In some countries of the world, buying alcohol is not the easiest thing to do. There are countries where alcohol is only sold in specialised shops sometimes at very short hours during the day. What is it like in Krakow in Poland? Where to buy alcohol in Krakow? Where to buy alcohol at night in Krakow? We give you a hint on how alcohol is sold in Poland in Krakow. Is there a prohibition at night in Krakow?
Places that sell alcohol in Poland
In some European countries, the sale of alcohol is heavily regulated. In Sweden, in Europe, it can only be bought from Monday to Saturday in shops controlled by the state-owned Mononpol. In Lithuania, alcohol can only be bought during limited hours. Regulating alcohol sales is a good way to fight alcoholism. Is it difficult to buy alcohol in Krakow in Poland, which is famous for alcoholism?
In Poland alcohol is widely available. In Krakow we can buy it in big supermarkets, shops like Żabka or smaller alcohol shops. In some places the goods are served by the seller, but this does not follow from any specific legislation. In a large supermarket in Poland we can walk freely between aisles filled from top to bottom with vodka, beer or wine. The sale of alcohol in Krakow itself, however, is regulated.
Where to buy alcohol at night in Krakow?
Krakow is the first and, as of the beginning of 2025, the only city in Poland where additional local regulations for selling alcohol in shops at night have been introduced. Prohibition is in force in Krakow at night, which is why many people on holiday in Krakow wonder where to buy alcohol in Krakow at night.
Is it possible to buy alcohol in Krakow at night? Yes, but only in gastronomy outlets. There is a night-time prohibition in Krakow, which applies to all shops regardless of where they are located. The ban on the sale of alcohol in Krakow applies from 0:00 to 5:30 in the morning. Catering establishments are excluded from the ban on selling alcohol at night in Krakow.
It is also possible to buy alcohol in clubs, restaurants or cafés offering alcoholic beverages in Krakow. You can try to make an agreement with the bartender to sell alcohol and not to open the bottle, but the price of the bottle will then be noticeably higher than when buying the same alcohol in an ordinary grocery shop.
Summary: In Poland alcohol can be purchased in practically every shop, including petrol station shops. In Poland there are generally no regulations on the hours of sale of alcohol except in Krakow where alcohol is not sold in shops at night between 0:00 and 5:30 am.
The way to buy alcohol in Krakow at night is either to make a purchase in a pub or to order an Uber or Bolt that will take you to a shop located just outside the administrative borders of the city of Krakow. Find out how old you need to be to buy alcohol in Poland here.
Read also what are vodka prices in Krakow in 2025.
About the Author: Hi, It's Daily Krakow written by a lifelong Krakow resident with 40 years of experience exploring this beautiful city. I’m not part of the tourism industry and I dont make money on tourists that's why I can be honest. My deep local knowledge allows me to share honest, practical tips to help you avoid tourist traps and discover the real Krakow. Whether it’s hidden gems, local customs, or practical advice, I’m here to make your visit unforgettable.