Want to take the family somewhere different from the classic Market Square and Wawel routes? Nowa Huta is a great option — full of history, contrasts and places that interest both children and adults. As a licensed guide I lead families there so that everyone leaves the tour smiling and with a few new fun facts. In this text I'll tell you what you'll see, how to prepare for the walk, how long it takes and what to watch for if you're coming with a stroller or younger children. I won't start with dry dates — I'll give you practical tips and a suggested route tailored to family needs.
Welcome to the guide — if you want to book a tour right away, you'll find contact details and frequently asked questions after the practical information section.
My approach to family tours is simple: short walking stretches, engaging stories, lots of photos and breaks for rest and snacks. I like to mix more serious topics with anecdotes and ask children simple riddles so they stay involved the whole time. Route details and pace are always adjusted to the age of participants and the weather.
Below you'll find a description of the Nowa Huta route, practical tips, approximate prices and an FAQ — all to make planning your family day in Krakow easy and enjoyable.
If you want the tour in English — that's possible too. I offer routes in Polish and in English, in family or school versions.
Nowa Huta is a district with a unique history: it was built after World War II as a model city of the future, meant to show a new model of social life and architecture. The buildings themselves, wide avenues and monumental squares are material for children's imagination, and for adults — a lesson about 20th-century transformations.
With a guide you'll see not only the main points but also hear residents' stories, tales about the fight for a church, about cafés and places that remember social and cultural changes. That makes the walk alive and more memorable than dry reading from a guidebook.
For families a guide also helps logistically: shorter walking sections, breaks in places with toilets and spots where children can play. That makes the tour pleasant and less tiring even for the youngest.
There's also the possibility of visiting underground shelters or entering selected interiors (if available) — a big hit for kids who like adventures and discovering 'secret' places.
The route can be done partly on foot and partly by public transport or coach, which makes it easier to reach the more distant points of the district and gives the youngest a rest for their legs.
- Central Square (today often called Reagan Square) - the district's largest square and an example of socialist-realist urban planning. A perfect starting point for a first overview and a short story about city planning.
- Aleja Róż (Avenue of Roses) and characteristic housing estates (Wandy, Willowe) - here I'll show how people lived, what the plans were and how life looks there today.
- Stylowa Restaurant and traditional 'milk bars' - a piece of culinary history; worth stopping for a snack or a photo.
- The Nowa Huta Cross - a symbolic point in the history of local fights for the right to build a church. A good chance to talk about how residents got involved in community matters.
- Teatr Ludowy and the Nowa Huta Cultural Centre - important local institutions, often with rich offers for children and teenagers.
- The steelworks (the combine) and stories connected to it - how large factories influenced residents' lives and shaped the district's space.
- Optional: entry to shelters, local courtyards and spots with interesting stories - depending on the group's interests the route can include additional stops.
- Families with children (preschool and school-aged) who want to show younger family members an alternative face of Krakow.
- Families interested in 20th-century architecture, urban planning and social change.
- Families traveling with grandparents — the route can be relaxed, with places to rest.
- The route is flexible: I adjust pace and length to participants' ages and fitness (shorter versions for little ones, longer ones for families who want to dive deeper).
- Note: if you have a stroller or limited mobility, tell me when booking — I'll plan a stroller-friendly route with fewer stairs.
Duration: the standard Nowa Huta tour lasts about 3 hours — this is optimal to comfortably cover the main places and tell interesting stories. There are also shorter and longer options (2 or 4 hours).
Languages: tours are offered in Polish and English.
Approximate pricing (example; promotions and prices may change): for small groups (1–35 people) promotional prices can start from around 300 PLN for 2 hours; standard prices are higher (for example 350–450 PLN depending on route length). For larger groups the price may be calculated per person. Headset sets (audio guide) are available for a small fee per person if needed.
How to book: it's best to contact directly by phone or email to set the date, route and details tailored to your needs.
Weather: tours run in most weather conditions; in very bad weather the route will be adapted to spend more time in covered locations.
- Shoes and layers: comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing — Nowa Huta involves a fair amount of walking and the weather in Poland can change quickly.
- Snacks and breaks: bring small snacks, water and plan for breaks. For kids it's good to have something quick on hand to avoid meltdowns.
- Stroller: most of the route is stroller-friendly, but there are places with curbs or short stairs — if necessary I'll prepare a fully stroller-accessible route.
- Toilets: when planning the route I choose stops with toilet access or short breaks in cafés.
- Photos: bring a camera or phone — Nowa Huta offers many interesting frames. I also encourage you to ask children questions — simple photo or detective tasks often bring the biggest smiles.
- A short visit to Krakow's city centre (Wawel, Market Square) the same day — if you have extra time it's easy to combine these attractions by public transport.
- A visit to a local museum or the Nowa Huta Cultural Centre — there are often exhibitions and workshops for children.
- A walk to Wanda Mound or along the Vistula River — a nice option for a calm afternoon after a morning tour.
If you're planning a whole day with the family, I can help create a schedule so the child has time for play, lunch and a nap (if needed).
If you want to visit shelters or other specific places, it's worth mentioning when booking — the tour time may then be extended.
How to book and when to pay? - Bookings by phone or email. Payment details are arranged individually; often payment is made after the service or according to earlier arrangements.
Are entrance tickets included? - Usually the price covers the guiding service; museum tickets and paid entrances are settled additionally. I can help with ticket purchase and advise what to reserve in advance.
Is the route suitable for small children? - Yes. I adapt the pace, shorten walking sections and include elements that engage children. For preschoolers I recommend a shorter version of the route.
What if it rains? - Tours take place in most weather. In case of heavy rain the route will be modified to reduce time spent outdoors.
Does the guide provide audio equipment? - Yes, headset sets are available for groups, which helps with audibility in larger crowds.
To book a tour or ask about details of a family route in Nowa Huta, contact me directly by phone or email. When booking, please provide the number of people, children's ages and preferred language — then I'll prepare a route perfectly matched to your needs.
During the call we'll also agree on meeting place and time, the tour pace and any optional entries to shelters or other objects.
If you have special needs (stroller, limited mobility, food allergies), be sure to mention them — I'll take care of your whole family's comfort.
I invite you to get in touch and explore together — Nowa Huta is a district with character that can surprise and interest the whole family.
Happy planning and see you on the walk!
