The best bars in Krakow are in Kazimierz, the old Jewish quarter, where Alchemia, Singer, Hevre and Propaganda sit a few minutes’ walk apart. Add the craft beer bars around the Main Square, the Forum Panorama rooftop bar for the view over Wawel Castle, and Barka on the river in summer, and you’ve got a week of nights out. A pint is still cheap by European standards: about 18 zł (around €4) for half a litre of draught beer in October 2026.
We checked every bar on this list in October 2026, replaced the ones that have closed and took out the old 2017 prices. Krakow has more than bars, so pair this with our list of things to do in Krakow and our Krakow first-timer’s guide.
Krakow favors the gloomy but gorgeous basement bars. The slightly spooky, shabby-chic establishments adored by locals and travelers alike. Think deep reds, dark wood furnishings and fascinatingly beautiful creeping green foliage.
Follow this guide to the best bars in Krakow and party like a local in this postcard perfect Medieval city. We guarantee you’ll have a Kracking good time!
Where to drink in Krakow
Krakow’s nightlife sits in three areas, all walkable from each other:
- Kazimierz is the bar district. Around Plac Nowy and the streets of Józefa, Estery and Miodowa you’ll find Alchemia, Singer, Hevre, Eszeweria, Propaganda and Strefa Piwa within a few minutes of each other.
- The Old Town (Stare Miasto) has the cellar bars, craft beer bars like Multi Qlti and House of Beer, and the cocktail bars. It’s busier and usually pricier.
- The river and Podgórze take over in summer, with Barka and the bars along the boulevards.
For more ideas that cost nothing between nights out, see our list of free things to do in Krakow.
1 Singer
Spooky chic! 📸 @beaupapercompany
The slightly rusty and dusty vibe of Singer cafe gives a real sense of what prewar Krakow might have looked like. The place is in the heart of the hipster district Kazimierz and was named after the iconic Singer sewing machines, which have been transformed into tables. The granny-chic patterned wall paper, heavy antique furniture and old paintings create a somewhat spooky atmosphere. Although haunted by its own legend, the small Singer space still remains a popular hangout among both locals and expats. Towards the end of the night, people start to dance on those old sewing tables, or sew they say!
Address: Estery 20, Kazimierz
2 Ursa Maior
Concept Store and Pub 📸@kallamigvadduvill
The rather minimalist interior of Ursa Maior with it’s wholesome, folky vibe is pretty refreshing after visiting many of the vintage-esque hipster bars Krakow has to offer. Ursa Maior is all about craft beers from their microbrewery in the Bieszczady Mountains. You’ll find a fantastic selection of craft beers from Belgian style, smoked and even IPAs. With the really friendly staff always up for a chat, you can easily while away an afternoon at Ursa Maior sampling beers and swapping stories.
Address: Plac Wolnica 10
3 Pijalnia Wódki i Piwa
A favorite chain for many Poles, Pijalnia Wodka i Piwa is an old-school bar influenced by Poland’s socialist movement. You won’t find doting waiters or a fancy interior, but if you’re after a cheap round of drinks, Pijalnia is the place for you. Flavored vodkas and beer are among the cheapest in the centre, so people always end up staying for more than one. It’s a good idea to accompany your shots with a typical Polish snack like salted herring or steak tartare, to avoid things getting a little too messy! Pijalnia is the perfect pit stop to rev up an evening or a great place to grab a night cap.
Address: Świętego Jana 5
4 Forum Panorama rooftop bar
The Hotel Forum, a huge communist-era block on the Wisła river, was home for years to Forum Przestrzenie, the city beach with deckchairs, which closed in 2024. The building has been listed as a historic monument since October 2025, and at the very top the rooftop bar Forum Panorama has reopened: a restaurant and cocktail bar reached by a glass lift on the outside of the building. From the balconies you look straight at Wawel Castle and the Old Town, so book if you want a window seat. It opens from midday to 10pm. It isn’t cheap, but there’s no better rooftop bar in Krakow for sunset behind the castle.
Address: Marii Konopnickiej 28
5 Alchemia
The entrance to Narnia! 📸 @freakymafiabanana
Alchemia has earned its reputation as a legendary venue in the bustling Jewish quarter of Kazimierz, also home to Oskar Schindler’s factory. Alchemia is a kingdom of shabby vintage décor and decadent atmosphere. Expect four different candle-lit spaces combined into one super cool venue, music events, cultural nights, and a fab selection of drinks. Check out their gig calendar where you can find a concert for every type of music lover, Alchemia is a staple in Krakow nightlife!
Address: Estery 5
6 House of Beer
? 200 bottles of beer on the wall, 200 bottles of beer… ? 📸 @dutchbeerlove86
A true boozy paradise for any beer fanatic! Choose from over 200 bottled beers and 12 on tap, with prices to suit every budget. The perfect chance to taste some Eastern European tipples from Lithuania, Czech Republic, Ukraine and of course Poland. Poland has been experiencing a huge craft beer renaissance over the last couple of years, resulting in a bunch of microbreweries and cool craft beer bars popping up all over the city. House of beer is easily one of the best bars in Krakow, so hop to it!
