Yes. Krakow is one of the safer cities in Central Europe. Petty theft exists around the Old Town at night - keep your phone in your pocket and don't leave bags on chair backs. The areas tourists worry about (Nowa Huta, Kazimierz after dark) are fine.

Poland Travel: Questions We Actually Get Asked

Q: Do people speak English in Poland?

In Krakow and Warsaw, very well - especially anyone under 40. Outside major cities it drops off, but you can get by with patience and pointing. Learning 'przepraszam' (excuse me) and 'dziękuję' (thank you) goes a long way.

Short answers to the questions we get asked every week. If something isn’t here, try the Field Notes - longer reads on specific topics.

Is Krakow safe?

Yes. Comfortably so. The standard city-travel precautions apply - don’t wave your phone around in crowds, keep bags closed - but there’s no area of Krakow we’d tell you to avoid.

Nowa Huta gets asked about a lot. It’s a normal residential district. Go.

Do people speak English in Poland?

In Krakow: yes, widely. Service staff, younger people, anyone in hospitality. University city, lots of international students.

Outside Krakow, especially in smaller towns: less so. A translation app helps. People are generally patient and will try.