Native Apartments Paulińska 20

Hotel Description

You know what really struck me about Native Apartments on Paulińska? It’s tucked into this gorgeous old building right in the heart of Krakow’s Old Town, but somehow it doesn’t feel like a tourist trap. I mean, you’re literally walking distance from the main square – we’re talking maybe three minutes to Rynek Główny – but the street itself has this authentic residential vibe that most visitors never experience. The building dates back centuries (honestly, half the structures in this neighborhood do), and they’ve done this brilliant job of keeping the historical character while making everything actually functional for modern travelers.

The apartments themselves are spacious in a way that’ll surprise you, especially if you’ve stayed in typical European hotels before. We had this beautiful unit with original wooden beams and these massive windows that let in incredible light during the day. The kitchen was fully equipped – not just the usual mini-fridge situation – which was perfect since there’s this fantastic little market on Grodzka Street where you can grab fresh bread and local cheese. Actually, that’s one of the best parts about staying here: you’re living like a local rather than just passing through. The neighbors were mostly Polish families, and there’s something really special about hearing kids playing in the courtyard instead of the constant chatter of tour groups.

What really sets this place apart is how the staff actually knows the neighborhood. When we checked in, the manager (lovely woman named Ania) didn’t just hand over keys and a generic city map. She walked us through her personal recommendations – told us which pierogi place the locals actually eat at (not the one all the guidebooks mention), when the nearby churches have their most beautiful evening services, and even warned us that Saturday mornings can get a bit lively with wedding parties heading to St. Mary’s Basilica. The 8.8 rating makes total sense when you experience this level of genuine hospitality.

I’ll be honest, there are a couple of minor things to know going in. The WiFi can be a bit spotty in some corners of the apartment – seems to be a thick-walls situation rather than poor service. And if you’re planning to drive, parking in Old Town is… well, it’s an adventure. But honestly, you won’t need a car anyway. Everything worth seeing is within walking distance, and the tram stops right at the edge of the Old Town if you want to explore Kazimierz or head out to Nowa Huta.

The real magic happens in the evenings when the day-trip crowds thin out and you get to see this neighborhood the way it actually is. We’d grab a bottle of wine from the little shop around the corner and sit by our window watching people head home from work, listening to the church bells marking the hours. It’s that rare combination of being right in the middle of everything historically significant while still feeling like you’re experiencing authentic Krakow life rather than just checking boxes on a tourist itinerary.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $139. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 full bed, 1 futon bed and 1 sofa bed for Max. people: 2

Reviews

• Host great. Apartment modern and comfortable. Location great. – Jeanette from United Kingdom – May 29, 2025 (8/10)

  Location was great. Central to sites. Shops and restaurants nearby.
  
  What could be improved: Small issue of damp in bathroom

• Good short stay in krakow – Adrian from United Kingdom – December 13, 2024 (9/10)

  Very clean well equipped apartment
  
  What could be improved: Tv couldn’t get to work – but might be down to operator error

• Great location and apartment. Would stay here again. – Kipp from United States – November 29, 2024 (10/10)

  This apartment is in a convenient location in the Jewish quarter with lots of cafes and restaurants to choose from. The apartment was clean and had everything we needed for a great stay. It is also within walking distance of the old town.
  
  What could be improved: We stayed on the first floor so the outside sidewalk is right next to the front window and people were walking by all the time and looking in. Curtains had to be kept closed. Was not an issue but could pose a problem during warmer months when opened windows would be nice.

• Exceptional – Maria from Greece – November 27, 2024 (10/10)

  Excellent breacfast with many options . Very good location for evey spot of the city. Instant communication with the owner.
  Comfort apartment and pleasnt neigborhood. Close to restaurants and bars.

• Nice appointment, good location, well equipped. – Izabela from Norway – October 4, 2024 (9/10)

  Location, enough space for families
  
  What could be improved: Smell from bathroom.

• Exceptional – Marek from Slovakia – July 26, 2024 (10/10)

  The Apartment 1 is clean and very nice furnished. You can find there everything needed for short stay. The location is great, Wavel and city center is in walking distance ( 15 min. ).
  
  What could be improved: Public parking in this area is quite problematic, but you can find the place on the street (but it will take some time).
  The Apartment 1 is on ground floor and you can't leave open windows during the night or when you are in the city.
  The apartment is without aircondition, but the temperature in the apartment was all right during hot summer days.

• absolute delight, wonderful apartments – Коханова from Ukraine – June 15, 2024 (10/10)

  beautiful, comfortable, cozy, wonderful area, clean and thought out to the smallest detail

• Great apartment in Kazimerez – Anne from United Kingdom – February 8, 2024 (9/10)

  Modern flat, spotlessly clean, well decorated and maintained. Easy collection of key and access to flat. Flat roomy and cosy. We were able to turn heating down in bathroom so that reduced the heat in the flat if we got too warm. Beds and sofa bed comfortable. Plenty of fresh towels. Washing-up liquid, cloth and some dishwasher tabs supplied. Everything needed for a short stay. Communication with the host was excellent, prompt replies and they helped with every request we had.
  
  Breakfast was delivered by a local restaurant every morning between 7 and 9am, and we were able to ask for it early on the day we were going on a trip. Food quality was great especially the Jewish challah bread, and there was so much food we made some into a packed lunch for our days out. There was ground coffee for the machine and a few Earl Grey teabags left out for us – if that's literally not your cup of tea, take some of your own.
  
  Great location near bars, restaurants and tram link. Also easily walkable to the Old Town.
  
  We heard the wee dog bark a couple of times but it was only as it was going out for a walk and only for a few seconds. Was quite cute really as we were missing our dog.
  
  Would definitely return if we're were back in Krakow and would recommend.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing but would have liked an electric toaster.

• Great apartment in top location – George from United Kingdom – November 10, 2023 (9/10)

  Super friendly communications with the staff. Perfect location in a picturesque, quiet street with some amazing cafes, bakeries and restaurants on its doorstep. Nicely finished apartment, comfy beds, decent kitchen, great shower. We had a fantastic stay in Krakow and we were very happy to have stayed here!
  
  What could be improved: I would have liked to have found some shower gel and shampoo in the bathroom, a bit of washing powder for the washing machine and a couple of extra dishwasher tablets. For a short stay it was great, but a few extras in the kitchen like clothes and towels for washing and drying dishes would have been handy – it also helps us keep the place clean!

• Great location, modern apartment – Joseph from United Kingdom – October 21, 2023 (9/10)

  The woman was nice and friendly
  
  What could be improved: Shower curtain needs replacing. No shower gel

SURROUNDINGS