Nightlife in Krakow Poland

William Newman
July 26, 2023

Nightlife in Krakow Poland

Krakow Nightlife Guide

A city that comes alive at night, with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from.


Krakow is a city which is alive with young people at night. The city is packed with bars and pubs, which are always full of young people looking to have a good time. The nightlife in Krakow has something for everybody, whether you're after a pint, a good time, or a night of dancing.


Krakow is one of those rare cities that comes alive at night. While some cities are best experienced during the daytime, it really comes into its own after dark. There are plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, each with its own unique atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a lively dance club or a cozy bar to enjoy a few drinks. With so much to see and do, it's no wonder that Krakow is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.


The nightlife is something that should not be missed! The party doesn't stop until the sun comes up!


Of course, as with any city, Krakow's nightlife has its own set of rules and etiquette. For example, it's customary to buy a round of drinks for your group when you first arrive at a bar and to leave a small tip (around 10%) when you're paying your bill. Also, don't be surprised if you're asked to queue at popular clubs - it's just the way things are done here.


So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy Krakow's nightlife!


The Dos and Donts of Partying In Krakow

Krakow is a beautiful city with a rich history and exciting nightlife. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind if you want to enjoy your time in Krakow to the fullest. Be aware of your surroundings, follow our guide and you'll be sure to have a fun night out! Krakow is full of friendly people and exciting places to explore, so make the most of your time in this beautiful city.


Go to a Polish Shot Bar

Krakow nightlife is not complete without a visit to a Polish shot bar. These bars are known for their cheap drinks and rowdy crowds. If you’re looking to party hard, these are the places to go.


Mingle with the Locals

Krakow nightlife is best experienced with the locals. They know all the best places to go and what to do. They can help you find the best bars and clubs and make sure you have a great time. They can also help you avoid tourist traps and make sure you experience the real Krakow.


Tip the Bar Staff

If you’re enjoying your time at a bar or club in Krakow, be sure to tip the staff! They work hard to make sure you have a good time, and a little extra cash in their pocket will go a long way.


Late Night Snack

If you find yourself out and about in Krakow during the late night hours, there's no need to go hungry. There are plenty of places to get a late-night snack to help tide you over until morning. Stop into one of the many kebab shops for a hearty sandwich or wrap. No matter what you're craving, you'll be able to find it in Krakow's late night snack scene.


Bania Luka has a great range of good late night food including Zurek and Pierogi. Pro Tip: Be sure to keep an eye out for when your food arrives behind the bar because nobody will call you, so don't let your food get cold!


Do a Pub Crawl

! Krakow’s nightlife is definitely worth exploring and the best way to do that is by going on a pub crawl! You’ll get to experience a variety of bars and clubs, all while making new friends along the way. Plus, pub crawls are usually very affordable and a great way to drink and party on a budget. Our favorite is by far Krakwl through Krakow! They have a staff photographer too, so you'll have great photos of your night out the next day.


Visit the Lesser-known Places

If you want to enjoy Krakow nightlife away from the tourist traps, head to one of the city’s many pubs or clubs. Students and locals flock to these spots to drink, dance and socialize. While some of these places can be found in the Old Town, others are located in the more modern parts of the city. To find the best nightlife in Krakow, ask a local for their recommendations.


We can recommend some hidden gems that are local haunts like Stary Port,


Krakow's nightlife is some of the best in Poland. There are a variety of bars and nightclubs to suit any taste, and the prices are reasonable. If you're looking for a place to drink, you won't have any trouble finding it. The local beer is excellent, and you can also find some good vodka if that's what you're looking for.


Dont’s of Krakow Nightlife


#1 Avoid Strip Clubs

If you’re looking for a wild night out, steer clear of the strip clubs in Krakow. Though they may seem like an enticing option, these clubs are often overpriced and full of tourists. Instead, head to one of the city’s many bars or clubs for a truly authentic experience.


#2 Street Girls

Street girls can be found all over the city, and they're not afraid to get wild. If you're looking for a night of debauchery, you can find it here. Just be careful, as these girls can be dangerous. Mostly they will be trying to entice you to go to a srip club. Don't be fooled by the offer of cheap beer or 1st beer free etc if there is an attractive girl involved; it's a strip club! Say No, I have a girlfriend, I'm gay, whatever you want. These clubs are a really bad idea for the tourist that has had a few too many. Why spoil your vacation by feeling like you were robbed because you were charged an obscene amount in a strip club?  


#3 Don’t Drink In Public

If you want to drink in Krakow, do so in a bar or club. It is against the law to drink in public places, such as on the street or in parks. This law is strictly enforced, and you will be fined if caught. While you can drink in public places in some other European cities, it’s best to avoid doing so in Krakow.


