View our Blog
Follow the party
Afro
The Rhythm of the Night – Joining Let’s Rock Hostel
Krakow Night Life Krakow, a city known for its rich history and vibrant culture, had me hooked from the moment I arrived. But what truly set it apart from all the other countries I'd previously visited was its nightlife. Settling into Let’s Rock Hostel was like diving headfirst into a never-ending party. From my favorite clubs to unforgettable friendships my Krakow journey was just beginning. Club Recommendations Krakow’s nightlife is something else, lads. After settling into Let’s Rock Hostel, I couldn’t wait to get stuck in. Prozak 2.0 quickly became my favorite. The underground club with multiple levels, different rooms offering a mix of techno, house, and hip-hop. You could get lost in this club! And the first few times I visited I really did. Every night felt like an adventure and the best part... It stays open very very late! Not surprising with the saying “Don’t forget to go home” written in neon lights on the wall. La Bodega Del Ron was another goodie, especially if you're into Latin music. The place was alive with vibrant energy and cheap drinks. The rhythmic beats of salsa and reggaeton kept everyone moving, creating an atmosphere that was impossible to resist. The bartenders were friendly, always ready with a recommendation for a new drink to try. And let’s not forget Let’s Sing, the hostel's karaoke spot. It was always packed with enthusiastic singers, and belting out "Make A Man Out Of You" from Mulan (despite my terrible singing voice) became a highlight of my nights. The karaoke nights often turned into impromptu dance parties, with everyone joining in the fun. The camaraderie among the hostel guests was infectious, making every night memorable. Party Etiquette Navigating Krakow’s nightlife has its own set of rules. Here are a few tips I picked up along the way: Pace Yourself: Polish vodka is strong. Take it slow because when it hits you don’t want to be 10 shots down before you feel it. Even if you’re not mixing drinks this can still end a night out. Respect the Locals: Always be polite and mindful of the locals. A little respect goes a long way. Just remember you’re a guest in their country. Bouncers: Polish bouncers are not your friends, don’t talk to them. And I mean that with sincerity. They are there to keep order which normally means kicking out drunk tourists. Stay with the Group: Especially during pub crawls, sticking with your group ensures you don’t get lost. In saying that it is quite hard to lose the pub crawl as they have an umbrella to follow and many guides who walk around letting you know how long you have in each club and the timing for leaving. Mind Your Belongings: Like any city, keep an eye on your stuff to avoid losing anything valuable. Pickpocketing can be an issue, especially in crowded places. Drugs: Drugs are very illegal in Krakow and will get you into a lot of trouble with the local police. Best not to put yourself through that kind of risk. The penalties are severe, and it's simply not worth the trouble. New Job and New Friends Life took an interesting turn when I started working at Let’s Rock Hostel. The job was a blast, helping run nightly events and occasionally meaning the reception desk. It was a fantastic way to meet people from all over the world. Plus, I got to see how to keep the party going strong behind the scenes. One of the first mates at the hostel was Jeep. He’s a proper party animal, always ready for a good time and never saying no to a drink and I mean never! Jeep’s lets say “adventurous spirit” kept us exploring new places, though I quickly learned he could drink a bit too much. His antics made every night out unpredictable and loads of fun. From drink offs, beer bongs to getting lost in the city, Jeep ensured there was never a dull moment. Then there was Afro, a local Egyptian guy with a genuine heart of gold. Afro only partied on weekends—no exceptions. He claimed it was due to work, but we all knew there was more to it. Regardless, he stuck to that rule, and no amount of persuasion could change his mind. In saying all that one night, because he was sober, Afro saved me from a Polish bouncer who misunderstood a situation. This taught me it's best not to engage with them unnecessarily. I tried to give the bouncer a friendly dab up and called him "bro," but