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Kraków Animal Unleashed in Rome I swapped Kraków’s vodka-fuelled cobbles for Rome’s cobblestones and told myself it was “cultural research.” By 10 PM I was three drinks in, and playing beer pong with Australians who had landed that afternoon each one telling me all about how they invented the game. If this was research, then Rome passed the test before I’d even left the first bar. The Power Hour at Highlander Pub The crawl starts at Highlander Pub, tucked a short walk from the Spanish Steps. At 9:30 sharp they fire the starting gun: open bar for an hour. Beer, wine, mixed drinks, if it pours, it counts. Somewhere around drink number two, I realised that they definitely weren't light on the pour and this was going to be an epic night! By 10:15 I was watching a guy from Brazil invent a new rule for beer pong involving body shots. By 10:30, the guides herded us out the door like a squad of half-tipsy gladiators. Bar Hopping the Eternal City Rome’s nightlife queues are legendary, but with a wristband you just stroll right past the poor souls stuck outside. Three or four stops later, you’ve collected more free shots than you can count and more new “best friends” than you’ll ever text back. The bars are a mix: one cosy and candlelit, another pulsing with bass heavy enough to shake the history off the walls, then finally a club so big it felt like it had its own postcode. Somewhere between Rihanna and a house remix, I lost track of the group and found myself dancing with a bachelor party from Dublin. The Final Push The last club runs until late-late. Think shoes sticking to the floor, people shouting their Instagrams over the music, and that glorious moment when you realise you don’t actually care how you’ll get home. Around 4 AM I was outside eating street pizza with three people whose names I never caught, which feels like the official end point. Rookie Mistakes to Dodge Bring ID - not a photo on your phone, the real thing. No flip flops, no sleeveless shirts (for guys). They’ll bounce you. Don't over do it at the open bar, just like krakow they know how to drink! The Damage €35 gets you: 1h unlimited beer, wine, mixed drinks Free shots at every stop Skip-the-line entry to multiple bars and clubs And a whole lot of fun Kraków Final Word Rome Pub Crawl is like Kraków Animals’ slightly better-dressed cousin. Same chaos, different backdrop, vaulted ceilings instead of basement bars, Aperol spritz in place of vodka shots. If you want your first Roman night out to go from “just one drink” to “sunrise over the Spanish Steps,” this is the way to do it.👉 “Why are Rome’s ‘Spanish Steps’ called that? Blame the Spanish Embassy, it’s been parked at the bottom of the staircase since the 1600s, and the name stuck harder than last night’s hangover.” Ready to swap Kraków cobbles for Rome’s cobblestones?Book your Saturday Night Exclusive and meet us at the Highlander Pub. Or check the full calendar on the Rome Pub Crawl main page. And when you’re back in Poland, keep the chaos alive at Kraków Animals Crawl.
Read moreKraków Animal Overboard Swapped Kraków’s cobbles for a boat deck and flew into Split for some “research.” In my head, research meant maybe one or two quiet drinks by the water. In reality it was three rum mixers deep at 3:15 PM with a DJ playing house classics while I pretended to know how to dance on a moving floor. One afternoon, one boat party, one hazy after-party and somehow my shorts still smell like the Adriatic. Pre-Party at Jimmy Bar They tell you to meet at Jimmy Bar in Split at 2:00 PM for check-in. Sounds official, but it’s really a room full of strangers turning into best mates over pre-party drinks. Your wristband gets handed over, you get a free shot, and that’s the last sensible decision you’ll make all day. Boarding Split’s Biggest Boat Party By 2:45 PM you’re stepping onto Split’s biggest floating club — a white party boat with dance decks, a full bar, and crew who pour drinks faster than most bars on land. Cocktail buckets, beers, vodka, rum, mixers… if it pours, they’ve got it. I started with a vodka bucket before remembering it wasn’t even 3 PM yet. Swimming at the Blue Lagoon An hour later we’re anchored in the Blue Lagoon, the famous swim spot with water so blue it looks filtered in real life. Life jackets are there if you want them, but most of us just cannonballed in. Midway through my second swim I noticed an inflatable flamingo drifting away. A guy from Dublin launched himself from the top deck like he was auditioning for Baywatch and came up holding the bird like a trophy. The DJ dropped Freed From Desire, the boat went mad, and somehow a conga line formed around the flamingo. My “waterproof” phone case failed right there, but losing the footage almost made the story better. Sunset Cruise Back to Split The boat pulls anchor and we cruise back toward Split with the sun dropping behind the old town. Golden light hits the city, people swap drinks and numbers, and the DJ keeps the music rolling. The onboard photographer moves between groups catching everything — sometimes mid-dance, sometimes mid-spill. After-Party at Bacvice Beach Club We dock around 8:00 PM and the wristband gets you straight into Bacvice Beach Club VIP with no queues and no cover charge. Half the boat ends up in the same corner again, ordering more cocktails like we hadn’t just been at sea for five hours. I don’t remember leaving, but I do remember waking up with sand in my shoes. Out to Sea Split Price and Inclusions The €50 ticket covers the pre-party at Jimmy’s, a free shot, the boat party with DJ, the Blue Lagoon swim stop, a photographer, and VIP entry to Bacvice Beach Club. Easily worth it — though you might want to budget for rehydration salts.If you want your own flamingo-rescue moment and a sunset you’ll actually remember, check the dates and book direct at Out to Sea Split.
Read moreSo I escaped Kraków for two nights, marched off the FlixBus and straight into The Drunken Monkey. Spoiler: Prague won. Where I slept (and occasionally napped) I booked a bunk at the brand-new Drunken Monkey Experience Hostel. It sits by Florenc bus station, an easy stroll from the Forum Karlín music venue, so my map skills were not tested at all. Rooms are fresh, air-conditioned, and the Wi-Fi hits 200 Mb-ish which was perfect for my late-night meme dump. Extra perks that came with the bed: Outdoor courtyard bar for “just one more” 24-hour reception (useful when you forget the door code) Social lounge plus foosball and billiards Luggage store big enough for my over-packed party shirts Shared kitchen that actually has pans without mystery crust The crawl that started the carnage Night one I signed up for the legendary Drunken Monkey Pub Crawl. First stop is their own bar where the staff flood you with unlimited beer, wine, plus vodka rum and gin mixes. Five custom beer-pong tables, flip-cup kits, and a giant Jenga tower keep everybody busy while the bartenders hand out free party shades if you ask nicely. After the bar session the hosts walk (and occasionally herd) the group to two or three partner venues, each greeting us with a welcome shot, and the ticket already covers cover-charge for the final club. Zero waiting in the queue – the hosts sweep you right past it. Prague-pub-crawl Tiny wins I clocked Party hosts actually remind you to drink water, lifesavers. No stag gangs in borat costumes, house rules ban them. Smart-casual dress gets you past Prague door staff stress. Boat party on the Vltava – open bar on a moving floor Day two my brave brain booked the Sunset Boat Party. Think open bar (same unlimited drink list) plus a live DJ decked on the roof so the music stays with the sunset. When the boat docks everyone marches to Duplex rooftop club – VIP entry handled, no extra fee. This is the only Prague boat gig that mixes open bar with a sundeck DJ, and yes, it feels as good as it sounds when the castle drifts by in golden light. Sunset-boat-party Unlimited Beer Pong session – proof I can’t aim Back on dry land the bar runs an Unlimited Beer Pong booking: custom tables, balls ready, endless Czech lager and wine, and seven big screens playing any sport you beg for. You can level up by adding trays of vodka or rum shooters but I already had enough bravery juice. The staff set the cups, settle rule disputes, even suggest food delivery if you need carbs. Beer-Pong Craft beer tour for the “culture” I tried to look sophisticated on their Czech Craft Beer Tour. A local guide walks you through eight different microbrews – real craft stuff you won’t find in the supermarket. Highlights include a stop at Sibeeria Tap Room with a hundred-plus beers on offer, then a wander to Letná Beer Garden for skyline views. Hot snacks exist if you need them. Even as a vodka loyalist I learned loads about 11° pilsners and fruity sours. Craft-beer-tour Bottomless brunch buffet (aka hangover CPR) Last morning I shuffled onto their moored brunch boat. For a fixed ticket you demolish a buffet of eggs, bacon, pancakes, fruit, hash browns, cereal, coffee, juice – plus bottomless mimosas and build-your-own Bloody Marys. A DJ spins chill tracks and there’s an open mic if you feel extra. I did not feel extra. Bottomless-brunch-buffet Quick cheat sheet (facts not fluff) Pub crawl price currently listed at roughly €32 online, covers all bars and the final club. Boat party ticket from about €45 on weekdays, rises on weekend peaks – but includes the Duplex club entry. Beer pong session about €20 per person with endless lager and wine. Hostel beds vary, check their Cloudbeds calendar for the latest deal. hosteldrunkenmonkey.cz (Prices are what the site shows as of this week – always peek before you pay.) Rookie errors you can dodge Currency brain-fart – Czech crowns are sneaky. Use a card or Revolut and skip the airport exchange shops that mug tourists. Forgetting ID for Duplex – the club wants physical passport or licence, phone photos get bounced. Packing slippery shoes – cobbles plus boat deck equals surprise split. Skipping the water jugs – the bar hands them out. Take them. Your Monday self will thank you. Why the Monkey combo rules Having the hostel, the bar, and the activity desk under the same umbrella means zero taxi costs and max friend-making. The staff juggle safety with party vibes, the events run every week, and if one activity sells out they’ll slide you onto another. It’s basically plug-and-play nightlife with a pillow included.
