St. Mary's Church and the area around the Main Market Square are the heart of tourist Kraków — beautiful, crowded and attractive to pickpockets. Crowds during the trumpet call, in summer, and at events and markets mean that finding a place to leave your backpack or suitcase should be one of the first items on your sightseeing plan. That way you can calmly admire the Veit Stoss altar, climb the tower with the trumpeter or sit for coffee without constantly worrying about your personal belongings. Many visitors don’t realize that a large backpack worn on the back or an unzipped bag is an invitation to specialists in "quick hands."
Before you start sightseeing: decide whether the items you have with you are things you need at all times. If not, it’s better to leave them in a trusted place (storage point, hotel) than to drag them through the city center. This is the simplest way to feel secure and reduce the risk of theft.
There are three main options — commercial luggage storage near the Square, lockers or left-luggage at the train station, and a safe at your hotel/hostel. In the center you’ll find many well-reviewed luggage services (online-booking points and local self-service lockers). These are convenient if you want to explore for a few hours without heavy suitcases.
Kraków Główny train station has a traditional left-luggage office and lockers, which is practical if you arrive by train. It is often a cheaper and very accessible solution. If your arrival or departure is via the station, it’s worth using this option.
In smaller guesthouses, hostels and hotels, ask if they can store luggage even after check-out — many places offer this service free or for a small fee. This is the safest option because your items remain in the building under staff supervision.
At "luggage storage" points or self-service lockers you pay for storage by hour or day. Before handing over your bag check: opening hours, insurance coverage, rules for liability for valuables, and the method used for labeling and confirming pickup. Most secure practice: photograph the contents of your suitcase, keep the receipt and do not leave documents or large amounts of cash in the locker.
Commercial firms often offer insurance up to a certain amount — ask whether it covers electronics and documents. If the service issues a seal or tag, keep it for pickup. Many points allow online reservations — useful on weekends and in high season when spaces fill quickly.
St. Mary's Basilica is both a place of worship and a museum, so there are rules about dress and silence. Entrance to the sightseeing area requires a ticket (a small donation), and access to the tower and the ticket desk have their own rules. Before entering: leave large backpacks, suitcases or big bags in luggage storage. The sightseeing area is not equipped for storing luggage.
If you have a small backpack or bag — carry it in front of you or keep it close. The church sees heavy flow at entrances and exits, and moments of concentrated attention are opportunities for pickpockets. Also remember to cover shoulders and knees — if you plan to enter the liturgical area, adjust your clothing. Note restrictions on photography and switch off flash when required.
Most thefts are reported in crowded places: the Main Market Square, the Cloth Hall, tram stops near the Square, crowded trams and trains, around the station and at large outdoor events. Pickpockets work where their presence blends into the crowd.
Common techniques include distraction (asking for directions, signing a petition), group actions (one person creates a diversion while another takes belongings), quick reaches into open bags or backpacks, and the "two-step" trick — someone bumps or jostles you while an accomplice takes a wallet. There are also staged "attractions" — street performers, people asking for photos, or a "lost ring" scam. Some methods are very discreet and work in seconds, so vigilance is your best protection.
The safest option in crowded areas is to carry your bag or backpack in front. If that is impractical due to weather or comfort, choose an anti-theft model (zipper on the inside, armored cable, reinforced pockets). Closed zippers and hidden pockets make it harder to quickly remove a wallet or phone.
If you must wear a backpack on your back — use small tricks: keep one strap in your hand, clip the straps together with a small carabiner, use a small lock or a TSA-style zipper, or move valuables into an interior pocket or a money belt worn under clothing. In restaurants don’t leave a backpack on the chair behind you — better place it between your legs, secure it to the table leg with a strap, tuck it under the table or keep it within sight.
First secure whatever you still have: stop card payments, lock your phone and report the theft of documents to your consulate (if you are a foreigner). In Poland the emergency number is 112 — you can call for help and the police will make a report, which you’ll need for bank claims or insurance.
Go to the nearest police station and file a theft report; ask for a copy of the report. If you lost a bank card — call your bank immediately to block it. If your passport is gone, contact your country's consulate — officials help issue temporary travel documents. It’s useful to have copies of documents in the cloud or sent to your email to speed up formalities.
Mistake: carrying all documents and cards in a back pocket. Solution: split your documents and cards — keep some in the hotel safe and some on your person in a hidden pouch.
Mistake: leaving a bag over the back of a café chair. Solution: keep luggage with you, tuck it between your legs or use a security strap.
Mistake: trusting overly friendly people offering help with luggage or showing souvenirs. Solution: keep distance, refuse politely and go to official staff (ticket desk, tourist information).
Mistake: ignoring official Basilica visiting hours and entering with a large bag. Solution: check visiting times and plan to leave luggage before entry.
Make a copy of your passport and save emergency numbers for your bank and embassy/consulate. Pack essentials into a small chest bag or money belt — wallet, phone, card, key. Make sure your backpack zippers are closed and, if possible, secured with a clip or lock.
If you plan to go up the tower for the trumpet call — leave large luggage in storage. Check Basilica visiting hours (tourist entrances and Mass times differ) and try to be there when crowds are smaller, for example in the morning before late morning.
The trumpet call from St. Mary's — an interrupted melody is not a malfunction, it’s part of the tradition tied to the legend of the trumpeter. When crowds gather for the call, pickpocket vigilance increases — the best viewing spots are the less crowded edges of the Square where you can stand with luggage without the crush.
Around the Square there is a wide network of private storages and online reservation systems — it’s worth reserving in advance during high season. Many points have limited opening hours, so if you arrive late at night or plan very early sightseeing, choose 24/7 options (station lockers or round-the-clock services).
Where should I leave my backpack if I only have a few hours in the city? - The most convenient options are luggage storage points near the Square or the traditional left-luggage at Kraków Główny station. Online reservation helps avoid queues.
Can I enter the Basilica with a large suitcase? - Generally it’s better not to. The sightseeing areas are not designed for large baggage. Leave it earlier in storage or at your hotel.
What should I do if someone robs me? - Report the theft on emergency number 112, go to the police station, block your cards and contact your consulate (if you are a foreigner). Make a list of lost items and keep the police report.
After morning sightseeing it’s nice to sit for a good coffee at one of the well-rated cafés around the Square — it’s a good moment to check your luggage and sort items into everyday things and those you can leave in storage. Always choose places with indoor seating and staff service; if you leave a bag by the table, keep it within sight.
If you're staying in Kraków for several days, ask the hotel reception about a safe or luggage storage — it’s the safest option. In museums and official sites staff or official guides can usually advise where to leave items during your visit.
If you plan to visit St. Mary's Basilica and other Old Town attractions and want a stress-free organization, I can help plan your route, advise where to leave luggage and assist with booking tickets or a café table. As a guide I can help with logistics, transport and reservations so you can focus on the beauty of Kraków, not on what to do with your backpack.
If you found this article helpful — share it on social media or send it to friends. If you would like to explore Kraków with a guide, contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz (contact details are available on the official site of the guide). Enjoy your time in Kraków and safe sightseeing!
