Life Behind the Iron Curtain Warsaw Walking Tour

5.0 (42 reviews) 2 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

42 reviews

5.0

Life Behind the Iron Curtain Warsaw Walking Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Life Behind the Iron Curtain Warsaw Walking Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Of all the things you think you know about communism, there’s one thing you can never wrap your mind around: its absurdity.

On the outside it was a Cold War and the hammer and sickle, but to the average citizen it was just one ridiculous thing after another that made life difficult.

Learn how the Poles managed to survive nearly 40 years of communist oppression with ingenuity, smarts, and a tractor full of humor.

Join this walking tour to hear about: the most controversial building in the entire city (and for more than one reason!), the smallest icon of communism that’s so cute you’ll want one of your own, how people were able to buy things at completely empty stores, why “what can I get you?” was one of the biggest jokes at the time, how the state made sure Poles didn’t travel too far, socialist realism and why you’ll probably think it looks nice, but Poles won’t agree

Don't just visit Warsaw, discover it!

Tour duration: approx. 2,5h

Distance: approx. 3 km

Private and Luxury Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Small Group Excellent Quality Low Supplier Cancellation Rate Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate

At a glance

Duration: 2 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 10 people
People per booking: 1–10
Guide: English, Polish, French, Spanish
Operated by: Warsaw UnDiscovered

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Youth (3–17 years) · Adults (18–120 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Full info pack about Warsaw prior to your tour (FAQ, useful links, and more!)
Included: Visual aids
Included: Recommendations about more places to visit, where to eat, drink, etc.

Not included

Not included: Entry fee to the viewing terrace in the Palace of Culture and Science (28 PLN)

Itinerary

Plac Konstytucji

20 min

Let's meet at Constitution Square, where we'll start by exploring the square that was supposed to be the new city center of the Polish People's Republic.
Stop 2

20 min

From the Square, we'll go along the wide Marszałkowska Street, which was used for parades and marches. On the way, we'll see one of the most iconic places of the Polish People's Republic.
Stop 3

15 min

The building of the Ministry of Agriculture is a perfect example of socialist realism. We'll find out what characterizes this style and why the buildings were built this way.
Stop 4

20 min

On Mysia Street we'll see the Free Speech Memorial and talk about censorship and espionage.
Stop 5

15 min

The building that today houses the Banking and Finance Center was the place from which the entire country was managed during the Polish People's Republic. This was where the Communist Party HQ was located.
Stop 6

15 min

One of the most challenging aspects of life during the times of the Polish People's Republic was buying everyday things. Let's find out why in front of the former Central Department Store.
Stop 7

15 min

Let's take a look at the Central Railway Station and Downtown Railway Station and talk about local, regional, and international travel during the times of the Polish People's Republic.
Palace of Culture and Science

30 min Admission not included

We'll finish in front on the Palace of Culture and Science where we'll tell you everything you need to know about this symbolic, yet very controversial, building.