Sins of Warsaw: Tour of the 20th-Century Criminal Underworld (18+)
Warsaw’s 20th-century criminal underworld. In the city centre, we trace gangs, prostitution, hangovers, and even an assassination at real sites — from Zachęta (President Narutowicz), Krakowskie Przedmieście, to Hala Mirowska — uncovering the people, rackets, and places behind the headlines.

Basic Information
Total time
1h 15m
Language
English (check the calendar for availability)
Price
Free tour
Meeting point
Nicolaus Copernicus Monument, Krakowskie Przedmieście Street 2 Nearest public transport: metro line #2, station: Nowy Świat - Uniwersytet
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 as you wish tours are designed for individual travellers and small groups. We don’t accept parties of more than 7 people on them. If you travel in a party of 8 or more (school groups, bigger groups of friends etc.), please choose a paid option of 18€ per person or book a Private Tour. For more information on the latter, please contact us.
About the tour

Most tour guides will show you representative buildings of the city, its beautiful palaces, and will tell you all the interesting stories about the national heroes. However, that’s not a full view of the city. Every city needs a balance: yin and yang, elegant churches and shady places, brave heroes and bad criminals.
During this tour, our tour guide won’t avoid difficult topics. They will focus on them.
This tour will be all about the flavours of the criminal underworld of Warsaw of the XX century. You will hear the stories of murderers, gangs, prostitutes, and vodka.
Highlights
- 1
Nicolaus Copernicus Monument
A bronze seated statue of the renowned astronomer, positioned before the Polish Academy of Sciences.
- 2
Warsaw's Underworld
Explore the dark side of 20th-century Warsaw, focusing on its infamous criminals, gangs, and shady places.
- 3
The Gang of Porters
Learn about the notorious criminal organization that operated in pre-war Warsaw and controlled parts of the city.
- 4
Presidential Assassination
Uncover the story behind the shocking murder of Gabriel Narutowicz, Poland's first president after WWI.
- 5
Warsaw's Red Light
Delve into the lives of prostitutes in the old city and discover the contents of their working kits.
- 6
Vodka and Hangovers
Learn about vodka's role in the criminal world and discover traditional Polish ways to cure a hangover.
- 7
Criminal Hierarchy
Understand the different types of criminals that operated in the city and how their underworld was structured.
FAQ
Map
Nicolaus Copernicus Monument, Krakowskie Przedmieście Street 2 Nearest public transport: metro line #2, station: Nowy Świat - Uniwersytet
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