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Start Planning Your New Year's Eve in Krakow It is almost time to start planning our New Year's Eve getaways! Krakow, Poland, is one of the most buzzed-about destinations this year, and it is the perfect place for enjoying a pub crawl and discovering some amazing nightlife tours. This stunning European city captures the timeless charm of the old world, but it is also a very vibrant, lively, and modern town with many things to do. In particular, Krakow's nightlife is booming. This makes it a charming option for an NYE getaway! Keep reading to learn more about the best things to do in Krakow if you are considering spending your last holiday in 2022 in this beautiful city. Celebrate Sylwester in Krakow The holiday is locally known as "Sylwester." It is one of the year's most highly anticipated and essential parties. Locals love it, but not only. Many visitors, tourists, and party-goers from all over the world visit this city during this time to get a piece of the action! If you’re looking for an amazing pub crawl experience or some awesome nightlife tours, this is the place to be. Spend Your Holiday at Main Market Square Many locals and tourists alike will be flooding Main Market Square. Suppose you like to experience New Year's celebrations in a public setting and immerse yourself in the city's spirit. In that case, consider going out in the square and checking out what's happening. Entry is usually free, with entertainment such as live concerts, DJs, and much more. More importantly, the big countdown to the new year is the best part! If you prefer to do something that’s a little more engaging, you should consider some pub crawls or nightlife tours instead. Enjoy NYE at Krakow's Best Clubs, Bars, and Restaurants Finding something to do in the city is not going to take a lot of work. After all, almost every club, restaurant, and venue in town will indeed have something planned. Still, you don't just want to wing it and jump into any random place: you probably want the best experience possible! If that's the case, you should consider going with a company or firm that can guide you through some of the city's truly most beautiful venues and events on New Year's Eve. Pub crawls, nightlife tours, and club trails are super popular in this city, so many companies focus on working with some of the most impressive establishments in Krakow to provide their clients with amazing experiences. Discover Krakow's Best Club Crawl Krakow Animals Crawl (krakowanimalscrawl.com) is a unique company that will unlock the keys to the city's nightlife. The company provides unique experiences and crawls through some of the best clubs in the city, with special perks such as unlimited drinks for 2 hours and VIP entry passes to some of Krakow's hottest venues and parties! This is one of the most sought-after NYE activities, so act now to secure your chance to join in. Krakow Animals Pub Crawl: The Best NYE Deal for 35 Euro Krakow Animals Pub Crawl offers the best deal to make your New Year's Eve memorable in Krakow with only 35 Euro: 2 hours of open bar with unlimited vodka, gin, rum, beer, whisky & shots Magician Photographer Drinking games VIP entry to the best clubs Welcome shot in each club Professional party guides all night Meeting Point: St Wojciech Church at 18:45 (Black and Red Umbrella). Find Out More About New Year's Eve in Krakow Find out more about the best ways to spend New Year's Eve in Krakow, Poland, and check out the following link for further details: https://www.krakowanimalscrawl.com/newYearsEve.
Read moreWhere Medieval Meets Modern Madness Krakow greets you with that fairytale vibe: the Old Town’s cobblestone streets, the massive Main Market Square (Rynek Główny), and the soaring silhouette of St. Mary’s Basilica. I spent hours just wandering around, soaking in the scene, and probably getting in the way of locals trying to go about their business. Every building, every corner, seems to whisper stories of the city’s storied past. If you’re a history nerd or just love an insanely photogenic backdrop for your Insta, Krakow’s got you covered. Vodka: Poland’s Liquid Legend If you’re coming here, don’t skip the vodka. Some people reckon Poland invented it back in the 15th century. Maybe it was Russia, but I’m not here to spark international debates—I’m here to taste, and Krakow is the perfect place to do just that. Zubrowka (Bison Grass Vodka) My first night out, I tried Zubrowka in a little bar tucked away in Kazimierz (the Jewish Quarter). I’d heard it tastes like the bison grass grown in Poland’s Białowieża Forest, and I can confirm it’s got this herby, slightly sweet flavor that’s surprisingly sippable. The shot slid down way too easily, and I found myself ordering another. And another. Vestal Polasie Next on my vodka hit list: Vestal Polasie, a potato-based vodka that’s relatively new but already making waves. The bartenders told me the folks behind it are super picky about their spuds, which is why it’s earned a killer reputation. One shot turned into three, and by then, I was calling everyone in the bar my “best mate.” Classic Kiwi hospitality, right? Wyborowa Finally, I gave Wyborowa a whirl. It’s an old-timer in the vodka world (since 1927), but the recipe roots supposedly stretch back 500 years. Even with that storied past, the bottle design is modern and sleek—though let’s be honest, I cared more about what was inside. It’s made with rye or potatoes, and either version goes down so smooth it’s a little dangerous. Especially when you’re trying to keep your wits about you in a new city. Polish Beer: Underrated, But Worth Your Liver When it comes to beer, Germany and the Czech Republic often hog the spotlight, but Poland’s no slouch. If vodka’s not your thing—or you just need to break up the shot rounds—try some local brews. Tyskie Tyskie has been around for nearly 400 years, which is an absurdly long time to perfect a lager. Crispy, refreshing, and easy to knock back after a day