We list the best hotels in Kraków as recommended by travel experts from CNN, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s, Fodor’s, New York Times and more. All hotel recommendations have been referenced with customer reviews, and we only listed places that have at least a 4 out of 5-star customer review rating.
Best cheap hotel in Kraków: Aparthotel Maargick
Best boutique hotel in Kraków: Hotel Wentzl
“The elegant Hotel Copernicus is a luxe Relais & Châteaux property on a cobblestone side street near Wawel Hill. The 29 rooms are tucked around a glass-roofed patio, and have period furnishings and rustic wood-beam ceilings.”
“Housed in a 14th-century building on the fashionable Floriańska shopping street, the hotel has spacious, high-ceiling guests rooms with parquet floors and Biedermeier–style furnishings; a first-class Italian restaurant; and a 15th-century wine cellar.”
“On the corner of Św. Jana and the market square, this historic, luxe hotel comprises eight standard rooms and six large suites, most featuring architectural detail installed as the property passed through various well-to-do families over the centuries.”
“Hidden away from the noise in a cozy cul-de-sac next to the Planty Park and the Dominican convent, this boutique hotel is certainly one of Kraków’s finest. Each of the plush and tasteful rooms is furnished in a different style (you can check them out on the website), such as the Chinese room (No. 309).”
“This neat hotel has a less-than-fashionable location, being just outside the green girdle of the Planty. However, it is still quite near the Main Square—a mere five-minute walk away—and the train station.”
“Quite possibly the best hotel in Krakow, the Stary is a converted merchant’s house, originally built in the 15th century. The company that owns it, the Likus group, has really gone to town in restoring it—a glass lift, marble, silk, exotic woods, and Oriental carpets, two heated pools, a salt cave, Finnish and steam saunas, and yoga among the many treatments.”
“The sleek 34-room Hotel Unicus is in the heart of the Old Town and the area’s boisterous late-night hot spots. The spacious, modern rooms are tranquil, however, and outfitted with plush beds and black-tiled bathrooms.”
“One of the growing Puro group, whose young, fun, vibe, spot-on technology and affordable prices attract the millennial crowd. It’s located opposite the main railway station, and has 138 light-filled rooms, with an all-day brasserie and bar taking centre stage on the ground floor.”
“Rightfully considered one of the finest lodgings in all Poland, this sumptuous 200-year-old landmark comprises 18 opulent guest rooms, many overlooking the main square. Dark woods, richly colored rugs, and parquet floors feature throughout.”
“With blue trams trundling by outside, Stradom House, a former monastery, sits on an axis between the two, mixing architectural oomph with a downtown swagger. Given its size (a 20-metre pool is easily accommodated, as is a spa), it’s surprisingly intimate.”
Recommended by:
New York Times, Fodors, Frommers, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Fodors, Frommers, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Frommers, Fodors, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Fodors, Frommers, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Fodors, Frommers
Recommended by:
Frommers, Telegraph
Recommended by:
New York Times, Frommers
Recommended by:
Telegraph
Recommended by:
Frommers
Recommended by:
CN Traveler
For 3-star hotels the average rate is around $65 per night. If you're looking for a 4-star hotel then the rates are around $90 per night. The average rate for a 5-star hotel in Kraków is around $180 per night.
The best areas to stay in Kraków are: Stare Miasto, Podgorze, Kleparz, Kazimierz or Piasek. Please read our extensive guide about where to stay in Kraków. It offers a great overview about each area, including the museums, attractions and other things, as well as the best place to stay in each area.
You like some luxury but don't like the famous chain hotels. If you're looking for the best boutique hotel in Kraków, you should check out Hotel Wentzl. It's a very cool hotel that has been highly recommended by travelers and experts.
Also check out our list of the best boutique hotels in Kraków, it's a manually curated list of the most unique and romantic hotels in the city.
