After an evening walk around Wawel and the Vistula boulevards the natural instinct is to find a spot to sit, rest and enjoy a local beer. You have a few logical options depending on your mood: stay nearby (places at and under Wawel), take a short walk to the Old Town, or head toward Kazimierz if you prefer a more bohemian vibe.
Remember that many cultural institutions at Wawel finish guided tours earlier than pubs open — so when planning an evening you can finish sightseeing first and then pick a place to relax and drink. If you’d like help planning the route and reliable recommendations, the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz can prepare a tailored route and suggest trusted spots.
If proximity matters, several tried-and-true places are literally at Wawel or just a short walk away. If you want more of a ‘Kraków at night’ feeling, go toward Kazimierz or the Main Market Square — that’s where the choice is biggest.
If you don’t want to walk far after visiting the castle, check out venues located right by Wawel or on its slopes. One well-known example is the restaurant-beerhall atmosphere close to the hill — taverns serving regional dishes and well-chilled beer. Venues like Kompania Kuflowa “Pod Wawelem” mix a tourist-friendly atmosphere with local flavors and convenient access after leaving the castle.
Being close to Wawel can mean slightly higher prices than places farther from the main sights — so it’s worth checking the menu before you go or walking a few steps into side streets where you often find better value. Many of these places also serve traditional dishes that go great with beer, for example pork knuckles, sausages or regional snack platters.
If you want a local character and an atmosphere that evokes older Kraków, pick places that emphasize regional flavors and ambiance rather than the typical loud, touristy pubs with a mass-market offer.
Craft-beer fans in Kraków will find plenty of multitaps with a wide rotation of taps. If after Wawel you feel like tasting different styles, multitaps in the Old Town and nearby are a great choice — many offer a dozen or several dozen taps plus rich bottle lists, a good way to sample Polish craft breweries.
Multitaps often run happy hours or tasting flights that let you try several beers in smaller measures. If you want to talk with bartenders about beer styles, pick places where the staff know their beer and enjoy advising guests. Good multitaps are common around the Old Town and Kazimierz, and several have become must-stops for local beer fans.
When choosing a multitap, pay attention to equipment cleanliness (tidy taps) and beer rotation — the more often the menu changes, the better the chance of finding fresh and interesting seasonal beers.
Kazimierz is a district many visitors choose for an evening outing after sightseeing. Narrow streets, low townhouses and a café vibe make it easy to find intimate pubs with live music, small stages and an unmistakable atmosphere. Iconic Kazimierz venues have long attracted both locals and visitors — ideal if you want to sit longer and feel a less ‘touristy’ Kraków.
In Kazimierz you’ll find bars with a good beer selection and atmospheric cafés that also serve beer and wine in the evening. If you’re planning a night with acoustic or jazz concerts, check events in advance — popular places fill up quickly.
Walking from Wawel to Kazimierz is a pleasant 10–20 minute stroll, so it’s easy to combine sightseeing with an evening meal and a few beer stops along the way.
If you’re looking for a place with soul — pubs that recall old Kraków or venues that regularly host concerts will give you more than just a pint. These places often host young bands, jam sessions or poetry evenings. Instead of a large anonymous bar, search for cellars and small rooms that offer both sound and atmosphere.
Keep in mind that in smaller venues it’s worth arriving early or reserving a table, especially on weekends. If you plan to attend a concert, check whether tickets are sold in advance to avoid disappointment.
For those seeking something more refined — Kraków also has excellent speakeasy-style cocktail bars where every cocktail is an event. If you want both beer and cocktails, choose a place with a wide menu rather than a purely tourist offer.
Kraków is known for budget-friendly places: chain bars with low prices, PRL-themed cafés or student pubs offering a pint at an affordable rate. These are good options if you want to eat and drink without spending much. Many of these spots also run promotions and happy hours in the afternoon and early evening.
If you’re traveling with students or trying to keep costs down, head away from the main tourist routes — prices are often lower there and the atmosphere feels more local. Remember, though, cheap doesn’t always mean better — check reviews or ask locals to avoid low-quality experiences.
Some popular student bars host quiz nights, karaoke or themed evenings — a fun and cheap way to spend time and socialize.
Check opening hours before you go — especially for smaller pubs and during holidays. Some venues change hours outside the tourist season. Reserving a table is a good idea at popular spots and before weekends.
If you plan to drink alcohol, carry an ID — the legal drinking age in Poland is 18 and venues can ask for proof. Also follow basic safety rules: don’t leave your drink unattended and keep an eye on your personal belongings. Emergency medical services and municipal services operate efficiently, but basic caution is the best protection.
Transport: most attractions and pubs in the historic center are within walking distance. For a late return to your hotel consider a taxi or a trusted ride-hailing app if your route is longer or you feel tired.
Many tourists fall into the trap of choosing the ‘nearest’ bar on the Main Market — these places are often more expensive and of average quality. It’s worth spending a few minutes walking down side streets to find better pubs.
Another frequent mistake is not reserving in small, popular venues. If you pick a small club on Kazimierz or a popular multitap at the weekend — call ahead. That will save you waiting in line or being disappointed.
Also, avoid comparing Polish beer only to the lagers from your home country. The Polish craft scene is diverse and it’s worth giving local styles and breweries a try — ask the bartender for recommendations.
In Kraków you can find brewpubs that brew beer on-site in restaurants and pubs — a great chance to taste freshly produced beer. Keep an eye out for places called brewpubs.
Many venues take part in local beer festivals and seasonal events — if you happen to be in town for one, you can try limited-release beers not available every day.
If you want beer to go, look for places offering growlers or bottled craft beers — a nice souvenir and a way to enjoy a good find later.
Is it worth reserving before leaving Wawel? Yes — especially if you plan to visit a small and popular venue. A reservation gives peace of mind and a guaranteed spot.
How long is the walk from Wawel to Kazimierz or the Main Market? Usually 10–20 minutes on foot, depending on your starting point and pace. It’s a perfect distance to stop briefly by the Vistula on the way.
Is craft beer easy to find in the center? Yes — several multitaps and beer halls in the Old Town and Kazimierz offer a wide selection of craft beers.
If you’re looking for a place with a wide selection of bottled and draft beers in the center, consider the multitaps on Świętego Tomasza or Szewska streets. For evening atmosphere and live music choose Kazimierz, and if you want a tavern ‘right under Wawel’ stop at restaurants and pubs on the castle slopes — places like Kompania Kuflowa Pod Wawelem are classic options.
If this guide was helpful, share it on social media or send it to friends planning a visit to Kraków. And if you’d like a personalized route around the city, use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — she can design an evening that matches your tastes and makes the night both pleasant and personalized.
Enjoy your evening in Kraków — cheers!