it backfired, and I was about to be thrown out. Fortunately, Afro's calm and collected nature prevailed, and the bouncer let me leave on my feet with my dignity intact. Afro's steady demeanor balanced out Jeep's wild side, and I knew I had made solid friends. His level-headedness was a comforting presence, always there to keep the peace and ensure everyone had a good time without going overboard. The Statue Incident One night, Jeep's wild side led to one of the most memorable (and nerve-wracking) experiences of my time in Krakow. After a particularly lively pub crawl, we found ourselves in the main square, right by the famous Adam Mickiewicz monument. In his inebriated state, Jeep decided it would be a brilliant idea to climb the statue. He was halfway up, shouting triumphantly, when the local police spotted us. Panic set in as we saw them approach, knowing full well that Jeep’s antics could land us in serious trouble. We quickly tried to coax him down, but the police reached us before we could succeed. Afro, with his calm demeanor, stepped forward to speak to the officers. He explained the situation, emphasizing that Jeep meant no harm and was just a bit too enthusiastic after a night out. I chimed in, using my limited Polish to express our apologies and promise it wouldn’t happen again. After what felt like an eternity, the officers finally relented, giving us a stern warning instead of hauling us off to the station. We helped Jeep down from the statue, promising the police we’d get him back to the hostel without any more trouble. It was a close call, but it brought our little group even closer together. Romantic Interest Working at the hostel also brought a pleasant surprise. I met Kasia, a receptionist with a charming smile and a laugh that could light up a room. We often exchanged travel stories during breaks, and I found myself looking forward to seeing her every day. The language barrier and cultural differences were a challenge, but with each passing day, I grew more confident in my Polish, thanks to her patient teaching. Our connection grew stronger with each conversation, and I found myself eagerly anticipating the moments we could spend together, whether it was sharing a quick coffee or exploring the city during our days off. More Polish Words Learning Polish became a fun part of my daily routine. Here are a few more phrases that came in handy: Dziękuję - Thank you Przepraszam - Sorry Kocham cię - I love you (not used yet, but good to know!) Jak się masz? - How are you? Gdzie jest...? - Where is...? Each new word I learned felt like a small victory, and using them in conversations with Kasia and the locals made me feel more connected to the culture and the city. The locals appreciated my efforts, often smiling and encouraging me to continue learning. Anticipation for What’s Next With each night out, my love for Krakow’s nightlife grew stronger. The city had a rhythm that was impossible to resist. I looked forward to more adventures, more friendships, and perhaps more Kasia. Krakow had become more than just a city to me; it was a place where I felt alive and truly myself. The experiences and connections I was making were shaping my journey in unexpected and wonderful ways. Stay tuned for Blog 4, where I explore Krakow’s hidden gems, day trips, and more culinary delights! There’s so much more to discover in this incredible city, and I can’t wait to share it all with you.
Read more
Afro
The First Week – Exploring Krakow’s Historic Charm
Krakow’s Old Town Exploration My first week in Krakow was full of history, culture, and fun drunken nights. During the day, I wandered through the streets of the Old Town, starting with the Main Square. As the largest medieval town square in the northern hemisphere, surrounded by historic buildings this area of krakow is very busy, full of life. The beauty of the architecture and vibrancy of the square is something I haven’t seen in many other places. One of my first stops was St. Mary’s Basilica, a stunning Gothic church with two towering spires. The basilica is steeped in history, including the legend of the brave trumpeter who saved the city from invasion by sounding the alarm. Today, firefighters honor this hero by playing the Hejnał mariacki every hour from the taller tower, a haunting melody that stops abruptly in memory of the trumpeter's fate. It’s a bit of