Krakow Nightlife Guide
From Kazimierz's legendary bars to underground clubs in medieval cellars — everything you need for a night out in Krakow
Krakow has one of the best nightlife scenes in Europe — not because it is the flashiest or the biggest, but because it combines incredible atmosphere, world-class drinks, and prices that make most Western European cities weep with envy. The heart of it all is Kazimierz, where a two-block radius around Plac Nowy contains more characterful bars than entire cities elsewhere. Candlelit cellars with live jazz, converted synagogues serving craft cocktails, Communist-era brutalist buildings turned into riverside bars, underground clubs in medieval tunnels — Krakow's nightlife has a personality that is entirely its own. And a full night out, including generous drinks and a taxi home, rarely breaks 150 zł.
Kazimierz
Krakow's bar district and the best nightlife neighborhood in Poland.
Alchemia
Bar & Live MusicThe bar that put Kazimierz on the nightlife map. Alchemia is a dark, atmospheric, candlelit institution with mismatched antique furniture, exposed brick walls, and a cellar venue hosting live jazz, experimental music, poetry readings, and theatre performances. The main bar upstairs is perpetually packed with a diverse crowd — students, artists, journalists, and travelers who have heard the legend. The beer is cheap, the atmosphere is unbeatable, and the vibe is authentically Krakow. This is the bar that every other Kazimierz bar aspires to be.
Hevre
Cocktail Bar & RestaurantSet in a magnificently restored former synagogue prayer house, Hevre is Krakow's most visually stunning nightlife venue. The original architectural details — soaring arched ceilings, ornate stonework, stained glass — have been preserved and enhanced with contemporary design. The cocktail menu is inventive and changes seasonally, featuring Polish ingredients and creative techniques. The crowd is stylish but unpretentious. Reservations recommended for the restaurant; the bar operates walk-in.
Singer Cafe
Cafe-BarAn iconic Kazimierz spot where antique Singer sewing machines serve as candlelit tables. The atmosphere is moody, romantic, and bohemian — wax drips over the iron machines, jazz plays softly, and conversations flow as easily as the drinks. Singer transitions from a cafe by day to a bar by night, and is one of the few places in Krakow where the atmosphere feels genuinely timeless. A perfect first stop for an evening in Kazimierz.
Taawa Cocktail Bar
SpeakeasyA hidden speakeasy-style cocktail bar on Józefa Street that has earned a reputation as one of the best cocktail bars in Poland. The entrance is unmarked and easy to miss. Inside, the bartenders are genuine craftspeople — cocktails are made with house-infused spirits, fresh ingredients, and meticulous technique. The menu changes regularly but always includes Polish-inspired creations. Small, intimate, and worth seeking out.
Old Town
Underground clubs in medieval cellars and cocktail lounges beneath the market square.
Piękny Pies (Beautiful Dog)
Krakow's most popular underground club, literally — located in a labyrinth of medieval cellar rooms beneath the Old Town. The venue hosts DJ nights spanning electronic, techno, and house music across multiple rooms with different vibes. The crowd is young and energetic, the sound system is excellent, and the cellar architecture creates a unique clubbing experience. Weekends are packed and there is often a queue after midnight.
Bania Luka
A lively multi-level bar on Bracka Street that draws a boisterous crowd of locals and international visitors. The ground floor is a packed pub, the basement has a dance floor, and the overall vibe is loud, fun, and social. Known for generous drink deals and a crowd that is always ready to party. One of the most reliably fun nights out in the Old Town.
Baroque
An elegant cocktail bar in a beautifully restored cellar just off the Main Market Square. The interiors are dramatic — ornate stone walls, velvet seating, and ambient lighting that makes everyone look good. The cocktail list is extensive and well-crafted, with both classics and creative house specialties. A more refined alternative to the rowdier spots on the square.
Podgórze
Krakow's emerging nightlife district with unique riverside venues.
Forum Przestrzenie
Cultural Bar & TerraceAn abandoned Communist-era hotel on the Vistula riverbank that has been repurposed into Krakow's most unique bar and cultural space. The brutalist architecture, graffiti-covered walls, and industrial interiors create an unforgettable atmosphere. The riverside terrace is the best place in Krakow to drink a beer at sunset, with views across to Wawel Castle. In summer, the terrace hosts DJ sets, film screenings, and live music. In winter, the indoor spaces maintain the post-industrial vibe.
Drukarnia Club
Bar & EventsAttached to the Drukarnia restaurant in a converted printing house, this bar and event space hosts live music, DJ nights, and cultural events. The industrial-chic interior with exposed machinery and original printing presses creates a distinctive atmosphere. The crowd is local and creative — artists, designers, and students from nearby art schools.
Craft Beer Scene
Poland's craft beer revolution is in full swing, and Krakow is at the center of it.
House of Beer (Dom Piwa)
Św. Tomasza 35, Old Town
The largest selection of Polish craft beers in Krakow, with over 200 bottles and 20+ taps featuring rotating selections from Poland's best microbreweries. The knowledgeable staff can guide you through the overwhelming choice. Tasting flights are available and highly recommended. The beer garden in summer is popular with locals.
Omerta
Kupa 3, Kazimierz
A Kazimierz craft beer bar with a mafia theme (the name means "code of silence"). Excellent selection of Polish and international craft beers on tap, knowledgeable bartenders, and a dark, atmospheric interior. The upstairs room is more intimate and quieter. Regular tap takeover events feature new Polish breweries.
