FREE pub Crawl with optional 1 hour open bar and 3 VIP clubs

A Fun-Filled Night Out in Krakow: The Free Pub Crawl with VIP Clubs and Open Bar

Krakow, known for its beautiful Old Town and vibrant nightlife, offers a range of ways to experience its lively scene. One popular option is the Free Pub Crawl, which promises a night of drinks, dancing, and meeting new friends, all led by a knowledgeable local guide. With free entrance to three VIP clubs, welcome shots, and an optional 1-hour open bar, this experience is designed for those who want to dive into Krakow’s party atmosphere without breaking the bank.

What we particularly appreciate about this tour is its focus on authentic local bars and clubs—you won’t be herded into tourist traps here. The guide’s insider knowledge helps ensure you get the real flavor of Krakow’s nightlife. However, a consideration is that this is definitely a tour for party-goers; it’s not suitable for families or travelers looking for a cultural or historical experience. If you’re ready to dance until dawn and want to explore the city’s social scene in a relaxed, fun setting, this pub crawl could be just what you need.

This experience is best suited for adults who love nightlife, are comfortable with a lively, social environment, and are prepared for some extra costs if they opt for the open bar. For anyone wanting a more laid-back visit to Krakow, or travelers with young children, it’s probably not the right fit. Nonetheless, for those who enjoy a good party and making new friends on holiday, this tour offers excellent value and unforgettable memories.

Key Points

• Authentic Local Experience: The tour takes you through top bars and clubs favored by locals, offering genuine insight into Krakow’s nightlife.
• All-Inclusive VIP Access: Free entrance to three clubs and skips the line, making the night flow smoothly without waiting.
• Flexible Drinking Options: Welcome shots and the chance for an optional 1-hour open bar (for an extra fee), perfect for those wanting more than just a few drinks.
• Guided Social Night: Led by a knowledgeable guide who provides recommendations and facilitates fun, making it easier to meet fellow travelers.
• Not for the Family Crowd: Strictly for adults over 18, focusing on drinking and partying rather than sightseeing or cultural touring.
• Potential Bonus: The guide may offer a free walking tour as part of the experience, adding a cultural touch to the night.

The Breakdown of the Pub Crawl Experience

Meeting Point and Initial Impressions

The tour kicks off at Rynek Główny 29-30, right in front of the Eros Bendato statue, a central spot in Krakow’s Old Town. This location is ideal since it’s easy to find and close to numerous sights and bars. As we arrived, we noticed the group was small but lively, with a mix of locals and travelers. The guide, who speaks several languages including English and Spanish, greeted everyone warmly, setting a relaxed tone for the evening.

The First Stop: Downtown Bars and Welcome Shots

The crawl begins in a cozy bar in the heart of Old Town. Here, everyone gets a welcome shot—a nice touch that instantly breaks the ice and awakens the group’s party spirit. The guide, whose name we learned was Marcin, immediately started sharing tips on what vodka to try and some fun drinking games, making the atmosphere easy and enjoyable.

Visiting the Pubs and Bars

Throughout the tour, you’ll visit one bar and three clubs, with the guide carefully selecting spots that offer both fun and authenticity. The bars are lively but not overly touristy, giving you a chance to mingle with locals and other travelers. The vibe varies from lively and loud to more laid-back lounges, providing a well-rounded night.

The guide emphasized that skipping the line is a huge perk, especially on busy weekends, saving you precious time and frustration. Plus, the free entrance to VIP clubs means you dodge the usual long queues, giving you more time on the dance floor.

The Optional Open Bar Experience

If you decide to take the one-hour open bar for an extra 90 PLN (cash on spot), you’ll find yourself enjoying unlimited drinks in one of the clubs or bars. Multiple reviews mention that while the open bar is a good value, it does come with extra cost, so budget accordingly. Some guests noted that the open bar helps loosen up the group and keeps spirits high, but keep in mind it’s an additional expense, not included in the base price.

