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Walking through the streets of Poland’s major cities is a bit of an otherworldly experience. While recognising the country’s complex and tumultuous past, it somehow feels serene and cheerful at the same time.
From the medieval streets of Krakow to the cosmopolitan vibes in Warsaw, the cities and regions here feel very different from place to place. While it sure does offer a diversity of experiences, it can mean that choosing where to stay in Poland can be a bit of a challenge.
Whether you’re after the artsy neighbourhoods in the capital of Warsaw or a peaceful beach town on the coast near Sopot, Poland is bursting at the seams with beautiful places and incredibly well-valued accommodations.
Luckily for you, I’ve had the VERY tough job of exploring these streets and have put together this EPIC guide on the best places to stay for all budgets.
So, let’s get stuck in.
Photo: Nic Hilditch-Short
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Where is the Best Place to Stay in Poland?
I get it; this is a long article (although totally worth reading). If you only have time for the summary, consider these top three properties in the country:
Rezydent Sopot MGallery Hotel Collection, Gdansk / Sopot
Staying at the Rezydent Sopot is a bit like entering a postcard from the golden age of seaside travel. With its elegant interiors and ornate details, it somehow manages to preserve the building’s two-hundred-year history, while adding a spark of fresh, modern flair.
The views are stunning, the lighting is soft, and the bedding is even softer. It feels romantic and peaceful and is ideally located just a short distance from the famous Sopot seaside.
Meininger Krakow Centrum, Krakow
Meininger is a solid hostel brand, and their Kraków location is no exception. It’s colourful, central, and full of character. But instead of crowded little rooms and dirty communal spaces (sorry, hostels, but the reputation stands), this one feels like a luxurious hotel. It’s legit the best hostel in Poland I’ve stayed in!
The interiors are designed with style and elegance, and the common areas here feel a bit more like a high-end cafe or coworking space. Whether solo or with friends, this is one of the best places to stay in Poland on a budget.
Floating A-Frame on Lake, Masurian Lake District
I didn’t know that staying in a floating cabin in the middle of nowhere was on my bucket list until I saw this unique rental. Floating on a platform surrounded by wooden docks in a peaceful part of the Lake District, this cabin is no cramped houseboat. It’s huge, with double-height ceilings and three bedrooms.
Is there anything better than falling asleep to the ebb and flow of the water underneath you and waking up to the gentle sound of waves splashing against the deck?
Poland Neighbourhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in Poland
Krakow
Krakow’s buildings would have some serious stories to tell. The city started out as a medieval metropolis, with many of its buildings still standing in the Old Town. It played an essential part in the beginning of World War II
Warsaw
Despite being the capital city of Poland, Warsaw is often overlooked in favour of Krakow. And this is precisely what makes it so exciting. It’s bigger and more modern but full of quirky corners and unexpected beauty.
Gdansk / Sopot
Gdansk is Polands canal city. It’s full of colourful buildings, maritime history, and a picturesque canalside that feels like a mini version of Amsterdam (just a lot more chill). Nearby, Sopot is a coastal beach town
Zakopane
Zakopane is a small mountainside town in southern Poland, not too far from Krakow. It’s located at the base of the Tatra Mountains, which form a natural border with Slovakia. This region is most popular in winter,
Masurian Lake District
Masurian Lake District is a little-known Polish region more popular with local tourists than foreigners. It’s here where you can kayak over a misty lake at sunrise and fall asleep to the sound of water lapping against the shores.
Poland is one of those countries that sneaks up on you, in the best way possible. It’s one of the cheapest countries in Europe to travel to and it’s got a rich, layered history (thanks to a rather unfortunate role in WWII) and an unexpected regal ambience. From one street to the next, you could experience travelling back in time to the medieval ages before strolling along one of the most hipster streets you’ve ever encountered.
For first-timers, Kraków is an absolute must. The city’s Old Town is straight out of Game of Thrones, complete with a castle, horse-drawn carriages, and the scent of street food wafting through the streets.
Warsaw, on the other hand, is the more budget-friendly alternative to Kraków. When I was backpacking Eastern Europe, I can confidently say neither of these cities has the high price tags associated with nearby European metropolises. Warsaw is more modern, with a young, boho vibe.
For a beach escape, head north to Gdansk and Sopot. Gdansk is like Poland’s answer to Amsterdam. Lined with canals and flowing with maritime history, while Sopot is its smaller beachside neighbour.
Zakopane is a snowcapped mountain landscape nestled at the foothills of the Tatra Mountains, the peaks that form a natural border between Poland and Slovakia. This is the country’s main ski resort region during winter. In summer, it turns into a hiking destination with a necessary side of cheese tastings.
Finally, the Masurian Lake District is, as it sounds, a region scattered with lakes, making it the perfect destination for watersports, forest hikes, and good old cabin stays.
Poland’s Five Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in
To make things a bit easier for you, I’ve put together this list of the top five regions in the country, along with personalised recommendations for where to stay in Poland’s best areas:
1. Kraków – Where to Stay in Poland for Your First Time
If walls could speak, Kraków’s buildings would have some serious stories to tell. The city started out as a medieval metropolis, with many of its buildings still standing in the Old Town. It played an essential part in the beginning of World War II, especially around the Jewish Quarter, known as Kazimierz.
You won’t be short of things to do on your Krakow itinerary, that’s for sure, staying in this area puts you right within walking distance of medieval squares, historic synagogues, and the best nightlife. This city attracts a mix of students, artists, and travellers, giving it a youthful feel. Accommodations are affordable and charming, ranging from guesthouses in historic buildings to quirky hostels.
The Bonerowski Palace Boutique Hotel | Best Boutique Hotel in Krakow
You know those posh European hotel movie scenes? Sitting on the balcony with a bottle of wine in your plush robe, overlooking the historic city rooftops? Well, this is what it’s like to stay at the Bonerowski Palace Boutique Hotel. It’s honestly THE best place to stay in Krakow.
Each room feels a bit like a different museum, but not in a stuffy way. Rather, in a regal, old-world, elegant way. The suites are spacious and beautifully appointed, with gorgeous views from the balconies.
Meininger Krakow Centrum | Best Hostel in Krakow
Meininger Kraków Centrum totally redefines the hostel experience. Its sleek design and hotel-like amenities make it feel like a comfortable luxury stay, just without the hefty price tag.
The common areas are so beautifully designed that they feel more like a high-end cafe or trendy restaurant than a budget-friendly hostel at all. It’s one of the best hostels in Krakow if you want a nice, chilled hangout.
Also, it’s right in the centre of the Old Town, perfectly located to explore Krakow’s hidden alleyways and old squares on foot.
Colourful Studio with Balcony | Budget-Friendly Apartment in Kraków
This wonderful studio is a colourful surprise in this historic city. It’s modern and fresh, with vibrant tones throughout every interior element. Different coloured chairs, painted furniture, and patterned carpets.
It’s curated to make you feel alive and happy, and let me tell you, with this much colour around you, it does the job. It’s small yet central, making it close to some of the best places to visit in Krakow and the perfect place to stay in Poland for a couple or solo traveller who doesn’t want to spend too much.
Things to See and Do in Kraków
- Tour Oscar Schindler’s Factory Museum for a moving WWII experience
- Explore the Wawel Castle and its hidden Dragon’s Den
- Wander through the historical Kazimierz Jewish Quarter and learn about the Jewish experience of WWII
- Take a river cruise along the Vistula River at sunset
- Take a sobering tour of the Auschwitz-Birkenau camps
- Test the city’s best pierogies on a street food walking tour
- Or better yet, learn to make your own Polish specialities with a hands-on cooking class
- Learn about the otherworldly Kosciuszko Mound and explore the surrounding forests
- Wander through the underground Main Square, otherwise known as the Rynek Museum
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View on Osprey2. Warsaw – Best Place to Stay in Poland on a Budget
Despite being the capital city of Poland, Warsaw is often overlooked in favour of Kraków. And this is precisely what makes it so exciting. It’s bigger and more modern but full of quirky corners and unexpected beauty.
Stay in the Polish neighbourhood of Srodmiescie for the easiest access to all the main sights, or a neighbourhood called Praga for a more artsy vibe where vintage shops and murals line the streets. Despite over 85% of this city being totally destroyed during the Second World War, it’s made a massive comeback.
Thanks to its centrality within Europe and affordability, the city has a growing expat community. Good news if you’re planning on backpacking around Warsaw, accommodations around here range from stylish boutique hotels to budget-friendly hostels.
Mamaison Le Regina Boutique Hotel | Best Boutique Hotel in Warsaw
The Mamaison Le Regina Boutique Hotel is a bit like Warsaw itself. Historical, regal, and opulent with a modern flair. Housed in an 18th-century building, it feels like a serene escape from the busy city.
The interiors are calming and minimalist, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Interiors aside, the ambience is well-curated by the attentive and friendly staff, and the hotel is highly praised for its delicious food.
Oki Doki Old Town Hostel | Best Hostel in Warsaw
Oki Doki Hostel is the quintessential Warsaw hostel. Call it a poster child budget place to stay in Poland, if you will. It’s energetic and lively, and offers a uniquely social experience. At the same time, guests can choose between private suites or shared dorm rooms, depending on their budget and desires.
Wherever you choose to sleep, I guarantee you’ll spend some time making friends in the common areas, including the garden terrace.
Charming Studio with Balcony | Best Apartment in Warsaw
I’m a big fan of my own space, and the best way to achieve this when abroad is to rent a private property. While this studio doesn’t have a full kitchen, it has everything you might need for a city stay.
It’s spacious and well-fitted, with a mini-kitchenette, dining area, and a big balcony overlooking the city. Location-wise, it’s just a few minutes walk from some of the best places to visit in Warsaw, around the corner from the Krasinski Garden and the Old Town..
Things to See and Do in Warsaw
- Walk along the Royal Route all the way to the Wilanow Palace
- Admire the street art and murals in the Praga neighbourhood
- Visit the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews to learn more about the 1000-year history with interactive exhibits
- Spend a day absorbing knowledge at the Palace of Culture and Science
- Cycle through the old city and relax in Lazienki Park
- Taste the best of Polish cuisine on a food tour
- Attend a live piano performance of Chopin’s best pieces
3. Gdansk / Sopot – Best Seaside Town in Poland
Gdansk is Polands canal city. It’s full of colourful buildings, maritime history, and a picturesque canalside that feels like a mini version of Amsterdam (just a lot more chill). Nearby, Sopot is a coastal beach town where Polish locals like to come to enjoy the seaside. Stay in Gdansk for a more history-dense experience and Sopot for a laid-back beach vacation.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Poland’s beachy cities, there is a mix of upscale hotels and resorts, cosy bed and breakfasts, and boutique apartments up for rent around here. Plus, the best part is that when you stay in one town, you can visit the other just a short distance away.
Rezydent Sopot MGallery Hotel Collection | Most Luxurious Hotel in Gdansk / Sopot
The Rezydent Sopot is a hotel so luxurious that it oozes five-star through the walls. It’s glitzy, ritzy, and glamorous, with stylish interiors and modern furnishings that really fit the coastal theme.
The breakfast alone is a solid reason to stay here, but honestly, it’s the classic Baroque architecture mixed with the seaside charm that gives it a double thumbs up from me.
World Hostel | Best Hostel in Gdansk / Sopot
World Hostel is one of the only hotels in Gdansk. It’s an old-school retreat in the heart of the city’s Old Town, within walking distance of the central train station and other iconic landmarks.
The rooms are themed according to different countries. Plus, they offer single private ensuite rooms, which makes this a top place to stay in Poland for solo travellers who want their own space but don’t want to pay the high price tag of a hotel room.
Stylish One-Bed Apartment with Sea Views | Best Apartment in Gdansk / Sopot
Sometimes, the only thing you need is a simple apartment with a self-catering kitchen in a foreign city. When the pierogies get too much, head back to your beautiful apartment and prepare your favourite dish. It’s also not far from the airport in Gdansk too, so you won’t have a long trip after your flight.
This apartment is beautifully simple. It almost looks a bit monotone, with lots of grey, neutral, and oat-coloured tones throughout. But it feels warm, welcoming, and peaceful enough to be your little home-away-from-home in Gdansk.
Things to See and Do in Gdansk / Sopot
- Walk to the end of Sopot’s historic wooden pier from 1827 – the longest in Europe
- Kayak along the canals at sunset
- Spend a day soaking up the sunshine on the beach
- Take a day trip to Malbork Castle and Westerplatte
- Start the day with breakfast on a catamaran cruise in the Bay of Gdansk
- Explore the three neighbouring cities of Gdansk, Sopot, and Gdynia
- Experience Gdansk through a foodies eye with a food tour
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Grab an eSIM!4. Zakopane – Best Area in Poland for Mountain Adventures
Zakopane is a small mountain town in southern Poland, not too far from Kraków. It’s located at the base of the Tatra Mountains, which form a natural border with Slovakia. This region is most popular in winter, when snow blankets the landscape, making it a haven for skiers and snowboarders.
When summer rolls around, Zakopane transforms into a hikers’ paradise. With hot springs, wooden cabins, and crisp mountain air, it has all the ingredients for a peaceful Polish mountain escape. Stay in a classic chalet or inn for the most authentic mountainside experience.
Grand Hotel Stamary | Most Luxurious Hotel in Zakopane
For a taste of old-world elegance at the foothills of the Tatras, Grand Hotel Stamary blends the timeless beauty of the Belle Epoque era with cosy alpine comfort.
From the front garden, the hotel looks like a royal palace, and the moment you walk into the ornate lobby, you’ll be transported into another period.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Poland for an indulgent experience, the hotel is particularly loved for its pool and spa, which are the perfect place to unwind after a day in the mountains.
Good Bye Lenin Hostel Zakopane | Best Hostel in Zakopane
The people who run Good Bye Lenin Hostel are the type of people who spend their days on the slopes and nights planning their next routes with a beer in hand. This hostel is lighthearted and fun and puts a big emphasis on mountain activities, especially snow sports.
