Nestled among some pretty stylish neighbours, Wroclaw still stands out for its beautiful architecture and friendly atmosphere. Bars stay open until the last drinkers head home, and foodies are creating an increasing buzz around restaurants. As you might expect from Poland, brewing is practically a national pastime and bars are well stocked with both local brews and international favourites. If you’re looking for a destination with a love for tasty affordable beer away from the throngs of tourists in other parts of Poland, then Wroclaw will surely surprise.
Local Areas
Market Square
The historic centre is the gem of the city. Although much of it is newer than Disneyland, it was lovingly restored after the war and so retains it’s classic old-world charm. For grooms with a historical inclination, organise a private walking tour. Or, just enjoy a few beers in the sunshine at one of the courtyard bars.
Best Bars and Pubs
Neon Side Gallery and Pub
Best for: Sampling Poland’s alternative side Glowing with discarded neon trinkets, this buzzing bar is just a short walk off from the main square and offers the alternative side of Wroclaw. The ideal place to crack open some beers with the lads and enjoy the ambient DJ tunes during the summer months.
Art Cafe Kalambur
Best for: A night of nostalgia One for the more refined stag this whimsical bar and cafe recreates the feeling of 1930s bohemian society. With weeknight DJs playing everything from funk to ska to electro-swing it’s a great place for a nostalgia-filled night out, topped off by the fact that it is one of the few remaining bars to allow smoking!
Papa Bar
Best for: People watching No top list of Wroclaw bars would be complete without mentioning Papa Bar. Home of the Polish jet set, the place is crammed with local businessmen and their hangers on. A surprisingly good place to pop in for a late night snack, with massive televisions dedicated solely to sports channels.
Sky Bar
Best for: Panoramic views When you and the lads fancy a night off the beer and dubstep most local bars have to offer, treat yourselves to a few pints atop the Monopol Hotel, where the Sky Bar offers panoramic view of the city below. Best enjoyed in the summer, when the sunset over the old town makes for pretty breathtaking scenes.
Wiezienna Pub
Best for: A great beer garden If it’s your aim to get your mate in the slammer on his stag, why not cut him some slack and just take him for a pint at Wiezienna Pub instead? Set inside the courtyard of a 14th century prison, this atmospheric beer garden is the best the city has to offer. Enjoy local brews and an intimate, relaxed vibe.
Bulka Z Mastem
Best for: an all-rounder This bar supremely succeeds in conjuring that quintessentially European trait of being laid-back restaurant, intimate cafe, and cool after-hours hangout simultaneously.
Something for the Boys
Le Secret This club promises a luxurious atmosphere and an exclusive feel, with plenty of gorgeous girls on podiums all night long.
Night Life
For such a small town, Wroclaw has a lot going on. The bonus of its miniature size (compared to say Berlin, or London) means that you never have to stumble too far from one amazing club before you’re in another (or, for that matter, your nice cosy bed).
Eter Club
Best for: A classic night out If you’re looking for a night out with no twists, no edge, and no alternative angle- just good music, decent drinks and a lot of fun- then this is your place. Staying open to the small hours, its stag and hen friendly and a great large space for big groups to dance the night away!
Old Havana Cigar Shop
Best for: A gentleman’s night out Put your feet up as you recline in a decadent leather chair, puffing on a delicious cigar and swirling whisky around in a glass like you’re Sean Connery in his very finest Bond moment. When you need a break from beer and sweaty club scenes, this is an ideal spot.
Casa de la Musica
Best for: Feeling like you sort of had some culture A quaint dance hall by early evening, Casa de la Musica really lets its hair down at night when an older crowd is replaced by young locals and eager tourists looking for a different twist on their night out. A fun place open to fancy dress and larger groups- perfect for embarrassing your stag!
Lamus Pub
Best for: A cool, underground atmosphere Mainly full of locals and just ten minutes from the main square, this cosy spot might appear more like a pub at first viewing. But just wait until the beer gets flowing, and the debauchery begins! Trains thundering overhead give a crazily apocalyptic atmosphere.
Eat Like A Local
Polish food is categorised by salt, beer, and bread. Try Las/Zupa for a cheap, quick eat of nourishing broth or sweet potato cakes, or Darea Sushi Korean for the local favourite of mouthwatering Korean dishes at really reasonable prices. Le Bistro Parisien is an old favourite on the city’s food scene, and offers more refined fare in a friendly atmosphere. For a truly local experience, embrace the gourmet street food trend and head to Patelnia - a small hatch in the main square, open late on the weekends, and serving seasonal dishes such as hearty soups and noodles in the winter and satisfying salads during the summer months.
How to stay safe
Being such a small town, Wroclaw is fairly safe for tourists, even at night. Stick together and always make sure you have written down the name of your hotel in case you get lost going home (those Polish street names can be hard to pronounce after a few too many!)
