Do something different during your time in Krakow and explore the district of Nowa Huta with a local volunteer guide. See the typical Socialist Realist architecture of the planned neighborhood, designed as a utopian city by the Communist regime.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible—book your spot and pay nothing today. Learn more
Duration 2.5 - 4 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide: English, Polish, Russian
Pickup included: Your accommodation in Krakow.
Private group available

Highlights

Explore one of the most interesting and more recent neighborhoods of Krakow
See the typical Socialist Realist architecture of Nowa Huta
Learn how the area was planned as a utopian city
Get up close to a Soviet tank from World War II
Go down to the underground shelters built in preparation for a nuclear war

Full description

Get an interesting lesson about the history of Nowa Huta and see typical examples of Socialist Realist architecture aboard a Communist-era car. Learn where the large statue of Lenin stood on Aleja Róż (Avenue of Roses), and marvel at the grandeur of Plac Centralny (Central Square). Get familiar with the history of Polish communism by taking a ride in a classic Polish car of that era and visiting bomb shelters that were built around a city in the case of World War III. Get impressive views from Centrum E and the Nowa Huta Cultural Center, and then look for the shelters built to prepare for nuclear war. See the former Światowid Cinema, and visit the 13th-century Mogila Abbey and its little church of Saint Barthélemy. Learn about the legend of Queen Wanda on Wanda Mound, and discover the birthplace of the district at the Kombinat steel factory. Look at a famous sign that was altered after the fall of communism, and take photos of a Soviet tank outside the Ludowy Theater (People’s Theater). Discover the story of the Arka Pana (Lord's Ark) Church and Chapel of Conciliation and the battle the locals waged to have it built. Upgrade your tour to the extended 3.5-hour option, and include a visit to either a Cold War bomb shelter or a communist apartment.

Includes

Hotel pickup and drop-off on request
NGO-experienced Nowa Huta guide
Transportation by classic car
Private tour of the History of Nowa Huta Museum
Steelworks director's offices visit (if option chosen)
Cold War HQ bomb shelter visit (if option chosen)

Entrance tickets to the museum
Food and drinks

Covid-19 precautions

You must book this activity online because the ticket office is closed

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds

Important information

Know before you go

This tour is in English, but can also be organized in Dutch, French, Italian, or Spanish if booked at least 48 hours in advance, subject to availability
The tour is organized by the local NGO, The Foundation of Positive Promotion of Nowa Huta

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.9 /5

based on 139 reviews

Review summary

Guide
4.9/5
Transportation
4.8/5
Value for money
4.8/5
Safety
4.7/5

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Highly recommend this tour. Matt was incredible. so friendly and knowledgeable. We had really interesting conversations throughout the trip. He even came to find me when I lost my Internet and couldn't find the meeting point. I am so happy I squeezed this tour in on my last day. The factory is fascinating and we were the only ones there.. just incredible. I would have loved to have seen the bunker and apartment, I was most looking forward to those, but maybe next time? I enjoyed lunch with Matt at the Milk Bar, it is very popular with the locals and a great experience. Nowa Huta bring back your roses .... I hope you do, it will look beautiful.

April 15, 2022

I had a great time with Mateusz! It was such a fun and interesting tour which was made even better with a very enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide. As a former guide myself, I really appreciate it when a guide is clearly very passionate about what they do and what they talk about.

March 22, 2022

Absolutely brilliant and a must do in Krakow. Mateusz is an amazing guide and such a lovely person. We really enjoyed our time being driven around in a Lada and learning about the history. Mateusz is so knowledgable and passionate about the city and we couldn’t have asked for a better guide. To anyone interested in the history of Poland or someone who has previously been to Krakow I would thoroughly recommend this tour. My dad said it was the best tour he has ever been on. Next time we’re in Krakow we’ll definitely be contacting Mateusz! Dziękuję

December 14, 2021

Krakow: Nowa Huta Tour with a Local NGO Guide

Krakow: Nowa Huta Tour with a Local NGO Guide

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