Where to stay in Krakow, Poland | Amazing Hotels

Kraków is Poland’s second-largest city, a deeply historic place with so much to see and do. It’s an affordable and dynamic city with so many fantastic neighborhoods to explore.

So, let’s take a look at where to stay in Krakow, the best things to see in Kraków, and what each neighborhood has to offer visitors to this exciting Polish city.

That way you can decide what area is best for you and where to stay when you visit the city for yourself.

Where to stay in Krakow

The five main neighborhoods

While Kraków is a big and bustling city, there are five specific and distinct neighborhoods that are unmissable when choosing where to stay in Kraków. These are the five neighborhoods that have the best hotels in Kraków Poland.

Kazimierz
Historically, Kazimierz was the Jewish quarter. Today, it’s the fast-moving, trendy, hipster part of Krakow. It’s where you’ll find all the boutique shops, bookstores, cocktails bars, and cute hipster cafes of the city. The history is big here, though, with some incredible synagogues to visit and explore.

The Old Town (Stare Miasto)
Poland is known for its fantastic old towns, and Stare Miasto is one of the best. It’s chock full of fantastic traditional Polish restaurants, as well as some of the best hotels in Kraków Poland. Here you’ll also find fantastic antiques shops selling truly valuable, unique, and vintage items from across Poland’s creative and artistic history.

Kleparz
Kleparz is where to stay in Kraków if you want to save a little money. It’s a place of stunning art nouveau architecture, as well as some of the more modern restaurant chains from around the world. It’s a comfortable and relaxed area, and perhaps the most cosmopolitan area of Krakow.

Podgorze
This is a long district that stretches from Kraków city center to its eastern edge. It’s considered the green district of Kraków and, as such, it is chock full of hills and parks to wander. It’s the most peaceful area of the city and is where to stay in Kraków if you want a calmer place to retreat to after a day exploring the louder districts.

Debniki
This is a fascinating little area of Kraków. While the other city districts intersect like a jigsaw, this once-separate village has remained relatively separate. It has a different feel and atmosphere, fewer bars and restaurants, and is a far more residential area that’s a great place to stay if you want to feel like a local.

Where to stay in Kazimierz

Where to stay in Kraków for a cool laid-back vibe in a central location

Kazimierz is my favorite area in Kraków. The famous Jewish quarter is home to lots of pubs, clubs, cafes, and restaurants, and it’s a fantastic place to shop and get to know the local history. Kazimierz is the hipster area of town.

Recommended hotels in Kazimierz

Luxury – Luxury Apartments Kazimierz:
Stunning, spacious, apartments designed in a modern aesthetic at the heart of the city. These apartments come with large TVs and a family seating area. Check the latest prices: booking.com

Mid-range – BC7 Apartments:
A New Yorker-style hotel in a great location with a super-nice host. We loved staying here as a family, and there were even toys for Theo and a baby crib. Check the latest prices: booking.com

Budget accommodation – The Secret Garden Hostel:
A hostel in the heart of Kraków that offers cheap nights in colorful rooms. Check the latest prices: booking.com

Things to do in Kazimierz

• Plac Nowy – A modern square where students and young people eat street food and hang out.
• Galicia Jewish Museum – A photo exhibition of local Jewish history.
• Remuh Synagogue – A synagogue named after the legendary Rabbi Moses Isserles.
• Old Synagogue – The oldest synagogue in all of Poland.
• Mleczarnia – A celebrated beer garden used in the filming of Schindler’s List.
• Corpus Christi Church – A breath-taking 14th-century medieval gothic church.

Where to stay in The Old Town (Stare Miasto)

 The heart of Kraków

Although Kraków is overflowing with local history in the form of synagogues, churches, gothic and baroque buildings, it’s the Old Town of Stare Miasto where most of the city’s historic buildings and streets can be found. It’s a fantastic historic area with most of the city’s most exciting sights, but it’s also the most expensive area to stay in Kraków.

