Woman in a blue coat standing in front of Wawel Castle

Top Places to Stay in Krakow For First Time Visitors

ByKimberly Poland

Krakow, one of Poland’s most beautiful cities, is a must-visit destination for any traveler. Full of history, culture, and charm, it offers something for everyone, especially the food!

Whether you’re coming for a weekend getaway, a cultural experience, or a longer stay, finding the perfect place to stay in Krakow will help you make the most of your trip.

This comprehensive guide will help you choose from a list of top places to stay in Krakow, with options to suit all types of travelers—whether you’re looking for luxury, budget-friendly, family-friendly, or unique accommodations.

I’ve stayed in a wide array of places in Krakow, from budget to luxury and I can’t wait to help you find a place to stay in Krakow. Read on for the top places to stay in Krakow! Here is a list of TOP Places to Stay in Krakow

Please note I’ve put an * next to the ones I have stayed at solo or with my partner.

Affiliate Statement Kimberly Kephart

1. Old Town (Stare Miasto): The Top Place to Stay in Krakow

When visiting Krakow for the first time, staying in Old Town (Stare Miasto) is a great option. It’s the heart of the city and home to many of Krakow’s iconic attractions, such as the Main Market Square, Wawel Castle, and St. Mary’s Basilica.

The charming cobbled streets are lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it easy to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Krakow is an extremely walkable city and a stay here in the Old Town means that you can explore things easily from a central location.

I think this ranks highest for many people when it comes to the top places to stay in Krakow because the ease of access to all the cool places you can see right outside your hotel.

Where to Stay:

  • Luxury: Hotel Stary – A 5-star hotel that combines historical charm with modern luxury. Situated right near the Main Market Square, it’s perfect for those wanting to be close to the action*** (I’ve stayed here with my husband, and it was a wonderful stay!)
  • Mid-range: Hotel Wentzl – Located in a historic building overlooking the Main Market Square, this elegant hotel offers great value for a central location.
  • Budget: Hostel Deco – A quirky, budget-friendly option in the heart of Old Town, providing great value for money and easy access to the city’s top attractions.

2. Kazimierz: For the hip First Time Visitor and Top Place to stay in Krakow

Kazimierz, Krakow’s Jewish Quarter, is one of the most vibrant and culturally rich neighborhoods in the city.

Filled with trendy cafes, restaurants, art galleries, and beautiful synagogues, it offers a unique blend of history and modern flair. Staying here gives you easy access to both the city’s cultural scene and quieter corners of the city.

I love walking around this area as Kazimierz has a wonderful vibe, the street art is pretty awesome. I think this is also a top place to stay in Krakow, again for its accessibility and amazing restaurants.

Where to Stay:

  • Luxury: The Bonerowski Palace – A luxurious hotel set in a 13th-century building, offering a historic atmosphere and excellent service.
  • Mid-range: Hotel Ester – A charming hotel located just a short walk from the main attractions in Kazimierz, offering affordable rates and a welcoming atmosphere. ** (I have stayed here, it’s pretty nice and very close to different attractions)

3. Best Family-Friendly Accommodations in Krakow

Krakow is an excellent destination for families, offering a range of accommodations that are both family-friendly and close to the city’s top attractions. From spacious family suites to apartments with kitchenettes, you’ll find plenty of options for your stay.

Where to Stay:

  • 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.
Green door of Wawel Castle in Krakow Poland
Statue in Krakow Poland
Children playing with pigeons in Krakow
Krakow Hotel in Old town

4. 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, reception was friendly and there’s a great bar, a plus was that it had air conditioning!

Where to Stay:

  • 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.

Don’t See What You Like Here? Use This Interactive Hotel Stays Map

If none of these hotels tickle your fancy, why not use this interactive map from Stay22!

FAQ: FIRST TIME VISITOR TO KRAKOW?

For a well-rounded experience of Krakow, a 3-day stay is ideal. This allows time to explore the historic Old Town, visit Wawel Castle, stroll through Kazimierz (the Jewish quarter), and take day trips to places like Auschwitz-Birkenau or the Wieliczka Salt Mine. However, if you want to take your time and enjoy a slower pace, you could extend your visit to 4 or 5 days.

No, you don’t need to know Polish to visit Krakow, though knowing a few basic phrases can be helpful and appreciated. English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and shops. Signs and menus are often available in English, so communication is easy for most travelers. However, picking up a few common greetings like “Dzień dobry” (Good day) or “Dziękuję” (Thank you) can enhance your experience

Yes, Krakow is very walkable! The city center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, especially around the Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) and the Old Town. Most of the major attractions, such as Wawel Castle, St. Mary’s Basilica, and the Cloth Hall, are within walking distance of each other. You can comfortably explore on foot, though you can also use trams or buses if you want to venture further out.

Absolutely! Krakow is an excellent destination for solo travelers. The city is safe, welcoming, and easy to navigate. You’ll find plenty of guided tours, restaurants with communal seating, and cozy cafes where you can relax and people-watch. Many solo travelers enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere, with a mix of history, culture, and modern attractions. Whether you’re wandering through the historic streets or exploring the quieter areas of Kazimierz, you’ll never feel alone in Krakow.

The main airport serving Krakow is John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice (KRK), located about 11 km (7 miles) from the city center. It’s the most convenient option for travelers heading to Krakow, with a range of international and domestic flights. You can easily reach the city center by train, bus, or taxi from the airport.

Yes, Krakow is well-connected by train to other cities in Poland and Europe. The main train station, Kraków Główny, is located near the city center, making it easy to travel to and from Krakow. If you’re coming from other Polish cities like Warsaw, Wrocław, or Gdańsk, you can take a direct train, which is both comfortable and affordable. International trains also connect Krakow to nearby countries such as the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Austria. You can uses PKP Intercity to find trains!

Zloty! Make sure to pull from an ATM or look into Currency Exchange!

Conclusion

Krakow offers a wide variety of accommodations for every type of traveler, whether you’re looking for luxury, budget options, family-friendly stays, or sustainable accommodations. First-time visitors to the city will be delighted by the wide range of neighborhoods, each offering its own charm and personality. From the historic charm of Old Town to the trendy vibe of Kazimierz, there’s no shortage of fantastic places to stay in Krakow.

No matter where you choose to stay, make sure to book through the links provided for the best deals. Enjoy your trip to Krakow, and make the most of this enchanting city!

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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