Małopolska
One of several cafes with terraces above the Rynek's north side, Kordegarda offers drinks and light meals of pub standards. On summer evenings, the…
Must-see nightlife in Poland
Kraków
With few seats inside, the main draw here is the cosy courtyard beer garden. Zakąski is often overlooked compared to the neighbouring establishments,…
Szczecin
Housed in the baroque Royal Gate, another fragment of lost history, this franchise hot-chocolate cafe is an authentically historical place to have a drink…
Gdańsk
The pick of the bunch on ul Mariacka is this excellent two-level cafe with a calm, sophisticated atmosphere and the best patio on the block. As popular…
Warsaw
This cafe, a popular spot for drinks, ice cream and other sweet treats, is based in the 1780 New Guardhouse to the nearby Palace on the Isle. It's named…
Bieszczady
'Something Sweet' is the best ice-cream and coffee joint within walk of Sanok's Rynek. The ice cream is homemade and the espressos are prepared skilfully…
Warsaw
With room for 300 revellers, a night at Pogłos might see anything from punk to reggae being played by the DJs on two different levels. It also hosts…
Poznań
Not easy to find even with a map and compass, this tiny subterranean bar is decorated with communist-era memorabilia, from uniforms to chunky appliances…
The Kraków−Częstochowa Upland
The place on al NMP for excellent coffees and extravagant ice-cream concoctions and cakes, with a handsome two-level terrace for people-watching. Also has…
Mazovia & Podlasie
Lively cafe serving a selection of sundaes, cakes and chocolates with tea or coffee. As the name implies, they make their own excellent ice cream here,…
Podgórze
Chic wine bars like Cawa are still a relative rarity in Podgórze. but here it is complete with post-industrial decor and spiffy waitstaff. Come for…
Silesia
A place of wine, song and gathering since the 19th century and throughout the years of the PRL, this atmospheric pub on the main square is ideal for a…
Kraków
This bright, modern cocktail bar has an inventive drinks menu that includes concoctions like the Bull Ride – a heady mix of bison-grass vodka, cinnamon…
Szczecin
This impressive space in the basement of the massive red-brick former Town Hall just off ul Maja packs in up to 400 clubbers for some of the biggest…
Silesia
A relaxed split-level cafe tucked away in a backstreet, this is the perfect place for coffee and cake after a hard day's sightseeing. There's a smattering…
Sopot
Delightful olde-worlde hideaway full of antique bric-a-brac, potted plants, oil paintings and intimate tables for two run by friendly owners. Popular with…
Poznań
Happening venue on the main square, with DJs varying their offerings between pop, house, R&B, soul and dance. Given the variety, you’re sure to find a…
Gdańsk
One of the early postcommunist originals, this well-worn, aromatic coffeehouse is still worth a shot for the expertly barristered brews and the huge blown…
Sudetes Mountains
This inviting branch of the cafe chain 'Out of Africa' peddles any number of imported beans within its dim and character-packed premises and, of course,…
Warsaw
Split across two locations facing each other on opposite sides of the street, Same Krafty is a convivial spot to sample a wide variety of Polish craft…
Kraków
This is another one of those places full of communist nostalgia, but so real are the banners and mementos here that we almost started singing The…
Warsaw
A cosy, contemporary spot for a drink or a snack that's attached to the Museum of Warsaw. As well as coffee and tea, it also offers beer and wine.
Małopolska
While away the hours at this summertime beer garden at the 16th-century Old Lublin Gate. The vibe is funky and relaxed; well into the night, the happy…
Warsaw
‘Out of Africa’ is a cosy cafe offering nothing much beyond coffee – but what coffee! Choose from around 50 varieties, served in a little pot, and a range…
Wielkopolska
Good place for a drink, right next to the Hotel Europa. Sample one of the four boutique beers brewed out the back, and recuperate from sightseeing within…
Craft Beer Muranów Piwny Świat
Warsaw
Work your way through 14 local craft beers, a cider and, for non-beer lovers, Prosecco – all on tap – at this cosy and convivial pub where the friendly…
Warsaw
The 'Bald Penguin' is a classic old-school Praga bar. Hunker down with your beer or vodka shot at low tables made of wooden crates and chalk something on…
Carpathian Mountains
Set in beautifully decorated cellars, this studenty place offers plenty of drinks, a few budget dishes and dance music on some weekends. In summer it has…
Warsaw
This peaceful and arty bookshop and coffee house draws journalists and those interested in Polish and world affairs. It's located on a quiet backstreet…
Toruń
Claims to be the only cafe in town that roasts its own beans. The coffee is decent as is the homemade lemonade, chai and various cold drinks. There's also…
Eastern Kraków
Unfussy cocktail bar best known for the quality and variety of its shot drinks. The interior is big enough for groups, and there are occasional disco and…
Wrocław
One of the big boys in Wrocław's modest clubland around Pasaż Niepolda, Wall St puts on EDM, trance, house and other nights, plus occasional comedy…
Toruń
Buried deep in a brick cellar beneath the Rynek, this weekend-only bar-club lays on DJ nights, big-screen sports and a well-stocked bar. Best at weekends.
Mazovia & Podlasie
Colourful cafe on the nightlife strip, serving a range of good cakes and beverages in an interior filled with comfy couches. Good people-watching outside.
Sopot
Classic Sopot club with beach access, a different big-name DJ every night and a cool, well-to-do Baltic feel attracting the Tri-City's beautiful people.
Warsaw
Classic techno music club that kicks on well into the early morning ensuring it's a favoured last port of call for Varsovians on an all-night bender.
Poznań
If you feel like dressing up and dancing, this supersmooth venue is what you're looking for. Chandeliers and good cocktails add touches of class.
Warsaw
Smooth establishment with retro furnishings and a laid-back vibe. Serves good cocktails, as well as a full range of coffee drinks and light food.
Warsaw
Duck into the courtyard off ul Nowy Świat to find this cool collection of small bars and cafes occupying street-art adorned cabins.
Gdańsk & Pomerania
Down a set of steps off busy al Sienkiewicza, Caffeteria Retro is one of the town’s more characterful spots to grab a cuppa joe.
