Krakow’s two central districts cover most visitors — the postcard Old Town and the hip, soulful Kazimierz. Here are the best areas to stay, plus a quieter, cheaper alternative across the river.
Where to stay in Kraków: best areas
| Area | Best for | The vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Old Town (Stare Miasto) | First-timers | Central, historic |
| Kazimierz | Nightlife & food | Hip, bohemian |
| Podgórze | Local & value | Up-and-coming |
| Around the Planty | Quiet & central | Leafy |
Best areas to stay in Krakow
Around Europe’s largest medieval square — atmospheric, central and walkable to every major sight.
The former Jewish quarter turned bohemian hotspot — vintage shops, food halls and the best nightlife.
Across the river — quieter and more local, near Schindler’s Factory and up-and-coming, with better value.
Quick picks by traveler
| If you want… | Stay in |
|---|---|
| Best for first-timers | Old Town |
| Best for nightlife & food | Kazimierz |
| Best for value & quiet | Podgórze |
| Best for sights | Old Town |
Getting around
Krakow’s centre is compact and walkable, with cheap trams for longer hops. The Old Town is largely pedestrian. Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine are popular day trips by organized tour or train/bus.
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Where to stay in Krakow: the best areas
- Old Town (Stare Miasto) — the historic heart around the Main Square; central, beautiful and walkable to everything (the priciest, busiest choice).
- Kazimierz — the atmospheric former Jewish quarter, now Krakow’s hippest district for bars, cafes and nightlife.
- Podgorze — quieter and more local across the river, with Schindler’s Factory and a creative edge.
- Near the Main Station — handy for budget hotels and onward travel.
First-timers should pick the Old Town for convenience or Kazimierz for character — both keep you within easy walking distance of the sights.
Match the district to your trip, and dodge one notorious street
Kraków is small enough to walk, so the choice is really about noise tolerance and price. First-timers who want everything on the doorstep pay a premium in the Old Town (Stare Miasto) ring around the Main Square; expect mid-range rooms at roughly 218–437 PLN a night (about €50–100 / $55–110), more in peak season. Night owls and food lovers should aim for Kazimierz, the former Jewish quarter packed with ruin-style bars, vodka spots and brunch cafes, where places like the Shalom Kazimierz aparthotel start near €69.
Couples and longer-stay travellers who want value should cross the river to Podgórze and neighbouring Zabłocie, where modern apartments often run 15–20% cheaper than the Old Town and you’re a 10-minute walk over the footbridge from Kazimierz.
- Avoid: booking right on or beside Szewska Street and the lanes feeding the Main Square if you actually want to sleep. Kraków has a heavy UK stag-party trade, and those streets get loud crowds most nights, sometimes until around 6am. The Old Town is the right neighbourhood for convenience, just request a courtyard or upper-floor room away from the bar strip.
Where To Stay In Krakow FAQ
Where should I stay in Krakow?
The Old Town for central convenience, or Kazimierz for the hippest bars and nightlife.
Is Kazimierz a good area to stay in Krakow?
Yes — the former Jewish quarter is atmospheric and full of cafes, bars and nightlife.
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Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.