Is Gdansk Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Gdansk is the largest, and very popular city and the capital of Pomeranian Voivodeship in northern Poland.

It is part of the Tricity area (together with Sopot and Gdynia) and offers triple the attraction than the usual city.

Gdansk and Gdynia are also regularly awarded as the best cities to live in Poland.

This city is a perfect place for those who love living by the sea on one side and hills on the other as well as those who like a laid back atmosphere, lots of green open spaces, clean air, bike trails, good connectivity, and an international work environment.

Also, it has a good train connection to Warsaw and South of Poland, as well as cheap flights to Scandinavia and other major cities in Europe.

Warnings & Dangers in Gdansk

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Generally, Gdansk is a very safe country to travel to. Still, never let your guard down, and be wary of pickpockets and scammers since their activities increased in the past couple of years.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Public transport and taxis are safe and reliable, but it is recommended that you be very careful with your valuables in public transport, since that's where organized pickpockets operate. Also, be careful with taxi drivers using numerous tricks and scams to try and overcharge you.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Pickpocketing and bag snatching are common in tourist landmarks and crowded areas. Be vigilant at all times and never leave your belongings in plain sight. Be careful in crowded areas, in railway and bus stations and especially in public transport, since pickpockets often work in teams, and make artificial crowds around tourists to steal from them, or try to distract people as a trick to pick their pockets.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

There are no threats of natural disasters in Gdansk. During spring there are occasional floods and during winter there are snowstorms and heavy snowfall. Be cautious when driving during the winter period.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

You shouldn't worry about being mugged or kidnapped in Gdansk since it rarely if ever occurs.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Even though there haven't been any terrorist attacks in Gdansk's recent history, they shouldn't be ruled out, so remain aware of your surroundings at all times.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Scams are somewhat common in Gdansk. There are credit card scams with someone calling you on the phone in your hotel room claiming they're the receptionist asking to confirm your credit card details; also be wary of taxi drivers trying to charge you double or convince you that you haven't paid enough (showing you smaller bills instead of the ones you paid with).

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Gdansk and Poland, in general, is safe for a female traveling solo. If you want to maximize your safety, you might consider staying in a hotel instead of a hostel.

So... How Safe Is Gdansk Really?

Gdansk is a very safe city and it’s very popular among the youths for being very relaxed, laid back and liberal.

For example, Gdańsk’s one of the most liberal places in Poland when it comes to the LGBT community.

You can find some LGBT clubs in nearby Sopot or Gdynia, too.

Showing affections in public places won’t catch anyone’s attention.

Be wary of pickpockets bumping into you on the streets, or at the beach, and generally be careful with your valuables, especially in crowded places.

Pickpockets usually work in an organization, so they either create a distraction while someone else steals something from you, or they create artificial crowds on public transport.

Also, be careful when taking a taxi, since taxi drivers have been known to cheat by insisting you didn’t pay enough, in the meantime having hidden the money you paid and showing you smaller bills.

Some might agree on one price and then charge you double once you arrive at your destination.

Some areas of Gdańsk are known for being unsafe and filled with petty thieves, like the Dolne Miasto and Orunia areas at night.

Since they are economically neglected, these areas are dangerous because of their poverty and it is best to avoid altogether.

There are several scams to watch out for so don’t let yourself get tricked easily!

How Does Gdansk Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

Most countries do not need a visa for any stays shorter than 90 days. Any longer than that, you might have to obtain a visa. Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months from your planned date of return. However, if you are not sure about your visa status, contact your local Polish embassy for further information.

Currency

Zloty is the official currency in Gdansk. ATMs are widely available throughout the country and credit cards are accepted in most establishments such as hotels and restaurants.

Weather

Gdansk has a temperate climate which is characterized by relatively cold winters and warm summers. The climate in this city is greatly influenced by cold polar air from Scandinavia and Russia, as well as warmer, sub-tropical air from the south.

Airports

Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport is an international airport located 12 km of Gdańsk. It's not very far from the city centers of the Tricity metropolitan area.

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Gdansk, since it covers not only medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Gdansk Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Poland - Safety by City