A visit to the Auschwitz‑Birkenau Memorial is demanding — emotionally and timewise. After such a morning many visitors look for something lighter for the afternoon: Kraków Arcade Museum is a great place to “catch your breath” in the nostalgic atmosphere of 80s and 90s games. Combining both attractions in one weekend allows you to balance learning about history with pleasant relaxation, as long as you approach it with sensitivity and a reasonable plan.
Combining these two points also brings logistical benefits: it’s best to visit Auschwitz in the morning or the first half of the day (fewer crowds, cooler, easier to catch transport back to Kraków), and reserve the afternoon or evening for the interactive game museum — perfect for family downtime or meeting friends. Read on to avoid the most common mistakes and see a sample day plan.
Saturday: early departure from Kraków, visit Auschwitz‑Birkenau (about 3–4 hours of touring plus travel time), return to Kraków, dinner and an evening at the Arcade Museum.
Sunday: sightseeing in Kraków (Main Market Square, Wawel, Kazimierz) or a more relaxed day; alternatively visit the Arcade Museum earlier if you prefer quieter hours.
Practical tip: book entry times for the Memorial well in advance and check the Arcade Museum’s opening hours — on weekends the game museum often opens later or longer, which gives you more flexibility.
You cannot get directly to Oświęcim (Auschwitz) by tram from Kraków — it’s simply too far. The most popular and convenient options are train or bus. The journey usually takes around 1.5–2 hours depending on the carrier and traffic conditions.
There are direct trains from Kraków and numerous bus connections (different carriers). On arrival in Oświęcim the railway station is a several‑minute to up to half‑hour walk from the main part of the Memorial; in high season local buses also run.
If you plan to travel independently, build extra time into your plan for possible delays and the walk from the stop to the Memorial grounds. Also note that on commemorative days (for example anniversaries) there may be transport disruptions — check local notices before you set off.
The Museum urges early reservation — attendance is high, especially in season. The safest way is to book via the Memorial’s official reservation system.
For several years personalized entry cards have been required for both individual and group visits. This measure aims to limit resale of reservations and to make access easier for visitors. When booking, prepare participant details according to the system’s requirements.
Entry to the Memorial site at certain times may be free, but visiting with an educator (a guided tour led by a museum educator) is usually paid and requires pre‑purchase of a time slot. It’s always a good idea to arrive at least 20–30 minutes before your scheduled entry time.
Watch out for intermediaries: there are websites offering “quick and easy” trips and tickets online — be careful, not all are authorized. If you don’t want to take risks, use trusted sources and official booking channels.
Dress respectfully — avoid loud costumes or provocative outfits. Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking across the camp grounds.
Documents: if the reservation requires personalized entry cards, carry an ID with a photo.
Practical items: a bottle of water, a light snack for the journey, a charged phone and a power bank. In season bring an umbrella or a light jacket in case of changing weather.
Kraków Arcade Museum is an interactive video game museum with a collection of classic arcade machines from the 80s and 90s. You’ll find retro icons (Pac‑Man, Donkey Kong, fighting games, driving and other simulators) that you can try yourself — most machines are playable after purchasing an entry ticket.
The museum is located at ul. Centralna 41a in the Nowa Huta district. Travel from Kraków’s center usually takes 20–40 minutes by public transport (tram plus a short walk or transfer), depending on your starting point and traffic. Check MPK timetables before you go.
This place is recommended as a way to relax after a solemn morning at the memorial — it’s also family‑friendly and a good spot for young visitors to learn about gaming history while having fun.
If you want a good meal after returning to Kraków, choose places with solid reviews: in the city center you’ll find traditional Polish restaurants and modern bistros around the Main Square and in Kazimierz — all good choices after an intense day.
If you stay near the center, an evening trip to the Arcade Museum is convenient; if you prefer accommodation closer to Nowa Huta (for example if you plan a longer stay there), look for hotels or guesthouses near al. Jana Pawła II and ul. Nowohucka. Book accommodation early in high season.
Dining tip: for dinner after a reflective day pick a calm restaurant with good reviews — after an emotional day it’s helpful to eat somewhere that encourages conversation and rest.
Not booking entry cards to the Memorial in advance — you may not get a slot at your preferred time. Book as early as possible.
Using untrusted intermediaries and paying for “guaranteed” tickets — buy through official sources or verified organizers.
Underestimating travel time and trying to cram too much into one day — Auschwitz requires calm and time; plan a slower part of the day afterwards.
Assuming you can reach Oświęcim by tram — that’s incorrect. Trams only run within Kraków.
Can you visit Auschwitz and the Arcade Museum on the same day? - Yes, but it requires an early start and good organization. It’s usually better to plan Auschwitz in the morning and the Arcade Museum in the afternoon or evening.
Do you need to reserve tickets for the Arcade Museum? - Organized groups usually need to reserve; individual visitors can often enter without a reservation during opening hours, but check weekend availability in advance.
Is entry to Auschwitz paid? - Entry to the Memorial site itself can be free in certain slots, but guided visits with an educator and special forms of touring are paid. Check current booking rules and prices before your visit.
Can you go there with children? - Yes, but the topic is difficult for young children. Consider the child’s age and readiness and choose a suitable form of visit.
In recent years attendance at the Memorial has been very high — making advance reservations practically essential.
Kraków Arcade Museum has a collection counted in the hundreds of classic machines and treats them interactively — after buying a ticket you can play many original cabinets yourself.
Personalized entry cards for Auschwitz are a measure against the secondary ticket market — they also help the Museum plan visits and protect this unique place.
If you’re planning a weekend in Kraków and want to combine an important, reflective visit with a bit of retro entertainment — it’s worth doing, with sensitivity and preparation. Book your visit to the Memorial in advance, plan the logistics of travel and leave yourself space to rest.
If you need help planning the trip — private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz is available to assist with organizing Kraków sightseeing and the trip to Auschwitz. Contact details for Małgorzata are visible on the guide’s website.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help others plan a better weekend in Kraków. Thank you and have a calm, thoughtful journey.