of exploring. Take it from this Kiwi: it’s a solid choice when you need a palate cleanser between vodka shots (i.e., always). Żywiec Founded in the 1850s by none other than the Habsburgs, Żywiec is a beer brand that Poles genuinely seem proud of. It’s got a pretty straightforward, slightly sweet lager taste that’s dangerously sessionable. By the second pint, you’ll be leaning into conversations with locals like you’ve been best mates for years. Okocim Established by a German brewer in 1845, Okocim survived Poland’s communist era and is now under Carlsberg Group ownership. Despite the buyout, it’s still thoroughly Polish in spirit. It’s a nostalgic favorite for many locals, and for me, it was a cool bit of living history in a pint glass. Post-Party Fuel: Late-Night Krakow Feasts After you’ve thoroughly tested your liver, Krakow’s got some lifesaving options for staving off tomorrow’s hangover. Nothing says “I’m still functional!” like a cheesy, carb-laden snack at 3 a.m. Zapiekanka: Poland’s Open-Faced Delight Zapiekanka is basically a baguette loaded with sautéed mushrooms, melted cheese, and whatever else you’re craving. Sounds simple, but trust me—after a night of heavy drinking, it tastes like manna from heaven. Head to Endzior in Plac Nowy if you want the city’s top zapiekanka experience. It’s a local legend and the lines can get long, but it’s worth every minute you wait. Sausages by Hala Targowa If you’re more of a carnivore, check out the food truck near Hala Targowa (Market Hall). They roast sausages over an open fire until 3 a.m., which might seem a bit sketchy from a distance, but the sizzling smell will reel you right in. The scene feels a bit like a midnight campfire gathering, except in the middle of a historical European city. It’s one of those “only in Krakow” experiences that makes your night unforgettable (and your clothes smell like glorious smoke for hours afterward). Krakow’s Nightlife: A Tale of Two Worlds Krakow is a master of duality. By day, you’ve got the medieval allure, centuries-old streets, and regal squares. By night, the city transforms into a hotbed of clubs, bars, and spontaneous street parties. I swear, it’s impossible to walk more than a couple of blocks without stumbling upon some tiny basement bar blasting everything from traditional Polish tunes to the latest global chart-toppers. The best part? It’s so easy to find new friends—locals and travelers alike. Strike up a conversation about vodka, kiwi culture, or the best place for zapiekanka, and you’ll be bonding over shots in no time.
Read moreKrakow: A Cultural Pulse with a Rich Club Scene Krakow, as one of the cultural pulses of Poland, boasts a rich club culture within its streets. The expansion of Krakow’s alternative scene is the result of a growing number of artists and organizations that aim to share their vision and bring out the best from the other side of Krakow’s cultural coin. The city's nightlife thrives in its diversity – from pubs to various types of clubs and open-air events. Prozak 2.0: The Underground Maze Prozak 2.0 is a maze that spreads over two levels with three dance floors, bars, and chillout zones. It often hosts prominent names in the techno scene, such as SNTS, Kollektiv Turmstrasse, and others. Situated in a medieval basement at Plac Dominikanski, this place has persisted as one of the oldest underground epicenters of Krakow. Szpitalna 1: The Hidden Rabbit Hole Szpitalna 1 is the “rabbit hole” that’s not easy to find at first sight. The entrance seems like a chill, casual cocktail bar, but once you get in, the stairs lead you to an underground, dark environment equipped with a powerful sound system. The labyrinth-like spacious venue allows people to circulate between bars and chillout zones. Don’t miss the great cocktails, and ask for recommendations if you are unsure which one to try. The program this place offers varies from raves (techno, acid, electro, disco) to rock and blues concerts. Święta Krowa: A Cozy Underground Nest Święta Krowa is another rabbit-hole bar/club. As you approach the stairs at the end of the hallway on Florianska Street, the music becomes louder. The stairs lead to this lovely little underground, cozy nest, with a small bar, chill zone, and a dancefloor. Various parties and performances happen here as well. BARKA: A Floating Party Experience BARKA is a popular restaurant that morphs into an unforgettable party experience when the sun goes down. Live performances, karaoke, raves – you name it! Often, this lovely little ship sails the river Wisla into the unknown, and it’s worth checking its calendar in advance to get informed about these events. Teatro Cubano: Latin Vibes and Dance Teatro Cubano is the perfect place for all who enjoy Latin dances, culture, and fiery vibes. Professional dancers often come to create a show and teach you some moves in case you feel uncomfortable dancing. Spice up your good time with a shot or cocktail. Coco Club: Good Vibes for Every Taste Coco Club is the place that promises good vibes, various music genres, and parties for everybody’s taste, attracting an international audience. A perfect combination of a modern, bold arrangement with the brick basement atmosphere of a historic tenement house creates an exclusive and cozy interior. La Bodega: A Refined Drink Experience La Bodega is located in a 15th-century cellar and is perfect for those with a refined taste in drinks. With its Rum Cellar straight from the Prohibition era, Latin rhythms mixed with modern pop culture, and cocktails that encourage socializing, it’s a must-visit spot. BRACKA 4 (B4): A Unique Music and Dance Venue BRACKA 4 (B4) is a unique place on the club map of Krakow. It’s made from a love for music and dance, consisting of several rooms and a dance floor with house, R’n’B, and old-school music. This combination is perfect for those who value a chill and unique atmosphere both during the day and at night. The café, gallery, and live music performances make every evening unforgettable.
