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Stand aside pretenders! Many cities lay claim to the best parties in Poland, but only Warsaw’s nightlife credentials bear up to serious examination. Krakow may boast more bars per square metre than anywhere else on the planet (or so Krakovians keep telling us!) and Poznan is often cited as the home of electronic music in Poland - whilst the boom town of Wroclaw isn’t shy of a great venue or two either; but if you’re looking for all-night parties, beautiful people, international DJs, fantastic venues and generally plenty of drugs, sex and rock’n’roll then there’s only one place to start your search. In Poland’s vibrant, cosmopolitan and fast-paced capital.
Of course one man’s roisterous rave is another man’s dud disco, so it’s worth doing your research before you pack your red paint and jump aboard the next easyJet flight. However since Warsaw boasts every type of entertainment from boho bars and louche lounges to meatmarket clubs and hands-in-the-air techno joints, a little knowledge is often the only key needed to unlock her best treasures (…notwithstanding a decent dress sense to make it past the decidedly picky bouncers!). We’ll give you some ideas in each nightlife category below, although for a full run-down check out our bars and clubs directory where you’ll find blow-by-blow accounts of what Warsaw has to offer – including reviews from that all important critic, Joe Public.
Most sensible people would agree that the prelude to any good night clubbing out starts at a bar. The chance to listen to ear-splitting hardcore trance whilst being jostled by bare-chested meatheads and spaced-out supermodels is never so appealing when sober. There are of course many who would say that it’s not that appealing when drunk, in which case the bar takes on an added import as the sole focus of your night. But whether you’re dropping by simply for the sake of oiling up, or because you intend to make yourself part of the furniture, we can strongly recommend you checking out the likes of NoBo, Organza, Paprotka, Lemon Cafe, Cinnamon and Sheesha when in Warsaw.
NoBo was one of Warsaw’s best kept secrets for a long time, and despite the fact that the cat is now on the other side of the world to the bag, is still worth popping in for a mojito or two. Indulgent décor, great food, drinks and DJs, and a little bit of snootiness at the door, it has spawned a lot of imitators - which is a recommendation in itself. Organza, Paprotka and Lemon Cafe meanwhile are a bit more laid-back and can be low-key or loud depending on the crowd, whilst Cinnamon boasts some of the toughest face control in town and hence is reliably packed with girls fresh from the casting couch of the latest Bond movie. Finally Sheesha is a great place to explore Warsaw, Arabian-nights-style… Hookahs, bellydancers and more provide for many an Oriental adventure. And of course if all you want from your nightlife is a good old pint of the black stuff, Patrick’s Irish Pub is a superior venue of its kind.
Bars are all very well and good but when it comes to real nightlife adventure – or should we say misadventure – the clubs are where it’s at. Warsaw really comes into it’s own when it comes to nightclubs, and the excitement and pace of life in the big city is reflected in its nocturnal underworld. Glamour, glitz and sleaze seem to infiltrate venues in equal measure and whereas prices are considerably higher than in the rest of Poland they are still considerably cheaper than the likes of London and Moscow – and, in our well-travelled opinion, many are just as good.
The big names on the scene (for those who prefer the integrity of good dance music to the common denominator of mainstream chart rubbish) are Piekarnia, Balsam, Klubo Kawiarnia, ON/OFF, M25 and Luzztro. Piekarnia has been a staple fave of the scene for several years now, and although there’s no cool status awards for having been there these days, it’s still a reliable performer. Warsaw’s best DJs play alongside the odd international turntablist, meaning guests rarely leave disappointed. Klub Balsam is cult favourite of note – sleepy café by day, and arty party place by night, it’s locale in the Mokatow fort lends it an extra cool factor. Klubo Kawiarnia must be one of the best nights in town. You’re more likely to get in by knowing the barstaff than wearing your best Armani shirt – which is surely a good thing - and the funky music and atmosphere is hard to beat. ON/OFF exploded on to the scene last year and seems to have effortlessly created a vibe of unbridled good times, whilst M25 is so hip it doesn’t even open unless they’re hosting a special event. Finally no Warsaw night out is complete without calling in on Luzztro on the way home. The city’s official afterparty many a legendary tale surrounds this den of hedonism… If you’re into munching disco biscuits ‘til dawn (and beyond) head on down.
