Nowa Huta is one of the most interesting and most contrasting parts of Kraków — a socialist-realist utopia created after World War II as an industrial town. It’s a place where architecture, politics and everyday life intertwine in truly fascinating ways.
On a walk you’ll see wide avenues, monumental urban designs and sites that were focal points of social and political debates — from the struggle to build a church to local protests. For anyone interested in postwar Polish history and lovers of architecture, it’s a must-see.
If you want to get to know this district with stories, anecdotes and historical context, a licensed guide offers much more than a simple walk. I tell stories about big politics as well as everyday life of residents, so the tour is lively and accessible.
The route is also a great way to see places you won’t find in typical guidebooks — local housing estates, historic cafes and restaurants, unusual urban details and, if desired, an entry into an underground air-raid shelter beneath the district.
I’ve been guiding this route for many years — I hold a national guide licence since 2012 and have led many groups, from families to school trips and foreign delegations.
Typical highlights of the tour include:
- Central Square (Plac Centralny) named after Ronald Reagan and the Avenue of Roses - the heart of the urban layout and an example of socialist realism.
- Nowa Huta Cultural Centre (Nowohuckie Centrum Kultury, NCK) - the cultural heart of the district.
- The oldest housing estates: Wandy and Willowe, and characteristic blocks such as the so-called Swedish and French Blocks.
- The place where the Lenin monument once stood and the story of the Nowa Huta cross and the fight to build a church.
- Stylowa Restaurant - a culinary and social icon of the district.
- Ludowy Theatre - a historic stage still active today.
- The Church Arka Pana and the Cistercian monastery in Mogiła - religious and architectural points of interest.
- The Tadeusz Sendzimir Steelworks (Huta im. Tadeusza Sendzimira) - an external look at the district’s industrial roots.
- Optional: a visit into the district’s underground shelters — a deeper look at life during the Cold War (this extends the tour).
The standard "Nowa Huta" tour lasts 3 hours — an optimal time to see main points and learn the most important stories.
Shorter and longer options are available — typically 2-hour, 3-hour and 4-hour walks. Sometimes we combine walking with a tram or coach transfer, because the district is extensive.
If you want to visit the air-raid shelters, allow an extra hour — going underground is possible and usually worth arranging in advance.
Tours can be tailored — for families I use more anecdotes and shorter stops, for school groups I add educational elements, and for architecture enthusiasts I provide a detailed discussion of the urban design.
I conduct tours in Polish and in English, so you can bring guests from abroad without worry.
Guide pricing is flexible and depends on tour length and group size. During a promotional period (reduced prices valid from October 1, 2025 to March 1, 2026) example rates for small groups (1–35 people) are:
- 2 hours: promotion 300 PLN (regular price 350 PLN).
- 3 hours: promotion 400 PLN (regular price 450 PLN).
- 4 hours: promotion 500 PLN (regular price 550 PLN).
Tours in English are priced somewhat higher, and for very large groups we apply per-person rates.
Entrance fees to museums and paid attractions are usually not included in the guide fee — participants pay those tickets separately; the guide will assist with purchasing and inform you of current fees.
If you plan a tour for a larger group or at an unusual time, contact me and we’ll arrange details and possible discounts.
Booking is done directly — by phone or email. The fastest way is by phone or a direct e-mail.
- Phone: +48 501 962 037
- E-mail: kontakt@zwiedzaniekrakowa.com
Start time and meeting place are arranged individually after booking. Most often we meet in central Kraków (for example the Main Market Square by the Adam Mickiewicz Monument) and travel together by public transport to Nowa Huta. It’s also possible to meet directly in Nowa Huta — I’ll adapt the location to your needs.
After booking we’ll agree on route details, pace, and any special needs of the group (e.g. slower pace for seniors, program for children, entry to a shelter).
Weather - the tour runs regardless of weather. In very bad conditions the route can be modified so we spend more time under cover.
Footwear - comfortable shoes are essential. Part of the route is on foot and surfaces and distances vary.
For families - the route can be adapted for children with tasks and shorter story blocks to keep the youngest engaged.
For people with limited mobility - it’s possible to prepare an accessible route, but this must be reported when booking — not all places are fully accessible.
What to bring - a bottle of water, a light snack, ID, camera/phone, comfortable clothing for the weather and light rain gear if needed.
Photo time - Nowa Huta offers many interesting architectural frames; it’s good to plan short photo breaks.
How long is the "Nowa Huta" tour? - Standard is 3 hours, but 2- and 4-hour variants are available.
Does the guide speak English? - Yes, tours are offered in Polish and English.
How do I book a tour? - Best by phone or e-mail. After booking we’ll confirm meeting place and time.
Are entrance tickets included? - No, museum and paid attraction tickets are usually paid by participants; the guide helps with tickets.
Is the tour suitable for children? - Yes, the program can be adjusted to children’s ages and interests.
What if it rains? - Tours run in most weather; the route can be changed to include more indoor stops.
Nowa Huta pairs well with other plans for the day — it’s a great half-day option, and after returning to the centre you can stroll the Old Town or enjoy dinner at one of Kraków’s restaurants.
For culture lovers I recommend combining the tour with visits to local cultural centers and theatres — many venues have regular programming worth checking.
If you’d like something more “industrial”, we can arrange an extra stop by the steelworks to discuss the role of industry in the district’s history.
I tailor every tour to your interests — just tell me what you’re most curious about.
Note - above suggestions are proposals; I’ll happily help design the perfect plan for you.
Nowa Huta is a story of ideas, people and space. Touring with a guide is a great way to see the district from the inside and understand what lies behind the monumental façades and wide avenues.
If you have questions, special requests about the route or want to book a date right away — write or call. I will gladly show you Nowa Huta so you leave with really good memories.
See you on the walk - Małgorzata Kasprowicz
PS - if you want, I can prepare a short version of the route for very limited time or plan an extended visit with extra entries and themed conversations.
You are warmly invited!
