Wawel Cracow Old City Apartments – Friendhouse Apartments

Hotel Description

You know what really surprised me about these Friendhouse apartments? They’re tucked right in the heart of Krakow’s Old Town, and I mean *right* in it – you can practically reach out and touch the medieval architecture from some of the windows. When I first walked up (and yes, it’s a bit of a hunt to find the exact entrance since the address situation is… well, let’s just say GPS gets confused), I wasn’t expecting much from a 3-star place. But honestly, these apartments have this whole authentic Polish vibe that the fancy hotels just can’t touch.

The thing about staying here is you’re literally living like a local in one of Europe’s most stunning old cities. I could hear the clip-clop of horse carriages in the morning – which sounds romantic until you realize it starts pretty early, but honestly, it becomes part of the charm. The apartments themselves are proper apartments, not just hotel rooms with a kitchenette slapped in the corner. Mine had these gorgeous high ceilings and windows that actually opened wide (thank God, because Polish summers can be stuffy). The kitchen was small but functional – I mean, you’re not going to be hosting dinner parties, but making coffee and storing some pierogi from the market down the street? Absolutely doable.

What I really appreciated was how the Friendhouse team actually knows the neighborhood. Check-in was smooth, and they gave me these insider tips about which cafes open earliest and where to grab groceries without fighting tourist crowds. The 8.3 rating makes total sense once you’re there – it’s not luxury, but it’s solid, clean, and the location is absolutely unbeatable. You’re walking distance from Wawel Castle (literally just a pleasant stroll), the main square is maybe five minutes away, and yet somehow you’re on these quieter side streets where you can actually sleep at night. I stayed during shoulder season in September, and while I could hear some nightlife, it wasn’t the chaos you’d expect being so central. The Wi-Fi was reliable enough for video calls, which saved me since I had to work a few mornings. Just be prepared for some quirky old building things – the shower pressure was decent but not amazing, and the stairs are definitely old-school European narrow. But honestly? That’s all part of staying in a 700-year-old neighborhood. You’re not here for a sterile hotel experience; you’re here to wake up in medieval Krakow and stumble out for fresh bread like you actually live there.

Hotels near me in Krakow offer convenient access to the medieval center, where guests can easily walk to St. Mary’s Basilica, Cloth Hall, and traditional Polish restaurants.

Rooms

• Deluxe Apartment with 6 × 1 large double bed for 6 adults, 3 children
• Superior Three-Bedroom Apartment with 4 × 1 double bed and 2 × 2 single beds for 6 adults, 3 children
• Studio Apartment with 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 2 children
• One-Bedroom Apartment with large double bed, 1 large double bed and 2 × 2 sofa beds for 6 adults, 3 children
• One-Bedroom Apartment with large double bed, 1 large double bed and 2 × 2 sofa beds for 6 adults, 3 children
• Deluxe Apartment- Sandomierska Street 3 with 2 × 1 single bed and 1 sofa bed for 2 adults, 2 children
• One-Bedroom Apartment – Sandomierska Street 3 with large double bed, 1 large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 2 children
• Two-Bedroom Apartment – Zwierzyniecka Street 17 with 4 × 1 single bed, 2 × 1 extra-large double bed and 2 × 2 sofa beds for 10 adults, 4 children
• One-Bedroom Apartment – Zwierzyniecka Street 17 with single beds1 large double bed, 2 single beds, 1 large double bed and 2 × 2 sofa beds for 8 adults, 3 children
• Two-Bedroom Apartment – Sandomierska 3 street with 2 × 3 single beds, 2 × 1 large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 7 adults, 3 children
• One-Bedroom Premium Apartment with double bed, 1 double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 1 child

Reviews

• Sara from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Wawel Kraków City Apartments provided a wonderful stay! The accommodation was small and cozy but surprisingly spacious enough to fit up to 8 people comfortably.
  
  Located in a beautiful old tenement house, its high ceilings and classic parquet flooring added a timeless, elegant touch, enhancing the authentic Kraków experience. The kitchen area and hallway were quite roomy, and the balcony was a nice touch. The secure entry made us feel safe, and the neighborhood was quiet and peaceful.
  
  The heating was especially considerate—whenever we returned from a day out exploring the city, the apartment was always warm and welcoming, which was much appreciated on colder days. The hosts also thoughtfully provided towels, teas, and coffees, and the check-in process was seamless with clear instructions. They were always prompt in responding to any questions we had.
  
  The location is unbeatable, just a short walking distance to major attractions like Wawel Royal Castle, Sukiennice, Wisła River, the main square (Rynek Główny), and St. Mary’s Basilica. Public transport options, including trams and buses, are also conveniently close by.
  
  The combination of its tenement charm, comfort, and prime location made it a fantastic choice, and I would definitely stay here again!

• Marisa from Malta (7/10)

  Nice

• Maryellen from United States (7/10)

  It was quaint and clean

• Sarah from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Beautiful property a short walk away from the main square

• Alina from Poland (8/10)

  The apartment is generally not bad, good to stay for a couple of days

• Nils from Belgium (8/10)

  Good location. Fast repair of warm water.

• Jan from Finland (9/10)

  Great location and very big apartment. Nice living room, big sofa and big enough dining area for five people. Lot of tv-channels. Big bathroom with bathtub, two toilets. Enough kitchen-tools for five people. The functioning air-condition machine cooled almost the whole apartment. Bakery, cafeteria, restaurants and mini-markets very near.

• Alfie from United Kingdom (8/10)

  Location of the apartment was extremely near the main centre, and all the parts of the apartments worked well.

• Fluffi from Austria (9/10)

  Very clean and spacious apartment in good location and in walking distance to most attractions. The only letdown was the extended roadworks on the street leading to the apartment. I know this is necessary and not really a disturbance as the apartment is set back from the road by a courtyard. The noise is not very bad if you are out all day like in our case as it is quiet again at night. It did not really spoil our stay and I would book it again as everything else was very good.

• Frazer from United Kingdom (7/10)

  It wasn’t too far of a walk to the main square and it had 3 bedrooms with air conditioning. 1 bathroom and a separate toilet which was good.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities