Europe is a popular study destination for students from around the world. Cities like Paris, London, Prague and Barcelona are some of the most thriving study destinations, with large international student populations. 

There’s a steady growing number of students across Eastern Europe too, as more students travel to see what the other side of Europe has to offer in some of the continent’s more affordable cities.  

I chose to move from India to study international relations at the University of Warsaw in Poland, and it’s a great student city. Warsaw is ranked 58th in the world in the QS Best Student Cities 2023 ranking. It’s culturally rich, full of natural beauty and has a small, pretty Old Town. Most importantly, it’s very affordable and has an amazing nightlife for students.  

Here's my list of the best and most affordable bars and clubs in Warsaw: 

Czupito 

 

https://www.facebook.com/pg/warszawaCzupito/photos/ 

Czupito is a small shot bar on Mazowiecka Street, near the University of Warsaw. It’s every student’s go-to place for cheap shots before a party or club. The bar has a minimalist design, apart from its bright signage above the bar showcasing the large selection of shots. 

There’s always a long queue as students wait to try the creative shots like Bob Marley or Nagasaki. My favorite shot is the Boy Scout which recreates my childhood experience of roasting a marshmallow in an open flame.  

Sol y Sombra 

Located on Grzybowska Street, Sol y Sombra is a cosy Latino-themed bar, decorated with different flags of Spanish speaking nations. The music is usually reggaeton or of Spanish influence. During weekdays, it’s quiet so it’s perfect for a date or casual hangout with friends.  

Sol y Sombra also has a great selection of Spanish tapas, paella for two and bocadillos (sandwiches). I like to order a pitcher of rebujito (I prefer it to sangria) and split it among my friends while we listen to Spanish tunes.  

Krakken Bar 

 

https://www.facebook.com/KrakenBarWarszawa/ 

Pricier than your mainstream bars, Krakken Bar is still a great place to go for a drink and is located on Poznanska Street, in the center of Warsaw.  

The dimly lit, warm ambience is coupled with a wide variety of drinks like the classic Cuba Libre and Aperol spritz, making it a perfect spot to chill during the weekend. They also offer amazing pub-style burgers and dishes like jalapeno shrimp and a Philly cheesesteak.  

Pawilony 

Pawilony is the perfect place to go to if you want to choose from a selection of bars in one area. Located on Nowy Swiat Street (translated as New World Street), you can have your pick of places to socialise.  

You can go to Manhattan Pub to get the true sense of a classic American bar, or Shot Gun if you want to down shots with your friends at the weekend. Polish vodka is strong, so go steady.  

There’s also Komix, a comic book-themed bar for all my fellow geeks. Pawilony can satisfy a wine connoisseur as well as a beer enthusiast. There is something for everybody here! 

Żyrafa (Giraffe) 

Definitely the cheapest bar in Warsaw, Żyrafa has prices as low as three shots for 10zl (~£2 GBP). With artwork of giraffes and African nature, the ambience gives you a Saharan vibe. It’s not the most comfortable place to drink due to the large crowds, but it’s still a good place to have fun on a budget.  

If you’re bar hopping with your friends, then Żyrafa is the best place to start from.  

Klub Spatiff 

A really cool place for students who want to experience a classy dining and drinking experience, Klub Spatiff makes you feel like you‘re sipping a vodka martini in a James Bond movie. The club is split into three areas – a dining area, dancefloor and lounge.  

Klub Spatiff offers a limited menu showcasing polish and international cuisine. You can try duck confit, rib eye steak, or tartare (which I was never brave enough to try). A meal including a drink and main course in Klub Spatiff will set you back around 70zl (~£12 GBP). 

The bar also hosts weekly comedy shows in English with tickets costing 30zl (~£5 GBP). You even get access to the afterparty with your ticket. 

Zagrywki 

Located on Nowy Swiat Street, next to the iconic palm tree of Warsaw, Zagrywki guarantees a fun-filled night out. Drinks are affordable – a beer costs around 18zl (~£3 GBP) – and it also offers activities like foosball, beer pong, karaoke rooms, table shuffleboard, a pinball machine, Skee-Ball and my personal favorite, crazy golf.  

The rooms are colourful due to the lighting from the arcade games and it’s usually a lovely atmosphere with people cheering and shouting while they play the games.  

A one-hour session of crazy golf costs 24zl (~£4 GBP). You usually have to book in advance, but they tend to have plenty of spots available. I visit Zagrywki with my friends at around 10pm and stay until midnight. We’ve even made new friends while playing our favourite games! 

Fiesta Latina 

Fiesta Latina is in the centre of Warsaw and one of the most popular clubs among Erasmus and international students. Thriving with Latin rhythms, live music and singing, Fiesta Latina is all about dancing.  

The best part of Fiesta Latino is that it has two rooms. In the first, you’ll find musicians and DJs playing energetic Latino pop and reggae, and Caribbean-style beach bars. The second room, called La Noche, has a more relaxed, laidback vibe where you can chill out after a few hours of dancing.  

Entry tickets vary, but student discount is available and there’s even a ladies’ night, where women can enter for free. On average, a ticket costs around 20zl (~£3.50 GBP). 

Warszawska La Playa Music Bar 

La Playa is a tropical-style beach club with a heavy emphasis on Latin beats, especially on Sundays when the Zumba and salsa crowd take over the outdoor dancefloor. If you don’t know how to dance, do not fear! The club offers salsa classes for beginners, too.  

The club has a beach volleyball and badminton court, boules area and frisbee, and it’s free to hire the equipment.  

The tropical drinks, like Bitter Mango, Fresh Melon and Soco Lemonaide, are refreshing and affordable, costing between 20-40zl (~£3.50 to £7 GBP). La Playa Music Bar is a great place to go in summer when the weather is warm and you can dance outside all night. 

Smolna 38 

Located on Smolna Street near the Vistula river, Smolna 38 is the place to go for techno lovers. The club hosts DJs from techno and experimental electronic music every week.  

The building itself has a lot of character and feels like you're at a house party in an old mansion. The interior of the club is rough, shadowy and simplistic with three dancefloors, two outdoor areas and a chill-out room.  

Smolna 38 gives you the same vibe as clubbing in Berlin, Germany. The music, people and no-photo policy remind me of the techno clubs there. Some of the best DJs in Poland play here every week.  

Smolna 38 is very relaxed too, so you don’t have to get dressed up. Most people dress very casually and just come to enjoy the music.  

Ticket prices depend on the DJs playing, but on average it costs 40-50 zl (~£7 to £9 GBP) to enter. 

 
With bars and clubs that welcome both local and international people, Warsaw promises a spectacular nightlife. As someone who experiences Warsaw’s nightlife every week, I love the variety it offers. Topping that off with affordable prices and a cultural experience (partying is a big part of Polish culture), Warsaw is a must visit destination for every student.