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Krakow Drinks
The medieval city of Krakow is stately and refined. Every inch of Krakow seems to ooze history. But beyond Old Town and not far from Wawel Castle is the thriving Krakow nightlife. Krakow is packed with interesting bars and clubs, and there are plenty of unique spots to sample Poland’s favorite alcohol — vodka. Check out our guide to Krakow nightlife. VODKA Some historians suggest that vodka originated in 15th century Poland. Whether or not Poland is the birthplace of vodka, Krakow is an excellent place to sample the distilled beverage. Vodka, or wódka in Polish, is a distilled beverage. Vodka usually has an alcohol content of about 40% and is produced from grains, potatoes, or, more rarely, sugar beets. Poland isn’t the only country to call vodka its own — Russia and other Central and Northern European countries are part of the “Vodka belt”. THE BEST POLISH VODKA Zubrowka Known as Bison Grass vodka, this variety is herb-flavored and made with bison grass grown in the Białowieża Forest of Poland. Zubrowka has been made in Poland since 16th century and is still extremely popular. Traditionally, a single blade of bison grass sits into the bottle. Vestal Polasie Founded in 2010, this young vodka has earned a stellar reputation. Vestal is a potato-based vodka, and the company is very selective about the spuds they use. Wyborowa This award-winning vodka has been in production since 1927, but its recipe is based on 500 years of knowledge. The vodka is made with rye or potatoes, and the unique bottle was designed by an architect. POPULAR POLISH BEERS Polish beer, or piwo, is nowhere near as popular as German or Czech beer, but this alcoholic beverage is still widely drunk in Poland. The country’s beer history can be traced back to the 9th century when Polish King Boleslaw I the Brave was nicknamed “The Beer Drinker”. Although three major companies now control 80% of the Polish beer market, there about 100 microbreweries in Poland. Tyskie One of the oldest breweries in Europe, Tyskie has been brewed continuously for almost 400 years. Tyskie’s lagers are extremely popular. Żywiec This brewery was founded in 1856 and was once owned by the Habsburgs. Żywiec produces lagers and porters, and the brand is a source of pride for Poland. Okocim The brewery was established in 1845 by a German beermaker. During Poland’s communist era after WWII, Okocim was one of only two breweries allowed to sell beer. The brewery is now owned by the Danish Carlsberg Group, but is still a popular Polish beer. LATE NIGHT SNACKS AFTER DRINKING ALL THE VODKA & BEER Zapiekanka: hard to pronounce, easy to devour! Zapiekanka is an open-faced baguette sandwich topped with sauteed mushrooms, cheese, and sometimes other ingredients. It is often served with ketchup and is a popular street food in Poland. There are plenty of zapiekanka vendors in Kazimierz, but the best is Endzior in Plac Nowy. There is also a food truck near Hala Targowa (Market Hall) that serves sausages until 3:00 a.m. The mobile chefs roast the sausages over an open fire beside their food truck. Although this seems a little sketchy, the results are delicious and the vendors are incredibly popular.
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Krakow Clubs
Krakow as one of the cultural pulses of Poland boasts rich club culture within its streets.. The very expansion of Krakow’s alternative scene appears as a result of growing number of artists and organizations that aim to share their vision and bring out the best from the other side of Krakow’s culture coin. It lies in its diversity – from pubs to various types of clubs and open-air events. Prozak 2.0 – a maze that spreads over 2 levels with 3 dancefloors, bars, and chillout zones. It often hosts prominent names of techno scene such as SNTS, Kollektiv Turmstrasse and etc. Situated in a medieval basement at Plac Dominikanski, this place has persisted as one of the oldest underground epicenters of Krakow. Szpitalna 1 – the “rabbit hole” not easy to find it at first sight. The entrance seems like a chill, casual cocktail bar, and once you get in, the stairs lead you to the underground, dark environment equipped with strong sound system. A labyrinth-like spacious venue allows people circulate between bars and chill out zones. Don’t miss the great cocktails and ask for recommendation 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 – another rabbit-hole bar/club. As you approach the stairs at the end of the hallway in 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 – popular restaurant that morphes into an unforgettable party-experience when the Sun goes down. Live plays, karaokes, raves – you name it! Often this lovely little ship sails the river Wisla into the unknown, and it’s worth checking its calendar in order to get informed in advance about those kinds of events. Teatro Cubano – a perfect place for all of you who enjoy latino dances, culture, fiery vibes. Professional dancers often come and 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 – the place that promises good vibes, various music genres, parties for everybody’s taste, and international audience. A perfect combination of a modern, bold arrangement with a brick basement atmosphere of a historic tenement house gives an amazing effect in the form of an exclusive and cozy interior. La Bodega – the 15th-century cellar, perfect for all of you with a bit more refined taste in drinks. Rum Cellar straight from the Prohibition era, Latin rhytms mixed with modern pop culture, and cocktails over which you meet new people. BRACKA 4 (B4) – a unique place on the club map of Krakow. It is a place made of love for music and dance. It consists of several rooms and a dance floor with house / r’n’b / oldschool music – which is definitely the best combination for all those who value a chill and unique atmosphere both during the day and at night. The cafe, gallery, music scene with live performances make every evening unforgettable.
