Why choose a hostel in Krakow?
Few Polish cities carry as much history as Krakow. The medieval Main Market Square anchors the Old Town, and Wawel Castle rises above the Vistula River as a centuries-old symbol of the city's royal past. Both are within easy walking distance of most hostels in Krakow, which makes staying central both practical and affordable. The city rewards slow exploration, and keeping accommodation costs low means more to spend on food, museums, and day trips.
Hostels here suit solo travellers, pairs, and small groups equally well. Shared dorms keep costs well below what hotels or private rentals typically charge for the same area. Private rooms offer more space without the full hotel price tag. Beyond price, hostels deliver something hotels and private rentals rarely match: a ready-made social scene, local tips from staff, and common areas where you can connect with other travellers.
How to find the best hostel deals in Krakow
Want to use the same magic that powers our award-winning flight search to track down amazing room rates online? Here are some handy tips to find the perfect place to stay and save in no time.
Book in advance
The sooner you book, the better. You're more likely to discover a cheaper price on a hostel in Krakow and have a greater range of choice.
…or bag a last-minute Krakow hostel deal.
Booking late can be a bit of a gamble, but it can swing your way. Some stays reduce their rates close to check-in to attract bookings, especially during low season or on quieter days.
Flexible on dates? Say hello to better rates
Flexibility can open up more options when searching for cheap hostels. Swap weekends for weekday stays, or go during shoulder season instead of busy holiday periods.
Where to base yourself in Krakow
The Old Town is where you'll find many of the best hostels in Krakow, close to Wawel Castle, the Main Market Square, and St. Mary's Basilica. Tram stops are easy to reach, and most of what you want to do is within walking distance. Bars and cheap milk bars line the side streets, so eating and drinking on a budget is straightforward here. Kazimierz, the old Jewish quarter, sits a short walk south and has a different feel. Cobbled streets lead to synagogues, small galleries, and a strong cafe culture. At night, the area draws a younger crowd to its bars and music spots. Trams connect it to the rest of the city without any trouble. Your choice comes down to whether you want to be near the main sights or somewhere with a quieter pace.
Best hostels in Krakow
Hostel ratings on Skyscanner are taken from actual traveller reviews, covering everything from service and cleanliness to overall experience and value. Whether you're backpacking on a tight budget or want something a little more comfortable, these scores help you compare options and find a place that fits.
Best all-rounder hostels
For a stay that checks all the boxes, you can't go past Akacja Pokoje Gościnne. It gets great reviews for its cleanliness, service and rooms.
Rooms Nearto Main Square is another solid option. Guests give it strong ratings for its location, rooms and its cleanliness, so you can expect more than just a place to sleep.
Highest-rated hostels for cleanliness
If a hostel that keeps things clean and tidy is essential, Akacja Pokoje Gościnne delivers. Guests give it top marks for cleanliness, with extras like luggage storage and parking.
Hostel Biały Dom keeps things fresh and tidy too, with guests giving it good cleanliness ratings. Here you'll have access to bicycle rentals, a barbecue and more.
Hostels with the best customer service
When it comes to customer service, Art Inn Space is one of the highest-rated hostels in Krakow. This option comes with a bar and Wi-Fi.
Travellers also have good things to say about the customer service at LazeMaze Hostel in their reviews. A lift and a games room are some amenities on offer here.
Centrally located hostels
Location is where Rooms Nearto Main Square really earns its reputation, according to the guests who've stayed there. You'll have everything you need, including Wi-Fi and shuttle services.
Or check in to Art Inn Space. This well-located stay features luggage storage and a bar.
Hostels near the best neighbourhoods in Krakow
Hostels in Grzegorzki
Grzegorzki sits just east of Krakow's Old Town, giving you easy access to the city's historic core without the crowds of the centre. The area has a lived-in, local feel, with casual eateries and cafes alongside tree-lined streets. Hostels in Grzegorzki are well connected by public transit. It's a solid base for travellers who want to explore the city at their own pace.
With a guest rating of around 5 out of 5, Green Cat Rooms is one for your list. This accommodation option in Grzegorzki comes with amenities like luggage storage and a lounge.
Greg&Tom Hostel also comes highly recommended. This stay is rated around 4.8 out of 5 by travellers and has perks like a safe deposit box and a lounge.
Hostels near the best attractions in Krakow
Where to stay near Stare Miasto
Stare Miasto is Kraków's historic Old Town and one of Europe's best-preserved medieval city centres. It's built around Rynek Główny, one of the largest medieval market squares on the continent, and contains Gothic churches, Renaissance architecture, and centuries-old landmarks including St. Mary's Basilica and the Cloth Hall. Travellers searching for hostels near Stare Miasto are placing themselves right next to this dense collection of historic sites.
Check out Green Cat Rooms for a base near Stare Miasto. This hostel in Krakow keeps guests satisfied with luggage storage, a lounge and more.
You can also explore this attraction at your own pace at Greg&Tom Hostel. You'll find amenities such as tour services and Wi-Fi here.
Hostels close to St. Mary's Basilica
St. Mary's Basilica draws travellers for its extraordinary Gothic altarpiece by Veit Stoss, one of the finest examples of medieval woodcarving you'll find anywhere in Europe. The painted interior, with its deep blue ceiling scattered with gold stars, is genuinely hard to forget. A trumpeter still plays from the tower every hour. Staying at hostels near St. Mary's Basilica puts you right in the middle of all of it.
With St. Mary's Basilica on the agenda, Green Cat Rooms makes a smart base. This hostel in Krakow features a lounge and luggage storage.
Another option worth considering is Greg&Tom Hostel. It's close to this attraction and comes with amenities like tour services and luggage storage.
Krakow's Rynek Glowny Central Square hostels
The streets radiating from this area are packed with amber jewellery shops, traditional Polish restaurants, and cosy cafes. You'll find the Planty park ringing the Old Town, perfect for a slow morning walk. Floriańska Street draws street artists and independent vendors. Travellers who book hostels near Krakow's Rynek Glowny Central Square can explore the nearby Kazimierz district, where gallery spaces and casual eateries sit side by side.
Put yourself in a great spot for sightseeing at Green Cat Rooms. This hostel in Krakow comes with a lounge, luggage storage and much more.
Greg&Tom Hostel is also close by. A 24-hour front desk and a games room are among its amenities.
