Nowa Huta Tour: A Glimpse into Krakow's Communist History
5.0
5 Ratings
Kraków
Step back into Krakow's communist past on the Nowa Huta Tour. Explore the model communist city, visit the Central Square, see the Lenin monument spot, and experience a taste of the era with a shot of vodka. Discover the symbol of freedom and democracy at the Lord's Ark church.
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Podziemna Nowa Huta - Muzeum Krakowa - A small museum of the Nowa Huta district located close to Central Square - an ideal example of communist architecture.
  • Nowa Huta - Central Square of the Nowa Huta district - an open-air museum of the communist architecture.
  • Nowa Huta Cultural Centre - Great place to promote culture in the Nowa Huta district.
  • Krakow - Big, empty square where the huge monument of Lenin used to stay in the past.
  • Church of Our Lady Queen of Poland - 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 Included
  • Local friendly English-speaking guide
  • Vodka tasting at a communist-themed restaurant
  • Option for a private tour with hotel pickup
  • Entrance ticket to the Communist Museum (Note: closed on Mondays)
  • Traditional local snack, zapiekanka, included
  • Transportation via tram to the communist district and return
What's Not Included
  • Additional Food and Drinks
  • Gratuity
  • Small group tour option excluded hotel pick up
Additional Information

On this trip, you will step into the rich communist heritage of the Nowa Huta neighborhood in Krakow. The Soviets projected it as an ideal communist city, but it grew into a staunchly anti-communist region and played a crucial role in the Solidarity movement.

Our journey will take us to the vast Central Square (Plac Centralny), the signature feature of the neighborhood. Conceived just after the end of WWII, the square and the areas around it form a collective exhibit of diverse architectural designs and philosophies.

We will witness the place where once a gigantic statue of Lenin stood and then indulge in a shot of vodka at a local tavern, reminiscent of the old communist days.

Additionally, we’re going to take a tour of an enormous church - the Lord’s Ark, built entirely manually by local denizens. It stands as a symbol of the prolonged struggle for freedom and democratic rights.

By the conclusion of the trip, you will have an enhanced understanding of Poland’s communist past.

  • 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.
Location
Długa 1
Długa
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’.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
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(5 Ratings)
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Emvvisitor
Nov 12, 2023
Highlight of our trip to Krakow - A highlight of our week in Krakow. Highly recommend Mateusz's remarkable tour of Nowa Huta. It's the best way to learn the history, culture and stories of this fascinating place. Mateusz is funny and fascinating. He explained all the ways that communism and post-1989 politics have shaped generations. Plus, it's a beautiful city to explore.
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Hampa78
Oct 18, 2023
Fabulous guide, fantastic tour!! - Mateusz was our absolutely phenomenal guide on the Krakow Urban Tours Nowa Huta tour. I have visited Krakow seven times, and because of Mateusz expertise, passion, and talent, this unequivocally is the best tour I have taken on all of my visits. Mateusz held us spellbound as he described the myths and history of this fascinating part of Krakow, constructed by the Soviets after WWII as a “utopian city” 6 miles from old town in order to support the huge steel factory and its 40,000 workers plus their families. With Mateusz leading the way, we learned that Nowa Huta reveals the entire scope of the history of the Cold War behind the Iron Curtain. Our tour was supposed to last four hours, but because of all our questions and discussions, we kept Mateusz for almost five. Few Americans visit this weird, wonderful part of Krakow and they are missing a fabulous part of its history.
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871keng
Sep 20, 2023
Excellent tour - This is one of the best tour I have been on anywhere. Learning about that time period in Poland, the City being build, the street names, the church influence during the communist times. We sample great food and had Vodka. Mateusz was outstanding. His stories were so good, I was bummed tour end. I could have gone on for another hour. Highly recommend
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Frsuttonski
Jun 24, 2023
Nowa Huta is not to be missed - As a planned Soviet community designed to showcase the best of the communist society the stories of protest and societal change that are interwoven into the history of Nowa Huta are fascinating. The strength of the Polish people to live their Catholic faith in the face of all obstacles is humbling. A tour of Nowa Huta is a fascinating exploration of the Soviet era history in Poland. The tour guide Monika was very knowledgeable and the conversation comparing our lived experiences of this time in world history was eye opening. The architecture, food, markets, and religious stories on this tour were wonderful.
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Barcheeba
Sep 13, 2022
An Unforgettable Tour in the Former Communist Neighbourhood - This was an exceptional tour! If you are in Krakow, you have to visit Nowa Huta. The unique blend of architectural styles in this part of the city is truly impressive. Our guide Monika was amazing, so friendly and welcoming, everyone in the group felt included. With her deep knowledge of local culture and history she made the tour really special. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Krakow; I'll definitely do another tour with Krakow Urban Tours!
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up to 12 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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