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What happens when you take an ancient Polish capital, fill it to the brim with cafés, bars and clubs, mix in roughly 120,000 students and then shake this up with a generous measure of ex-pats and young tourists on holiday? The explosive cocktail that is Krakow's nightlife: that's what!
And where can you sample this heady and hedonistic brew? There's no better place to start than in Krakow's splendid Old Town where, underneath a façade of ancient architecture, are housed countless dens of vice and inequity all eager to cater for your ill-advised pleasure. Those of you that have spent any time in Krakow will agree with me when I say that there are few greater experiences in life than following your nose down a dark alleyway or into a cloistered courtyard to discover yet another fantastic bar that you'd never been to before. But if you are new to the city, or are planning just a short visit, then you needn't worry, you don't have to be Keith Richards to track down a good watering hole - we at Cracow-life.com have done the hard work for you! In addition to our complete café, bar, pub and club listings we would like to proudly present to you our specialist section, Cracow Life's very own Nightlife Guide.
Let's start with the pubs. Now whereas many a young Pole feels that it is perfectly OK to rock up to a club at ten o'clock and make themselves comfortable for the night, the English amongst us know that this nefarious practice is in fact illegal. All nights out, by orders of Her Majesty The Queen (whose authority bypasses such frivolities as international borders) must start in a bar and no later than eight o'clock! Luckily for those of you who share this Anglican ideology, Krakow proves to be something of an alcoholic's paradise. There is a fantastic selection of pubs and bars, often housed in attractive subterranean cellars, which will serve you their finest piwo (beer) for no more than around six zloty a time (that's about a pound, or one and half euros/dollars). Two such cellar bars (or 'piwnice' as they are known in Polish) are Czasem Trzeba Pub and Piec Art. Both attract a young academic crowd, relatively free of tourists, and are great places to savour a pre-club beer and build up the excitement before the carnage begins in earnest. The latter also hosts the occassional jazz night. If though you prefer something a little less studenty and a bit more swanky, then Boogie Bar and Cynamon Cafe are the new upmarket joints that are aimed at the money crowd. But then again why not chill out in the relaxing confines of the Budda Drink and Garden, or watch the world go by from any of the many cafés in the main square? When it comes to drinking this city simply spoils you for choice!
If Krakow isn't short of a bar or two (about two hundred in total by all accounts), then you don't have to go very much further to find a club. The roads leading onto the main square are chock full of doorways, which, unnoticed during the day, sprout big burly doorman at night and entice you in with the powerful thump of a familiar bass-line. Although there are clubs that cater for every taste, the vast majority of venues plump for the lowest common denominator soundtrack of house and techno, splash out on a nice bit of décor and succeed in attracting a mix of tarted-up girls and the usual suspects trying to pull them - or get dead drunk trying. The best of this variety is Cien, where the music is very palatable commercial and funky house and the girls are out of this world. But be warned, trying to compete for their attention with all the other droolers and dribblers at the bar can be tough. Frantic on Szewska plies a similar trade, with a fraction more tourists and a second room for hip-hop. It is ram-packed from Thursday to Saturday, whilst Goraczka next door plays cheesy party music and is lively every night of the week, even on Sundays (and if all the good girls are at church that leaves only the bad girls, right?). Fusion, on Florianska, adds a slight twist to the mix and you can bump and grind to hip-hop and r'n'b on a Friday, laid down by their Jamaican and UK DJs.
Whereas you can enjoy full-scale carnage at any of the above if (like the author of this guide!) you are a something of a 'club snob', then don't despair - there are a few genuinely great places in Krakow hosting serious music nights for the more discerning party-goer. Near the top of the list is Rdza, which has welcomed drum and bass acts as famous as Andy C on back-to-back nights with Makoto feat. MC Deeizim, whilst Ministerstwo is another good alternative to the generic tourist traps, and a worthy addition to the Krakow nightlife scene. But of course, when it comes to the big players no guide to Krakow's nightlife would be complete without mentioning Krakow's most wayward child, Prozak. With its shameless (and yet not entirely without merit) door policy of letting in only fit Polish girls and rich foreign men you might expect the worst, but it regularly stumps up stunningly original house and techno sets that are surely wasted on some of the clientele. Finally Midgard is staking out a claim as the best club to open in recent years. Not as pretentious as either Prozak or Cien, it can give both a run for their money in terms of a sheer no-holds-barred good time. Needless to say that if you feel differently please keep us informed by posting a review!
