Law & Order

In general Wrocław is safer than most Western cities, and visitors are unlikely to face any problems if they simply employ common sense. Petty crime does exist, and travellers should be on guard against pickpockets. Those travelling by car are advised to use a guarded car park. Robberies on overnight trains are not unheard of, especially on the routes connecting Wrocław with Prague and Berlin; book a couchette or sleeper cabin and keep an eye on your things.

Staying safe and on the right side of the law is significantly easier for tourists who accept that Polish beer and vodka are rocket fuel and drink accordingly. If you’re determined to make an idiot of yourself then make sure it’s not in front of the law. In recent years foreign wits - from those in Chewbacca costumes to complete fools who’ve thought it’s perfectly acceptable to drop their trousers and urinate in a city centre fountain - have tested the patience of the local law enforcement. Their tolerance threshold is now decidedly low so don’t push your luck.  Those who do may well be treated to a trip to Wrocław’s premier drunk tank (ul. Sokolnicza 16/20), a chastening experience which will set you back 250zł for a 6-24 hour stay. In return for your cash expect a strip search, a set of blue pyjamas and the company of a dozen mumbling vagrants. Refreshment comes in the form of limitless coffee, though the mug sometimes comes with the smell of urine for a reason. Credit cards are not accepted.

Another easy way for tourists to cross cops is by jaywalking. If you are from a country which doesn’t have or respect jaywalking laws, you'll be surprised to see crowds of people standing obediently at a crossing waiting for the lights to change. The reason for obeying this seemingly silly rule is the fact that the local city police (Straż Miejska) will quite freely give you a 50-100zł fine for crossing a road at a place where no crossing is marked or a 100zł fine when the ‘walk’ light is red. And don’t think you are exempt by being a foreign visitor. You are subject to the law too and your non-residency means you will need to pay the fine on the spot (the helpful chaps will even accept foreign currency).