If however mixing with a chic crowd is more important to you than getting sweaty on the dance floor, you should definitely call on Foksal 19. A fantastic looking place full of fantastic looking faces, it has successfully emulated the formula of London’s most elitist bars. And if you can’t get in there then Szlafrok is another quality venue along the same lines.
Meanwhile those looking for a plain old piss up with a friendly crowd have plenty of options too. Ground Zero is great place for drinking and sharking, whilst Club 70 (ul. Walicow 9) have added a retro twist to proceedings if you fancy a bit of Bee Gees with your G & Ts, and the aptly named Zoo provides the same kind of mayhem but with some plush décor and the odd serious track at the weekends.
Read all that and still feeling left out? Fear not, there is a little something for the rock, indie and other alternative kids in Warsaw. Klub Stodola (ul. Batorego 10), Klub Palladium (ul. Zlota 7/9), Klub Proxima (ul. Zwirki i Wigury 99a) and Jadlodajnia Filozoficzna (ul. Dobra 33/35) all showcase regular live events and we list many of the goings-ons in our events calendar... So stay tuned if you want the latest news on ragga, heavy metal and electro-synth concerts.
Oh, and if you’re wondering how we could possibly write a guide to Warsaw’s nightlife without mentioning Le Madame - it’s because the legendary venue is now closed. Boo-hoo! Still, there’s some street cred. points for name-dropping it on any night out and pretending that you were a regular…
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 | | "I'm going to Warsaw in a few days. Can you recommend me the best place to go at night?" | estadio
United States
Mar.12.2010
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "I`m very pleased to visit Poland. Their are my neighbour ;-)
They have georgeous Girls, like ...
" | Marika
Czech Republic
Feb.23.2010
rates this page 4/5 |
| | ""My friends and I are leaving the United States to travel the to great country of Poland in July! We will be visiting Warsaw and are looking to experience it all! " | Kyle
United States
Feb.23.2010
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Jinnn, you really ought to learn how to spell for a start! The other thing is why would you eat Pizza in Poland when there are delicious Polish specialities to try. Everytime I go to Poland, a weekend is far too short! Also worht visiting Krakow, it's stunning! Enjoy your trip and ignore comments from Pizza eating people with no culture!" | Chrissy
United Kingdom
Sep.25.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "If you are just eager to see Warsaw then go for weekend only otherwise there is nothing to see. Every thing mentioned on the web and tourism sites is exaggerated, just to grab your money.
Well night life could be seen only on weekend rest all night clubs remain closed during weekdays except some gentlemen clubs but there you wd' get easiy frustrated after 15 minutes coz you will there alone or may be 2,3 visitors. There is no concept of students night and even if e.g. in Sinamon they will charge you twice e.g. 20 zloty.
I would again disagree the term "most beautiful girls" as described on different forums is not true, its exaggerated though there are some girls really pretty but the ranking wd' be like 1 out of 15. Girls seem to be a bit biased, shy hardly to mingle with foreigners even if they can speak English.
Night Clubs like Sinamon and Eve just besides each other even don't have the dance floor compared to their charges and publicity while Club Mirage (near Marriot) deserves appreciation for its decoration and dance floor and spacious enough to be compare with Liquid in UK
About restaurants the worst pizza I have ever eaten in my life was from Pizz Hut Warsaw and I asked the waiter "are you sure is it pizza margarita" so don't expect the same taste from Pizz Hut in Warsaw. KFC and Kabab Michi a turkish restaurant were good compared to food and price." | Jinnn
United Kingdom
Sep.16.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "I've been lately at opening night at Nine Club in Warsaw IT WAS CRAZY!!! LED screens all over the place, on the walls, bars... Great music mixed by DJ David Gray. I would totally recommend that place." | Patrick
United Kingdom
Sep.11.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Hi
i am new here and would really like to go home singing about the good nightlife i ever had in waresaw,can you advice which the best starter club..and all the way up to the hot ones..." | Walter
South Africa
Apr.14.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "all of poland 'kinda shuts down' for that weekend bc people go home and spend time with their families - but the clubs will still be open and youll find a few out" | k8
United States
Mar.25.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Hey I just have a question: Is Warsaw a good place to visit over Easter weekend, or are all of the clubs closed? Someone told me Warsaw sort of shuts down over easter. Hope it's not true. Thanks!" | Matt
United States
Mar.23.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "How I miss good old LaMadamme ;)
Would love to be informed what and when,as still being in Poland very often.. and no idea where to go this days. Piekarnia 5 years ago was the place to go, havent been sice.
