Poland : Safety by CityEven though it was destroyed by the Nazis during World War II, Warsaw developed into an ideal capital city where almost every building dates to the postwar era.
Tourists can visit the Royal Castle and the Gothic palaces of the Old Town since old buildings are possible to be seen in the restored districts of Stare Miasto and Nowe Miasto.
The capital city of Poland is full of palaces and parks, the Royal Castles and other Gothic buildings.
Once there, do not miss to walk the Royal Way to see the best of Warsaw.
Warnings & Dangers in Warsaw
OVERALL RISK: LOW
The overall risk is low, since violent crime is not present in Warsaw, while opportunistic crimes like theft, pick-pocketing and purse snatching are frequent as in any other tourist place. However, most travelers experience no difficulties and all you need to do is to keep valuables and cash out of sight, especially in crowded areas.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
When it comes to public transport, long-distance trains and buses, and those that drive from the airport are frequently places where thieves operate. Taxi drivers, as in any other big city, tend to overcharge tourists for their services, so always ask them to use the taxi meter. The public transport system in Warsaw is generally well-developed, but the driving habits are extremely bad which is proven by the fact that Poland has the highest road fatality rates among European countries.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
The more tourists, the more pickpocket risks. Warsaw is an incredibly popular tourist destination which in turn leads to the higher chances of being robbed there. Thieves will try to distract your attention and steal your phone or wallet. Be especially vigilant around ATMs, at central railway stations, particularly in the Baltic towns of Gdansk, Gdynia, and Sopot and in Warsaw and Krakow.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
Weather in Poland is not extreme, but the heavy rains in spring might cause flooding. Low temperatures and great amount of snow are possible in winter, which might lead to ice on roads which is hazardous. Other serious natural disasters do not happen.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Warsaw is a great place for tourists since serious crime against foreigners is relatively rare. However, you should not rely on that, because there have been reports of incidents which were racially motivated. You are not likely to be kidnapped or mugged in Warsaw, but still, it is advisable not to accept drinks from strangers and use an only official taxi.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
The terrorist attacks in Europe frequently happen nowadays, and the threat exists in Poland, too. Any kind of suspicious activity should be reported to the police and before coming to Warsaw, you should monitor the news for any new threats.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
Bogus police officers might ask you for your ID’s and the cash to steal it from you. They will also try to steal credit card credentials and pin code at some ATM’s. In Warsaw, not only taxi drivers, but vendors and restaurant staff will try to overcharge you, so be extra watchful when paying something.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Women solo travelers often visit Warsaw since this is the city where they can feel very safe. With the usage of common sense, they enjoy their holiday trouble-free.
So... How Safe Is Warsaw Really?
Warsaw is not only the capital city but also the city that attracts many tourists from all over the world.
That is why the government is trying to make it safer and more comfortable for tourists by introducing a strong police presence in the city center.
This decreased the number of criminals, but still, there are areas to be avoided like the Praga districts and bus and rail stations.
Pickpockets can sometimes be a problem and you should watch your belongings when in a large crowd.
Football hooligans can be problematic before or after large football events.
However, violent crime is rare and usually not against tourists, so nothing should discourage travelers from coming to Warsaw.
How Does Warsaw Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Warsaw | 81 |
| Krakow | 68 |
| Gdansk | 68 |
| Poznań | 73 |
| Wroclaw | 78 |
| Lodz | 84 |
| La Paz (Bolivia) | 52 |
| Sao Paulo (Brazil) | 45 |
| Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | 43 |
| Sofia (Bulgaria) | 73 |
| Siem Reap (Cambodia) | 63 |
| Phnom Penh (Cambodia) | 61 |
Useful Information
Visas
When the entry requirements are in question, Poland participates in the Schengen Area, meaning that people from certain countries can enter Poland without a visa. However, if the reason for your travel is not tourism, then you need to contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Poland for more information.
Currency
The official currency in Poland is Zloty and it is always better to exchange money in banks and currency exchange kiosks. All major currencies are readily exchanged in Poland. ATMs can be found anywhere in Warsaw and all credit cards are accepted.
Weather
The weather in Poland varies. During summer the temperature is between 24 and 36 degrees Celsius. Cold winters with a lot of snowfall are typical for Poland. Warsaw can be visited year-round but the best time is late spring and summer when the climate is the most favorable. The coolest months are January and February with temperatures below zero.
Airports
The major international airport in Warsaw is Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport, located in Włochy, around 10 km away from the city center. Other international airports that can be used when coming to Poland are Kraków, Gdánsk, Katowice, and Wroclaw.
Travel Insurance
Experienced tourists always obtain a travel insurance policy before going anywhere in the world, so it is advisable to get it, to feel protected.
