Where to Stay in Krakow, Poland: Old Town or Kazimierz?
By ANL | UPDATED:
All photographs in this article were taken by Travel In Culture.
This guide compares the best areas to stay in Krakow to help you choose a hotel base.
The Old Town places you among medieval squares, royal landmarks and some of Poland’s most important historic attractions. Kazimierz offers a different atmosphere, with its Jewish heritage, independent cafés, cultural venues, and vibrant local character. Both districts are within walking distance of each other, yet they provide very different experiences.
This guide compares Krakow Old Town and Kazimierz to help you choose the best area to stay in, based on your interests, sightseeing plans, and travel style.
Krakow’s main attractions are concentrated in and around the Old Town and Kazimierz, making both districts excellent bases for sightseeing, depending on whether you prefer historic landmarks or a more local, atmospheric neighbourhood.
Church of St. Barbara, Cracow | Photo: Travel In Culture
Most of Krakow’s key attractions are located within walking distance of the Old Town and Kazimierz, so choosing where to stay is mainly about atmosphere rather than access.
So, where to stay in Krakow to explore the heart of the city and feel the unique atmosphere – the ‘vibe of Krakow’?
If you enjoy exploring destinations through their history, traditions, and architecture, our cultural travel method explains how to experience places on a deeper level.
Staying in Krakow’s Old Town places you within walking distance of Wawel Hill, the Main Square, and the city’s most important historic streets.
Wawel Cathedral & Royal Castle | Photo: Travel In Culture
Wawel Royal Castle, on Wawel Hill, is one of the highlights of Krakow’s Old Town, with the legendary Wawel Dragon adding to its appeal. The castle houses a museum displaying an armoury and royal treasures, including the precious coronation sword. Wawel Cathedral can be found inside the castle walls, an impressive construction holding the sarcophagi of Krakow’s former kings in the crypt.
Cracow – Travel to Poland | Photo: Travel In Culture
The Main Square (Rynek Główny), with Sukiennice (also known as the Cloth Hall) adorning the old marketplace, is the Old Town’s central meeting place, and staying nearby means having cafés, horse-drawn carriages, and historic architecture just a short walk from your hotel.
The Cloth Hall, Sukiennice, Cracow | Photo: Travel In Culture
In addition to Sukiennice, the Main Square features several other spectacular constructions. St Mary’s Basilica is one of the top sights. The tower is associated with a legend about a young trumpeter, who in the 13th century wanted to warn the citizens about an imminent Mongol invasion by playing the trumpet, was killed during his act. That is why the hourly bugle call from the basilica’s tower ends abruptly.
The Town Hall Tower | Photo: Travel In Culture
Also, the traces of the former Kraków Town Hall are visible in the Main Square, with the Gothic Town Hall Tower, the only surviving remnant of the former Town Hall and a distinctive landmark in Poland. It dates to the 14th century. The tower has a turbulent history since the original tower was struck by lightning towards the end of the 17th century, and a terrible storm caused it to lean a few years later. In 1820, the Town Hall was torn down, except the tower, to provide more open space in the Main Square.
Main Square | Photo: Travel In Culture
Staying in the Old Town means you are within walking distance of Krakow’s main landmarks, including Wawel Hill and the Main Square.
Horse-drawn carriages line the marketplace to offer visitors a tour of the city from a different angle. It is picturesque and romantic, particularly at night, when the square is illuminated!
Medieval fortifications | Photo: Travel In Culture
Krakow Old Town was once protected by solid defence structures, which today mark the entrance to the city through St Florian’s Gate. The route continues along the historic buildings lining St Florian’s Street (Floriańska). It is a fascinating blend of historic architecture and Polish royal heritage from when Krakow was the capital of Poland.
Florianska Street | Photo: Travel In Culture
You can take a pleasant walk from the Barbican Defence Gateway via medieval cobbled Floriańska down to Wawel Castle and Cathedral, along part of Krakow’s historic Royal Route – and perhaps end up at the legendary Dragon’s Den close to the Vistula River. On the way, you will pass Saints Peter and Paul Church, a magnificent Baroque church with a Foucault pendulum, demonstrating the Earth’s rotation.
Baroque Saints Peter and Paul Church, with a Foucault pendulum | Photo: Travel In Culture
Within a few square kilometres, the architecture is remarkably diverse. Almost all style periods are represented in Krakow, from Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque to the Polish variant of the Art Nouveau style around the turn of the 20th century. A fine example of Art Nouveau architecture is the Helena Modrzejewska National Old Theatre (Narodowy Stary Teatr). Its façade reflects a reconstruction carried out between 1903 and 1906 by the Polish architects Tadeusz Stryjeński and Franciszek Mączyński, with Art Nouveau decorations by sculptor Józef Gardecki.
Art Nouveau façade of Helena Modrzejewska National Old Theatre | Photo: Travel In Culture
Close to the Old Theatre, you will also find the oldest building of the medieval Jagiellonian University (from 1364), Collegium Maius, as well as the Church of St Francis of Assisi, with a Franciscan monastery and beautiful Art Nouveau stained-glass windows.
Collegium Maius, Cracow | Photo: Travel In Culture
Finally, try an obwarzanki (a traditional Polish bread ring, often sprinkled with sesame seeds or salt) at one of the bagel carts, which can be found everywhere in the city.
