Did you know the Main Market Square and the area around the Cloth Hall are not only Kraków’s most beautiful landmarks, but also places where crowds make petty thefts and clever scams more likely? No need to panic — just a few simple rules will help keep your walk through the Square a pleasant memory.
The Main Market Square is a huge open space with lots of attractions and a constant flow of visitors — an ideal environment for people looking for an easy target. Crowds, photos and moments of distraction (someone taking a picture, someone pausing at a shop window) are the moments when pickpockets have the most opportunity to act.
Keep in mind that in recent years media reports and statistics have drawn attention to pickpockets in the most touristy parts of the city — but at the same time the city and services run preventative measures, so sensible behaviour significantly reduces the risk.
Carry documents and money in a secure place — front trouser pockets or a small crossbody pouch with a zipper are best. A backpack worn on your back in a crowd is an open invitation to trouble.
Zip up your bags — a zipped closure and an extra clip make it harder to reach into a bag quickly. When you stand in a crowd, hold your bag in front of your body.
Split cash and cards — don’t keep all your cards and all your cash in one place. Leave some in a hotel safe and carry only what you plan to spend.
Watch for distractions — if someone accidentally spills a drink, bumps you with a hug, or asks for help with a map, stay alert. Many thefts start with a small staged distraction.
Don’t stop for someone offering you a “gift” — common tricks include dropping an allegedly valuable ring or slipping a bracelet on your wrist. It’s best to refuse politely and move on.
If someone bumps you hard in a crowd — first check that you are OK. If you discover something is missing, try to remember what the perpetrators looked like and the direction they ran.
If you witness a theft or scam — report it immediately to the nearest police or city guard patrol. A quick report increases the chances of recovering stolen items and helps the services respond to rising threats.
Loss of documents or a bank card — block the card immediately (bank emergency number saved in your phone or via online banking). Make copies of documents stored separately (photos in the cloud) — these help when applying for replacements and when reporting the crime.
The “gold ring” scenario — someone “finds” an allegedly valuable piece of jewelry and tries to persuade you to buy it. Reaction: don’t stop, don’t accept items and walk away.
Sales attempts or “gifts” (bracelets) — scammers may insist on payment after placing an item on your wrist. Reaction: a firm “no” and move away quickly.
Fake petitions and requests for signatures — in the confusion your wallet may disappear. Reaction: don’t get involved, don’t sign in a hurry and keep your distance.
Also watch out for “fake police officers” or people pretending to be officials — real officers don’t ask to see your wallet on the street; if someone claims to be an officer, ask for ID and offer to go to the nearest police station with them.
At night it’s safer to stick to main, well-lit streets and busy public areas. On the Old Town the visibility of police and city guard patrols is usually higher, but crowds can also be more chaotic.
If you plan to attend popular events or concerts on the Square, agree meeting points with your companions and keep phones charged. At larger events organisers and security intensify their presence, but it’s still important to look after your personal items.
If you feel a situation is becoming dangerous, head for a police or city guard patrol or the nearest staffed establishment — asking for help in a public place usually discourages an aggressor.
Kraków has police and city guard patrols, and the city has been developing information systems for tourists and preventative measures for years. In case of problems, the simplest action is to call the emergency number 112.
There are also various city initiatives and steward teams in the centre that cooperate with the services — thanks to this, during summer and big events the presence of authorities is more visible.
If you become a victim of theft, ask to have a report written at the police station — this is important for insurance claims and for blocking documents/cards.
If you want to relax after sightseeing, consider well-rated places by the Square: Szara Gęś w Kuchni (noted for Polish cuisine and atmosphere), Pod Nosem (regional cuisine in an elegant setting), La Grande Mamma and Boccanera (if you fancy good pizza). These venues are often praised for quality and service.
For coffee or dessert we recommend cafés with tradition and strong reviews — for example Camelot on the Old Town. Local recommendations and online reviews can help you avoid tourist-trap eateries.
It’s worth booking a table in advance at popular restaurants by the Square, especially in the evening and at weekends — then you can enjoy your time calmly and without rushing.
Keeping your phone in a back pocket and wearing a backpack on your back. Simpler solutions (carry items on the front, use a small pouch) effectively reduce risk.
No plan if documents are lost — take photos of your passport/ID and store them in the cloud, separate from the originals.
Being too trusting of “free gifts” and getting involved in street discussions with strangers. A brief, firm “no” and walking away is often the easiest solution.
Is Kraków safe? — Generally yes; it’s a city with a low crime rate compared with many European metropolises, but like any popular tourist spot you should exercise basic caution.
What to do if someone steals my phone? — Report the theft to the police, block accounts and the SIM card, try a local phone-locating tool and contact your operator.
Can I go alone to the Square at night? — Yes, but choose well-lit routes and be aware of larger crowds around pubs and clubs.
Are there safe places to store luggage? — The safest option is hotel safes or trusted luggage storage services; avoid leaving items unattended on benches or at tables.
Consider carrying a “decoy” wallet with small change — in an emergency you can hand it over and protect real cards and documents.
Use offline maps and minimise taking expensive devices out in the middle of the Square while figuring out directions — a phone in hand is an invitation to curious hands.
If you want photos away from the crowd, try getting up earlier in the morning or staying later after sunset — the Square is often calmer then and safer for relaxed photography.
Kraków is a city we love and that I would be happy to show you in person. Małgorzata Kasprowicz (guide available through the site) helps plan safe and comfortable visits: she leads tours of museums, organises logistics, books tickets and assists with restaurant and accommodation reservations.
If you want to explore the Cloth Hall and the Square without stress, contact Małgorzata — she will advise the best times, show routes that avoid the crowds and take care of details so you can see the highlights safely and comfortably.
If you found this article helpful — share it with friends or on social media. That way more people will find reliable advice and the city will be safer for everyone.
