Where to stay in Krakow (my favorite hotels & apartments)

Where to stay in Krakow

Like anywhere, choosing a place to stay in Krakow depends on what you’re after. Each neighborhood offers something different. Do you want to be amid the hustle and bustle, somewhere up and coming or maybe a calmer residential neighborhood?

I would say the best place to stay in Krakow is within 10-15 minutes walking distance of the Old Town. Anywhere along the river or around Plenty Park that encircles the Old Town.

Just be mindful that the trams in Krakow are very noisy, so I would not stay directly on Józefa Dietla Street, for example, which runs between Kazimierz and Stardom.

My personal favorite areas to stay in are Kazimierz, Nowy Świat and the southern part of Wesoła.

I have created this map for you to give you an idea of the best areas and neighborhoods to stay in Krakow. Unlike most Krakow area guides, I’m starting this off with my favorite neighborhood, Kazimierz.

Kazimierz

I used to live in Kazimierz, a historic neighborhood known for its rich Jewish heritage, laidback nightlife, and eclectic mix of cafes, restaurants and galleries. Once a separate city, it is now a hotspot that blends the old with the new.

✅ It’s centrally located, just a 15-minute walk along the river to get to Wawel Castle and the Old Town. Also, there are no chain hotels or restaurants in sight, only cool spots that make the most of the historic buildings. It’s the place to be for food trucks and vintage shops.

❌ However, Kazimierz does get quite busy, especially during weekends and the warmer months. It might come off a bit shabby to some and lacks the upscale accommodations found in other parts of the city.

My top pick >> I love this apartment called Deluxe Vintage. It is small but oh so well-designed. If you prefer the comforts of a hotel, my absolute favorite is Hotel M29.

❌ The downside is that accommodation can be pricier and noisier, especially directly adjacent to Rynek. And although beautiful, it also feels very touristy with souvenir shops and the typical overpriced bland restaurants and bars.

My top pick >> If you want to stay in the Old Town, I recommend the outer edge along the park. However, Hotel Saski Krakow is, in my mind, one of the most beautiful hotels in Krakow.

❌ There aren’t really any downsides, but it is a mainly residential neighborhood that lacks big attractions and nightlife.

My top pick >> I have stayed in one of the MUSE apartments by LoftAffair and loved it. 5 minutes from the Old Town, yet removed from the noise.

Nowy Świat & Piasek

Nowy Świat & Piasek are two neighborhoods just west of Kraków’s Old Town. It is a fantastic area if you want a central yet relaxed stay. This district offers elegant streets, historic townhouses, and a quieter atmosphere while remaining within walking distance of the Main Square and Wawel Castle.

✅ Staying here means enjoying charming cafés, boutique hotels, and easy access to the scenic Vistula River. The area is well-connected but less touristy, making it perfect for a more authentic Kraków experience.

❌ You have to walk to Kazimierz or the Old Town for bars and nightlife. Can be noisy along the main roads.

My top pick >> In Nowy Świat, I love Hotel Golden Queen. It feels exclusive, yet it isn’t overly expensive.

❌ The main drawback is that it lacks the historic character of other districts, and nightlife options are more limited compared to areas like Kazimierz or the Old Town. The northern part, by the train station, is also very noisy.

My top pick >> If you’re a lover of old architecture like me, you have to check out Le Jardin Apartments.

Podgórze

Once an industrial hub, Podgórze has, over the last decade, transformed into a vibrant district with trendy cafés and cultural spaces. Podgórze is very large, so I’ve only included the most central part in the map.

✅ Staying in Podgórze means enjoying a quieter, less touristy side of Kraków. I often choose Podgórze for longer stays because of its more affordable accommodation and diverse attractions. including the stunning Church of St. Joseph, MOCAK, Oskar Schindler’s Factory and Krakus Mound (one of Krakow’s hidden gems).

❌ However, it is slightly removed from the main city center; you have to walk 25 minutes or take the tram to reach the Old Town. Try to stay as close to the river as possible.

My top pick >> My two favorite affordable apartments are Seeyouin Legionow Apartment and Kalwaryjska 34 Street Studio.

Deluxe Vintage

I really loved the last apartment I stayed in close to the river in Kazimierz. Though small, it is incredibly beautiful and designed with materials that feel exclusive. Perfect for a solo traveler or couple wanting to be close to the best bars and restaurants.

Free tea and coffee capsules and chocolate on the bed were such a nice touch. And the bed is actually comfortable, which is not always the case in Poland. There’s also a small veranda overlooking the inner courtyard and Charlotte café.

The apartment building itself has recently been redone, feeling grand with these two huge doors opening up to the street. Communications with the owner were also super clear and easy.

New Port

New Port is the first floating hotel I’ve ever stayed in; it was such a unique experience. I highly recommend getting one of the rooms with a balcony, it is so nice to sit out there after a full day of exploring. And I never say no to a view of Wawel Castle.

The rooms are clean and modern with floor-to-ceiling windows making the most of the view. I was a little worried about noise because of all the people out and about in the summer months, but I could barely hear a thing. The reception is open 24/7 with very friendly staff.

Hotel M29

I always have a great time staying at Hotel M29, a 4-star hotel in the heart of the Jewish quarter. You have many of my favorite bars and restaurants right on your doorstep.

I especially love the design of the hotel’s bar and restaurant, where you can enjoy one of the best hotel breakfasts in Krakow. The staff is another highlight of this place. I got free late check-out and every question was answered with a smile.

Hotel Saski Krakow

While I try to stay away from larger chains, I have to admit that Hotel Saski Krakow Curio Collection by Hilton is one of the most beautiful hotels in Krakow. You have to see the lobby. And the rooms, even the more basic ones, feel exclusive with rich materials.

While it is closer to Rynek than I’d like, I know we aren’t all the same and some of you want to be in the midst of the hustle and bustle. The hotel’s restaurant, Regale Restaurant & Bar, serves traditional Polish and international dishes.

The oldest street in Krakow is also home to Hotel Copernicus. I decided not to officially include it in this post because I think the price is a little out there. But it is one of the most unique and luxurious hotels in Krakow, so if you have the budget, why not?

Get around – Trams and buses are efficient, but Kraków’s compact size makes walking the best way to explore. Whenever I can, I walk along the river. If you use public transport, remember to validate the paper ticket on the tram or bus. For rideshares, I often find Bolt to be more affordable than Uber and taxis.

Be sure to check out my guide to getting from the airport to the city center.

Carry Cash – Cards are widely accepted these days, but small shops and markets may prefer cash. So I always withdraw some cash at the airport. Poland’s currency is the złoty (PLN), with 1 USD currently equaling approximately 3.85 złoty.

Explore beyond the Old Town – Visit Kazimierz, Podgórze and Nowa Huta for a more rounded experience. Also, there are so many day trips I highly recommend, like Wieliczka Salt Mine, Tyniec Abbey and the Trail of the Eagle’s Nests.

🌟 Don’t miss >> My detailed 2-day Krakow itinerary (including the best day trips)

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