Address: Świętego Tomasza 35
7 Eszewieria
Eszewiera is atmospheric, to say the least. It’s magical and cozy with twinkly fairy-lights and plush armchairs welcoming you in. This little café bar in the center of the oh-so-trendy Kazimierz district ticks all the boxes. Although Eszeweria follows the quirky ramshackle style of old Krakow, it still manages to boast it’s own unique romantic vibe and has a truly lovely garden in the back. All craft beers are very reasonably priced, don’t miss their signature lemon vodka for a sour sweet hit. While you’re in Józefa Street you might want to check out the local art galleries and antique stores, as well as the High Synagogue. A must see for any Krakow visitor.
Address: Józefa 9
8 Multi Qlti
I’ll take two please! 📸 @pureise
This quirky tap bar is just off Krakow’s gorgeous Main Square. If you’re looking for a cheap afternoon, walk around the stunning Main Square before heading over to Multi Qlti for some cold ones (with the lads). You can order different serving sizes starting at 150ml, so if you’re an indecisive beer nut, you can try them all without breaking the bank!
Address: Szewska 21
9 Klub Re
Lovely little garden 📸 @ak.alicja89
Although it’s right in the center of Krakow, this edgy basement bar is not so easy to find! Maybe that’s why it remains so popular among local students and hipsters who bring a chilled authentic vibe to it. Many students decide to study in Krakow not just because of its prestigious university, but rather to enjoy the city’s varied student life and young energy. During the warm months you can sit outside in a vast beer garden with a glass of Hungarian wine, cider or a beer. As soon as it gets dark, chances are that the downstairs space will fill up with a lively crowd waiting for an alternative music concert. Time to boogie!
Address: Św. Krzyża 4
10 Absynt
Gettin’ hot in here ? 📸 @stevie_b_a_r_r_e_t_t
Stepping into Absynt feels like stepping into your whimsical and, well, slightly loopy aunt’s living room. Instead of cups of tea, expect goblets of smoking cocktails. Absynt bar is another timeless bar in Kazimierz and one of the best bars in Krakow. Living up to its name, this bohemian nightlife venue offers absinthe from old-school apparatus, with an intriguing palette of colors. You can be sure to find drinks here that you’ve never tried before, like a burning shot by the name of Hemingway. We’re sure you’ll love this quirky bar, and you know what they say… absinthe makes the heart grow stronger!
Address: Miodowa 28
11 Hevre
Hevre comes from the team behind Alchemia. It’s set in a 19th-century Jewish prayer house in Kazimierz that was badly damaged in the Second World War, and you can still see traces of frescoes on the peeling walls and the gallery where women once sat. Downstairs there’s breakfast, food with Jewish and Galician influences, cocktails and unpasteurised Pilsner Urquell straight from the tank, which In Your Pocket says you won’t find anywhere else in Krakow. DJs play in the main room at weekends, and upstairs hosts exhibitions and club nights. It opens daily from 10am to midnight, and to 1am on Fridays and Saturdays. (U Romana, which used to be in this spot on our list, has closed: the rooftop above the Music Academy is now a canteen for students and staff only.)
Address: Meiselsa 18, Kazimierz
12 Barka
Rustic riverside vibes ? 📸@spasskova
Barka means barge, and that’s exactly what this charming little boat bar docked at the Wisła River is! Barka is one of those places you stumble across without even knowing it existed, but you’ll be happy you did. Located right next to the Lovers’ Bridge, Barka is a pleasant open-air hangout, open mainly in the season from May to September. In the evening the deck turns into a dance floor, so hold on, dear passengers! This is one boozy cruise!
Address: Podgórska 16, Bulwar Kurlandzki
13 Propaganda
Shabby chic realness 📸@bannaners
Probably one of the oldest and most characteristic pubs in the Kazimierz district, Propaganda is full of memories for the Poles who grew up in the era of the Poland People’s Republic (PRL) before the fall of the Berlin Wall. Propaganda showcases history as well as poking fun at the absurdity of the communist times. Just have a look at the peculiar regime slogans on the walls and chat to the locals for help understanding the translations. Propaganda is wonderful, and the prices even more so!
Address: Miodowa 20
14 Cybermachina
Neon playground 📸@maddy_lev
Any Mario Kart or Zelda fans here? Cybermachina is a retro video games sanctuary where you can play the games of your childhood on Nintendo, Xbox 360/One or PlayStation consoles. Not exactly what you would expect from a medieval city! You can just grab a beer and give a vintage arcade machine a try. If you’re not exactly an avid gamer don’t worry – we got you covered! Board games usually win over even the skeptical, and Cybermachina has a huge selection. If you want to geek-gasm even harder then check out the super cool and super nerdy game themed cocktails… Pika Pika Lemonade anyone?
