Life Behind the Iron Curtain

Discover Warsaw’s communist past on a 2.5-hour walking tour. Uncover absurdities, survival stories, and hidden gems from behind the Iron Curtain.

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Plac Konstytucji - 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.
  • Marszałkowska - 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…
What's Included
  • Full info pack about Warsaw prior to your tour (FAQ, useful links, and more!)
  • Visual aids
  • Recommendations about more places to visit, where to eat, drink, etc.
What's Not Included
  • Entry fee to the viewing terrace in the Palace of Culture and Science (25 PLN)
Additional Information

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…

Location
Constitution Square
plac Konstytucji
We meet on the Constitution Square, in front of MDM Hotel . Look for a guide with a green and white umbrella
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(17 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Janesa7757me
Oct 5, 2024
Highly recommend - An very informative, well paced tour led by Olivia. Olivia was enthusiastic, inclusive and personable. She presented complex historical information clearly - at times with a wry sense of humour. I highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Almis
Oct 5, 2024
Most Engaging Tour in Warsaw - I took a number of tours over a week in Warsaw - and this one stands out as the best. Not only was Olivia extremely knowledgeable and entertaining, but I never would have appreciated the places we visited on my own, let alone found them. The Iron Curtain era in Poland is still very recent and many sites remain, although some are in altered forms. Understanding life behind the Iron Curtain helps understand Poland as it is today.
Review provided by Viator
Dreamer06473222573
Oct 4, 2024
Engaging Tour was Highlight of Trip to Warsaw - I’ve spent over a week in Warsaw and taken a number of tours, the “The Life Behind the Iron Curtain” walking tour was the highlight. Olivia was both knowledgeable and entertaining, and the sites were one’s I would never find, let alone appreciate, on my own. The tour covers an important era in Poland’s history that lets you better understand the country as it is today.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alan
Sep 26, 2024
Great and informative tour - An excellent tour! Our guide Olivia explained some of the history of the communist era, showing us buildings and telling how they are used today. A perfect length of tour without too much walking.
Review provided by Viator
983adrianp
Sep 24, 2024
Fascinating - A real eye opener on what It was like to live in Poland during this period bought to life by the stories of everyday people.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Deep_c
Sep 22, 2024
Memorable experience! - Olivia, our guide was fantastic! Her description of life behind the iron curtain included her own family's history, which made the whole experience even more relatable. She pointed out signs on the streets and buildings, described their importance and relevance, which any tourist would normally miss. It was a very memorable experience.
Review provided by Viator
472demetrab
Sep 19, 2024
Excellent small group tour of Communist Warsaw - The tour of Communist Warsaw was excellent! Agnieszka was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about her subject. She is also a very warm individual with whom it was easy to connect. In fact, the tour was so good, I took the tour of the Jewish history of Warsaw the next day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
L4353gfjennyw
Sep 16, 2024
Excellent Tour - A dynamic and well informed guide. In all an excellent tour providing an overall historical perspective and many small details of life in Warsaw during the communist period.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Travellookseedo
Sep 14, 2024
Highly recommend - Very interesting tour on a topic not covered by many. Stories told in a creative and respectful manner. Would highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ulirui
Sep 5, 2024
Communist Warsaw to learn about history at this time - Excellent tour, a super nice and fun Guide, with excellent knowledge, I fully recommend this tour, you really know a little more about the history of this city.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $24
up to 10 guests
1 Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).