Where to Stay in Kraków, Poland (For First-Timers + Solo Travelers)
Not sure where to stay in Kraków for your first—or even second—trip? You’re not alone. The internet is packed with endless hotel lists and confusing neighborhood guides that make it impossible to choose.
Let’s not do that.
I’ve visited Kraków six times and lived in Poland for three years. I’ve stayed everywhere, from elegant Old Town hotels with rooftop views to cozy guesthouses tucked into Kazimierz’s cobblestoned streets. After years of trial and error, I’ve learned exactly which areas are worth your money (and which you can skip).
This guide is simple, personal, and built to help you book smarter — especially if you’re a first-time or solo traveler who just wants a great location and a comfortable bed.
For the sake of not overwhelming you, I am only covering three neighborhoods here. If you feel comfortable enough, you can branch out, but these are the three most popular neighborhoods!
Pair Your Stay with These Kraków Guides:
- Traditional Polish Foods to Try in Kraków
- Where to Find the Best Pączki in Kraków
- Your Guide to Nowa Huta + The Best Tour to Take
- Which Polish Folk Show is the Best?
- 10 of the Best Things to Do in Kraków, Poland
Where to Stay in Kraków: At a Glance
Old Town (Stare Miasto): Best overall for first-timers and sightseeing.
Kazimierz: Best for foodies, solo travelers, and nightlife.
Podgórze: Best for history and a slower local pace.
Kleparz: Best for budget stays near the train station.
Best Areas to Stay in Kraków + Map
Kraków is one of those cities that makes you fall in love fast. Compact, atmospheric, and beautifully preserved, it’s built for exploring on foot. Centered around its UNESCO-listed Old Town, the city radiates outward in layers that are easy to navigate — each offering its own personality.
At the heart is Planty Park, a circular belt of greenery that replaced the medieval walls. Think of it as Kraków’s version of a moat — except now it’s a tranquil walkway filled with chestnut trees, benches, and strolling locals. Inside that ring lies the Old Town (Stare Miasto) — a pedestrian-friendly maze of cobblestones and café terraces anchored by Rynek Główny, Europe’s largest medieval market square.
Step just outside those park boundaries and the character shifts. South of Old Town, you’ll find Kazimierz, the city’s creative hub and former Jewish Quarter, brimming with street art, vintage shops, and some of Kraków’s best food. Cross the Vistula River and you’ll reach Podgórze, once part of the wartime ghetto and now home to Schindler’s Factory Museum, leafy river walks, and a slower, more residential feel. To the north lies Kleparz, a practical and budget-friendly area close to Kraków Główny, the city’s main train station — ideal for travelers catching early departures or looking for modern, affordable hotels.
Even if it’s your first time in Poland, you’ll find Kraków surprisingly easy to orient yourself in. You can walk between most major attractions in under 20 minutes, and trams connect every corner of the city. Bolt (Poland’s Uber equivalent) is also cheap, reliable, and perfect for getting home after late dinners or cold winter nights.
If it’s your First Time staying in Krakow
My advice: if it’s your first visit, stay inside or just outside the Planty Park ring — ideally in Old Town or Kazimierz. You’ll be central to the city’s main attractions, day tours, and food scene without needing a car.
Below you’ll find a map of Kraków to help you visualize how the city fits together and where each neighborhood sits.
Color Key:
- Kleparz (Orange): Affordable and close to the train station.
- Old Town (Red): Historic heart, best for first-timers and sightseeing.
- Kazimierz (Brown): Cultural and culinary hotspot with boutique hotels.
- Stare Podgórze (Yellow): Riverside, local, and steeped in WWII history.
- Nowa Huta (Purple): Further out but still a very cool area you need to check out
How to Use This Map:
Click the icon in the top left corner to see all the places I’ve pinned around Bydgoszcz — from cafés and museums to scenic viewpoints. You can turn layers on or off and click any pin to learn more about each spot. Want to keep it handy for your trip? Click the star next to the map’s title to save it to your Google account. Then, open the Google Maps app, go to “Saved” → “Maps,” and you’ll see this Bydgoszcz map ready to guide you while you explore.
1. Old Town (Stare Miasto): Best Overall for First-Time Visitors
If it’s your first trip to Kraków, this is where you’ll want to stay. The Old Town is the historic heart of the city — home to Wawel Castle, St. Mary’s Basilica, and the stunning Main Market Square. Everything you came to see is within walking distance, from cozy cafés to rooftop viewpoints.
Best for: First-timers, short stays, culture lovers
Vibe: Historic, lively, romantic
Where I have stayed in Krakow’s Old Town
I have stayed at many of these places listed, as we would travel to Krakow quite frequently, but I loved my most recent stay at Wawel Boutique Residence in the Old Town. This is an apartment on the outskirts of Old Town with a fully serviced check-in, and you can even schedule tours through them and request breakfast.
The Apartments are spacious for a small family and very budget-friendly. I paid 364EUR for 4 Days. Keep in mind that there is no elevator, and you’ll have to walk up the stairs depending on which apartment you end up in.
My Picks:
If you don’t like apartments like this, here are some other places I highly recommend!
- Luxury: Hotel Stary — Elegant rooms, a beautiful spa, and a rooftop bar overlooking the city.
- Mid-Range: Hotel Wentzl — Right on the Main Square with unbeatable views and classic Polish interiors.
- Budget: Hostel Deco — Stylish and social with surprisingly comfy beds.
Heads up: It’s lively — especially in summer or during festivals — so light sleepers should request courtyard rooms.
