The Beautiful City Destroyed by Tourists as Nights End in 'Vomit, Fights and Screaming'

Krakow, one of Poland's most beautiful cities, attracted 9.3 million visitors in 2023, nearly 12 times its population. Many of these tourists are from the UK, drawn by the city's Gothic and Renaissance architecture and vibrant nightlife. However, the influx has led to significant issues, with locals increasingly frustrated by the disorderly behavior of visitors.

The nightlife in Krakow, especially on Szewska Street, is infamous for loud and unruly behavior. Residents frequently complain about drunken tourists who scream, vomit, and fight, making life intolerable. The situation has become so severe that locals have taken legal action against the town hall, accusing it of failing to address the noise and excessive drunkenness.

Ryszard Rydiger, a local lawyer, describes the situation as a disregard for the law, with tourists behaving like "Tarzan in the jungle." Jan, a nightclub worker, echoes this sentiment, calling for appropriate legislation to balance tourism with maintaining order and cleanliness.

In 2023, police were called to handle disturbances 6,800 times in Krakow's city center, often involving alcohol-related incidents and destruction of public property. Campaigners have responded by putting up posters around the city, urging visitors to show respect for Krakow's historical and cultural significance.

Despite the challenges, Krakow remains a testament to Poland's resilience, having been spared the destruction faced by cities like Warsaw and Gdansk during World War II. Its historical significance and beauty continue to attract tourists, but the need for sustainable tourism practices is becoming increasingly urgent to preserve the city's heritage and quality of life for its residents.