Unsafe Areas in Warsaw and Other Warnings and Dangers

Warnings and Dangers in Warsaw, Unsafe Areas

Warsaw is both the largest city in, and the capital of, Poland. While its cozy position along the Vistula River attracts thousands of tourists, visitors should be aware of dangers and unsafe areas when visiting.

Homes and Stores

There are homes and stores around Warsaw that visitors should avoid. It shouldn’t take much to notice them, since the homes are in decline with broken windows and ruined stairs. While you might assume that they are abandoned, they may simply be deteriorating apartments. The neighborhoods consisting of these homes are typically filled with ‘shops’ that might actually be fronts for illicit trade. It’s best to avoid parts of town where the buildings appear to be too run down, and visitors are warned to watch the surrounding stores. There is a sex trade in the area that is more prominent in the less appealing parts of town.

Transportation

Visitors to the area will want to watch out for taxi scams. Visitors are warned to watch out for drivers that will try to take advantage of you and your lack of awareness of the area. These drivers might attempt to take long routes around town or exploit your lack of knowledge of the payment rate. The main train station in Warsaw can be dangerous, so make sure to watch your surroundings and keep your belongings close to you.

Avoid Praga

Tourists around Warsaw will want to avoid Praga, and travelers in the region will want to stay close to the train station when visiting. The northern part of Praga can be especially dangerous, particularly at night. This is generally considered the poorest part of the city, and there can be a significant amount of crime from time to time.

General Tips

Downtown Warsaw, while not completely safe, is still one of the safer areas of town for visitors. Tourists are warned to travel together in groups and avoid being alone at night. Even when obeying these warnings, it’s best to stay in tourist-friendly areas.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about unsafe areas in Warsaw.