Communist City Nowa Huta History Guided Walking Tour

Krakow , Poland

Communist City Nowa Huta History Guided Walking Tour

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

During this tour, you will take a big step back into the communist past of Krakow’s Nowa Huta district which was designed by the Soviets as a model communist city, but later became an anti-communist hub and an important part of the Solidarity movement.

We will visit the enormous Central Square (Plac Centralny), the calling card of the district. Centrally planned right after WWII, today the square and its surrounding areas are like a museum of the many architectural styles and ideas from the past.

We’ll see the spot where a huge monument of Lenin used to stand, and then you’ll visit a local bar for a shot of vodka, just as you might have done back in the communist era.

We’ll also spend some time visiting a huge church known as the Lord’s Ark, which became a symbol of the long fight for freedom and democracy. The church was built by residents completely by hand.

By the end of the tour, you’ll have a better sense of the communist history in Poland.

Available options

Private Nowa Huta Option

Private

Small Group Tour

Small Group

What's included

Local Friendly English-speaking Guide

Vodka degustation in a communist restaurant

Private tour option hotel pick up

Entrance ticket to the communist museum (closed on Mondays)

1 Local snack zapiekanka

Transport by tram to the communist district and back

Detailed itinerary

A small museum of the Nowa Huta district located close to Central Square - an ideal example of communist architecture.

Stop 2

Central Square of the Nowa Huta district - an open-air museum of the communist architecture.

Great place to promote culture in the Nowa Huta district.

Stop 4

Big, empty square where the huge monument of Lenin used to stay in the past.

Lord's Ark Church - the first church in the ideal, communist city Nowa Huta, a symbol of the Solidarity movement and the opposition.

What's not included

Additional Food and Drinks

Gratuity

Small group tour option excluded hotel pick up

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.3

3 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

14 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

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

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

How you will help the local community by joining this tour: - The admission fee to the local Museum of the Nowa Huta helps to support the conservation of local heritage and culture. - We have a vodka and snack stop in a local restaurant that’s off the main tourist path, ensuring local vendors who are producing the locals’-favorite dishes also benefit from tourism to their city. - Support local vendors at a local market by sampling a traditional zapiekanka treat.

Please wear comfortable shoes for walking.

Food Allergies: Unless you suffer from multiple, combined food allergies, or unless you are a vegan, we will figure it out. Vegetarians are welcome on all tours.

Tips: If you are happy with the services provided by your local guides a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry. Please consider this when budgeting for your extra expenses on this tour.

For private tour option we offer central Krakow hotels pick up. Please call or email us.

Meeting point

Your Krakow Urban Tours guide will wait for you at the 1 Dluga Street (ulica Długa) at the corner of Dluga and Basztowa, by the entrance of the bookshop ‘Pod Globusem’.

Important notes

Guests’ pickup is offered for the private group option. We will meet you at your hotel lobby. Our guide will be holding a sign with your name. Please call or email us if any questions.

HOW DID WE DO? Let us know what you loved (or what we can do better) by leaving a review after your tour. As a local small business, it will mean the world to us. Thank you.

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.