Kraków Vodka Tour: Old Town Bars, Pierogi & Flavored Vodkas

Summary

Vodka tastings in Kraków’s Old Town with stories, snacks and laughter

You’ll wander Kraków’s Old Town with a local guide, tasting seven Polish vodkas (clear & flavored) in cozy bars—including a homemade vodka café—and sharing pierogi at the end. Along the way there are stories about Polish history and laughter over tapas-style snacks. It’s relaxed, social and leaves you feeling part of something local—even if your pronunciation is hopeless.

What’s the experience like?

Someone slides a tray of little glasses across the table, each one catching the candlelight. Our guide—Marta—grins and says, “Don’t sniff too hard!” (She’s right. The first clear vodka is sharper than I expected, almost like cold metal on your tongue.) We’re tucked into this low-lit bar just off Kraków’s main square, plates of pickles and bread scattered between us. There’s that warm hum you get when strangers start to relax together. I tried to pronounce “żubrówka” and Marta just laughed—apparently I made it sound French?

After the second round (a honey-flavored vodka that actually tastes like autumn), we spill out onto those cobblestone streets you see in postcards. It’s dusk but still busy—people weaving past with umbrellas even though it’s not really raining. Marta leads us to a tiny bar from the communist era; you’d miss it if you blinked. Inside, faded posters and chipped mugs everywhere. She tells us how vodka was rationed back then, which somehow makes my third shot feel more serious—or maybe I’m just getting sentimental.

The last stop is this wild little café where they make their own flavored vodkas—over a hundred kinds lined up behind the counter. Cherry, horseradish (yep), even something green that tasted like Christmas trees. I didn’t love them all but hey, you only know by trying. By then we’re all swapping stories about home and laughing louder than we probably should’ve been. There’s pierogi at the end—soft dough, warm filling—and honestly nothing soaks up vodka quite like it.

I still think about that first taste—the way it burned but also kind of welcomed me in? You don’t have to be a vodka expert for this tour; I definitely wasn’t. But after three hours wandering through Kraków’s Old Town with someone who grew up here, hearing her stories between sips…well, it sticks with you more than I thought it would.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kraków vodka tasting and city tour

• Start at first bar with Polish tapas
• Sample two historic Polish vodkas
• Learn culture, history, and folklore
• Walk through Kraków Old Town
• Visit communist era shot bar
• Explore homemade flavored vodka cafe
• Relax in candlelit vodka bar
• Try city’s best Pierogi

Top questions

How many types of vodka do you try on the Kraków Vodka Tour?

You’ll sample seven different clear or flavored Polish vodkas during the tour.

Does the tour include food or snacks?

Yes, there are Polish-style tapas snacks at the start and a pierogi tasting near the end.

Is there a vegetarian option for food?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if you let them know when booking.

Are there homemade flavored vodkas on this tour?

Yes, one stop is at a café specializing in homemade flavored vodkas with over 100 varieties.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; tours start at a central location in Kraków.

How long does the vodka tasting tour last?

The experience lasts around three hours as you visit several bars and cafés in Old Town.

Can stag or hen groups join this tour?

Yes, stag or hen groups can book privately at no extra charge if requested during booking.

What is the minimum age for joining?

The minimum drinking age is 18 years old for this tour.

What’s included

Your evening includes guided tastings of seven Polish vodkas—both clear and homemade flavored varieties—in several Old Town bars and cafés. You’ll enjoy Polish-style tapas snacks to start plus sweet and savory pierogi later on. A friendly local guide shares stories throughout, creating a laid-back social atmosphere as you explore Kraków’s drinking traditions before heading off into the night.