Better than your usual Hostel in Kraków

Welcome to Kraków, backpackers! It's hands-down one of Europe's best-value city breaks: a UNESCO Old Town built around the largest medieval market square on the continent, a royal castle on a hill, a Jewish quarter that doubles as the nightlife strip, and prices that still let you buy another round. We've parked MEININGER Hotel Kraków Centrum in a row of historic houses in the Grzegórzki district, just east of the Old Town, so Rynek Główny, St Mary's Basilica, Wawel Castle, and Kazimierz are all a 10 to 15 minute walk from the front door.

We've built the hotel for people who plan to be out most of the day. You'll find shared dorms and private rooms (all with their own bathrooms and free lockers), a games space, a hotel bar, a kitchen with washers and dryers, secure luggage storage, free Wi-Fi, and a generous breakfast buffet. When you're ready to roam, Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Wieliczka Salt Mine, and the southern Tatra Mountains are all doable as day trips.

Free WiFi
Always stay connected

Central location
Find us tucked into city centers

Free towels & linen
You'll be looking fresh

En-suite bathrooms
Hello, privacy!

24h reception
We've got your back 24/7

Laid-back vibes
Kiss stress goodbye

Game zone
Let the fun begin

Guest kitchen
Free your inner chef

Luggage room & lockers
For worry-free stays

How to book your bed:

Choose your travel dates

Book your bed in one of our dorms by using the "shared" filter

Find the best room type that suits you (female, mixed, big, or small)

Select your extras & complete your reservation

Things that'll make you smile: all MEININGER dorms have an en-suite bathroom & lockers. Wowed, yet?

Book your bed now

Green backpack suitable for backpackers booking a dorm stay at MEININGER Hotels

Better than your usual hostel in Kraków

Are you a backpacker on a quest to see as much of the world as possible? Are you a people person craving new friends and meaningful connections? Is “explorer” your middle name? Say hello to MEININGER Hotels… with a twist.

We know that traveling is an endless adventure. Sometimes it can get challenging and exhausting. That’s why we offer a friendly and welcoming space where you can recharge your batteries and continue your journey with fresh energy and enthusiasm.

Our hotels are much more than just a place to sleep. They're places to connect with like-spirited travelers, share your personal stories, and learn about new cultures and perspectives. Central locations, spacious rooms with comfy beds and private bathrooms, guest kitchens, washing machines and dryers, breakfast buffets, packed lunches, free WiFi, luggage rooms, 24-hour receptions, bike rentals, game zones, and other hotel services. Everything is designed to support flexible, budget-friendly travel while keeping the social spirit of backpacking alive.

Whether it’s a short stop or a longer stay, we’re here to give you a solid base between adventures. Check in, meet fellow travelers, recharge and head back out. That’s what we’re here for.

Bed in mixed dorm

max. 4 beds

Min. age: 18+

En-suite bathroom

Up to 20 m²

Bed linen & towels

Hair dryer

Toiletries

Heating

Non-smoking

From 55 PLN

Book now

Bed in female dorm

max. 4 beds

Min. age: 18+

En-suite bathroom

Up to 20 m²

Bed linen & towels

Hair dryer

Toiletries

Heating

Non-smoking

From 55 PLN

Book now

Bed in mixed dorm

max. 6 beds

Min. age: 18+

En-suite bathroom

Up to 30 m²

Bed linen & towels

Hair dryer

Toiletries

Heating

Non-smoking

From 55 PLN

Book now

Your Kraków backpacking trip. Your to-do list.

Welcome to the budget-friendly MEININGER Hotel Kraków Centrum, backpackers! For an outdoor adventure, hike up to Kosciuszko Mound, a fun and rewarding experience with panoramic views at the top. Relax in one of Kraków's parks, like Planty Park, and have a picnic or people-watch. Visit local markets like Plac Nowy, or join a free walking tour to learn about Kraków's history and culture. If you're ready to mingle after dark, head to Kazimierz, where you'll find a vibrant scene filled with bars and clubs for a fun night out.

When it comes to choosing the perfect place to stay in Kraków, the MEININGER hotel Kraków Centrum in the heart of the city stands out. Our vibrant neighborhood, the Grzegórzki district, offers you easy access to all the popular attractions and historic landmarks of the city.

Just steps away from our spot, you'll find the historic Old Town of Kraków. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to famous architectural marvels, photogenic streets, and the Main Market Square, Rynek Główny. Walk through the cobblestone streets, discover cultural landmarks, and immerse yourself in the city's rich history. Plus, one of Kraków's most iconic attractions, Wawel Castle, is within walking distance from our doorstep. Explore the spectacular royal chambers, admire the stunning Gothic architecture, and take in breathtaking panoramic views from the castle hill. When staying with us, strolling around the nearby Kazimierz district, Kraków's historic Jewish quarter, becomes a breeze as well. This area is a cultural hotspot with synagogues, art galleries, and traditional Jewish eateries. It's a must-visit for all of you, travelers, who are interested in the city's diverse heritage. Also, a relaxing walk along the picturesque Vistula River, just minutes from the MEININGER Kraków Centrum, offers you super beautiful views and a real chance to unwind.

