Nowa Huta is more than wide avenues, monumental housing estates and the Central Square — beneath some buildings there are remnants of the Cold War: shelters built in the 1950s. Today some of these underground spaces have been opened to visitors as part of the “Underground Nowa Huta” route. It’s a great starting point for an afternoon full of history that connects stories about architecture, everyday life and the anxieties of the PRL era.
If you’re going with your uncle on a weekday, take advantage of smaller crowds and set a gentler pace. Below you’ll find a friendly, detailed plan that includes visiting the shelters and a walk through the district’s main sights, with practical tips on tickets, transport, food and accessibility.
On weekdays Nowa Huta usually has fewer tourists than at the weekend, which means a calmer visit, shorter queues and easier access to places to rest. For older people or those with limited mobility, a lower pace and fewer crowds make the experience much more comfortable.
Some museums and exhibits run quieter hours or less intensive guided tours on weekdays — a good option if your uncle prefers milder conditions without loud multimedia. Choose a morning or early-afternoon slot when temperatures in the shelter are stable, and leave time before the visit for coffee and a light breakfast.
9:30–10:00 - Arrival and first coffee by Central Square. A good historical place to start is Restauracja Stylowa — its iconic PRL-style interior helps set the district’s atmosphere. A short break for the restroom and to stretch the legs.
10:15–11:30 - Walk around Central Square and the main avenues: admire the monumental buildings, stroll down Alei Róż and take a look at the architecture of the central housing estates. Visit the Museum of Nowa Huta (the former Światowid cinema) if you want a brief surface exhibition; note that some displays are located in basement rooms.
11:45–13:00 - Visit the “Underground Nowa Huta” shelters. Plan your entry so you’re not arriving right before closing — most shelters are open during regular exhibition hours and the last admission is usually about 30 minutes before closing. If you want a guide or a group entry, book in advance (usually a few days).
13:15–14:30 - Lunch at one of the recommended places near Central Square. Choose Restauracja Stylowa for a nostalgic PRL atmosphere or a nearby pizzeria if your uncle prefers something lighter.
14:45–16:00 - A short walk to Arka Pana (the Ark of the Lord church), the Teatr Ludowy and parts of the socialist-realist housing estates. This is a comfortable route with benches and plenty of space to rest.
16:15–17:00 - Tea, dessert or ice cream and a tram back to Kraków’s center. If your uncle is tired, plan to return earlier — public transport to the center is frequent, but allow extra time for transfers.
The underground route is based on opened air-raid shelters and exhibits that tell stories about Cold War fears, civil defence construction and everyday life. In practice this includes furnished shelter rooms, interpretive panels and displays about civil defence.
Shelters are located under different points of the district — some exhibits are in the basements of the Museum of Nowa Huta by Central Square, while others are under sites such as the Technical School complex (Osiedle Szkolne). Expect stairs, lower ceilings and a cooler microclimate — for seniors, bring a light jacket and comfortable shoes.
Some parts of the exhibition use multimedia. If your uncle prefers a quieter visit, consider attending during quiet hours when multimedia is toned down and group visits may be limited.
The Underground Nowa Huta exhibition is generally open on weekdays (typically from morning until late afternoon) — last admission is about 30 minutes before closing. Plan to arrive at least an hour and a half before closing to avoid rushing.
You can visit individually (small self-guided groups) or join a guided group. If you want a guided tour, booking in advance is recommended. Some guided services and group entries require reservations several days ahead, so book with time to spare if you’re travelling with an older person and need specific conditions.
Check whether the venue observes quiet hours on the day you visit (for example, weekday afternoons) — those times are ideal if your uncle prefers less noise and calmer conditions.
Central Square is well connected to the rest of Kraków — the most convenient way to get there is by tram or bus. Because public transport timetables can change, check current schedules in the MPK app or on the carrier’s site before you travel. Trams usually stop near Central Square, from where most attractions are a short walk.
If you plan to drive, note that parking around the square can be limited; public transport is often the easier option. There are benches and stops along the way, so plan regular rests — especially if someone walks slowly.
Around Central Square you’ll find places with different characters. For a nostalgic, atmospheric experience pick Restauracja Stylowa — a long-standing venue that evokes the old Nowa Huta. If your uncle prefers something lighter or more contemporary, there are pizzerias and cafés nearby offering simple but well-rated dishes.
Pay attention to weekday opening hours and possible midday closures. When choosing a place to eat, check reviews beforehand and, if you’re in a larger group, call ahead to reserve a table.
Some underground and basement displays may only be reachable by stairs. If your uncle has mobility issues, contact the museum staff in advance to ask about accessibility options. In some locations ramps can be installed on request, but they are not always permanent.
Bring a small blanket, a light jacket (it can be cooler in shelters) and a bottle of water. Plan to sit down every 20–30 minutes during walks, and arrange a convenient return time if the day will be long.
1) Arriving just before closing — many people think “we’ll pop in for a moment.” Visiting a shelter takes time, so arrive earlier to avoid rushing.
2) Assuming the underground will be warm and spacious — shelters are cooler and have lower ceilings; bring a light layer and comfortable shoes.
3) Not booking when you want a guided tour — if you want a guide or a group visit tailored to a senior’s pace, reserve the service several days before the planned visit.
4) Ignoring accessibility conditions — not all entrances are step-free; if someone uses a wheelchair or has limited mobility, contact staff before arriving.
Do I need to buy a ticket in advance? If you plan to visit individually, tickets are often available on site, but for guided tours or group entries it’s best to reserve in advance (usually a few days).
How long does the underground route take? The shelter visit and exhibition typically last 45–90 minutes depending on pace and interest. Add time for the walk around Central Square and a meal.
Is the route safe for seniors? Yes, but be cautious on stairs and in narrow passages. Ask about accessibility and available assistance before the visit.
Are there discounted tickets? Museums often offer reduced and family tickets; check the current price list at the venue before purchase.
Nowa Huta was designed as a “model town”; its star-shaped layout and wide axes were meant to be both functional and symbolic. Central Square was for years not only an administrative and commercial space but also a site for social demonstrations and important local events.
The underground shelters hide a technical and social history of the era — they were designed to protect civilians in case of conflict, and today their equipment and stories are a valuable source of knowledge about everyday life back then.
Plan a realistic schedule with breaks, check opening hours and reservation options, pick a weekday morning, wear comfortable shoes and bring a light layer for the shelters, plus water and a fully charged phone.
If you’d like the visit narrated in a lively voice and adapted to your uncle’s pace, consider hiring private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — you can find her contact and offerings on her site. Małgorzata knows Nowa Huta well and can plan a senior-friendly route.
If you found this article useful, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help others plan a calm and rewarding day in Nowa Huta.