Did someone say they don't like dance music? Shame on you, but fear not - when the thought of yet another night of 130bpm blasted at your poor lugholes gets too much, then you can visit one of Krakow's 'alternative' venues, for 'alternative' people. Uwaga on the Maly Rynek is probably the most famous with its seminal New Romantic and Electroperversion nights; meanwhile Carpe Diem I and II and the Tower Pub dish up the metal to the rock kids; and, if you want a truly Polish experience, check out a ragga party at Art Klub Bledne Kolo, which by the way also hosts some pretty wild electro parties, normally on Saturdays. Finally, housed in the same building on Wielopole street, Caryca, Lubu-Dubu and Kitsch add further diversity to the Krakow nightlife experience, and each come complete with their own cult following. Kitsch is one of the only gay bars in town and is famous for throwing a riotous party until the very early hours.
If all that isn't enough to keep you entertained in Krakow then you will be pleased to know that this is just the sand in the city's bikini, and there's plenty more left on the proverbial beach. Besides the Old Town the reinvigorated area of Kazimierz is rapidly enlarging its reputation as the place to be right now. A bevy of bars and cafes and a couple of clubs are pulling the arty crowd away from the tourist hordes in the main square and preserving a genuinely sophisticated drinking scene in the unique Jewish Quarter. The majority of the best venues can be found in and around the Plac Nowy, the funkiest of which is surely the ultra-hip Alchemia. Worth its weight in gold on any day of the week, it also hosts various concerts and performances in the shadowy depths of its downstairs. More upmarket, Le Scandale is the name on the lips of those in the know. But if you are looking for romance (viz. a cheap lay) be warned, the Kazimierz crowd wouldn't look out of place in Hoxton's finest and the chat up line 'do you speak English?' doesn't guarantee the same sort of success that it does in the tackier joints around the Old Town.
One more thing you should remember about Krakow's nightlife is that it is heavily influenced by the seasons. As summer rolls on and the Polish students finish their exams and jet off to man the bars of London and Dublin, or to venture even further afield, the scene will change considerably. Their number will easily be replaced by the high season's tourists and it's a safe bet that anywhere with seats in the sun, plus all the clubs around the Main Square, will be doing a roaring trade as excited young hedonists on holiday hustle at the bar to be the first to spend their zloty. It's not real money after all!
So now that you know a little about Krakow's nightlife, don't you think it's time you checked it out for yourself? There are hundreds of places besides those mentioned here to try out and we suggest you use our pub and café directory to get a fuller flavour of what's for you. We are just the few and you are the many, so don't let your opinions of a venue you have visited go to waste. Keep us and our users informed by posting a review and help us make Cracow Life the most up-to-date and accurate guide to the city's hotspots. Remember the best and most informative annual review wins a weekend trip for two back to beautiful Krakow with all expenses paid - that includes flights courtesy of Cracow Life, tours courtesy of Krakow Tours and accommodation courtesy of Krakow Apartments!
Finally don't forget to check out our clubbing guide courtesy of our friends at Where2Be. If you want to know which is the best party in Krakow they'll tell you where's it at!
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 | | "Hey lads!If you're coming to Krakow we would like to take you to the best bars and clubs as well as give you all the help and advice you may need.We are an english-polish couple living in Krakow.In return a few beers would be great!Cheers!" | ***
United Kingdom
Feb.04.2010
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "MY god this place is good just been on a lads holiday ! amazing cheapest beer ive ever seen and the nightlife is incredible!" |
United Kingdom
Feb.03.2010
rates this page 5/5
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| | "Looking forward to larging it in the Krak!" | Steve
United States
Jan.29.2010
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Hi, I'm a UK dj out in Krakow for a couple nights 29/30 January 2010, is there somewhere I could get a DJ set? I play a really good of main room house, electro and disco." | DJ Martin
United Kingdom
Jan.21.2010
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Yeah you do, without our tourism you'd be a very poor country! We're doing you a favour" | james
United Kingdom
Jan.12.2010
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "My mate and I will celebrate his 40th birthday in Krakow in mid January (I am 41). Can someone suggest a good nightclub that plays good 70's 80's and 90's dance music, and with a mix of girls aged 25-50 for Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday nights. We are not interested in gentleman's clubs.
