If you plan to see both Krakow and Zakopane on one trip, the key question is: how much time do you want to spend in the mountains and how much in the city. For most visitors a practical choice is to stay in Krakow and do a day trip to Zakopane, or the reverse — stay one night in Zakopane and visit Krakow before or after your Tatra excursion. Base your decision on your travel plan: if you wake up early and return in the evening, a base in Krakow gives you more dining and cultural options. If your goal is an early start in the mountains or you want morning views from Gubałówka or Kasprowy Wierch, it’s more convenient to sleep in Zakopane. Each option has pros and cons — below I describe what to watch for.
Old Town - ideal for a short, intensive trip. You have everything within reach: the Main Market Square, St. Mary’s Basilica, the Cloth Hall and many museums. Prices for accommodation are usually highest and evenings can be noisy, but you save time on travel.
Kazimierz - a great choice if you want to combine sightseeing with good food and lively evenings. The district offers many restaurants and bars — when booking, check the room’s orientation (a courtyard-facing room is usually quieter).
Stare Podgórze and the area around the Podgórze Market - a quieter alternative on the other side of the Vistula. Easy access to Kazimierz via the Bernatka footbridge, a more local atmosphere and often lower prices.
Grzegórzki and the area around Rondo Mogilskie - excellent for people who value good tram connections. Fewer "postcard" views, but great logistics if you plan to use public transport to explore the city.
Krowodrza and the area around the Avenues - a practical base if you plan to visit museums and places beyond the Planty. A good option for travelers with a car and for groups on a tighter budget.
Nowa Huta - generally cheaper with a large accommodation base. This is an option if you don’t mind a longer commute (about 25–35 minutes to the Market Square) or if you plan to include Nowa Huta on your itinerary as a separate point of interest.
The most expensive accommodation is usually in the Old Town and the immediate area around the Market Square and parts of Kazimierz. In summer and during holidays prices can rise significantly and rooms fill up fast. Off-season (autumn, late winter outside school breaks) is when it’s easier to find deals.
If you want to save money, consider Podgórze, Krowodrza or Nowa Huta. Hostels, apartments on the edge of the strict center and 2–3* hotels are typically cheaper there, and public transport gets you to attractions in about 15–25 minutes. Book in advance for long weekends and popular dates to avoid a tight budget.
There are plenty of connections, but note the differences: buses (including long-distance and private carriers) usually run more frequently and can be faster, although traffic can slow them down in peak season. Trains may take longer on this route, but can be comfortable and reliable if you pick the right service.
On weekends and around holidays roads toward Zakopane are often congested — a bus can get stuck in the same traffic as a car. If you value flexibility, check timetables for several hours and buy tickets in advance. Travelers with limited mobility should choose connections that list onboard toilet availability and other amenities. If you plan to leave very early or return late at night, staying overnight in Zakopane is more comfortable.
For families and school groups breakfast times, space to drop off a coach and quiet nights are essential. In practice the best locations are near the Planty, Stradom and Dietla — short walks to main attractions and easier to plan group logistics.
When booking ask the property for a room plan, early breakfast options for early tours and information about a nearby parking or short-stay drop-off for a coach. It’s also worth confirming availability of ground-floor rooms or an elevator if anyone has mobility issues.
If you want to sleep close to the Market Square and be convenient for sightseeing, consider apartments around Szewska or Długa — they’re modernly furnished and often have great guest reviews. For lovers of a calm, trendy Kazimierz atmosphere I recommend studio apartments or apartments with a kitchenette, which give more independence.
Food-wise — well-liked places include Zalewajka and Starka (modern takes on Polish cuisine), Mazaya Vegan & Vegetarian (high-quality vegan options) and the iconic Okrąglak with its famous zapiekanki. Always check current reviews; food scenes in central areas can change quickly.
Booking “right above the bar” without checking noise reviews — check whether the listing mentions quietness or choose a courtyard-facing room. Arriving without asking about breakfast times — if you plan an early trip to Zakopane, make sure breakfast is available or that you can order a packed lunch.
Not confirming coach drop-off or parking — coaches and larger vehicles have restrictions in central Krakow, so clarify this with the property before arrival. Not checking for an elevator or number of stairs — many townhouses lack lifts, which can be a problem with big suitcases or for people with reduced mobility.
The Bernatka footbridge is a quick connection between Podgórze and Kazimierz — it gives you convenient access and nice views of the Vistula. A walk from Kazimierz to Wawel usually takes about 10–15 minutes via Stradom or the river boulevards, and to the Market Square about 18–25 minutes.
Remember that “Old Town” on tourist maps can include different neighborhoods — if you want to be really close to the Planty, check the Planty’s layout on a map rather than relying only on a district description.
Where is best to sleep if I want to see as much as possible on foot? The closest to attractions is the Old Town and the Planty area. If you don’t mind some crowds and higher prices, you’ll be fastest on foot.
Is it better to sleep in Kazimierz or the Old Town? Kazimierz offers a more atmospheric scene and great dining; the Old Town gives the convenience of being in the heart of the monuments. Choose Kazimierz if you value evenings with good food; choose the Old Town if you want shorter distances to museums and the Market Square.
Can I make a day trip from Krakow to Zakopane and return the same day? Yes, many people do. When planning a day trip remember to leave early and allow for possible traffic in season; an alternative is to spend the night in Zakopane, which gives more peace and morning mountain views.
Make sure you know the property’s breakfast hours, ask about packed-lunch options and confirm check-in and check-out times. Check reviews for noise and elevator availability. If you travel by car or coach, ask about drop-off possibilities and long-term parking.
Choosing where to sleep in Krakow depends on your travel style: a short, intense visit — Old Town; culinary-cultural evenings — Kazimierz; peace and a local vibe — Podgórze or Krowodrza. If you plan an extra trip to the Tatras, consider the logistics to Zakopane and decide whether it’s better to stay in Krakow or in the mountains themselves.
If you found this article useful, share it with friends or on social media. And if you’d like a local to guide you around Krakow without stress and with passion, I invite you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
