If you're looking for cool temperatures and interesting history in one place during a Krakow summer, going down into the underground of Nowa Huta is a great idea. The underground route offers temperatures pleasantly lower than on the surface while revealing a less obvious side of the city's past: air-raid shelters, Cold War stories and everyday life in a district from the PRL era. It's an excellent alternative to the crowded and sun-baked attractions of the Old Town.
The underground route combines historical displays with authentic technical spaces: air filters, connecting corridors, models and fragments of original equipment. Visiting gives both historical context and the sense of 'entering another reality' — which in summer adds the comfort of cooler temperatures and different atmosphere.
In practice, Underground Nowa Huta is not a single site but several points: the most commonly open locations are the shelter under Zespół Szkół Mechanicznych (os. Szkolne 37) and the shelter beneath the former Światowid cinema. It's a good idea to check the availability of both locations before your planned visit.
The 'State of Threat' exhibition in the shelter at os. Szkolne is a central stop on the route: it shows the shelter's structure, ventilation systems and interpretations of the threats perceived during the Cold War. The exhibition also references international examples of shelter architecture.
Beneath the Światowid cinema (when open to visitors) there is another shelter — this site often presents displays that connect local history with Nowa Huta's cultural life. On the surface, combine your underground visit with a walk to Plac Centralny, Aleja Róż and Zalew Nowohucki to make the day more varied and complete.
Bear in mind that some locations have limited capacity and may require reservations. Visits in the shelters are conducted in small groups, which improves the experience and gives you a chance to hear more from the exhibition attendant.
Basic practical information: the underground exhibitions usually operate Tuesday–Sunday around 10:00–17:00, with the last entry about 30 minutes before closing. Tuesdays often feature free entry with prior reservation — check rules and availability before you travel.
Tickets are commonly sold both on-site and online; there are several ticket types: regular, reduced, family and group. It's often possible to buy a ticket that covers visiting more than one site on the route within a set period (for example within 30 days). Prices and concession rules can change, so check the current price list before your trip.
If you plan a weekend visit or come with a larger group, book in advance — the number of people admitted at one time is sometimes limited for safety and visitor comfort.
Dress comfortably: although it's cooler in the shelter, you will walk stairs and sometimes narrow passages underground — comfortable shoes and a light extra layer are recommended.
Accessibility: the underground sites include stairs and spatial limitations — if you are traveling with a stroller or a person with mobility restrictions, check access to each location in advance and possible alternatives. Renovation work at the Światowid building may affect access to that site, so confirm the status before your visit.
Humidity and lighting: some parts of the shelters have lower lighting and higher humidity than the surface — people sensitive to such conditions should take this into account.
The best way to reach Underground Nowa Huta is by tram or bus from central Krakow — the tram journey usually takes around 20–30 minutes depending on your starting point. If you come by car, there are a limited number of parking spaces near the sites (for example by the Technical School at Os. Szkolne); near the Światowid cinema there is often parking by local shops.
If you want to visit both available shelters (os. Szkolne and the Światowid cinema), plan about 15–25 minutes of walking between them — a pleasant option for a summer stroll, especially in nice weather.
Leave time for a coffee or a break by Zalew Nowohucki — the area is perfect for a short rest after exploring the underground.
Plac Centralny and Aleja Róż — the heart of the socialist-realist city plan, ideal for a walk and photos. The estate architecture, wide boulevards and monumental urban design are the essence of the district.
Zalew Nowohucki and the Nowa Huta meadows — if you want fresh-air relaxation, head to the reservoir or wander the nearby green areas. On hot days it's a great place to cool off in the shade.
The steelworks complex and industrial spaces — while interior tours are not always available, the surroundings of the works and their industrial aesthetic provide important context for Nowa Huta's story. You will find several viewpoints and places that connect the district's history with its present.
Nowa Huta has a local character: you'll find friendly cafés, milk bars (bar mleczny) and restaurants favored by residents. Look for places with good reviews if you want to try authentic local flavors.
If you want a longer rest after the underground route, the areas around Plac Centralny and Zalew Nowohucki offer several cafés and bars with outdoor seating — ideal for a summer dessert or a refreshing drink.
If you plan to stay overnight in Nowa Huta, there are comfortable boutique options and chain hotels near tram stops — a convenient choice if you want to spend more time in the district and experience everyday local life.
Arriving without checking hours and availability — during the season it's worth booking tickets in advance; some entries have limited capacity.
Expecting everything to be open all the time — some sites (for example the Światowid cinema) may be under renovation or modernization; check the current status before your visit.
Neglecting appropriate clothing — even on a summer trip, it can be cooler and slippery underground; avoid high heels and wear clothing suitable for stairs and descending.
Several hundred shelters were built across Nowa Huta in the 1950s and 1960s, but most of them now serve other functions or are closed to the public. What you see on the route are selected and restored fragments of a much larger network.
The shelters were never intended to guarantee full protection against a nuclear attack — they were designed mainly as air-raid shelters and as part of the civil defense strategy of the time. Their scale and equipment still show how seriously the possibility of threats was taken then.
Exhibition layouts combine authentic elements with modern interpretation — the displays often emphasise the visitor's experience rather than a purely encyclopedic presentation of facts. That makes visits moving and engaging.
Is it cool in the shelters? - Yes, the underground temperature is usually lower, which makes visiting pleasant on hot days.
Can I come without a reservation? - Outside peak times it can be possible, but on weekends and on Tuesdays (days with free entry) prior reservation is recommended.
Is the route safe for children? - Yes, but remember the stairs and limited space. Children need supervision and care for low ceilings or narrow passages.
Can I take photos underground? - Generally yes, but exhibition rules apply (no flash where sensitive exhibits are displayed); always follow the instructions of the exhibition attendant.
What if the Światowid cinema is under renovation? - If Światowid is temporarily closed, focus your visit on the other available shelter and the exhibitions of the Nowa Huta Museum — then complement your day with walks around Plac Centralny and the reservoir.
If you enjoy history presented in an unusual way and want to escape the summer heat, Underground Nowa Huta is a must-see during a holiday stay in Krakow. The open shelters combine knowledge, emotion and authentic space — an experience different from visiting upper floors of museums.
Share this article with friends or on social media if you find it helpful — it's a great way to inspire others to visit less obvious places in Krakow.
If you'd like to discover Nowa Huta in depth with a small private guided tour, I encourage you to use the services of the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com website.
