Communism Tour: Explore Former Polish Communist State by Retro Minibus in Warsaw
5.0
9 Ratings
Warsaw
Step back in time and explore the former Polish communist state on a private tour in Warsaw. Ride in a retro minibus, hear stories about the black market, and discover relics from those days.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Palace of Culture and Science - The first stop is a monumental Palace of Culture and Science, the undisputed symbol of Warsaw. It was built in 1952-1955 as a gift from the Soviet Union to the people of Poland. Varsovians still commonly use nicknames to refer to the Palace, notably “Beijing”, “clown”, and “nightmarish dream of a drunk confectioner”.
- Muranów - Warsaw, before WWII, was a typical European city shaped by capitalism. Thousands of victorian era tenement houses covered the city centre, pushing the proletariat out of the central districts. So when those people got power in 1945, they wanted an act of revenge. So did the modernist architects. One of their first achievements is the Muranów district, a green and spacious neighbourhood built in the late 1940s.
- Old Town - One of the most impressive achievements of the post-war reconstruction of Warsaw is the Old Town, with the speedway passing under it through the tunnel. This hi-tech piece of engineering came into being with the help of constructors of the Moscow underground rail system. You pass it on the way to Praga district.
- Praga Polnoc - Praga district brings one into the post-WWII gloomy reality of neglected buildings and suspicious businesses made behind dark gates. Unfortunately, the government did not want to invest a penny in refurbishing the post-bourgeoisie architecture, so Praga rolled into its slow decline until the new shiny blocks of flats were about to be built on its ashes. Surprisingly, this fate became an excellent opportunity to carry on outlawed activities like money exchange, distribution of \
What's Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Professional English-speaking local guide
- Transport by retro communist minibus
- All fees and taxes included
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Tip or gratuity
Additional Information
Experience the atmosphere of Poland’s past communist state on this private three-hour journey. Our guide’s narratives about the underground marketplace, the concept of Warsaw’s garden city and the fresh communist doctrine will be enhanced by a communist-era vehicle, bringing history to life once again.
Our guide will pick you up at your hotel in a distinctive retro minibus known as the Żuk (or beetle), which boasts fuel efficiency of ten miles per gallon, a wooden flooring, and origins in communist Poland. This vehicle adds a crucial element of authenticity to your journey. Each stopping point on our tour illuminates distinct periods of communist Polish history, from the end of WW2 and the post-war rebuilding of Warsaw, through the turbulent ‘60s and ‘70s, to the initial democratic elections on June 4th, 1989. Uncover the mysteries of Poland under communism, understand how its citizens navigated life in a centrally planned economy, and discover remnants of that era in Warsaw.
Key locations include the Palace of Culture and Science, Constitution Square, the previous Communist Party Headquarters and various other places imprinted with red stars.
- 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.
- Cars are used mainly for transfers between locations where guests walk with their guide - please wear proper clothing.
- 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.
Location
Palace of Culture and Science
Plac Defilad 1
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(9 Ratings)
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E3712xqmikel
Nov 14, 2023
Russia, go away. - Mark was very knowledgeable and personable. His guidance was a welcomed change from all of the robotic tour guides back in America.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Trevorowens
Sep 20, 2023
Great way to explore history - This was a fantastic way to learn about and explore the city and it’s history. Our guide Marek was very knowledgeable and had good answers to our questions. He had some great visual aids on hand to help provide additional context. Along with detailed knowledge about places and events, Marek shared personal stories about experiences from living under the communist regime that were powerful in rounding out our understanding of historical facts. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting who wants to learn more about the history of the city and Poland more broadly.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brian5310
May 28, 2023
I've taken this tour three times - I first took this tour in 2019 as a solo traveler, and it was so much fun. You really get to learn about the history of the city, and it's pretty cool and quirky to ride around in this old minibus from communist times. Reminds me of an old volkswagen van. Since then, i've relocated to Warsaw when family and friends come to visit it's always a fun activity. I should also note that each time i took the tour it was uniquely interesting, because each driver will show you their own favorite landmarks and stories. I can say that all 3 times i've been have been different and also good. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mikednk
Sep 6, 2022
Absolutely excellent tour - This was the second time I had the pleasure of Warsaw Behind the Scenes.
Expectations were indeed very high after the previous WWII Buffs (in 2021) which was perhaps the best guided tour I have had.
I was in no way disappointed - once again Marcin and his team exceeded my expectations.
They are not only outstandingly knowledgeable. They are as well intriguing storytellers and exceptional in linking the past with the present.
There is no doubt in my mind that if I will go to Warsaw again, I will do another tour with Warsaw Behind the Scenes. I can only recommend others to do the same.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nielss830
May 13, 2022
Great experience - Mariusz is very very Good!
Hé is really enthousiastic and can tell you everything.
Dont think twice, just do it! 😊👌
Review provided by Tripadvisor
113hildurb
Nov 2, 2019
Great tour with Lukas - Thank you so much for a great tour arround Warsawa. We learned a lot about the history and were able to imagine what it must have been like thanks to our great tourguide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
