Your city guide to Krakow Poland
My new hometown of Krakow, Poland, is known for its charming medieval squares and charming Renaissance churches. But it also has great old-school nightlife; places to party range from communist hangouts to geeky vintage spots. So here’s my guide to the various kinds of really retro and really cool nights out in the city, and where to find them.
Post-communist
Propaganda
Antique shop or communist dump? There’s absolutely no scarcity of socialist memorabilia, from hacked Lenin posters to vintage bicycles, at this pub. I love spending time here just looking at the bric-a-brac. When you are testing their own labeled beers, it is a good time to consider whether or not they’re a celebration or a parody of the past.
Pijalnia Wódki i Piwa
Calling all vodka fans! This take on the traditional vodka lounge offers a complete menu dedicated to the timeless drink. I suggest Mad Dogs (or two); a shot with homemade raspberry syrup and tabasco may sound ‘uncommon’, but one sip will have you fully hooked. In the Pijalnia drink in hand, you can then admire the 70s commercials on the walls and old movies on the black and white TV.
Milk Bars
For an unforgettable slice of socialist life, let’s grab lunch at one of Krakow’s dairy bars. Once a workers’ canteen serving government-subsidized meals, they now offer comfort food classics ranging from steaming bowls of beetroot soup to mountains of potato pancakes topped with mushrooms. For more of the best deals in town, check it out Everytap app which is designed to help tourists find the coolest and most affordable places in numerous cities in Poland. Dig!
Spolem Club
Go underground – literally – to this bustling basement club. Whether you hit the dance floor for ’60s swing or join me for some ’80s cheese karaoke, there’s something from all eras and for all musical preferences. To complete the picture, the DJ booth is a retro adapted van that will take you back in time.
Jewish district
Mannequin
Inspired by traditional tailoring workshops, this trendy cafe is the special place for any fashionista to enjoy an espresso or a glass of wine. Beautifully dressed up, with accessories ranging from mannequins to dressing room style curtains. I love to peek out the window and watch the twinkling lights appear as day draws near.
Singer
Table dancing is served with a twist at this super fashionable hangout. Here, an antique Singer stitching machine is converted into an unusual bar table, and as the joints fill up, I find that the only room left to spin lively Latin beats is directly above it. It gives a whole new meaning and it is going to be an interesting addition for you Cracow holidays!
Eszeweria
When I want to take a break from the hectic city streets, I stop by Eszeweria, a really relaxed cafe/shelter. Incense burning? Yes. Flashing candle? Of course. Hammock draped outside? Of course. Sit back with your rich hot chocolate and take in the unique vibes.
There is not any
The green fairy must be waving her wand over this Belle Époque-style bar; from the ceremonial absinthe spoon to the big mirror, I’ve at all times found the atmosphere here to be virtually as intoxicating as the delicious absinthe. And with 20 varieties, plus a large selection of cocktails, to sample, you will soon be blown away, too.
Alchemy
Amazing mixture of cultural events and live music, from experimental acts to blues, is what brought me back to this club. You can even walk through the enormous wardrobe doors (into the smoking room) for a real Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe moment. So what are you waiting for?
Retro regeneration
Mleczarnia
Mleczarnia might just be the best beer garden; I relax with a cold drink under the shade of a courtyard tree on a hot summer’s night. And if the scene is familiar, you’d be right — Spielberg filmed key Schindler’s List moments here. Don’t forget your own camera!
Stara Zajezdnia
You will definitely reach your destination when you arrive at this former tram terminal. I got together with friends to watch live sports on the big screen at the UNESCO listed site (next to Old Town of Krakow); and, since it is also a microbrewery, it would be wrong to pass up the apple and honey beer to celebrate your team’s win.
Barka
All aboard this beautiful 19th century barge! Meticulously updated with every 21st-century glamour, I’m often tempted to sip decadent cocktails on the deck or venture into the cabin for one of their acclaimed electronic DJ nights; it gives off the impression of being an irresistible entrance into high society, so all wannabe-IT girls need look no further.
Przestrzenie forum
An abandoned Soviet era hotels it may not look like a classic tropical paradise; I actually appreciate grabbing a beach chair and feeling the sand between my toes here on a balmy night. As an added bonus, you will be amazed by the spectacular view of the river to Wawel castle at sunset.
Retro geeks
Bar Lindo
Proudly waving the rainbow flag from behind is colourful and brightly lit stem, it’s probably the most fun and gay friendly places in Krakow. Their smoothie – brightened with cheers – is one of my favourite starts to a memorable night on the tiles. Dance floor, here we come…
Harris Piano Jazz
If you want an incredible night of jazz, look no further Harris Bars. I pop in for the weekly jam session but most nights there’s at all times something. Will it be easy listening or blues? It’s really worth finding out. See the musician dolls as you join the crowd in the intimate concert hall.
Cybermachina
It’s a game in Cybermachina; even the glass block blades in this game-themed pub are straight out of Mario Bros. Whether you like epic Xbox battles or nostalgic games of Scrabble, you will have a blast with this virtual reality visit. Like the others prices in Cracow it is very affordable.
Herring Embassy
OK, I know that pickled herring is an acquired taste; this particular herring blade (yes, that’s true) is not in fact as fishy as it sounds. This not only offers herring with dill, sour cream or mustard but also lets you wash it down with lots of vodka. Brilliantly unique or plain strange? Either way, that’s kind of my catch of the day.
