Best of Warsaw

20th Century Warsaw
Free Walking Tour

This tour reveals the dramatic story of 20th-century Warsaw—a city shaped by modernity, war, and postwar transformation.

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City of Contrasts

20th Century Warsaw Tour

Walking through the very heart of the city, you’ll encounter powerful contrasts: the monumental Palace of Culture and Science, a symbol of the communist era, the hauntingly preserved Próżna Street—the last intact street of the former Jewish Ghetto, as well as 'Behind the Irong Gate’ socialist-era housing complex. And much more…

Pay What You Wish

Free Booking

No fixed price — you decide the value of your experience. At the tour’s end, tip your guide based on your satisfaction. Most guests contribute $12–$20 per person.

Meeting Point

Napoleon Bonaparte Statue

located in the square Plac Powstańców Warszawy • Look for the orange umbrella!

Additional Information

The tour takes place regardless of the weather (in case of rain, bring an umbrella)
Most travelers can participate
In case of a mass event such as parade/protest/concert happening at our usual meeting point (Sigismund's Column), the tour will be starting from beneath the red-brick medieval defensive wall situated 100 meters north of the Column.
Our guides acecept payments in cash in EUR/USD/PLN and also by card
The Royal and Communist tour ends at the Palace of Culture and Science.

Accessibility

What is the diference between The Best of Warsaw tour and The Old Town tour?

The Best of Warsaw tour covers the southern part of the historical city centre with focus on the Royal Route and the communist period. The Old Town Tour covers the northern part of the historical city centre (the Old Town and the New Town) and focuses on mediaeval origins of Warsaw, period of monarchy, Warsaw Uprising and post-war reconstruction.

Live from this tour

Real photos from recent walking tours

Our Story

Why Choose Our Tours?

We’re not just tour guides — we’re storytellers passionate about sharing Warsaw’s incredible history

This tour reveals the dramatic story of 20th-century Warsaw—a city shaped by modernity, war, and postwar transformation. Beginning among early skyscrapers like the iconic Prudential Tower, you’ll trace the rise of a dynamic prewar metropolis, with stops including the elegant Wedel Historic House.

Walking through the very heart of the city, you’ll encounter powerful contrasts: the monumental Palace of Culture and Science, a symbol of the communist era, and the hauntingly preserved Próżna Street—the last intact street of the former Jewish Ghetto, where echoes of wartime history still linger.

The tour continues through the vast socialist-era housing complex ‘Za Żelazną Bramą’, offering insight into everyday life under communism, before concluding at the revitalized Norblin Factory—a striking example of how Warsaw blends its industrial heritage with contemporary urban culture.

Tour Highlights

1. Napoleon Statue (start)

Start by Napoleon Statue located in 'Plac Powstańców Warszawy’ Squre, where your guide will hold an ORANGE UMBRELLA.

2. Prudential Tower

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3. Historic Wedel House

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4. Five Corners sq.

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5. Famous Mural

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6. Palace of Culture and Science

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7. Grzybowski sq.

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8. Ghetto Houses

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9. Behind the Iron Gate Housing Complex

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10. Norblin Factory (the end)

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Tour Route Map

Find us at Castle Square

Meeting point: Castle Square, by Sigismund’s Column — Look for the yellow umbrella!

Why pre-book?

It's free of charge

No payment required upfront

Guaranteed spot

Your reservation secures your place

High-quality experience

Tours guided by passionate locals

Safe group sizes

Up to 25 people for quality

What Our Guests Say

5.0

based on 1,000+ Google reviews

3 miesiące temu

Albert's tour of Warsaw's Jewish history was excellent. He tells the story in a clear and engaging way. I learned a lot! 👍🏼

3 miesiące temu

This is really a nice tour by our tour guide Mandy

3 miesiące temu

Goska was an incredible guide. She was extremely knowledgeable about the area and answered all of our questions with enthusiasm and great detail. I would highly recommend booking with Orange Umbrella if you’re looking for a free waking tour in Warsaw! - the Californian… oops I mean Canadian 🫢

3 miesiące temu

Hi everyone! I had the pleasure to have been at the Jewish Warsaw and stare miasto tour with Gośka ! The atmosphere was amazing and she was an amazing tour guide. I highly recommend going to either tours 💗💗

5 miesięcy temu

Thanks to Gawel for his tour of Old Town! We had a 2-hour tour from 10-12pm where he shows us interesting important and niche monuments in Old Town, and explained the history of Warsaw from its foundation to WWII.

6 miesięcy temu

I did the ww2 tour on a cold Day of December.
Mgda was my guide. The tour was well designed. She was full of knowledge and had answers to our questions. I really loved since i have now a complete idea about the ww2 things that took place in Warsaw. Highly reccomend in case you need knowledge.

RAQUEL DE MANUEL

6 miesięcy temu

Albert, our guide today was amazing! He explains super well all the history and provide lot of information in terms of history. He enjoys explaining facts and I really enjoyed listening to him.
This has been one of the most interesting tours I’ve ever made!!!

8 miesięcy temu

Gewal was a knowledgeable and engaging tour guide. We joined the Jewish tour and learned the tragic and devastating history of Poland’s once vibrant and robust Jewish community. Highly recommend!!! Don’t forget to tip. These are professionally trained and highly educated guides.

10 miesięcy temu

Our tour of the Old Town Warsaw with Peter was absolutely fantastic! His depth of knowledge about the city's history, especially its incredible resilience and rebuilding after the war, was truly impressive. He brought every story to life with an amazing sense of humor and made the whole experience both educational and incredibly entertaining. Peter's recommendations were also spot-on, and his passion for Warsaw is infectious. I highly recommend taking a tour with him!

Start Your Adventure

Ready to Discover Royal & Communist Warsaw?

Join this unique walking tour and experience two contrasting chapters of Warsaw’s history — the royal elegance of the past and the powerful architecture of the communist era.