The Epic Krakow Nightlife Guide

The Nightlife in Krakow is immense and has something to suit everyone’s lifestyle and budget. From its fantastic club scene to the array of cocktail and themed bars, there really is something for everyone.

But where do you begin?

Sure, you could leave it up to chance and hope to stumble across a hidden gem or a local hotspot, but more often than not, you end up in a touristy hangout or an absolute dive regretting not doing your research first. This is because a lot of Krakow Nightlife is hidden away.

That’s where we come in!

We’ve prepared this guide to help you navigate your way to an unforgettable night out in Krakow. This historic city has one of the most  underrated nightlife scenes in Europe, and with our help, you’ll get to experience every last bit of Krakow’s Nightlife.  

Our goal is to help you have an unforgettable night on your next visit. We’ll also:

• Tell you what makes Krakow’s nightlife so unique.
• Breakdown the main nightlife districts of Krakow.
• Show you the best bars and hidden local favorites. 
• Tell you what clubs to visit and where locals go to party in Krakow.
• Provide you with tips on how to navigate Krakow nightlife while staying safe

Why you need to experience Krakow nightlife and what it’s like:

It’s said that Krakow has more bars and clubs per square mile than any other city in Europe. We’re not sure how accurate that is, but what we do know is Krakow Nightlife is one of the best nightlife scenes in all of Europe.

It doesn’t matter if you’re into live music, sports bars, hidden bars, karaoke, or just a nice place to have dinner and a drink, Krakow has it all. This eclectic city can lend its unique nightlife to it being one of the most popular student cities in all of Poland. Every year, huge crowds swarm upon Krakow to undertake their studies both locally  and from abroad. 

This, plus Krakow’s low prices, means it attracts a diverse range of tourists visiting the city. The conversion rate of the local currency (the zloty) is very favorable for currencies like the Pound (GBP), Euro, and US Dollar (USD). We have put together this Krakow at Night guide to make sure you get the most from your night out in Krakow. We guarantee you’ll find something you’ll love.

Krakow Nightlife districts

There are three main districts when it comes to Krakow Nightlife; The Old Town (Stare Miasto), Kazimierz (otherwise known as the Jewish Quarter), and the up and coming district of Podgorze. Although each district is small and close by to one other, they each have a unique vibe. 

If you are looking for the best clubs in Krakow, then the Old Town (Stare Miasto) is the place to go. Krakow Clubs offer everything from Top 40 commercial music to 70s clubs, Cuban hangouts, and a developing Techno scene. The Old Town also has multiple great Jazz bars and several local bars and pubs. Due to the UNESCO heritage listing of the entire main square, most bars and clubs are hidden away down an alley or down a winding staircase. It’s always good to remember that drinks and food prices in the Old Town are higher than the rest of the city as it’s a popular tourist spot. Krakow Crawl offers a guided tour of the best clubs and bars in the Old Town.

Kazimierz is where you’ll find what seems like an endless amount of bars and pubs. It’s a great place to go for a casual drink, meet some locals or finish off the night in one of its fantastic cocktail bars. It’s a favorite among locals, but you can still find a fair few tourists hanging about down there. Kazimierz is also packed full of food trucks and street food, so you can get your midnight snack fix on your way back to your hotel.

If you’re looking for a more relaxed evening or a couple of casual drinks, then Podgorze Is the place you’re looking for. This district is full of great restaurants and many of the newest/coolest bars in town.

Image source: Cracow By Drone Facebook

Krakow Nightlife Survival tips 

Here are a few tips to help you navigate your night out in Krakow and stay safe. You can also check out our more in-depth survival guide here.

Currency

Poland still uses its own currency, which is the Złoty. The conversion rate is around 4.5 zł to 1 €. Just be careful when changing over money, as most currency exchanges (Kantor) in the old town have terrible rates; however, all bars and clubs accept cards. 

Don’t drink in public 

Drinking in public is illegal in Poland, and the city Police love handing out fines to foreigners.  

Security

Polish people are very friendly; however, the security at most bars and clubs in Krakow tend to be on the angry side, so don’t look at them or speak to them. If they ask you to leave, you should do so promptly.

Ordering drinks 

We advise specifying precisely what drink you want or check the price before ordering. If you don’t, you will be given the most expensive option available. 

Avoid strip clubs

For the gentlemen out there this should be obvious. But for all others: the strip clubs will steal all your money, and the police won’t be any help, please avoid.

Order a taxi or uber 

If you jump into a random cab on the street, it is very likely the driver might try to rip you off. If you are too drunk to get home, it’s best to call and book a taxi or order an Uber

Now to get to the most important stuff, where to go for a drink!

Top 4 cocktail bars in Krakow

Bubble Toast

District: Old Town 

The only way to describe Bubble Toast is “Instagram and Champagne” As you can see from their photos, this place is an Instagrammers paradise, and it’s impossible to take a bad photo while having a drink here. They also offer a great range of high-quality champagne based cocktails and a simple but eloquent snacks menu.

Address: plac Szczepański 5, 31-011 Kraków

Image Source: Bubble Toast

Cocktail Bar & Bilard – (B4)

District: Old Town 

This bar delivers exactly what the name says. They serve great cocktails and have multiple private billiard tables, so you can grab a drink and play some pool in privacy. The elegant decor, combined with the historical structure of the walls, creates a unique atmosphere. 

Address: 4 Bracka, 31-005 Kraków

Image Source: Cocktail Bar & Bilard

Opus Lounge Bar

District: Old Town

The Opus lounge bar has an interior design inspired by classic British decor. The bar is located in the basement of a 19th-century tenement house, with a fancy fireplace, leather armchairs, and a stylish library, which results in a unique ambiance like no other place within Krakow’s Nightlife. It is an ideal place for intimate social gatherings, business, and private meetings. The bar also offers a great menu with some vegetarian options too.

Address: plac Kossaka 6, 31-106 Kraków

Image source: Bachleda Luxury Hotel

Mercy Brown Dive Bar 

District: Old Town

Mercy Brown Dive Bar is a beautiful little cocktail bar with a speakeasy vibe.  The location is somewhat difficult to find, as it is located within another establishment. Once you walk past the cloakroom and traverse the stairs, you will enter a dark and comfortable bar. It is more pricey than most bars in the area but worth every penny. They also offer live music on selected nights. We recommend booking in advance or get in early as they get swamped, and you might get turned away.

Address: Straszewskiego 28, 31-113 Kraków

Image source: Mercy Brown

Top 8 Bars in Krakow 

Antycafe

District: Old Town 

Just a few steps away from the main square, Anty Cafe Really offers an alternative atmosphere in Krakow Nightlife thanks to its sinister decor. You’ll find an array of candlelit corners, abstract art, and strange videos being some of the only forms of light. Although it is a big bar, it has a very cozy feel and a great place to meet up with some friends for a relaxing drink.

Address: Sławkowska 12, 31-014 Kraków

Image source: Antycafe

Alchemia

District: Kazimierz 

Alchemia is one of the oldest and most famous bars in Krakow, and a Krakow Nightlife guide isn’t complete without it. The bar is dimly lit with candles that are placed all over the walls and tables. There are alchemist tools on the walls and ceilings. Each of its different rooms and cellar having a unique atmosphere, almost anyone can find their nook. Downstairs you can catch a range of local and international bands that play there daily. They also have a relaxed indoor smoking section and great food.

Address: Estery 5, 31-056 Kraków

Image source: Klub Alchemia

Herve 

District: Kazimierz

This venue’s vibe and decor embody what you can expect in the district of Kazimierz, where it’s located. The bar is built in a dilapidated synagog. The mix of classy modern design draped against old synagogue murals that are still peeling off the walls gives this bar a lot of character and makes it a great place to have a drink when exploring the surrounding area. 

Address: Beera Meiselsa 18, 31-058 Kraków

Image source: Herve

Let’s Sing Karaoke Bar

District: Old Town 

Let’s sign is an intimate karaoke bar in the main square.  They have well-priced drinks and are connected to the party hostel above it, so you can expect a party here and some backpackers looking to make some new friends.

Address: Grodzka 34, 31-044 Kraków

Image source: Let’s Sing

U kacpra

District: Old Town 

U Kacpra is Krakow’s favorite karaoke bar.  This place has a unique atmosphere and is always full of locals and tourists singing their lungs out. Don’t worry about the language barrier as most of the songs they play are in English, and to top it off they have cheap drinks too!

