Imagine a city so alive at night that its energy seems to spill out into the streets. That’s just a summary of the best things to do at night in Krakow for you.
While the daytime is spent exploring the city’s rich history and cultural attractions, the night comes alive with an abundance of activities and entertainment options.
From pub crawls to live music, there is something for everyone in Krakow city after dark. 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 old town’s Main Square is a beautiful and historic spot to explore, day or night. By day, the square is full of shoppers browsing the stalls, while by night it comes alive with drinkers and diners enjoying the many bars and restaurants that line the square.
There’s also plenty of live music to enjoy, ranging from traditional Polish folk music to more modern tunes. Of course, no visit to the Main Market Square would be complete without seeing the magnificent St. Mary’s Basilica and other amazing architecture, which is illuminated after dark.
You may have just been there in the morning, walking the old cobbled streets and appreciating the architecture. However, when the night falls, the Square transforms almost beyond recognition, and I’m confident you’ll have a great time in this magical city.
Bathed in bright neon lights, it attracts every type of crowd, revealing clubs and bars hiding in the basements of nearly every historical building.
Go on a Pub Crawl
Krakow is known for its vibrant nightlife, and a pub crawl is a perfect way to experience it. Start at one of the city’s many bars and clubs, then make your way to the next one on the list.
Keep an eye out for special events and drink specials as you go. Taking a Krakow crawl is a great way to meet new people and explore the city’s nightlife scene. And, 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?
Enjoy an Authentic Polish Folk Show
Get right out of Krakow old town and enjoy an authentic Polish folk show with delicious 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 Polish cuisine and excellent show, you definitely won’t regret it!
Relax at the Chocholow Thermal Baths
Forget about dance clubs – After a long day of exploring the whole city, there is nothing better than soaking your tired muscles in the warm waters of the Chocholow Thermal Baths.
These stunning baths are open until 10 pm and 11 pm during the weekend, so you can enjoy a leisurely evening dip under the stars. The water temperature is a perfect 37 degrees Celsius, and the views of the surrounding mountains are simply breathtaking.
Whether you want to relax in the sauna or take a dip in the Jacuzzi, the Chocholow Thermal Baths are the perfect way to unwind after a long day of adventuring.
Have Fun at Krakow Pinball Museum
For a small break between dinner and the next Vodka bar on the list, 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.
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?
With live, elegant music playing, you can enjoy the views of the illuminated Wawel Castle and Main Market Square while sipping on a glass of Polish Vodka or a drink of your choice.
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
If you’re a classical music lover, then 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. 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!
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.
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Conclusion: Nightlife in Krakow
Experiencing Krakow nightlife while traveling around Poland is simply a must, with endless fun activities.
As soon as the sun goes down, the whole city illuminates, and all things to do in Krakow 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!