Read moreUpdated: Because summer’s back, your flight’s booked, and your liver’s probably not ready. Look, we all know Kraków’s nightlife goes hard (shoutout to anyone who’s crawled out of Bodega at sunrise looking like a crypt keeper), but summer in this city hits different. Between parties, pierogi, and possibly losing a shoe somewhere on Bracka Street, you’ve got golden daylight till 9 PM and way more options than just sipping vodka in a dark basement (though we still highly recommend that too). Here’s your 2025 summer cheat sheet for fun, chill, and semi-sober things to do in Kraków when the sun’s out and the city’s vibing. 1. Evening River Cruise (Yes, It’s as Romantic as It Sounds) Once you’ve seen Kraków from the ground (and maybe the gutter), try seeing it from the water. Book yourself onto a chilled-out boat cruise down the Vistula—ideally with a cold beer or glass of prosecco in hand. Most boats leave near Wawel Castle and float past bridges, cathedrals, swans, and couples taking engagement pics. Vibe level: 10/10 if you’re on a date. 8/10 if you’re just trying to feel something after three nights out.Pro tip: Bring your own tunes and speakers if you rent a private boat—it’s legal, and more fun than pretending to care about the audio guide. 2. City Bike Tour (Sweat Gently While Looking Cultured) Kraków is mostly flat and super bike-friendly. You’ll glide past the Old Town, through the Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz), and out along the river—all while a cheerful guide tells you stuff you probably won’t remember, but hey, you’re moving and it feels productive. You can do 2-hour loops or sign up for “bike and pierogi” combos (legit, they exist). The best part? No helmet hair in your Insta pics.Note to self: Hydrate. Cycling + last night’s vodka = interesting leg decisions. 3. The Ring Park (a.k.a. Kraków’s Chillout Belt) The locals call it Planty. We call it heaven when you need grass, shade, and zero decisions. This massive park loops all the way around the Old Town and is full of fountains, benches, and buskers who think they’re the next Ed Sheeran. Grab an iced coffee, lie under a tree, and let your bones rest. It’s also perfect for a lazy picnic if you’ve got leftover kebab (don’t act like you don’t). Summer 2025 tip: Head near the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre section—more shade, less screaming kids. 4. Lakeside Beaches (Yes, Kraków Has Beaches, Don’t @ Me) When it’s 30°C and you’re wondering if Kraków has a coastline (spoiler: no), head to one of the city’s lakes. Bagry, Zakrzówek, Kryspinów—all within easy reach and all poppin’ in summer. You’ll find food trucks, paddleboards, sunbathers, techno DJs on random Sundays, and yes, actual sand at some spots. No salty sea, but 100% fewer jellyfish and way cheaper mojitos.Don’t forget sunscreen. Polish sun will burn you and the nearest pharmacy might only sell anti-chafing cream. 5. Wolski Forest (Nature Detox, Because Why Not) Need to outrun your hangover or your life choices? Head to Wolski Forest. It’s Kraków’s green jungle—tons of shady trails, hills, hidden monasteries, and a chance to pretend you’re on a wellness retreat. You’ll stumble across the city zoo (skip it unless you love goats), scenic viewpoints over the river valley, and that one random mansion on a hill that no one fully understands.Good shoes. Bad sandals will betray you. Bonus Life Hack: Recover, then Party AgainKraków summer’s all about balance. One day you’re hiking, the next you’re face-down in a shot rack at La Bodega. It’s the circle of life, baby. If you haven’t done our Krakow Party Animals Pub Crawl yet—what are you doing? Book it now, meet people who also forget where they left their dignity, and dance like it's 2005 and Pitbull still runs the charts.Click here to join the madness TL;DR: Kraków summer 2025 = lakes, bikes, beers, boats, trees, vibes, chaos. You’re gonna love it. Just don’t swim after shots. See you in the sun. Or the cellar. Or both.
