Podgórze, on the southern bank of the Vistula, has undergone one of the more dramatic transformations in Krakow. Once a separate town and later best known for the wartime ghetto and the Schindler factory, it has in the last two decades become one of the city's more interesting districts - Zabłocie's converted industrial buildings, the Bernatek footbridge, a genuine restaurant scene around Rynek Podgórski.
What it is still relatively short on is late-night venues with atmosphere. White Chocolate sits across the river in the Old Town, at ul. Św. Tomasza 16, which from most of Podgórze is a short ride or a walk over one of the bridges.
Crossing the Vistula
The Bernatek footbridge connects Podgórze directly to Kazimierz and is the most pleasant crossing on foot. From there it is a further walk north into the Old Town, or a short tram or taxi ride.
By road the crossing is quick at night when traffic thins out.
Two Halves of an Evening
A common shape for a night here is Podgórze or Zabłocie for dinner and early drinks, then across the river as the evening goes on. The southern bank does the first half well and the Old Town cellars do the second.
We open at 20:00 and run to 05:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, which covers the later end comfortably.
What You Get on the Other Side
A vaulted medieval cellar with six private salons, white leather, black velvet and gold light, one floor below street level behind an unmarked door.
It is a very different register from Zabłocie's industrial spaces, which is largely the point of moving between them. Smart dress, strictly 18+.
Frequently asked questions
How do we get from Podgórze to the Old Town?
The Bernatek footbridge crosses to Kazimierz, from where it is a further walk or short tram ride north into the Old Town. By taxi the whole trip is short, particularly late at night.
Is Podgórze good for nightlife?
It has developed a strong restaurant and early-evening scene, particularly around Rynek Podgórski and in Zabłocie. Late-night venues are still more concentrated in the Old Town and Kazimierz.
What is there to see in Podgórze?
The Schindler Factory museum, the Ghetto Heroes Square memorial, the Krakus Mound and the converted industrial architecture of Zabłocie are the main draws.
How late are you open?
From 20:00 nightly, closing 03:00 Sunday to Wednesday, 04:00 Thursday and 05:00 Friday and Saturday.
Where exactly are you?
ul. Św. Tomasza 16, 31-183 Kraków, in the Old Town north of the Main Market Square. Discreet entrance, stone stairs down. 18+.