Beneath the housing estates of Nowa Huta there are shelters and underground spaces that today are part of the museum offer — it’s a different side of Krakow, with an atmosphere unlike the Main Square or Wawel. Touring the underground helps you understand not only military and defensive history but also everyday life of residents in the postwar years. It’s worth combining a visit to Nowa Huta with a short stay in Kazimierz, which also hides secret spaces below ground and newly opened museum routes.
For those interested in a premium experience: in season there are sometimes more intimate entries, special guided tours or combined tickets — a good option if you want to avoid crowds and hear stories presented with extra attention.
If you plan specific dates, check opening hours in advance — many underground sites operate mainly from Tuesday to Sunday and have a limited number of places per entry.
Typically two sites are open to tourists: the shelter under the former Światowid cinema (Centrum E1) and the shelter under the Mechanical Schools complex (os. Szkolne). Each place has its own character — one combines an exhibition with a cinema-like and museum space, the other shows a typical air-raid shelter with exhibits and stories about its defensive function. Walking between them takes about 15–25 minutes, so it’s easy to visit both in one day.
In practice there is often a single ticket that allows visiting both sites; sometimes combined tickets are valid for a period (for example 30 days), so you don’t have to use both entries on the same day. Adult ticket prices are generally affordable (roughly a few dozen złoty), and reduced and family tickets are sometimes available. The last admission is usually 30–60 minutes before closing, so arriving late in the afternoon may limit how much you can see.
The underground sites have stairs and uneven floors — people with limited mobility should ask about access at a specific site before visiting.
Many underground exhibitions in Nowa Huta are generally open Tuesday to Sunday from about 10:00 to 17:00/18:00, with Monday typically closed. However, hours and days can change seasonally, so check current information shortly before your visit.
Tickets are available on-site and, where possible, online — buying in advance helps avoid queues, especially on weekends and during the high season. There are also occasional free-entry days (for example selected Tuesdays) — a good opportunity, but expect larger crowds and fuller groups.
In recent years new ideas for underground routes have appeared in Krakow — an example is the multi-level ‘Międzymurze’ route under Wawel, opened to visitors in 2025. This is a different type of experience from Nowa Huta shelters: more castle and wall history, multimedia, legends and archaeological context. Tours usually last 30–60 minutes, depending on the exhibition and pace, and often require advance reservation due to limited capacity.
Kazimierz, beyond its famous synagogues and atmospheric streets, has local underground spaces and several interesting nearby exhibitions worth adding to your walking program. Combining Kazimierz with the Wawel or Nowa Huta undergrounds creates a striking contrast — from Jewish heritage and café-lined streets to the austere, technical shelters of the 20th century.
Wear suitable footwear — comfortable shoes with good grip are useful for stairs and uneven surfaces. It can be cooler underground than on the surface, so a light jacket or sweater is a good idea even in summer.
Plan time for visiting: allow at least 45–60 minutes for one underground site, and if you want to visit both shelters in Nowa Huta, reserve half a day. Consider booking tickets online if available — it simplifies logistics, especially in high season.
Toilets along the route can be limited — in some places WC access is only at the start of the route or in a museum building; keep this in mind when planning breaks and meals.
Kazimierz is full of atmospheric cafés and restaurants with good reputations — try cozy cafés and places serving international and local dishes. Popular options in Kazimierz include waterfront cafés, Jewish cuisine spots and modern bistros; they make a perfect stop after underground visits.
In Nowa Huta look for local bars and cafés serving homemade dishes and frequented by residents. Prices are usually friendlier than in the city center and the atmosphere more authentic. For overnight stays, consider basing yourself in the Old Town or Kazimierz — you’ll have quick access to most attractions, and Nowa Huta is reachable by public transport in a matter of minutes to under an hour depending on location.
Not checking opening hours right before going — many sites change schedules seasonally; always confirm current hours on the museum’s site or by phone. Arriving at the last minute — remember limited capacity and last admissions 30–60 minutes before closing. Wearing inappropriate footwear — flip-flops or high heels make visiting difficult; choose comfortable, closed shoes.
Assuming all routes are fully accessible — many underground spaces have stairs and uneven floors; if you have special needs, ask ahead about accessibility and alternatives.
Do I need to reserve a ticket in advance? - Where online booking is available, it’s convenient and recommended in season. During peak times it’s best to buy tickets earlier to avoid queues.
Are the routes suitable for children? - Yes, many exhibitions are family-friendly, though younger children may need help on stairs. Some displays include multimedia elements that appeal to kids.
Can I take photos? - Photography rules depend on the site; often photos without flash are allowed, but some exhibits may restrict photographing for conservation reasons.
The Nowa Huta underground is not only shelters — in some places you’ll find exhibits related to the everyday life of residents and household objects from decades ago, providing a unique sociological and historical context.
Buying a combined ticket often gives more flexibility than you expect — you can return to the second site on a different day, which helps if your time in Krakow is limited.
If you want to discover Krakow’s underground with a personal touch, consider booking a guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Małgorzata prepares programs tailored to interests, including more intimate “premium” entries and stories that don’t always make it into mass-market guides. Details and booking information are available on the guide’s website.
If you found this text useful, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help others plan a better visit to Krakow. If you have questions or want individual advice about underground routes or premium options, I’m happy to help — contact Małgorzata via her site. Enjoy your visit and happy underground discoveries!
