Hey there, party seekers! So, you’ve decided to welcome the New Year Krakow-style, huh? Great choice! Here are the local tips to ensure you kick off the year with a bang. KrakowHub has collected a few ways to have fun and rated them for you.
The Town Party 🎉🎉
If you like some sporadic fun, laughter, and the vibe of the crowd, being in town may be an option for you. Just don’t forget that people get drunk and overexcited and take care!
- Main Market Square (Rynek Główny):
- Why? It’s the city’s heart, and on New Year’s Eve, it transforms into a giant outdoor party.
- What to expect? Live music, street performers, and a festive atmosphere. When the clock strikes midnight, the fireworks over St. Mary’s Basilica are nothing short of spectacular.
- Kazimierz – The Jewish Quarter:
- Why? For a more eclectic and bohemian vibe.
- What to expect? Head to Plac Nowy for some unique bar experiences. Kazimierz has a diverse range of pubs and clubs, and you might stumble upon a quirky New Year’s Eve party in one of its hidden gems. Not all of the venues would be open, but it’s Kazimierz, so you will be good.
- Wawel Hill:
- Why? For a touch of royal elegance with a view.
- What to expect? The Wawel Castle and its surroundings offer a more serene atmosphere. Some upscale restaurants and hotels organize special events with views of the city and fireworks. It’s a classy way to welcome the New Year.
- Vistula River Banks:
- Why? To catch the fireworks with a river view.
- What to expect? Many locals gather along the Vistula River to watch the city’s official fireworks. For a more relaxed celebration, you can find some pop-up bars and open-air events along the riverbanks.
Dinner Format 🎉
If you hate cooking, you may opt for having a New Year dinner in one of the restaurants. They usually call it the Sylwester Dinner. Don’t expect anything very special – just good food, nice vibes, and a bit of live music, if you’d be lucky.
Sylwester dinners are arranged beforehand. However, you may visit the restaurant you like a week in advance and ask them if they still have some places left.
The price of the Sylwester dinner is 300-600PLN per person, including 3-5 dishes and some moderate alcohol.
New Old Friends 🎉🎉🎉
That’s our favorite way to spend New Year’s time. There are 2 reasons we love it so much:
- it’s the friendliest and warmest format;
- you can squeeze in almost at the last moment.
If you aren’t an introvert, be sure to subscribe to the local Facebook groups (Facebook is a big thing in Krakow, it’s very vivid and helpful). There are more than 10 expat groups where people announce parties to be held on December 31th with the biggest, probably, Krakow Expats. If you are a girl be sure to check Girls Gone International group.
The safe option is to check Layla Lounge Bar (Jozefa Dietla, 91) which holds festive parties for expats and locals. The ticket price is 199-420 PLN, depending on the option you choose.