Getting excited about your trip to Kraków?

Kraków Centrum

Kraków Centrum

Kraków Centrum

Kraków Centrum

Kraków Centrum

Kraków Centrum

Kraków Centrum

Jump to the link below to book your hostel in Kraków

A backpacker taking a picture when staying at MEININGER Hotels

Book your bed in Kraków

How much does a hostel in Kraków cost per night?

Kraków's still one of the most affordable city breaks in the EU, and our rates roll with that. Dorm beds usually open well below comparable Western European cities, and private rooms aren't much pricier. Prices do shift around big events (Wianki, the Jewish Culture Festival, exam weeks at the universities), so for your exact dates, just pop them into our booking page.

How does MEININGER Kraków Centrum compare to a Kraków hostel?

We really do quite a bit more. The biggest one: every room here has its own en-suite bathroom, so the corridor shower queue isn't a thing. Beyond that, we've got a proper hotel breakfast buffet, a hotel bar, a games space, a kitchen with laundry, luggage storage, free Wi-Fi everywhere, and a friendly team at the front desk around the clock.

Which Kraków neighborhood works best for backpackers?

Most travelers cluster around the Old Town or Kazimierz, and both fill up fast. Our spot in Grzegórzki sits just outside that hot tourist core but still inside the easy walking radius: 10 to 15 minutes to Rynek Główny, Wawel Castle, and Kazimierz, with Kraków Główny central station a few minutes by tram. The trade-off? A quieter street at bedtime without losing easy reach of anything you came for.

Does the MEININGER hotel in Kraków have private rooms?

Yep! Alongside the shared dorms, we have twins, doubles, triples, quads, and family rooms, all with their own en-suite bathrooms, lockers, and free bed linen and towels. Nice if you're traveling with a partner, a small group of friends, or just want to close your own door at the end of a long day on the cobblestones.

What time is check-in and check-out at MEININGER Hotel Kraków Centrum?

Doors open for check-in from 3 pm, and we need rooms cleared by 11 am the day you leave. The team's on the desk 24 hours, so early flights from Kraków Airport (KRK) or overnight buses from Berlin or Prague are no problem. Drop your bags with us on arrival or departure day.

What's the easiest way from Kraków Airport to MEININGER?

The Kraków Airport Express train is your easiest bet. It runs every 30 minutes from KRK directly to Kraków Główny central station, taking around 20 minutes. From there, we're a 10 to 15 minute walk, or a cheap rideshare if you're landing late or hauling a lot of luggage.

Is an Auschwitz day trip possible from MEININGER Kraków Centrum?

Yes, and most travelers do exactly that. Auschwitz-Birkenau is about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Kraków by direct bus from the main bus station next to Kraków Główny, or by train and connecting bus. Entry to the memorial is free, but you do need a timed reservation booked through the official Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial site. Guided tours from Kraków bundle transport and entry into a single half-day or full-day booking.

Which Kraków sights deserve a place on a backpacker's list?

Kraków packs a lot of beauty, history, and good food into a small, walkable city. The big ones to put on your list:

- The Old Town (Stare Miasto), a UNESCO-listed historic center built around Rynek Główny, the Cloth Hall, and St Mary's Basilica (where the hejnał trumpet call still sounds on the hour).
- Wawel Hill, with the royal castle, cathedral, and the famous fire-breathing dragon statue down by the Vistula. Combined interior tickets are easy on the wallet.
- Kazimierz, Kraków's historic Jewish quarter and now the city's coolest pocket for bars, milk bars, and street food, especially around Plac Nowy.
- The Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO-listed underground world of salt chapels, lakes, and sculptures, about 30 minutes from the city.
- Planty Park and the city's tip-based walking tours, a green ring around the Old Town, and the easiest way to get the lay of the land in a couple of hours.

Is Kraków a friendly place for solo travel?

Genuinely one of the easiest cities in Europe to travel alone. The Old Town's small enough to learn in a day, English is widely spoken (especially in Kazimierz and the tourist core), the food is cheap and casual, and Kraków's built a thriving tip-based walking-tour scene that doubles as a great way to meet other travelers. Our hotel bar and cinema room are friendly spots to find evening company without leaving the building.

How well does Kraków suit a tight travel budget?

Very well, honestly. Kraków's still among the cheapest major city breaks in the EU. A sit-down meal at a milk bar (bar mleczny) sets you back around 25 PLN, a Bolt or Uber across town comes in at single digits in euros, and most of the headline sights (Rynek Główny, Planty, the Wawel grounds, Kazimierz) cost nothing at all to wander. Add a budget hotel like ours, and you've got room in the daily budget for the food and drink worth trying.

4.5 /5

215 reviews

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