Krakow Pub Crawl

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Krakow Night Life

Krakow, a city known for its rich history and vibrant culture, had me hooked from the moment I arrived. But what truly set it apart from all the other countries I'd previously visited was its nightlife. Settling into Let’s Rock Hostel was like diving headfirst into a never-ending party. From my favorite clubs to unforgettable friendships my Krakow journey was just beginning.

Club Recommendations

Krakow’s nightlife is something else, lads. After settling into Let’s Rock Hostel, I couldn’t wait to get stuck in. Prozak 2.0 quickly became my favorite. The underground club with multiple levels, different rooms offering a mix of techno, house, and hip-hop. You could get lost in this club! And the first few times I visited I really did. Every night felt like an adventure and the best part... It stays open very very late! Not surprising with the saying “Don’t forget to go home” written in neon lights on the wall.

La Bodega Del Ron was another goodie, especially if you're into Latin music. The place was alive with vibrant energy and cheap drinks. The rhythmic beats of salsa and reggaeton kept everyone moving, creating an atmosphere that was impossible to resist. The bartenders were friendly, always ready with a recommendation for a new drink to try.

And let’s not forget Let’s Sing, the hostel's karaoke spot. It was always packed with enthusiastic singers, and belting out "Make A Man Out Of You" from Mulan (despite my terrible singing voice) became a highlight of my nights. The karaoke nights often turned into impromptu dance parties, with everyone joining in the fun. The camaraderie among the hostel guests was infectious, making every night memorable.

Party Etiquette

Navigating Krakow’s nightlife has its own set of rules. Here are a few tips I picked up along the way:

• Pace Yourself: Polish vodka is strong. Take it slow because when it hits you don’t want to be 10 shots down before you feel it. Even if you’re not mixing drinks this can still end a night out.

• Respect the Locals: Always be polite and mindful of the locals. A little respect goes a long way. Just remember you’re a guest in their country.

• Bouncers: Polish bouncers are not your friends, don’t talk to them. And I mean that with sincerity. They are there to keep order which normally means kicking out drunk tourists.

• Stay with the Group: Especially during pub crawls, sticking with your group ensures you don’t get lost. In saying that it is quite hard to lose the pub crawl as they have an umbrella to follow and many guides who walk around letting you know how long you have in each club and the timing for leaving.

• Mind Your Belongings: Like any city, keep an eye on your stuff to avoid losing anything valuable. Pickpocketing can be an issue, especially in crowded places.

• Drugs: Drugs are very illegal in Krakow and will get you into a lot of trouble with the local police. Best not to put yourself through that kind of risk. The penalties are severe, and it's simply not worth the trouble.

New Job and New Friends

Life took an interesting turn when I started working at Let’s Rock Hostel. The job was a blast, helping run nightly events and occasionally meaning the reception desk. It was a fantastic way to meet people from all over the world. Plus, I got to see how to keep the party going strong behind the scenes.

One of the first mates at the hostel was Jeep. He’s a proper party animal, always ready for a good time and never saying no to a drink and I mean never! Jeep’s lets say “adventurous spirit” kept us exploring new places, though I quickly learned he could drink a bit too much. His antics made every night out unpredictable and loads of fun. From drink offs, beer bongs to getting lost in the city, Jeep ensured there was never a dull moment.

Then there was Afro, a local Egyptian guy with a genuine heart of gold. Afro only partied on weekends—no exceptions. He claimed it was due to work, but we all knew there was more to it. Regardless, he stuck to that rule, and no amount of persuasion could change his mind.

In saying all that one night, because he was sober, Afro saved me from a Polish bouncer who misunderstood a situation. This taught me it's best not to engage with them unnecessarily. I tried to give the bouncer a friendly dab up and called him "bro," but it backfired, and I was about to be thrown out. Fortunately, Afro's calm and collected nature prevailed, and the bouncer let me leave on my feet with my dignity intact.

Afro's steady demeanor balanced out Jeep's wild side, and I knew I had made solid friends. His level-headedness was a comforting presence, always there to keep the peace and ensure everyone had a good time without going overboard.

 

The Statue Incident

One night, Jeep's wild side led to one of the most memorable (and nerve-wracking) experiences of my time in Krakow. After a particularly lively pub crawl, we found ourselves in the main square, right by the famous Adam Mickiewicz monument. In his inebriated state, Jeep decided it would be a brilliant idea to climb the statue.

He was halfway up, shouting triumphantly, when the local police spotted us. Panic set in as we saw them approach, knowing full well that Jeep’s antics could land us in serious trouble. We quickly tried to coax him down, but the police reached us before we could succeed.

Afro, with his calm demeanor, stepped forward to speak to the officers. He explained the situation, emphasizing that Jeep meant no harm and was just a bit too enthusiastic after a night out. I chimed in, using my limited Polish to express our apologies and promise it wouldn’t happen again.

After what felt like an eternity, the officers finally relented, giving us a stern warning instead of hauling us off to the station. We helped Jeep down from the statue, promising the police we’d get him back to the hostel without any more trouble. It was a close call, but it brought our little group even closer together.

Romantic Interest

Working at the hostel also brought a pleasant surprise. I met Kasia, a receptionist with a charming smile and a laugh that could light up a room. We often exchanged travel stories during breaks, and I found myself looking forward to seeing her every day. The language barrier and cultural differences were a challenge, but with each passing day, I grew more confident in my Polish, thanks to her patient teaching. Our connection grew stronger with each conversation, and I found myself eagerly anticipating the moments we could spend together, whether it was sharing a quick coffee or exploring the city during our days off.

More Polish Words

Learning Polish became a fun part of my daily routine. Here are a few more phrases that came in handy:

• Dziękuję - Thank you

• Przepraszam - Sorry

• Kocham cię - I love you (not used yet, but good to know!)

• Jak się masz? - How are you?

• Gdzie jest...? - Where is...?

Each new word I learned felt like a small victory, and using them in conversations with Kasia and the locals made me feel more connected to the culture and the city. The locals appreciated my efforts, often smiling and encouraging me to continue learning.

Anticipation for What’s Next

With each night out, my love for Krakow’s nightlife grew stronger. The city had a rhythm that was impossible to resist. I looked forward to more adventures, more friendships, and perhaps more Kasia. Krakow had become more than just a city to me; it was a place where I felt alive and truly myself. The experiences and connections I was making were shaping my journey in unexpected and wonderful ways.

Stay tuned for Blog 4, where I explore Krakow’s hidden gems, day trips, and more culinary delights! There’s so much more to discover in this incredible city, and I can’t wait to share it all with you.