Kraków is a university town, which sets the tone for a lively nightlife, further fuelled by the introduction of tourist bar crawls. Don't let that put you off though, this city has plenty of easy-to-find, off-the-radar drinking spots, where you can savour a range of vodkas or the burgeoning craft beer scene. In fact, there are allegedly more bars per capita here than anywhere else in Europe.
Don’t miss the jazz bars, which became popular in Poland in the Twenties and Thirties but forbidden by the communists after WWII, as being 'alien to the working class'. Only in 1956 were they allowed again. For more Krakow inspiration, see our guides to the best hotels , restaurants and things to do .
Perched on the 6th floor of the Hotel Stary, the Sky Bar offers wonderful views onto the Cloth Hall in the main market square and St. Mary’s Basilica. It is also great for cocktails and mocktails; try their grapefruit daiquiri.
Snacks are also available from healthy home-made pickles such as chard, radish and cucumber to breaded shrimps with French fries and mayonnaise. Amidst the buzzy bar scene of the city, this is somewhere to savour a drink, with a view, in peace. Contact: stary.
hotel.com.pl Price: ££ Getting in: walk-ins welcome An absolute pillar of the jazz scene in Kraków, Harris Piano Jazz Bar has been pulling the crowds in since it arrived in 1997 with its jam sessions.
Most days of the week are dedicated to something different from blues and rock ‘n’ roll on Fridays .
