Since 2026, fireworks have been banned in Krakow all year round, so New Year’s Eve is quieter than it used to be. The atmosphere stays. At midnight crowds gather on the Main Market Square, and clubs and restaurants in the Old Town and Kazimierz keep going until morning. The easiest plan is to stay somewhere you can walk back from after midnight.
In short
- Fireworks: banned in Krakow all year, New Year’s Eve included.
- Concert on the Market Square: the city did not hold one in 2025. Check this year’s programme on krakow.pl closer to December.
- Where to celebrate: the Main Market Square, Kazimierz or Krakus Mound with its view over the city.
- Getting back at night: taxis are hard to find, public transport runs longer.
- Booking: New Year’s Eve apartments start selling out at the end of September. The minimum stay is 3 nights.
Can you set off fireworks in Krakow on New Year’s Eve?
No. Since 1 January 2026 the ban applies across the whole city all year round. It also covers private property if the effects reach public space. Breaking it can cost you a fine of up to 500 PLN. The city made its last exception on New Year’s Eve 2025.
Where to spend New Year’s Eve in Krakow
Main Market Square. Even without an official event, crowds of locals and visitors gather here at midnight. The streets around the square also have the most restaurants serving a New Year’s Eve dinner. If you want to feel the city’s atmosphere, this is the place.
Kazimierz. Plac Nowy, Szeroka Street and the lanes around them are full of bars, restaurants and clubs open until morning.
Krakus Mound. A panorama of the whole city at night. A good choice if you prefer calm to crowds.
Book your table for dinner well in advance. The best places around the Market Square are taken by November.
Getting back at night
On New Year’s Eve public transport runs longer and the city usually adds night connections. Taxis and ride apps are hard to get at midnight and cost more than usual. The least stressful option is to stay within walking distance.
Our tip: where to stay for New Year’s Eve
Every year guests ask us where to stay for New Year’s Eve. This is what we usually tell them:
- You want to be on the Market Square at midnight: Pałac Pod Baranami. Step out of the gate and you are on the Main Market Square.
- You want to be close to the square but somewhere quiet: Art of Serenity and Barbakan Residence on quiet Zacisze Street by the Barbican. They are the first to sell out for New Year’s Eve.
- You want to start in the Old Town and finish in Kazimierz: Bagel Residence. It sits right between the two, and some apartments have a view of a stretch of the Vistula and the city panorama.
- You plan a night out in Kazimierz: Liv, Sarah or Grace. You walk back in a few minutes.
- You want to stay by the Planty park: The Old Town View on Podwale or Agnes on Studencka Street.
- You are coming with family or a larger group: Flower Residence in Kleparz. Spacious apartments, about 15 minutes on foot to the Market Square.
- You are coming by car: Łagiewniki Apartments Free Parking with free parking. The tram takes you to the centre.
Good to know before you book
Our New Year’s Eve dates start selling out at the end of September. Do not wait until December, because by then there is usually nothing left. Over New Year the minimum stay is 3 nights.
You receive your door code on the day of arrival at 3 pm. You can check in at any time, even at night, but not before 3 pm. Check out is by 11 am.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a concert on the Main Market Square on New Year’s Eve?
The city did not hold a concert in 2025. Check the current programme on krakow.pl closer to December.
Are fireworks allowed in Krakow?
No. Since 2026 the ban applies all year round across the whole city.
Where should I stay in Krakow for New Year’s Eve?
In the Old Town or Kazimierz, so you can walk back after midnight.
When should I book accommodation for New Year’s Eve in Krakow?
As early as possible. Our apartments start selling out at the end of September.
What is the minimum stay over New Year?
3 nights in our apartments.
Can I check in at night?
Yes. Your code works at any time from 3 pm on the day of arrival.
Coming earlier in December? See our guide to the Krakow Christmas Market. Planning the rest of your winter trip? Read Krakow in winter and what is open on 24, 25 and 26 December. Coming by car? Read our guide to the Low Emission Zone and parking. Not sure which area to choose? See our guide on where to stay in Krakow.
New Year’s Eve in Krakow with Cracow Travel. Book direct before the best addresses are gone. With the code CT231974 you pay 50 PLN less for stays of 2 nights or more. See the apartments →
Sources: Krakow City Hall, Krakow City Council. Photo: Jeffrey Zhang, Unsplash. Updated: October 2026. The Cracow Travel team, hosting guests in Krakow for 15 years.