History & Highlights

Warsaw at War Free Tour

Sixty-three days that decided the city's fate

4.5 (402) · Bookable via Civitatis

In August 1944, as the Red Army approached, Warsaw's Home Army rose up against German occupation expecting help that never fully arrived. This tour follows the story of the Warsaw Uprising and the wider war years through the streets where it happened, from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier — Warsaw's monument to all its fallen defenders — to the sites of barricades, secret couriers and makeshift field hospitals.

Your guide explains why Hitler ordered the city destroyed in reprisal once the sixty-three-day Uprising was crushed, and how that decision — not just the earlier siege of 1939 — is the real reason so much of what you see in Warsaw today had to be rebuilt from nothing.

Tour highlights

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
1944 Warsaw Uprising sites
Piłsudski Square
Wartime monuments and memorials
Krasiński Garden

Meeting point

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Google Maps OpenStreetMap

This tour is free — there's no charge to join. At the end, tip your guide whatever you feel the experience was worth. 100% of tips go directly to them.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Warsaw at War Free Tour really free?

Yes — there is no ticket and no upfront cost. You reserve a free spot, join the tour, and at the end tip your guide whatever you feel it was worth. Most travelers tip the equivalent of €10–20 per person, but the amount is entirely up to you.

Where does the Warsaw at War Free Tour start?

The tour meets at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Tomb of the Unknown Soldier). Look for the guide with the FreeTour sign; the exact meeting point is confirmed in your booking.

How long is the tour, and what languages is it in?

It lasts around 2h and is guided in English. Groups are capped at about 6 people so the experience stays personal. Comfortable walking shoes recommended.