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The best hotels in Krakow for a culture-filled getaway
Poland's southern city is packed with mediaeval charm
With mediaeval castles, grand custard-hued palaces and even a fire-breathing dragon, Krakow is a glorious European city and perfect for a long weekend of culture. From an elaborate 19th-century palaces to stylish boutique suites, here's our pick of the best hotels in Krakow, Poland's coolest culture capital.
Perched on the banks of the Vistula River, Krakow was the capital of Poland until 1596 and is still ringed by the remnants of its mediaeval walls.
The beating heart is Stare Miasto, the UNESCO-listed Old Town famed for its wide cobbled streets, covered arcades and elaborate grand squares, the most famous being Rynek Glówny or Market Square. A gathering place for centuries, the vast plaza is dominated by the twin spires of St Mary’s Basilica and the mediaeval Cloth Hall – easily the best place to pick up authentic souvenirs – it's also where you can grab a coffee or a beer in one of the numerous pavement bars and watch the world go by.
For a different vibe, why not book a stay in the Metropolitan Boutique Hotel in the Jewish Quarter, just outside the Old Town, and enjoy its narrow cobbled streets, atmospheric cafes and fascinating museums, like the Old Synagogue of Krakow. It's also close to Oskar Schindler's Factory in the Zabłocie district, now a museum and art gallery with horrifying and moving exhibition about life under Nazi Occupation.
Whether it's a 17th century townhouse overlooking Market Square or a contemporary boutique pad by Planty Park, here's our choice of the best hotels in Krakow.
Hotel Copernicus
Proudly stood on Kraków's oldest street, the glorious Hotel Copernicus is named after astronomer Nicholas Copernicus who was a regular visitor when it was a bishop's residence in the 16th century. The red brick façade hides a luxury hotel with a spa by L'Occitane in the vaulted mediaeval cellars.It's an easy stroll from Market Square and Cloth Hall, while Wawel Castle is found looming over the end of the street.
There are 29 rooms and suites, all suitably regal with period furnishings, polished wood floors and high thread counts. Our favourite is the Canon's Suite, which has a fresco dating back to 1500s. A real treat is dinner in the Copernicus Restaurant which serves a menu themed around Polish royal cuisine.
Hotel Stary
Tucked away in a cobbled street moments from Market Square, Hotel Stary is within easy reach of Kraków's most famous sights – Wawel Castle, Cloth Hall and the fire-breathing statue of a dragon at the foot of Wawel Hill. It seamlessly blends Gothic features like 15th century beams and heavy wooden doors with a modern contemporary style. A highlight is the spa in the mediaeval cellars, which has two pools, saunas, steam rooms and even a salt-iodine chamber.
There are 78 rooms and suites, some with original features. Many rooms have huge marble bathrooms with underfloor heating and soaking tubs. Our favourites have balconies overlooking Market Square. The fine dining restaurant, 3 Rybki is a beautiful space with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick halls.
Grand Hotel
Moments from the dazzling towers of Market Square and Cloth Hall, the Grand Hotel oozes old school glamour making it the perfect base to explore this glorious mediaeval city. After a day of exploring, relax over classic Polish dishes in the Grand Signature Restaurant. Take a peek into the octagonal Mirror Room, which has an incredible stained glass ceiling, and don't miss coffee and a cream puff in the Grand Hotel Cafe, once Kraków's most famous literary salon.
The 65 rooms and suites are suitably grand; think high ceilings, muted regal tones and plenty of polished wood, while the Palace Suites have four-poster beds and Louis XVI style furnishings. And if you fancy a pampering, the sauna area has both Finnish and Japanese saunas to relax in.
Hotel Grodek
Tucked away down a quiet cul-de-sac near leafy Planty Park, Hotel Grodek is a beautiful boutique hotel housed in an 11th century ivy-strewn townhouse. Nearby is the city's Dominican Convent and Market Square, while the impressive National Museum is only a 20-minute stroll. There's a sauna and a library bar, and if you want top notch Polish food, Restaurant Gródek is a real treat. Meals can also be served on the roof terrace on warmer days.
