Warsaw for WWII Buffs - private tour with hotel pickup

Warsaw , Poland

Warsaw for WWII Buffs - private tour with hotel pickup

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About this experience

Discover the traces of WWII in Warsaw on this 3 hours private tour. Ride the retro minibus and find out more about the international situation on the eve of war, the invasion of Poland, the birth of local resistance, the 1943 Ghetto Uprising, the 1944 Warsaw Uprising and the arrival of the Soviet army.

This tour is a choice for those primarily interested in the history of World War II. You'll learn about the battles, heroes and everyday life in Warsaw during the Nazi occupation, the political situation in the region that has changed diametrically throughout coupe years of WWII and the consequences that war has brought to Poland and Europe. Find buildings that may be considered war memorials due to the bullet holes and ricochets, pieces of the Jewish Ghetto wall and hidden hills of rubble. Travel through time thanks to stories you'll hear, combined with archival photographs and our Zuk retro vintage minibus.

Available options

3 hours private tour

Language: English<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Professional English speaking local guide

Transport by retro communist minibus

Hotel / apartment Pickup and drop-off within 3 km radius of city center

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Tour’s schedule is organised in chronological order. The first part is looking for witnesses of the war in downtown Warsaw. The wounds are still visible - you just need to know where to look for them. Next, the guide introduces you to the international situation in the late 1930s and the WWII outbreak in 1939. It was the time of shock caused by nazi and communist (the Soviet Union captured eastern Poland) terror and the birth of Polish resistance.

The crucial part of WWII history in Poland is the tragedy of Jewish citizens who were oppressed and murdered by German Nazis. Poland was home to 3 million Jews, 300 000 of them lived in Warsaw. In 1940 German Nazis created Warsaw Ghetto and squeezed half a million Jews into it.

A few fragments of the Ghetto Wall running between the properties are preserved, as well as the walls of the pre-war buildings that marked the border of the ghetto. The three best-known parts of the wall are located in the former small ghetto, although some are periodically not accessible: the guide takes you to one of them.

Stop 3

The Waliców street tenement house is, as we say, the last ghost from the Ghetto since it remains a ruin up to now. Also - there is a fragment of the Ghetto wall preserved in the same place.

In 1941 Ghetto was divided into two parts by Chłodna street, used for East-West transfer traffic.
The wooden bridge was built near the intersection of Chłodna and Żelazna streets to link two parts. It reached the third floor of the buildings, which allowed the “Aryan” trams, German military transports and cars to pass beneath it, as we can see in many photographs.

Stop 5

The next stop is the Muranów district. Again, the first impression is that it is just a regular neighbourhood filled with squared blocks of flats. But there is much more from the past to be discovered with the help of a guide.

The monument of the Ghetto Heroes and Polin museum are two symbolic and essential places where your guide takes you. Both are located near the spot where the first armed clash of the 1943 uprising took place. Yet, at the same time, it is where Polish, Jewish and German nations reconciled through several events throughout the last 50 years.

On September 17th 1939, two weeks after the outbreak of WWII in Europe, Poland was attacked by the Soviet Union, and the Eastern part of our country was lost forever. After the fall of the USSR, the Monument to the Fallen and Murdered in the East was erected in honour of Poles deported to Gulags in Siberia, killed in executions and the victims of the Katyń massacres.

Stop 8

Later in World War II, an agreement was reached between the Western Allies and the dictator of the USSR, Stalin; as a result, post-war Poland was about to become a country subordinate to the Soviet Union. The last attempt to avoid this fate was the 1944 Warsaw Uprising, which resulted in the Nazis destroying 85% of Warsaw. Red Army captured the empty city three months after the fall of the insurrection, in January 1945.

What's not included

Tip or gratuity

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

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Tripadvisor 5.0

111 reviews

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Car is used mainly for transfers between locations where guests walk with their guide.

This tour can be booked instantly online for adults and children over 150 centimetres (4,9 ft). However, if you want to book a tour for a shorter child, please contact the tour operator to check the availability of seat boosters, which are obligatory in Poland.

Classic vintage minibuses are not equipped with air conditioning, and some are not equipped with seat belts (which is legal with classic vintage cars). However, they have a heating system for the winter.

The capacity of one minibus is 8 passengers. 5 minibuses are available.

About Warsaw

Warsaw, the capital of Poland, is a city of resilience and vibrant culture. Known for its complete reconstruction after WWII, it offers a mix of modern architecture and historic sites, making it a unique destination rich in history and contemporary energy.

