The two journeys
Kraków is a lively city day and night. With its magnificence and compelling attractions the city offers, it is undoubtedly worth a visit. Plenty of travel agencies offer tours to explore the city during the day, however, its potential is never fully discovered without staying in for the night and enjoying the nightlife. If you are a night owl, the options for spending your night out are listed down below. We have designed two different tours, for those, who love partying and those, who prefer to acknowledge more cultural spots. The content also provides our personal opinions and thoughts. Enjoy!
Nightlife for party animals
BANIALUKA | PARTY BOAT | SHINE CLUB | AWARIA
BANIALUKA BAR - Szewska 13, Floriańska 3, Plac Szepański 6
We think that it is a perfect place for people who want to find new connections and relations. There are always some open-minded people who are eager to talk with you, exchange opinions and experience. This place is full of young people, tourists and locals searching for some new contacts and impressions. It is a perfect place for people who seek adventures, new acquaintances and are willing to spend an evening or a night full of emotions.
PARTY BOAT
The party boat in Cracow with its catchy slogan : “Let’s get shipfaced” attracts hundreds of people every Saturday and most Fridays. It is a rather big boat on which one can combine sightseeing, dancing and partying with a lot of new friends. The boat is moored near the Czerwieński boulevard 3 on Wisla river.
Each tour consists of two parts. Firstly passengers can spend 2 hours on the boat, sailing on Wisla and watching the unique monuments of the city from the water. During that time one can also dance to the fantastic music in the style of the 2000s provided by an outstanding DJ. Throughout the duration of the event, a bar is also available for guests with free drinks for the entire cruise. It is a brilliant place to organize birthdays, stag and hen parties and other celebrations. There are two hours of cruises to choose from: 4 pm for those more focused on seeing Krakow from an unusual side of the river and 8 pm for those who mainly want to dance at sunset. What's more, in the price of each cruise, the organizers provide 3 free entrances to the clubs after disembarkation. All under the watchful eye of guides and organizers who do everything to make the passengers' time more pleasant. In addition, there is a photographer on board the ship who takes pictures of people having fun. Photos can be found on the event page after each event.
We would like to highly recommend a cruise on a party boat for everyone who wants to have fun in Krakow in a slightly different, unusual way. It is also a fantastic opportunity to meet new people from all over the world, because the cruise is an attraction chosen by many foreign tourists. You can party all night and practice your English.
My rating: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ - Agata
SHINE CLUB - Starowiślna 16
MUSIC BAR & CLUB AWARIA - Mikołajska 9
Music bar Awaria is located on the Mikołajska 9 street in the vey heart of Cracow, just next to the Small Square. It is the perfect place for people who appreciate extraordinary places. Awaria allures all kinds of people- from tourists, who just want to have some fun, to music lovers and those who appreciate old-fashioned- looking bars.
Its unique charm can be noticed at the very entrance. There are stairs down to the bar, to the basement which provides isolation from the bustle of the city and makes you feel like in an old-school American bar. Awaria consists of three interconnected rooms, and each of them looks a little different. A narrow corridor with armchairs as if taken out of a tram leads to the bar. On the walls, completely covered with bands' signatures and famous bands' posters, you can write something from yourself, which gives you the feeling of being in one of the legendary speakeasies. In the second, larger hall, you can listen to live concerts several times a week. Performances are provided by local and out-of-town bands that are always ready to satisfy the needs of music connoisseurs. There is also a smoking room at the back, from which you can also watch performing bands. Best of all, the inner rooms lead out onto the terrace, where there are also tables for those who do not like the dark atmosphere in the basement. There are also many discounts for students and happy hours everyday from 5 p.m to 7 p.m ( nice beer for only 8 zloty!).
We would like to highly recommend Awaria for people who want to feel inimitable ambiance of this place, listen to some good rock and feel like in a real old school bar when one can forget about the troubles of the everyday life and just have fun in amazing atmosphere.
