KrakowInformer.com

Krakow Cinemas 

Krakow may not be Poland's film capital, but it certainly has a lot to offer, not only when it comes to the number of cinemas. The magnificent atmosphere of the Old Town and Kazimierz make it a perfect place for movie-making: Spielberg came here to make the Schindler's List, and countless Polish movies were shot in Cracow, including the Academy Award nominated Katyń by Andrzej Wajda. Wajda himself lives in Krakow, so you might meet him in person when going to his movie to one of the Krakow cinemas. Also, his Honorary Academy Award can be seen in the Collegium Maius.

Krakow also hosts an interesting festival devoted to short and animated films, called Etiuda and Anima, as well as other film festivals, such as the Krakow Film Festival, the Film Music Festival, the OFAFA and the Off Camera Film Festival.

When it comes to regular movie-going, Cracow's offer is worth noticing. Be it multiplex cinemas or small theaters with a unique atmosphere, Krakow has plenty. There is also an IMAX for those who want something more than a usual, 2D cinema screen.

The movies are usually in original language versions with Polish subtitles, so don't worry about the language. The only exceptions are cartoons and other children's films, which are dubbed. Some of the Krakow cinemas, notably Ars and Pod Baranami Cinema, regularly show Polish movies with English subtitles, so look for them in the repertoires.

The tickets usually cost 15-20 zloty, but are often cheaper (usually on weekday mornings). 

ARS Cinema Center (Centrum Kinowe ARS)

Combining the versatility of a multiplex with the soul of an art house, this is one of the most popular and atmospheric of Krakow cinemas. The ARS is located just a few steps away from the Main Square. Each of its 5 theaters is unique, like the Kiniarnia, that combines a cinema with a cafe, so that you can watch a movie and sip wine at the same time (perfect place for dates). Some of the Polish movies are shown with English subtitles, and at certain times of the year tickets cost just 5 zloty. The repertoire is usually composed of popular – yet more ambitious – movies, and it maintains its cozy atmosphere by not showing blockbuster action movies – so if you're looking for one of these visit one of the multiplexes.

Address: 6 Sw. Jana Street 

Pod Baranami Cinema (Kino Pod Baranami)

This one's located in one of the buildings surrounding the Main Square, close to the Town Hall Tower. Its three theaters offer a nice atmosphere and good movies – and one of the focuses is European cinema. It regularly shows Polish movies with English subtitles. Also, the Pod Baranami Cinema often shows films from various festivals, including short movies and pictures from “exotic” countries.

Address: 27 Rynek Glowny (Main Square) 

Kijow Cinema (Kino Kijów)

One of the oldest and most popular Krakow cinemas combines tradition with technology – it's the first one in Cracow to have a digital film projector. Surely the largest single theater within the city center. Apart from covering virtually all important pictures, it's also a good place to just sit down and relax (in the Filmowa Cafe) or, on the contrary, move a bit after two hours of sitting in the Kijow Club.

Address: 34 Aleja Krasinskiego Street

Mikro and Mikroffala

Two of the smallest Krakow cinemas, technologically poor, but atmospherically rich. It usually shows the forgotten, sometimes old, but always beautiful pictures. Some might not like its interior, but for others it's a memorable experience. Plus the tickets are among the cheapest in Krakow.

Address: 5 Lea Street

Cinema City Galeria Kazimierz

One of the three divisions of the Cinema City in Krakow. A multiplex connected to one of the biggest Krakow shopping malls. It's also the closest to the city center, when it comes to multi-theater-cinemas.

Address: 34 Podgorska Street

Cinema City Plaza (+IMAX)

Eight regular theaters plus an IMAX – if you want to go beyond regular cinema. Located in the Krakow Plaza – one of the major shopping center, with an entertainment center where you can go bowling, play pool or use the arcade machines.

Address: 44 Aleja Pokoju Street

Cinema City Zakopianka

On the outskirts of town, but two shopping malls (Centrum Handlowe Zakopianka and Solvay Park) nearby. Everything you can expect from a multiplex cinema and nothing more.

Address: 62 Zakopianska Street

Multikino

All of the newest pictures in 12 big theaters. A nice place to go to if you're not sure if a movie is exactly what you're in the mood for: the Cracow Aqua Park, the Krokus shopping mall and a DIY Center are close by.

Address: 128 Dobrego Pasterza Street