Nowa Huta Tour from Krakow: Communist City, Vodka & Zapiekanka
Active
4h
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
Small Group Tour
Small Group
Private Nowa Huta Option
Private
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
1
Your Nowa Huta tour from Krakow begins with a visit to the underground museum of Nowa Huta, located in a former Cold War shelter. Here, you’ll step into the everyday reality of life under communism through original interiors, propaganda displays, household objects, and personal stories from the socialist era.
This immersive museum experience provides essential context for understanding why Nowa Huta was built, how people lived here, and how ideology shaped daily routines in post-war Poland.
2
Stop 2
After the museum, continue on foot through the heart of Nowa Huta. Your guide explains the urban design principles behind this planned socialist city — wide avenues, symmetrical housing blocks, monumental squares, and carefully designed public spaces.
This part of the Krakow communist tour focuses on how ideology influenced architecture, city planning, and community life, while also highlighting how the district has evolved since the fall of communism.
3
As you walk through the district, you’ll pass the Nowa Huta Cultural Centre — a key institution that once promoted socialist values through art, theatre, and music. Your guide explains its historical role and how it functions today as a cultural hub for the local community.
4
Stop 4
No visit to Nowa Huta is complete without tasting everyday food from the communist era. You’ll stop at a local spot to try zapiekanka, Poland’s iconic open-faced toasted baguette, followed by a shot of traditional Polish vodka in a genuine communist-style bar.
This short stop adds a social and cultural layer to the experience, showing how food and drink were part of daily life in socialist Poland.
5
The tour concludes at the striking Church of Our Lady Queen of Poland, also known as Arka Pana (The Ark of the Lord). Built despite strong opposition from communist authorities, this church became a powerful symbol of resistance, faith, and community solidarity.
Your guide explains how religion played a crucial role in Nowa Huta’s story and why this church represents one of the most important chapters in Krakow’s modern history.
What's not included
Additional Food and Drinks
Gratuity
Small group tour option excluded hotel pick up
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.3
3 reviews
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Tripadvisor
5.0
14 reviews
5★
14
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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.
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per person
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