About Kraków

Kraków isn’t a city you just visit, it’s one you quietly absorb. The cobblestones of Rynek Główny echo underfoot, the scent of obwarzanek bread mingles with roasted chestnuts in winter, and you’ll still see old men playing chess near Planty Park like time never moved on. Travelers who stay here longer than a weekend tend to realize: you don’t “do” Kraków, you drift through it. From medieval architecture to underground jazz bars hidden behind unmarked doors, Kraków rewards curiosity. The charm stretches beyond the postcard-perfect Old Town; the grittier, art-splattered district of Kazimierz, once the Jewish Quarter, is where the real rhythm hums after dusk. The best hotels in Kraków mirror this dual personality, which are polished heritage stays near the Market Square, and cozy, character-rich boutique spots tucked in converted townhouses. The city’s hotel scene feels personal, not transactional. That’s its secret.

Planning ahead? Explore a range of Kraków tour packages through Akbar Travels, we bundle flights, hotels, and local sightseeing into one convenient deal, saving both time and hassle.

Kraków airport Address

John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice (KRK)
Address: ul. Kapitana Mieczysława Medweckiego 1, 32-083 Balice, Poland

Roughly 11 km from the city center. A taxi from the airport to Old Town costs around 90–120 PLN if you avoid peak hours. 

The Best Time to Visit Kraków

Late April through mid-June offers the sweetest window with mild weather, open-air concerts in the squares, and hotel rates that haven’t yet skyrocketed. Autumn (September–October) is gorgeous, with gold leaves around Wawel Hill and lower Kraków hotel prize averages.

Winter brings charm with Christmas markets, mulled wine, and the occasional flurry, but book hotels in Kraków early for December, since the city fills up like a snow globe. A small winter trick: stay slightly outside the Old Town, where central heating systems are newer and quieter. Some older 2 star hotel Kraków listings creak like old ships at night.

How to reach Kraków

By air:

John Paul II International Airport serves direct connections from London, Frankfurt, Dubai, and even Tel Aviv. Flights land on time, mostly, though fog delays in November are not rare. From the terminal, airport trains to Kraków Główny (main station) run every 30 minutes; ticket kiosks accept cards or cash (around 17 PLN). For those looking at hotels in Kraków near airport, booking one night there can help if you land after midnight, the city taxis thin out late.

By rail:

Trains from Warsaw take under 3 hours. The Kraków Główny station links directly to Galeria Krakowska mall, it is helpful if you need last-minute adapters or snacks. Hotels in Kraków near railway station make perfect sense for short city breaks; it saves on transfers.

By road:

Poland’s A4 motorway brings you from Wrocław or Katowice smoothly, except Sunday evenings when weekenders return. Bus services from Prague or Vienna also arrive daily, and the station’s luggage lockers are safe (10 PLN coins, no change).

Things to do in Kraków

• Wawel Castle – Royal chambers and dragon legends perched on a limestone hill.
• Rynek Główny (Main Square) – Heartbeat of the city, with bugle calls every hour.
• Kazimierz District – Former Jewish Quarter turned artsy, café-filled neighborhood.
• Schindler’s Factory Museum – Emotionally stirring WWII exhibits in an industrial shell.
• St. Mary’s Basilica – Gothic masterpiece; climb the tower for the skyline view.
• Planty Park – Circular park where locals jog, chat, or feed pigeons.
• Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) – Historic trading hall with amber stalls and local art.
• Nowa Huta – Socialist-era suburb, raw and strangely photogenic.
• Wisła River Boulevard – Perfect for sunset walks and casual cycling.
• MOCAK Museum of Contemporary Art – Smartly curated, calm, and rarely crowded.

Shopping in Kraków

• Galeria Krakowska – Attached to the main station; reliable for big brands.
• Kazimierz Mall – Quieter, good mix of Polish designers and cafés.
• Plac Nowy Flea Market – Great Sunday stop for vintage finds and pierogi.
• Bonarka City Center – South-side retail giant with cinema and food court.
• Stary Kleparz Market – Oldest open-air market; try the smoked cheese.
• Nowy Kleparz – Local produce and flowers at honest prices.
• Hamsa Design Store – Handmade Judaica-inspired souvenirs.
• Krakowski Kredens – Local deli chain selling honey, jams, and vodka.
• Vintage Classics Boutique – Retro coats that look straight out of a film set.
• Forum Design Zone – Art, furniture, and indie brands.
• Galeria Kazimierz – Stylish riverside mall with a breezy outdoor vibe.
• Made in Kraków – Fair-trade crafts and ceramics.

