One of the unfortunate by-products of staying at a great hostel is that your enjoyment of the place can be inversely proportional to the amount of the city you see. Thus, the slightly guilty feeling when you're loafing on the huge bed/sofa that occupies the majority of the Stanger's communal area. But, quite frankly, it's worth it.
They screen films pretty much all day on to a projector screen in the lounge, have barbecues on the front porch, and the staff will frequently lead guests off to their favourite bars.

krakow.strangerhostel.com/

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A fairly new bar in Kazimierz. We were there during their 1st anniversary celebrations. Genuinely friendly, great atmosphere and well-stocked bar. Recommended, to say the least!

ul. estery 5, just off Plac Nowy
Kazimierz, Krakow.

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A 1930's themed Hostel on Mazowiecka just off Al. J Slowackiego. The double and dorm rooms are all named after classic actresses, the breakfast is simple, but free, as is the internet. Rooms are also simple, but the bathrooms are impeccable with free laundry facilities.
Not many rooms though, so it's advisable to book ahead in high-season.

Mazowiecka, a 10 minute walk north west of the old town.
www.hosteldeco.com

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Wonderful cellar bar which serves a happily mind-numbing array of extraordinary vodkas (Bison, anyone?) and fried garlic which comes sizzling to your table as a whole head.

Florianska

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A restaurant with a brewery, an excellent selection of real ales and a carafe of beer brought to the table so you can serve yourself.

6-7 Ulica Podwale;
tel: 429 25 05;
ckbrowar.krakow.pl/index_en.html

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Bling Bling is a hostel in Krakow that we had the misfortune to book whilst in Warsaw. By the far the worst hostel I've ever stayed in - and there's been a few rough ones...The name might tempt you (a bit wacky, crazy) but don't be fooled. All I'll say is bed bugs and gloom. Right next door is a lovely, clean spacious hostel called Dizzy Daisy's. Go there for a good time in Krakow, but a MUST is the Jewish quarter. Very bohemian and friendly with a shocking history, but a truly beautiful place to spend an afternoon. Get away from the crowds.

Bling Bling: ul. Pędzichów 7;
Tel: 12 634 05 32
www.blingbling.pl

Dizzy Daisy’s: ul. Krakowska 7;
Tel: 12 292 22 11;
www.cracow-life.com/krakow/where_to_sleep/hotels_details/528-Dizzy_Daisy_Hostels

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This forest is great for walks but even better for biking. The tourist office in Krakow can provide clear maps showing the cycle routes from the city centre to the forest. Bikes can be hired from numerous places (listed below, or ask the tourist office).

The Wolski Forest is set in the glorious hills which lie to the west of Krakow.

Bike hire

Jordan Travel Agency
ul. Dluga 9; tel: 421 21 25, fax 422 82 26;
Open 09:00 - 18:00, Sat 09:00 - 14:00. Closed Sun.

Sport MG
ul. Topolowa 6; tel: 430 40 21;
Open 11:00 - 18:00. Closed Sat, Sun.

Two Wheels (Dwa Kolo)
ul. Józefa 5; tel: 421 57 85;
Open 09:00 - 20:30;
www.dwakola.org

Krakow tourist office: www.krakow.pl/en/

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Nathan's Villa was one of the highlights of my voyage around Eastern Europe. Within walking distance of the sites, friendly staff, sociable and next door to a delicious Polish restaurant - it's easily the pick of Krakow's hostels.

ul Sw. Agnieszki 1 - just off the main road between Wawel and Kazimierz;
tel: 12 422-3545;
email: krakow@nathansvilla.com;
www.nathansvilla.com

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It's a bar. It's dark, lit only by candles in a huge iron candelabra, and it’s unusually decorated. You can get uproariously drunk in very friendly and entertaining company. Age/sex/nationality irrelevant. Be careful of the mulled vodka.

ul. Estery 5, Pl.Nowy, Kazimierz

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This bar is for those who enjoy sitting on soft cushioned seats, surrounded by soft tealight candles which are delicately placed amongst the greenery of the garden. True, it doesn't feel typically Polish, but the atmosphere in this bar makes it a very special place to enjoy Krakow in.

ul. Rynek Główny 6;
tel: 12 421 65 22;
krakow.zaprasza.net/puby/budda/

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This square in the centre of the Kazimierz district of Krakow has some excellent and friendly bars which are enjoyed by the large student population of the city. You will be welcomed with open arms and you will meet loads of people.

Trams 4 and 9 both go from Krakow city centre to Plac Novy.

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Very dark cafe/bar. The tables are old sewing tables with sewing machines (hence the name). Lots of candles and old mirrors set the mood. The back room is almost pitch black - very cosy for a romantic drink. Great soundtrack too.

ul. Estery 22;
tel: 012 292 06 22

Open daily :09:00-03:00

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Arty bar/cafe with old-style decor. Lots of old family photos in the middle room, then go through what seems like a wardrobe to an 'art space' - complete with projections on the walls, then into another room - a darkened kitchen. They make a mean cappuccino!

Plac Nowy, Kazimierz, Krakow;
tel: 012 428 47 80;
email: alchemia@alchemia.com.pl;
www.alchemia.com.pl

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Good vibe, great atmosphere. The candlelit interior of this bar is a perfect place to chill out in Krakow. You’ll find it in a little courtyard just behind Rynek Glowny. The decor is burgundy and red punctuated by Indian and Asian artefacts. Find yourself a seat, order a beer or vodka from the friendly staff, take a sip and relax. Perfect!

Rynek Glowny 6;
tel: 12 421 6522;
krakow.zaprasza.net/puby/budda/

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As the name of this cafe bar suggests it specialises in vodka. Or, as the proprietors put it on their business card – “We just like vodka”.

It’s a small bar with whitewashed walls, decorated by a few black and white pictures. There are a couple of tables downstairs and a few more upstairs, where you’ll also find the space-capsule like toilet. The staff are young, friendly and helpful. Ask them to recommend a vodka and they’ll be happy to do so.

You can sample various makes, flavours and types. So much so that I would try and ensure that your hotel is not too far away as you may find walking in a straight line is rather more difficult after you leave than when you went in.

If vodka is not your thing – or it’s a bit early in the afternoon – the bar also serves tea, coffee and soft drinks.

Mikolajska 5
About a 3 minute walk from the market square

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When I was in Krakow this summer we took a great bike tour that went around the city, and also to lesser seen parts, like the old Jewish ghetto and Schindler's factory. The guy we went with was great, but I'm sure there are alternative companies who would offer a similar great experience.

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