Warsaw at War: Walking Tour of WWII, the Ghetto & 1944 Uprising
We trace Warsaw’s WWII history—occupation, the Ghetto, and the 1944 Uprising—across the Old Town and city centre: Zygmunt’s Column, Monument of the Little Insurgent, Warsaw Uprising Monument, Ghetto boundary markers, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Basic Information
Total time
2h
Language
English, Spanish (check the calendar for availability)
Price
Our “Pay What You Wish” tours don’t have a fixed price — you decide how much the experience was worth. At the end of the tour, please make a fair contribution that reflects your satisfaction and appreciation for your guide’s work. Most guests give between €10 and €50 per person.
Meeting point
Zygmunt’s Column, Castle Square Nearest public transport: Stare Miasto 02 tram stop; Stare Miasto 01 tram stop
Additional info
☂︎ This tour is organised by Walkative Warsaw guides. Look for the guide with the yellow umbrella.
♿️ Tour suitable for people with reduced mobility and strollers
❗Our tours run in all weather conditions. High or low temperatures, rain, or snow are never a reason for us to cancel. We’re always here for you! The only reasons for cancellation are extreme weather conditions (such as heavy storms), a guide’s sudden illness, or if there are fewer than 5 registered participants. In such cases, we will always notify you using the contact information you provided when booking the tour.Booking rules
Booking is obligatory. Our “Pay What You Wish” tours are meant for individual travellers and small groups. Large groups (8 or more people) cannot join these tours, as they significantly affect the experience for others and the guide. For school trips, organised tours, or groups of friends, please book our paid option (18€ per person) or arrange a Private Tour. For more information or to schedule a group visit, please contact us directly.
About the tour

Imagine a city that had almost 1.4 million people before World War II. Six years later, its ruins were inhabited by only several thousand survivors. Imagine a city that fought against the occupiers from the very first till the very last day. Imagine a city where every street, every corner, every courtyard has a wartime story to tell.
First, there was 1939 and the German and Soviet invasions. Then, years of occupation. In 1940, the Germans created the largest ghetto in occupied Europe here, which was razed to the ground in 1943 after the crushing of the Jewish uprising. A year later, the city was again in flames – this time because of the Polish national uprising of 1944. After 63 days of heavy urban fighting, it was crushed while the Red Army stood idle on the other side of the Vistula River. When they finally crossed over, the city and its people were no more.
Enter a world of unimaginable terror and brutality. Understand people’s eagerness to fight back. Feel the grave meaning of the decisions they had to make. Listen to stories of bravery and cowardice, loyalty and betrayal, but also of daily life under the occupation. Enter a different world – the world of Warsaw at war.
The exact tour route can vary depending on the guide.
Highlights
- 1
Zygmunt's Column
Corinthian column and bronze statue standing in Castle Square, directly in front of the Royal Castle.
- 2
Zygmunt's Column
Iconic city landmark that was toppled during the 1944 Uprising.
- 3
Warsaw Ghetto boundary markers
Symbol of the largest Jewish ghetto in occupied Europe, destroyed after the 1943 uprising.
- 4
Little Insurgent Monument
A moving tribute to the child soldiers who fought and died during the Warsaw Uprising.
- 5
Warsaw Uprising Monument
A dramatic monument dedicated to the heroes and victims of the city-wide 1944 rebellion.
- 6
Former Bank of Poland
One of few original buildings that survived World War II
FAQ
Map
Zygmunt’s Column, Castle Square Nearest public transport: Stare Miasto 02 tram stop; Stare Miasto 01 tram stop
See the latest articles

Newsletter • 4 min. read
Things to Do in Warsaw in May 2026
May in Warsaw tends to feel like the city has finally exhaled after winter: longer evenings, fresh green in the parks, and café tables returning to the pavements. It’s a month made for walking—whether you’re cutting through leafy avenues, lingering by the river, or planning your days around festivals that spill into the streets. If you’re in town for the long weekend, the May Day Weekend Program at Royal Łazienki Park (Majówka) (1 May) is an easy, local way to spend a day outdoors. Expect a mix of themed programming tied to the early-May holidays— Święto Pracy (1 May), Dzień Flagi (2 May), and Constitution Day (3 May)—plus guided walks, exhibitions, and small activities spread across the park’s palaces and gardens. Go earlier rather than later if you prefer quieter paths and better photo light. For one night when the whole city feels wide awake, mark Night of Museums Warsaw 2026 (16 May). Museums, galleries, and even places you normally pass by without a second thought stay open late with free entry, and the atmosphere becomes part culture marathon, part friendly street crowd. Plan a small route (two or three stops is plenty) and expect queues at the most famous addresses. To end the month on a neighbourhood note, Saska Kępa Festival (Święto Saskiej Kępy) (30 May) brings an unforced, lived-in Warsaw vibe—music, community programming, and the kind of strolling that’s more about noticing details than ticking sights off a list. It’s a good excuse to explore beyond the centre and spend a slow afternoon among local streets and pop-up events. However you shape your May days—park walks, late-night culture, or a street-festival wander—Warsaw rewards a curious pace and a little flexibility. Ready to explore Warsaw on foot? Join one of our Walkative! tours in Warsaw and discover the city with a passionate local guide!

Culture • History • 4 min. read
April 19th in Warsaw: Why the City Turns Yellow for the Ghetto Uprising
Visiting Warsaw in April? Discover the moving history behind the yellow paper daffodils worn on April 19th to honor the 1943 Ghetto Uprising.

Newsletter • 4 min. read
Warsaw Newsletter - April 2026
Discover what Warsaw offers in April 2026. As the city transitions into spring, prepare for longer days, riverside walks, and navigate the Easter holiday closures like a local.

Newsletter • 6 min. read
Warsaw Newsletter - March 2026
Explore Warsaw in March 2026. This early spring guide covers expected weather, local pacing with fewer crowds, and key cultural events like the MSN "City of Women" exhibition.



















