When planning a trip to Kraków for two — with a cousin, friend or nephew — remember that where you stay affects your daily pace of sightseeing, costs and the atmosphere of your evenings. A base right by the Planty shortens morning trips to the Market Square and lets you see main sights on foot, while staying in Podgórze or Krowodrza usually brings quieter nights and often better prices. What you save on transport you can spend on a nice dinner or a museum entrance. A good strategy is to plan a typical day of sightseeing first and choose a district so mornings are short and evenings are pleasant and stress-free.
If you want to see Wawel, Kazimierz and the Market Square in one day, a base “between the Planty, Stradom and Dietla Street” is the most convenient — many attractions will be within easy reach and evening walks won’t require a tram or taxi. If you prefer a slower pace, staying on the right bank of the Vistula or in student neighborhoods can be more budget-friendly.
This article also gives approximate price ranges (luxury, mid-range, budget), practical tips for two people, food suggestions and a few unusual facts that can help you plan your trip.
Old Town — perfect if you want to sleep “on a postcard”. Pros: immediate access to the Market Square, St. Mary’s Basilica and many restaurants. Cons: prices are usually highest and it can be noisy on weekends.
Kazimierz — great balance between atmosphere and access to sights. This trendy district has cafés, bars and nightlife, and is still closer to the center than many alternatives. On weekends pay attention to the apartment’s location — choose courtyard-facing units if you prefer quiet at night.
Podgórze — a calmer, often cheaper option with pleasant riverside walks and an easy link to Kazimierz via the Bernatka footbridge. A good choice if you value relaxed evenings.
Krowodrza and Grzegórzki — well connected by trams, with cheaper accommodation than the center. Good if you plan trips outside the Old Town or want to save on lodging while keeping easy access to main spots.
Nowa Huta — the cheapest of the popular options and fascinating if you care about PRL-era architecture. Expect about 25–35 minutes to the Market Square, so it’s best to set aside a separate day to explore it.
Prices vary by season, but here are rough ranges for planning: luxury (4–5* hotels and high-end apartments) — roughly 400–600+ PLN per night in the center; mid-range (3* hotels, well-rated apartments) — about 200–350 PLN; budget (hostels with private rooms, cheaper apartments outside the Planty, guest rooms) — from 100 to around 180–200 PLN per night.
Remember that prices in the Old Town and parts of Kazimierz will usually be higher than in Podgórze, Krowodrza or Nowa Huta. Weekends and summer season can raise rates by tens of percent, so booking in advance often pays off.
If you want to save the most, check offers in Krowodrza or Grzegórzki — a tram ride to the center usually takes 8–15 minutes and public transport connections are very efficient.
For two people a private apartment or a small hotel is often the best choice — it gives privacy, space to store your things and usually a lower price per person than a comparable hotel. Apartments near the Planty are a great compromise between comfort and location.
A hostel can be an excellent option if you care about a low cost and don’t mind shared spaces — pick hostels that offer private rooms with a bathroom so you get both a low price and comfort.
If you plan an intensive itinerary and value quiet before the next day of sightseeing, pay a bit more for a 3* hotel — better beds and faster breakfasts can save your morning. If you travel by car, check parking availability or whether you can be dropped off briefly at the property.
Check breakfast hours — if you plan early departures make sure the place serves breakfast from around 7:00 or that you can order take-away breakfast packs. It’s an easy way to avoid morning chaos.
Choose rooms facing a courtyard or on higher floors if you want quiet. In Kazimierz and the Old Town weekend parties can last late.
Save time on travel: 10–15 minutes on foot is a very convenient distance to Wawel from Kazimierz, and the walk from Kazimierz to the Market Square usually takes 18–25 minutes — if you plan a lot of walking, a base near the center makes life easier.
Grzegórzki and Krowodrza have good tram connections — if you want to shorten travel time without staying in the very center, these districts work very well.
Kraków has many excellent, highly rated spots — if you want classic dishes in a representative setting, visit well-regarded restaurants around the Market Square and Kazimierz. For atmospheric cafés and cozy places try cafés in Kazimierz, and if you want hearty local food at a reasonable price look around Wawel and the streets near the Old Town. Popular places often recommended by visitors include Cafe Camelot, Mleczarnia, Wierzynek and Pod Wawelem.
Tip: in the evening popular places can have queues — if you have your heart set on a specific restaurant, reserve a table in advance or choose less touristy streets in Kazimierz and Podgórze where local cuisine is often better value and quality.
For a quick breakfast or coffee try small cafés by the Planty and in Kazimierz — they serve good pastries and coffee and give you energy for a full day of sightseeing.
Booking “by eye” without checking distance to trams or major attractions — check the map and estimated walking time before you click. This reduces surprises and extra transport costs.
Buying the cheapest offer without checking cancellation policies and breakfast rules — it’s often worth paying a bit more for flexibility, especially for weekend trips or during city events.
Not checking noise and room orientation — listing photos don’t always show that windows face a busy street. Asking for a courtyard-facing room is a simple way to sleep more peacefully.
Is Kraków safe for a short trip for two? Yes — the center and popular districts are generally safe, but like any big city, watch out for petty theft and keep valuables close, especially in crowded places.
What’s the easiest way to get from the airport to the center? Balice Airport is fairly close — travel by train or taxi usually takes about 20–40 minutes depending on traffic and the exact destination.
Is it worth booking accommodation in advance? Yes — especially in season and on weekends. Booking ahead helps you find better prices and more reliable conditions.
The Bernatka footbridge connects Podgórze with Kazimierz and is not only practical — it also offers nice views of the Vistula in the evening. Walking across it can shorten connections and add charm to your night out.
The Planty are a green ring around the Old Town — staying near the Planty allows quick, pleasant walks without using public transport.
If you want cheap and convenient stays — choose accommodation in a well-connected district rather than the absolute cheapest room with poor access. Time spent on trams still costs you, and a better location gives more free time for sightseeing.
Think about your sightseeing pace: do you prefer intense days with a short return to base for a rest, or a slower tempo with longer coffee breaks? If the plan is tight — pick a location near the Planty or Kazimierz. If you want to stick to a budget — check Krowodrza, Grzegórzki or Podgórze.
If this article was helpful, share it with friends or family — it will make planning easier for them. If you need help planning routes or would like to explore with a guide, contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz — private guiding services are available through zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Have a great trip and many wonderful walks in Kraków!
