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House of Albums
If you’re looking for a book as a gift, (not a paperback for the train), then this store is where to find lovely (and expensive) hardback albums. Most of the stock is in Polish but…
American Bookstore
Set in the Galeria Krakowska mall by the train station, this small store tries to pack in as many bestsellers as it can within its constricted space.
Desa
Part of a chain of atmospheric antiques stores and auction houses, this chief branch is near the main square. You should feel welcome to browse the paintings, jewelry, ornaments,…
Music Corner
The latest pop, rock, jazz, classical, and DVD releases are stocked at this spacious, easy-to-use store.
Juliusz Sƚowacki Theater
The most prestigious concert venue in Krakow this ornate, fin-de-siècle building, at the northern end of Szpitalna, stages classical music, dance, and theater productions. It is most…
Klub Cocon
As you gaze over the river from Podgórze, you can’t fail to notice a delightful commotion going on in a building on the opposite bank. That commotion is Klub Cocon. House and electro…
Rdza
”Rust” is the best of a lively cluster of bars and clubs at the junction of Bracka and the main market square. A dark cellar accessed via a spiral staircase accommodates some of the…
Piękny Pies
The iconic ”Beautiful Dog,” having moved venues, can now accommodate at least three more people in its main bar, busy back room, and DJ cellar. The latter keeps the crowd frantically…
Klub Ministerstwo
The Ministerstwo keeps a youngish clientele thoroughly entertained with a combination of expert DJing, affordable drinks, and a party atmosphere. Open late most nights of the week—it’s…
Off Kijów Klub
Kijów Club is well respected around town for the quality of its spinning. To get inside, you'll cross the lobby of the Kijów cinema where there's a door leading down to this minimalist…
Frantic
Frantic is a quality, professional nightspot in the Szewska club hub, where well-dressed but savvy young(ish) locals mingle to perhaps the best DJ sounds in town—courtesy of what is…
Cień
This red-lit cellar is Krakow’s best nightspot for house DJs. The ”Shadow” attracts a fashionable young crowd—there’s no dress code but hair gel helps—who enjoy the constant crush of…
Awaria
A changing roster of DJs and live acts keeps the regulars entertained at this good-time cellar venue. Under the slogan ”Enough Is Never Enough,” locals and expats sink beers,…
Singer
I could make a strong case for naming Singer the best bar in town—and on the right night, way past midnight, it can be. Drinkers gather around tables made from old sewing machines in…
Propaganda
It's a well-worn concept, but this hard-drinking, Communist-themed Kazimierz bar wears it well. Patrons (mainly locals) don’t come here to gawp and coo at the old signage, machines,…
Moment
Moment is the best of the relatively new bars on and around Plac Nowy; it has a distinctive ”time” theme to its design. A convenient spot for breakfast after 9am, Moment comes into its…
Mleczarnia
Krakow’s only real beer terrace is set at one end of the famous courtyard Spielberg featured in Schindler’s List—a relaxing and historic location. Across Meiselsa is Mleczarnia’s other…
Miejsce
Probably the most estrogen-friendly of the Plac Nowy bars, this bare, retro venue rarely attracts jerks out on stag nights—the gray door is too obscurely signposted. Inside, a vintage…
Les Couleurs
Probably the best bar on Plac Nowy, ”Colors” is a French-style cafe with an imposing zinc bar, banquettes, and other pleasing touches of Francophilia—old theater posters, Serge…
Królicze Oczy
Though it's no longer the bohemian, hedonist hang-out of lore, Królicze Oczy is still well worth a look-in nonetheless. Now making use of a back-room space and attracting a more…
Dym
Of the cluster of venues touching terraces in this quiet little courtyard corner of the Old Town, Dym is barfly central. They gather along the narrow bar counter or at a table in the…
Drukarnia
This laid-back waterfront cafe fills up every day from lunchtime, regulars spilling onto the pavement outside. Drukarnia is also a jazz venue, with occasional concerts, but most come…
Cudowne Lata
The burgeoning University Quarter is becoming the place to be—as proven by the popularity of this student-friendly bar. The “Wonder Years” appeals to the kind of person happy with a…
C.K. Browar
Krakow’s main microbrewery bar is a happily rowdy affair, groups of local fellows laying into the house ale by the frothy glassful. The brews, concocted in massive copper vats, include…
Alchemia
The bar that started the Kazimierz craze, Alchemia can still shake its tail feathers—it’s packed to the gills most weekends until 4am. A long, scuffed wooden interior is entered via…