Read moreWhy Kraków is the Perfect Year-Round Destination (2025) Let’s get this straight: there’s no bad time to visit Kraków. This city’s a whole vibe, 365 days a year-whether you’re sunburnt in July or stomping through snow in December. Trust me, Kraków brings the heat (and the parties) in every season, and your wallet won’t hate you for it either. Kraków in 2025: Poland’s Party Capital Goes Global Kraków’s not just a hidden gem anymore-everybody’s catching on. Medieval squares, wild clubs, pierogi for days, plus flights that don’t cost your entire paycheck. Backpackers, couples, stag dos, digital nomads-they all land here for the same reason: it’s fun and it’s cheap. No matter when you touch down, you’re gonna find something wild to do. Poland’s Currency: Meet the Zloty You won’t get far flashing Euros or Pounds-Poland runs on zloty (PLN). 2025 rates: 1€ ≈ 4.3 PLN 1£ ≈ 5.0 PLN A massive pizza? 32 PLN. Three-course meal in a hipster restaurant? About 80 PLN. Even a fancy Airbnb smack in Old Town will run you way less than any Western Euro city. How to Travel Kraków on a Budget (and NOT Get Ripped Off) Wanna keep more cash for vodka shots? The biggest rookie mistake: using exchange offices in Main Square (or honestly, most places in Old Town). They’ll absolutely rinse you with horrible rates and hidden fees. Same with random ATMs you find blinking outside clubs-avoid ‘em unless you fancy paying 18–25 PLN per withdrawal and losing another chunk to shady conversion fees. Real talk:Exchange 100€ at one of those places and you might walk out with 350 PLN, which is only about 80€. Ouch. How to Get Cash in Kraków (and Not Lose Your Shirt) Use a bank ATM, not a generic one.Look for PKO Bank Polski or Santander Bank. Their fees are lowest and their rates are honest. There’s always a PKO Bank in the city center-look for the blue logo. ATM fees in 2025:Expect to pay around 12–18 PLN if you pick the wrong ATM. PKO Bank? Way less (and sometimes none, depending on your card). Best hack:Bring a credit card that lets you withdraw abroad for free. MasterCard Gold is popular, Revolut works for a lot of travelers, or check what your bank offers before you go. Never choose the ATM’s “dynamic conversion” option-let your home bank do the math. Fast Tips for Kraków Travelers Never exchange cash at the airport, train station, or Main Square. Always decline the ATM’s “conversion” offer. Watch out for ATMs in souvenir shops or bars-they’re the worst for fees. Apple Pay and Google Pay work almost everywhere now, even for tiny payments. Ask your bank about foreign withdrawal fees before you land, so there’s no nasty surprises. What’s Everything Cost in 2025? Thing Average Price Pint of beer in a bar 14–18 PLN Shot of vodka in a club 10–16 PLN Zapiekanka (giant baguette pizza) 18–24 PLN Hostel bed (dorm) 65–120 PLN/night Boutique Airbnb in Old Town 200–350 PLN/night Nice meal in city center 70–110 PLN Final Kraków Cash Commandments Use bank ATMs like PKO or Santander for the best rates. Get a free withdrawal card before your trip-Revolut, Wise, or MasterCard Gold. Don’t get lured by flashy exchange offices-most are tourist traps. Pay by card whenever you can-nearly every bar, restaurant, and even street food stand accepts it now. Remember: the less you spend on fees, the more you can spend on pierogi and Polish craft beer. Priorities, right? Kraków’s calling, no matter the month. Book your ticket, pack light, and bring your appetite-for adventure and cheap eats.