a local concert, and I always find myself humming along, albeit off-key. Next, I ventured to Wawel Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the Vistula River. The castle is a symbol of Polish pride and history, and its grounds include the fire-breathing Wawel Dragon statue. Yep, you read that right – a dragon that breathes actual fire! And you don't have to worry about missing it. She or He shoots his or her shot every few minutes. The view of the Vistula River from the castle is simply stunning, especially at sunset, when the sky turns into a canvas of orange and pink. Krakow Cultural Immersion My cultural immersion continued with visits to the Rynek Underground Museum, where I explored the medieval history buried beneath the square, and the Schindler’s Factory, a poignant reminder of Krakow’s wartime past, having just watched the movie there were many similarities to see but also some part that were how can I say misinterpreted. Both museums are well worth a look! Local Cuisine Of course, no trip would be complete without getting stuck into the local cuisine. I gorged myself on many traditional Polish dishes at various local restaurants, my favorite being Restauracja Cechowa located on Jagiellonska street very close to the main square! From pierogi (dumplings) to zapiekanka (Polish-style pizza). Each meal was a delicious adventure in itself. Bigos being my favorite! A hearty stew of meat, filling, manly and delicious. I'm not even going to get into the sheer variety of pierogi fillings, could dedicate an entire blog to them alone! Redeeming Myself Despite my busy days, I made it a point to join the Party Animals pub crawl every night. The energy of the crawl was infectious, and it was the perfect way to meet people and experience Krakow’s nightlife, each time making new friends to explore the city with. Each night was a new adventure, and I managed to stick to Polish vodka to avoid mixing my alcohol. This tactic, combined with my trusty hangover cure, allowed me to fully enjoy each night out. At Let’s Sing, I found my karaoke song and each night belted out "Make A Man Out Of You" from Mulan. I can NOT sing but as its a well known song with a catchy tune people seemed to enjoy it! The energy in the room was contagious, and we all danced and sang our hearts out. After an hour of karaoke, we moved on to my favorite clubs: La Bodega Del Ron, Prozak 2.0, and Four Music Club. Each club had its unique vibe. Mistakes Made So far Adjusting to a new culture came with its own set of challenges. On my first visit to Żabka, a local convenience store, I mistakenly greeted an older lady with “Cześć” instead of “Dzień dobry” and didn’t address her as “Pani.” Her harsh look taught me a valuable lesson about Polish customs and respect for elders. Note to self: always use “Pan” or “Pani” for those older than you – unless you enjoy withering glares from Polish grandmothers. And mistake number two, probably a little bit more embarrassing: don’t get lured into any strip clubs in Krakow. They definitely aren’t on the level. There are a lot of promoters, and they tend to prey on drunk individuals like myself. I'll tell you the story in a later blog, don’t worry, but for now, I would rather keep my dignity. Basic Polish Words Throughout my first week, I learned a few key phrases that helped me feel more like a local: Dzień dobry - Good morning Proszę - Please Dziękuję - Thank you Przepraszam - Sorry Hangover Cure Balancing my daytime explorations with nightly pub crawls was no easy feat, but I developed a somewhat foolproof hangover cure. First drink a liter of water right before before bed. Second you must get at least six hours of sleep. Third run for 30-minutes when you wake up.. This routine helped me stay energized and ready for new adventures each day. The morning run, in particular, became my secret weapon, exactly what you need to flush out of alcohol from the night before. Anticipation for What’s Next With my first week behind me, I looked forward to the days ahead. My plans to explore Krakow, immerse myself in its culture, and continue experiencing its vibrant nightlife filled me with anticipation. Stay tuned for Blog 3, where I continue my adventures in Krakow, delve deeper into its history, and of course i'll find new and exciting ways to continue the party while for sure avoiding those pesky strip clubs!