We may be 40+ but feel 19." | Mike
United Kingdom
Jan.02.2010
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Fit attractive Welsh couple looking for some norty Krakow fun from Sun 06th, any offers?" | Smiles
United Kingdom
Dec.03.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "HAY HAY HAY!!! I'm so super excited to see fellow homosexuals in Krakow. I can meet you guys in the airport on the 12th early in the morning so that we can have the entire day for super fun time. Hope you don't mind if I bring my boyfriend. He would love to meet you guys. He's super. Looking forward to meeting you lovely boys. Kisses Caolan xxxx" | Caolan Flanagan
Ireland
Nov.05.2009
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Hello me ding dong from china i will be traveling to Europe soon and want to meet gay guys like marc & danny for some spicy fun can't wait to see you with your Krak out in krakow love long time ding dong " | Ding Dong
China
Nov.04.2009
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Hey funboys! Count me in for some sexy bum fun time. I'm currently hanging with naked cowboy friends in NYC but i'll be ready to ronk when i cum back... xxxxx
" | Marc Doherty
Ireland
Nov.03.2009
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Hey Brian!! My name is Dan, I would soo love to meet up with for your time, im flying out early that day so we could meet up in the airport? I think i could show you just what your looking for!
Kisses X X X,
Danny Boy" | Daniel Geraghy
Ireland
Nov.03.2009
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Hey u guys im headin off to crackow on the 12th of Nov, looking for advice on the steamiest of gay clubs? Please email meee, luv to all" | Brian Bass
Ireland
Nov.03.2009
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Hallo, Couple of guys visiting Krakow on Friday 23th - 25st of Íďv. If you fancy, guide us around abit.Email roussis@gmail.com
We can send you photos if you want!
..(Females only)..lol"" | Dimitris
Greece
Oct.30.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Aimed at Mark/Anyone:
We're planning to come to Krakow from Sunday-Wednesday and just wondering if it's worth bothering in terms of night life? Obviously if it's rammed Thurs-Sat then it's a case of right place, wrong time. Please reassure me that stuff happens on the midweek nights?!" | Rich
United Kingdom
Oct.29.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Hello,
I come the second week of November to Cracow with a friend. We like to meet some girls to hang out with.
Anybody good idea's sent me an email:
testo@live.be" | hans
Belgium
Oct.27.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "I'm staying for 4 weeks now in Krakow and have been going out each night.
Worst places that you should never go to (high prices, ugly girls that are cold, poor service, big bodyguards who beat the crap out of people):
Frantic, Cien, Rdza, Afera." | Mark
United Kingdom
Oct.27.2009
rates this page 1/5 |
| | "Hey Guys, Thinking of going to Krakow next week 28/10 to 31/10. Anyone going to be around and Fancy hanging out or going for drinks? If so email me je_thorogood@hotmail.co.uk
Jojo" | Jojo
United Kingdom
Oct.25.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Hey everyone, me and my friend are coming to visit the city Krakow, at the beginning of November 11-09 probably from 3 November, we are at the best age (30), going to check the city at days and drink some beers at the famous bars at nights, is there anyone from this city who wants to hangout please just drop a mail. " | mahmud
Denmark
Oct.12.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Hi, I'm thinking of going to krakow at the end of october, anyone want to hangout and pratice their English...and maybe party with me? Email me edwinhinds@yahoo.com. " | Edwin
Barbados
Oct.07.2009
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Hey,
I will be in Krakow from 9-12 October. If anyone wants to meet up let me know. I want to savour the best of what Poland has to offer in just a few days!" | Mat
United Kingdom
Sep.29.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Ompi would you like to join Boldasor, Paul and I for drinks and fun this weekend. The more people, the more fun. Do you like beer, i can show you the best beers in Poland?" | Piotrek
Poland
Sep.28.2009
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "hej,i am planning to travel cracow coming weekend(2 nd OCT to 5 OCT).if anybody wants meet plz dont hesistate to conctact me..we will sit,drink and funnn...i hope we have great funn...gurrapu@gmail.com" | ompi
India
Sep.27.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "hej,i am planning to travel cracow coming weekend(2 nd OCT to 5 OCT).if anybody wants meet plz dont hesistate to conctact me..we will sit,drink and funnn" | ompi
India
Sep.27.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Hi, I'm going to be in Crakow from the 3ed to the 9th of October with a friend. I think we'll be in 'Some place else' in the evening sometime if anyone wants to meet up. Just send me a massage mimmo17@gmail.com" | Mimmo
Italy
Sep.26.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Piotrek, i would love to join you and Boldisar for a Polish lunch and evening of Polish culture. What does your name stand for Boldisar?" | Paul Dillon
Ireland
Sep.25.2009
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Yes Boldisar we can have party right here. I can bring you to great Polish restaurant to enjoy great Polish food. Do you like idea Paul?" | Piotrek
Poland
Sep.25.2009
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "hello Paul, piotrek guys I also go Krakow for weekdn. Maybe we meet for party right there?my email boldisarlazlo1978@hungaryazmus.co.hy" | Boldisar
Hungary
Sep.25.2009
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "hello Paul, piotrek guys I also go Krakow for weekdn. Maybe we meet for party right there?my email boldisarlazlo1978@hungaryazmus.co.hy" | Boldisar
Hungary
Sep.25.2009
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "That is fantastic Piotrek. Looking forward to a good weekend. " | Paul Dillon
Ireland
Sep.25.2009
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "No problem Paul, I will show you around the sights of Krakow. Can you send me a picture of yourself so I recognise you at the airport." | Piotrek