Warsaw Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 1 | 2 | 7 | 14 | 19 | 22 | 24 | 24 | 19 | 13 | 6 | 2 |
| Low °C | -5 | -4 | -1 | 3 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 9 | 4 | 0 | -3 |
| High °F | 34 | 36 | 45 | 57 | 66 | 72 | 75 | 75 | 66 | 55 | 43 | 36 |
| Low °F | 23 | 25 | 30 | 37 | 46 | 52 | 55 | 55 | 48 | 39 | 32 | 27 |
Poland - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Gdansk | 68 |
| Krakow | 68 |
| Lodz | 84 |
| Poznań | 73 |
| Warsaw | 81 |
| Wroclaw | 78 |
Warsaw is a beautiful city
Not only is Warsaw wonderful but all of Poland is! I love that country and love the principles it stands on. Sure, they have some issues with their people like most countries but you will not experience the closeness and culture that they have here many other places in the world. Seeing how close everyone is, it is just beautiful. I would love to eventually move here if ever possible. I am going again earlier next year. I made a few friends on my trips and I want to make a point to visit at least once a year.
One of my favorite cities, Poland is great
Fantastic rating and review of Warsaw. I would say my experiences match up perfectly. I didn’t experience any scams or pick-pocketing but I know it can happen. Most places that attract tourists will have them. Anyways, I loved Warsaw so much, I am planning to go back with my brother in the near future.
I've heard great things
Having family in Poland has lead me to have some very wonderful adventures growing up. I was born in the US but my father was born in Poland and my mother in the UK. Long story short, they met through a university and both moved to America in the 80’s. Every year we’d take a family trip to visit relatives. It was an amazing experience having two Polish families from different places. The trips stopped each year when I was 14 or so and now we just go when we can. I am heading out in 2 weeks all by myself. I can’t wait!
Poland is so welcoming and safe
Warsaw is safer than most of European capitals. I lived in Berlin and the amount of thugs on the streets was scary, and i saw many drugs syringes in the parks. Never had this problem in Warsaw. The city is clean and people are very polite, even chivalrous i’d say ( guys always opening the doors for ladies etc.). Be prepared for polish cold faces, people don’t smile to strangers;) But if you smile and talk to them they open up quickly and shine!
It's great!
I love Poland. I’m half polish and think that Poland is better and more welcoming than England, my home.
I live in Warsaw for 15 years and from my experience safety depends strongly on the district.
Western side of the river is totally safe at day and also relatively safe at night.
Eastern side is more dangerous.
Close to the river is still usually very safe but as you go further to the east it can get worse.
Northern Praga district can be dangerous even at day.
Regarding public transport, metro is very safe, and so are buses, but beware of the trains at night time(mostly those going to/from the suburbs)
Lots of homeless people asking you for money in the city center but they are rather harmless.
I’d disagree with medium pickpocket risk, it’s rather low. Never heard of someone pretending to be the police also.
Never heard of restaurant staff trying to overcharge someone.
Also on the river shore close to the city center lots of people driks alcohol illegally but they are not harming anyone besides themselves.
Very safe
Warsaw is one of the safest cities I have been to. It is safer than most European capitals. If one is looking to taste some local street food and enjoy a nice view, visit the western banks of the River Vistula. It is called Bulwary.
They have recently been renovated. However, do note that at times it can be windy, especially during colder seasons so if you are visiting any time outside of summer, dress slightly warmer than you usually would.
Recommended
Having lived for the past 5 years in Warsaw, and after living in several countries around the world, Warsaw is a place I would strongly recommend. Polish cities in general are safe and the capital is a very safe city. Polish people are very genuine “Tell it as it is”, type of people, If you attempt to speak the Polish language, the locals will typically go out of their way to help you.
You do not have to worry about safety, as people can walk around trouble free during the day and at night, and the police presence is at a good level.
With regards to Taxi’s and Public Transport, Public transport such as Bus, Tram and Metro are very well connected, clean and affordable.
The writer mentioned to be weary of taxi drivers. Most Taxi drivers I have encountered are honest but you need to always make sure as every once in a while there may be a driver who will try to charge a little extra to foreigners.
Restaurants, Pubs and Night Clubs are safe and fun, but it is best to stay away from people who have had too much to drink. There are very few homeless people these days in Warsaw, and when using ATM’s, take normal precautions.
Safe!
Warsaw’s safety level is high. In the period of my life spent in Warsaw, I have never hear of any gun violence nor heard/seen any knife crime. And non violent crime is very low and less prevalent compared to the early 2000’s.
Also, Pickpocketing is very rare in warsaw, just be smart, of course, in crowded areas just as in any country.
As all travellers should do when visiting a foreign country, learn a bit about the culture and a few words in their language, enjoy and make smart choices. You will love your trip and make sure to also visit Krakow as it was not destroyed in WW2 and is very well preserved.
Much safer than others
Fake police officers trying to steal your credit card pin? Restaurants overcharging tourists? What?? I’ve never heard about such cases, and I’m living here for 3 years now. Where did you get those information? I just cannot imagine this happening here in Warsaw. I’ve asked my friends about it and all of them said it sounds ridiculous.
Warsaw is extremely safe place (specially the left side of the river). Much more safer than other European capitals. You don’t have to worry about anything here.