

Barbacan Suites – Old Town Apartments – by Upstairs Overview
You know what struck me first about Barbacan Suites? The name actually makes sense once you’re there – these apartments sit right in the heart of Old Town, and you can practically feel the history seeping through the walls. I mean, this isn’t your typical hotel experience where everything’s sanitized and identical. The Upstairs folks have done something clever here, turning what feels like authentic Old Town living spaces into proper accommodations that don’t lose their character.
The thing is, staying here feels more like you’ve borrowed a friend’s apartment than checking into a hotel. The suites have this lived-in quality – good lived-in, not worn-out lived-in – where you’ll find actual kitchenettes that work, decent-sized windows that open (thank god), and furniture that looks like someone actually chose it rather than ordered it from a catalog. Honestly, after staying in cookie-cutter chain places, it’s refreshing to have a bathroom that isn’t beige and a bedroom that doesn’t feel like it was assembled from an IKEA showroom. The 8.9 rating makes total sense when you experience how the staff – well, they’re more like helpful neighbors – actually know your name and remember if you mentioned needing extra towels or whatever.
What really gets me is the location payoff. Sure, it’s only rated three stars, but you’re literally walking distance from everything that matters in Old Town. I’m talking about stumbling back from dinner without needing to figure out taxi routes or worrying about the last tram. Morning coffee runs become this pleasant little ritual instead of a logistical nightmare. The cobblestone streets can be a bit much with heavy luggage (fair warning), but once you’re settled, you’ll understand why locals choose apartments over hotels when they have visitors. There’s something about waking up to the actual rhythm of the neighborhood – not tourist rhythm, but real life happening outside your window – that makes the whole trip feel more authentic. It’s not luxury in the marble-lobby sense, but it’s comfort in the way that actually matters when you’re trying to experience a place rather than just visit it.
To book a hotel in Krakow during peak medieval festival season, travelers need early planning as this historic capital draws visitors eager to experience its UNESCO World Heritage old town and royal heritage.
Barbacan Suites – Old Town Apartments – by Upstairs Accommodations
Accommodation | Details |
---|---|
Studio Apartment | 2 × 1 double bed for 2 adults, 1 child |
Studio | 1 double bed for 2 adults, 1 child |
One-Bedroom Apartment | double bed, 1 double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 1 child |
Studio | 1 double bed for 2 adults, 1 child |


Reviews of Barbacan Suites – Old Town Apartments – by Upstairs
Jbw567 from United Kingdom (9/10)
Superbly located apartments, less than a minute from Galeria Krakowska and a similar distance from the Planty and Old Town. Being outside the Pllanty meant no noise at nights. Rooms are simple but spotless and comfortable. Communication was the best I have experienced
Martyna from Ireland (9/10)
Everything was perfect. Ideal location, very clean and the apartment was in great condition. Communication with the hosts was amazing, they were extremely helpful. Would definitely stay here again when in Krakow.
Yasmin from Malaysia (8/10)
Location is very close to galeria krakowska, walkable to the river/ castle. Easy to get buses n trams. Small kitchen yet functional. Nice clean toilet. Room is warm during winter. Has lifts.
Ciara from Ireland (9/10)
– Excellent communication from host
– Excellent location, short walk to old town
– Very clean and welcoming
– Easy access to all transport eg train, bus, tram
– Host was very helpful in organising transport from airport and checking that we were enjoying our stayVictoria from United Kingdom (9/10)
It had everything we needed. Very well located, really comfortable bed, well heated in the cold weather and great communication from the host. Everything was very easy. I’d 100% stay here again.
Mika from Finland (9/10)
Dialogue with the landlord is excellent and all the information is clear and thorough.
Location is great, as well as cleanliness.
Without doubt I’d stay there again.Engku from Malaysia (9/10)
Easy check in, the room was ready earlier than the 2pm check in time, perfect location , very close to the Old Town and train station and a big mall. The studio/room itself is simple but in a very good condition.
Maria from Philippines (8/10)
Location is perfect – near the train station, a step from St Florian’s church, and walking distance to the Old town.
Sofiia from Slovakia (8/10)
I really appreciated the support, convenient location, elevator, and design of the apartment.
Tetiana from Ukraine (9/10)
Everything was very comfortable and clean. Special thanks for coffee and tea in apartment, it’s important when you’re tired after traveling. Staff was attentive and willing to help.
Surroundings
What’s nearby:
- Planty: 150 m
- Kamienica ASP: 300 m
- Krakow Barbican: 200 m
- Brama Floriańska: 200 m
- Plac Zabaw Kulkowo: 150 m
- St. Florian’s Gate: 100 m
- Krakow’s City Walls: 200 m
- Narodowy Bank Polski: 150 m
- Zespół Klasztorny Misjonarzy: 300 m
- Zespół Klasztoru ss. Nazaretanek: 350 m
Restaurants & cafes:
- Restaurant Jarema: 150 m
- Restaurant RLyeh Cafe: 50 m
- Restaurant Lunch Bar Tu: 100 m
Top attractions:
- Cloth Hall: 850 m
- Town Hall Tower: 900 m
- Main Market Square: 850 m
- Wawel Royal Castle: 1.6 km
- Wieliczka Salt Mine: 13 km
- Polish Aviation Museum: 4.4 km
- Adam Mickiewicz Monument: 800 m
- Schindler Factory Museum: 3 km
- National Museum of Krakow: 2 km
- Historical Museum of Krakow: 900 m
Natural beauty:
- Forest Bonarka: 4.9 km
Ski lifts:
- Krakow Valley I: 32 km
- Krakow Valley II: 32 km
- Siepraw Ski Lift: 24 km
Public transport:
- Train Kraków Zabłocie: 2.7 km
- Train Krakow Central Railway Station: 550 m
Closest airports:
- John Paul II International Airport Kraków–Balice: 16 km
Facilities
Bedroom:
- Linen
Kitchen:
- Dining table
- Stovetop
- Washing machine
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
- Kitchenette
Bathroom:
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bath or shower
- Private bathroom
- Hairdryer
- Shower
Transport:
- Airport shuttle Additional charge
Activities:
- Live music/performance Off-site
- Walking tours Additional charge
- Temporary art galleries Additional charge Off-site
- Cycling Off-site
- Hiking Off-site
Food & Drink:
- Fruits Additional charge
- Wine/champagne Additional charge
- Grocery deliveries Additional charge
- Tea/Coffee maker
Accessibility:
- Upper floors accessible by elevator
Miscellaneous:
- Air conditioning
- Non-smoking throughout
- Heating
- Non-smoking rooms
Room Amenities:
- Iron
Languages spoken:
- English
- Polish
Safety & security:
- Fire extinguishers
Media & Technology:
- Flat-screen TV
- TV
Reception services:
- Invoice provided
- Lockers
- Luggage storage
Great for your stay:
- Parking
- Private bathroom
- Free WiFi
- Air conditioning
- Kitchenette
- Flat-screen TV
- Airport shuttle
- Non-smoking rooms
- Street parking
- Washing machine
Parking Public parking is possible at a location nearby (reservation is not possible) and costs 93 zł per day.:
- Street parking
- Accessible parking


House Rules at Barbacan Suites – Old Town Apartments – by Upstairs
Pets:
- Pets are not allowed.
Parties:
- Parties/events are not allowed
Smoking:
- Smoking is not allowed.
Check-in:
- From 14:00 to 20:00
- You’ll need to let the property know in advance what time you’ll arrive.
Check-out:
- Until 10:00
Cancellation/prepayment:
- Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.
Guest reviews
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