Overview
This private tour lets you experience the city comfortably, without any rush, according to your needs. We could describe it as a "slow tour", despite our communist cars can still go pretty fast! This is a perfect choice if you prefer to avoid squeezing in with other guests and keep your tempo.
First, the guide brings to light the basics at the walk at Warsaw Old Town: medieval trade paths, the first republic and last hopes, rise and fall of Poland - it’s all there. Next, take a picturesque ride over the Vistula river to the Praga district, the only original pre-WWII piece of Warsaw.
Find the beloved streets by filmmakers and witness the transformation of derelict tenement houses into retro luxury apartments. Finally, pass by the National Stadium and drive back to the city centre to discover the post-WWII reconstruction of Warsaw.
Aim for soviet-style architecture, overwhelming squares and see the changes after the communist system collapsed in 1989.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Professional local guide
Hotel/apartment Pickup and drop-off within a 3 km radius of the city center
Transport by retro communist minibus
Food and drinks
Tip or gratuity
Meeting and pickup
Pickup is offered for all travelers.
What to expect
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Old Town
1 hour 30 min
The Old Town is an excellent start to discovering Warsaw. On the walk, you see Castle Square, where the story of Warsaw started more than 700 years ago. The king who believed to have both Polish and Swedish thrones, old trade paths and signs of German gothic era settlers. There is so much to find!
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King Sigismund's Column (Kolumna Zygmunta)
5 min
Sigismund's Column, originally erected in 1644, is located in Castle Square, one of Warsaw's most famous landmarks. The column and statue commemorate King Sigismund III Vasa, who in 1596 had moved Poland's capital from Kraków to Warsaw.
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Royal Castle in Warsaw - Museum
5 min
The Royal Castle in Warsaw is a castle residency that formerly served throughout the centuries as the official residence of the Polish monarchs. We do not visit interiors on the tour.
Burned and looted by the Nazi Germans following the Invasion of Poland in 1939 and almost completely destroyed in 1944 after the failed Warsaw Uprising, the Castle was completely rebuilt and reconstructed. -
Castle Square (Plac Zamkowy)
10 min
Castle Square is a historic square in front of the Royal Castle – the former official residence of Polish monarchs – located in Warsaw, Poland. It is a popular meeting place for tourists and locals. The Square, of somewhat triangular shape, features the landmark Sigismund's Column to the south-west, and is surrounded by historic townhouses. It marks the beginning of the bustling Royal Route extending to the south.
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Archcathedral Basilica Of St John The Baptist
15 min
St. John's Archcathedral is one of Poland's national pantheons and stands immediately adjacent to Warsaw's Jesuit church. Along with the Old Town, the church has been listed by UNESCO as of cultural significance.
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Rynek Starego Miasta
15 min
The Old Town Market Place is the true heart of the Old Town. Colourful and prestigious tenement houses and restaurants surround the square: it’s an excellent place to slow down, take a breath and investigate the story of the Warsaw mermaid. If you’re lucky enough, you will meet a Warsaw barrel organ player and listen to (very) old top hits.
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Warsaw Barbican (Barbakan Warszawski)
10 min
On the way back to Żuk minibus guide shows you the remaining parts of the original city walls and tells you the story of the post-WWII reconstruction of Warsaw Old Town.
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Praga Polnoc
25 min
The next part is the enigmatic Praga district, located on the Eastern side of the Vistula river. When the minibus crosses the river, one can see picturesque views of the wild riverside. Praga is the only district of Warsaw that survived the apocalypse of WWII - that's why it represents the picture of the pre-WWII city filled with belle-epoque buildings with small and noisy courtyards. Once neglected, it becomes a hip and artistic part of Warsaw, still not affected by commercial tourism.
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Palm Tree
25 min
A rumour circulates in Warsaw that the Palm Tree is a gift from the city of Jerusalem for Warsaw, that in this way, Israeli wanted to show Poles what a real Christmas tree looks like.
As the Polish expression ‘hit by a palm tree’ refers to something unthinkable, a behaviour that verges on being silly, even idiotic, the project thus embodies substantial humour and irony, which saves it from linear reading and suggests something that escapes palpable understanding. -
15 min
Back in the central district, your Żuk minibus parks near the ex-Polish Communist Party headquarters. This regime settled in 1945 and had a challenging task to cope with - reconstructing Poland's capital city. Moreover, since it seemed to be the only chance ever, architects decided to remodel Warsaw and make it a more comfortable place to live and work. But unfortunately, they had to cope with the Party, which opted for a Soviet-style city filled with overwhelming buildings and a happy proletariat. Did they make a compromise? Let's check it out!
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Palace of Culture and Science
15 min
The Palace of Culture and Science is the undisputed symbol of Warsaw. The Palace was built in 1952-1955 as a gift from the Soviet Union to the people of Poland.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Europe/Warsaw).
Additional Information
- The capacity of one minibus is 8 passengers. 5 minibuses are available.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
FAQs about Best of Warsaw - private tour by retro minibus with hotel pickup
Can I cancel Best of Warsaw - private tour by retro minibus with hotel pickup for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 3 hours.
Is pickup offered?
Pickup is offered for all travelers.
What's included?
- Professional local guide
- Hotel/apartment Pickup and drop-off within a 3 km radius of the city center
- Transport by retro communist minibus
What's not included?
- Food and drinks
- Tip or gratuity
Which places does it visit?
It visits Old Town, King Sigismund's Column (Kolumna Zygmunta), Royal Castle in Warsaw - Museum, Castle Square (Plac Zamkowy), Archcathedral Basilica Of St John The Baptist, Rynek Starego Miasta, Warsaw Barbican (Barbakan Warszawski), Praga Polnoc.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Operated by Warsaw Behind the Scenes















