Krakow Pub Crawl

---

Local Festivals

Krakow’s cultural scene is vibrant and diverse, and I was lucky enough to experience some of its most exciting festivals. Wianki, the midsummer festival, was a spectacle of music, dance, and fireworks. The entire city seemed to come alive with celebrations along the Vistula River. The girls made wreaths from flowers and floated them down the river, a tradition meant to bring good fortune. I went with all the Polish lads to collect these flowers and to find a Polish girl. However, Kasia wasn’t too happy that I participated. Maybe the summer fling is over.

Traditional Practices

One of the best ways to understand a culture is through its traditions. I participated in a pierogi-making workshop, where I learned to make these delicious dumplings from scratch. However, I accidentally dropped all of mine on the ground, which didn't worry me so much as I'm pretty sure they were inedible. The instructor's dog, however, loved them. The instructor shared hers with me as I had given her doggo such a good lunch. Making pierogi gave me a hands-on understanding of Polish cuisine, its importance in local culture and it was surprisingly very fun. Click here to make your own 

Another tradition I enjoyed was the Polish toast, "Na zdrowie!" (Cheers!). It’s more than just a phrase; it’s a way to connect with people and celebrate together. I quickly adopted this tradition, and it became a regular part of our nights out, whether we were enjoying a quiet evening or participating in a lively Pub Crawl. 

We have spoken about the pub crawl so many times in other blog posts so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to you that I keep raving on and on about it. The Pub Crawls are just so much fun! Ive been on approximately 20 of them by now and because of the never ending new people I get to meet and the crazy amount of fun we have, they never get boring!I I even found a new love for a combination of beer and flavored Polish vodka called żubrówka. Shoeys, which obviously involve drinking beer from a shoe, and beer funnels, also known as beer bongs, added to the wild antics of the night. We visited several pubs and clubs, each with its unique atmosphere, from cozy traditional Polish pubs to vibrant modern clubs. The Krakow pub crawl is not just about drinking; it’s about experiencing the city's nightlife and meeting people from all over the world as I said previously. As always though running the games and still being the undefeated champion of beer pong is my personal highlight.

Interactive Experiences

Krakow offers plenty of opportunities for interactive cultural experiences. I joined a folk dance class, where I learned some traditional Polish dances. The class was full of energy, and although I'm not a very good dancer I still had a blast. Learning the dances was a fun way to connect with Polish culture and meet locals who were eager to share their traditions. Click here to Folk Dance

Friendships Formed

My circle of friends continued to grow. Jeep, Afro, and I were joined by two more fantastic people: Sasha and Mofie. Sasha was the responsible one in our group, always making sure we stayed out of trouble. But every now and then, we managed to convince him to let loose and join our antics.

Mofie, an Egyptian like Afro, loved to gamble. Despite his terrible luck, he always dragged us to the casino for some wild nights. His enthusiasm was contagious, and even though he usually lost, we always had a great time. Mostafa played blackjack so badly he says purposely but perhaps he was just very drunk. Anyway one night he kept hitting even when he had card totals like 18. He played so poorly that the dealer actually let him retract his bet, only to lose it all shortly after. These nights out, whether it was a casual evening or a Krakow pub crawl, were filled with laughter and unforgettable memories.

Personal Reflections

Experiencing these festivals and traditions made me feel more connected to Krakow. I was no longer just a tourist; I was becoming part of the community. These cultural experiences enriched my understanding of the city and its people, and I felt grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it all.

Participating in local traditions and festivals gave me a unique perspective on Krakow’s rich cultural tapestry. The vibrant Wianki festival event added a new layer to my understanding of the city. The pub crawl however, still the highlight of my time in Krakow. They provided a unique opportunity to explore the city’s nightlife, meet new people, and enjoy the local pub culture in a relaxed and fun environment.

More Polish Words

As I immersed myself in the culture, I picked up more useful phrases:

• Na zdrowie! - Cheers!

• Dobra robota - Good job

• Gdzie jest toaleta? - Where is the toilet?

These phrases helped me connect with locals and navigate the city more easily. Learning the language, even just a few phrases, added another layer of depth to my cultural experience in Krakow.

Anticipation for What’s Next

With each festival and tradition, my love for Krakow grew deeper. I couldn’t wait to see what else the city had in store for me. The Krakow party scene, with its vibrant nightlife and welcoming atmosphere, was a constant source of excitement and joy. Whether it was a casual evening with friends or a wild night on a pub crawl, Krakow always had something new and exciting to offer.

Stay tuned for Blog 7, where I share practical tips for future travelers, from accommodation to language tips, and reflect on my most memorable moments! My journey through Krakow is far from over, and I’m eager to continue exploring this incredible city.

And as always if you want to join the fun Click Here!