Discover Kraków where medieval charm meets modern buzz
The hotels in Kraków range from grand 5-star addresses on Rynek Główny to modern city hotels that keep budgets happy. Whether you are a city breaker, history fan, romantic couple, or a group here for nightlife, you will find a stay close to Wawel Castle, Kazimierz, and riverside walks. Many hotels add spa pools, cosy cafés, and stylish bars to round off your days exploring.
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Market Square, Kraków
Where to Stay in Kraków
Kraków’s districts each bring a distinct mood, from Gothic churches and castle views to café culture and street art. Choose a base for walkability, nightlife, or quiet streets a few minutes from the Old Town.
- Stare Miasto (Old Town) The historic core wrapped around Rynek Główny with Wawel close by, all cobbled lanes and landmark churches. It is ideal for first time visitors who want top sights, restaurants, and museums within an easy stroll from their hotel.
- Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter) A lively quarter of restored synagogues, galleries, and bohemian bars, perfect for café hopping by day and music filled nights. Couples and friends love the romantic lanes, street food, and quick walk to the river and Old Town.
- Podgórze South of the Vistula, this former factory district has stylish cafés, parks, and the Schindler Factory museum. It suits design minded travellers and families who prefer calmer streets, modern hotels, and simple tram links into the centre.
- Kleparz Just north of the walls, with leafy streets and a quieter residential feel five to ten minutes from the square. It works well for families and longer stays seeking peace, markets, and quick access to shops and transport.
Wawel Castle, Kraków
Best Hotels in Kraków
From design led boutiques to spa friendly landmarks and family all rounders, Kraków’s hotel scene fits every style of trip. Pick by setting, facilities, and how close you want to be to the square.
Best Boutique Hotels in Kraków
Hotel Gródek (5-star) A peaceful hideaway on a quiet Old Town street with elegant, historically styled rooms and intimate corners. Couples and solo travellers rate the refined atmosphere, tucked away feel, and short walks to Rynek Główny and evening restaurants.
Queen Boutique Hotel (4-star) A chic address between the Old Town and Kazimierz, pairing sleek rooms with friendly service and free Wi Fi. City explorers and business guests like the walk everywhere location, modern comforts, and easy tram links in both directions.
Hotel H15 Palace Francuski (5-star) Luxurious, French inspired interiors set a grand tone a few hundred metres from the Main Square. Travellers who love design and heritage enjoy the opulent common areas, polished rooms, and elegant breakfasts near Kraków’s headline sights.
Best Spa-Friendly Hotels in Kraków
Sheraton Grand Kraków (5-star) A large riverside hotel at the foot of Wawel with renovated rooms and a wellness area featuring pool, sauna, and gym. Families and leisure travellers appreciate the spacious layouts, castle side location, and calming swims after days in the Old Town.
Hotel Stary (5-star) A luxury boutique steps from the square, blending historic architecture with a striking spa and rooftop views. It is a favourite for couples who want serene pools and terraces before slipping out to dinner on atmospheric streets.
Best Romantic Hotels in Kraków
Hotel Copernicus (5-star) A Renaissance era residence on Wawel’s slope, furnished with antiques and warm wood. The vaulted cellar spa, candlelit dining, and intimate rooms make it perfect for anniversaries and slow city weekends.
Hotel Pod Różą (5-star) A beautifully restored 15th century palace just off the Main Square with elegant interiors and a cosy cellar spa. Honeymooners love the heritage feel, refined service, and location that turns evening strolls into something cinematic.
Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Kraków
Holiday Inn Kraków City Centre (5-star) A dependable pick a short walk from Rynek Główny with spacious family rooms and generous buffet breakfasts. Parents value the central yet quiet setting, practical layouts, and simple tram access for tired legs.
Vienna House by Wyndham Andel’s Kraków (4-star) Contemporary style near the centre with family rooms and free guest bikes for exploring. Active families like the easy rides to parks and river paths, plus quick links to malls and the main station.
