Kraków Practical information

Health & safety

Dangers & annoyances

Kraków is generally a safe city for travellers, although as a major tourist hot spot it has its fair share of pickpockets; be vigilant in crowded public areas.

If you’re staying in the centre of the Old Town, especially near the main square, you may experience late-night noise from the area’s many restaurants, bars and clubs; ask for a room at the back if this is going to be an issue. In summer, the large numbers of tourists in town can be a little overwhelming and mean long queues for top sights such as Wawel Castle and scarce seating in the more popular restaurants. Keep an eye out for the many horse-driven carriages that cart tourists around the Old Town, including along the pedestrianised streets.

Be aware that if carrying a large suitcase or backpack on a Kraków city bus you must buy an extra ticket (2.50zł).

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While you're there

Medical services

The US Consulate Department of Citizen Services (012 429 6655) can provide a list of English-speaking doctors. Pharmacies are everywhere – the city counts more than 200 of them.

Apteka 24 (012 411 0126; ul Mogilska 21) This 24-hour pharmacy is east of the Old Town.

Dent America (012 421 8948; www.dentamerica.pl; 2nd fl, Plac Szczepański 3) A Polish-American dental clinic.

Falck (96 75; www.falck.pl) Attends house calls and has its own ambulance service.

Medicover (012 616 1000; www.medicover.pl; ul Rakowicka 7) Has English-speaking specialist doctors and does lab tests.

Medicina (012 266 9665; www.medicina.pl; ul Barska 12) Oldest private health-care provider in Kraków.

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