Nowa Huta is not only one of the largest districts of Krakow — it is a distinct story of 20th-century Polish history, urban planning and everyday life. For seniors it is an excellent choice: the area is largely flat, many places are easily accessible, and the pace of the tour can be adapted so it is comfortable and unhurried.
Walking with a guide through this part of the city you will see symbolic centers of social life, modernist housing estates, large squares and places where history paused — all presented in an approachable, anecdote-filled way.
If you want to learn about Krakow’s industrial roots and hear stories about life during the PRL era, a full day in Nowa Huta gives the time to do it without rushing, with breaks for meals and rest.
My name is Małgorzata Kasprowicz and I have guided thousands of people around Krakow. I hold a national guide licence since 2012 and lead tours in Polish and English. My tours combine reliable knowledge with humour and practical tips — ideal for groups of seniors who want to explore the city at a comfortable pace.
- 09:30 - Meeting and a short presentation of the day’s plan; we usually start in Krakow’s Old Town, from where it is easy to reach Nowa Huta by tram or bus.
- 10:00 - Plac Centralny (Ronald Reagan Central Square) and the Nowa Huta Cultural Centre (Nowohuckie Centrum Kultury) — a talk about urban planning, the idea of the ideal city and the important buildings.
- 11:00 - Wanda and Willowe housing estates, the Swedish and French blocks — a gentle walk with stories about architecture and everyday life of residents.
- 12:30 - Lunch at the iconic Stylowa Restaurant or another pleasant local spot — a longer break to rest and chat.
- 14:00 - The Nowa Huta Cross, Teatr Ludowy and the Ark of the Lord Church — the story of the social struggle for a church and the district’s culture.
- 15:00 - Transfer (coach/public transport) to the area of the Cistercian Abbey in Mogila or a short drive to the Sendzimir steelworks — external visit and stories about industry.
- 16:30 - Optional visit into the air-raid shelters (if the group wishes) — this adds about one hour and should be planned in advance.
- 17:30 - End of the day, a short coffee and summary; possibility to arrange further routes for another day.
Plac Centralny (Ronald Reagan Central Square) — the heart of Nowa Huta’s spatial plan, designed as the district’s central point of social life.
Nowa Huta Cultural Centre (Nowohuckie Centrum Kultury, NCK) — the cultural heart of the district, often with exhibitions and events; a good place for a break on a dry, warm day.
The Wanda and Willowe housing estates and characteristic apartment blocks — examples of estate planning from the 1940s–1960s.
Aleja Róż and the site of the former Lenin monument — places that show how memory and public space have changed over time.
Stylowa Restaurant — an iconic place with a PRL-era atmosphere, good for a relaxed lunch or dessert.
The Nowa Huta Cross and the struggle to build a church — an important chapter in the district’s social history.
Teatr Ludowy and the Ark of the Lord Church — institutions that are still active and part of everyday life.
The Cistercian Abbey in Mogila and the Sendzimir Steelworks area — external stops that show both the spiritual and industrial faces of the region.
Air‑raid shelters beneath parts of the district — optional entry offers a unique experience but requires good mobility and prior arrangement.
The route can largely be conducted at a pace adapted to the group — with longer breaks for rest and time for coffee. Many places are reachable by public transport or coach, so long walks are not necessary.
Public spaces (the square, NCK, some restaurants) usually have benches and seating. In case of bad weather the program can be modified to spend more time indoors.
If the group prefers, we can skip visits that require stairs (for example some shelters) — the route will still be rich in content and visually engaging.
A standard Nowa Huta walking tour usually lasts about 3 hours, but I also offer extended versions tailored for a full day. Visiting the air-raid shelters adds roughly one hour to the program.
Tours in English are available — the programme and pace are adapted to the needs of senior groups.
The guide fees depend on tour length and group size — there are rates for small and large groups and occasional promotional options. It is also possible to rent radio headset sets for larger groups (additional cost).
Reservations and contact — bookings are easiest by phone or email; after contact we agree on meeting place and time and the route details. Entrance tickets to some sites (if we plan indoor visits) are charged separately.
Meeting point — usually Krakow city centre (for example the Main Market Square), but we can arrange another convenient meeting place, especially if the group is staying closer to Nowa Huta.
Is the tour available in English? - Yes, I guide both in Polish and in English; I adapt the pace and vocabulary to the group.
Is the route suitable for people with limited mobility? - It depends on the exact level of mobility. The route can be modified — more transport, shorter walking sections, skipping places with many stairs.
Is there a break for lunch in the programme? - Yes — the day plan includes a longer break for a meal in a pleasant, tested place (for example Stylowa Restaurant).
Is entering the air‑raid shelters mandatory? - No — that is an optional addition. Entering shelters requires a certain level of fitness and prior agreement.
How long is the standard Nowa Huta tour? - The standard version is about 3 hours, but you can book a longer, full‑day option.
Are entrance tickets included in the price? - The guide fee covers the guiding service; tickets to museums or special entrances are paid separately.
Dress in layers — Krakow’s weather can change, and some indoor sites are cooler than outside.
If anyone has hearing difficulties, we can use headset sets that improve audibility in larger groups.
Bring comfortable shoes and a small bottle of water — regular rest breaks during the day are recommended.
If you want to spend the day without worrying about logistics, write or call — we will arrange details so the tour is pleasant and relaxed.
If you would like to book a full day in Nowa Huta led in English and tailored to seniors’ needs — please contact me by phone or email. After booking we will set the route, meeting place and any special accommodations to make the day comfortable and interesting.
On request I can prepare a programme with more frequent breaks, shorter walking sections or additional entries to selected sites.
