A standard European single is 90 × 200 cm and a standard European double is 140 × 200 cm, so most continental beds are longer than UK ones. The names are the problem. A "king" in one country is not a "king" in another, so the centimetres in the listing matter more than the label. This guide gives you the numbers, shows where UK, US and European sizes part ways, and explains the room terms (studio, one-bedroom, private bathroom) that decide how a city-break stay really feels in Kraków.
TL;DR
- A European single is 90 × 200 cm (about 3 ft × 6 ft 6 in) and a European double is 140 × 200 cm (about 4 ft 7 in × 6 ft 6 in), according to Which?.
- Size names such as "king" and "queen" change from country to country and between UK, US and continental use. Read the centimetres, not the name.
- In European hotels, a "double room" may have one double bed or two single beds pushed together, so say which you want when you book.
- A studio is one open room with a sleeping area. A one-bedroom has a separate bedroom with a door.
- A private bathroom is yours alone. En-suite means it opens directly off the bedroom. They are not always the same thing.
Table of Contents
- The standard European bed sizes, in centimetres and inches
- Why a European king is not always the king you expect
- Double room, twin room, two singles: what the booking terms promise
- Bed sizes in Poland and Kraków
- Studio or one-bedroom: what actually changes
- Private bathroom, en-suite and shared: the differences
- A checklist before you book any European stay
- Perspective
- Staying near the Main Square
- FAQ
- Sources
The standard European bed sizes, in centimetres and inches
Continental Europe measures beds in centimetres, and the usual length is 200 cm, about 78.7 in. That is the main difference you notice if you are used to a UK bed, which has traditionally been shorter. If you are tall, this works in your favour.
Here is a working chart of the sizes you are most likely to meet. The single and double figures are the ones Which? publishes for European mattresses. Wider sizes are approximate and vary by country and manufacturer, which is why the last column matters.
| Bed type | Typical width × length (cm) | Approx. inches | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| European single | 90 × 200 | 3 ft × 6 ft 6 in | The most common single across the continent |
| European double | 140 × 200 | 4 ft 7 in × 6 ft 6 in | Comfortable for two, but each person has about 70 cm |
| Wider doubles (often sold as "queen" or "king") | Wider than 140, usually 160 to 180 wide and 200 long | Roughly 5 ft 3 in to 5 ft 11 in wide | Names differ by country, so ask for the exact width |
| Two singles joined | 2 × 90 × 200 | Roughly 6 ft wide in total | Common in hotels and apartments, sometimes with one shared mattress topper |
The honest summary: in Europe, the label is a guide and the measurement is the fact. A hotel or apartment that lists "king bed" without centimetres is giving you an incomplete answer, and you are entitled to ask for the width.
Why a European king is not always the king you expect
The most common source of confusion for UK and US travellers is the word "king". In the UK, a king is a mid-sized bed that sits between a double and a super king. In the US, a king is a large bed that sleeps two people with plenty of room to spare. In continental Europe, the word is used loosely and often sits somewhere between the two.
Practical consequences for city-break travellers:
- From the UK: A continental double is longer than you are used to, but not much wider. If you are used to a UK king, check that the European "king" you are offered is not narrower than the bed you sleep in at home.
- From the US: A European double is a little wider than a US full, and noticeably smaller than a US queen or king. A bed sold as a "king" in Europe will often feel like a US queen.
- From Australia: Sizes are named like the US ones (queen and king), so the same caution applies. A continental king may feel closer to what you call a queen.
The lesson is the same for everyone. Convert the centimetres into something you know. If you sleep in a 150 cm bed at home, anything from 160 cm up will feel similar or roomier. If you sleep in a 180 cm bed, a 140 cm double will feel snug for two adults.
Double room, twin room, two singles: what the booking terms promise
Bed size is only half of it. The other half is how the beds are arranged. Travel specialists describe the usual European pattern: a double room can have one double-size bed or two single beds, depending on how the property sets it up and what guests have booked.
That has three effects on your planning:
- Couples who want one shared bed should confirm "one double bed", not "double occupancy". The latter only says two people can stay.
- Friends or colleagues sharing a room should ask for twin beds, meaning two separate singles with a gap between them.
- Light sleepers may prefer two singles pushed together, because each person has their own mattress and the movement of one does not travel to the other. The trade-off is a seam down the middle.
A short message before you arrive solves almost every bed problem. Write the party size, who is sharing, and whether you want one bed or two. Reputable properties are used to the question.
Bed sizes in Poland and Kraków
Poland follows the continental pattern: beds are measured in centimetres, and 200 cm is the usual length. Singles are commonly 90 cm wide and doubles are commonly 140 cm wide, with wider beds in larger or more upmarket rooms. In older buildings, which is much of the Old Town, room shapes are not standardised. Kraków's historic townhouses were built long before modern bed sizes existed, so a room may be a little narrower or taller than a purpose-built hotel room, and bed placement is adapted to the walls.
That is one more reason to read the room description for centimetres and bed arrangement instead of relying on the room name alone. If you are visiting with a partner, with a friend or with two children, tell the property in advance so they can match the apartment to your group.
