Is Krakow safe? What you should know

Krakow is a city in Southern Poland that feels like a living history book, with charming streets and stunning landmarks around every corner! The ancient Wawel Castle, the colorful Main Square, and the iconic St. Mary's Basilica make it one of the most picturesque spots in Europe! It’s the kind of place where you’ll find yourself wandering down narrow alleys, discovering cozy cafés and local art, all while captivated by the culture of Eastern Europe!

When it comes to safety, Krakow is generally a welcoming place for travelers. Here you’ll find out how to interact with the friendly locals and discover the safest parts of the city to explore. Plus, you'll also learn how to navigate the city safely, whether it’s figuring out when to take the tram or avoiding slippery streets in winter.

Krakow also offers plenty of outdoor fun, from the serene parks to the stunning hills nearby, where hiking or biking can be a perfect way to enjoy nature! For health and wellness, we’ll make sure you’re in the loop with emergency contact info, travel insurance advice, air quality info, and how to stay safe while eating local food. So, grab your coat or your shades, and let’s start exploring Krakow the right way!

Safety tips to keep in mind during your time in Krakow

We've got some top tips for safety in Krakow! Even though it’s a very safe city, you should still use common sense in crowded areas to avoid petty crimes. As long as you remain aware while you're visiting Krakow, you'll see everything this beautiful city has to offer without worry!

Getting from the airport to Krakow city center

If you want to get to downtown Krakow, just grab the number 300 bus at Krakow airport. Then, you can either walk to Old Town or get there with a quick number 1 tram ride! You can start exploring its cobbled streets right away!

Tips to stay safe when you first arrive in Krakow

Krakow is a more or less popular tourist destination, so you might come across some tourist scams while you’re there. 

Watch out for a textbook example: fake taxi drivers, especially near busy spots like Main Market Square or the airport. These guys often don't have proper licenses but will try to offer you a ride anyway. To avoid getting ripped off, make sure to choose a taxi with official markings or use a trusted taxi app.

This one's popular in Old Town and the targets are single guys. An attractive girl will come up to you, start some small talk, and invite you to a club. Pretty normal so far, right? But, after some flirting, she'll suggest another place that'll turn out to be a strip club. You'll grab a few drinks for both of you and then comes the real surprise with the bill. These spots charge astronomical prices for drinks that can leave a dent in your travel budget. Single guys, watch out!

Is tap water in Krakow safe to drink?

You don't have to worry about tap water in Krakow, it's completely safe and meets EU standards. If it does taste a bit strange to you, it's just because of mineral and pH levels that you're not used to. Feel free to get bottled water if this one’s not for you.

Safe accommodation options in Krakow

If you want to be extra safe, here are some options for a safe and comfortable stay in Krakow:

1. Stare Miasto (Old Town) is perfect if you're looking for where to stay in Krakow and want to be close to tourist spots like Market Square and Wawel Castle. Hotel Stary is a luxurious 5-star hotel starting at just €120 a night with a gothic-style interior and indoor pool.
2. If you want a feel for Jewish living, then Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter) is the perfect place to stay. Aparthotel Stare Miasto is a modern aparthotel with great reviews for a quiet, restful night. It starts at just €80 a night.
3. Podgórze is across the river and Old Town and it's an up-and-coming trendy district with modern stores if you're looking for where to shop in Krakow! Hotel Forum's main appeal is the incredibly low price point at just €70 a night!

Pro tip: If you're here to pay respects at Auschwitz, or explore some Jewish history in Schindler's Factory, you can't go inside those places carrying all kinds of luggage. So, leave any suitcases, backpacks, and briefcases with Bounce partners so you can explore historic spots freely. Our round-the-clock support team is here to help with anything you need!

Cultural callouts & things to keep an eye out for

Don't want to accidentally offend anyone just because you didn't know something? We've got your back with some cultural callouts:

• You'll hear some English around tourist spots, especially from the younger generation. Old-timers (don’t get offended!) might not be as fluent in English. Polish can be as tricky for newcomers, but English isn’t exactly a walk in the park for them either!
• Be careful about flaunting LGBTQ pride, some areas of Poland are still behind when it comes to accepting different lifestyles. Stick to LGBTQ-friendly venues to stay comfortable.
• This goes without saying, but Nazi topics are still sore spots for some Poles because they may have known someone who went through the Holocaust. Keep it light and friendly, and you'll get along like milk and honey!

Keeping safe when navigating the city

Can't figure out Krakow? Female solo travelers? No worries, we're here to help! Here are some tips about getting around the city safely:

• If you want to explore this wonderful city and get around quickly and safely, public transport is your best bet! Bus stations are generally safe even at night, and you can hop on a tram for zipping around the city even quicker!
• Walking at night is also generally safe, just don't make it too obvious that you're a tourist (remember Bounce!) and you won't get any unwanted attention! Biking is also a good idea, just be careful about ice when it's winter or you'll end up in a viral TikTok clip!
• The city is mostly flat, which is a plus for wheelchair-accessibility. But older spots like Old Town have cobblestones around which can be challenging!

Nature and Krakow: Tips to keep in mind

Looking for nature hotspots? Well, Krakow's got them! Here's where to go and how to enjoy it safely:

• Zalew Bagry and Kryspinów Lake are great spots for swimming, kayaking, sunbathing, and picnicking. It's fun for the whole family! Just make sure to pick a nice sunny day for your day at the beach!
• Las Wolski Forest is great for hikes with panoramic views, and it even has a zoo! Tyneic Abbey is also a good hiking spot but you can also cycle there! Going along the Vistula River is always a pleasure!
• There have been heatwaves in the summer months in the past years. So if it's a particularly hot day, always carry a bottle of water (can be tap!) and always stay hydrated.

Last tips in the case of an emergency

We're also here to help you prepare for an emergency! So here are some tips:

• Always have travel insurance! EU citizens can get the EHIC card, but others will need global insurance.
• Air quality can dip in the winter because of coal burning. So, keep an eye out for that!
• Always double-check if the Krakow street food has allergens!
• 112 is the general emergency number, but 999 will get you directly to ambulance services.

So, is Krakow safe?

Yes, Krakow is generally safe even for solo female travellers! Violent crimes rarely happen to tourists, and the most you'll see are scams and the occasional pickpocket in crowded places. Just watch out for fake taxi drivers, eager girls, and dark alleys! Remember to leave anything bulky with Bounce partners around the city so you can explore the historic spots of Krakow!