Read more
Afro
My Krakow Adventure Begins
Introduction Who knew a $10 Ryanair ticket could lead to the adventure of a lifetime? As soon as I clicked 'purchase,' my mind was already racing with thoughts of pierogi, medieval castles, and nightlife! Little did I know, Krakow would soon become more than just a destination – it would undoubtedly steal my heart. Planning Phase The moment I confirmed my ticket, excitement and anticipation flooded my mind. I immediately began googling and planning my trip. My search quickly led me to the Krakow Party Animals’ pub crawl. The promise of Krakow’s famous nightlife and the chance to meet and party with fellow travelers made it an instant must-do on my itinerary. I also needed a place to stay, so I booked a room at Let’s Rock Hostel. Its central location and reputation for a friendly atmosphere made it the perfect base for my adventures. Plus, it had a communal kitchen, free Wi-Fi, and organized events, which I knew would be perfect for meeting new people and immersing myself in the local culture. Initial Impressions As my plane touched down at John Paul II Krakow-Balice International Airport, I felt a surge of excitement. Stepping out of the airport, I was greeted by the cool, crisp air and the sight of lush greenery surrounding the city. The Uber ride into town only cost me 8 euros! But I did quickly find out Polish drivers care little for speed regulations, so be prepared for that. Arriving at Let’s Rock Hostel, I was immediately charmed by the cobblestone streets and historic architecture. The hostel was buzzing with energy, and I knew right away that I had made the right choice. After checking in, I took a moment to relax in the common area, where I met many like-minded travelers. Accommodation Let’s Rock Hostel quickly felt like home. The staff were incredibly welcoming, and the other guests were friendly and eager to share their own travel stories. My room was cozy, with just the right amount of space to unpack and settle in. The hostel’s amenities, including a communal kitchen and free Wi-Fi, made it easy to connect with others and plan my days. Expectations With a full month ahead of me, my itinerary was packed. I wanted to explore every corner of Krakow, starting with the historical landmarks like Wawel Castle, St. Mary’s Basilica, and the Schindler’s Factory. I was also eager to dive into the local culture, with visits to the Rynek Underground Museum and sampling traditional Polish dishes at local restaurants. But tonight, my adventure truly began with the Krakow Party Animals’ pub crawl. I had read all the amazing reviews about it, and I couldn’t wait to experience the city’s nightlife for myself. The First Night Out As the evening approached, I made my way to the meeting point for the pub crawl but found out it actually started at my hostel! What luck! The group was a mix of travelers from all over the world, some from inside the hostel and some from outside, each with their own stories and reasons for being in Krakow. The guides were lively and welcoming, albeit a little crazy – the awesome kind of crazy if you get me – definitely setting the tone for the night ahead. Our first stop offered an hour of unlimited drinks. And when I say unlimited, I mean unlimited! The atmosphere was electric, with everyone quickly becoming fast friends. I started at the beer pong table and met my soon-to-be best mate, Thomas, who had previously told me he was also rather good at beer pong! So we put our joint skills to the test, winning game after game while also getting drunker and drunker. Drinking beer while simultaneously drinking whiskey and gin – I think I even had a bit of vodka – got me far too excited! We then went downstairs to Let’s Sing! A karaoke bar which would later become one of my favorite places! We were told we would be in the bar for an hour, so if we wanted to sing, we better go put our songs on the list. While waiting, we all danced to the songs sung by other guests, some great and some really not so great but all equally entertaining. By this point, however, the mixing of all the different alcohols and the fact that I was not an avid drinker decided my fate. My fate was not set to finish this pub crawl. Reflection My first night in Krakow set the tone for an unforgettable journey. The Krakow Party Animals pub crawl was more than just a tour, it was pure fun and enjoyment. Even though I didn’t finish the tour, I had more fun than I’ve had in years and I realized I had barely scratched the surface of what Krakow had to offer. In reflection, I won’t mix my alcohol and I’ll pace myself, hopefully resulting in a complete pub crawl the next time I join. Because no doubt there will be a next one! Anticipation for What’s Next With my first night out a success “haha”, I looked forward to the days ahead. My plans to explore Krakow’s historic charm, immerse myself in its culture, and continue experiencing its vibrant nightlife filled me with anticipation. Stay tuned for Blog 2, where I dive into Krakow’s historic charm, visit iconic landmarks, and continue my nightlife adventures with Krakow Party Animals – maybe getting to finish it this time!
Read more.jpg)
Mustafa
Polish Drinking Games to Elevate Your Night Out in Krakow!
