Top 4 Bars & Entertainment Spots in Krakow

Written by Chloe Davies, Ian Walker

06/09/2025

Daytime view of St. Mary's Basilica in Krakow's Main Market Square, under clear blue skies. — Mateusz Feliksik, Pexels

Krakow's drinking scene is vibrant and diverse, offering everything from atmospheric cellar bars to lively riverside venues, largely concentrated within the historic Old Town and the bohemian Kazimierz district.

Entertainment and Music:

Krakow's music and entertainment scene is notably vibrant, especially within the historic Kazimierz district, offering a rich tapestry of live performances.

The city is renowned for its thriving jazz clubs, with venues like Harris Piano Jazz Bar offering nightly performances in an intimate setting. For a more eclectic and bohemian atmosphere, Alchemia in Kazimierz hosts various live music acts in its distinctive candle-lit cellar.

1. Alchemia

Type: Bohemian Bar / Live Music Venue

Alchemia, a true Kazimierz institution, exudes a unique old-world charm. By day, it operates as a bohemian café, transforming into a candlelit bar at night. With its antique furnishings, sepia lighting, and often live jazz in its basement, it offers an evocative and relaxed atmosphere for conversation and drinks.

Getting There: Located at Estery 5 in the Kazimierz district, it is easily walkable from Krakow's Main Market Square, approximately a 15-20 minute stroll. Taxis are also readily available.

2. Mercy Brown Dive Bar

Type: Speakeasy Cocktail Bar

Hidden away in a basement, Mercy Brown is Krakow's first speakeasy-style bar, offering a sophisticated and vintage experience. Stepping inside reveals an elegant space with chandeliers, plush velvet seating, and dim lighting, accompanied by jazz music. The bartenders craft unique, high-quality cocktails, often incorporating unusual ingredients like vegetables and herbs.

Getting There: This venue is discreetly located in the Old Town, below Smakolyki restaurant (Plac Szczepański 3). It is within easy walking distance of the Main Market Square.

3. Wodka Bar

Type: Vodka Tasting Bar

Wodka Bar provides an authentic Polish experience, specializing in a wide array of flavored vodkas. This intimate and compact bar is perfect for sampling traditional Polish spirits, with guests often opting for tasting flights to explore various flavors, from classic to more unusual concoctions.

Getting There: Situated at Mikołajska 5 in the Old Town, it is a short walk from the Main Market Square.

4. Forum Przestrzenie

Type: Riverside Bar / Cultural Hub

Set in a former Soviet-era hotel, Forum Przestrzenie offers a spacious and contemporary setting. It features a large outdoor terrace along the Vistula River, providing views of Wawel Castle. This popular spot creates an urban beach atmosphere with lounge chairs, DJs, and live music, making it ideal for a relaxed daytime drink or a lively evening gathering, especially during warmer months.

Getting There: Located at ul. Marii Konopnickiej 28, it is a pleasant 25-30 minute walk along the river from the Old Town. Alternatively, a short taxi ride (typically costing around 20-30 PLN) or a tram (lines 18 or 22 from various stops in the city, costing around 4-6 PLN) can take you directly there.

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