Where to Stay in Krakow as a Solo Traveler (Hostel, Safety, Areas)

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Find your Perfect Hostel in Krakow

Kraków hands backpackers a rare combo: cheap beds, deep history, and walk-everywhere streets.

I first showed up with a small pack and big pierogi dreams, and left a week later with new friends and money still in my wallet.

Use this guide to pick the right area and skip the rookie mistakes most solo travelers make.

Top Picks: The Best Hostels in Krakow

Best for Hostel Newbies

Meininger Kraków Centru...9.2

from $8.01 | More Details

Best Party Hostel

The Little Havana Party...8.9

from $9.10 | More Details

This is not an ad. We help you find the perfect hostel and compare prices from Hostelworld and Booking. You can save up to 23.7%

Why Kraków Is a Must-Visit Destination

• Medieval squares sit next to street-art lanes, giving you Instagram shots without the filter.
• Food is student-level cheap—full pierogi plates for the price of a coffee in Paris.
• English menus and friendly locals make solo travel smooth.
• Solid tram network, but the Old Town loop is so small you’ll hit 10 k steps before lunch. 

Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in Krakow

1. Hostel U Zeweckiego
2. Dizzy Daisy Downtown Hostel - Kraków - best for Digital Nomads, Family-Friendly Hostel, Solo Traveller
3. Bling Bling Hostel
4. Bursa Jagiellonska Backpackers Hostel
5. Greg&Tom Hostel - best for Solo Traveller

Hostel U Zeweckiego

8.3

"…There's a little Italian restaurant a few doors down that does a great Greek salad! The whole more

Dizzy Daisy Downtown Hostel - Kraków

8.6

Kazimierz

"…The showers run out of hot water in the mornings, so make sure you either shower before bed or more

from

$7.85

Bling Bling Hostel

8.0

"…However, the mattresses have seen better days -- they are worn down and dingy. The great thing more

Bursa Jagiellonska Backpackers Hostel

8.6

City Centre

ulica Sliska 14... more

Greg&Tom Hostel

8.8

Kleparz

"…And I do agree with her, this hostel is definitely the best. I will return. Great place, great more

from

$11.26

Top Neighborhoods to Stay in Kraków

Old Town (Stare Miasto)

Central ring of cobbles, towers, and horse carts.

• Pros: Steps to sights, free tours start here.
• Cons: Tourist prices, loud bar streets.
• Best for: First-timers, history fans.

Kazimierz

Former Jewish quarter packed with murals and cellar bars.

• Pros: Cheap eats, best nightlife, artsy vibe.
• Cons: Can be rowdy after 1 a.m.
• Best for: Party lovers, street-art hunters.

Podgórze

Across the river with WWII history sites and calm walks.

• Pros: Quieter nights, lower dorm rates.
• Cons: 15-minute walk to Old Town.
• Best for: Reflection days, budget travelers.

Kleparz

Local market zone north of the main square.

• Pros: Cheap produce stalls, quick tram hop.
• Cons: Less nightlife.
• Best for: Foodies cooking in hostel kitchens.

The Best (and Worst) Areas to Stay in Kraków

• Best overall: Kazimierz – social, affordable, easy to reach everywhere.
• Best for female solo travelers: Old Town east side – bright lights, busy late.
• Best for tight budgets: Podgórze – dorms €3–4 cheaper, supermarkets close.
• Use caution: Far suburbs after midnight; trams stop and taxis add up fast.

Locals also warn about pickpockets on tram 4 after big match days—keep zips closed.

Safest Area to Stay in Kraków as a Solo Traveler

Old Town east and southern Kazimierz feel the safest, thanks to bright streets and constant foot traffic.

• Look for dorms near busy roads like Grodzka or Starowiślna.
• Use Bolt or night buses if bars close late; sidewalks empty quick after 2 a.m.
• Carry a cross-body bag and keep your phone in front pockets on trams.

5 Hidden Gemz in Krakow (by Hostelgeeks)

How it works

Tips for Booking Social Hostels in Kraków Without Overpaying

Hostels beat hotels here: kitchens cut food costs and common rooms fill with instant tour buddies.

Hop on Hostelz.com, apply filters for “solo traveler favorite,” “women only,” or “party,” and compare Booking.com versus Hostelworld prices on one page.

Pick spots with big lounges or nightly events like pierogi classes; they turn strangers into friends before the first shot of wiśniówka.

Backpacking Krakow? Here’s What You Need to Know

These are the guides I wish I had before visiting. I’ve been there, had fun, did some minor mistakes, and now I’m passing the best tips on to you. Safe travels!

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About the author: Matt Kiefer

Hey, I’m Matt, the founder behind Hostelgeeks.com. My team and I are collecting the absolute best hostels in the world for you. We share the coolest hostels so you can focus on your travels, rather than spending your time trying to pick a good hostel.

Personally, I’ve bunked in over 600 hostels and stamped my passport in more than 70 countries. My heart beats for Vietnam, Spain, and France, and so many more destinations. I’m a Foosball champ but a beer pong amateur.

Last but not least: Hostelgeeks is a proud ambassador of Hostelz.com.