Studio or one-bedroom: what actually changes
This question comes up constantly when travellers compare apartments with hotel rooms, and the answer is simpler than the listings suggest.
- Studio: one main room that combines the sleeping area, a small kitchen or kitchenette, and a seating area. The bathroom is separate. There is no door between your bed and the rest of the space.
- One-bedroom: a bedroom with a door, plus a separate living area, usually with the kitchen. The separation is the whole point.
- One-bedroom suite: a suite has at least two distinct spaces, such as a bedroom and a living room, and may add extra facilities such as a second bathroom. The name "suite" is used loosely, so read what is actually included.
Which one suits you?
| Your situation | Better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Couple on a short break | Studio | One room is easier to keep tidy, and you are out most of the day |
| Two adults who go to bed at different times | One-bedroom | A door between sleeping and living areas |
| Family of three or four | Larger apartment, or a sofa bed in the living area | More floor space and flexible sleeping |
| Business traveller working in the room | One-bedroom or a studio with a proper desk area | Separation helps when you take calls |
If a sofa bed is part of the plan, it is worth knowing what to look for. Our guide to sofa bed comfort on a city break covers five checks before you book.
Private bathroom, en-suite and shared: the differences
These terms are used interchangeably in many listings, but they do not mean exactly the same thing.
- Private bathroom: only you and your travelling party use it. It may be inside the room or just outside it, along a corridor, with a key.
- En-suite: the bathroom opens directly off the bedroom. It is always private, but not every private bathroom is en-suite.
- Shared bathroom: you share with other guests, typically at hostels, guesthouses and some budget rooms.
For most city-break travellers, the sensible filter is "private, inside the room or apartment". In an old building, check the description for whether the bathroom is within the apartment. Our explainer on en-suite bathrooms and what to check in Kraków goes through it in more detail.
A checklist before you book any European stay
Before you confirm a room in Kraków or anywhere else on the continent, run through these points:
- Width in centimetres of each bed, not just the name.
- Bed arrangement: one double, two singles, or two singles pushed together.
- Number of sleepers against the number of beds, including any sofa bed.
- Bathroom type: private or shared, and whether it is inside the apartment.
- Air conditioning, which is helpful in a Polish summer and not universal in older buildings.
- Kitchen facilities, if you want to make a simple meal or keep drinks cold.
- Breakfast: what is included and where it is served. Our guide to what a continental breakfast means sets expectations.
- Cancellation and booking terms, which are easier to read before you pay than after.
If an answer is not in the listing, ask. A property that answers clearly and quickly is usually one that looks after its guests.
Perspective
We have welcomed travellers from the UK, the US, Spain, Norway, Germany, the Benelux countries, Australia and Israel, and bed size is one of the questions we hear most. Everyone has a different idea of what "double" and "king" mean, and nobody wants to find out at midnight.
Our approach is simple: tell us who is travelling and how you like to sleep, and we help you choose between our Studio Superior, Studio Deluxe, Studio Executive and Apartament. Each is designed for two to four guests, and each has air conditioning, a kitchen area, free Wi-Fi and a private bathroom.
We think a 15th-century townhouse is a good place to wake up on a city break. You get the character of the Old Town and a private apartment's comfort, with the Main Market Square 100 metres away. Ask about bed arrangement before you arrive, and we will point you to the right apartment.
Antek
Staying near the Main Square
If you are planning a Kraków city break, our boutique apartments sit in a 15th-century townhouse, 100 m from the Main Square. They are designed for couples, families and small groups, with a kitchen area, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and a private bathroom in each apartment. Breakfast is served at our on-site restaurant, Sempre Bracka, and packed lunches are available for early starts. We also arrange transfers from Kraków-Balice airport and from Kraków Główny station.
See the Studio Superior, Studio Deluxe, Studio Executive and Apartament and choose the one that fits your group. Our booking terms explain the conditions in full.
FAQ
Is a European king bed the same as a UK king?
Not necessarily. The word "king" is used differently across Europe, the UK and the US, so the label does not guarantee a size. Ask for the width in centimetres and compare it with the bed you sleep in at home.
What is the typical double bed size in Europe?
The usual European double is 140 × 200 cm, about 4 ft 7 in × 6 ft 6 in, as listed by Which?. Larger rooms may have wider beds. The length of 200 cm is the part that stands out for UK travellers.
What bed sizes should I expect in Poland?
Expect centimetre measurements, with 90 cm singles and 140 cm doubles being common, and wider beds in some rooms. Older buildings in Kraków vary in layout, so confirm bed type and arrangement with the property before you arrive.
What is the difference between a studio and a one-bedroom?
A studio puts sleeping, living and kitchen areas in one room. A one-bedroom has a separate bedroom with a door. For couples on a short stay a studio is usually enough, and for people who want separation a one-bedroom is better.
Is a private bathroom the same as en-suite?
No. A private bathroom is for your party alone, but it may be outside the room. An en-suite opens directly off the bedroom. When you book, check whether the bathroom is inside your apartment.
Sources
Ready to stay in the heart of the Old Town? Book direct with Bracka 6 and tell us how you like to sleep.