Address:  Sławkowska 2, 31-011 Kraków

442 Sports pub

District: Old Town 

It’s the best place in Krakow to have a drink and watch the game, and you’ll never miss a moment at 442 sports pub. This modern open-spaced, luxurious sports bar nearly has more screens than all the other sports pubs in Krakow combined! 

Address: Świętego Tomasza 20, 31-020 Kraków

Image source: 442 Sports Pub

T.E.A. Time Brewpub

District: Kazimierz

If you’re missing some top quality English beer (that’s made on-site) and the atmosphere of an English sports pub, then TEA Time brewpub is the spot for you. They have six hand pumps with a rotating selection of beers available from light and refreshing pale ales through to rich, full-bodied stout and porter. They also show football and have regular quiz nights.

Address: Dietla 1, 31-070 Kraków

Image source: Tea Time

Krakow Standup Comedy

District: Different Venues each week

Although it’s not a bar, Kraków Standup Comedy is defining & refining the English language comedy scene in Kraków! They are the oldest and longest-running English standup show in the city and have weekly comedy events include Open Mics nights & Headliner Shows. Check out their Facebook page for the next event.

Image source: Krakow Standup Comedy

Top 6 clubs in Krakow

Teatro Cubano 

District: Old Town 

If you can only visit one place when exploring Krakow’s Nightlife, make sure it’s Teatro Cubano. You will find a mix of all sorts of people here, from students and locals to tourists and regulars. This Cuban themed club is open every night of the week and always has different events, live shows, and DJs. They are busiest on the weekend so make sure you arrive early so you don’t get stuck in the line (it goes to the end of the street and around the corner). Their popularity is due to the great music, huge dancefloor, fantastic bar staff, and drink specials, but one of the best things is that they serve food(sliders and fries) all night at the bar at the front of the club. 

Address: Jagiellońska 10, 31-010 Kraków

Image source:

Krakow Boat Party

Although it’s technically not a nightclub, it’s definitely one of Krakow’s best parties and gives you the full experience of Nightlife in Krakow. On the Krakow Boat Party, you’ll party for 2-hours as you cruise up and down the Vistula river while enjoying unlimited beer, rum, gin, vodka, mixers, live DJ, photographer, and photo booth. After that, the party continues with an after-party pub crawl to three of Krakow’s best clubs with a free welcome shot and free entry at each venue. 

Shine

District: In the middle of The Old Town and Kazimierz

If you’re looking for something a little more upmarket and glamorous in Krakow’s Nightlife, then Shine is the club for you ( make sure you are looking your best as they have a strict dress code). Shine is located halfway between the Old Town and Kazimierz and is over 1000 m2 which makes it one of the biggest clubs in Krakow.  

Address: Starowiślna 16, 31-032 Kraków

Image source: Shine Club

FOUR

District: Old Town

Four is a modern club with a big dance floor and a few different VIP areas that can be booked for a private event. This club has some of the biggest and best Polish and international DJs and weekly themed events. 

Address: Jagiellońska 6, 31-010 Kraków

LBDR

District: Old Town 

Located in Krakow’s heart in the Old Town is La Bodega Del Ron, which means The Rum Cellar in Spanish. It switches from a casual bar and pizza hangout during the day to one of Krakow’s top nightlife spots at night. There is a latin/caribbean theme throughout the club that gives it a great vibe and adds to the atmosphere of the nightlight parties they have. 

Address: Rynek Główny 6, 31-042 Kraków

Image source: La Bodega Del Ron

Prozak 2.0

District: Old Town

Prozak is one of Krakow’s oldest and most infamous clubs and the undisputed home of Techno in Krakow. With so many different rooms ,nooks and crannies, Prozak can be likened to a labyrinth where you can easily lose yourself in the musical maze! Check out their awesome promo video here.

Address: plac Dominikański 6, 33-332 Kraków

Image source: Prozak 2.0

Top 3 beer gardens in Krakow 

Mleczarnia

District: Kazimersz

Mleczarnia is an unassuming bar that most people stumble across and decide to pop in for a quick drink but end up staying all day and night. This is due to the relaxing atmosphere and great priced drinks. They also have a small quirky, candle light bar across the road that is part of the same venue.

Address:  Rabina, Beera Meiselsa 20, 31-058 Kraków

Image source: Mleczarnia

Klub Re

District: Old Town 

Klub Re has a great garden bar with plenty of outdoor seating and friendly staff.  If you want a quiet and chilled night with a little music in the background, come here!

Address: Świętego Krzyża 4, 31-027 Kraków

Image source: Klub Re

Stara Zajedznia

District: Kazimersz

Stara Zajedznia has one of the biggest beer gardens in Krakow. due to it being built on an old tram depot from 1913. In fact, the main hall behind the beer garden is on the UNESCO world heritage list. Make sure you check their page before visiting as they host a variety of public and closed events.

Address:  Świętego Wawrzyńca 12, 31-060 Kraków

Image source: Stara Zajezdnia

Top 4 wine bars in Krakow

Barawino

District: Kazimersz 

A night out in Krakow isn’t complete without trying some local and imported wines, and the best place to do that is BaraWino. This wine bar and shop doesn’t discriminate and isn’t just for wine yuppies; It was started by Marek Kondrat, one of Poland’s most famous actors who is now also a sommelier with a passion for wine. His aim is to create a place that would be friendly for all people interested in wine, whether professionals or amateurs.

Address: Mostowa 1, 31-061 Kraków

Image source: BaraWino

Czarna Owca Wino Bar

District: Kazimersz

Czarna Owca Wino Bar (Black Sheep Wine Bar in English) is a cozy and stylish bar where you can enjoy a glass from their wide selection of wines, and their friendly sommeliers will be happy to help you to choose a bottle or two. They can accommodate smaller and large groups and have a great selection of snacks to pair with their wines. 

Address:  Dajwór 20/LU6, 31-052 Kraków

Image source: Czarna Owca Wino Bar

Two Drops

District: Kazimierz

Two drops specialize in the two of the most important things in life – Wine & coffee. It is newly opened with a modern interior and is a great place to start your morning or night when exploring the district of Kazimierz.

Address: Mostowa 14, 31-061 Kraków

Top 4 vodka bars in Krakow

Wodka Cafe

District: Old Town 

Wodka cafe is one of the smallest bars in Krakow and one of the most popular bars for locals and tourists. This snug little bar is located in the Old Town just off the main square on Mikołajska street. They have an extensive range of local and international vodkas that are served in charming sipping glasses in sets of 6 on a wooden platter. The vodka platters are intended to be shared, but we think you can keep them all just for yourself! 

Address: Mikołajska 5, 31-027 Kraków

Image source: Wodka Cafe

Bunia Luka & Pijalnia piwa i wódki

District: Everywhere

These are actually two different chains but they are both very similar. They both have locations all over Poland and offer extremely low priced vodka and drinks. With 1GBP/EUR  shots, they’re a great place to start the night or to stagger in late. 

Ambasada Sledzia

District: Old Town 

Ambasada Śledzia is a vodka and śledź bar. There are many similar bars in Krakow, but Ambasada Śledzia was the original and in our opinion still the best.. śledź is a traditional polish dish; its pickled hearing served cold and generally with a shot of vodka. It’s definitely an acquired taste but worth a try.

Address:  Stolarska 8/10, 31-030 Kraków

Nadwislanska Resto & Vodka Bar

District: Podgórze

Nadwiślańska is more of a restaurant than a bar; however, it is one of Krakow’s top spots to go for a drink. The modern and industrial style restaurant and bar is a local favorite. They stock over 250 different vodkas, and it is arguably the biggest vodka collection of any bar in Krakow. Located in the historical area of Podgórze, its unique decor has a modern but warm and funky design, which is great for relaxing over a cocktail made by one of their experienced bartenders. They also have a diverse and well-thought-out menu, but our favorite is their tapas selection.

Address:  Nadwiślańska 5, 30-527 Kraków

Image source: Nadwiślańska Resto & Vodka Bar

Final word

Krakow Nightlife is undoubtedly one of the best in Europe. This once-hidden gem is now one of the most popular destinations to visit for everyone. There are so many things to do in Krakow, whether it’s a backpacking pitstop, stag or hen weekend, or just a cheeky getaway; we’re confident that there’s something here for everyone. 

For those of you that like to get the party started before the party, we have some epic drinking games to check out on our Stag Do Drinking Games list.

We hope to see you soon and as always if you’re thinking of visiting Krakow then drop us a line so we can help you plan an unforgettable time!