Nowa Huta is one of the most fascinating stories of modern Kraków - a place created as an experimental city in the PRL era and today full of history, architecture and contrasts. The two-hour route prepared by licensed guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz is designed for children and young people: the pace, content and storytelling style are adapted to spark curiosity, encourage questions and allow active exploration.
This is an ideal trip for school classes, families with children and youth groups who want to understand daily life in the PRL, how new neighborhoods were built and which traces of that era can still be seen in the urban space today.
The program can be adapted to the age and interests of the group, but the standard two-hour route for children and youth includes the most important spots of Nowa Huta:
- Plac Centralny im. Ronalda Reagana - the recognizable centre of the planned urban space and a great starting point to talk about urban planning and the symbolism of socialist realism.
- Nowohuckie Centrum Kultury (NCK) - a place that shows how culture and community life developed in the new town; short exhibitions and a café are often available as a place to rest.
- Osiedla Wandy and Willowe - examples of the oldest residential buildings in Nowa Huta, perfect for comparisons: how people lived then and how they live now.
- Fragments of industrial buildings and iconic city monuments - stories about the factory, work and the everyday lives of residents.
Depending on the group's interests the guide can introduce educational games, quizzes and short tasks during the route to keep younger participants engaged.
A tour that includes entries to museums is a great way for children to see exhibits and displays "live." Admission tickets to museums and some sites are usually not included in the guide's fee - the guide helps with buying tickets and will inform you about current rates.
In practice: after booking, the guide agrees with the organiser which sites to visit, reserves entries where possible, and manages time so everything fits into the two-hour program. For school trips it is useful to have participant lists and information about reduced fares (students, teachers, etc.).
If the group wants longer museum visits, consider a 3–4 hour option or combining the tour with a short extra program at NCK.
Guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz has experience leading family and school groups - she tells stories simply, vividly and interactively. The pace of the tour is brisk, with short stops and active elements to hold the attention of younger listeners.
The program includes anecdotes, comparisons, questions to the group, mini-quizzes and tasks - all designed so that young participants not only listen but also think and take part. The guide uses age‑appropriate language and tries to connect history with everyday elements children easily recognise.
00:00 - Meeting and a short warm-up - introductions, safety rules and what to expect.
00:10 - Plac Centralny - a story about the idea of the city, urban planning and the symbolism of the square.
00:30 - Walk to NCK - a quick introduction to the role of culture in Nowa Huta, possible short visit to an exhibition (approx. 15–20 minutes).
00:50 - Passing through the Wandy and Willowe estates - mini-tasks: compare façades, count balconies, find characteristic details.
01:10 - Industrial area and monuments - conversation about work at the steelworks, social changes and local stories.
01:30 - Optional short entry to a selected museum or exhibition space (20–25 minutes).
01:55 - Summary, questions, information about further visiting options and practical tips.
The plan is flexible and the guide will adjust the pace to the age and fitness of the group.
The guiding service is available in Polish and English. Booking details and current prices are arranged by phone or email. To reserve a tour or request an offer for a school group, contact the guide directly:
Phone: +48 501 962 037
Email: kontakt@zwiedzaniekrakowa.com
After booking the guide will confirm the route, meeting time and advise on museum tickets and possible student discounts.
Meeting place and time are agreed individually; often the tour starts in central Kraków (for example the Main Market Square) or at a convenient point in Nowa Huta. For school groups it is most practical to set a meeting point with the teacher.
Clothing: comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing depending on the weather and a small backpack with a drink. For trips with children it is worth bringing a basic first aid kit and a list of guardian contact numbers.
Transport: part of the route can be done on foot and part using public transport or a coach - depending on arrangements and group size.
Toilets: the guide will point out places with toilet access along the route (NCK and selected institutions).
After the tour children and young people often want a snack. Nowa Huta and its surroundings offer several friendly places and cultural spaces with cafés, for example the café at Nowohuckie Centrum Kultury. If you plan a longer stop, choose a restaurant familiar with school groups and reserve a table in advance.
For older participants: in central Kraków (after returning from Nowa Huta) there is a wide selection of pizzerias, bars and cafés where it is easy to organise a quick meal for the group.
Is the tour suitable for the youngest children? - Yes, the program can be adapted to the age of participants. For younger children the guide shortens the stories, introduces games and more physical activities.
Does the guide have experience with school groups? - Yes, Małgorzata has led many school and family tours and can work with large groups of children and teenagers.
Are museum tickets included in the price? - Usually not; tickets to attractions are paid separately. The guide assists with organising and purchasing tickets.
What if the weather is bad? - Tours take place regardless of weather; if necessary the route will be adapted so more time is spent indoors (museums, NCK).
Does the guide speak English? - Yes, tours are available in English. Please request this when booking.
When booking for a school, provide an approximate number of students and chaperones and information about special needs (e.g. students with disabilities, food allergies).
If you want the tour to be more "workshop-like," let the guide know in advance - she will prepare tasks and educational materials.
For family groups it is worth taking a camera and a notebook - children love photographing architectural details and later returning to those observations at home or at school.
For larger groups (over 20 people) consider using a sound system or individual receiver sets so everyone can hear the guide well.
The two-hour Nowa Huta tour led by Małgorzata Kasprowicz is a thoughtful, dynamic and safe way to discover one of the most important chapters of Kraków's contemporary history. Because the content is adapted to children and young people, participants will not only learn facts but will also be actively involved in exploring the urban space.
If you want to book the route, discuss special needs for your group or request a price offer - contact the guide directly by phone at +48 501 962 037 or by email at kontakt@zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Enjoy your visit!
