Hotels in Krakow

Figure out where to stay with our guide to the best tourist areas in Krakow...

Hotels in Krakow, Poland's top tourist destination, provide a wider selection of accommodation than anywhere else in the country, ranging from budget hotels to luxury hotels and across all points in between. Krakow hotels should always be booked in advance, especially in the summer, because tourists now arrive here in record numbers. 

There are hotels in the Old Town, many of which are reasonably priced, which place you close to the major sights in the city. These hotels also give a real sense of the city and its history, especially as a few of them are located in ancient buildings, and there are even some budget options here. The area enclosed by Planty Park also has good value hotels, as does Kazimierz - once the Jewish Quarter and becoming one again.

One district you may wish to avoid is Nowa Huta, whose hotels are reputedly below even budget standards.

Pick a central Krakow hotel and you'll discover some of these top tourism highlights within minutes of your door...

Top five attractions

Stare Miasto

This is Krakow Old Town and, even if you don't make it your base, you'll want to visit as often as possible as it's the hub of tourist activity. At the heart of it all is the medieval market square of Rynek Glowny - a place not to be missed for its buzzing social scene and great cafes. 

Wawel Castle

Once a seat of power, now home to some of the nation's prized art, the glory and setting of this mighty castle captivate visitors for hours.

Wieliczka salt mine

Half an hour by road to the south of the city is this fascinating mine, which has been in operation for hundreds of years. Take a tour to see the crystal caverns and an underground church and to hear enthralling tales of the past. 

Galicia Jewish Museum

Visit this haunting museum in the formerly vibrant Jewish quarter of Kazimierz to see poignant photographs of what happened to Poland in the second world war. 

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and State Museum

For many visiting Krakow, the concentrations camps of Auschwitz are the main reasons for flying in. It takes one-two hours to drive here from Krakow and you'll want to spare at least three hours to fully absorb what Auschwitz has to tell the world about one of the most painful periods of the past 100 years.

There are many annual events in Krakow and tourists are welcome to join in. Here are three of the best...

Jewish Culture Festival; June-July: More than a week of live music, lectures and plenty of food welcome visitors to the Kazimierz district. The party in Szeroka Street at the end of the festival should not be missed if you're in the city.

Festival of Music in Old Krakow; August: The city's most historic beauty spots set the stage for timeless music from some of the world's best classical performers. 

Christmas Market; November-December: Follow your nose to the square of Rynek Glowny, where sizzling snacks, hot wine and fresh gingerbread are waiting to be snapped up alongside a sack full of Christmas goodies. Locally blown and decorated glass is a Krakow speciality.