Poland
Sep.25.2009
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Will be in Karakow next weekend (2 October 2009 - 4 October). Seeking girls or guys to have fun with." | Paul Dillon
Ireland
Sep.25.2009
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Couple of guys visiting Krakow on Friday 18th - 21st of Sept !!!! If you fancy hanging out give us a shout :-)..(Females only)..lol" | Alex
United Kingdom
Sep.13.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Hi, I'm going to be in Crakow from the 13th to the 16th of September with 5 friends. I think we'll be in 'Some place else' in the evening sometime if anyone wants to meet up. Just give me a text. +447921384331" | Robert
United Kingdom
Sep.12.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Been to Cracow for a weekend this August. Must say thet Cracow is amagnificent city with lots of bars and clubs at the Old Town. We enjoyed our Suturday night at Frantic. However then on Sunday mostly all clubs were closed..there was no nightlife at all! Moreover beware of a club called Saxone or soemthing similar. A friend of us met a polish girl who took him at this club and there he was forced to pay 1500szlt (€120) just for two drinks .. so beware of these cheatings guys!!" | Max
Malta
Sep.09.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Hi im Eric and thinking about going to krakau from sept-14 - i dont know :P. any company would be nice, even better if u know the place a bit :). im 23 by the way, Kenpachi1337@live.com" | Eric
Netherlands
Sep.08.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "going to krakow sept19-oct3. any and all company will be greatly appreciated." | calomalo
United States
Sep.02.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "danthefriend-at-yahoo-dot-com" | Dan
United States
Aug.30.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "I am coming to Krakow Sept 6 and departing Sept 12. Need good female companion below 25. Please contact me soon." | Dan
United States
Aug.30.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "hi,,,,,i am coming to krakow on 7th sep and would like to have some one beautiful,,,to hang out.
write me." | SALEEM BUTT
Saudi Arabia
Aug.28.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | ""im arriving to krakow on mon 14th sept to sun 20 sept, have never been to poland before, hope someone can guide me around abit" email clublanddancer@hotmail.com
" | susan
United Kingdom
Aug.24.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "im arriving to krakow on mon 14th sept to sun 20 sept, have never been to poland before, hope someone can guide me around abit" | susan
United Kingdom
Aug.24.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | ""Hey polish people! We are 3 guys from Brazil and we'll be in Cracow in 10 to 14 September! Anybody to we keep in touch?? MSN: alebiolcati@hotmail.com
Beijos from Brasil!"
" | Ale, Pedro and Paulo
Brazil
Aug.24.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "I lived in Kraków for five years as a student. It was an amazing time and you are right - there is always a place to party seven days a week... I used to go to the church every Sunday and sometimes I would visit Goraczka on Sunday evenings - so how would you clasify me?? good or bad??? ;) btw Kitsch is not 'only gay'!!! I love that place and I go there every time I visit Poland and I am not gay :)" | Justi
United Kingdom
Aug.16.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Me and 12 other scots are heading to Krakow tomorrow until Sunday, can't wait!!" | Simon
United Kingdom
Aug.12.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Hey nice people! We are 3 guys from Brazil and we'll be in Cracow in 10 to 14 September! Anybody to we keep in touch?? Beijos from Brasil!" | Ale, Pedro and Paulo
Brazil
Aug.10.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "hey marco/victor
we ook in krakow, 14-19 agoustus, laat maar weten als jullie willen daar afspreken.." | miquel
Netherlands
Aug.10.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "We two guys from the Netherlands will be in krakow from 12 till the 19th of august. We stay in the qubus hotel! We like to get in touch with nice people" | victor&marco
Netherlands
Aug.07.2009
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Heya Lisa
We will be there for the business from 11 to 16 August we can keep in touch.. " | ata
Turkey
Aug.07.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Andy will you be there from 14th to 17th aug?? we'll be there then!! any one else going to be there then? be good to find ppl to hang out with :D" | Lisa and Becky
United Kingdom
Aug.06.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "That guy in the picture certainly looks like he's having a good time. What did he have for breakfast, cos I'm having what' he's having!" | Dingo
United Kingdom
Jul.31.2009
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "travelling to krakow mid august, can any one advise me and my stag mates whre to go and not!!ta" | butty
United Kingdom
Jul.22.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "I will be in Krakow during the 2nd week of August for 4nights any girls travelling from london to krakow then so we can hangout?" | ansy
United Kingdom
Jul.17.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Great place, great night life, just come back from a stag. 12 of us. Not a single problem with agression, etc. Recommend CK Brewery for cheap eats and beer pre-club, Revolution for drinks and dancing. Diamond lap club rubbish. VIP was good though. Went with Polventure (thru lastnightoffreedom) - very good, would def recommend. Shooting was awesome fun. Go Karting a bit average - very fast, but not much overtaking or bumping into eachother, which i think is more fun! Enjoy!" | klaus
United Kingdom
Jul.15.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Which club is that in the picture?" | Pete
United Kingdom
Jun.30.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "6 of us hit Krakow on Sunday June 30th. Soooo up for it!! Let us know the hotspots. x" | Danny McG
United Kingdom
Jun.25.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "will it still be good in like september ?