Recommended hotels in The Old Town

Luxury – Szewska 7 Apartments
Great location right next to the main square, which is handy for sights, restaurants, and city-life. The beds are comfy and there’s everything you need in the apartment. Check the latest prices: booking.com

Mid-range – Avanti Home
A really gorgeous luxury apartment with loads of space, and just a short walk down the street from the National Museum of Kraków. Check the latest prices: booking.com

Budget accommodation – Silvio’s Apartments:
Just down the road from the main market square, in a perfect location, is a small but cozy apartment for a great price. Check the latest prices: booking.com

Things to do in The Old Town

• Mary’s Basilica – One of the great religious buildings of Poland that is surrounded by fascinating myths and legends.
• St. Francis’ Basilica – Kraków’s most colorful church, and my personal favorite, thanks to the gorgeous Art Nouveau interior.
• The Barbican – Once a fortress complete with gothic turrets, but today is a museum dedicated to the medieval history of Krakow.
• Pharmacy Museum – A museum that tracks the medicinal and alchemical history of Kraków and all of Poland.
• Church of St. Anne – An incredible piece of baroque architecture built back in the 17^th

Where to stay in Kleparz

Where to stay in Kraków for great value

The cosmopolitan area of Kraków, Kleparz is a modern district of shopping streets and restaurants. It’s a modern area with plenty of shops and dining options, though not a particularly historic or unique area.

Recommended hotels in Kleparz

Luxury – Art & Garden Residence:
Offering a breakfast buffet in a garden restaurant, this is one of the most stunning and luxurious Kraków hotels around! Check the latest prices: booking.com

Mid-range – Laiko Apartments:
Peaceful apartments with wood furnishing and comfy upholstery. One of the best Kraków hotels for its aesthetics. Check the latest prices: booking.com

Budget accommodation – Cosy Old Town Apartments
Incredible apartments with amazing value for money. Mid-range apartments in the city for a budget price, making for the best prices in Kraków! Check the latest prices: booking.com

Things to do in Kleparz

• Florian’s Church – A church where the previous pope, Pope Jean Paul II was once the local priest.
• Klub Dziekanat – A popular local bar where you can meet new people and drink excellent cheap beer.
• Park Jalu Kurka – A park in the center of Kleparz that’s perfect for an afternoon stroll.

Where to stay in Podgorze

A budget-friendly alternative to other central areas

A rural area that’s still very much a part of the city. Podgorze is a great place to stay if you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the crowded streets while still remaining within the heart of the city. It’s a picturesque and green area perfect for a relaxing stay, yet not much shopping or dining in the area.

Recommended hotels in Podgorze

Luxury – Plaza Boutique Hotel
Fancifully decorated hotel rooms and a buffet breakfast make this one of the loveliest and most luxurious hotels in Kraków. Check the latest prices: booking.com

Mid-range – Green Loft Apartment
A calm and relaxed loft apartment just a short walk from some fantastic museums in the local area. Check the latest prices: booking.com

Budget accommodation – Amistik Krakow
An apartment with the best prices in Kraków. A spacious and modern apartment with a balcony for a low, budget price. Check the latest prices: booking.com

Things to do in Podgorze

• Ghetto Heroes Square – 70 empty metal chairs represent the site of mass murders of Krakow’s Polish Jews by the German Nazis and where thousands were transported to the concentration camps.
• Fort Benedict – An enormous 19th-century brick fort used for defense against Russian invaders.
• Cricoteka – A challenging piece of architecture by Kantor, which combines classical architecture with modern industry.
• Krakus Mound – A hilltop which gives a perfect panoramic view of the whole city.

Where to stay in Debniki

Where to stay in Kraków for local life

Debniki is a unique residential area. It’s a more local and traditional area where you can live amongst the people of Kraków and see the non-touristy side of the city for yourself. A local place to relax away from the busy city center, but still close to Wawel castle and a lovely park.

Recommended hotels in Debniki

Luxury – Wawel View 
With a vintage hipster aesthetic and a location in a peaceful and quiet district, this is one of the best hotels in Kraków. Check the latest prices: booking.com

Mid-range – Apartments Krakow Mieszczanska
A large and spacious apartment with a fully functioning kitchen in a quiet residential area. Check the latest prices: booking.com

Budget accommodation – Apartments Krakow Zamkowa
Quaint apartment decorated in a modern style, with a balcony, and in a peaceful area. Check the latest prices: booking.com

Things to do in Debniki

• Wawel Castle – Wawel Royal Castle is a must-visit castle residency and the iconic symbol of Poland.
• Church of St. Stanisław Kostka – One of the largest and most popular modern churches in Kraków.

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