For young and old, locals and travellers, Krumlov allows you to be wild and crazy with no excuses. Most of the residents have given up trying to sleep in the center, so its mostly given over to hotels, pensions, restaurants, bars, and other tourist services. Almost all of them will happily sell you something to drink.
For sitting around, drinking good Czech beer, and talking to people from all over the world, Krumlov is exceptional. The hostels form a backbone of constant international migration. Because of their low costs, they also attract the locals who can afford to carouse there too.
Travellers Hostel Bar, housed in a cavernous former horse stables passage way in the center of town has been the dominant hang out spot in town since the floods of 2002. Almost every night of the week, there will be people gathered her drinking, smoking and talking. There are frequent live music performances, a good little restaurant is tucked into the corner of the courtyard, and the non-ending flow of migrating people means that every evening is somewhat different.
Similarly, Hostel 99, right next to the tower bridge and Spicak hosts partiers from around the wold and has a good restaurant with multi-lingual staff. The locals and long term foreign residents seem to devide their time between Travellers and 99 when going out for an evening.
One particularly charming aspect of Krumlov nightlife is the presence of many happy dogs. They are often found alongside their masters, or frolicking in an impromptu pack in the middle of the crowd. It’s good manners to ask before you pet them.
Frankly, one doesn’t need much advice when it comes to finding a good time in Krumlov. The town center is devoted to music, drinking, dancing, and dining. The variety of price, service, and quality is so variable (and unpredictable) with ownership changing hands often, that its best to jump in and try if for youself.
Beware of hidden charges, and check the prices before ordering. The identical beer can range from under twenty crowns to over sixty in neighboring establishments having little difference in décor or ambiance.
For going out dancing to the wee hours, try Disco Hrozen in the top corner of the main square. It is quite enormous inside with several bars with different grooves for different moods. On weekends, it’s the occassional venue for promotional novelties like mild striptease shows. The cover charge varies with the program and hours.
Gorilla Bar on Rybarska near the bridge offers fussball, pool, and a cool modern interior with a variety of music, while the formerly legendary Babylon and U Hada further down Rybarska have lost their glory.
For a chance to get goth in a Gothic setting, try the Horror Bar.
Na Louzi has a family atmosphere in its intimate rooms. This is also where many locals go for traditional Czech food at a reasonable price. Their well loved zelna polevka (cabbage soup) is available year round.
La Boheme is a high class cocktail bar with prices to match.
Cikanske Jezba not only has spicy Gypsy food on the menu, it has the house band that has been playing together for over a decade now. Weekends are almost always packed so arrive very early if you want a seat. Or arrive a bit late to dance in a space so small and crammed with people that you can’t help but make new friends.
Each season brings new bars and other nightlife to Krumlov. Many which don’t last more than a year or two have their great moments. The important thing is to choose who you party with, and then just set out exploring to find what suits you best. If you’re bored, just move along to the next spot.
