Imagine a city so alive at night that its energy seems to spill out into the streets – That’s Krakow for you, and in this guide, we’ll go through the best things to do in Krakow at night.
While you’ll spend the day exploring the cultural attractions in the city, Krakow at night has plenty of activities and entertainment options to enjoy until the morning hours.
From pub crawls to live music, there is something for everyone in Krakow city after dark, and I’m confident you’ll have an amazing time. So put on your best party shoes and get ready to experience Krakow like never before!
10 Things to Do in Krakow at Night
If you’re looking for things to do in Krakow at night, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve put together a list of some of the best bars, pubs, and clubs in the city, so you can enjoy an evening out in style. So read on for our recommendations, and be prepared for a long night ahead!
Discover the Main Square at Night
Krakow’s old town’s Main Square is a charming destination during the day, but even more so by night for its gorgeous facade, illuminated churches, and Wawel castle rising up in the distance.
You might have already seen the cloth hall in the square when you visit Krakow during the day. But, as one of the city’s main attractions, it’s a great stop at night.
That’s right, the square comes out alive at night with people ready for a party and enjoy food trucks all around, as amazing as it gets! Plus, seeing the old town with fewer tourists is always a nice touch.
You can expect a lively atmosphere and wide range of nightlife entertainment to enjoy, including traditional Polish folk music concerts or less mainstream, modern dance tunes.
Make sure to check St. Mary’s Basilica and Town Hall light up at night. There are plenty of bars to hang out at, and I’ll elaborate here below.
Go on a Pub Crawl
Krakow’s nightlife offers plenty for pub crawlers, with bars all around where you can have a drink and enjoy the night. And a pub crawl is definitely in order!
First, get started at one of the many local bars/nightclubs, then head over to your tour guide’s favourite bars. Of course, they’re a lot of fun and the reasonable prices are great for everyone!
What I particularly like about taking a pub crawl in the old town is that drinks are unlimited and a photographer will be there to capture all the fun moments – How cool is that? Make sure to book this night tour now because they always sell out.
Enjoy an Authentic Polish Folk Show
Get right out of Krakow’s old town and enjoy an authentic Polish folk show with delicious, traditional Polish food in a stunning wooden lodge. You’ll experience the vibrant atmosphere while learning about the culture.
Jump on a double-decker bus that will take you through picturesque parts of Krakow on the way to the restaurant. And once you get there, you’ll have cherry Vodka waiting for you, as well as a 3-course meal made exclusively of Polish delicacies and a warm buffet.
And to make sure you enjoy the show with dancers and musicians in traditional Polish costumes, unlimited drinks, beer, and wine are provided! What else do you need to enjoy the night in Krakow?
Alternatively, if you’re really against leaving Krakow for 3 hours, why not enjoy the same show at Jama Michalika Café, the oldest restaurant in the city?
With such amazing traditional Polish cuisine and an excellent show, you definitely won’t regret it!
Relax at the Chocholow Thermal Baths
Forget the nightclubs – After a long day of exploring the town, the perfect way to relax is a visit to the Chocholow Thermal Baths.
The good news is that these fabulous baths are open until 10 pm (11 pm on the weekend), so you can really take your time swimming under the stars.
They are a great cure for homesickness if you have been looking for one. The water temperature is a perfect 37 degrees Celsius, and the views of the surrounding mountains are simply breathtaking.
If a sauna or a cold bath is your style, Chocholow Thermal Baths offers a sauna and jacuzzi. A must-go after a day out in Poland.
Have Fun at the Krakow Pinball Museum
For a small break between dinner and the next Vodka bar on the list, the Krakow Pinball Museum is another of the best things to do at night in Krakow, and it’s a nice break from the great clubs in town.
Located only 15 minutes from the Main Square, it is a museum dedicated to arcade games and pinball machines.
For only 40PLN (about $8), you’ll get to spend 1 hour playing non-stop to all your favorite games. Not enough? Play all night long until closure for only $12!
And for cold winter nights, you won’t even need to leave the place as there’s a bar for adults, letting you enjoy great drinks right in the old town. It’s overall one of the best bars in Krakow you must consider.
