Krakow: Vodka Tasting in Hidden Bar

Krakow’s Vodka Tasting in a Hidden Bar offers an engaging, 1.5-hour journey into Poland’s beloved national spirit. Priced at $51 per person, this experience takes place in a discreet, cozy venue located at LostBar, Szewska 20 apartment 3. Known for its warm atmosphere and personalized guidance, it’s ideal for those curious about Polish culture, spirits, and local flavors. The tour is led by knowledgeable guides, including a vodka expert and a friendly hostess, who make the session both informative and fun.

Whether you’re a connoisseur or simply keen to learn about Polish traditions, this tasting spotlights 8 different vodkas, among them crafted house products and flavored options like quince, black currant, and bittersweet. The experience also includes delicious food pairings—pâté, sausage, pierogi, sour pickles, and sheep cheese—adding a savory balance to the spirits. While the venue’s intimate setting and lively storytelling make for a memorable visit, note that this tour is not suitable for children or drivers under 18.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: Costs $51 per person for 1.5 hours of tasting and food pairing.
• Location: Starts at LostBar, Szewska 20, a hidden, cozy bar in Krakow’s city center.
• What’s Included: Tasting of 8 different vodkas, food pairings, and a guide with in-depth knowledge.
• Unique Features: Sample craft products and flavored vodkas such as quince, black currant, and bittersweet.
• Highlights: Visit a dedicated vodka room in a quirky, intimate venue with personal touches and expert explanations.
• Reviews: Praised for friendly guides, informative storytelling, and delicious Polish snacks.

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The Secret Location: LostBar in Krakow’s Old Town

The tour begins at LostBar, a tucked-away spot on Szewska Street. Travelers find this bar within a typical Krakow kamienica—an old building with quirky interior elements and antique furniture that create a cozy, authentic vibe. To find it, press doorbell number 3, push the door, and ascend to the second floor, where the tastings take place.

This hidden bar’s atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, making it easier to focus on the guided narration. The small group size fosters an intimate, personalized experience. The activity wraps up back at the same meeting point, allowing visitors to continue exploring Krakow afterward.

Exploring the Krakow Vodka Room

The dedicated vodka room in the bar is the heart of this experience. It’s a specially designed space where the guide introduces each vodka type, sharing insights about production, history, and flavor characteristics. The guides excel at explaining why each vodka tastes the way it does, from lighter, weaker spirits to stronger, more intense options.

This setting allows guests to focus on the nuances of each drink and understand what makes Polish vodka unique. The craft products included in the tasting further showcase regional creativity. The guides also highlight flavored vodkas, providing a sense of Poland’s diverse drinking options.

Tasting 8 Different Vodkas: From Traditional to Flavored

Participants sample a total of 8 types of Polish vodka during the session. The selection covers traditional spirits and flavored versions, like kosher wormwood and sour quince. The tasting includes stronger and weaker options, helping guests appreciate the variety in Polish vodka production.

Each shot is paired with delicious Polish snacks such as pate, sausage, pierogi, sour pickles, and sheep cheese. These food pairings complement the vodkas well, enhancing the tasting experience and offering a genuine taste of Polish cuisine. The food is served in generous portions and adds a savory note to the spirits.

Expert Guides Who Make the Experience Shine

Multiple reviews mention guides like Kate, Phillip, and Kateryna, all of whom are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and engaging storytelling. They provide background stories and details about each vodka, making the tasting both educational and entertaining.

One guide demonstrates how to enjoy the drinks traditionally, including a memorable famous Polish drink with cinnamon and lighter alcohol that is inhaled for an extra sensory experience. The guides’ passion and expertise help create a lively, comfortable environment.

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Food Pairings: Polish Delicacies to Complement Vodka

The included Polish food offers a real taste of local culture. Guests enjoy pate, sausage, pierogi, sour pickles, and sheep cheese, carefully selected to match the profiles of different vodkas. Several reviews emphasize the deliciousness of these snacks, noting that even with just a light appetite, they add significant flavor and enjoyment to the tasting.

The food is presented thoughtfully, with guides explaining how each item pairs with specific vodkas, enhancing both the drinks and the dishes’ flavors.

The Experience Atmosphere and Group Size

The guided tour typically involves a small group, which allows for personalized attention and interaction. The quirky interior of the bar, combined with antique furniture and intimate lighting, creates a relaxing environment perfect for learning and tasting.

Guests often mention the friendly guides, who are not only knowledgeable but also entertaining, making the 1.5-hour experience feel lively and engaging. Several reviews highlight the personal touches and informative narration that make this tour stand out.

Accessibility and Practicalities

The tour is conducted in Polish and English, ensuring clear communication for international visitors. The activity is not suitable for children under 18 or drivers, aligning with legal restrictions and safety considerations.

Participants should plan for approximately 1.5 hours in the venue, with flexible start times based on availability. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the activity, offering flexibility for last-minute changes.

Why This Tour Outshines Other Krakow Spirits Experiences

Compared to other options, this tour’s focused format on Polish vodka, small group size, and dedicated vodka room make it a standout. The inclusion of craft products and flavored vodkas provides unique tasting opportunities that other pub crawls or general bar tours may not offer.

Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable, personable guides and the high-quality food pairings. The venue’s hidden, cozy atmosphere adds to the appeal, making it an intimate setting perfect for both newcomers and vodka enthusiasts.

Who Will Love This Vodka Tasting?

This experience suits adults interested in Polish culture and spirits. It’s perfect for those seeking a relaxed, educational taste of local traditions, with plenty of time to ask questions and enjoy Polish snacks. It’s especially recommended for visitors who prefer small, guided experiences over large group tours.

While not ideal for children or those driving, anyone over 18 with an interest in spirits, food, and culture will find this tasting both enjoyable and enriching.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the vodka tasting last?
The tasting lasts 1.5 hours, including food pairings and guided explanations.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at LostBar, Szewska 20 apartment 3 in Krakow’s city center.

Is there a specific dress code?
No specific dress code is mentioned, but casual attire suitable for a bar setting is recommended.

Are food and drinks included?
Yes, 8 vodka samples and Polish snacks like pâté, sausage, pierogi, sour pickles, and sheep cheese are included.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the activity.

Is this tour suitable for non-English speakers?
Yes, the tour is conducted in Polish and English.

Are children allowed?
No, the activity is not suitable for children under 18.

What makes this bar special?
Its hidden location, cozy interior, and dedicated vodka room create a unique, authentic environment for tasting and learning.

What is the price for this experience?
The tour costs $51 per person, offering a comprehensive and engaging experience.

Does the tour include only vodka tastings?
No, it also features food pairings and guided storytelling about Polish vodka culture and history.

Is it a good value for the price?
With 8 vodka samples, food, and expert guidance**, many find this tour to be excellent value for a unique cultural experience.

This Krakow vodka tasting in a hidden bar offers an excellent chance to learn about Poland’s national spirit in a warm, intimate setting. With delicious food, flavored vodkas, and guides who are both knowledgeable and friendly, it stands out as a memorable activity for anyone exploring Krakow’s culinary and drinking scene.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby