Krakow plays host to around 13 million visitors yearly. But, is this charming city of Kraków a safe retreat for the globetrotters? Do you need to be on high alert when enjoying Kraków’s ancient allure? Which areas should they steer clear from and which districts are known to be risky? Today, we’ll dive headfirst into the topic of safety in Kraków, the city of kings.
- You may also want to read: Is Poland Safe For Living and Traveling? A Comprehensive Guide
Safety Tips For Tourists in Kraków
So, how safe is Krakow? Tourists seem to believe that it’s one of the safest spots in all of Europe. But like any place, it’s good to remember a few simple guidelines to ensure you can explore the city, snap pictures of picturesque corners, and soak in its culture and atmosphere without worry.
To ensure your safety, I think it’s best to:
- Stick to the old town,
- Steer clear of drunken and loud groups,
- Keep in the company of others.
Every year, Krakow attracts millions of tourists – foreigners and Poles alike, who flock here for a quick city break or a lengthy vacation. There’s no doubt that Kraków is one of Poland’s most appealing tourist hotspots, and one of Europe’s most intriguing cities. But, should you worry about your safety in this bustling city?
↳ Make sure to read my guide to the most amazing places to stay in Kraków:
How to Find Best Place to Stay in Krakow Old Town – Your Guide
- If you are traveling by train, you should also read: Train Travel Safety in Poland and Beyond – Things To Know
Here’s something interesting. According to stats, Krakow’s safest district is Nowa Huta. Surprisingly, the areas deemed most dangerous are the Old Town and Kazimierz. But this is largely due to the heavy influx of tourists. Given the huge number of locals and visitors in the city center, it’s statistically more likely to encounter isues like fights, robberies, and injuries. Not to scare you, but these issues exist, although they are not very common. It’s just that with alcohol easily available, things can get a little messy at times.
How To Stay Safe And What To Watch Out For In Krakow?
As far as your physical safety goes, you don’t really have much to stress about in Krakow. However, as is true for any tourist destination, it is worth to say that it pays to stay alert. Krakow doesn’t suffer from a major pickpocketing problem, but in crowded places like the area around the Market Hall, the interior of the Cloth Hall passage, or bazaars such as Stary Kleparz, it’s always wise to keep your valuables tucked away in hard-to-reach pockets. Being there, you need to know these small tips to fully enjoy your visit to this fantastic city.
Keep An Eye Out For These In Krakow
Krakow has its share of problems. Notably, the homeless frequent the area around the Planty Park in the Old Town, particularly near the public lavatories at Pl. Szczepański, the Bagateli section of the park, near the Main Post Office, and in the underground passageway near the Słowacki Theatre. You might also encounter them near the Barbican and the Floriańska Gate. Most of the time, they keep to themselves, but it is worth noting that they might approach you for money.
When using public transport, it’s always a good idea to keep your bags and luggage close by. This goes for your phone, wallet, laptop bag, or camera too, especially if you’re enjoying the open-air cafes at the Market Square or in Kazimierz.
In Krakow, I can tell you to be cautious around taxi drivers. Just like any other place, there might be instances where a tourist ends up paying a hefty price for a short ride, especially if you hail a taxi from the street near the railway station or the Krakow airport. That’s why, as locals, we prefer using mobile transport apps to avoid any nasty surprises.
What Locals Think About Safety In Krakow
As I already said, Krakow isn’t a city fraught with danger. The times when the city was disturbed by football fans causing chaos are long past, although it might still be wise to avoid venturing into large-panel housing estates after dark.
Around 80% of Krakow’s residents feel secure in their city, according to a study commissioned by the City Hall. A decade ago, safety was a top concern for many locals. Today, they’re more bothered by traffic congestion and air pollution. The feeling of safety is, fortunately, increasing year by year.
Like any big city, Krakow has had incidents of daytime handbag thefts and nocturnal misdemeanors in the Main Market Square. However, the same study reveals that almost 80% of the city’s residents feel safe.
The sentiment isn’t uniform acrss the city, though. In the Prokocim-Bieżanów district, less than 70% of residents consider Krakow to be safe, while in Krowodrza, a whopping 85% of people feel safe.
- Want to read more about Kraków districts and their location? Here it is: Krakow’s Districts – Where To Stay For A Visit or Live?
Officials attribute this growing sense of safety to efficient city monitoring and increased patrolling. Even though the crime rate has been dropping each year, the previous year was somewhat of an outlier with an increase in crimes, such as thefts, compared to 2022. Preliminary data suggests there were around 400 more thefts last year.
Additionally, public transport stops faced over 2,000 instances of vandalism, and tens of thousands of timetables were either stolen or destroyed. But being there, you need to know that these are still relatively isolated incidents in an otherwise safe and welcoming city.
Diving Into Krakow’s Crime Rate
Let’s take a look at some data and the crime rates. Last year, residents of Nowa Huta (7.4%) and Champion (7.1%) encountered crimes most frequently, while those from Krowodrza (1.3%) were least affected. I think it’s incredible to note the drastic decrease in crime over the years. In 2002, there were 46,276 recorded crimes in Krakow with a detection rate of 29.3%. Fast forward to 2022, and we’re looking at 21,642 crimes with a detection rate of a whopping 62.6%.
Now, as far as feeling safe is concerned, residents of Krowodrza are the most convinced of their safety – a staggering 85% of them. On the flip side, residents of Prokocim-Bieżanów aren’t as sure – only 69% consider their district safe.
It’s interesting to observe how residents feel about safety in their own districts. Respondents from Dębniki (88.0%) and Krowodrza (87.6%) are highly confident in the safety of their areas. On the other hand, Prokocim-Bieżanów (74.0%) and Bronowice (75.1%) had the lowest safety confidence rates.
I am convinced that most people feel safe in their neighborhoods. About 89.9% of respondents reported that there aren’t any particularly dangerous places near their homes. But the perception varies from district to district. In Nowa Huta, 10.3% believe there are dangerous spots, while in Dębniki and Mistrzejowice, only 1% and 1.9% respectively think the same.
Residents also pointed out some common problems they experience in their areas:
- theft (52.9%)
- neighbors breaking curfews (52.9%)
- instances of vandalism (51.5%)
- reckless drivers (50.2%)
- intoxicated individuals in public places (50.0%).
Wrapping Up
I can tell you, based on the stats and locals’ opinions, that while Krakow isn’t completely free of crime, it’s considerably safer than many other cities. It’s also heartening to know that the sense of security among its residents is on the rise. If you’re planning a visit, just keep these tips and bits of information in mind, and you’ll have a great time exploring the city.
References:
- https://malopolska.policja.gov.pl/krk/form/155,Statystyka-dnia-w-Malopolsce.html
- https://www.portalsamorzadowy.pl/wydarzenia-lokalne/policyjne-statystyki-nie-klamia-te-rejony-krakowa-lepiej-omijac,447490.html
