There’s one thing for sure – you can never get bored in Krakow. During the day it has all the monuments, beautiful architecture and history to discover. At night, your own story is waiting to be written. This city never sleeps and there are many places to explore, foods to try and things to experience. No matter what your style of partying is, you will find something suitable. Cozy pubs, countless bars, vibrant clubs, karaoke bars, live music pubs, unusual night and day activities, places with delicious food… Krakow nightlife may be a bit overwhelming. How not to get lost among all the dance floors and bars? Where and when to go during your travel to Krakow? We went through hundreds of spots and picked only the best for you.
Tips for having a great night out in Krakow
Where to party in Krakow?
Amazing thing about Krakow’s nightlife is that all the places you might want to visit during the night are located nearby. Most crowded and popular zone is the Main Square area. No matter which street you turn into, you will find some bars, restaurants and clubs. If you prefer something less commercial, take a walk to the Kazimierz district. Many spots there have their own unique vibe and are worth visiting.
What is the best time to go out in Krakow?
When do clubs close in Krakow?
Club parties usually begin around 10 PM and they’re starting to get crowded around midnight. Some clubs however offer various benefits, e.g. free entrance or special prices at the bar for those coming earlier. Night clubs usually close around 4-5 AM. When it comes to the days of the week, you can party literally everyday all year round. The most popular days though are Thursdays (that’s when many students use to go out) and weekends of course, so Friday and Saturday nights.
What to drink while in Krakow?
Your first thought may be vodka and that is absolutely correct. You can drink it mixed with a soft drink or as a shot, you can taste pure vodka, flavoured one or colourful shots. The possibilities are endless so just pick what seems to be the best for you. Don’t want to go too hard? Worry no more! There are many cool cocktail bars where the best bartenders serve some nice drinks. Fancy some beer? That is always a good idea. In Krakow you will find many cheerful places where you can find good choice of craft beers as well.
The best ice breakers to make friends in Krakow
Krakow is a big city, full of students, tourists and international people so you shouldn’t have any problems communicating in English. Polish people, especially the younger generation, can speak English fluently. It is more than likely that the staff in a bar or club that you go to will understand you perfectly. However, if you want to discover the real Krakow nightlife, we recommend you to learn some basic phrases in Polish. In this way, you can make some local friends and experience Polish way of partying. People will surely appreciate your effort and it may bring smiles to a lot of faces. Polish obviously is not the easiest language in the world, but hey, you can do it!
We come with a little help and present you some of the most useful phrases when it comes to partying in Krakow:
“Dzień dobry” (jane doh-brih) – Good morning
“Dobry wieczór” (doh-brih vyeh-choor) – Good evening
“Jedno piwo proszę” (yed-no pee-voh pro-sheh) – One beer, please
“Dziękuję” (jen-koo-yeh) – Thank you
“Przepraszam” (psheh-prah-shahm) – I’m sorry/Excuse me
“Na zdrowie!”(nah zdroh-vyeh) – Cheers!
“Zatańczymy?”(za-tan-chi-mi?) – Shall we dance?
What to avoid while partying in Krakow?
Large selection of places, cheap alcohol and international vibe – your Krakow nightlife experience can be truly unforgettable. But in order to go through the night without any unnecessary problems and to make good memories only, there are few things that you should keep in mind.
#1 Don’t drink in public.
Drinking in parks, squares and other public spots in Poland is forbidden by law and you can get fine for that. Go to the bar/pub and enjoy your drink there. If you wanna warm up before partying with your own alcohol, better do it before leaving your accommodation.
#2 Watch out for your stuff.
Krakow is a rather safe place to be any time of the day, but you should always be careful cause some thefts can happen. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded bars and better leave your jacket in a locker room when entering the club.
#3 Order alcohol in clubs carefully.
If you ask the bartender about e.g. vodka soda, he may pick the most expensive brand of alcohol and make you pay for it. It’s not a rule, but it can happen so it’s better to prevent that situation. Ask about the price before choosing your drink and make your order very specific.
#4 Avoid strip clubs.
Walking around the Main Square in Krakow you can see promoters inviting people to different places. Some of them can give you discount coupons for drinks or invitations to the clubs. Be careful with the hosts (usually holding umbrellas) inviting to the strip clubs though and don’t go there. Those places are usually oriented just on stealing a drunk client’s money.
#5 Be careful with money.
Paying in foreign currency may be a bit confusing, especially at the beginning or after a few drinks. Try to calculate the prices and don’t pay with the big notes if possible. Having some coins in your pocket makes it easier to pay and to check if you’ve got the right amount of change.
What are the best places to party in Krakow in 2020?
5 best Pubs in Krakow
Imagine a warm summer evening in Krakow and a cold beer in your hand. Or gloomy weather outside and you sitting in a cozy place with a drink that warms you up. Add some snacks. Doesn’t seem bad, right? The truth is, no matter what time of a year it is, it’s always a good idea to visit Krakow and enjoy a pint of beer served with some typical Polish munchies. Let’s take a look at your best pub options.
Viva la PINTA
Best pub in Krakow for craft beer lovers
Floriańska 13, Old Town, 31-019 Krakow, Poland
Located right next to the Main Square, Viva la PINTA is a pub opened by a first Polish craft brewery. It offers various beers of their own production as well as other Polish and foreign craft beers. During the summer season you can sit in their garden, in winter you can grab your beer in the spacious basement. All over the year you can try their burgers, wraps and sandwiches.
Wezze Krafta
Great craft beer place with a hipster vibe
Dolnych Młynów 10/3, 31-124 Krakow, Poland
Great selection of beers in a popular and very lively place. Professional bartenders know everything about crafted beer and are happy to share their knowledge with anyone interested. Industrial, yet cozy interior and frequent beer events are what makes that place unique.
House of Beer
Pub with delicious food and wide selection of beers
Swietego Tomasza 35, Old Town, 31-027 Krakow, Poland
Over 200 bottles and 21 taps with beer over two bars. Modern pub dishes, e.g. pulled pork sandwich or hot buffalo wings as well as food that can be ordered to share with friends. House of Beer has its own atmosphere which allows the guests to really enjoy their food and drinks.
Kompania Kuflowa – Sukiennice
Traditional pub for those who want to taste Polish food and drinks
Rynek Główny 3, Old Town, 33-332 Krakow, Poland
Place located literally in the heart of Krakow. Huge beer mugs and delicious, typical Polish food are waiting in the middle of the Main Square. Reasonable prices and a perfect view of everything that happens in the city centre.
Ambasada Sledzia
Stop by for Polish-style snacks matching your drink
Stolarska 8/10, Old Town, 31-030 Krakow, Poland
In this spot they know everything not only about good beer and other drinks in Krakow, but also about… herrings! The fish is one of the most typical ‘Polish tapas’ matching perfectly with a shot of vodka or a glass of beer. You definitely should try it, so why not do it in a real ‘Herring Embassy’?
5 best Bars in Krakow
No matter if you fancy a cocktail, beer or few vodka shots, Krakow’s got you covered. There are hundreds of bars in the city. Pay attention to typical shot bars – they are usually crowded and serve cheap alcohol. These places are where the Krakow nightlife experience typically either starts or ends.
Z ust do ust
Camouflaged bar with high quality cocktails
Secret location, Kazimierz district, Krakow, Poland
This is a real hidden gem of Krakow nightlife. To find this bar full of original and delicious cocktails, you have to follow instructions on their website. While playing a game and looking for the address, you get the chance to discover the beauty of Kazimierz district. The entrance to the bar is hidden in the bathroom of another club and thanks to its character, it’s not the most touristic spot. Definitely worth checking out.
Bubble Toast
A bar that you need on your Instagram feed
Szczepański Square 5, Old Town, 31-011 Krakow, Poland
Must-see for all the Instagram freaks. This bar has everything you’ve ever wanted to have on your perfect picture. Ball pool, bathtub, unicorns and lots of pink. And on the top of that, cocktails that taste just as good as they look.
BaniaLuka
Perfect place to find cheap drinks
Szewska 13, Old Town, 31-009 Krakow, Poland
Definitely the most popular, between tourists as well as locals, bar in Krakow. Prices start from 4,5 PLN (1,1€) for a glass of beer or shot of vodka. Those who are tired after the night of partying, will also find some snacks here to fill in the missing calories.
Pijalnia Wódki i Piwa
Inexpensive drinks and old-style design
Floriańska 34, Old Town, 31-019 Krakow, Poland
Pijalnia Wódki i Piwa is a unique bar whose climate resembles Poland from over 30 years ago. You can find Pijalnias not only in Krakow, but also in other big Polish cities. Stop there for cheap vodka shots, beer and eat some typical Polish delicacies.
Szototo
Small bar with crazy choice of vodka shots
Pasaz Bielaka, Old Town, 33-332 Krakow, Poland
Bar serving variety of colourful shots. You can get one for a price starting from 5 PLN. You can make just a quick stop there on your journey through Krakow nightlife or spend a little more time trying as many menu options as you can handle. Cheers!
5 best Clubs in Krakow
When it comes to the nightclubs, there are so many of them that certainly everyone will find a perfect option for themselves. Different vibes, music genres played inside and numbers of dance floors. All of them are waiting to be discovered by you.
Szpitalna 1
Number 1 club for electronic music fans
Szpitalna 1, Old Town, 33-332 Krakow, Poland
The place filled with dance, house and techno music. Szpitalna 1 often hosts famous DJs both Polish and foreign. The underground labyrinths hidden just a few steps from the Main Square are waiting for everyone longing good electronic rhythms.
Shine Club
Three dance floors in a modern interior
Starowislna 16, Kazimierz, 31-032 Krakow, Poland
Huge nightclub located in the Kazimierz district. Music played there is a mix of EDM, R’n’B and latino. Impressive design of the place, thousands of lights inside and very unique vibe make this place an important point on the Krakow nightlife map.
Afterbeng Domówka
House party outside the house
Rynek Główny 28, Old Town, 33-332 Krakow, Poland
Have you ever seen a bathtub on the dance floor? The Afterbeng interior is stylized as an apartment, so entering the club you feel like at the house party. Great location, DJs who know how to move the crowd and beer pong competitions from time to time – you don’t wanna miss out on that place!
Hala Główna
Unusual party area
Dolnych Młynów 10/2b, 31-124 Krakow, Poland
If you like casual atmosphere and hate ordinary solutions, Hala Główna is a place for you! During the day it’s a nice spot to grab a coffee and it turns into a lively club in the evening. Great parties held in the industrial interior, well-stocked bar and a pizza served until late, what else do you need?
Alternatywy
A club that will take you back to the disco era
Mały Rynek 4, Old Town, 31-041 Krakow, Poland
If you manage to go down the steep stairs leading to this venue, you’ll find yourself in another Krakow’s cellar. This time it’s a place with music and the atmosphere of the 70s and 80s. A little more local and less crowded than the other ones above, but still very pleasant, plus on warmer days you can relax in their summer gardens.
3 best Karaoke bars in Krakow
Discovering Krakow nightlife makes you so happy that you wanna sing? Or you’re just looking for an alternative way of spending an evening? Hop on the stage and show your vocal skills or just sing in the background while sipping your drink. It doesn’t really matter if you can sing or not, it’s all about having fun!
Mr. Vavelsky Pub
Karaoke bar, pub & garden in the heart of Krakow
Gołebia 6, Old Town, 30-007 Krakow, Poland
Original interior with a real dragon flying under the ceiling, charming summer garden, good food and variety of drinks. Friendly atmosphere in this place makes it easy to grab the mic and sing your heart out. Besides karaoke, the bar organizes many different events, e.g. pub quizzes or stand up comedy evenings.
Klub Pod Jaszczurami
Karaoke place with long tradition
Rynek Główny 8, Old Town, 31-042 Krakow, Poland
Hard to pronounce but easy to find – it’s right at the Main Square. Klub Pod Jaszczurami is a place with a great soul and a long history. They organize karaoke evenings 5 days a week, from Sunday to Thursday. A nice bar where you can sit at the table with friends and just talk as well as have your moment of fame on the stage.
Let’s Sing Karaoke Bar
Singing in a young, international environment
Grodzka 34, Old Town, 31-044 Krakow, Poland
Karaoke evening starts there every night at 9 PM. It’s a small place where you can feel comfortable. Everyone can come and try their hand at singing together with their friends or while making new friendships with people from around the world.
3 best Live music bars/pubs
Krakow is a city of culture and many artists. Wanna go to some place where good live music is played? You couldn’t find better! Every evening various concerts take place in different bars and pubs in town, you just need to know where to look for them.
Alchemia
Important music events in cozy basement
Estery 5, Kazimierz, 31-056 Krakow, Poland
One of the many magical places in Kazimierz, but it is Alchemia where the most cultural events happen. Extraordinary interior, stylized as a crazy Alchemist’s laboratory and a snugly cellar where all the events and concerts take place. The club hosts thousands of artists, also international, especially during events such as the Jewish Culture Festival or the Krakow Jazz Autumn.
ZetPeTe
Progressive community centre where art and culture meet
Dolnych Młynów 10, Old Town, 31-124 Krakow, Poland
ZetPeTe is a creative zone located in the hipster Tytano complex. The club is open only on selected days, when there are dance parties and music events. It’s definitely an interesting and alternative place, the real Krakow nightlife cultural space and something different that’s worth visiting. You’ll find concerts with various types of music there, from folk to hop-hop, as well as other art exhibitions and performances.
Harris Piano Jazz Bar
Live concerts every evening
Rynek Główny 28, Old Town, 31-000 Krakow, Poland
The only spot in Krakow where live music concerts take place every day of the week. It’s a bar with a true jazz soul and what makes it even more special are the artists who decide to perform there, both jazz and funk or blues musicians. What’s more, during Monday and Wednesday events, anyone can take part in their jam sessions.
3 best Night activities in Krakow
You were promised that Krakow nightlife is truly incomparable but you can actually find cheap bars and good clubs also in other big cities in the world. Still looking for something that will be different from what you’ve experienced so far? Be sure to check out the best night activities in Krakow and experience them for yourself. Not fancing a night out? Try to check our blog post about the best day activities to do in Krakow.
Pub Crawl
Exploring Krakow nightlife at its best
Adam’s Statue, Rynek Glowny, Old Town, 30-962 Krakow, Poland
Don’t wanna get lost among the countless possibilities or miss on something important? Do you want to meet new people and experience an unforgettable party together? Join our Pub Crawl! Experienced Pub Crawl Guides are real experts in Krakow nightlife and will make sure that you will have fun in all the best places of the night.
Vodka Tasting Tours
Activity for booze and knowledge seekers
Of course, you can discover the power of Polish vodka on your own at every bar in the city. But by joining the vodka tour, you will get to know its history and taste different types and flavours in the best spots in Krakow. Get to know some vodka fun-facts and you’ll be able to show them off at the next party with your friends.
Cybermachina Game Pub
Fun and nerdy evening idea
Stolarska 11, Old Town, 31-043 Krakow, Poland
You just want to chill with your friends and have a nice evening? What would you say for an evening over beer and games? This way of spending time in Krakow is becoming more and more popular and there are plenty of bars in the city offering both board and video games. Cybermachina is waiting for all the geeks who want to face each other in one of many games available.
3 best Places where to eat after a night out in Krakow
Exploring Krakow nightlife can be exhausting. After hours of moving between different bars, dancing on various dance floors and a couple of drinks, you will probably realize that you’re getting hungry. First thought can be just grabbing some kebab or walking to the nearest fast food restaurant. But hold on for a moment, you didn’t come all the way to this city to eat like at home, right? How to finish the night or recharge batteries Polish style?
Przypiecek
Polish pierogi 24/7
Sławkowska 32, Old Town, 31-014 Krakow, Poland
Can you imagine something better than a place where pierogi are served 24/7? Sounds like heaven and tastes just as good. Almost 20 various types of that popular Polish dish, soups and breakfast options are waiting right next to the Main Square to save all the weary travelers, whether hunger catches them during the day or in the middle of the night.
Kiełbaski z Niebieskiej Nyski
Traditional sausages roasted on fire
Grzegórzecka 4, Kazimierz, 33-332 Krakow, Poland
Iconic place on the map of Krakow night snacks and probably the oldest food truck in the city. It may seem nothing special, but tasting Polish sausage grilled on fire in front of a blue retro van is something hard to experience anywhere else. The taste and quality of the products have remained unchanged for years and the place is often called ‘the real taste of Krakow’.
Okraglak
Best of Polish Zapiekanka
Estery 46, Kazimierz, 31-056 Krakow, Poland
It’s almost impossible to visit Krakow and not hear about the famous Zapiekanka. It’s a long bread, topped with mushrooms, cheese, ham, veggies or anything you can possibly imagine. If you want to try them after the eventful night, Kazimierz is the place to go. In the heart of the district you will find a round building with several bars serving many Zapiekanka options, so simply choose one that suits you best.
Ready for your night out in Krakow?
Now, with all that information, it’s your time to go and hunt for Krakow nightlife treasures. Hit the best spots in town, enjoy night events and have fun like locals do. If you need any further tips, advice or simply company to party together, remember about your Krawl Through Krakow team. Contact us to join Pub Crawl or other activities and experience a night (not) to remember. You can also take a look at our blog for more ideas on what to do in Krakow