Cracow Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Cracow.
Healthcare System
Poland has a dual healthcare system with public (NFZ) facilities and private clinics. EU citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can access public healthcare, while non-EU visitors typically use private facilities or pay out-of-pocket.
Hospitals
University Hospital in Prokocim and Gabriel Narutowicz Specialist Hospital are major public facilities. For tourists, private facilities like Lux Med, Medicover, and Scanmed are recommended for faster service and English-speaking staff. The American Medical Center Krakow specifically serves expatriates and tourists.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (apteka) are abundant throughout the city, marked with green crosses. Many common medications require prescriptions in Poland that might be over-the-counter elsewhere. 24-hour pharmacies are available, including one at ul. Kalwaryjska 94. Pharmacists often speak basic English and can recommend over-the-counter alternatives.
Insurance
Travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly recommended for all visitors. EU citizens should carry their EHIC card. Non-EU visitors will need to pay upfront at private facilities (which most tourists use) and claim reimbursement from insurance.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications in original packaging with a doctor's letter, as specific brands may not be available
- Private clinic consultations typically cost €50-100, making insurance essential for any serious medical issues
- Download the emergency number 112 app for smartphones, which can send your GPS location to emergency services
- Dental care is widely available and of high quality; many tourists combine visits with dental tourism
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
The most common crime affecting tourists, particularly in crowded areas, public transportation, and during busy summer months. Thieves often work in teams to distract victims.
Cracow's affordable alcohol and vibrant nightlife can lead to excessive drinking, resulting in vulnerability to theft, scams, or accidents. Stag parties (bachelor groups) are common and can create rowdy environments.
Drivers can be aggressive, and pedestrian crossings aren't always respected. Cobblestone streets in the Old Town can be slippery when wet. Trams have priority and can't stop quickly.
Unlicensed taxi drivers may overcharge tourists, particularly at the train station, airport, and popular tourist spots. Rates can be 5-10 times higher than legitimate taxis.
Cracow experiences poor air quality during winter months due to coal heating and geography that traps smog. This can affect those with respiratory conditions.
Increasing number of cyclists and e-scooters sharing pedestrian spaces and roads with limited dedicated infrastructure can lead to accidents.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Exchange offices (kantor) in tourist areas advertise attractive rates but use confusing commission structures, poor exchange rates for selling currency, or sleight-of-hand to shortchange customers. Some display rates that apply only to large amounts.
Some establishments near tourist areas add items you didn't order, charge excessive prices for 'complimentary' items like bread or nuts, present menus without prices, or charge per piece rather than per portion. Strip clubs are notorious for astronomical bills.
Rare but occurring: individuals posing as plainclothes police ask to check your wallet for 'counterfeit currency' or 'drugs,' then steal cash or card details. Real police rarely conduct random checks on tourists.
Horse-drawn carriage drivers around the Main Square quote prices that seem reasonable but are actually per person or per 15 minutes rather than for the whole ride, leading to bills several times higher than expected.
People approach tourists with clipboards asking for signatures for deaf/disabled charities, then demand money or use the distraction for pickpocketing accomplices to steal valuables.
Attractive individuals befriend solo male travelers and suggest going to a specific bar, where accomplices serve extremely overpriced drinks and present bills for hundreds or thousands of złoty, sometimes with intimidation if payment is refused.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Personal Security
- Keep a photocopy or digital copy of your passport separate from the original; carry the original only when legally required
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables when exploring the city
- Be especially vigilant in crowded areas and when using ATMs; shield your PIN and check for card skimmers
- Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas late at night; stick to well-traveled streets
- Trust your instincts—if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself immediately
Money and Valuables
- Carry only what you need for the day; leave extra credit cards and cash secured at your accommodation
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks; carry at least two different payment methods
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours when possible for better security
- Split cash and cards between different pockets/bags so you're not left stranded if one is stolen
- Photograph your credit cards (both sides) and store images securely for easy cancellation if needed
Transportation Safety
- Purchase public transport tickets before boarding (from machines, kiosks, or apps); ticket inspectors issue immediate fines for fare dodging
- Validate your ticket in the yellow machines on trams and buses; unvalidated tickets are treated as no ticket
- Use official taxi apps or call reputable companies; never accept rides from people approaching you
- If driving, be aware that Poland has zero-tolerance for drinking and driving (0.02% BAC limit)
- Park only in designated areas; illegal parking results in wheel clamps or towing with expensive fees
Cultural Sensitivity
- Show respect at Auschwitz-Birkenau and other memorial sites; inappropriate behavior is not tolerated and can result in removal
- Dress modestly when visiting churches; shoulders and knees should be covered, and remove hats
- Be mindful that some topics (WWII, politics, religion) can be sensitive; approach with respect
- Avoid loud behavior in residential areas, especially late at night; Poles value quiet neighborhoods
- Learn a few basic Polish phrases; locals appreciate the effort even if they speak English
Health Precautions
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout Cracow, though some prefer bottled water due to taste
- Wash hands frequently, especially before eating, as food poisoning from street food is occasionally reported
- Be cautious with mushroom dishes unless from reputable restaurants; mushroom poisoning occurs from wild foraging
- Ticks are present in parks and green areas from spring to autumn; check yourself after outdoor activities and consider tick-borne encephalitis vaccination for extensive outdoor activities
- Pharmacies can provide basic medical advice; don't hesitate to ask for help with minor ailments
Nightlife Safety
- Stick to well-known, reviewed bars and clubs; avoid venues with aggressive touts outside
- Never leave drinks unattended and watch them being prepared when possible
- Arrange transportation before going out; know how you'll get back to your accommodation
- Stay with your group and designate a meeting point if separated
- Be aware that some clubs have strict door policies and may refuse entry without clear reason
- Keep emergency numbers and your accommodation address saved in your phone
Accommodation Safety
- Book accommodations through reputable platforms and read recent reviews carefully
- Verify the address before arrival; some scam listings use photos of different properties
- Check that windows and doors lock properly upon arrival and request a room change if not
- Don't open doors to unexpected visitors; verify with reception if someone claims to be hotel staff
- Know the emergency exits and evacuation procedures for your building
- Be cautious about sharing your accommodation details with strangers you meet
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Cracow is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female visitors. Street harassment is less common than in many European cities, though catcalling can occasionally occur. The city has good lighting in tourist areas, reliable public transportation until late, and a visible police presence. Women traveling alone are a common sight and should not attract unwanted attention in most circumstances.
- Use common sense precautions: avoid poorly lit areas at night, don't accept drinks from strangers, and trust your instincts
- Dress codes are relaxed in Cracow; wear what's comfortable, though modest dress is appreciated in churches
- Book accommodations in well-reviewed areas like Old Town, Kazimierz, or near the Main Square for easier navigation at night
- Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps rather than walking long distances alone late at night
- If experiencing harassment, Polish women often respond assertively; don't hesitate to make a scene or seek help from nearby people
- Join group tours or activities to meet other travelers if you prefer company while exploring
- Keep your phone charged and share your location with friends/family when going out at night
- Be aware that some men may be overly persistent in bars and clubs; a firm 'no' is usually respected
- Avoid strip clubs and 'gentlemen's clubs' even if invited by new acquaintances; these are often sites of scams
- Women-only accommodations and female-friendly hostels are available if you prefer that environment
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Poland (since 1932) with an equal age of consent. However, same-sex marriage and civil unions are not recognized, and anti-discrimination protections are limited. Poland's constitution defines marriage as between a man and a woman.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection; while unlikely to result in violence, negative reactions are possible
- Cracow has a modest gay scene with several LGBTQ+-friendly bars and clubs, primarily in Kazimierz and the Old Town; research venues beforehand
- The annual Equality March (Marsz Równości) takes place in Cracow but can attract counter-protesters; avoid if uncomfortable with confrontation
- Many hotels and hostels are LGBTQ+-friendly; international chains are typically safe bets
- Younger Poles and those in tourist industries are generally more accepting than older generations
- Consider using LGBTQ+ travel apps and forums to connect with local community members for current advice
- Be aware that some religious sites and conservative areas may have less tolerant attitudes
- If experiencing discrimination or harassment, international hotels and tourist police are more likely to be supportive
- Venues: Kitsch Bar, Lindo Disco Club, and Cafe Młynek are known LGBTQ+-friendly establishments
- Warsaw has a larger and more visible LGBTQ+ scene if you're seeking more options during your Poland trip
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Cracow. While the city is safe and healthcare is good, medical treatment for non-EU citizens can be expensive, and private facilities (which most tourists use for convenience and English-speaking staff) require upfront payment. Insurance also protects against trip cancellations, lost luggage, and theft—common issues in tourist areas.
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