Whether you are a student, a tourist or looking for a rental in the capital of Poland, you want to know where the dangerous neighborhoods in Warsaw and what are the best areas to stay.
Indeed, even if Warsaw is not the most dangerous city in Europe, it is always better to find out about the districts of the major capitals. Indeed, one thus avoids choosing his accommodation in a sensitive district or a hot district of the city.
This is the objective of this guide to the districts of Warsaw which is accompanied by a map which allows you to identify the districts to avoid and the best places to stay.
This article is a summary of information from business journal articles, forums and global statistics. It is therefore a synthesis of web data on the reputation and sense of safety of neighborhoods in Warsaw.
Poland dangerous country?
NOT : Apart from geopolitical tensions and the state of emergency between Podlaskie and Lubelskie.
French Government website France Diplomacy, as of January 20, 2022, mentions: “As a general rule, Poland is a destination in which the risks appear limited as long as the traveler respects the basic safety instructions..«
The Government of Canada is of the same opinion:The violent crime rate is generally low in Poland. However, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse snatching are common, especially in larger cities.» Read more on: travel.gc.ca
Regarding the recommendations of the United States, theWASP rates Poland at Level 1 indicating that travelers should take normal precautions.
See also the good position of Poland in the European statistics.
Warsaw dangerous?
NOT : Warsaw is not a dangerous city. It is even one of the least criminal cities in Europe just like Prague, Lisbon, Vienna ou Seville.
Indeed, according to the last ranking on the crime of European cities, Warsaw is at the bottom of the table (135th position out of 167) with a very low crime rate of 26,16.
Note, however, the subjectivity of this kind of classification. Indeed, it is essentially based on the opinions of Internet users without taking into account official figures.
Is Warsaw safe for tourists?
YES : Tourists, who must always be careful, can visit Warsaw without any fear.
This is what the Canadian Government indicates by mentioning that organized gangs of thieves are present at tourist destinations, in public transport, train stations, near hotels and in markets.
Crime exists in Warsaw but it is not directed against tourists (see article Crime in Poland).
However, as in the majority of European capitals (Paris, London, Rome, Athens, Berlin), it is better to avoid certain areas of Warsaw in favor of a safe area close to the city's tourist sites.
Here is some useful information to help you spot the neighborhoods to avoid in Warsaw.
Districts of Warsaw
Warsaw is divided into 18 boroughs (dzielnice in Polish) whose map you will find on Wikipedia : Bemowo, Bielany, Białołęka, Mokotów, Ochota, Praga, Południe, Rembertów, Śródmieście, Targówek, Ursus, Ursynów, Wawer, Wesoła, Wilanów, Włochy, Wola, Żoliborz.
Map of Warsaw neighborhoods
To locate the main areas of the city, use the map of Warsaw neighborhoods below to locate in particular:
- Stare Miasto – Old Town of Warsaw (historic center)
- Śródmieście (city center)
- Wola (business district)
- Ursus (commercial area)
- Mariensztat (small historic district in the center)
- Powiśle (the new town)
- Muranow (district rebuilt in memory of the history of the Jews of Warsaw)
- Praga (district with a bad reputation)
- Zoliborz (district north of the city center)
- Mokotow (trendy and residential district in the center
Dangerous neighborhoods in Warsaw?
No, apart from the district of Praga Polnoc which has a bad reputation, there are no dangerous neighborhoods in Warsaw where tourists would be in danger.
Neighborhoods to avoid in Warsaw
Here are some neighborhoods that as a tourist it is best to avoid at night. Not that they're dangerous but they're either too isolated, far away tourist sites, either poorly served by public transport or a little less safe than the other districts of Warsaw. Click to see their googlemap location:
- Wawrzyszew
- Spindle
- Happy girls
- Stary Mokotow in certain places
- Area Wilanowska Metro
Best neighborhoods in Warsaw
Warsaw is a capital that brings together many very beautiful districts, all as interesting as each other. It is therefore difficult to know which are the best because it is a matter of taste.
But according to real estate agencies, the best-known areas of the Polish capital are:
- Srodmiescie (downtown)
- Old Town (old City)
- Mariensztat (micro district adjoining the old town)
- Saska Kepa posh embassy district
- Wawer next to Saska district
- Żoliborz north of the city center
Best area to stay to visit Warsaw
Warsaw being very large, it is recommended that tourists stay as close as possible to the tourist sites. This way, you avoid wasting time and money on public transport. The ideal is to find accommodation from which you can do everything on foot (sightseeing, restaurants, museums, bars).
Old Town district of Warsaw for tourists
The most touristic place in Warsaw is the area around the Trakt Krolewski which is the most famous and prestigious promenade in the capital.
Within a radius around this area of the Old Town are all the most beautiful sights of Warsaw:
- Plac Zamkowy (Castle Square) facing the Royal Palace,
- the Krakowskie Przedmieście, street of the most beautiful mansions of the Polish nobility,
- the Ulica Nowy Świat (New World Street) main commercial and tourist artery with luxury boutiques, chic restaurants, art galleries,
- Plac Trzech Krzyży (Three Crosses Square),
- Aleje Ujazdowskie (Ujazdów Avenue) where you can see Ujazdów Castle and Łazienki Park,
- the Ulica Belwederska (Rue du Belvédère) where the Belvedere Palace is located, which is the residence of the President of the Republic,
- the Ulica Jana III Sobieskiego (Rue Jean III Sobieski),
- the Aleje Wilanowska (Wilanów Avenue) where the Wilanow Palace is located.
Where to stay in the Old Town of Warsaw?
Here is one of the most beautiful hotels located 500 meters from Old Town (old town) in the beautiful little district of Mariensztat: Bellotto Hotel
The establishment occupies the former Palace of the Bishops and is only 200 meters from the Royal Castle!
Where to stay cheap in Warsaw?
For small budgets, here is a good hotel also very well located in the historic center and with good value for money:
