1945-1989 Communism Tour of Krakow Nowa Huta with Transfers

Krakow , Poland

1945-1989 Communism Tour of Krakow Nowa Huta with Transfers

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About this experience

Visit the model Socialist city of Nowa Huta in Krakow to discover the post-war history of the People's Republic of Poland (PRL) and learn about daily life under communism. Includes private car transfers from your accommodation and entry to Arka Pana.

Highlights:

• Explore the post-war history of Krakow with a 5-Star Local Guide
• Admire the architecture and monuments of Nowa Huta, a model Socialist district
• Learn about the events and people of the Communist regime in Poland
• Find out why people fought to build the Church of Our Lady Queen of Poland (Arka Pana)
• Enjoy private car transfers from your accommodation in Krakow

Most people only see Krakow's Old Town, but on this private tour we want to show you Nowa Huta, a model socialist city created during the turbulent course of Stalinism in Poland. It’s a unique opportunity to learn in your native language about the Socialist social engineering and the historical events that led to the birth of Solidarity.

Available options

1945-1989 Communism Tour of Krakow Nowa Huta with Transfers

Pickup included

What's included

Free admission to Arka Pana Church

Expert commentary on the 1945-1989 history of Poland

5-Star Licensed Guide who is fluent in the selected language

Private car transfers with pickup and drop-off at your accommodation

Private Walking Tour of Nowa Huta in Krakow with Transfers

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Nowa Huta includes a round-trip transfer by private car from your accommodation in Krakow, so that it will be easy to join your Private Guide on a walking tour of this remarkable neighborhood. The easternmost district of Krakow is one of the most historically and culturally significant places in the history of modern Poland.

Your Expert Guide will take you on a journey back in time to post-war Krakow to learn about politics, culture and daily life under the Marxism-Leninism regime (1945-1989). Nowa Huta will surprise you with its Parisian hierarchy of streets and the grandeur of its buildings, as its one of the largest planned socialist realist settlements in the world. You will admire the grand architecture in the Ronald Reagan Plaza and the tree-lined Rose Avenue.

At every turn you will learn interesting facts about daily life in this well-planned city, but also about political tensions between the ordinary residents and the former Socialist government. Points of interest include the Nowa Huta Cross and The People’s Theater. The highlight of this PRL and Communism tour will be a visit to the striking Arka Pana Church (the Ark of the Lord, also known as Our Lady Queen of Poland Church), which was built by locals from 1967-1977 despite the government’s strong opposition. Discover a historical site of pre-Solidarity protests in Poland.

Available languages

Guide guide

DE RU EN IT PL FR ES

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please check your email the day before the tour to receive important information.

Guided tours inside the Arka Pana Church during mass and special events (such as scheduled concerts) are limited, so the guide may provide all information outside.

This tour includes an estimated 1-hour round-trip transfer from your accommodation to Nowa Huta in Krakow. Transfer time will vary depending on distance and traffic, but we guarantee a 2-hour walking tour regardless.

We will arrange private transfers in a standard car (sedan) for groups of 1-4 people, and in a larger van for groups of 5 people and more. If you're traveling in a smaller group but want to travel in a more spacious car, we recommend booking a 5-people tour to take advantage of a larger vehicle.

Important notes

Information for the customer (Know before you go)

• Please check your email the day before the tour to receive important information.
• Guided tours inside the Arka Pana Church during mass and special events (such as scheduled concerts) are limited, so the guide may provide all information outside.
• This tour includes an estimated 1-hour round-trip transfer from your accommodation to Nowa Huta in Krakow. Transfer time will vary depending on distance and traffic, but we guarantee a 2-hour walking tour regardless.
• We will arrange private transfers in a standard car (sedan) for groups of 1-4 people, and in a larger van for groups of 5 people and more. If you're traveling in a smaller group but want to travel in a more spacious car, we recommend booking a 5-people tour to take advantage of a larger vehicle.

About Krakow

Krakow, the former capital of Poland, is a city rich in history, culture, and stunning architecture. It's home to the Wawel Royal Castle, the historic Main Market Square, and the largest medieval old town in Europe. Krakow's vibrant arts scene, bustling nightlife, and proximity to Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine make it a must-visit destination.

Top Attractions

Wawel Royal Castle

This iconic castle was the residence of Polish kings and a symbol of Polish statehood. It offers a glimpse into Poland's rich history.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours 30-50 PLN (€7-12)

Main Market Square (Rynek Główny)

One of the largest medieval town squares in Europe, surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and shops.

Historical/Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore

Wieliczka Salt Mine

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring underground chambers, chapels, and sculptures carved out of salt.

Historical/Adventure 4-5 hours 89-139 PLN (€20-32)

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

A poignant and sobering visit to the largest Nazi concentration camp, now a memorial and museum.

Historical/Educational Full day 70-100 PLN (€16-23)

Kazimierz District

The historic Jewish quarter with a rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, and charming streets.

Cultural/Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pierogi

Dumplings filled with various ingredients like meat, cheese, potatoes, or fruits.

Dinner Can be vegetarian or vegan

Obwarzanek

A type of bread ring, similar to a bagel, often sold by street vendors.

Snack Vegetarian

Zapiekanka

A Polish street food consisting of a half-baguette topped with mushrooms, cheese, and various condiments.

Snack Can be vegetarian

Schabowy

A breaded pork cutlet, similar to schnitzel, often served with potatoes and cabbage.

Dinner Contains meat

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Tatra Mountains Skiing in Zakopane Spa and wellness treatments Strolling through parks and gardens Visiting museums and galleries Attending concerts and performances Boating on the Vistula River Skiing and snowboarding in the nearby mountains

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Krakow for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city is lively with festivals and tourists.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Polish
Widely spoken: English, German, Russian
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Polish Złoty (PLN)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Krakow is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure in crowded areas.
• Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps.
• Be cautious when withdrawing money from ATMs.

Getting there

By air

John Paul II International Airport Krakow-Balice • 11 km from city center

By train

Krakow Glowny, Krakow Plaza

By bus

Krakow Main Bus Station, Młocińscy Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Krakow's tram system is efficient and covers most of the city. Trams are comfortable and frequent.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town (Stare Miasto) Kazimierz Nowa Huta Zakrzówek

Day trips

Wieliczka Salt Mine

14 km from Krakow • Full day

Explore the underground chambers, chapels, and sculptures carved out of salt in this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

70 km from Krakow • Full day

Visit the largest Nazi concentration camp, now a memorial and museum, to learn about the Holocaust.

Zakopane

100 km from Krakow • Full day

A picturesque mountain town known for its stunning scenery, hiking trails, and skiing opportunities.

Festivals

Krakow Jewish Festival • June or July (annual) Krakow Film Festival • May (annual) Krakow Christmas Market • December (annual)

Pro tips

Use the Krakow Card for unlimited public transport and free entry to many attractions.
Visit the Wawel Dragon statue and make a wish by placing a coin in its mouth.
Try traditional Polish dishes like pierogi and żurek at local restaurants.
Explore the Kazimierz district for its vibrant nightlife and cultural scene.
Take a day trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine or Auschwitz-Birkenau for a deeper understanding of Polish history.