Address: Stolarska 11
15 Piękny Pies
Find me in the Klub 📸@aleksandrarosikk
Carefully following Krakow’s recipe for a perfect bar, Pies is a little seedy, cheap, has several rooms on the ground floor and a cellar below, and stays open late (until 5am on Fridays and Saturdays). Indie, new wave and electro play during the week, with gigs and DJs at weekends. The bar has moved a few times and is now in Kazimierz on Plac Wolnica. There is no doubt that it’s a Krakow classic and all you marathon party people can find heaven here!
Address: Plac Wolnica 9, Kazimierz
16 Czarna Owca Wino Bar
Poland isn’t the first country that comes to mind when you think of wine, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on your favourite tipple in Krakow. Czarna Owca (the Black Sheep) is a small boho-style wine bar in Kazimierz, right by the Galicia Jewish Museum. It pours wines from around the world by the glass or bottle, with tapas and free water, and the team will let you taste a few before you choose. There are tables outside in good weather, and it opens daily from 4pm to 1am. (Winoman, which used to be in this spot on our list, has closed its bar on Bracka Street.)
Address: Dajwór 20, Kazimierz
17 Mercy Brown Dive Bar
Creative cocktails 📸 @davreynolds
If you feel like experiencing a little sophistication then the chic Mercy Brown cocktail bar might be the twisted mix you need. Mercy Brown offers cocktail classics, as well as the staff’s experimental drinks with a Polish twist! All in a stylish art-deco interior with swing and jazz rhythms in the background. It’s pricier than the pubs on this list, but the experience makes up for it! It might be a good idea to reserve a table beforehand as Mercy Brown’s gets busy fast.
Address: Floriana Straszewskiego 28
18 Wódka Café Bar
Which flavors would you pick?! 📸 @sav_j
This small cellar bar is famous for its long tasting trays with 6 different flavored vodkas for you to enjoy, or… force down! Play it safe with the classics, and go for lemon, raspberry, and quince, or spice things up a bit with ginger or chili chocolate!
Address: Mikołajska 5
19 Strefa Piwa
Beer, glorious beer 📸 @wojto19a
Józefa Street is a total winner amongst Krakow’s student population, and Strefa Piwa with its pleasant cellar is one of the best bars in Krakow. You can choose from 18 quality craft beers and cheap snacks. There are some scarce samples from tiny breweries here that are hard to find elsewhere in Krakow. If you’re a traveling football freak, Strefa will shelter you and support your addiction by screening important matches on the TVs. Goooaaaal!
Address: Józefa 6
20 CK Browar
Krakow, you have a lil’ pizza my heart! 📸 @camposeffect
If you’re not a fan of bar hopping and like to spend hours at a time relaxing in the same pub, then CK Browar is the place for you. This basement bar is connected to a restaurant and serves six different types of beer from their own microbrewery at very fair prices. If you’re going out in a group and feel confident about your drinking capacity, order a cool 3.30l or an impressive 5l beer pipe and pour your own glasses. The wooden tables and chairs and Tiffany-style lamps, together with antique beer memorabilia and bare-brick walls create a classic décor. The atmosphere gets really buzzing in the evening so prepare to party!
Address: Podwale 6-7
How much is a beer in Krakow?
In October 2026, half a litre of Polish draught beer in Krakow’s bars and restaurants cost 18 zł on average (usually 15 to 24 zł), and a half-litre bottle in a supermarket about 4.71 zł, according to Numbeo. Expect to pay more on the Main Square, so for cheap rounds head to shot bars like Pijalnia or the pubs in Kazimierz. Krakow still ranks among the cheap destinations in Europe.
Staying safe on a night out in Krakow
Krakow’s bar districts are lively and full of people at night, but there’s one well-known scam: strangers, often two women, approach tourists late in the evening and steer them to a particular bar or club, where a huge bill is waiting. The US Embassy in Poland has warned about drink spiking and inflated card payments in nightclubs. Don’t follow people who invite you to a bar on the street, ask for the price list before you order, never leave your drink unattended and check every card payment before you enter your PIN. Take an app taxi rather than a street cab at night.
The easiest way to find people to go out with is through your hostel. In the Hostelworld app you can join Linkups such as pub crawls and group dinners from 14 days before check-in, and chat with travellers from other hostels in Krakow in the City Chats. If you haven’t booked yet, the Social Pass opens the chats anyway. For gigs and markets, check the Krakow Events page. And if you’re planning more nights out, here are the best party cities in Europe.
Hostels in Krakow near the bars
Kazimierz and the Old Town have almost every bar on this list, so sleep in one of the two. Browse all hostels in Krakow, plan the trip with our Krakow city breaks and Krakow travel guides, or start with these:
About the author: Paula is usually torn between always having something to read and keeping her backpack light. Traveling and frequently changing environments has become her lifestyle, and currently her home is in Poland. She gets especially excited about tasty food, broad landscapes and inspiring people. Fascinated with remembering places through feelings and flavors.
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