Read moreKrakow: A City of Fairytale Views and Rich History Krakow, the second-largest city in Poland, delivers fairytale views, with the towering Wawel Castle, as well as people-watching meccas such as Florianska Street and the Market Square. Dark times in the city’s recent history are evident in the Jewish ghetto memorial and Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, while green spaces such as Planty Park offer plenty of headspace. Market Square: The Heart of Krakow’s Old Town The buzzing heart of the UNESCO-attested Krakow Old Town, the Market Square, is where all the action has played out since the Middle Ages. Come here for bars packed into the cellars of medieval buildings, on-street cafes and restaurants, and landmarks including the central renaissance Sukiennice, or Cloth Hall, and Town Hall Tower (the hall itself was demolished in 1820). Wawel Castle: A Blend of Architectural Styles You can’t visit Krakow without exploring the medley of Gothic, Renaissance, Rococo, and Romanesque architecture that is the great Wawel Castle. The muddle of buildings is on a high point in the city, giving it an imposing presence. It was the home of the Polish kings and queens until the 1600s and has also been used as a barracks, a military hospital, and the official residence of the state governor following World War I. Planty Park: Krakow’s Green Belt The green belt Planty Park rings the whole area of Krakow’s historic Old Town. Pathways weave this way and that past sculptures, babbling fountains, and brick towers, while locals walk their dogs and cafes spill onto the surrounding streets. It’s filled with life in the summer and becomes a veritable winter wonderland during the colder months. Barbican: A Medieval Fortress The Barbican is the only remaining gatehouse of the medieval fortifications that once encircled the whole city. Its redbrick bulwarks and formidable turrets helped to fend off the Mongol hordes during the 13th century, and its circular design was on the cutting edge of engineering at the time. Today, occasional theatre productions and other art shows are hosted inside. Vistulan Boulevards: Scenic Riverbanks As the winding courses of the Vistula River snake through the heart of Krakow, its banks host wide spaces of greenery, ad hoc summertime markets, beer bars, and bobbing boat cafes. Hire a bike or go jogging, stop and watch passing boats on the river, or stroll along as you decide what to see in Krakow next. Plac Bohaterów Getta: A Sobering Memorial Cut through by rattling tram lines and fringed with shops and cafes, this central square of the Podgórze district is home to one of the most sobering memorials in the city. A series of large and small chairs have been placed in a grid across the cobbles, designed as a memorial to the people of the Jewish ghetto in Krakow, which was once located here. There is also a plaque marking the meeting place of the Jewish Combat Organization, a resistance unit that staged acts of sabotage against the Nazis.
