Looking for accommodation in the capital of Poland, you want to know which are the dangerous neighborhoods in Warsaw and the best areas to stay.

Indeed, even if Warsaw is not the most dangerous city in Europe, it is always preferable to find out about the districts of the major capitals.

In fact, we avoid choosing accommodation in a sensitive area or a red-light area 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.

Poland dangerous country?

NO: Apart from geopolitical tensions and the state of emergency between Podlaskie and Lubelskie.

The French government's France Diplomacy website mentions:

“As a general rule, Poland is a destination in which the risks appear limited as long as the traveler respects basic safety instructions. »

The Government of Canada is of the same opinion:

"The rate of violent crime is generally low in Poland. However, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse snatching are common, especially in larger cities." Source: travel.gc.ca

Regarding the recommendations of the United States, OSAC assesses Poland at level 1, indicating that travelers should take normal precautions.

See also Poland's good position in European statistics.

Warsaw dangerous?

NO: Warsaw is not a dangerous city. It is actually among the least crime-ridden cities in Europe, along with Prague , Lisbon , Vienna , and Seville.

Indeed, according to the latest ranking of European cities' crime, Warsaw is at the bottom of the table (135th position out of 167) with a very low crime index of 26,16.

Is Warsaw safe for tourists?

YES: Tourists, who must always remain cautious, 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 the article Crime in Poland ).

However, as in most European capitals ( Paris , London , Rome , Athens , Berlin ), it is best to avoid certain areas of Warsaw and instead choose a safe area close to the city's tourist attractions.

Here is some useful information to help you identify neighborhoods to avoid in Warsaw.

Map of Warsaw neighborhoods

Warsaw is divided into 18 districts (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.

To locate the main areas of the city, use this map to find, 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 Praga Północ district which has a bad reputation, there are no dangerous areas in Warsaw where tourists would be at risk. See location of this district

Areas to avoid in Warsaw

Here are some areas and neighborhoods that tourists might want to avoid at night. It's not that they're dangerous, but they're either too isolated, far from tourist attractions, poorly served by public transport , or simply less safe than other parts of Warsaw. Click on the links to see their locations:

• 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

Which neighborhood to stay in when visiting 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, the most touristy district of Warsaw

The most popular tourist area in Warsaw is the area around Trakt Królewski , the capital's most famous and prestigious promenade. See the location of this tourist area.

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 Stare Miasto (old town) in the lovely little Mariensztat district: Hotel Bellotto

The establishment occupies the former Palace of the Bishops and is only 200 meters from the Royal Castle!

For small budgets, here is a good hotel also very well located in the historic center and with good value for money:

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.