Polish Drinking Games to Try in Kraków (Cultural Chaos Included) Alright, so here’s the deal: Kraków nightlife is wild, we all know that. Clubs are pumping, shots are flowing, and the vibes? Immaculate. But if you wanna spice things up with a little local flavour (and not just more vodka), it’s time to learn the ancient, chaotic art of Polish drinking games. And look, I get it. When I travel, I tend to go full-send into the party scene and kinda forget there’s, y’know, actual culture in the country. So here’s your cheat code: party and do something vaguely cultural at the same time. Let’s go. 1. Czółko (Forehead) (Polish: Chool-ko) This one's a classic, Polish or not. But the locals love it, so it counts.You write the name of a celeb, character, or random weird thing on a sticky note and slap it on your friend’s forehead (without them seeing it, obviously). Then they ask yes/no questions until they guess who they are. Wrong answers = drink. Pro tip: Don’t go too obscure unless you wanna be playing till sunrise. 2. Jedzie Pociąg z Daleka (The Train is Coming) (Polish: Yed-zie Po-tsyong z Da-leh-ka) This one’s got chaos written all over it. Everyone stands in a circle like you’re back in primary school PE class and starts singing this song that basically means “the train is coming from far away.” You make train movements (no one knows what this actually means, but everyone does it anyway), and then the song stops. The "driver" (usually whoever knows the song best...or just shouts loudest) picks someone to drink. It’s weird. It’s loud. It’s perfect. 3. Koci Łapki (Cat Paws) (Polish: Kot-si Wap-ki) You will mess this one up. Guaranteed.Everyone puts their hands in the middle, crossing over each other in a pattern, and then you all start tapping the table in sequence—left to right. If you tap out of order or hesitate? DRINK.It starts chill, then your brain collapses. Think drunken Whac-A-Mole with your hands. Great icebreaker. Terrible for your dignity. 4. Picie na Komendy (Drink on Command) (Polish: Pee-tsie nah Ko-men-de) Simon Says, but way more dangerous. One person becomes the commander (usually someone who enjoys power a little too much) and starts shouting commands—“cheers,” “stand up,” “touch your nose,” “drink,” etc. If they say it without “Komenda says” (or just scream it fast), and you mess up? Yep, you drink. This one's a good time... until the commander starts speed-running like they’re hosting a Polish version of Squid Game. 5. Ciepło-Zimno (Hot-Cold) (Polish: Tsyep-wo Zim-no) Okay, this one's kinda wholesome. It’s basically drunk hide and seek.One person hides an item (shot glass, wallet, your dignity), and the rest of the group has to find it based on whether they’re “ciepło” (warm) or “zimno” (cold).When someone finds it, they get to pick a person to drink. Honestly, this is a great way to make a game out of trying to find your phone charger in a hostel. Culture + Chaos = Kraków Night Done Right So yeah, these games are goofy, a little messy, but 100% fun, and bonus: locals actually do play them. You’ll make friends, start conversations, and probably forget how to pronounce any of these names by the end of the night. Doesn’t matter. You’re here to experience Kraków, right? So mix some culture into your club crawl. Get silly. Get a little competitive. Just maybe don’t try Koci Łapki on the dance floor. Wanna test these out with fellow chaos-lovers?Jump on our Kraków Party Animals Pub Crawl, we might just bust out “The Train is Coming” between tequila rounds.Click here to join the madness. Na zdrowie, legends.
Read more
Afro
Summer in Krakow – 5 Fun Activities for 2024
Summer in Krakow – 5 Fun Activities for 2024 As well as some great bars, clubs and nightlife, if you’re planning a trip to Krakow this summer, be sure to try out these fun activities. The city is full of lush outdoor places to explore, hang out, and soak up the vibrant, multicultural atmosphere of Krakow. Explore the city on a bike, on a boat, or on foot, wander around the city parks, or relax by a lakeside beach. Whatever you choose to do, we’re sure you’ll love your trip. Take a look at our five favourite summer activities below. Evening River Cruise With warmer and longer evenings, why not hop onto a river boat for a relaxing sightseeing cruise, where you can enjoy the sunset, and see all Krakow’s iconic landmarks from a different point of view. You’ll drift past Wawel Royal Castle, Father Bernatek’s Bridge, and more. Views will include the Old Town, and atmospheric lights, as you listen to a fascinating commentary from one of the local tour guides. This is a great thing to do on the last night of your trip, as you reflect on your highlights. City Bike Tour There are so many ways to sight see in Krakow – walking tours, open top buses – but one of our favourites is the bike tour. There are loads of cycling tour operators around