If you enjoy a mix of history, local curiosities and human stories — this tour is for you. The Nowa Huta route is a great choice when you want to understand how one of Krakow’s most distinctive districts was planned and built; the Rynek Underground is a must-see for anyone curious about the city’s medieval secrets.
The route works well for families with children (stories and anecdotes help keep younger listeners engaged) as well as adults who want to see a less obvious side of Krakow or learn about the archaeological finds beneath the Main Market Square.
This combination suits visitors who like context and contrast — seeing the 20th-century social-realist experiment of Nowa Huta alongside the very different, layered past revealed under the Market Square.
Małgorzata is a licensed Krakow guide who has led thousands of visitors and combines solid knowledge with a light, accessible storytelling style. Her approach blends facts, humour and local anecdotes — perfect if you want both the factual background and the memorable little details.
In practice this means clear explanations, plenty of interesting tidbits and the ability to adapt the narrative to different groups — solo travellers, families, school groups or corporate clients. Tours are run in Polish and can be arranged in English on request.
Expect a conversational, friendly atmosphere — questions on the way are encouraged and the aim is to engage participants rather than deliver a dry lecture.
The Nowa Huta route tells the story of the planning and construction of this socialist-realist district and its later transformations. Key stops typically include the Central Square (Plac Centralny), the Nowa Huta Cultural Centre (Nowohuckie Centrum Kultury) and characteristic housing estates such as Osiedle Wandy and the Villa District (Osiedle Willowe).
The tour highlights how urban planning ideas and the concept of a “city for workers” shaped public spaces and everyday life. You’ll hear about architectural projects, local symbolism and daily life in PRL-era Nowa Huta — all explained in an accessible way, with examples and anecdotes.
Rynek Underground is a unique museum beneath the Main Market Square — a large archaeological reserve where you can sense the atmosphere of medieval trade and everyday city life. The exhibition displays finds and reconstructions that help you understand how medieval Krakow once functioned.
The underground walk is highly evocative: the exhibition is narrative and multimedia, using reconstructions and displays to make it easy to imagine old streets, market stalls and daily activities. It’s an excellent complement to a surface walk — after hearing legends and stories above ground, you can see the material traces of the past below your feet.
Entry is usually through the Cloth Hall area and the museum experience is suitable for most visitors. Note that the Underground has its own opening hours and ticketing arrangements, so plan that part of the visit in advance.
Tours are offered in different time formats — most commonly lasting between 2 and 4 hours. The Nowa Huta portion often combines walking with transport (a short coach or public transit transfers), so wear comfortable shoes and be ready for short walks between points.
The Rynek Underground is a separate attraction with its own opening hours and entrance ticket. It’s often wise to buy tickets in advance, especially in high season, to avoid queues. If you plan to visit the Underground with a guide, discuss timing and reservations in advance so the surface walk and underground visit fit together smoothly.
Groups are usually kept small or flexible — the guide adapts the pace to participants and can offer breaks or a shortened route if needed.
Guests praise the lively storytelling, the wealth of curiosities and anecdotes that make the walk pass quickly and enjoyably. Reviews often mention the light touch of the narration, humorous asides and the practical approach to school and family groups.
Many visitors appreciate the ability to combine solid facts with street-level stories — this makes history stop being a dry list of dates and instead become vivid and memorable. That contrast is especially welcome when you visit places as different as socialist Nowa Huta and the medieval underground of the Market Square.
How do I book the tour? - The most reliable way is to contact the guide or the tour organiser directly. If you plan to visit during high season, reserve your date well in advance.
Do I need a separate ticket for the Rynek Underground? - The Underground has its own tickets; depending on the tour plan, agree with the guide whether tickets will be arranged for the group or purchased individually.
Is the route suitable for children? - Yes. The storytelling style is child-friendly, although some sections (especially archaeology displays) can be more static. For school groups the guide has experience keeping children's attention.
Accessibility and mobility restrictions - The Rynek Underground requires descending stairs; if you have mobility difficulties, discuss alternatives or accessibility options with the organiser before the visit.
What should I wear? - Comfortable shoes and layered clothing. The Underground is cooler than the surface, and the Nowa Huta walk may include outdoor sections.
Meeting point and timing - Exact meeting points and start times are arranged at booking. If you have special timing needs or a tight schedule, tell the guide when you book so the route can be planned accordingly.
Prices for private guiding for small groups (a few people) typically start at a few hundred PLN for shorter, 2-hour tours; longer or more detailed programmes cost more. Larger groups are often priced per person. Exact rates and available promotions should be confirmed before booking.
Rynek Underground tickets are charged separately and there are usually reduced and family rates; some days may offer free or discounted entry. When combining Nowa Huta with the Underground, coordinate the booking so the guide can plan time and logistics efficiently.
If you want to see Krakow from a personal perspective — to learn both its medieval roots and lesser-known 20th-century history — combining a Nowa Huta walk with a visit to the Rynek Underground gives a well-rounded, complementary view of the city.
Tours led by Małgorzata Kasprowicz are for people who appreciate passion, attention to detail and a friendly atmosphere. If you are planning a visit to Krakow, consider this route — it will help you understand the city better than a guidebook and it will give you a few stories you’ll enjoy sharing with friends.
Questions or ready to book? Contact the guide directly, describe your preferred day, number of people and the pace you like — Małgorzata will gladly tailor the tour to your expectations.
