Kraków inspires and is inspired – the city at night in the spotlight

The event was attended by night mayors and members of night-time economy teams from cities such as Berlin, Dublin, Geneva, Leipzig, Manchester, Vienna, and Vilnius. Kraków was represented by Stanisław Mazur, Deputy Mayor of Kraków, Jacek Jordan, the city’s Night Mayor, as well as members of the Commission for a Sustainable Night-Time Economy. Among the invited guests was Andreina Seijas – a renowned international researcher currently developing night-time management strategies for Barcelona and Sydney.

The appointment of a Night Mayor and the establishment of the Commission for a Sustainable Night-Time Economy in Kraków in 2024 was one of Mayor Aleksander Miszalski’s priorities. The public's desire to enjoy leisure time in the city is clear, but this cannot come at the expense of other residents’ comfort. That is why effective efforts to shape balanced relationships between residents, business owners, and visitors are so crucial for Kraków. The meeting with representatives from other European cities underlines the importance of night-time economy governance.

“Kraków has joined the ranks of cities whose economic and tourism success also brings new challenges. You are already doing a great job finding solutions to balance tourism, business, and everyday life. Thank you for being here and for your willingness to share your knowledge and valuable experience with us,” said Stanisław Mazur in his welcome speech at the Potocki Palace.

Strategies and Relationships Between Nightlife Stakeholders

The first part of the event featured a lecture by Andreina Seijas, an expert in the night-time economy who collaborates on the topic with, among others, the authorities of Barcelona. In her talk, she focused mainly on the issues of noise and safety. She emphasized the importance of understanding how and where people spend their time at night. Her research showed that nightlife has become more decentralized since the pandemic. Some venues have closed, and prices have increased in many places. As a result, more people began partying outdoors, which became a nuisance for residents.

As part of a pilot program in Barcelona, a form of safe-movement testing was introduced. Routes frequently used by nightlife participants were designated, and these paths were equipped with lighting and police patrols, helping people return more easily to metro stations after a night out. Apps are also being tested that allow residents to report locations where noise levels are highest or where safety may be a concern. This kind of cooperation between the city, residents, and businesses is crucial. Seijas also highlighted that the night-time economy is not only commercial in nature but is also a form of heritage. Bars and restaurants can tell the story of a place and reflect its character—places once frequented by figures such as Gaudi, Dali, or Hemingway.

In the second part of the meeting, representatives from other European cities had the opportunity to share their own practices. The discussion touched on issues such as agreements between municipalities and club or bar owners, regulations around night-time noise and alcohol sales, and educational projects targeted at nightlife participants. For example, in Vilnius, an agreement was signed between the city’s night-time office and club owners, which regulates safety-related issues. In Vienna, the Nightlife Commission, which operates as an NGO, runs training for night-time venue staff and has developed a guide of good practices along with a series of safety workshops. Vienna also addresses the issue of acoustic insulation to prevent excessive noise. In Berlin, centrally located venues can receive government funding to purchase soundproofing tools. A new night-time economy strategy has recently been launched there. As a first step, interviews were conducted with night-time stakeholders: police, club-goers, representatives from the tourism and transport sectors. This helps to more effectively support cooperation, safety, and noise reduction.

Dublin’s strategy is built on three pillars: safety, culture, and transport—ensuring frequent connections based on the event’s scale. Most guests admitted that outdoor dining areas in their cities are subject to restrictions, typically closing before midnight. In Vilnius, alcohol can be purchased in stores only until 8:00 p.m., and on Sundays until 3:00 p.m. In contrast, Manchester allows 24-hour alcohol sales in shops.

The final issue, which clearly opens up space for further discussion among night mayors, is how to organize nightlife in a way that reconciles the customs and leisure preferences of people from different cultures and nationalities. All attendees acknowledged that there is still much to be done in this area.

Invitation to Collaborate and Exchange Good Practices

As the host of the meeting, Kraków confirmed its active role in developing a sustainable approach to nightlife. The participants signed a letter of intent to establish ongoing cooperation aimed at exchanging knowledge and experiences in the field of sustainable night-time economy. Collaboration with international partners will serve as a valuable source of inspiration for the further work of Kraków’s Night-time Economy Commission and the Night Mayor.

– In the current geopolitical situation, with news of military, economic, and social threats coming from different parts of the world, the conclusion is clear – Europe must stand united. This meeting is a building block we are adding to European cooperation. I hope it marks the beginning of continued actions and the exchange of good practices – to work together for the sustainable development and the creation of a safe and inclusive night-time life in our cities – emphasized Jacek Jordan, Kraków's Night Mayor.

See also:

Letter of Intent on Cooperation on Sustainable Night Time Economy [pdf].