Go on an Evening Cruise on the Vistula River
As the sun sets over Krakow, the city comes alive with new energy, and what better way to see Krakow old town transform than aboard an evening cruise on the Vistula River?
Enjoy the view of Warsaw and its brightly illuminated skyline during a cruise. Listen to live, stylish, peaceful music with a charming background to the fantastic view of the castle and Main Market Square while sipping on a drink.
As the boat trip makes its way down the river, you’ll get a unique perspective of some of Krakow’s most famous landmarks, including the home of Pope John Paul II, the Town Hall Tower, and the city center from the Vistula River.
In short, this is one of the best activities in Krakow at night that you can’t skip, and you’ll easily understand why as soon as you step on board!
See a Chopin Piano Recital
Calling all the classical music lovers, a Chopin piano recital is one of the best things to do in Krakow at night. The city is home to the famed composer’s birthplace and museum, making it the perfect place to hear his work performed.
The recital takes place in the evening, starting at 7.30 pm, so it’s an excellent opportunity after or before dinner. Listen to Chopin’s classics, from Nocturnes to Waltzes and much more.
All in all, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the culture of this historic city. So be sure to add a Chopin piano recital in Krakow to your must-see list before leaving.
Enjoy Krakow Nightlife at the Jewish Quarter
Krakow’s Jewish quarter has a few tricks up its sleeve as well. If you want something other than a night in the club, try your luck on the streets of the Jewish district.
In fact, you’ll find a more artistic take on the best pubs and bars in Krakow, places that are smaller but cozier. For instance, Starka is a must-visit restaurant in the Jewish quarter and has great food and a massive Vodka menu to start the night.
After that, head over to Eszeweria, a bar with a beer garden where you can enjoy summer nights outside while taking in Krakow’s history.
On top of that, the Jewish district won’t be as loud as Krakow old city but just as vibrant and full of people and most bars close late, which is a bonus.
Needless to say, it’s a great place for a romantic date in Krakow too, so don’t forget to take a walk along the Vistula River before going back!
Go Party at Klub Alternatywy (Best Things to Do At Night in Krakow)
If relaxation or karaoke bars isn’t your plan for the night, then there’s no better plan than dancing the night away at Klub Alternatywy, one of the best night clubs Krakow offers.
In such a student city like Krakow, you would expect to have only young adults here, but you’ll be surprised to see all the different age ranges!
Nestled only 2 minutes from Mary’s Church and Market Square, they’re open every day except for Mondays, and they close at 2.00 am during the week and 5.00 am on the weekend.
A slightly smaller space makes for a more intimate setting, leaving you becoming friends with people all around you just after a few minutes. The night immediately turns even better for that reason, so check it out, one of the best clubs in Krakow!
Play and Drink at Cybermachina Game Pub
If dancing is not really your thing, check out Cybermachina – a bar created specifically for gamers. In fact, in the middle of Pacman and Mario figurines, you’ll find like-minded people playing games all night, creating a unique atmosphere if that’s your thing.
Make your way through rows of arcade machines, join a table looking for another player, or watch a Mario Kart tournament. Moreover, take a controller and try your luck against the best of the best.
Cybermachina feels like a big gathering of friends coming out to have a fun evening. It’s certainly one of the best things to do at night in Krakow for gamers or the ones looking for something different.
If you’re on the hunt for something more unique, this is a great option when it comes to Krakow Poland nightlife.
More Poland Travel Guides
- 15 Unique Things to Do in Krakow
- 15 Incredible Things to Do in Poland
- How to Get to Treblinka From Warsaw
- Best Things to Do in Old Town Warsaw
- Best Auschwitz Tours From Everywhere in Poland
Conclusion: Nightlife in Krakow
Visiting Krakow wouldn’t be complete without a night out. Enjoying the night time while traveling around Poland is simply a must, with endless fun activities.
As soon as the sun goes down, the whole city illuminates and Poland at night come alive. Get ready to discover how much Polish people like to party.
Krakow has a lot to offer for nightlife. Many bars, clubs, and restaurants will keep you busy throughout the night. If you are looking for something specific, such as live music or dancing, or even board games, there are also options available.
No matter what your preference is, Krakow has something for everyone to enjoy during the night hours, and you’ll love discovering the best places in town!
