Barbakan Residence Old Town

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Barbakan Residence? The name isn’t just tourist marketing – you’re literally a two-minute walk from the actual Barbakan fortress walls, and honestly, that medieval backdrop makes your morning coffee feel pretty damn special. I mean, most hotels claim they’re in the “heart” of Old Town, but this place on Zacisze street actually delivers on that promise without the chaos of being right on the main square.

The thing about staying here is you get that authentic Krakow vibe without feeling like you’re camping out in a museum. The building itself has this restored historical charm – thick walls that actually keep the street noise down (which matters more than you’d think in this part of the city), but the rooms feel genuinely comfortable, not like someone just slapped some period furniture together and called it boutique. The staff clearly knows the neighborhood inside and out – they’ll point you toward Szewska Street for the best pierogi spots that aren’t tourist traps, or tell you exactly when to hit Cloth Hall before the tour groups descend. That kind of local intel is worth its weight in złoty, especially during summer when Krakow gets absolutely packed.

What really sold me on this place, though, is how it sits in the Old Town ecosystem. You’re close enough to walk to everything that matters – Main Market Square is literally five minutes on foot, Wawel Castle maybe ten – but Zacisze feels like a actual street where people live, not just a tourist corridor. I loved being able to grab groceries at the little shops nearby or duck into one of those tiny cafes that locals frequent. The 8.8 rating makes sense when you experience it; it’s not trying to be the fanciest hotel in Krakow, but it nails what most travelers actually want: a comfortable base that feels connected to the city. Check-in was refreshingly straightforward too – no pretentious lobby theatrics, just friendly people who seem genuinely happy to help you make the most of your time here. If you’re the type who wants to experience Krakow like you live there for a few days rather than just tick off the major sights, this is your spot.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $107. Studio Apartment with 1 full bed and 1 sofa bed for Max. people: 3
• Estimated price from: $264. Deluxe Apartment with 1 queen bed, 2 twin beds and 1 sofa bed for Max. people: 2
• Estimated price from: $294. Deluxe Apartment with 2 × 1 full bed and 2 × 1 sofa bed for Max. people: 2

Reviews

• Wonderful – Iiro from Finland – July 14, 2025 (9/10)

  Great location just outside of old town and close to main train station.
  
  What could be improved: No air condition. Breakfast was delivered to the apartment in the morning. There was only instant coffee.

• Great base camp plenty of room quiet and well situated to explore clean and tidy . – Paul from United Kingdom – June 23, 2025 (8/10)

  Lots of space air con in every room but the back room air con keeps pumping water away so needs looking at . Kitchen needs a microwave but that’s all. Bathroom shower is good two sinks no window or vent though . Smart tv in main room both bedrooms spacious and not together . Plenty of hanging storage . Washer in bathroom if needed. No cafetière which is a shame if you like coffee but no big deal.
  There is a lift to all floors and it works well.
  
  What could be improved: Air con in back bedroom is noisy no curtains just a poor blind so very light . Door is broken all the hinges have been damaged so it doesn’t shut well.
  These are small things this is still a great apartment well situated for the old town and train station all 5 mins away.

• Wonderful – Yvonne from United Kingdom – April 25, 2025 (9/10)

  10 day stay

• Exceptional – Michal from United Kingdom – January 19, 2025 (10/10)

  The location is right outside the market, beautiful apartment and spacious

• Great affordable apartment in a fantastic location! – Anna from Australia – December 27, 2024 (10/10)

  Great, comfortable apartment close to the main square and the train station! The daily breakfast delivered was great.
  
  What could be improved: Nil – everything was great

• Excellent stay – Steven from United Kingdom – November 26, 2024 (10/10)

  Clean and tidy and close to centre
  
  What could be improved: Everything was good

• I highly recommend, cozy apartment in the quiet center of the old tow – Olena from United Kingdom – October 8, 2024 (10/10)

  Great location, cozy apartment, very clean, quiet places !!!
  
  What could be improved: No

• Great place to stay in Krakow – Carol from United States – September 17, 2024 (8/10)

  The location was great, close to the train station and the old city. There was a community washer and dryer in the building.
  
  What could be improved: At first we couldn’t get WIFI but then we noticed the router and reset it and then the WIFI worked fine. It was a little noisy at night when people would talk in the courtyard.

• Very Good – Ryan from Poland – September 11, 2024 (8/10)

  Amazing location really close to old town, main train station, and buses/trams to get all around Kraków. Amenities made for a nice home base to cook a meal and do laundry after some long days traveling.
  
  What could be improved: Shower door wasn't sealed at the very bottom, but it wasn't a problem if you aim the shower head closer to the wall and the leaked water was easy enough to towel up.

• Fantastic – Yvonne from United Kingdom – September 3, 2024 (9/10)

  99% of the apartment just a few bits missing
  
  What could be improved: There was no microwave or clothes airer, could not clean as there were no cleaning items so we bought some and left them there.

SURROUNDINGS