Read moreKrakow: Poland’s Ancient Gem Situated in southern Poland, Krakow is one of the country’s most ancient cities, its former capital, and a real pearl in its crown. The city lies on the banks of the Vistula River, known as the Queen of Polish Rivers. Krakow receives visitors from all over the world. A City That Captivates The town is filled with monuments and is impossible to visit in just one day, which is not really enough to experience the emotions this city can evoke. Its unique atmosphere has inspired artists and writers. Visitors fall in love with Krakow, and if they leave, then it is only to return another day. The city’s rich cultural and artistic life contributes to this fascination as much as the genuine character of its streets and little squares lined with restaurants serving local delicacies. Easy Planning for Your Krakow Adventure The range of accommodation and gastronomic services is very wide and easily available, which makes planning a trip to Krakow very straightforward. It is also a base from which to visit southern Poland. Zakopane, called “the mountain capital” of Poland, and Wroclaw are within easy distance from Krakow. Wawel Castle: A Renaissance Masterpiece The Wawel Castle is the first Renaissance castle and is one of Europe’s finest examples of Renaissance architecture built in Poland. It is open to visitors, and the many valuable works of art and antique furniture are certainly worth seeing. St. Mary’s Church: Gothic Splendor The gothic St. Mary’s Basilica, situated in the vicinity of the town square, was built in the fourteenth century. Its main attraction is the world’s greatest wooden altar, sculpted by Wit Stwosz (Veit Stoss). This church is also well known for its bugle-call played every hour from the top of one of the towers. Town Square: The Heart of Krakow The Town Square, situated at the heart of Cracow’s Old Town, is included on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. It is the largest medieval town square in Europe, measuring 656 square feet. In the past, it was a marketplace and the location for numerous official events. Kazimierz: A Historic Jewish District Kazimierz is a district best remembered as a former Jewish settlement. It was founded in 1335 by Casimir III the Great. The whole district was placed on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites – the first such case in the world. Steven Spielberg’s movie, Schindler’s List, was shot in 1993 almost entirely in Kazimierz. Sukiennice (The Cloth Hall): A Renaissance Icon Situated at the heart of the Main Market Square, this renaissance building is one of the city’s most recognizable structures. During its golden age in the 15th century, Sukiennice was a major center of international trade and the source of a variety of exotic eastern products like spices, silk, leather, and wax, while Cracow, in turn, exported textiles, lead, and salt from the Wieliczka Mine.
Read moreKrakow Party Hostels 2025 Updated May 2025 – fresh facts, zero yawns Krakow isn’t just Poland’s prettiest city; it’s a neon-lit playground where vodka flows like holy water and sunrise is your unofficial curfew. If you want front-row seats to the madness, ditch the distant Airbnb and plant yourself in one of these three walk-to-every-bar hostels. Beds are cheap, shots come standard, and the memories will cling to you like the smell of pierogi at 3 a.m. 1. Greg & Tom Party Hostel – Free Dinner, Zero Bedtime 📍 9 Zyblikiewicza St. – 7 minutes to the Main Square Why you’ll love it Daily free breakfast and dinner. Carb-load at 7:30 p.m., then roll straight into their themed party night. Hostelworld Pub crawl every single night (95 PLN gets you an hour of unlimited drinks + club entries). Hostelworld Nintendo Wii, Netflix lounges, and free tea/coffee 24-7 for the heroic souls who try “just one quiet hour.” Multilingual staff who somehow stay cheerful despite no one ever sleeping. Good to know Dorms from 4- to 10-beds; age cap: 40. It is a party hostel—earplugs are free, but silence isn’t. Key-card deposit: 50 PLN cash. Ready for free food and questionable karaoke? Book Greg & Tom now → 2. Let’s Rock Party Hostel – Open Bar Hour on Grodzka 📍 Grodzka 34 – stumble 300 m to the Main Square Why you’ll love it One-hour OPEN BAR every night (10:30-11:30 p.m.) to warm-up the squad. letsrockhostel.com Vodka tastings, sangria nights, pizza parties, and free VIP club entry with in-house party guides. Hostelworld 2025 HOSCAR winner; 9.2 rating from 5 k+ reviews—clearly they’re doing something loud & right. Hostelworld Good to know Age limit 18-40. Mixed dorms only; bunks shake when your new BFF climbs in at 5 a.m.—embrace it. Security deposit for groups: €50 cash per person. Thirsty for that open-bar life? Crash Let’s Rock → 3. Little Havana Party Hostel – Cuba Vibes 50 m from Szewska 📍 Jagiellońska 10 – 60 seconds to Krakow’s busiest bar street Why you’ll love it Club in the basement: dance floor literally downstairs, no coat required. Hostelworld Over 100 beds + foosball wars + daily events (beer-pong, karaoke, boat parties). Hostelworld Colonial décor, real mattresses, and free simple breakfast so you can tell mum you’re “taking care of yourself.” Good to know Age cap 40; check-out at noon (merciful). Pub crawl costs 90 PLN—unlimited drinks + club entries. Seconds from the Main Market Square, so Uber is pointless. Fancy mojitos before midnight? Reserve Little Havana → FAQ (SEO snacks) Question Quick answer Best area for nightlife in Krakow? The Old Town around Rynek Główny & Szewska Street—every hostel above sits inside it. Average pub-crawl price? 85-100 PLN (≈ €20-23) including 1 hour open bar + club entries. Can you party every night? Yes. These hostels run events every night—arrive Monday, leave… whenever your liver quits. Final cheers There you have it—three hostels tighter to Krakow’s nightlife than pierogi dough on your waistline. Book a bunk, charge the phone, memorise “Na zdrowie!” and remember: the only wrong choice is staying somewhere that makes you taxi to the party. See you under the disco lights—first vodka shot’s on me.
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