Small tip: street vendors near Floriańska sometimes sell amber cheaper than indoor stores, but check for authenticity (real amber floats in salt water).

Famous Restaurants in Kraków

Food in Kraków comforts you even when you’re not hungry. Expect soulful soups, smoky grills, and cakes heavy with nostalgia.

• Pod Aniołami – Vaulted cellar, grilled meats, candlelight.
• Wierzynek – Royal dining since 1364; proper occasion restaurant.
• Miod Malina – Folk décor, rich duck dishes.
• Cyrano de Bergerac – French fine dining with Polish restraint.
• Szara Gęś – Modern European plates under arches of the Main Square.
• Pierogarnia Krakowiacy – For dumpling purists.
• Restauracja Starka – Home-made vodkas and hearty mains.
• Zazie Bistro – Casual, reliable, and warm.
• Hamsa – Middle Eastern mood in Kazimierz.
• Alchemia – Dimly lit, atmospheric café-bar hybrid.
• Bal – Brunch favorite near Zabłocie.
• Bottiglieria 1881 – Kraków’s Michelin-star gem.

Brief note: dinner reservations matter on Fridays; locals eat late, around 8:30 p.m.

Popular Hotels in Kraków

Hotels in Kraków are wonderfully varied. From gilded 5 star hotels in Kraków to converted lofts near Wawel, there’s texture in every price band.

1. Hotel Stary – Rooftop pool with skyline views; central yet quiet.
2. PURO Kraków Kazimierz – Modern design, great breakfast spread.
3. Radisson Blu Hotel Kraków – Reliable business favorite beside Planty.
4. Hotel Copernicus – Renaissance elegance, glass-roofed spa.
5. Metropolitan Boutique Hotel – Warm staff, near Jewish Quarter.
6. Hotel Indigo Kraków – Stylish rooms in a 19th-century building.
7. Amber Design Residence – Boutique feel, steps from Rynek.
8. Holiday Inn Kraków City Center – Spacious, family-friendly.
9. Hotel Saski Kraków Curio Collection – Newly refurbished, music-themed.
10. Vienna House Andel’s – Trendy, practical for business trips.
11. Hotel 32 Kraków Old Town – Modern with balcony views.
12. Hotel Wawel Queen – Crisp décor and good soundproofing.
13. The Bonerowski Palace – True old-world luxury hotels in Kraków style.
14. Mercure Kraków Stare Miasto – Right across the railway.
15. Hotel Grodek – Cozy, ivy-covered gem with a courtyard garden.

Booking through akbartravels.com often reveals mid-week promotional rates and it is helpful since Kraków hotel price comparison sites sometimes miss local discounts.

Popular Resorts in Kraków

• Hotel Farmona Business & Spa – Aromatic saunas, 15 minutes from center.
• Kościuszko Hotel – Wooden interiors, lake views, serene.
• Crown Piast Hotel & Park – Lush gardens, great for quiet weekends.
• Sympozjum Hotel & Spa – Reasonable packages for couples.
• Turowka Hotel & Spa – Close to Wieliczka Salt Mine, strong massages.
• Park Inn by Radisson – City-resort hybrid with gym and river views.
• Hotel Swing – Water park next door; kids love it.
• Hotel Novotel Kraków Centrum – Riverfront wellness area.
• DoubleTree by Hilton Kraków – Big rooms, slightly off-center.
• Qubus Hotel Kraków – Heated pool overlooking the river.
• Hotel Forum Przestrzenie – More “hipster hangout” than resort, but fun.
• Best Western Premier – Reliable for business travelers needing quiet.
• Hotel Niebieski Art Hotel & Spa – Riverside luxury with rooftop yoga.
• Hotel Efekt Express – Budget resort feel, solid breakfast.
• Hotel Daisy Superior – A bit dated, but affordable and green surroundings.

