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

This private tour is designed for travelers with a strong interest in the history of World War II. Traveling through Warsaw in a retro Żuk minibus, you’ll explore the city’s wartime story in chronological order—from the outbreak of the war and the Nazi occupation, through resistance and uprisings, to the dramatic consequences WWII brought to Poland and Europe.

You’ll visit places where history is still visible in the urban landscape: buildings marked by bullet holes and ricochets, preserved fragments of the Jewish Ghetto wall, and hidden mounds of rubble that silently testify to the scale of destruction.

Stories shared by your guide are supported by archival photographs, allowing you to compare the past with the present and better understand how the city once looked. Traveling by vintage Żuk minibus adds a unique historical dimension, turning this experience into a journey through time rather than a standard sightseeing tour.

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

Begin your private tour in central Warsaw, where the scars of World War II are still woven into the cityscape. Traveling by retro Żuk minibus allows you to cover a wide range of locations comfortably while maintaining a clear historical narrative.

Stop 2

Your guide introduces the political climate of the late 1930s, the German invasion of Poland in 1939, and the simultaneous Soviet occupation of eastern Poland. Learn how these events shaped life in Warsaw and led to the emergence of an extensive resistance movement.

Stop 3

A central chapter of World War II history in Poland is the tragedy of the Jewish population, persecuted and murdered by Nazi Germany. Before the war, Poland was home to approximately three million Jews, including around 300,000 in Warsaw. In 1940, the Nazis established the Warsaw Ghetto, forcibly confining nearly half a million people within its walls.

Today, several fragments of the former Ghetto Wall remain, hidden between buildings and along pre-war property lines. Your guide will take you to one of these preserved sections, helping you understand how the ghetto’s boundaries once divided the city and shaped everyday life during the occupation.

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 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.

Stop 6

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 tour includes a visit to the area of the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes and the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews—two key symbolic sites connected to the Warsaw Ghetto. Both are located near the place where the first armed clashes of the 1943 Ghetto Uprising occurred. Today, the area also represents decades of dialogue, remembrance, and reconciliation among Polish, Jewish, and German communities.

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 9

The final chapter focuses on the Warsaw Uprising of 1944, the city’s last attempt to regain independence before the arrival of the Red Army. After the uprising’s defeat, Nazi forces systematically destroyed most of Warsaw. The Soviet army entered the empty ruins in January 1945, beginning a new era of communist rule.

What's not included

Tip or gratuity

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

52 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

115 reviews

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This tour can be booked instantly online for adults and children over 150 cm (4 ft 9 in). If you wish to book the tour for a child under 150 cm, please contact the tour operator in advance to check the availability of seat boosters, which are mandatory under Polish law.

Each minibus accommodates up to 8 passengers, and a fleet of 5 minibuses is available.

The vehicles are used primarily for transfers between locations, with walking segments at each stop. Please wear comfortable clothing and suitable footwear.

Please note that classic vintage minibuses are not equipped with air conditioning, and some do not have seat belts (which is permitted for historic vehicles). All vehicles are equipped with heating for the winter season.

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