Krakow is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, with a stunning medieval old town, fascinating Jewish history, and a lively café and bar scene.
In this guide, you’ll get an overview of the best areas to stay in, whether you’re a first-time visitor, a culture enthusiast, or simply looking for authentic local experiences in one of Poland‘s finest cities.
Let’s get started: where to stay in Krakow?
Best Areas in Krakow
Here’s a quick overview of the best areas to stay in Krakow:
- Stare Miasto (Old Town) – UNESCO gem with everything within walking distance ⭐
- Kazimierz – Hip Jewish quarter with cafés and nightlife 🎭
- Podgórze – Up-and-coming area with local authenticity 🌳
Click on the area name to see the best hotels in that neighbourhood.
1. Stare Miasto (Old Town) – Best Area for First-Time Visitors ⭐
Stare Miasto is the heart of Krakow and the obvious choice if it’s your first time in the city. Here you’ll wake up to the sound of horse-drawn carriages on cobblestones and have all the major sights right on your doorstep.
The old town is compact and incredibly easy to navigate – you can cross the entire area in under 20 minutes on foot. At its centre, you’ll find the enormous Rynek Główny, one of Europe’s largest medieval squares, surrounded by colourful buildings, cosy cafés, and the iconic St. Mary’s Basilica with its famous trumpet call every hour.
Wawel Castle sits majestically at the southern end, and the entire area is encircled by the beautiful Planty Park, which follows the route of the old city walls.
See the best hotels in Stare Miasto here.
The atmosphere is a blend of touristy charm and genuine Polish cosiness. During the day, the streets buzz with tourists and street vendors, but just head a few side streets away from the main square and you’ll find authentic restaurants and local bars.
The evening brings a magical ambience as the buildings are lit up and restaurants set their tables out on the cobblestones. Think of it a bit like Nyhavn in Copenhagen, but with medieval architecture and Polish prices.
The price level is the highest in Krakow, but still very affordable compared to Western European cities. Expect to pay a little extra for the location, but you’ll save on transport in return.
- The area is extremely safe – you can walk around late at night without any worries.
Quick Info: Stare Miasto
📍 Distance to centre: You’re in the centre!
🚇 Nearest station: Kraków Główny (main railway station) – 10 min walk
✈️ Time to airport: 20-25 minutes by train
🏪 Supermarket: Several within 5 minutes’ walk
💰 Price level: €€€€ (4/5)
👮 Safety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Hotels in Stare Miasto
Hotel Stary ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
One of Krakow’s finest luxury hotels, housed in a beautifully restored 14th-century historic building. Here you’ll get elegant rooms with exposed brick walls and modern amenities, a fantastic spa with a basement pool, and a location just steps from the main square. Perfect for those who want to treat themselves.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “The location was fantastic – right next to the square, the spa was wonderful, and the breakfast was unmatched.”
See more photos and book here.
Hotel Wentzl ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A charming boutique hotel directly on the main square with views of St. Mary’s Basilica. The hotel combines historical elegance with modern comfort – think original beamed ceilings and contemporary bathrooms. Its truly unique location makes it an excellent choice for romantic stays.
A guest recently wrote: “We woke up to views of the square and St. Mary’s Basilica – absolutely magical. The staff were incredibly helpful.”
See more photos and book here.
Best Western Plus Krakow Old Town ⭐⭐⭐
A solid and reliable choice for budget-conscious travellers who still want to stay centrally. Modern and clean rooms, good breakfast included, and a location on the edge of the old town, giving you peace and quiet while still being able to walk to all the sights in just a few minutes.
Guests especially love: “Fantastic value for money – clean and comfortable with a really good breakfast. Perfect for a weekend break.”
See more photos and book here.
2. Kazimierz – Best Area for Culture Lovers and Nightlife 🎭
Kazimierz is Krakow’s coolest neighbourhood – a fascinating mix of Jewish history, hipster cafés, and buzzing nightlife. If you love exploring authentic neighbourhoods rather than polished tourist areas, this is where you should stay.
The historic Jewish quarter was once a separate city and has today been reborn as Krakow’s cultural epicentre. The streets hum with life between synagogues, galleries, vintage shops, and countless bars and restaurants.
See the best hotels in Kazimierz here.
Plac Nowy is the neighbourhood’s heart – here you’ll find the famous zapiekanka (Polish street food baguette) and a sea of small bars ranging from raw underground aesthetics to trendy cocktail bars.
- It’s a bit like Kreuzberg in Berlin or Nørrebro in Copenhagen – just with more history and cheaper beer.
From Kazimierz, it’s a 15-20 minute walk to the main square in the old town, and on the way you’ll pass Wawel Castle. The area is perfect if you want to experience Krakow like the locals – this is where university students and creative types hang out, and prices are noticeably lower than in Stare Miasto.
The nightlife is undoubtedly the city’s best, so expect some noise at weekends if you’re staying close to Plac Nowy.
For history buffs, Kazimierz also holds important memories from the Second World War – from here it’s just a few minutes’ walk to Oskar Schindler’s Factory and the former Jewish ghetto in Podgórze.
Quick Info: Kazimierz
📍 Distance to centre: 15-20 min walk to Rynek Główny
🚇 Nearest tram: Several lines along Dietla Street
✈️ Time to airport: 25-30 minutes
🏪 Supermarket: Several within 5 minutes’ walk
💰 Price level: €€€ (3/5)
👮 Safety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Hotels in Kazimierz
Hotel Copernicus ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A unique luxury hotel on the border between Kazimierz and Wawel, housed in a Renaissance building with original 14th-century frescoes on the ceilings. The rooms are spacious and elegant, and the hotel’s pool and spa in the historic cellars are an experience in themselves. Perfect for couples who want something truly special.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “The historic details in the rooms combined with modern luxury – and the fantastic breakfast with views of Wawel.”