Read moreKrakow Nightlife Guide 2025 Updated May 2025, spicier than a chilli shot at 2 a.m. If you think Krakow’s all about pretty churches and slow strolls, mate, you’re in for a wild ride. This city’s a medieval beast by day and a neon-lit vodka jungle by night. Old Town Krakow? Gorgeous. Kazimierz nightlife? Chaos. Charge up your phone (twice), pack those comfiest shoes, and get ready to lose your map, your voice, and maybe your dignity (in the best way possible). Krakow Old Town: Cobblestones, Castles, and the Main Square Madness Let’s start where all roads lead: Rynek Główny, the massive Main Market Square. If Krakow was a movie, this is the opening scene. St. Mary’s Basilica towers over everything, horses clop past with tourists pretending to be royalty, and that trumpeter still blasts a half-song from the tower every hour (legend says a Mongol arrow cut him off, seriously). I spent about an hour blocking foot traffic and staring at the Cloth Hall, half for the history, half for the espresso and people-watching. Krakow is stupidly photogenic. Every corner feels like it’s hiding some crazy story, and it probably is. Bring your best camera, but honestly, even my phone snaps looked good. Pro-tip: food and drinks are wayyy cheaper one block off the square, classic tourist tax in the middle. Krakow Vodka: Liquid Bravery in a Shot Glass You’re not really experiencing Krakow nightlife until you dive head-first into the world of Polish vodka. Is Poland the home of vodka? I dunno, but don’t start that debate in a local bar unless you want a history lecture at 1am. You’ll find vodka on every corner, from swanky cocktail joints to dingy cellars. My advice: try everything (responsibly, I guess). Zubrowka (Bison Grass Vodka)My first Kazimierz bar crawl started with Zubrowka, which, fun fact, tastes a bit like sweet grass and feels like it goes down smoother than water. Pretty sure I had three shots before I realised it wasn’t apple juice. No regrets. Vestal PolasieNext up: Vestal Polasie. Bartender told me it’s a potato vodka, super picky about the spuds. Not gonna lie, it’s dangerously smooth and will have you hugging strangers (guilty). WyborowaThe OG. Wyborowa’s been around since, like, the 1920s (but older recipes, obviously). Made with rye or potatoes, both versions are sneaky strong. Don’t let the slick bottle fool you, this stuff is traditonal as it gets and goes down a bit too easy after midnight. Best Bars in Krakow for Vodka: Wodka Bar (Old Town) - tiny, crowded, dozens of shots. Alchemia (Kazimierz) - moody, candlelit, you’ll lose track of time and maybe your mates. Pijalnia Wódki i Piwo - shot bars everywhere, all with retro “grandma’s kitchen” vibes. Krakow Beer: Yes, You Need This Too Look, I love a shot as much as the next traveler, but sometimes you gotta slow down with a pint. Don’t sleep on Polish beer, Krakow beer is the perfect chaser or hangover helper. TyskieBrewing since the 1600s. Crisp, refreshing, perfect for cooling off after a day running around Wawel Castle. ŻywiecHistoric, slightly sweet, super drinkable. Locals order it by the crate at clubs-join them. OkocimStarted by a German dude, survived communism, now part of Carlsberg. Still feels 100% Polish. Tastes like living history, plus it’s cheap. Late Night Food in Krakow: Hangover Prevention (Kinda) After all those vodka rounds, you need something greasy and glorious to survive until sunrise. Krakow’s late-night food game is on another level. ZapiekankaThe city’s no. 1 drunk food. A baguette, mushrooms, melted cheese, add your favorite toppings and go wild. Plac Nowy is ground zero for zapiekanka; Endzior is the OG, and you’ll queue for ages, but it’s worth it. Kielbasa at Hala TargowaA food truck selling fire-roasted sausages until 3 a.m. Yes, it’s a bit sus at first glance, but once you catch that smoky smell, you’ll run to line up. I ate two in a row and nearly fell asleep right there on the curb (don’t recommend). Krakow Nightlife: Medieval Streets, Modern Beats By day, Krakow is all history and fairy tale. By night, it’s full-on party city. You’ll stumble from jazz cellars to techno clubs to 500-year-old pubs. Bars are packed with locals, students, backpackers, stag parties, and random expats like me who are “just here for the culture” (sure). Seriously, you’ll make new friends just by ordering the same vodka or asking for directions.Don’t miss: Alchemia (Kazimierz) – jazz, candles, pure mood Mercy Brown – hidden speakeasy, fancy cocktails Four Music Club – foam parties, wild till sunrise La Bodega del Ron – 150+ rums, salsa nights, brick cellars Quick Krakow FAQ (because you’ll ask) Question Quick answer Best area for first-timers? Old Town or Kazimierz—close to everything. Is Krakow safe at 3 a.m.? Yeah, but watch out for cobbles & skip unmarked taxis. Cheap eats after midnight? Zapiekanka (Plac Nowy) or kebab on Szewska St. Museum worth the hype? Schindler’s Factory—book ahead, it’s busy. Average beer price? 12–16 PLN; Main Square costs extra. Final Cheers: Tips for Surviving Krakow Nightlife Don’t call it Cracow-locals will cringe. Get your re-entry stamp if you want to pop outside bars/clubs. Most cellar bars = bad phone signal. Text your mum before you go down. Pub crawls are everywhere and worth the zloty if you’re solo. Always say “Na zdrowie!” (nah zdrov-y-eh) before your first shot, but honestly, “cheers” works in any language after midnight. Expect to get lost, and love every minute. So, ready to tackle Krakow nightlife? Don’t blame me for the hangover. If you see someone wandering Old Town at 6 a.m. humming techno and clutching a zapiekanka, that’s probably me. Or at least, someone who read this blog and did Krakow right.
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