There are just 23 rooms, all beautifully decorated in traditional warm florals with polished wood furnishings. For a more spacious stay, book one of the airy apartment rooms, one of which has a glorious circular window overlooking the lush gardens.
Bachleda Luxury Hotel
A short hop from Wawel Castle and Market Square, the Bachleda Luxury Hotel, part of the MGallery Hotel Collection, certainly lives up to its name. This 19th century town house is brimming with Art Deco style with acres of marble, gold and gilt. After a day embracing the city's charm, relax in the luxe spa with an indoor pool or over a cocktail in the Opus Lounge Bar.
All of the 64 rooms and suites are beautifully decorated. They have high ceilings, huge windows flooding the room with natural light, and some of the best ones have views over the Vistula River. As a treat, stay for dinner in Gavi, the hotel's exquisite fine dining restaurant which has live jazz at the weekends.
Hotel Wentzl
Overlooking the twin towers of the Gothic St Mary's Basilica in Market Square, Hotel Wentzl boasts one of the most famous views in Kraków. Set in a 16th century townhouse, the chichi boutique hotel has an 18th century fresco of the Madonna and Child above the doorway and is well-placed for a cultural weekend in the city.
After exploring, hunker down for an exquisite dinner in the Wentzl Restaurant, a favourite haunt of former Polish president Aleksander Kwasniewski. The 18 rooms are all individually styled in a warm, traditional manner reflecting the heritage of the building. Several rooms have imposing four-poster beds and beamed ceilings, while others feature balconies overlooking Market Square.
The Bonerowski Palace
Dating back to the late 13th century, the Bonerowski Palace overlooks the bustling hub of Market Square and Cloth Hall, yet is a mere 10-minute stroll from Wawel Castle. Once a grand palace, this chic little boutique hotel comes with stacks of character, including the glorious sweeping staircase. After a day exploring the city, relax in the small spa or hunker down in the cellar bar with a cocktail and some live jazz.
There are just 16 rooms, all individual in style; some have high ceilings others have sloping roofs, but all are plush and comfortable. A bountiful breakfast is served in the hotel's charming restaurant which has outside seating on Market Square.
Queen Boutique Hotel
A short stroll from Stare Miasto, the elegant Queen Boutique Hotel has a leafy setting on a street overlooking Planty Park, and within easy reach of the old town and Kazimierz. Guests can relax in the peaceful missionaries garden or steam away in the sauna, before enjoying a culinary treat in Amarylis, the Michelin-recommended restaurant.
The 31 rooms and suites are a far cry from the more traditional hotels in Kraków. Light, airy and with a contemporary vibe, they are supremely comfortable. For a special occasion book a Sky Room, which is flooded with light and has views over Wawel Castle.
Metropolitan Boutique Hotel
Located on the fringes of Kazimierz, the atmospheric Jewish district, the Metropolitan Boutique Hotel is housed in a beautifully renovated 19th century townhouse. If you're looking for history, it'a all around: learn about Poland's long Jewish history in the nearby Old Synagogue museum or visit Oskar Schindler's factory.
There are 51 rooms and suites, all with a traditional-meets-modern decor. Some of the best rooms have wrought-iron balconies overlooking the courtyard. Don't miss dinner in the Fab Fusion restaurant, which combines Polish and pan-European cuisines and often has live jazz accompanying your dinner.
Orlowska Townhouse
Tucked away on a gorgeous cobbled street, the elegant 17th century Orlowska Townhouse is steps from Market Square, Cloth Hall and the twin towers of St Mary's Basilica. This intimate hotel is like stepping back in time with its antique furnishings, oil paintings and heavy silk drapes. Don't miss dinner in the atmospheric Cyrano de Bergerac restaurant in the vaulted mediaeval cellars, which serves upscale French and Polish dishes and is recommended by Michelin.
There are just five apartments in the historic townhouse, all rather palatial and furnished with an abundance of antiques or period features. Check in to the Boudoir, which has rich Persian rugs, oil paintings and beamed ceilings.
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