the city, ranging from hour-long guided tours, to longer ones with various stopping points. You’ll be following a professional guide, so you can just focus on enjoying the views, without worrying about finding your way through a new place. You’ll admire stunning architecture, while your guide shares some interesting facts about the past and present of the city. The Ring Park One of Krakow’s most iconic public parks known as the Planty, is a large belt of green space of over 20 hectares. It’s shaded by large, old trees, and is full of fountains, flower beds, and benches. It’s a great place to enjoy a picnic with friends, or to enjoy nature while unwinding after a wild night. In the summer, it’s full of people playing outdoor games and enjoying the atmosphere. Lakeside Beaches Krakow is dotted with small lakes and reservoirs that have fresh water that’s safe to swim in. In the northern part of the city, the lakesides are well developed, and full of food vans, and the chance to hire a little sailboat or kayak. Krakow’s lakeside beaches are buzzing in the summertime, and some of them even have sand! The areas are well maintained and kept clean. Wolski Forest This stunning protective woodland space is great if you fancy a spot of adventure. With plenty of hills to climb, and around 35km of hiking trails, there are cycle paths, a hillside mansion, and even an old monastery. If you want to clear your head after a wild night out, or get a change of scene without leaving the city, this woodland is accessible by car, bus or bike. Experience the best nightlife Krakow has to offer with our amazing pub crawl, where you will be taken on an epic tour of the city’s best bars and clubs. Click here to find out more, and book your spot.
Read more
Afro
New Year’s Day in Krakow - Best Brunches for Hangovers
After a night of epic partying on New Year’s Eve, known in Poland as Sylwester, you might be feeling rough on New Year’s Day morning. Great news is, Krakow is full of cafes, breakfast bars and bakeries serving up slap-up breakfasts that will jump-start you into feeling like yourself again. Milkbars For a hearty breakfast on a budget, Krakow is famous for its abundance of milk bars, or Bar Mleczny, serving up wholesome and filling food. These cafeteria-style places offer eggs and omlettes, baked goods, and of course, milk. Here are some of our favourites: Bar Mleczny Centralny – First opened in the 1950s, this is one of the city’s most authentic milk bars. If you’re looking for something quick and filling, grab a table and join the queue! Bar Mleczny ‘Poludniowy – Located on the market square, this milk bar will give you a great meal for only a couple of euros. You can enjoy omlettes and minced meat cutlets, as well as good coffee and milk. Bar Targowy – open from 8am every morning, Bar Tagowy has a cosy feel, and welcoming staff. Serving plenty of Pierogi dumplings in lots of varieties, with plenty of coffee, this is the place to be for a great breakfast or brunch. Breakfast Bars A cooked breakfast and a steaming cup of coffee is just the thing to settle the stomach after a night out you may or may not remember! Krakow is full of quirky cafes with menus you’ll want to come back to again and again. Take a look at some of our favourites below. Gossip Café – With a cosy atmosphere and a great buzz, Gossip café provides plates of home-made omlettes in lots of variations, fry-ups, and pastries made in-house. Here, you’ll find fry-ups with all the trimmings, as well as some traditional Polish favourites that the locals will recommend. NapNap Café – This is the place to be for one of the best breakfasts in Krakow. If you’re feeling adventurous, sample breakfasts from a wide range of cuisines, from Middle Eastern Shakshuka and Mexican Huevos Rancheros, to French toast and bagel sandwiches. Whatever your taste, you’ll find something you and your hangover will love! Brunch Restaurants Wesola Café – With specialty coffee, and home-made food, Wesola is a small place with a warm atmosphere. The staff here have been developing their barista skills for years, and are here to help you get your New Year’s Day off to a cheerful start. Kolanko No.6 – With a quirky and eclectic feel, Kolanko serves up nourishing international and European cuisine. If you’ve slept in and are looking for an early lunch, they serve up well-filled sandwiches, omlettes, and other delights. Dynia – Offering a takeaway and delivery option, Dynia brings a healthy and nourishing take on traditional local breakfast and brunch cuisine. If you fancy eating in the restaurant, it has a simple and homely vibe. Looking for a fun way to party on New Year’s Eve? Experience Sylwester in Krakow, on one of our legendary bar crawls that will definitely earn you a slap-up brunch. Everything you need to know, including our online booking page can be found right here.
Read more