Where can you smoke in Krakow? Smoking in public in Poland

If you’re visiting Krakow or planning to move to this beautiful city, it’s important to understand the local smoking laws. Poland has strict regulations regarding smoking in public places, but there are still areas where smoking is allowed. In this article, we’ll break down where you can and cannot smoke in Krakow, as well as provide some insights into smoking culture in Poland. Can you smoke in public in Krakow, Poland?

Where Can You Smoke in Krakow?

In Krakow, smoking is generally allowed in open public spaces such as streets and squares. You can legally smoke while walking down the street, and it’s a common sight to see people lighting up cigarettes outdoors. Smoking is not heavily stigmatized in Poland, and you’ll find that many locals still smoke, especially in social settings.

Some venues, such as bars or restaurants, may have designated smoking areas. However, these are becoming increasingly rare as fewer Poles smoke and public health regulations tighten. If you’re looking for a place to smoke indoors, you’ll need to seek out specialized smoking lounges, which are few and far between.

Where Is Smoking Banned in Krakow?

Smoking is prohibited in many of Krakow’s parks and green areas. This includes popular spots like Planty Park, which surrounds the Old Town, Błonia or Park Jordana. Police and municipal police patrol the Planty and rarely react to people breaking the smoking ban. You have to rustle up something else and then you will also get a fine for smoking in a prohibited place, these are extremely rare cases.

Smoking is strictly forbidden at bus, tram, and train stops in Krakow. This includes both covered and open-air stops. If you’re waiting for public transport, you’ll need to step away from the designated area to smoke.

As in the rest of Poland, smoking is banned in all indoor public spaces, including shoping malls, airports, railway stations, restaurants, bars, and cafes. Some establishments may have outdoor seating areas where smoking is permitted, but this is at the discretion of the venue. You can smoke while seated at tables outside.

Smoking at Krakow Airport

If you’re traveling through Krakow Airport, you’ll find limited options for smoking. Smoking is allowed outside the terminal building before you pass through security. Once you’ve cleared security, there is a designated smoking room located after the security. This is the only place inside the airport where smoking is permitted. Here you can find out where the smoking area at Krakow Airport is.

Smoking Culture in Poland

While smoking is still relatively common in Poland, the number of smokers has been declining in recent years. Public health campaigns and stricter regulations have contributed to this trend. That said, smoking is not heavily stigmatized, and you’ll find that many Poles are tolerant of smokers, especially in outdoor settings. Here you can read what is the legal smoking age in Poland.

Key Takeaways

• Smoking is allowed in most open public spaces in Krakow, including streets and squares.
• Smoking is banned in parks, at public transport stops, and in indoor public venues like restaurants and bars.
• Some venues may have designated smoking areas, but these are becoming increasingly rare.
• At Krakow Airport, smoking is permitted outside the terminal and in a designated smoking room past security.