My rating: ⭑⭑⭑⭑ - Agata (the smoking zone could be more separated)
Nightlife for culture freaks
BUSZ | ANNUAL EVENTS: THE GARDEN OF LIGHTS, MUSEUM NIGHT, GREAT DRAGON PARADE, OUTDOOR CINEMAS | KŁADKA OJCA BERNATKA
bush COFFE & PLANTS Mikołajska 13/14
ANNUAL EVENTS
OGRÓD ŚWIATEŁ - Ogród doświadczeń im. Stanisława Lema Aleja Pokoju 68
I was there in 2021, when the main theme was "Alice in Wonderland". The previous year's (2022) theme was "Peter Pan".
MUSEUM NIGHT - National Museum and Czartoryski Museum
Museum Night is an annual event that takes place in various cities around the world, including Poland. During Museum Night, cultural institutions such as the Czartoryski Museum and the National Museum open their doors to the public for extended hours, often until late at night. It offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the rich cultural heritage of these museums in a vibrant and engaging atmosphere.
We chose the Czartoryski Museum for Museum Night because it offers a diverse range of exhibits and activities that align with our interests. The chance to explore the Gallery of Ancient Art and the Arsenal, along with the temporary exhibition on Nicolaus Copernicus, intrigued us. Additionally, the presentation on the impact of printing by Antoine Verard and the Renaissance dance performance added to the allure. The availability of multilingual audio guides and accessibility options further enhanced the appeal of the museum.
The National Museum in Krakow was also a superb choice for Museum Night because of its stunning architecture and the opportunity to experience a wide range of exhibits for a nominal fee of 1 PLN per department. The museum's 10% discount on publications and merchandise added to its appeal. We appreciated the museum's commitment to accessibility, including the provision of Polish Sign Language translation upon request. The program included captivating exhibitions such as the "Gallery of Artistic Craftsmanship" and the "Gallery of Polish Art," along with guided tours and film screenings. The upcycling workshop provided a unique hands-on activity.
During Museum Night, one can encounter a diverse range of people, including art enthusiasts, history buffs, families, and even artists themselves. It is a fantastic opportunity to engage in conversations with like-minded individuals, exchange thoughts and opinions, and expand one's knowledge and appreciation of art and culture.
If there is anyone who might not enjoy Museum Night, it would be those seeking a quieter and more contemplative museum experience. The event tends to be lively and crowded, which may not suit those looking for a serene environment to appreciate art in solitude. Additionally, individuals who have difficulty navigating crowded spaces may find it challenging to fully enjoy the exhibits during this busy event.
In conclusion, Museum Night at the Czartoryski Museum and the National Museum offers a thrilling and unique experience for art and history enthusiasts. It provides an opportunity to engage with cultural heritage in an interactive and dynamic way, surrounded by a diverse community of visitors. Whether you're an art connoisseur or someone simply curious about history, Museum Night is an event that should not be missed.
My rating: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ - Joanna
SOURCE: https://kultura.gazetaprawna.pl/artykuly/8054508,muzeum-ksiazat-czartoryskich-thesaurus-cracoviensis-nominowane-do-europejska-nagroda-muzealna.html
GREAT DRAGON PARADE The Vistula boulevards, near Wale Castle and Grunwaldzki Bridge
Great Dragon Parade takes place annually, and this year Krakow's residents celebrated its 22nd anniversary. The event is organized by Teatr Groteska, and usually lasts two days, perhaps to celebrate Children's Day which takes place on June 1. The entrance is free, therefore it attracts a lot of people. On the first day, the family picnic is combined with breathtaking outdoor spectacle featuring pyrotechnic displays, laser show and the stars of the night - dragon-shaped balloons. The following day, the action takes place on the market square. Traditional Dragon Parade with more than 30 dragons animated by children will be marching from Planty, through Grodzka street, all the way to Old Town. The figures are designed and created by children and teachers all around Poland. What is more, the whole undertaking is pro-ecological.
To be honest, it was expected that there will be a lot of people interested, however, I definitely did not expect such amount of spectators. Even an hour before the night show it was difficult to navigate through the crowds. The strangest thing was the loss of signal and the internet, which was impeded the communication (if you decided to have a company, it is better to move everywhere together, because it is easy to get lost in the crowd, and, without a signal, it might be difficult to find each other). Despite the drawbacks, I believe that it is worth to see such an event at least once in a lifetime.
