Warsaw Travel Forum

We are looking to incorporate Poland into a 2 month trip to Europe. I have to say I am getting a bit spooked by all the warnings in regard to safety in Warsaw. Would it be better to skip Warsaw and spend the time in Krakow and the Tatra Mtns? Would we be missing out by not going to Warsaw? Also are there any other towns we could include - looking for a week in total in Poland. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

First of all the safety issues in Warsaw are the same like in Milan, Rome, Berlin, Paris...etc.
Second, in my opinion (and here I am waking up all of those in love with Warsaw) I would always spend time in Krakow, and Tatra rather than in Warsaw.

For me, south-east of Poland (Galicia) has much more to offer than our capitol.

I would go to Krakow for 4 nights, from there I would took one day trip to Wieliczka and another to either Auschwitz or Ojcowski Park or some other close by place you are interested in.

After that I would go to Zakopane for 3 nights and from there took a hiking trips to all what Tatra Mountains have to offer.

Hi,

first of all, Warsaw seemed very safe to me when stayed there this December. Basic precautions apply like in any other big city.

Then, I would absolutely try to include Warsaw in your itinerary (meaning to do both Cracow & Tatra & Warsaw, if you have the time). I was myself a bit sceptical at first (the trip was not my initial idea) but there is really much to see in Warsaw: nice Old Town, the Royal Palace, Nowy Swiat Street, Lazienki Park & Palace on the Water, Wilanow Palace, the churches, the Uprising Monument & highly interesting Uprising Museum, Jewish Cemetary, Palace of Culture etc. Plus, public transport is good (the tourist bus line covers all important sights), plus, there are good restaurants. We went there for a week, but if you are really short on time, you can cram much even into 2-3 days there.

So yes, it is worth a visit.

Best regards - Michael

If you can include it, go for it.

I agree with MichaelFalk1969--Warsaw is a cool place to visit and is worth a stop. I'm not sure where you would have been getting safety warnings specific to Warsaw--it's not considered any less safe than anywhere else in Europe, as far as I know. I've spent a reasonable amount of time there and never felt unsafe walking around by myself.

I have some tips on the city, and the suggestions you've received above are good too.

I was in Warsaw a few summers ago and never really felt unsafe. However, Krakow and Zakopane were just a lot more beautiful and interesting to me than Warsaw. If I were going to go back to Poland, I would skip Warsaw and stay in the south.

We just returned from Poland a few weeks ago. I also asked myself whether we should visit Warsaw, decided that we should, and was very glad with our decision. Warsaw might be "underrated" because it is such a modern city (80% destroyed in World War II). Whereas Krakow is a tourist favorite because it is so well preserved. At least spend one full day / one night in Warsaw so that you don't miss the hip, urban side of Poland. SAFETY: Not an issue. In fact, I saw many, many security / police during my stay. Follow all normal precautions that you would follow anywhere you travel.

huh....warsaw not safe?....where did you get that idea?....how can you go to poland and not visit warsqw......great palaces....old towns and environs.....2 nights warsaw....3 krakow...2 zakopane and one night to spare

I have been to Warsay and there was no safety issues, felt very safe but it was not my favourie place. We loved Gdnask, Krakow, Wroclaw and Poznan.

I am sure you will enjoy your visit to Poland.

Linda

I have been to Warsay and there was no safety issues, felt very safe but it was not my favourie place. We loved Gdnask, Krakow, Wroclaw and Poznan.

I am sure you will enjoy your visit to Poland.

Linda

Thank you all so much for your replies. The information has been very heplful. I will put Warsaw on the ininerary (at least a 2 day stop). Thanks again.

When in Warsaw, visit the Cafe "Belle Epoque" (it is only a short distance from the Barbican, go past the two churches on either side of the street, and there it is). It is really nice, great food, friendly staff, sweet interior.

all, I will state is this: I have traveled to Poland each year for the past 5 years. I love Warsaw, I enjoyed Krakow and I was very pleased with the quite and cleanness and people of "Elk" Never. have I had a problem. But I also avoid the lonely spots at night and always watching where I go. If you look for trouble you can find it weather you are in Poland or the good Ole USA. enjoy,, Warsaw is a beautiful place and the people are very nice.