#4 Don’t Fall Asleep on the Street

As enticing as it may be to spend the entire night bar-hopping and dancing the night away, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. Krakow is a safe city, but that doesn’t mean you should let your guard down. Make sure to keep your belongings close to you and be aware of your surroundings when walking around at night. It’s also important to not drink too much and end up passed out on the street – you never know who might take advantage of you in that situation.


#5 Don’t Look at the Security

Krakow nightlife is pretty relaxed, but there are still a few things to keep in mind. First of all, don’t look at the security guards. They’re there to keep an eye on things and they don’t want to be bothered. Second, don’t drink too much. It’s easy to get carried away when you’re out partying, but you don’t want to end up in a Polish jail. Finally, have fun! Krakow is a great city to party in, so make the most of it.


#6 Don’t Use the 24-hour Currency Exchange

The Krakow nightlife can be expensive if you're using the 24-hour currency exchange. These places typically have high fees and offer poor rates. It’s better to use an ATM or pay with a credit card. If you must use a currency exchange, look for one that has low fees and offers a good rate.


#7 Don’t Pay with Big Notes

If you’re headed out for a night on the town, leave the big notes at home. Many bars and clubs won’t accept bills larger than a 20, and you don’t want to be stuck without any smaller change.


#8 Get a Late Night Tattoo

Krakow is a city that knows how to party, and that includes some late-night fun. If you're looking for a unique way to commemorate your time in Krakow, why not get a tattoo? There are plenty of tattoo shops in the city that are open late, so you can get inked up before heading to one of the many nightclubs. Just be sure to research the shop and artist beforehand, so you know you're getting a quality tattoo.


#9 Order Every Vodka Flavor

Krakow nightlife is not for the faint of heart. Ordering a drink is an adventure in and of itself. The bartenders will ask you what flavor of vodka you want and then proceed to make you a drink with that flavor. There are over 40 flavors to choose from, so make sure you are prepared to try something new. The nightlife here is definitely a unique experience that you will not find anywhere else.


#10 Avoid Spiritus

Avoid this drink.

It's a drink that will make you feel like you're on top of the world, but it will also make you act like an idiot. It's best to avoid this drink if you're looking to have a good time.


What Travelers are Saying

Travelers from all over the world come to experience the nightlife in Krakow.


Is there a language barrier?

Krakow has everything that you could hope for in a European city – and then some. While English is widely spoken, there may be a language barrier at some of the smaller bars and clubs. You'll find that students and people in their early 20s and 30s are quite fluent and the fact that Krakow gets an estimated 10 million tourists each year, English is definitely their second language so you won't have really any trouble communicating.


Krakow Nightlife Districts

Nowy Kleparz This district is located just west of the Old Town and is full of local bars and clubs that are popular with the students of the many universities in Krakow. Kazimierz is the old Jewish quarter of Krakow and has a number of atmospheric cafes and bars, as well as some live music venues. It's a great place to come for a drink in the evening and is also home to a number of nightclubs. Podgorze Podgorze is located across the river from the Old Town and is home to a number of up-and-coming bars and clubs. This is a great area to explore if you're looking for somewhere a bit different from the mainstream.


Top Cocktail Bars In Krakow


Opus Lounge Bar

Mercy Brown

Tag

Czeczotka Cocktail Bar

Mr. Black

Bubble Toast



Best Bars In Krakow


Antycafe

Alchemia

Herve

T.e.a. Time Brewpub

Multi Qlti Tap Bar


For a full review, visit our full guide to the best bars in Krakow


Top Beer Gardens in Krakow


Klub Re

Krakowskie Zakąski Drink Bar & Garden

Nalej Se



Top 4 Vodka Bars In Krakow


Wodka Cafe

Bunia Luka

Pijalnia Piwa I Wódki

Szototo


What Time Do Bars Close In Krakow?

Unlike in some other European cities, the party doesn't have to end when the sun goes down - many bars and clubs here stay open until the early hours. So, if you're looking to continue the party after a night out on the town, you'll be able to find a place to do just that.



Top Clubs In Krakow

Krakow is home to some great clubs. If you’re looking to dance the night away, check out one of the city’s many nightclubs.


Teatro Cubano

Shine

Coco

Spitalna No. 1

La Bodega

4 Music Club

Shakers Club

Mojito


For a full review, visit our full guide to the Best Clubs in Krakow



Wine Bars In Krakow


BARaWINO

Dzikie wino

Jej.wina Wine Bar



Final Words About Nightlife in Krakow

Krakow is a city that knows how to party. Whether you’re looking for a lively pub, a sophisticated cocktail bar, or a thumping nightclub, you’ll find it here. And if you’re looking to keep the party going until the sun comes up, you’ll find plenty of places to do that, too. Let's start the Party!