Nowa Huta is a unique district in Krakow with deep historical roots tied to Poland’s communist past. It’s also a cool part of town that’s off the tourist trail, where you can do tours in vintage cars and dine in old-school milk bars.
Built in the mid-20th century as a model socialist city, the area is all imposing concrete blocks and wide avenues. It’s the best glimpse back to the post-war period you can get from a neighbourhood in the whole of Poland.
And it’s not ONLY a haven for Cold War history buffs. As of around 2022, Nowa Huta started being noticed by artists and hipsters. They came for the post-industrial retro aesthetic and stayed for the cheaper rents.
These days, there are craft beer companies and cool start-out design companies setting up in the Soviet-era tenements, plus more cafes and bars to get stuck into every year.
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>>This is just one part of our complete guide to things to do in and around Krakow
What’s in this guide to Nowa Huta?
Where is Nowa Huta?
Nowa Huta sits on the eastern side of Krakow, separated from the Old Town by around 11 kilometres.
Its location was chosen during Poland’s communist era to position heavy industry away from Krakow’s historic core.
Despite being outside the central tourist area, Nowa Huta’s location is convenient to reach, especially by public transport – trams go there like every 10-15 minutes, and a taxi takes about 10 mins in all from the Old Town.
It feels like a world apart from Krakow’s Old Town with its uniqu, Utilitarian urban layout, monumental architecture, and wide-open squares designed for communist rallies and parades – more like something you’d expect to see in St Petersburg or Moscow.
How to get to Nowa Huta?
Nowa Huta is accessible from Krakow’s Old Town, but it does require a bit of a detour.
Here’s how you can get there:
- Tram – Trams are the most popular way to reach Nowa Huta. Lines like the 4, 10, and 22 connect the Old Town with Nowa Huta in about 30 minutes. Just hop on at a central tram stop and head east.
- Bus – Buses also run regularly to Nowa Huta. Look for buses marked for ‘Aleja Roz’ or ‘Teatr Ludowy,’ which will bring you directly to Nowa Huta from various Krakow locations.
- Uber – Uber operates in Krakow and can be a convenient (and still relatively affordable) way to get to Nowa Huta, especially if you’re travelling in a group. I did the exact trip recently and it cost me 30 PLN (around £6) to go from the Old Town to Nowa Huta.
What is there to see in Nowa Huta?
Nowa Huta is packed with Soviet-era monuments, statues, and architecture that give insight into Poland’s 20th-century past.
Personally, I just like wandering around and snapping shots of the brutalist buildings, but there are also amazing parks and statues to catch the eye.
Here’s what I totally would not miss…
Ronald Reagan Square
One of the most ironic and unexpected spots in Nowa Huta, Ronald Reagan Square is named after the American president known for his anti-communist stance. The square serves as a reminder of Poland’s shift from communism toward democracy and its growing friendship with the United States. Reagan’s statue here stands as a symbol of change and resilience, set against a backdrop of imposing Soviet architecture that remains from the district’s earlier days.
Solidarność Monument
This monument commemorates the Solidarność (Solidarity) movement, which played a key role in ending communist rule in Poland. It’s located on one of Nowa Huta’s main streets and is a simple but powerful symbol of the workers’ struggle for freedom and independence. The monument is a meaningful stop for anyone interested in Poland’s history of labor rights and its journey toward democracy.
T. Sendzimir Steelworks
The T. Sendzimir Steelworks (formerly named Lenin Steelworks) is one of Nowa Huta’s most iconic landmarks, and it’s what the district was originally built around. Once the largest steel plant in Poland, the plant is still in operation today. Tours of the plant are occasionally available, offering a unique opportunity to see a relic of Nowa Huta’s industrial past. The building itself is an imposing sight, with towering smokestacks and the iconic Lenin-style design that speaks to the area’s Soviet roots.
Park Zalew
For a break from concrete and Soviet monuments, Park Zalew is Nowa Huta’s main green space and a favorite with locals. With a man-made lake, walking paths, and picnic spots, it’s perfect for relaxing, especially in warmer months. The park is a welcome contrast to Nowa Huta’s industrial feel, and in winter, it transforms into a serene snowy landscape.
Wanda Mound
The Wanda Mound is one of Krakow’s mysterious ancient mounds, similar to the better-known Krakus Mound near the area of Podgorze. Legends say it was built as a burial place for Princess Wanda, a figure in Polish folklore. Set near the banks of the Vistula River, the mound offers views over Nowa Huta and is a unique mix of historical curiosity and local folklore. It’s a short walk from the steelworks and a worthwhile stop for those looking to explore beyond the main sites.
The Nowa Huta Museum
The Nowa Huta Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning more about Krakow’s communist era.
Located in the heart of Nowa Huta, the museum offers exhibitions on life during Poland’s communist period, the history of the Lenin Steelworks, and the unique architecture of Nowa Huta.
The museum has a range of memorabilia from the era, including artefacts, photographs, and architectural plans that give context to the area’s history. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday, and the opening times vary by season, so check in advance.
One thing to note: The Nowa Huta Museum IS included in the Krakow Pass – a card that offers unlimited access to nearly 40 museums across town, so if you’ve been wise and pre-purchased one of those then you can come here without queuing or buying a separate ticket.
>>Read more in our guide to the top museums in Krakow
Is Nowa Huta safe?
Nowa Huta once had a reputation for being a bit rough, particularly when it came to football hooliganism.
However, the area has undergone significant changes in recent years and is now seen as one of Krakow’s up-and-coming districts. Something happened in the late 2010s and all of a sudden everyone was talking about Nowa Huta as a new hipster area and a great place to start businesses.
While it’s generally very safe during the day, it’s still best to be cautious when venturing out after dark. For those visiting in the daytime, Nowa Huta is a fascinating and safe place to explore Poland’s recent history.
Want to read more? We have a more in-depth guide about the general safety of Krakow.
Tours of Nowa Huta
While self-guided walking tours are an option, there’s no substitute for seeing Nowa Huta in a vintage Trabant or another classic car from the communist era. These tours add a unique experience by letting you ride through Nowa Huta in an iconic vehicle while learning about the area’s fascinating history.
- Guided tour of Nowa Huta in a vintage car – Offered by ENHA Project, this tour takes you on an in-depth journey through Nowa Huta’s historical sites with a knowledgeable guide. You’ll visit top landmarks like the steelworks and Reagan Square while learning about the area’s history from locals.The car is the best part – you’ll ride around in a classic motor from the 70s or 80s.
- Krakow Craft Beer Brewery Tour – This tour takes you to one of Nowa Huta’s craft breweries while sharing stories about the area’s communist past. It’s mainly about learning the processes behind craft beer brewing and less about the history of the area itself but still good fun.