Weże Krafta
Multiple locations
A popular chain of craft beer pubs with a self-pour system — you load a card, choose from 100+ taps along the wall, and pour your own measures. This allows you to taste tiny amounts of many different beers. The system is fun, social, and a great way to discover new Polish craft breweries. Pay only for what you pour.
Jazz Clubs
Krakow has a rich jazz tradition, and live performances are easy to find.
Harris Piano Jazz Bar
Rynek Główny 28, Old TownKrakow's premier jazz venue, located in a vaulted cellar beneath the Main Market Square. Live jazz performances every evening from 9:30 PM by local and visiting musicians. The intimate setting, exposed stone walls, and excellent acoustics create a perfect jazz atmosphere. No cover charge on most nights — just buy drinks. Arrive by 9 PM for a good seat.
Alchemia (Cellar Stage)
Estery 5, KazimierzThe cellar beneath the legendary Alchemia bar hosts live music most nights — jazz, klezmer, experimental, and avant-garde performances. The program is eclectic and often surprising. Check the schedule at the bar entrance. The intimate, low-ceilinged space creates an intense musical experience. Small cover charge (10-30 zł) for most performances.
DIY Pub Crawl Route
The perfect self-guided Kazimierz bar crawl from sunset to the small hours.
7:00 PM — Singer Cafe
Start with wine or beer in a candlelit setting on antique sewing machines
8:30 PM — Alchemia
Move to the legendary Kazimierz bar for craft beer and atmosphere
9:30 PM — Plac Nowy Zapiekanka
Line your stomach with a loaded zapiekanka from the rotunda
10:00 PM — Taawa or Hevre
Elevate the evening with world-class cocktails
11:30 PM — Mleczarnia
Wind through the Kazimierz backstreets to this beloved dive bar
1:00 AM — Piękny Pies
End at the underground club if you still have energy for dancing
Budget Nightlife
Krakow nightlife is already cheap, but here is how to make it even more affordable.
Happy Hours
Most Kazimierz bars offer happy hour deals from 4-7 PM weekdays — typically 2-for-1 beers or 30-50% off cocktails. Places like Alchemia, Singer, and the bars around Plac Nowy all run promotions. A full evening during happy hour costs roughly the price of two cocktails at regular Kazimierz prices — which are already cheap.
Weeknight Specials
Monday through Wednesday is when Krakow bars compete hardest for business. Ladies' nights, student nights, and drink specials are common. Tuesday and Wednesday often feature live music with no cover charge. Check bar social media or the posters in their windows for current deals.
Best Value Bars
Mleczarnia, Alchemia, and the smaller bars off the main Plac Nowy strip offer the best-value drinks in Kazimierz. A beer costs 8-12 zł and a shot of vodka 6-10 zł. An entire night at these bars costs less than two cocktails at a comparable bar in London, Berlin, or Paris.
Skip the Tourist Bars
The bars directly on the Main Market Square charge 2-3 times the Kazimierz price for the same beer. Walk 10 minutes to Kazimierz and your zloty goes twice as far. The atmosphere is also better — the square bars are full of tourists, while Kazimierz bars are full of people who actually live in Krakow.
Nightlife Tips
Kazimierz is the Bar District
Do not waste your night in the Old Town tourist bars. Kazimierz has the highest concentration of quality bars in the smallest area — you can visit five excellent bars without walking more than 200 meters around Plac Nowy. The Old Town has good clubs but the bar scene is concentrated in Kazimierz.
Drinks Are Cheap
Krakow nightlife is remarkably affordable compared to Western Europe. A beer in a bar costs 10-16 zł (2-4 EUR), cocktails run 22-35 zł (5-8 EUR), and shots of vodka start at 6-10 zł. Happy hours (usually 4-7 PM) can cut these prices further. A full night out with 5-6 drinks rarely exceeds 100 zł.
No Dress Code (Almost)
Krakow is refreshingly relaxed about dress codes. The vast majority of bars have no dress code whatsoever — jeans, sneakers, and casual wear are fine everywhere in Kazimierz. A few upscale cocktail bars and Old Town clubs may expect smart casual, but even this is loosely enforced. Comfort over style is the local approach.
Late Night Options
Unlike many European cities, Krakow bars and clubs stay open late. Many Kazimierz bars serve until 3:00 AM or later on weekends, and clubs like Piękny Pies run until 5:00 AM. After-hours kebab shops and zapiekanki stalls on Plac Nowy provide essential fuel. The tram system stops around midnight — after that, use Bolt or Uber.
Try Polish Vodka Properly
Do not just do random shots. Visit a vodka bar and order a tasting flight — typically 4-6 small glasses of different Polish vodkas (Żubrówka, Żołądkowa, Krupnik, Wyborowa). Drink them chilled and neat, with a pickle or bread chaser between sips. Vodka bars in Kazimierz offer flights for 25-40 zł — an education and entertainment in one.
Pub Crawls Available
Several organized pub crawls operate nightly, meeting at the Main Market Square around 8-9 PM. For about 50-70 zł, you get a guide, four venues, drink specials at each stop, and a social group. These are popular with solo travelers and a good way to meet people. Free walking tour companies often run the best ones.
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Pair your nightlife adventures with the best of daytime Krakow.
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