→ Check Old Town hotel rates and availability on Booking.com
2. Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter): Best for Solo Travelers & Nightlife
Kazimierz is Kraków’s bohemian heart. Once the city’s Jewish Quarter, today it’s filled with candlelit wine bars, indie cafés, vintage stores, and street art that tells a story of resilience and renewal. It’s also where I tend to base myself — close enough to walk to the Old Town, but far enough to feel local.
Best for: Solo travelers, foodies, creatives
Vibe: Artistic, atmospheric, effortlessly cool
My Picks:
- Luxury: The Bonerowski Palace — Elegant, Old World charm meets modern comfort.
- Mid-Range: Hotel Ester — I’ve stayed here; central, cozy, and steps from Szeroka Street.
Local Tip: Kazimierz has Kraków’s best nightlife. Pair your stay with my upcoming Best Bars in Kraków Guide for jazz clubs, cocktail lounges, and late-night cafés.
3. Podgórze: Best for History Lovers & Local Life
Across the Vistula River, Podgórze feels worlds away from the bustle of Old Town. It’s deeply tied to the city’s wartime history — this is where the Jewish Ghetto was located during WWII, and where you’ll find Schindler’s Factory, Ghetto Heroes Square, and the remains of the ghetto wall.
But today, Podgórze is also a neighborhood of resilience and rebirth. Art studios, design cafés, and peaceful riverside paths make it an inviting area for slow mornings and thoughtful walks.
Best for: History enthusiasts, repeat visitors, quiet stays
Vibe: Reflective, residential, authentic
My Picks:
- Budget: Lwowska 1 — Modern apartment-style hotel with kitchenettes and free parking.
- Mid-Range: The Bridge Suites Hotel– Reliable comfort and great river views.
Getting There: It’s an easy 20-minute walk from Kazimierz across the pedestrian bridge, or a short tram ride from the Old Town.
BONUS#1: Where to Stay in Krakow for Families:
Listen, I know how hard it is for families to find places to stay, so here are just a few places, including a hostel, that you may find family-friendly!
- Luxury: Metropolis Old Town Apartments– Metropolis Old Town Apartments, an aparthotel located in Kraków, Poland, offers family rooms and free WiFi throughout the property. The availability of free on-site private parking ensures convenience for families arriving by car. The aparthotel provides a baby cot for the little ones, along with a kitchenette and a washing machine. Additional amenities include a sofa bed and a work desk, ensuring comfort and convenience for the entire family.
- Mid-range: Aparthotel Stare Miasto – Offering spacious apartments with kitchenettes, it’s perfect for families who prefer a more home-like experience.
- Budget: Bubble Hostel – A playful and welcoming hostel offering a relaxed atmosphere with family-friendly amenities, ideal for budget-conscious families.
BONUS # 2: Top Krakow Hostels for Solo Travelers
Solo travelers will find that Krakow is full of welcoming hostels, providing the perfect environment for meeting other like-minded explorers.
Whether you’re looking for a vibrant social atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe, there’s a hostel for you. I’ve personally stayed at Meininger Krakow, and it was pretty great. The reception was friendly and there’s a great bar, a plus was that it had air conditioning!
- MEININGER Kraków Centrum– Meininger Kraków Centrum, a hostel located in Kraków, Poland, offers family-friendly facilities such as board games or puzzles, family rooms, and a games room. The property also boasts a terrace, bar, and free WiFi throughout, and paid on-site private parking is available. The hostel provides air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom, a sofa bed, and a work desk. A continental buffet breakfast is served, with juice and cheese options.
- The Boat – Hostel&Chill – This is a fun hostel on a boat! You can find the hostel right on the Vistula River and offers a beautiful view of the Wawel Castel. The Boat offers Solo travelers such as board games or puzzles and family rooms. The property also boasts a sun terrace, bar, and free WiFi throughout.
Best Things to Do in Kraków
Once you’ve figured out where to stay, here’s what not to miss, and you can also read my other blogs about Poland here
- Walk through Rynek Główny and climb St. Mary’s Basilica.
- Visit Wawel Castle & Cathedral for views over the Vistula.
- Explore Kazimierz’s street art and Jewish heritage sites.
- Tour Schindler’s Factory Museum in Podgórze.
- Take a day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau or the Wieliczka Salt Mine.
- Join a local food or walking tour to get your bearings on Day 1.
Kraków Travel Tips
- Download Bolt: It’s cheaper and more reliable than local taxis.
- Buy the Kraków Card: It includes public transit + entry to 40+ museums.
- Don’t stay too far out: Hotels may look cheaper, but you’ll lose time (and energy) commuting.
- Learn a few words: “Dzień dobry” (hello) and “Dziękuję” (thank you) go a long way.
- Bring cash: Most places take cards, but smaller cafés and markets may prefer złoty.
FAQ: Where to Stay in Kraków
How many days do I need in Kraków?
Three full days lets you explore Old Town, Kazimierz, and take a day trip. Add a fourth for slower travel.
Is Kraków safe for solo travelers?
Yes. The city is friendly, well-lit, and easy to navigate. Stick to central areas and you’ll feel completely comfortable.
Do I need to speak Polish?
Not at all — English is widely spoken. But locals appreciate when visitors try a few phrases.
Which airport should I fly into?
John Paul II International Airport (KRK) — just 11 km from the city center. You can take a train or Bolt to the Old Town in about 25 minutes.
Can I reach Kraków by train?
Yes. Kraków Główny connects to Warsaw, Gdańsk, Wrocław, Vienna, and Prague with direct lines.
What’s the currency?
Polish złoty (PLN). ATMs give better exchange rates than airport kiosks.
Let me know if this post helped you plan your trip to Krakow and if you’d like to connect, reach out to me on Instagram- @kimberlykepharttravels
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