Yes — you can, if you plan your time well. Three days are enough to see Krakow’s heart (Main Market Square and the Market Square Underground), explore Kazimierz, use the tram as a quick way to get around, and dedicate one full day to a trip to Oświęcim (Auschwitz-Birkenau). The key is a realistic schedule, booking tickets in advance where needed, and allowing time for travel between places.
In this guide you’ll get: a clear 3-day itinerary, practical directions (tram, train, bus), advice for visiting the Market Square Underground and the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, meal suggestions, and a list of common mistakes plus an FAQ to help you prepare.
- The Market Square Underground is right beneath the Main Market Square — book your ticket ahead; visits usually take 60–90 minutes.
- The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum requires advance reservation for entry or joining a guided group; from Krakow, the easiest options are train or bus — the one-way trip typically takes around 50–70 minutes.
- Krakow’s tram network is an efficient way to travel between the main train station, the Market Square and Kazimierz — remember to validate your ticket on board or buy it via a mobile app.
- Show respect when visiting sites of remembrance: maintain silence, photograph discreetly and dress appropriately.
Day 1 — Market Square and the Underground: Start with a morning walk around the Main Market Square, visit St. Mary’s Basilica and then descend into the Market Square Underground. Booking online shortens waiting time. In the afternoon, visit Wawel (the cathedral and courtyards) and finish the day with a relaxed coffee in a nearby café.
Day 2 — Auschwitz (full-day trip): Rise early and take a train or bus to Oświęcim. Plan the whole day for visiting both parts of the Memorial (Auschwitz I and Birkenau) — including travel time, expect this to be about 6–8 hours. After returning to Krakow, enjoy a gentle evening stroll in Kazimierz or a quiet dinner.
Day 3 — Kazimierz and nearby attractions: Discover the Jewish history of Kazimierz, visit small museums and cozy cafés. Spend the afternoon at an additional museum (for example, Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory), take a short Vistula river cruise or shop for souvenirs. In the evening choose a nice restaurant for a farewell meal.
Option: If you want to include the Wieliczka Salt Mine, swap Day 3 for a half- to full-day trip to Wieliczka and move Kazimierz sights to a later slot (for example, the afternoon of Day 1).
The Market Square Underground is a multi-layered archaeological exhibition combining excavations with modern multimedia. You’ll see remains of the medieval marketplace, reconstructions of market stalls and stories about trade, crafts and urban life.
Practical tips: buy tickets in advance (especially in high season), arrive on time — entries are limited and guided slots may be scheduled, wear a light layer as it’s cooler underground, and leave large backpacks at your hotel because cloakroom space can be limited.
Local tip: after you come up from the Underground, stroll to one of the nearby cafés — the side streets around the Market often have the most pleasant morning atmosphere.
Plan a full day — museum exhibitions typically require at least 3–4 hours to see both Auschwitz I and Birkenau, plus travel time. Advance booking is essential in peak season.
Getting there: the most convenient options from Krakow are train or bus; direct journeys usually take 45–70 minutes. From Oświęcim station a local shuttle, taxi or bus will take you to the Memorial. If you travel by car, use the official parking area near the Memorial.
Rules and etiquette: the site is a place of remembrance — observe silence, avoid noisy eating on the exhibition grounds and follow museum regulations. Large backpacks are best left in your hotel or vehicle; some buildings restrict bag sizes.
Tickets and guides: the Museum operates its own reservation system and offers museum educators as guides; organized groups typically use official museum guides. Book your entrance and, if needed, a guide via the Memorial’s reservation system well in advance.
Trams and buses are the quickest ways to move around the centre. Key stops near the Market include areas around the Main Railway Station and the Old Kleparz; from these stops it’s a short walk to the Market Square or a quick tram ride between attractions.
Tickets: buy and validate your ticket before boarding or use an official mobile app. Ticket inspections are common; travelling without a validated ticket can result in a fine. If you plan intensive sightseeing, consider time-based tickets (24/48 hours).
Tip: trams also reach attractions a bit further from the historic centre, such as Łagiewniki; for Wieliczka you’ll usually take a regional bus or a train — check local schedules before you go.
Near the Market: Szara / Szara Gęś (classic central restaurant for Polish cuisine in a refined setting), Café Camelot (intimate café near St. Mary’s Basilica), Charlotte (famous for bread and breakfast — popular for morning meals).
In Kazimierz: Mleczarnia (relaxed atmosphere and good desserts), Hamsa (well-regarded Middle Eastern cuisine), Massolit Books & Cafe (perfect for book lovers and a morning coffee).
Quick eats: for local, fast options look for pierogi places and milk-bar-style eateries near Grodzka Street and the Piłsudski Bridge. Keep in mind that prices directly on the Market Square are often higher than just a few side streets away.
- The Market Square Underground reveals many historical layers of Krakow — don’t expect only ‘ancient ruins’; the modern multimedia displays really bring the past to life.
- Although entering the memorial grounds at Auschwitz is free, many types of visits (especially guided tours or special programs) are paid or require reservations — this sometimes confuses visitors, so check ahead.
- In the city centre trams run frequently; sometimes it’s faster to walk between monuments than to wait for a connection.
1) Not booking tickets for the Market Square Underground or Auschwitz — this can mean long waits or no available spots. Book ahead. 2) Unconfirmed travel plans to Oświęcim — check train and bus timetables for your chosen day and plan return connections so you’re not left without options in the evening. 3) Forgetting to validate tram tickets — fines are real, so validate every time. 4) Inappropriate clothing at the Memorial (e.g. very revealing outfits) — dress respectfully for the character of the site. 5) Overpacking the itinerary — it’s better to see fewer things with attention than to rush through everything; build in breaks.
Notes: allow time for rest and for the emotional impact of visits to memorial sites. Touring respectfully and at a measured pace will make your trip more meaningful.
Can I visit Auschwitz on my own? Yes — individual visitors can enter, but due to high demand it’s wise to reserve online; organized groups tend to use museum guides.
How long does the Market Square Underground take to visit? Usually 60–90 minutes is enough to go through the exhibition at a relaxed pace.
Do trams run late at night? Night and late-evening services are more limited; if you expect to return very late, check timetables in advance or consider a taxi or ride-hailing app.
Are photos allowed in museums and at Auschwitz? Photography is allowed in many parts of the museums, but with sensitivity and following local rules — some areas have restrictions. Always follow signage and staff instructions.
- Reservations: Market Square Underground, special exhibition tickets, and Auschwitz entry or guided tours if needed.
- Transport: check train and bus timetables for Krakow–Oświęcim on the planned day; check tram schedules for late-evening returns.
- Luggage: avoid large backpacks while visiting museums; leave larger bags at your hotel.
- Dress and conduct: prepare for the solemn nature of visits to places of remembrance — appropriate clothing and respectful behaviour are essential.
If you’d like these three days to be comfortable, reflective and carefully organised, I invite you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. She can help plan routes, reserve tickets and tell Krakow’s stories with passion and respect for places of memory. Contact details and service information are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
If this guide was helpful — please share it on social media or send it to friends. Wishing you a calm and meaningful journey through Krakow.