See more photos and book here.
A modern design hotel with Scandinavian-inspired décor and a focus on sustainability. PURO offers stylish rooms, a cosy lounge area with a bar, and free guided city walks for guests. Located in the heart of Kazimierz’s bustling scene, but with good windows so you can sleep in peace.
A guest recently wrote: “Fantastic modern hotel with the perfect location. The breakfast was outstanding, and the bar makes the best cocktails.”
See more photos and book here.
Hotel Kazimierz ⭐⭐⭐
A simple but cosy hotel in the heart of the neighbourhood. The rooms are basic but clean and comfortable, and its location just steps from Plac Nowy means you have everything within reach. Ideal for budget travellers and backpackers who’d rather spend their money on food and experiences.
Guests especially love: “Good value for money in a fantastic area. The staff were friendly and helped with restaurant recommendations.”
See more photos and book here.
Planning a trip around Poland? Check out my guide on where to stay in Gdansk too.
3. Podgórze – Perfect for the Authentic Experience 🌳
Podgórze is Krakow’s best-kept secret – a quiet neighbourhood on the other side of the Vistula River that attracts locals and experience-hungry travellers who want to escape the tourist crowds.
The area was formerly an independent industrial district and holds a dark history as the Jewish ghetto during the Second World War.
Today, Podgórze has reinvented itself with hip cafés, art galleries, and a relaxed atmosphere that feels a world away from the tourist bustle – even though you’re actually only a 20-minute walk from the old town.
See the best hotels in Podgórze here.
The beautiful Kładka Bernatka footbridge connects Podgórze with Kazimierz and offers fantastic views over the river and Wawel Castle.
Here you’ll find some of Krakow’s best restaurants and bars along the riverbank – perfect for an evening beer at sunset with views of the castle. Schindler’s Factory is in the area and has been turned into an excellent museum about Krakow during the occupation.
For the more adventurous, Krakus Mound is a great excursion offering panoramic views over the entire city.
Podgórze is the cheapest of the three recommended areas and offers plenty of space and tranquillity. It’s ideal for digital nomads, long-term travellers, or anyone who prefers a more local pace. The area is perfectly safe, even if it feels less polished than the touristy quarters.
Quick Info: Podgórze
📍 Distance to centre: 20-25 min walk to Rynek Główny
🚇 Nearest tram: Several lines along Limanowskiego
✈️ Time to airport: 30-35 minutes
🏪 Supermarket: Several within 10 minutes’ walk
💰 Price level: €€ (2/5)
👮 Safety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Hotels in Podgórze
Stradom House ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Technically located on the border between Kazimierz and Podgórze, but with easy access to both. This 5-star boutique hotel was designed by the people behind Soho House and is considered by many to be Krakow’s finest hotel. The interior is a beautiful blend of historic elements from the 600-year-old building and modern luxurious details.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “An absolutely fantastic hotel – perfect location, beautiful décor, and top-class service.”
See more photos and book here.
Hotel Pod Wawelem ⭐⭐⭐⭐
With its location at the foot of Wawel Hill, this hotel offers some of the best views in Krakow. The rooms are comfortable and clean, and breakfast is enjoyed with panoramic views of the castle. An excellent mid-range choice for those who want a great location without paying old town prices.
A guest recently wrote: “The best view we’ve ever had from a hotel room – waking up to the sight of Wawel was magical.”
See more photos and book here.
Where Should You Not Stay in Krakow? 🛑
Generally, Krakow is a very safe city and you can walk around everywhere – even at night. But there are some areas I’d recommend avoiding as an accommodation base, simply because you’ll have a better experience elsewhere.
Nowa Huta: This communist model district from the 1950s is interesting for a day visit, but it’s far from the centre (30-40 minutes by public transport) and has limited tourist infrastructure. You’ll simply spend too much time on transport if you stay here. Visit it on a guided tour instead and enjoy the fascinating architecture.
Areas around the main railway station (north of Planty): While conveniently close to trains and buses, this area is less charming and can feel a bit dreary compared to the old town’s atmosphere. You won’t get the authentic Krakow experience here.
The suburbs (Kurdwanów, Bieżanów-Prokocim, and similar): These residential areas are fine to live in, but as a tourist you have no reason to stay so far from the centre. You’ll waste unnecessary time on transport, and there are no sights or restaurants of interest. Book in one of the three recommended areas instead – prices are affordable enough that it doesn’t make sense to save a few pounds by staying on the outskirts.
The great thing about Krakow is that the city is so compact you can easily experience all three areas regardless of where you stay. Trams and buses run frequently, and an Uber or Bolt costs next to nothing. So choose the area that best suits your travel style, and enjoy this fantastic city!
One last tip: Book your hotel well in advance, especially if you’re travelling during the summer months or around Easter and Christmas.
Krakow is a popular destination, and the best hotels sell out quickly.
Travel ressources & websites I use all the time 👇
• Booking.com has the best offers on hotels and unique places to stay
• GetYourGuide is the best place to book tours & activities with free cancellation
• Welcome Pickups is the best & safest place to pre-book airport transfers
Psst 👀 Have you subscribed to my Youtube channel and my Instagram where I provide more useful travel tips?