The night show was one hour long and took place at 10 p.m. The preface could be heard 15 minutes earlier form the speakers all around the boulevards, which created mysterious and fairy-tale ambience. The pyrotechnic display was not disappointing - variety of fireworks enlightened the night sky each minute of the spectacle. Together with the dragons operated by actors from Teatr Groteska, the captivating performance was a remarkable event.
Although the undertaking takes place every year, it is advisable to be there even a few hours earlier, to occupy some good places with the view, or perhaps lay on the ground and enjoy the sunset. As the family picnic is the preceding event, there are many stalls with different kinds of food and beverages. Do not wait until the very last minute, because the traffic is terrible!
My rating: ⭑⭑⭑ - Martyna
PRIVATE ARCHIVE
OUTDOOR CINEMAS
Kładka Ojca Bernadka
The last part ow our night tour is the Bernatek Footbridge. It is especially impressive in the darkness. This is an ideal place to enjoy the views and take a breath after such eventful evening.Blue Bridge, also known as the Bernatek Footbridge, is a picturesque pedestrian bridge located in Krakow, Poland. It spans across the Vistula River, connecting the districts of Kazimierz and Podgórze.
The bridge is named after its distinctive blue color, which adds to its charm and makes it easily recognizable. It has become an iconic symbol of the city and a popular spot for both locals and tourists. On the Bernatek Footbridge, you can find an Exhibition of Balancing Sculptures 'Between Water and Sky' that have been placed there to commemorate important figures and events related to Krakow's history. Here are some of these sculptures: "Little Gymnast with a Ribbon", "Pablo's Little Girl", "The Unveiled Girl", and "Winter".
We chose to visit the Blue Bridge because of its unique beauty and the breathtaking views it offers. Standing on the bridge, we were able to admire the panorama of Krakow's historic skyline, including landmarks like Wawel Castle and the St. Mary's Basilica. The combination of the river, the architecture, and the surrounding greenery created a truly enchanting atmosphere.
The Blue Bridge is not only known for its beauty but also holds a captivating legend. Long ago, when there were two separate towns near Krakow, Kazimierz and Podgórze, they were connected by a wooden bridge. According to legend, the son of a wealthy merchant from Kazimierz fell in love with the daughter of a poor tailor from Podgórze. Despite their parents' disapproval, the young couple continued to meet on the bridge. In a desperate attempt to stop their meetings, the angered father set the bridge on fire. However, the love between the couple endured. They sought refuge in a nearby monastery, where they were married by a monk. In remembrance of the monk, a new wooden footbridge was built at the site of the old bridge, known as Bernatek's Bridge. Today, the bridge is a popular spot for lovers, who attach padlocks as a symbol of their love.
In our opinion, the Blue Bridge is a must-visit place in Krakow. It provides a peaceful escape from the bustling city streets, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the tranquility of the Vistula River. The bridge is particularly captivating during sunrise or sunset when the sky is painted with vibrant colors, creating a magical ambiance.
One of the unique aspects of the Blue Bridge is the diverse range of people you can encounter there. Artists and musicians often gather on the bridge, showcasing their talents and adding an artistic touch to the surroundings. It's also a popular spot for couples, offering a romantic setting for a leisurely stroll or a quiet moment together. Photographers are drawn to the bridge as well, capturing the scenic views and the beauty of Krakow from this vantage point.
However, it's worth noting that the Blue Bridge can get quite crowded, especially during weekends and peak tourist seasons. If you prefer a more peaceful experience, it's advisable to visit during weekdays or early mornings.
To sum up, the Blue Bridge, or the Bernatek Footbridge, is a charming and iconic landmark in Krakow. With its stunning views, romantic ambiance, and cultural atmosphere, it's definitely a place worth exploring during your visit to the city.
Proposed events are mainly focused at exploring the city in the late evening, however, those attractions are just a drop in the ocean for such an amazing city. We encourage you to decide on jour journey, but remember - you can mix and match the events you have found interesting and tailor the evening activities to your own needs. Have fun!
The project was conducted by Martyna Książek, Agata Skrolecka, Julia Fryc and Joanna Grycz.