If money isn't a problem and you're looking for a luxury hotel in Kraków, then go for Stradom House. The hotel offers excellent service, it's in a top location, it has been rated very highly by previous guests and renowned travel critics have recommended it.
Also check out our list of the best luxury hotels in Kraków, it's a manually curated list of the most exclusive 5-star hotels in the city.
If you are on the hunt for an affordable hotel, then you should consider reserving Aparthotel Maargick. It is a great option for those on a budget, as it provides good value for your money. The hotel is in a suitable location, and travel experts and guests have given it their approval. Also check out our list of the best cheap hotels in Kraków.
If you're looking for a great hostel in Kraków, then you should check out Greg & Tom Hostel. The hostel has magnificent reviews by backpackers, it has been recommended by well-known travel experts and it's in a good location. Also check out our list of the best hostels in Kraków.
Kraków, Poland’s former royal capital, combines rich history with vibrant modern culture in a way few European cities can match. Founded in the 7th century as a small settlement on Wawel Hill, it grew to become one of medieval Europe’s most important centers of trade, culture, and learning.
The city’s golden age came in the 14th-16th centuries when it served as the capital of the powerful Polish Kingdom. Under King Casimir the Great, Kraków flourished as a major European trade hub and cultural center. The Jagiellonian University, founded in 1364, attracted scholars from across Europe, including Nicolaus Copernicus.
Kraków survived World War II largely intact when many Polish cities were devastated. This preserved much of its medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. In 1978, UNESCO recognized Kraków’s Old Town as one of the first World Heritage Sites.
The heart of Kraków is its magnificent Main Market Square (Rynek Główny), the largest medieval town square in Europe. Dominating the square is the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), once the center of international trade, now housing unique souvenir shops and the National Museum’s Gallery of 19th-century Polish Art.
Nearby stands St. Mary’s Basilica with its asymmetrical towers, from which a trumpeter plays the “Hejnał” hourly, commemorating a 13th-century watchman killed while warning of a Mongol attack.
Wawel Castle and Cathedral crown Wawel Hill overlooking the Vistula River. This complex includes Poland’s crown jewels, royal apartments with Renaissance art, and the cathedral where Polish kings were crowned and buried.
The Jewish quarter of Kazimierz offers another fascinating dimension to Kraków’s history. Once a separate city, it became a center of Jewish culture in Poland for centuries. Today, it combines historic synagogues like the Old Synagogue and Remuh with trendy cafés, art galleries, and the annual Jewish Culture Festival.
Beyond sightseeing, Kraków offers numerous activities for visitors:
1) Take a boat ride on the Vistula River for unique city views.
2) Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO site featuring underground chambers, lakes, and sculptures carved from salt.
3) Sample traditional Polish cuisine at milk bars (bar mleczny) or upscale restaurants around the Old Town.
4) Explore the former Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz-Birkenau, a somber but essential historical site.
5) Enjoy Kraków’s café culture, especially along Floriańska Street or in Kazimierz.
6) Discover contemporary art at MOCAK (Museum of Contemporary Art in Kraków).
7) Shop for amber jewelry, folk crafts, and modern Polish design.
8) Attend classical concerts in historic churches or jazz performances in underground cellars.
The city truly comes alive during its many festivals, including the Jewish Culture Festival, Kraków Film Festival, and the colorful Lajkonik Parade celebrating a medieval victory over Tatar invaders.
Kraków’s charm extends beyond its historic center. The former working-class district of Podgórze has transformed into an artistic area featuring the MOCAK and Schindler’s Factory museum. The vibrant Nowa Huta district offers fascinating insights into communist-era urban planning and architecture.
As Poland’s cultural capital, Kraków continues to blend its storied past with contemporary innovation, offering visitors an authentic European experience combining history, art, cuisine, and warm Polish hospitality.
Get to know the city even better by reading our guide about the best areas to stay in Kraków.
If you like our list of the best hotels and accommodations in Kraków, then you should also check out our selection of recommended hotels in Budapest or the best hotels in Vienna.