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Must see in Krakow
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 and green spaces such as Planty Park offer plenty of headspace. Market Square : 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). 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 : 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 on to the surrounding streets. It’s filled with life in the summer and a veritable winter wonderland during the colder months. Barbican: 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 : 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 : 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.
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Krakow Attractions
Situated in southern Poland, Krakow is one of the country’s most ancient cities and its former capital and a real pearl in its crown. The city lies on the banks of the Vistula River which is called the Queen of Polish Rivers. Krakow receives visitors from the whole world. 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. 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 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 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 (MAIN MARKET SQUARE) The Town Square, situated at the heart of Cracow’s Old Town, is included on the UNESCO list of the 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 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) 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 centre 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.
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Party hostels in Krakow
Three party hostels in Krakow that are not for light sleepers. Krakow is known for its party scene, the partying capital as some would call it, but in order to fully experience that indisputably unforgettable scene you have to be as close as possible to it, no one likes being stuck in traffic on their way to the party, or worry on their way back to their boring Airbnb scared they would wake up the host. If you are reading this, then you are in luck! You’ve just discovered one of Krakow’s gems, or if we’re being accurate, three…in this guide we’ll talk about three of the best party hostels in town so grab your notes, your google maps, and your credit card because you will want to book a room as soon as you’re done reading this. GREG AND TOM A 10-minute walk from the old town’s Rynek Główny square, this vibrant hostel is also an 11-minute walk from Kraków Główny train station and 2 km from Wawel Royal Castle. Greg and tom hostel is known for its colorful, modern dorms that host up to 10 guests. The place is equipped with Wi-Fi access, personal reading lights, and lockers but that’s not all. In Greg and Tom, you can book a tour, a ticket to a live concert or a party! Book Now! Let's rock At the heart of Krakow’s main square, Let’s Rock hostel is very special! and don’t take our word for it, check the reviews on their website. Let’s Rock hostel’s uniqueness lies in being close to the greatest pubs and clubs in the city, it also offers a wide variety of daily activities, from Polish Vodka tasting to Karaoke nights. All that at an affordable price, convinced? Book Now! havana Try walking anywhere in the main square and ask for Havana club and hostel, chances are that most people will tell you where it is. One of the most popular party hostels in Krakow, known for its lively colonial style, 24-hour front desk, and a communal modern kitchen. There is also a nightclub, a shared lounge, and a ticket service. The authentic opinions of our guests show that this is their favorite part of the city of Krakow. Couples like this location very much – for a stay for 2 people they rate it 9.7 Book Now!
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What you should know about krakow ?
A GREAT HISTORY Located in the south of Poland, on the largest Polish river, Vistula, Cracow is currently known as the medieval capital of Poland due to the collection of historical monuments and castles in the city. In 1978, the Main Square and the surrounding chequered pattern of streets were included on the first UNESCO World Heritage List. and in 2005 came first in the World’s Best Squares ranking held by the Project for Public Spaces. THE ROYAL ROUTE The tourists are always amazed by the Royal Route, a historical route leading from the main entrance gate (St. Florian’s Gate) to the Royal Wawel Castle at Wawel Hill. The Route was taken by the Polish monarchs when ceremonially entering the city and during coronations and funerals. Thanks to the Royal Route for Disabled Tourists project, the Route may also be discovered by people with visual impairments and the disabled. Under the project, 12 bronze models offering a tactile experience of the most popular Cracow sights (the Barbican, St. Mary’s Basilica, the Cloth Hall, St. Andrew’s, and St. Peter and Paul’s churches and Wawel Hill) have been produced. The models have inscriptions in Braille (in Polish and English) and the plinths of the models are designed in such a way that enables persons in wheelchairs to come as close as possible. KRAKOW’S INFAMOUS JEWISH DISTRICT Kazimierz, once a separate town, today a district of Cracow, offers the unique atmosphere of a centuries-old coexistence of two cultures: Jewish and Christian. A space full of Judaist historical monuments of world importance, but primarily an area vibrant with life: antiques and works of art, fairs, live music in local pubs and restaurants. UNFORGETTABLE NIGHTLIFE There’s no better place to start than in Krakow’s splendid Old Town where, underneath a facade of ancient architecture, are housed countless dens of vice and inequity all eager to cater for your ill-advised pleasure. Those of you that have spent any time in Krakow will agree with me when I say that there are few greater experiences in life than following your nose down a dark alleyway or into a cloistered courtyard to discover yet another fantastic bar that you’d never been to before. But if you are new to the city, or are planning just a short visit, then you needn’t worry, we are here to guide you through a selection of the best bars and pubs in Krakow, that’s of course after an hour of unlimited drinks to get you set for an unforgettable night. Check out our offers!
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