Top Attractions

Old Town (Stare Miasto)

The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing the city's rich history and stunning architecture. It was meticulously rebuilt after WWII, earning Warsaw the nickname 'The Phoenix City'.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours Free to explore, Royal Castle entry fee: 30 PLN

Warsaw Uprising Museum (Muzeum Powstania Warszawskiego)

This museum commemorates the 1944 Warsaw Uprising and provides a powerful insight into the city's resilience and history during WWII. The exhibits are interactive and emotionally impactful.

Historical/Museum 2-3 hours 25 PLN

Łazienki Park (Park Łazienkowski)

This vast park is a green oasis in the heart of the city, featuring beautiful gardens, palaces, and ponds. It's perfect for a relaxing stroll or a picnic.

Nature/Historical 2-3 hours Free, Palace entry fee: 20 PLN

Warsaw Zoo (Ogrod Zoologiczny w Warszawie)

One of the largest zoos in Poland, Warsaw Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals and is known for its conservation efforts. It's a great place for families and animal lovers.

Nature/Entertainment 2-3 hours 30 PLN

Palace of Culture and Science (Pałac Kultury i Nauki)

This iconic Stalinist skyscraper is a symbol of Warsaw and offers panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. It's a must-visit for its historical significance and stunning vistas.

Architecture/Historical 1-2 hours 25 PLN

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pierogi

Dumplings filled with various ingredients such as meat, cheese, potatoes, or fruits. They are a staple of Polish cuisine and come in both savory and sweet varieties.

Dinner Vegetarian options available, can be made vegan or gluten-free upon request.

Żurek

A sour rye soup often made with sausage, potatoes, and hard-boiled eggs. It's traditionally served in a bread bowl.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat, can be made vegetarian with substitutions.

Bigos

A hearty hunter's stew made with sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, various meats, and mushrooms. It's often considered Poland's national dish.

Dinner Contains meat, can be made vegetarian with substitutions.

Pączki

Deep-fried doughnuts filled with jam, custard, or other sweet fillings. They are a popular treat, especially during Fat Thursday (Tłusty Czwartek).

Dessert Vegetarian, can be made vegan or gluten-free.

Popular Activities

Biking in Łazienki Park Kayaking on the Vistula River Picnicking in Łazienki Park Visiting a traditional Polish spa Attending a classical music concert at the National Philharmonic Exploring the Warsaw Uprising Museum Boating on the ponds in Łazienki Park Ice skating at the Winter Stadium

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather and numerous outdoor events. It's ideal for exploring the city's parks and outdoor attractions.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Polish
Widely spoken: English, German, Russian
English: Moderately spoken, especially among younger people and in tourist areas

Currency

Polish Złoty (PLN)

Time Zone

GMT+2 (Central European Time, CET)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, with some areas requiring caution

Warsaw is generally a safe city for travelers, with low violent crime rates. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in tourist areas and on public transportation. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in crowded areas
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services to avoid scams
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or surveys

Getting there

By air

Warsaw Chopin Airport • 10 km from city center

By train

Warsaw Central Station, Warsaw Wschodnia Station

By bus

Warsaw Zachodnia Bus Station, Warsaw Wschodnia Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient, clean, and easy to navigate. It's a great way to get around quickly.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town (Stare Miasto) Praga Wola Śródmieście

Day trips

Łowicz

50 km from Warsaw • Half day to full day

A charming town known for its traditional Polish architecture, horse-drawn carriages, and the famous 'Łowiczki' horse shows. It offers a glimpse into Poland's rural past.

Modlin Fortress

40 km from Warsaw • Half day

A historic 19th-century fortress located on the Narew River, offering a fascinating insight into Poland's military history. The fortress is partially in ruins but is open for exploration and guided tours.

Nieporęt

30 km from Warsaw • Half day

A small town with a rich history, known for its beautiful palace and park complex. The palace is a great example of neoclassical architecture and offers a glimpse into the lives of Polish nobility.

Festivals

Warsaw Autumn Festival • September Warsaw Film Festival • October Christmas Markets • December

Pro tips

Visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum for a powerful and emotional insight into the city's history during WWII
Explore the vibrant and artsy Praga district for a glimpse into Warsaw's creative scene and local culture
Take a guided tour of the Warsaw sewer system for a unique and fascinating perspective on the city's history
Try traditional Polish dishes, such as pierogi, żurek, and bigos, at local restaurants or street food vendors
Attend a classical music concert at the National Philharmonic or Teatr Wielki for a world-class cultural experience