Vodka in Krakow is not just a cheap shot – it is part of Polish culture, and a vodka bar or a guided tasting is one of the best stag do afternoons in the city. Here is what to drink, how Poles drink it, where to find vodka bars and how to book a tasting for the group.
What Polish vodka to order
- Clear vodka – the classic, made from rye, wheat or potatoes. Served ice cold and drunk in one go.
- Żubrówka – bison grass vodka with a blade of grass in every bottle. Mixed with apple juice it becomes the famous szarlotka.
- Flavoured vodkas – cherry, quince, honey, lemon or hazelnut; sweeter and easier for the less experienced drinkers in the group.
- Nalewka – a traditional fruit liqueur, often homemade, more aromatic than flavoured vodka.
How Poles drink vodka
Vodka is served chilled, in small glasses, and drunk neat. Before the shot everyone says “Na zdrowie!” (cheers), and after it comes a bite of food – a pickled cucumber, herring or bread with lard. These snacks are the reason a Polish vodka evening lasts longer than a round of shots in a club.
Pace yourselves: a group that orders a bottle for the table at dinner and then goes on to a bar crawl will not see the end of the night.
Vodka bars in Krakow
Krakow has two kinds of vodka bars. The first are small tasting bars in the Old Town and Kazimierz that serve flights of flavoured vodkas, so you can try five or six in one go. The second are cheap, retro-style shot bars that stay open very late – the Pijalnia Wódki i Piwa chain, for example, has bars on Floriańska and Szewska streets and on Plac Nowy in Kazimierz.
Both are fine for a few rounds, but they are small and often full. For a group of ten or more it is easier to book a tasting with a table and a guide. Our Krakow drink prices guide shows what a shot costs.
Vodka tasting in Krakow for groups
We have two vodka experiences for stag and hen groups:
- Sit-in Vodka Tasting – one venue, seven of Poland’s best vodkas, Polish tapas and an expert guide; 1 h 45 min, from 49€ per person.
- Vodka Tour – seven special vodkas, pierogi tasting and Polish tapas with a local guide; 2.5 hours, from 75€ per person.
Both run all year round and fit well in the late afternoon, before dinner and the night out. If your group prefers beer, the Craft Beer Tour works the same way with eight Polish craft beers.
Vodka in Krakow: FAQ
What is the most famous Polish vodka?
Żubrówka, the bison grass vodka, is the best-known Polish vodka abroad. Mixed with apple juice it is called szarlotka.
How much does vodka cost in Krakow bars?
A shot usually costs 8–15 PLN (about €2–3.50) in a normal bar.
Can a big group do a vodka tasting?
Yes. We book the Sit-in Vodka Tasting or the Vodka Tour for the whole group, all year round.
How do we book?
Send us an inquiry with your dates and group size and we put the whole weekend together. We usually ask for a €100 deposit; for larger groups the deposit can be up to €50 per person (your travel agent confirms the exact amount). The rest is paid one month before arrival.