From the hostel, guests can catch a bus to the ski slopes, organise ski or snowboard lessons, and enjoy the best apres-ski in the area right at the hostel.
Klimkówka | Best Chalet in Zakopane
When I close my eyes and picture the house where Goldilocks lived, it looks a bit like this cabin. It’s small and quaint, with warm wood making up the bulk of the interior and exterior, from the floors to the walls to the ceilings and furniture.
It offers the classic Alpine cabin experience with some added bonuses for families with young kids. While you’re enjoying a coffee on the porch, your kids can explore the gardens and play in the treehouse!
Things to See and Do in Zakopane
- Walk above the treetops on the Bachledka Treetop Walk in Pieniny National Park
- Soak your worries away in the Chocolow thermal pools
- River raft across the Dunajec River
- Ride the Gubalówka Hill Funicular to the peak of the Tatra Mountains
- Go wine and cheese tasting in the wooden town of Witow
- Explore the snowy mountains on a snowmobile
- Spend a day shopping for local ingredients and preparing a Polish meal
5. Masurian Lake District – Best Area in Poland for Nature Lovers
Last but not least, the Masurian Lake District is a little-known Polish region more popular with local tourists than foreigners. It’s here where you can kayak over a misty lake at sunrise and fall asleep to the sound of water lapping against the shores. Plus, being so under-the-radar, it offers a real taste of Polish life without the intervention of tourists.
Located in northeastern Poland between Warsaw and Gdansk, this lush region is home to more than two thousand lakes (yup, thousands), surrounded by sleepy villages, forests, and farms. And yes, it’s as idyllic as it sounds. When it comes to accommodation, you can stay in a lakeside spa hotel or rent a small cottage by the water.
Hotel Mikolajki Leisure & SPA – Destigo Hotels | Best Spa Resort in Masurian Lake District
If you want to treat yourself to a five-star spa hotel experience, there is no better place to do so than on the banks of the Mikolajskie Lake. This hotel is designed to bring you peace, rejuvenation, and restoration. Each suite has stunning lake views. And by this, I mean this hotel has 360-degree water views.
But the main draw is the incredible spa facilities, which include saunas, steam baths, hot tubs, sensation showers, and a pool. It’s one of those places where you could spend all day in a robe, and no one would think anything of it.
Green Cottage on Lake Mazurian | Cutest Cottage in Masurian Lake District
There comes a time when everyone needs to venture into the wild and rent an off-grid cabin in the woods. Located on the banks of Lake Mazurian, this A-frame cottage is just the spot. It’s got wooden floors, a wood-burning stove/fireplace, and double-height ceilings with a full wall of glass facing the water.
It’s one of the homiest spots in this Polish neighbourhood and is also a great jumping-off point for hikes and adventures in the area.
Floating A-Frame on Lake | Most Unique Rental in Masurian Lake District
One of the more unique places to stay in Poland, this A-frame cabin literally floats on the lake. It’s held in place by a dock, which means you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the water, all day, every day.
And while houseboats are usually tiny and cramped, this cabin is spacious and airy, with three bedrooms and space for six guests. It’s got double-height ceilings, modern interiors, and plenty of windows, inviting natural light into every corner.
Things to See and Do in the Masurian Lake District
- Explore the sinister Wolf’s Lair, Hitler’s northern command post in the middle of the forest
- Admire the beautiful Baroque architecture at the St. Mary Church in St. Lipka
- Cycle through some of the quaint villages around the lakes and forests
- Travel around the ‘Land of One Thousand Lakes’ (Sniadrwy Lake) on a magnificent yacht
- Tour the small town of Mikolajki and learn about local life in the area
- Join a canoe trip through the Krutyn River
- Stargaze by the lake
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQs About Where to Stay in Poland
Not sure where to start? Here are four of the most asked questions about where to stay in Poland:
What To Pack For Poland
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me: packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Poland
Unfortunately, things can go wrong wherever you travel. This is why good travel insurance is essential before your trip to Poland.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Poland
There is a place to stay in Poland for every type of visitor. It is a massive country, after all. Kraków’s historic streets are perfect for those who want a taste of what Poland is (and was) all about. Warsaw is a bigger city with a modern side, yet it still harbours its own wartime experience.
Gdansk and Sopot bring peaceful canals and sandy beaches to the table, while Zakopane offers alpine adventures that could rival those of any European country. Lastly, the Masurian Lake District is a dream come true for nature lovers.
Whether you’re staying in a stylish studio in the heart of Warsaw or a high-end spa hotel on the banks of the water in the Masurian Lake District, hopefully, this article has left you with a better idea of where to stay in Poland.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Poland.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for Europe.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Europe backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
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