Szeroka is the wide square-street at the centre of Kazimierz, historically the heart of Krakow's Jewish quarter and now the anchor of the district's nightlife. The bars around it are famously atmospheric - candlelit, cluttered, deliberately unrenovated - and on a summer evening the whole area is one of the most enjoyable places in the city.
White Chocolate is a different proposition a short walk north. We are at ul. Św. Tomasza 16 in the Old Town: a vaulted cellar with six private salons, white leather, black velvet and gold light. Where Kazimierz is charmingly worn, this is deliberately polished.
The Walk North
From Szeroka into the Old Town is around fifteen to twenty minutes on foot, up through Stradom and across into the historic centre. Trams cover the route and taxis are quick at night.
Plenty of people do it in the other direction earlier in the evening, which tells you something about how the two districts divide the night between them.
Two Different Aesthetics
Kazimierz trades on patina - mismatched furniture, peeling paint, candles in bottles. It is genuinely charming and completely intentional.
The Old Town cellars run the other way. Ours is a room of white leather and gold light under medieval brick, with a dress code and reserved salons. Neither is better; they are simply different evenings, and a lot of people want both in one night.
Timing
Kazimierz starts earlier and the Old Town runs later. We open at 20:00 and close at 05:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, so a move north at midnight leaves a great deal of night still available.
Smart dress applies at the door, which is a genuine difference from most of Szeroka. Worth knowing before you set off.
Frequently asked questions
How far is it from Szeroka to the Old Town?
Around fifteen to twenty minutes on foot, up through Stradom into the historic centre. Trams cover the route and a taxi is quick, particularly late.
How is this different from a Kazimierz bar?
Almost entirely. Kazimierz trades on worn, candlelit charm. We are a polished cellar of white leather and gold light with private salons, a dress code and reserved tables.
Is there a dress code difference?
Yes, and it catches people out. Most Szeroka bars have no dress code at all. We apply a smart one at the door - no trainers or sportswear.
Which district is better for a night out?
They suit different parts of an evening. Kazimierz starts earlier and is more relaxed; the Old Town runs later and is more formal. A lot of groups do both in one night.
How late can we arrive?
We close at 03:00 Sunday to Wednesday, 04:00 Thursday and 05:00 Friday and Saturday, so a move north around midnight leaves plenty of time.