Sheraton Grand Kraków (5-star) Also a family favourite thanks to its pool and riverside location near Wawel and playgrounds. The comfortable rooms and broad dining options simplify longer stays with children.
Top Things to Do in Kraków
- Explore the Old Town Wander Rynek Główny, Europe’s largest medieval market square, and visit St Mary’s Basilica and the Cloth Hall. Listen for the hourly bugle call and browse craft stalls before coffee on a terrace.
- Wawel Castle and Cathedral Climb Wawel Hill for royal apartments, ornate chapels, and stately crypts, then descend to the Dragon’s Den cave. The complex anchors Poland’s royal past and offers sweeping city views.
- Kazimierz Discover synagogues, memorials, and street art by day, then drift into lively ruin bars and courtyard cafés by night. Do not miss local snacks like pierogi or zapiekanki on a casual food crawl.
- Schindler’s Factory Museum Tour the former enamel factory for moving exhibits on wartime Kraków and everyday life under occupation. Its immersive rooms make history vivid and anchor an afternoon in Podgórze.
- Barbican and Florian Gate See Kraków’s preserved fortifications at the circular Barbican and neighbouring gate. Short walks through Planty Park tie medieval walls to leafy paths around the Old Town.
- Planty Park and Vistula Paths Circle the centre through gardens and statues, then follow the riverbank for relaxed views of Wawel. In warmer months, rent bikes and pause at floating cafés.
Barbican Gate, Kraków
Getting to and Around Kraków
- By Air: John Paul II Airport lies about eleven kilometres northwest of the centre with direct UK flights. The airport train reaches Kraków Główny in roughly seventeen minutes, and frequent shuttles connect day and night.
- By Train or Bus: Fast rail links connect Kraków Główny to Warsaw in about two and a half to three hours, with international routes via Prague, Berlin, or Budapest. Long distance coaches also arrive near the main station, steps from tram stops.
- By Car: The A4 motorway skirts the city, but central parking is limited and the Old Town is pedestrianised. Use park and ride or select a hotel with confirmed parking for stress free evenings.
- Getting Around: Trams and buses cover the city on a unified ticket, while the centre remains compact and highly walkable. Taxis and ride hailing apps handle late nights and luggage, and river paths make easy family strolls.
When to Visit Kraków
Spring Mild days, blooming parks, and longer light make walking tours easy. Late spring is a sweet spot before peak summer, though Easter can be busy, so plan dates carefully.
Summer Warm to hot weather fuels café terraces, riverside strolls, and festivals, with higher demand around the Old Town. Expect crowds and occasional showers, and secure hotels early for July and August.
Autumn September and October stay pleasantly mild with golden leaves and calmer streets. It is ideal for museums, day trips, and photography, with easier booking than summer.
Winter Cold and often dry, with Christmas markets bringing festive stalls to the square. After New Year, crowds ease and rates fall, rewarding warm layers and cosy evenings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which areas are best for a first stay in Kraków
Stare Miasto puts the square, basilica, and museums on your doorstep, while Kazimierz adds café culture and nightlife a short walk away. Both are highly walkable with easy tram links.
Do hotels usually include breakfast and Wi Fi
Many mid range and luxury hotels include or offer breakfast and nearly all provide free Wi Fi. Check your Easystay rate for “breakfast included” to be sure before booking.
How do I get from the airport to the centre
Take the airport train to Kraków Główny in about seventeen minutes or use frequent shuttle buses. Taxis and ride shares take roughly twenty to thirty minutes depending on traffic.
Is Kraków easy to navigate without a car
Yes, trams and buses are extensive and the centre is compact. Walking covers most sights, with ride hailing useful for late nights or family trips with luggage.
When are hotel prices highest
Summer and the Christmas market period see peak demand around the Old Town. For value, try late spring or early autumn when weather is pleasant and availability improves.
Book Your Stay in Kraków Today
From castle courtyards and café lined squares to lively nights in Kazimierz, a hotel in Kraków puts the city’s best moments within easy reach.
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