10 Best Krakow Nightlife

The picturesque Old Town district is full of vibrant bars and clubs, with many dotted around the historic Rynek Główny Square. If you’re looking for original craft beer by local artisans, start on Florianska Street, just behind the basilica. But if spirits are more your thing, try the vodka bar nearby. Sample unique creations, including salted caramel and pistachio or set your tastebuds on fire with wasabi and chilli-chocolate flavours.

The beautiful horse-drawn carriages lining Rynek Główny are a wonderful choice for a romantic tour of Old Town at sunset. Huddle up under a cosy blanket and take in the twinkling lights across the square and cobbled streets.

Kazimierz has a quirkier vibe than Old Town and you’ll find an eclectic mix of shisha and rooftop bars, pubs and music venues lining the bustling streets. One of the most popular spots is Alchemia on Plac Nowy. Enjoy outstanding beer and a mouthwatering menu of seasonal dishes, with many vegetarian options, then head downstairs for live jazz and folk music until the early hours.

Foodies will love the wide range of street food in this area too. You can’t help but be tempted by the aromatic spices of the baked potatoes called kumpir, and the sweet fragrance of sugary chimney cakes filling the streets. They’re great to snack on whilst taking an evening stroll through this lively neighbourhood.

Discover amazing, UFO-themed decor in the Cosmic Games Pub.Discover amazing, UFO-themed decor in the nostalgic Cosmic Games Pub. In a notable location on Karmelicka, close to the Stefana Batorego tram stop, this energetic pub is popular with a younger crowd for its Instagrammable decor and fun entertainment. Relive your childhood by diving into the fluorescent ball pit or enjoy a friendly game of table football and beer pong with locals.

Drinks are reasonably priced in this space-styled bar, especially the shots. Check the website before visiting for regular promotions, too. Play is unlimited once you’ve paid your admission fee, but there’s a 15-minute rule per game, so make sure you move on quickly once your time is up.

Relaxing on a Vistula River cruise is a lovely way to take in breathtaking views of Krakow from the water. Most of the cruises depart from Old Town and Kazimierz, so they are easy to get to after a day of shopping and sightseeing in the area. Choose a 1-hour trip to take in the city’s illuminated bridges and capture unique photos of Wawel Castle and Norbertine Monastery against a hazy sunset or a starry night sky.

In summer, you can hop aboard a longer river cruise and enjoy a boat party on an open-air deck. With unlimited drinks, guest DJs and even a magician, you can dance to the latest mixes whilst taking in spectacular views of Krakow’s monuments.

Mercy Brown Cocktails Jazz & Burlesque is one of the best Krakow nightlife experiences. But first, you need to find it. Tucked away in an unassuming building, a short walk from the Teatr Bagatela tram stop, this speakeasy-style bar has a hidden entrance. Once inside, you’ll discover an intimate venue with inviting armchairs, dark wooden decor and amazing cocktails.

Enjoy innovative drinks prepared by talented mixologists while relaxing to jazz playing softly in the background. Check out the online calendar for regular events, including live jazz sessions and classy burlesque shows. You’ll need to reserve your tickets early as the venue is small and tables sell out fast.

For pulsating beats and all-night dancing, head to Prozak 2.0. This legendary nightspot is known for its electronic music, and clubbers come from far and wide to enjoy guest DJ nights and a spectacular sound system. Prozak 2.0 spreads over 2 levels, with 3 dancefloors playing different music, so you can choose between techno, house and EDM throughout the night.

If you like the underground scene, you’ll love the energetic vibe of this club. Due to its popularity, the queues are notoriously long and wait times can stretch up to an hour. So, it’s best to arrive before midnight in the colder months, if possible.

Locals love Let’s Sing Karaoke Bar for its cool decor, friendly vibe and original cocktails. It’s busy most evenings, but on weekends this small venue is packed with students and a younger crowd enjoying reasonably priced drinks and a party atmosphere. Arrive early and add your name to the karaoke list straightaway if you plan on showcasing your vocal talent.

This lively karaoke bar is close to Plac Wszystkich Swietych tram stop, surrounded by a good selection of bistros and restaurants. Why not indulge in some tasty Polish cuisine nearby before strolling to Let’s Sing for mojitos and an energetic singalong afterwards?

During the day, the terrace of Harris Piano Jazz Bar is filled with diners enjoying freshly prepared pizzas and decadent desserts. But as the sun goes down, the action moves indoors, where you’ll find 3 dimly lit rooms, each with a different vibe. Head to the stage room and unwind to the smooth sounds of live jazz in a cosy setting or relax in the other rooms where you can chat, watch concerts on the TV and enjoy the excellent bar service.

No 2 nights are ever the same, and the talented musicians will enchant you with a blend of blues, classic jazz, funk and soul. You can also buy CDs of the bands who’ve played here at the bar.