For family relaxation weekends, akbartravels.com lists bundled spa offers combining room + massage packages. Check about 30–40 days ahead; Polish spa hotels sell fast before holidays.

Where to Stay in Kraków

The best places to stay in Kraków depend on what you value; scenery, nightlife, or silence.

• Old Town (Stare Miasto): Ideal for first-timers. You’ll hear the bugle call each hour and can walk everywhere.
• Kazimierz: Trendy, with late-night cafés and boutique hotels in Kraków that have character.
• Podgórze: More residential, riverside, and peaceful – underrated and affordable.
• Nowa Huta: For those curious about socialist architecture and broad boulevards.
• Debniki: Quieter west side; some luxury hotels in Kraków hide here.

Little insider note: during the Wianki Festival (mid-June), Old Town hotels fill up completely by March. That’s when akbartravels.com early-booking alerts really help.

Places to Stay in Kraków near Popular Attractions

• Near Wawel Castle – Hotel Copernicus, Niebieski Art Hotel & Spa.
• Near Main Square – Hotel Stary, Bonerowski Palace, Hotel Grodek.
• Near Kazimierz – PURO Kazimierz, Metropolitan Boutique Hotel.
• Near Schindler’s Factory – Qubus Hotel, Hotel Forum.
• Near Train Station – Mercure Stare Miasto, Vienna House Andel’s.
• Near River Boulevard – Park Inn, Novotel Centrum.

Those seeking hotels in Kraków near airport will find Hilton Garden Inn Kraków Airport just opposite the terminal. You can walk there in under four minutes, which is a rare luxury after a red-eye.

Budget Hotels in Kraków

Budget doesn’t mean bleak here. Many cheap hotels in Kraków preserve charm without fuss.

• Ibis Budget Kraków Stare Miasto – Functional, spotless, across Galeria Mall.
• Hotel Alexander II – Basic but walkable to the station.
• Atlantis Hostel – Friendly backpacker hub.
• Hotel Royal – Older interiors, unbeatable location.
• Dizzy Daisy Hostel – Quiet courtyard and self-catering kitchen.
• Bluebells Apartments – Great mid-range self-service option.

For longer stays, hotel apartments in Kraków like Aparthotel Stare Miasto offer kitchenette convenience. Don’t overlook small pensions, they’re family-run and pour stronger morning coffee.

If you’re after the cheapest hotel in Kraków, check side streets off Dietla Street. Rooms may start near 130 PLN in low season, but confirm heating works in winter, that’s one corner often cut.

Kraków Hotels by Star Rating

• Kraków 5 star hotel: Bonerowski Palace – Old-world grandeur, piano music drifting through the lobby.
• 4-star range: Hotel Stary, Hotel Indigo, Metropolitan Boutique.
• 3-star picks: Hotel Royal, Hotel 32, Amber Design Residence.
• 2 star hotel Kraków options: Pollera or Alexander II; solid, safe, and central
• Budget stays: Ibis Budget, hostels around Dietla.

Each tier has personality. Higher stars lean formal; smaller Kraków famous hotels keep it conversational.

Brief aside: concierge desks in heritage buildings can feel stiff, but a simple “dzień dobry” melts formality fast.

Best Hotels in Kraków based on Location

Old Town is unbeatable for sightseeing; Kazimierz wins for evening charm. Podgórze gives calm riverside stays. Those on tight transfers might prefer hotels in Kraków near railway station, Mercure is ideal.

One practical rule: booking hotels in Kraków about 45 days ahead secures roughly 15–20% lower rates. After 70% of rooms fill, local tariffs surge. Platforms like akbartravels.com show rate trends by week, use them as a barometer rather than gospel.

Family-Friendly Hotels in Kraków

Parents find Kraków surprisingly easy. Elevators work, restaurants welcome kids, and trams fascinate toddlers.

• Holiday Inn City Center – Spacious suites and reliable room service.
• Novotel Kraków Centrum – Pool with city view.
• Qubus Hotel Kraków – Breakfast by the river, stroller-friendly.
• Hotel Swing – Access to Aqua Park.
• Metropolitan Boutique – Family rooms with connecting doors.

