For a first visit, the Old Town is the best choice, because everything is within walking distance. If you prefer atmospheric cafés, restaurants and evenings out, choose Kazimierz. Looking for a better price, and you do not mind 10 minutes on the tram? Have a look at Podgórze, Kleparz or Dębniki.
In short
- Old Town: first time in Krakow, a short city break, everything on foot.
- Kazimierz: atmosphere, food, nightlife. Great for couples and friends.
- Kleparz: quieter, with the Old Town and the main station right next door.
- Podgórze and Dębniki: local feel by the river, close to ICE Kraków and Schindler’s Factory.
- Łagiewniki: arriving by car (free parking) and pilgrimages.
- Czyżyny: concerts and events at TAURON Arena.
Old Town: everything on your doorstep
The Main Square, the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica and the Planty park are right around the corner, and Wawel Castle is a 10 minute walk. The Old Town is a good choice if it is your first time in Krakow or a short trip and you do not want to waste time on transport.
Pros: everything on foot, the most sights, close to the main station. Cons: more tourists, louder at weekends, and restaurants right on the Main Square are more expensive.
Our apartments in the Old Town: Palace Pod Baranami (right on the Main Square), The Old Town View (Podwale, overlooking the Planty park), Agnes (Studencka), Barbakan Residence and Art of Serenity (Zacisze, a side street by the Barbican).
Kazimierz: the soul of the city
The former Jewish quarter is now the most atmospheric part of Krakow. Plac Nowy with its famous zapiekanka, synagogues, galleries, courtyard cafés and the best food in town. The Main Square is a 15 to 20 minute walk away.
Pros: unique atmosphere, food, nightlife, close to the river. Cons: the main streets can be lively in the evening. If you would rather stay away from the main strip of bars, choose Liv on a side street.
Our apartments in and around Kazimierz: Sarah (Miodowa), Liv (side street, restaurants around the corner), Grace (Starowiślna), Bagel Residence (Dietla, right between the Main Square and Kazimierz).
Old Town or Kazimierz?
For a first, short visit choose the Old Town. You walk everywhere, and Kazimierz is 15 to 20 minutes away on foot. Choose Kazimierz if you care most about atmosphere, food and evenings out, or if you already know the Old Town. Can’t decide? Bagel Residence on Dietla Street is right between the two.
Kleparz: calm, next to the centre
A few minutes’ walk from the Old Town and the main station. There is the traditional Stary Kleparz market, and evenings are much quieter than around the Main Square. A good choice for longer stays and for families. These are the guests we see here most often.
Our apartments: Flower Residence (Krowoderska). Guests love it for its spacious apartments.
Staying near Kraków Główny station
Arriving by train, or by bus from the airport or Katowice? Barbakan Residence and Art of Serenity on Zacisze Street are a few minutes’ walk from Kraków Główny and the Galeria Krakowska mall, and five minutes from the Main Square. The MDA bus station is right next to the railway station. Flower Residence in Kleparz is five minutes from the station by tram. Trains to Wieliczka, and buses and trains to Oświęcim, also leave from around the station. See how to get to the Wieliczka Salt Mine and to Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Podgórze and Dębniki: local life by the river
Across the Vistula you will find Schindler’s Factory, the MOCAK museum, the Bernatka footbridge and the riverside boulevards. Dębniki is also the closest neighbourhood to the ICE Kraków congress centre. Prices are usually lower than in the very centre, and you can walk to Kazimierz over the bridge.
Our apartments: K12 Apartments (Podgórze), Ice Apartments (Dębniki, next to ICE).
Łagiewniki and Czyżyny: when you have a specific reason
Łagiewniki Apartments Free Parking are close to the Divine Mercy Sanctuary and the John Paul II Centre. Every apartment comes with a free parking space, so it is a good choice for pilgrims and guests arriving by car.
The Apartment near the Arena is the place to stay for a concert, match or event at TAURON Arena. After the show you walk back, with no need to look for transport at night.
Our tip: which apartment to choose
For 15 years guests have been asking us where best to stay. This is what we usually say:
- You want to stay right on the Main Square: Palace Pod Baranami. You step out of the gate and you are on the Main Square, and guests come back for the atmosphere of the historic palace.
- You want to be close to both the Main Square and Kazimierz: Bagel Residence. It sits right in between, and the standard of the apartments is our strong point. Couples choose it most often.
- You are looking for something more affordable in the centre: Agnes, Liv or Grace. Liv is the closest to the heart of Kazimierz.
- You are coming by car: Łagiewniki (free parking on a fenced property) or the Apartment near the Arena (underground garage space included).
- You prefer to stay outside the very centre: Łagiewniki, the Apartment near the Arena and Flower Residence.
- You are coming for a conference or a concert: Ice Apartments next to ICE Kraków or the Apartment near the Arena.
Neighbourhoods compared
| Area | To the Main Square | Atmosphere | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Town | up to 10 min walk | historic | first visit, city break |
| Kazimierz | 15 to 20 min walk | artsy, foodie | couples, friends, food lovers |
| Kleparz | about 15 min walk | local | families, longer stays |
| Podgórze | tram or walk | local, by the river | returning guests |
| Dębniki | tram | calm | conferences at ICE |
| Łagiewniki | tram | calm | drivers, pilgrims |
| Czyżyny | tram or car | residential | events at TAURON Arena |
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to stay in Krakow for a first visit?
In the Old Town or right next to it. All the main sights are within walking distance.
Is it better to stay in the Old Town or in Kazimierz?
For a first, short visit the Old Town, because you can walk everywhere. For atmosphere, food and nightlife, Kazimierz.
Is Kazimierz noisy at night?
The area around Plac Nowy and the main streets can be lively at weekends. If you would rather stay away from the main strip of bars, choose Liv on a side street or stay outside the very centre.
Which area of Krakow is best for families?
Kleparz and the quieter streets of the Old Town. The sights are close, and evenings are calmer.
Where to stay in Krakow with a car?
Outside the very centre, with parking on site, for example in Łagiewniki. The city centre is in the Clean Transport Zone, and parking there is paid and hard to find.
Flying in? Read our guide Krakow Airport to the city centre.
Coming for New Year’s Eve? See our guide to New Year’s Eve in Krakow: where to celebrate, how to get back at night and which apartments sell out first. Visiting in December? Read our guide to the Krakow Christmas Market.
Over 100 apartments in 14 buildings across Krakow. Choose your area and book direct. With the code CT231974 you pay 50 PLN less for stays of 2 nights or more. See the apartments →
Updated: October 2026. The Cracow Travel team, hosting guests in Krakow for 15 years.