" | ian-liverpool
United Kingdom
Jun.19.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "@Mi Zhu: it sure is a hell of a distance between Barcelona and Krakow, but if you only can afford it - go for it! I guarantee you won't be disappointed ;]" | Chris
Netherlands
Jun.06.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Im going to be in Barcelona on June 23. My classes start on July 4 at university of innsbruck, so i am free in between then. i don't if it's worth it for me to travel all the way cross europe to go to krakow." | Mi Zhu
United States
Jun.03.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "i'm polish and i just love krakow, its clubs, restaurants and monuments. I am going to be there in the second part of june so if anyone needs a guide, i'm here to help :)" | Roxy
United Kingdom
Jun.02.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "going to a stag do on friday, going to be really good! cannot wait! any reccomendations for places?" | Camil
United Kingdom
May.20.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "I am thinking of taking my mother to Krakow in November. Have stuff planned for the day time, want to know where is good to head to in the evening for drinks and food. Any advice would be great! HB X" | hbrennan
United Kingdom
May.19.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "can any1 inform me of the dress code in the evenings when going to restaurants,bars and clubs?im going next week" | becki
United Kingdom
May.18.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "We(2guys) are coming to krakow from the 21-24 may, can anybody give some tips on art museums? also about night clubs, if someone is willing to show us around would be fun...greetings" | michael
Netherlands
May.11.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "there last weekend. Clubs you must visit when in Kraków: Frantic, Prozak and Cien. Hard Candy is also very nice cocktail bar..." | Glenn Embrechts
Belgium
Apr.20.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Maybe someone want to show him city???" | slavko
United States
Apr.18.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "I've lived there. Great city especially at night.
PS I gonna be in Krakow in May" | slavko
United States
Apr.18.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Gonna be there in the end of may 21-24, who is the hot guy on the photo? he can show me around :P" | Mike
Netherlands
Apr.07.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "I enjoyed Krakow very much. After living in Praha for two years, Krakow was something similar.. I did note a few of the mobile muppets of England stomping around fecklessly, but, alas...can't escape the moronic classes these days due to easy jet. I would recommend the city for it's people, culture and sense of calm... and the women give world class BJ's ;-)" | dibdodob
United Kingdom
Mar.19.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Bobby Blue, I make you right. Each year thousands of people like those who have posted on here "fly the flag" for us in places such as Krakow & Prague whilst truly shaming the nation in the process. Well done lads" | T Mclerie
United Kingdom
Mar.10.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "god bless artur boruc the holy goalie" | Dave
United States
Mar.09.2009
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Going this wkend on astag trip. Cant wait. We're a decent bunch so we wont be raucous on the streets and lookin out of place but wud like to know the best places to go. A good mix or real Krakow mixed with cheapish beer n nice women. Also, gd places to go during the day i.e go-karting?" | andy
United Kingdom
Feb.26.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "I wanted to go to Kracow until i read some of the comments from engligh people here who go there. depressing bunch arent you" | Bobby Blue
United Kingdom
Feb.25.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "how much are the brasses. ive heard there only a 10er" | milsey innit tho
United Kingdom
Feb.17.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Going to Krakow in June 09. Any good night clubs to go to. When can you meet women?" | Doc R
United States
Feb.15.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "i came back from krakow yesterday i spend 2 wonderful days with my boy there:) i m sure we come back soon ...aga from wroclaw:)" | Aga
Poland
Feb.12.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| |