Krakow Nightlife, Partying, Clubs and Going out in Krakow
Krakow is building a reputation in Europe for it's excellent nightlife. Recently, it was reported in the NY Times as having the most entertainment and party venues per square metre of any city in Europe! The old town is a hive of activity come nightfall, with countless choices of places to go out for the party animal. The Jewish district, Kazimierz, is also growing in popularity, particularly for it's café scene.
We have listed a few of our favourite nightlife hotspots in Krakow. Once again though, this is just the tip of the iceberg and you will find many more bars and clubs by just walking around the streets in the old town and Kazimierz.
Bars/Pubs
Krakow Old Town
Irish Arms (ul. Poselska 18)
A local institution popular with the expat community and visiting tourists. Still rather shabby in the tradition of a country pub in Ireland, but has cleaned up it's act recently. Run by the larger than life Maurice from Co. Clare. The quiz night on Tuesdays is always good fun, and it's still one of the best options for live sport, particularly football.
Nic Nowego (ul. Sw. Krzyza 15)
A hip Irish-owned bar with sleek dĂŠcor and excellent food from the owner/chef. Also popular with expats and good for watching live sports. Good for a traditional breakfast too, if you wish to get the day off to a filling start.
Pauza (ul. Florianska 18/3, first floor)
You may have difficulty finding this bar, as there is no sign, but once you do, you will want to return. Rotating photographic exhibitions mean there is always something new to be seen, the music, lighting and the patrons are cool. The smoke is quite overwhelming though, so it you are a non smoker you may want to avoid this pre club bar.
U Louisa (Rynek Glowny 13)
A cavernous basement bar right on the old town square. It has recently undergone a facelift, and has a popular karaoke night. Free internet!
Art Club Cieplarnia (ul. Bracka 15)
A good option for a refined evening: boasts table service, a rarity in Krakow. Food available and regular live music evenings.
In Kazimierz
Alchemia (ul. Estery 5, corner of Plac Nowy)
A Krakow institution - amid the bric a brac and burning candles, find arty types and students deep in conversation. Also a good option for regular live music and theatre events, and regular photographic exhibitions.
Singer (ul. Estery 22, adjacent to Plac Nowy)
One of the oldest bars in Kazimierz, this dimly lit den boasts tables made from old Singer sewing machines. One of the smokier, but more atmospheric of Krakow nightspots.
Flower Power (ul. Nowa 3)
A new addition to the scene in Kazimierz, Flower Power is well recommended. Hitching a ride on the sheesha craze sweeping the world, there is a room where you can sit on the floor and smoke away to your hearts content. Also serving eastern-influenced and vegetarian food.
Jazz Clubs / Live Music
Poland has a rich history of home-grown jazz, and Krakow boasts several top-class Jazz clubs which regularly hosts performances. Krakow is also the adopted home of maverick British violinist Nigel Kennedy, who has been known to pop by at clubs and be encouraged into giving impromptu performances.
Harris Piano Jazz Bar (Rynek Glowny 28)
A Krakow institution, this cellar bar is regularly packed for live jazz and rock performances.
Indigo (ul. Florianska 26)
Owned by a huge Jazz fan from New Zealand, Indigo regularly hosts top-class international jazz performances.
Stalowe Magnolie (ul. Sw Jana 15)
An exclusive club with a strict door policy and hefty drink prices. Nevertheless, a good option for live music all week, and if you can talk your way in, an excellent VIP boudoir with four-poster beds. Considered to be the 'trendiest' of the clubs in Krakow.
Krakow Clubs
Krakow is home to some world-class dance clubs. Most of the clubs in Krakow are located underground in the city basements, which is a unique feature of Krakow nightlife. Top Polish and European DJs regularly spin the decks at various basement clubs around the old town which are generally free to get in and reasonably relaxed in terms of door policy.
Prozak (Plac Dominikanski 6)
he city's premier nightclub. It can be difficult for locals to get in, but foreigners never seem to have any problems. It's a huge place, with two underground levels, 3 dancefloors with DJs spinning house/techno, and lots of seating. Expect to find lots of foreign men looking to pick up pretty Polish girls especially in the Summer.
Lubu Dubu / Caryca / Kitsch (ul. Wielopole 15, near the main post office)
This complex now boasts a total of four different clubs, and is almost too popular at present. Patrons generally spend the night moving between the clubs. Lubu Dubu offers Krakow's only real alternative music option, mixed with lots of 80's tunes. Caryca has recently set up decks for DJs playing drum and bass, and upstairs, Kitsch is the city's premier gay and lesbian venue.
Cien (ul. Sw. Jana 15)
his basement is the place to be seen on the weekends, and is regularly full to the brim with the fashionable set of Krakow getting down to top-quality house sounds. Cien attracts a younger and livelier going out crowd, but is one of the most established clubs in Krakow and great for people watching. Not for the claustrophobic.
Fusion (ul. Florianska 15)
Another fashionable club spinning hip hop and r'n'b tunes.
Frantic/Goraczka/Music Bar 9 (all on ul.Szewska)
These commercial dance clubs are all located within a short distance of each other on ul.Szewska and are regularly packed out with pretty girls and their predators.
Tips for clubbing in Krakow
Petty theft is still relatively common in Krakow's clubs, and the wiser party goers will use the cloak rooms unless they want to get their clothes stolen. Krakow clubs are generally friendly and unthreatening, however, security guards have a low tolerance, so be careful not to offend them. Generally alcohol in Krakow is a lot stronger than visitors are used to in their homelands, so if you are going out in Krakow, make sure you line your stomach, or take it easier that you might normally. The planty can be very disorientating to the less sober visitor trying to their his apartment.