A quick note: not all hotels in Kraków provide cribs by default; request one at booking. Taxis with baby seats exist but need advance calls (roughly +20 PLN surcharge).

Kraków Hotels Tariff

Kraków hotel prize patterns follow a clear rhythm:

• Low season (Jan–March): 180–260 PLN for mid-range doubles.
• Shoulder (Apr–June, Sep–Oct): 280–420 PLN.
• High (Dec markets, summer festivals): 450–700 PLN.

Luxury hotels in Kraków like Hotel Copernicus or Bonerowski Palace exceed 900 PLN in peak, but you’re paying for heritage marble and history whispering through corridors. Kraków hotel price comparison tools reveal small seasonal dips; mid-week stays from Tuesday to Thursday tend to cost 12–15% less.

Kraków Travel Tips

1. Carry your ID everywhere: Hotels in Kraków are legally required to photocopy a valid ID during check-in. Keep your passport handy; a photo on your phone won’t cut it if the desk clerk’s scanner refuses digital copies, which happens often.
2. Book early for festivals and holidays: Wianki in June and the Christmas Markets in December push occupancy past 90%. Rates spike up to 50% once half the rooms are gone. A 40–60-day lead gives you choice and savings.
3. Mind the cobblestones: Old Town’s charming lanes are ankle-twisters in disguise. Pack shoes with thick soles; stilettos and cobbles mix as poorly as vodka and morning meetings.
4. Listen for the bugle call: Every hour from St. Mary’s Basilica, the Hejnał Mariacki stops mid-note, a centuries-old tribute to a trumpeter who once warned of invasion. It’s hauntingly beautiful and easy to miss amid street chatter.
5. Cash is still king for small things: Cards are accepted nearly everywhere, but markets and taxis occasionally “prefer cash today.” Keep about 100 PLN in small notes; it smooths minor snags like tram kiosks that won’t read foreign cards.
6. Book Flights Early: Kraków flight tickets can vary in price. To secure the best fares, it’s advisable to book cheap flights to Kraków well in advance. Prices swing widely around Polish holidays and summer weekends. Mid-week bookings (Tuesday or Wednesday) often land 15–25% cheaper and early morning flights are less likely to face weather delays.
7. Respect the quiet hours: Between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., residential buildings enforce silence. Some boutique hotels in Kraków sit in mixed-use blocks, and neighbors will complain if you host a midnight singalong.
8. Take the airport train, not a random cab: From Balice to Kraków Główny, the train costs about 17 PLN and runs every 30 minutes. It’s faster, cleaner, and more reliable than haggling with an unlicensed taxi.
9. Breakfasts are hearty, skip hotel buffets at your peril: Kraków hotels serve spreads worth waking early for: sausages, pickles, rye breads, and pastries you’ll regret missing later. Even the 2 star hotel Kraków stays and takes pride in morning fare.
10. Explore beyond Old Town: Kazimierz buzzes after sunset; Podgórze hides quiet riverside cafés. A tram pass (24-hour for 17 PLN) buys you freedom to roam neighborhoods most tourists never see.
11. Keep change for restrooms: Public toilets in malls and stations often charge 3 PLN, exact coins only. A mildly awkward lesson every first-timer learns the hard way.
12. Plan around Sunday closures: Supermarkets and small shops shut on Sundays, except a few near the station. Stock up Saturday evening or get stuck eating vending machine sandwiches.
13. Book hotels in Kraków midweek: Weekend weddings fill halls, especially in summer. Tuesday–Thursday stays cost roughly 15% less, and staff have more time for special requests.
14. Check hotel heating or cooling before arrival: Heritage buildings have character, and temperamental systems. In winter, confirm radiators work; in summer, ask about air conditioning (some older Kraków famous hotels still skip it).
15. Join a walking tour early in your stay: Guides aren’t just storytellers; they quietly point out cafés, ATMs, and restrooms that make later days smoother. Tip them a fiver, it’s worth every złoty.

You can easily apply for your Poland visa online through Akbar Travels, which simplifies the entire process from document upload to appointment booking without the usual embassy queues.