The proximity of the most important monuments, restaurants and cafés is the biggest draw for guests. A walk to St. Mary’s Church, the Cloth Hall or Wawel takes only a few minutes, and in the evening you have everything at hand: theatres, concerts and social life. For visitors who come to Krakow for a short time, such a location saves time and transport costs.
For families and business travellers the advantages are obvious: savings on taxis, the ability to return quickly to the room between attractions and logistical convenience. For photographers and lovers of city life, a window view over the Square is often a value in itself. However, what looks romantic in photos can be a mix of pros and challenges in practice — it’s worth knowing them well before you book.
Location: the city’s main attractions within walking distance, excellent public transport links and a wide choice of restaurants. Great convenience for guests who want to make the most of a short stay.
Atmosphere and views: historic townhouses, old façades and the lively Main Market Square create an unforgettable experience, especially for visitors who want to feel the spirit of Krakow.
Access to services: shops, bakeries, cafés and museums are close by, so you don’t waste time commuting. Many properties also offer quick self check‑in, which is handy for late arrivals.
Good last‑minute deals for short stays — at certain times you can find attractive promotions, especially outside the high season.
Night noise and events: many bars and clubs operate late, and on weekends or during festivals noise levels can be high. Expect sounds from outside — especially if the apartment faces the Square directly.
Tourist and retail prices: prices in nearby restaurants and shops are often higher than a few streets away. The same applies to rental prices — a “by the Square” location usually costs more.
Hidden fees: check extra costs such as local tourist tax, cleaning fees, security deposits, late check‑in fees or charges for extra bedding.
Difference between photos and reality: listings sometimes show the best angles. Make sure the pictures actually show the exact apartment you are booking (and not “another apartment in the same building”).
Access difficulties: 19th‑century townhouses often have narrow staircases, no lift or complex access with many steps — important if you travel with large luggage or older people.
Exact address and floor plan: check whether the apartment faces the Square or a quiet courtyard. A view onto the Square means lively surroundings but also more noise.
Guest reviews: read the most recent reviews — especially those from the last few months — look for mentions of noise, cleanliness, air conditioning performance and whether the listing matches reality.
Windows and soundproofing: ask whether the windows are double‑glazed or if there are blackout blinds; on higher floors the lack of air conditioning can make sleeping difficult in summer.
Logistical details: check check‑in hours, how keys are handed over, possibility of early arrival/luggage storage, and lift access.
Fees and rules: is the cleaning fee one‑off or added to the price; is there a deposit; what is the cancellation policy.
Legality of the rental: check whether the property is registered in the city’s accommodation register (eKON) — this guarantees the owner follows local regulations.
Ground floor or attic: the ground floor can be noisy and less private; attics are often hot and without air conditioning. Choose according to your preferences.
Quick, factual replies to messages, clear booking conditions and a complete list of amenities are good signs. Pay attention to photos taken from different angles: living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, the view from the window and the entrance hall. If photos of the staircase or entrance are missing, ask for them.
Verification of documents and reviews: listings on portals with host verification and guest reviews usually provide greater security. Good host practice also includes sending the house rules and asking for a contact number for the stay.
Note minimum stay lengths and special rules during big city events — at festival times owners often set higher rates and minimum stay requirements.
Choose an apartment facing the courtyard if you value quiet — the difference in sleeping comfort is often significant. If that’s not possible, ask whether the host provides earplugs and blackout curtains.
If you travel in summer, make sure there is air conditioning. If there’s no AC, check reviews about temperatures in attics and consider a lower floor.
Bring lightweight ear protection and a small torch — older townhouses sometimes have poorly lit staircases and non‑standard locks.
Plan meals: it often pays off to eat at least one meal off the Square — a few streets away you’ll find equally good restaurants at better prices.
If you want to be close but prefer quiet, consider streets like Grodzka, Kanonicza, Sławkowska (closer to the Square but often opening onto quieter courtyards) or the areas around the Planty park. For even quieter options, look at Kazimierz — still central but with a different atmosphere and often calmer accommodation.
Boutique hotels by the Planty or modern apartments on Józefa Street often offer a comfortable compromise between location and sleep comfort with added amenities.
Wierzynek — a historic restaurant located on the Square, known for its classic, elegant atmosphere; it’s worth booking a table in advance.
Szara (Szara Gęś w Kuchni) — a popular spot on the Square with a good reputation for food quality and service.
Cafe Camelot — a cosy café appreciated by tourists and locals for its interior and atmosphere.
Miod Malina — a well‑known restaurant serving Polish cuisine, frequently recommended by visitors to the centre. (Before visiting, check current reviews and opening hours.)
Booking “by eye” based on only 2–3 photos. Ask for up‑to‑date pictures, a floor plan and check reviews from the last three months.
Not reading the rules and cancellation policy. Pay attention to minimum stay, late‑arrival and cleaning fees.
Not checking the exact location on maps (an apartment may be advertised as “near the Square” but actually be a 5–10 minute walk — that makes a difference in price and quiet).
Failing to ask about noise and neighbourhood events — ask the host whether the flat overlooks a main street/club or whether the building sometimes hosts parties.
Do I need to book far in advance? - In the tourist season and during festivals it’s wise to book ahead (a few weeks or months) — the best apartments go quickly.
Is an apartment by the Square worth the extra cost? - It depends on priorities. If you’ll spend little time in the city and want to be “in the heart” — yes. If you value quiet and lower prices, consider locations further from the Square.
How do I check the rental’s legality? - Ask the host for information about the property’s registration or check the city’s accommodation register (eKON). A legal property also issues a receipt or invoice.
Is it worth taking an apartment with a view onto the Square? - For many it’s an added value, but remember about noise and higher cost. If quiet is a priority, choose a courtyard‑facing unit.
In some townhouses around the Square there are pubs and clubs in the basements — their activity can affect noise levels late into the night.
Short stays can be more expensive per night: single‑night bookings are sometimes pricier per night than longer stays due to hosts’ pricing policies.
The city keeps a register of accommodation — the system aims to improve tourist safety and to regulate the short‑term rental market.
When you arrive, have a plan B for check‑in — sometimes self check‑in works best, other times it’s worth arranging a specific meeting time with the host.
Bring a small first‑aid kit, earplugs and a powerbank — small items that can save the comfort of your first night.
Before leaving the apartment take quick photos of the property condition (meters, any damage) — this will help with deposit returns and prevent misunderstandings.
If you plan to return late after 11:00 PM, check night public transport options or have a trusted taxi number ready.
An apartment by the Square is a great choice if proximity to attractions, atmosphere and spontaneity are priorities. However, expect higher prices and potential noise — so before booking check the exact location of the apartment, guest reviews and the host’s rules.
If you’d like, I’m happy to help plan your stay in Krakow — from accommodation suggestions and restaurant reservations to museum tickets and trip logistics. Travelling with a good plan makes sightseeing easier and lets you enjoy the city without stress.
Share this article with friends if you find it useful — it might save someone a headache when booking!
If you want to plan a perfect stay in Krakow, I recommend contacting private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Małgorzata helps plan routes, leads tours in museums and top sights, and organises logistics: transport, accommodation reservations, restaurant bookings and tickets. This makes your stay as comfortable and tailored to your interests as possible. I warmly encourage you to use her services.
Thank you for reading — if you have additional questions about specific apartments or would like help reviewing listings for noise level, equipment and value for money, write to us — we’re happy to advise.
