Kraków is a city where the historic core still does the work of a capital: the medieval Old Town, the Wawel hill above the Vistula, and the old Jewish quarter of Kazimierz sit close enough together that most visitors spend their days walking between them. The centre is compact and largely flat, which makes the choice of where to sleep more about atmosphere and noise than about distance.
For planning purposes, the accommodation map divides into a few clear options: the Old Town itself, the Kazimierz district, and Podgórze across the river, with the wider city and its outer communities offering cheaper alternatives further out. This guide covers which of these areas suits which kind of trip, and what to expect at each price level.
Best areas to stay in Kraków
1. Old Town (Stare Miasto)
The historic Old Town is the natural base for a first visit. It contains the medieval core, the main market square, and the greatest concentration of sights, and it is where most of the city's hotels and hostels are found. You will find everything from backpacker hostels to reasonably priced hotels and some pretty luxurious and expensive ones, plus private apartments that can often be rented for a night or more.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to walk to the main sights rather than commute to them. The trade-off is that this is the most tourist-focused part of the city, and accommodation prices here are rising as visitor numbers grow.
2. Kazimierz
Kazimierz is the historic Jewish quarter, and it holds a large share of the city's hostels alongside hotels. It has its own character and its own sights, including the synagogues of the old Jewish quarter, and it sits within walking distance of the Old Town.
It suits budget travellers and those who want a livelier, less polished setting than the Old Town. If you prefer a hotel rather than a hostel, the far ends of the Kazimierz district are a good alternative to the centre, and the district connects easily to the rest of the city.
3. Podgórze
Podgórze lies across the Vistula from Kazimierz and the Old Town. It is a quieter, more residential base, and it is served by hotels near the river.
It suits travellers who want to be close to the centre without staying in it, and it works well if you are combining the city with the sites on this side of the river. The practical point is the river crossing: you are within reach of the Old Town, but you will walk or take transport over the bridge rather than step straight out into the market square.
4. Outer districts and communities
Beyond the centre, the city's outer communities can show you real Polish life away from the tourist-focused economy of the centre. This is where you look if the central areas are full or over budget.
It suits travellers with time, a car, or a willingness to use public transport, and it is generally a quieter option. The practical caveat is distance: you will be commuting to the sights rather than walking to them.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Backpacker hostels, plentiful in the Old Town and Kazimierz, typically with dorm beds that include breakfast, laundry, sheets, lockers and internet access; many also offer double rooms.
- Mid-range: Hotels in the Old Town at reasonable prices, hotels at the far ends of Kazimierz, and hotels in Podgórze by the Vistula; private one-bedroom accommodation is also an option, usually arranged through agencies or directly with landlords.
- Splurge: The luxurious and expensive hotels of the Old Town, and the large corporate hotels near the centre, most often on the Vistula banks.
Best area for a first visit
Stay in the Old Town. It puts the medieval core, the main market square and the Wawel within walking distance, and it has the widest choice of accommodation at every price level. Kazimierz is a strong second if you want a livelier base or a cheaper bed, but for a first trip the Old Town removes the need to plan around transport.
Frequently asked questions
Which areas have the most hostels?
The Old Town and Kazimierz. Both have plenty of decent, clean backpacker hostels, and many of them offer double rooms as well as dorm beds.
Is it worth staying in Nowa Huta?
Generally no. Most of its hotels are former shelters for part-time industry workers, and the district is quite distant from the city centre.
Can I rent a private apartment instead of a hotel?
Yes. Renting private accommodation is a good way to stay in Kraków, and one-bedroom places are usually available in the Old Town. Two agencies opposite the main railway station offer rooms; dealing with landlords directly outside them saves the commission but may be a bit unsafe.
Where are the big corporate hotels?
Near the centre, most often on the Vistula banks.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide.