area is best on a first visit? The Stare Miasto for the monuments, or Kazimierz for atmosphere and nightlife.

Do I need a car in Krakow? No, the old town is pedestrian and trams cover everything; a car is unnecessary.

Is there a tourist tax? No, Krakow has no official tax; some properties add a small surcharge, so check the total.

What day trips are worth it? Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine are the classic half-days out of the city.

Where do I eat cheaply? At the milk bars (bar mleczny) with cheap traditional dishes; pierogi are everywhere.

How many days do I need? Three nights for the city, plus the Auschwitz and Wieliczka trips.

The best hotels in Krakow

Below is a selection of real hotels in Krakow among the highest rated by guests, with live rates to compare right now. Choose the area first, then compare prices and book at the right moment.