The Clubs and Night Dancing

The highlight for many is the final stop at the biggest club in Krakow, Shine, which can be added for an extra fee explained by the guide. This club features a large dance floor, excellent DJ sets, and a vibrant crowd. The energy here is contagious, and the group was encouraged to dance and enjoy the night fully.

Tips from the Guide

Guests reported that Marcin was very knowledgeable, providing recommendations on vodka choices, local drinks, and where to get the best shots. His insights helped elevate the experience from just drinking to learning about local customs and flavors.

The Night’s End

The tour usually wraps up after several hours of dancing, socializing, and exploring. Many reviewers appreciated that the guide was attentive and made sure everyone felt included and safe. As the night wound down, some guests stayed on, heading to more clubs or enjoying late-night snacks, while others headed back to their accommodations.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Value for Money: The price is very low at around $1.39 per person, but remember, the open bar comes at an extra cost. Still, with free VIP entry and a guide who knows the nightlife scene, it’s a solid deal for a fun night out.

Authentic Experience: Visiting local bars and clubs with a knowledgeable guide ensures you see the best spots, not just the touristy areas.

Flexibility and Extras: The option for an open bar and potential extra visits (like to Shine club) give you control over how much partying you want to do.

Group Atmosphere: Small group sizes and a friendly guide mean you get a personalized experience, making it easier to meet others and feel part of the night.

Not for Everyone: If you’re looking for cultural sightseeing or aren’t into partying, this tour isn’t for you. It’s very much about having fun, drinking, and dancing.

Practical Details and Tips

• Pricing: The base cost is incredibly affordable, but budget for the extra 90 PLN cash if you want the open bar.
• Duration: Six hours is a good length, giving enough time to explore multiple spots without rushing.
• Meeting Point: Easy to find in the Old Town, right in front of a well-known statue.
• Group Size: Usually small, creating a friendly, lively atmosphere.
• Language Options: Guides speak multiple languages, including English, making it accessible for international travelers.
• Age Restriction: Only for those over 18, due to the drinking focus.
• Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offers flexibility if plans change.

The Sum Up: Is This Pub Crawl Right for You?

If you’re someone who loves nightlife, enjoys socializing, and wants to experience Krakow’s clubs and bars like a local, this tour offers great value. The combination of free VIP entry, welcome shots, and the potential for an open bar means you get to maximize your night without spending a fortune on entry fees. The guide’s insider knowledge adds a layer of authenticity, helping you discover spots you might not find alone.

This experience is perfect for travelers who want to let loose, dance, and meet new people in a fun, relaxed environment. It’s best suited for party enthusiasts and those looking for a lively, social evening rather than a cultural or historical tour.

Be prepared to pay extra for the open bar if desired, and remember this is not a tour for children or families. For adult travelers who are ready for a night out in Krakow, this pub crawl delivers a spirited, memorable experience that captures the essence of the city’s vibrant nightlife.

FAQ

Is the pub crawl suitable for non-drinkers?
This tour mainly revolves around drinking, so it might not be ideal if you prefer non-alcoholic activities. However, you can still enjoy the social aspect and explore the bars without participating in drinks.

What is included in the base price?
Your guide, free welcome shots, and VIP entrance to three clubs with skip-the-line access are included. Food and drinks outside the open bar are not.

Can I pay for the open bar on the spot?
Yes, if you choose to have the open bar, it costs 90 PLN per person, paid in cash directly to the guide during the night.

How long does the tour last?
The experience typically runs for 6 hours, making it a substantial night out.

Is there a minimum group size?
Yes, the group needs to have at least 4 people to run the tour.

Are there language options for the guide?
Guides speak multiple languages, including English, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, and Armenian.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. It’s a social tour, and many solo travelers find it a great way to meet people and enjoy the nightlife.

What’s the best time to join?
Check the specific availability, but evening start times are typical, aligning with peak nightlife hours.

This pub crawl offers a budget-friendly, authentic taste of Krakow’s energetic nightlife, especially if you’re ready to dance and socialize. It’s a fantastic way to turn a night out into a memorable adventure, with the reassurance of VIP access and local guidance.