ctl99

Hello all,

I am a young female traveling to Krakow alone for 3 days in June (at the end of a longer trip). I am an experienced international traveler, and I have been completely on my own elsewhere, including Moscow, in the past. I've also already been to Poland, although it was to Warsaw and with a group. My main goal in Krakow is to get out to see Auschwitz and Birkenau.

Lately after reading more travel books I am feeling some anxiety about my safety in Krakow. I know how to avoid pickpockets (I've never been a victim of theft despite extensive traveling), but I am worried about being mugged and/or encountering more violent crime.

First, has anyone had any problems with serious crime in Krakow? Second, does anyone have any advice for me as far as how to stay safe in the city? I plan to go out only in the day time, and obviously I will avoid looking like a tourist or calling attention to myself, to the extent possible. Is there anything else I can do?

Also, can anyone tell me if taxis are safe in Krakow, and if that is a good way to get from the aiport to the hotel and back? My hotel is near the center of town and I am pretty sure it is in a good, safe area.

Thanks for any advice, and sorry if I sound paranoid. I'm just wondering how worried I should be, or not.

Gavin

We was stayed in Krakow for six nights a month ago and neither my wife nor I had no "feeling" of danger for whatever that is worth. For example we "felt" much safer in Krakow than in Naples. There were lots of visitors in the main square both day and night. There were lots of police around. The streets were well lit. People were friendly and helpful. We did see a little public drunkeness.

We used taxis to get to and from the airport. If I recall correctly it was 50 zloty from the airport to the Novotel Centrum and about 60 to get back. We met some other conference attendees at the airport who paid 80 to get there. One of our group used the bus and he said it was fine and very cheap but he had to haul his stuff from the bus depot to the hotel, which he did not mind.

Be sure to Leonardo's "Lady with an Ermine" at the Chartorski Museum. Unlike the Mona Lisa you can have her to yourself.

Enjoy Krakow, it is well worth visiting.

John

I was in Krakow for 5 days back in March and I felt completly safe even on side streets.
I also took a taxi from the train station and a taxi to the airport with no problem.(don't remember the price) Your hotel can probably arrange for a taxi to meet you at the train or airport.
You'll love Krakow. Freindly, safe, clean.
Auschwitz and Birkenau is indeed well worth a visit. Very moving and very sad. Be sure to visit the salt mines also. Extremly interesting.
Have a great trip.

Christina

I was in Krakow about two years ago and loved it -- I felt perfectly safe in the main part of the city, more than in many European cities. I don't know what you've read, but it wasn't my experience. I can't speak to some outer parts of Krakow (which I kind of doubt is where you would be going).

I took a taxi from the train station to my hotel, and then from the hotel to the airport. I had no problems at all and the fares were very reasonable. The airport isn't that far from the center of the city that the cost was unusually high. My hotel called that cab for me in the morning, so I'm sure they used a company they were familiar with. From the train station to the hotel, I just took a cab from the queue.

laotzu_1

Ctl99: I'm thinking of travelling to Krakow (Poland, Budapest and Prague) in October. I'm not a seasoned international traveller and I'm curious... How do you avoid pickpockets?