For a detailed guide to the city’s top attractions, see our article on the best things to do in Krakow.
Cracow – Travel to Poland | Photo: Travel In Culture
Kazimierz is one of the best areas to stay in Krakow for visitors interested in Jewish heritage, local culture, and a distinctive neighbourhood atmosphere. It offers cafés, nightlife, and cultural heritage all within walking distance.
Remah Synagogue Cemetery | Photo: Travel In Culture
Kazimierz retains strong Jewish heritage, visible in its synagogues and historic streets, while today also being one of Krakow’s most vibrant districts. Until the 19th century, Kazimierz was the fourth-largest Jewish town in Poland, separated from Krakow by the Vistula River. The town was named after King Kazimierz the Great, who founded it. Today, Kazimierz forms part of Kraków and remains one of the city’s most distinctive historic districts.
Remah Synagogue | Photo: Travel In Culture
Remah Synagogue | Photo: Travel In Culture
From the late 15th century, Kazimierz developed into a significant centre of Jewish life, with synagogues, religious institutions, and a thriving cultural community. The Jewish quarter expanded over the following centuries, becoming an important centre of Jewish scholarship and culture in Poland. Its rich history includes both the development of Jewish communal life and the restrictions imposed on Jewish residents.
The Ghetto Wall | Photo: Travel In Culture
During the Second World War, the Nazis forced Krakow’s Jewish population into a ghetto established in Podgórze, across the Vistula River from Kazimierz. Many were subsequently deported to concentration and extermination camps, whereas others were murdered in the ghetto. The persecution and murder of the Jewish community devastated Jewish life in Krakow.
The Old Synagogue in Kazimierz | Photo: Travel In Culture
Several historic synagogues and Jewish cultural institutions remain in Kazimierz, preserving the area’s Jewish heritage. The district also has restaurants serving traditional Jewish cuisine.
Kazimierz | Photo: Travel In Culture
The annual Jewish Culture Festival brings the district’s Jewish heritage and culture into focus. In addition to the Jewish culture, Kazimierz is also a vibrant district of the city with young people and a cultural life that attracts visitors and locals alike.
Travellers interested in European history and heritage may also enjoy our guide to the Prague Historic Sights.
The Old Synagogue, Kazimierz | Photo: Travel In Culture
Visitors can enter some synagogues to gain insight into Jewish tradition, including the Old Synagogue (also a museum), High Synagogue, and Remah Synagogue (sometimes written Remuh). The latter has a large cemetery in Kazimierz, where significant Jews were buried. You will notice the Jewish tradition of putting pebbles on the graves.
Photo: Travel In Culture
Across the river in Podgórze, the former Oskar Schindler Enamel Factory houses a museum. Schindler’s story also inspired Steven Spielberg’s film Schindler’s List.
Schindler’s Factory | Photo: Travel In Culture
Fragments of the former Krakow ghetto wall, whose curved tops were designed to resemble Jewish tombstones, can still be seen in Podgórze, near Schindler’s Factory. Nearby, Ghetto Heroes Square (Plac Bohaterów Getta, formerly Zgody Square) features a memorial installation of empty chairs commemorating the Jewish victims of the Krakow ghetto. During the Second World War, the square was a site of deportations, and many Jewish residents were transported from here to concentration camps.
The Ghetto Heroes Square | Photo: Travel In Culture
When in Kazimierz and Krakow, a day tour to Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camps is also a possibility – to see for yourself the locations of the Holocaust horrors during the Second World War. Book a tour to Auschwitz-Birkenau (advertisement – affiliate link)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to stay in Krakow Old Town or Kazimierz?
Krakow Old Town is the best choice for first-time visitors who want to stay close to the Main Square, Wawel Royal Castle, and the city’s main historic attractions. Kazimierz is ideal for travellers interested in Jewish heritage, independent cafés, restaurants, and a lively evening atmosphere. Both areas are walkable and offer convenient access to the main sights.
What is the best area to stay in Krakow for sightseeing?
The Old Town is the most convenient area for sightseeing, with many of Krakow’s major attractions within easy walking distance. Choose accommodation near the Main Square for a central base, or towards Wawel Hill for access to the castle and the southern part of the historic centre.
Is Kazimierz within walking distance of Krakow Old Town?
Yes, Kazimierz is within walking distance of Krakow Old Town. The two districts are connected by historic streets, and the journey between their central areas typically takes around 10 to 20 minutes on foot, depending on your starting point and destination.
How many nights should you stay in Krakow?
Three nights is a good starting point for exploring Krakow’s Old Town, Wawel Royal Castle, and Kazimierz without rushing. Allow four nights or more if you also plan to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau, explore additional museums, or take a day trip outside the city.
Where should you stay in Krakow for Jewish heritage?
Kazimierz is the best area to stay for exploring Krakow’s Jewish heritage. The district is home to historic synagogues, Jewish cultural sites, and restaurants, while the former Krakow ghetto in Podgórze and Oskar Schindler’s Factory are accessible across the Vistula River. Staying in Kazimierz puts you close to the district’s historic streets and cultural attractions.
In short, choose Krakow Old Town for iconic sights and atmosphere, or Kazimierz for a more local, culturally rich stay with plenty of evening options.
Planning a trip to Poland? Explore our two-day Warsaw itinerary, discover the best areas to stay in Warsaw, and browse our Poland travel guide for more cultural discoveries.
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