Can you drink alcohol in public in Krakow?

Europe is a continent of diverse laws and customs, and this is especially true when it comes to alcohol. Poland, and Krakow in particular, is known for its vibrant drinking culture. But what are the rules for drinking alcohol in public places? Can you drink alcohol on the streets of Krakow? Can you drink in public in Poland? What are the regulations regarding alcohol consumption in public spaces in Poland? In this article, we’ll answer all these questions and more.

Can You Drink Alcohol on the Street in Krakow?

Krakow has long been considered a hub for nightlife and drinking. However, this has also led to issues, such as drunk tourists becoming a nuisance for residents in the city center. These issues led to the introduction of a ban on the sale of alcohol in stores in Krakow at night.

This is partly due to the wide availability of alcohol in Poland and its relatively low prices compared to Western Europe. Even in very expensive tourist-heavy restaurants in the centre of Krakow, alcohol is more affordable than in many Western European cities.

But can you drink alcohol on the street? In Poland, consuming alcohol in public places is prohibited. This includes streets, parks, and squares. There are some exceptions, but it’s best to assume that drinking alcohol in public is not allowed.

While drinking in public spaces is banned, private spaces are exempt. For example, you can enjoy a drink in the outdoor seating area of a restaurant, but stepping onto the street with the same drink is against the law.

What Does the Law Say?

The ban on drinking alcohol in public places in Poland is regulated by the Act on Upbringing in Sobriety and Counteracting Alcoholism (Article 14, Paragraph 1). You can read the full text of the law here.

How Does This Work in Practice? In practice, many people in Krakow’s city center are seen drinking alcohol outside clubs or bars, and not everyone receives a fine. However, the ban exists, and breaking it can result in a penalty.

Fine for drinking alcohol in public

The fine for drinking alcohol in public is relatively low, even by Polish standards. It amounts to 100 PLN (approximately 23 EUR, 20 GBP, or 25 USD as of the current exchange rate in 2025).

Interventions related to drinking alcohol in public do happen in Krakow, so it’s best to be cautious in the city center and avoid walking around with open alcohol containers. However, if you’re sitting on a blanket in a park like Błonia and drinking alcohol in a civilized manner, you’re unlikely to attract attention or be reported.

A punishment worse than a fine

In Poland, there’s a penalty worse than a fine for breaking the public drinking ban. If someone is heavily intoxicated or causing a disturbance, they may be taken to a sobering-up center (izba wytrzeźwień).

A sobering-up center is a facility designed to assist public order services by providing a place for intoxicated individuals to sober up. The conditions in these centers are often described as spartan, and the cost of staying there is surprisingly high—comparable to a night in a good hotel in Krakow.

In Krakow, the fee for staying at a sobering-up center is 437 PLN (approximately 100 EUR, 85 GBP, or 105 USD). This fee is regulated by Resolution No. CXXX/3611/24 of the Krakow City Council, dated March 20, 2024. You can read the full text of the resolution here. The fee may increase in the future. Every year, around 6,000 people are taken to sobering-up center in Krakow.

Summary: Can you drink alcohol on the street in Krakow?

In general, drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited in Poland, including Krakow. Polish law explicitly bans the consumption of alcoholic beverages on streets, squares, and parks, except in designated areas such as outdoor seating at restaurants or bars. You can read the full legal text here.

Interestingly, drinking alcohol in forests is not explicitly banned in Poland, but drinking on the streets of Krakow is. Fortunately, the fine for breaking this rule is only 100 PLN. Read more on what is the legal drinking age in Poland and Krakow.