" | Magdalena
United Kingdom
Mar.20.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "The legal drinking age in Poland is 18, but most clubs won't ask for your ID unless you look really young." | Ania
Poland
Mar.03.2009
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "could anybody tell me if you need to be 18 or even 21 to be able to visit a club in warsaw? thanks for your responses!
belinda" |
Switzerland
Mar.02.2009
rates this page 4/5
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| | "Hey Kasia - thanks for that tip! We're always looking to update our ever expanding club list. We will look into contact them right away!" | Editor
Poland
Jan.28.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Klub Rio was also amazing but i didnt see it written here. Full of expats and natives, i loved it! Everyone was let in no problems and the drinks/music/service was great. Unfortunately this klub isnt known as much as it should be...
" | Kasia
Poland
Jan.27.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "well, if you like to have nice time Lemon and Underground are definetely places NOT to go. The selection rules are simple: if you're a girl you get in no matter have drunk you are or how 'unfitted' to the club you are, but if you're a guy, you may not enter, 'because'. of course, if you know the selection guy, the most annoying people are allowed to enter and if u're a single girl, they're sure to spoil ur time. " | Lisa
United Kingdom
Oct.18.2008
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "I believe girls are very sexy. Disco muzik partizani very nice web site" | Yalcin KAYA
Kazakhstan
Aug.23.2008
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Hi, I live in Poland for 10 years, just recently moved to Dubai.
And I like your site!
Klubo, Szlafrok, Le Madame, Miedzy nami, Szpilka, Szparka are my favorite and my friend's a must on a weekend!
I miss Poland! " | Angelika
United Arab Emirates
Feb.02.2008
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "The only problem with Warsaw's club scene is everything is so spread out, so you go to one or two clubs per night and that's it, cos everything else is too far away. The clubs may be better than in Krakow, but at least in Krakow they're all in one place." | Ania
Poland
Sep.06.2007
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "A good concise description of some clubs in Warsae. it definitely helps. Is there perhaps any sort of "district" with a high concentration of bars/clubs where one can just leisurely cruise from place to place...?" | Simon
Sweden
Jul.13.2007
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Hi
I am visiting Warsaw with some friends in August. I've been browsing your excellent guide, to try and work out where we should go at night.
I have visited once before, though memories are quite hazy. I definitely went to Sheesha and Organza, plus a club near(ish) Hotel Bristol, at the side of a square. I can't remember its name though.
They were all perfectly decent destinations but it was a bit of a lottery finding them. It would be good to have a better idea up front this time. Your guide is good at pointing out some likely spots but I was wondering if you could let me know if there are particular clubs for particular types of dance music. My friends and I are mostly into soulful house/disco/deep house, rather than banging techno/breakbeat/electro. It would also be good to know if there is one area in particualr worth focussing on for decent bars too. We're not bothered about being seen in the trendiest places for the sake of it - more after a good atmosphere, laid-back attitude and good music, though trendy is fine, if it coincides.
Sorry for the long e-mail and thanks in advance for any advice you can give directly, or any pointers in terms of where to find out.
Cheers" | Jes (London)
United Kingdom
Jun.18.2007
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Ground Zero is cool. I think its on par with that type of Ozzie club. I hate the fact that speeking english gets you so much pussy but its true. " | Swaveck Keller
Australia
May.23.2007
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "I think that Ground Zero has to be the best club out there!! Im used to the clubs in SF and in LA and this one is no different except that its always packed!! If you and a few buds are trying to get in, dont count on it cuz you will need atleast 2-3 girls per guy!! No joke. My fiance took me here with 9 of her girlfriends and the bouncers didnt want me to go in. They told him that they were going to leave if they didnt let me in and they let me in. You can also bargain the price of getting in. I only had to pay for myself and on girl, the rest in for free!! Speak English while trying to get the bartenders and you will be the next one served!! Have fun and drink Zywiec!!" | J
United States
Apr.16.2007
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "a useful introduction to Warsaw's nightlife. There are few other venues i could mention but this is a very good start" | Maciek
Poland
Mar.12.2007
rates this page 4/5 |
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