Yes — it’s possible, but it’s important to be prepared for two very different emotions during the day. A visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is a serious, reflective experience that requires respect and calm. An afternoon in Kazimierz offers cafes, narrow cobbled streets, lamps and atmospheric murals — an ideal setting for romantic shots. In this article I’ll walk you step by step through how to combine both parts of the day without a faux‑pas, what to know before you travel, and which spots in Kazimierz give the best photos for couples. Practical note: plan realistic time — this won’t be a quick 2‑in‑1 combo without preparation.
Below you’ll find practical information, a sample day plan and a collection of photo spots with short tips on when and how to shoot to avoid crowds and awkward frames. Everything is written simply, with Kraków in mind and with care for your experience.
If you like, I can also prepare a short personalized route with times, taking into account your accommodation and photographic preferences.
- Let’s begin!
- Remember: respect first, then romantic shots.
When visiting the Auschwitz‑Birkenau Memorial and Museum it’s useful to know the rules and realities of touring so the day runs smoothly and respectfully. Entry to the Memorial Site is free, but hiring an educator‑guide or renting an audio guide system is paid — keep this in mind when booking.
Photography and filming for private purposes is allowed in publicly accessible areas, but there are exceptions: you must not photograph the Victims’ hair room (Block 4) or the basements of Block 11. Flash and tripods are banned, and commercial or professional materials require the Museum’s permission. For online creators the Museum requires prior notification and approval of the concept before recording.
The minimum recommended time to calmly walk through both parts of the site is about 3.5 hours — this visit shouldn’t be rushed. In practice most people plan half a day if they want to see the grounds and exhibitions thoughtfully. Arrive early enough, especially in high season, because there are queues for entry and for the exhibition blocks.
Practical detail: baggage restrictions apply — the Museum allows bags and backpacks of specified dimensions, and a left‑luggage facility is available at the Visitor Service area. Check these rules before you travel to avoid unpleasant surprises.
- Summary of rules: respect, no tripods or flashes inside exhibitions, museum approval needed for commercial materials.
Getting there: people most often travel from Kraków to Oświęcim by train, bus or car. Trains and buses usually take about 1.5–2 hours depending on the connection and transfers. By car the trip typically takes about 1–1.25 hours depending on traffic and route.
If you plan the trip independently, add time for the walk or a transfer from Oświęcim station to the Memorial Site (a few kilometres — either on foot or a short local bus/taxi ride). It’s best to leave Kraków in the morning so you can visit at a calm pace and return to the city for an afternoon stroll.
Practical tip: check train and bus timetables and ticket availability in advance; in season choose an earlier service to avoid crowds and to leave more time for Kazimierz later.
- Minimum recommended time at the museum: ~3.5 hours.
- Travel from Kraków: train/bus ~1.5h, car ~1–1.25h.
Example: depart Kraków around 8:00, arrive in Oświęcim and start your visit around 9:30–10:00. After a calm visit allow 3.5–4 hours. After returning to Kraków (or directly after the visit) take a train/bus/taxi and be back in Kraków around 15:00–16:00. That’s a perfect slot for a relaxed afternoon and golden‑hour photos in Kazimierz.
Detailed plan: 1) Morning: leave Kraków. 2) Late morning: visit Auschwitz‑Birkenau. 3) Midday: return to Kraków and have a light meal. 4) Afternoon/Evening: walk around Kazimierz, stop in a café, and visit the prettiest photo spots for sunset.
Why this order? Because at the Memorial Site you want to be focused and rested, and afterwards it’s easier to switch to a relaxed, romantic mood in the city. I don’t recommend visiting the museum right before a loud party or boisterous event — that can feel inappropriate.
- Recommendation: book time and stay flexible.
- Consider emotional tiredness after visiting a place of remembrance.
Kazimierz is a mecca for atmospheric frames: cobbled streets, old synagogues, colorful murals and moody cafés. Here are the places I especially recommend for couples looking for romantic photos:
Plac Nowy — the heart of Kazimierz, a great backdrop with its round market hall and atmospheric stalls. Recommended times: early afternoon or late afternoon just before sunset, when the light is soft. For couples: sit on the low stone wall and take a natural, handheld shot.
Ulica Szeroka — the district’s most representative street, with low townhouses and warm street lamps. Shoot from the street level to use depth in the frame. Lamps add warmth in the evening.
Ulica Józefa — atmospheric gates, colorful doors and small courtyards. Great for “walking” shots or portraits by a door with architectural details. Early afternoon or just before sunset is most pleasant.
Remuh Synagogue and Remuh Cemetery — a unique, quiet place with a more solemn, reflective mood for photos. Remember to be respectful when photographing near places of worship and graves.
Father Bernatek Footbridge — from here you get a nice view over the Vistula and a contrast between Kazimierz and Podgórze. Good for silhouette shots at sunset.
Murals and street art — Kazimierz has several well‑known murals and interesting walls that give a modern, bold background. Look for hidden corners between Szeroka and Józefa streets.
Courtyards and gates — many tenement houses have beautiful, unexpected entrances and passages. Often the best frames are where there are no tourists — explore a few side alleys.
- Small photo tip: the golden hour (just before sunset) is the best time for romantic frames. Early morning can be empty, but the light is cooler.
Keep in mind that someone who has just visited a site where many people died may feel overwhelmed — that’s normal. Give yourselves time to transition from one atmosphere to another. Don’t rush straight into an elaborate, theatrical photo session.
Inside the Memorial Site avoid taking “selfies” with exhibits or monuments that depict suffering. Even where photography is allowed, let empathy and memory guide you.
In Kazimierz also be mindful of others: don’t block passages, avoid setting up tripods in busy places, and ask restaurant or courtyard owners if you want to photograph private spaces or garden terraces.
- Briefly: respect and empathy are priorities — this is not the place for exaggerated, staged shots that may seem inappropriate.
- Technical reminder: tripods are prohibited inside museum exhibitions; outdoors in Kazimierz you may use them, but be tactful.
What to bring: a light backpack or bag that fits the Museum’s allowed dimensions (remember baggage limits), a bottle of water, a powerbank to charge your phone, tissues and a small first‑aid kit. Also bring ID and your transport tickets.
What to wear: comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing — temperatures differ between indoor exhibitions and outside, and you’ll appreciate comfort after a long day. Avoid flashy elements at the Memorial Site; in Kazimierz you have more freedom of style, but comfort should come first.
Avoiding crowds: at the Museum arrive early in the morning or choose less touristy days; in Kazimierz it’s best to come just after midday or late in the evening outside weekend peaks. If you want very calm frames, come very early in the morning — the city then has a magical, empty atmosphere.
Photography tips: plan a single phone/setup for a series of shots rather than taking thousands of photos non‑stop. A good frame is often a compromise between movement and light — look for simple compositions.
- Small packing list: powerbank, water, ID, small bag that fits the rules.
Before your trip to Oświęcim: check train/bus schedules, bring ID and plan at least 3.5 hours for the visit. Make sure your baggage fits the allowed dimensions or use the left‑luggage facility.
After returning to Kraków and before your Kazimierz session: charge your devices, choose a few places you want to visit (max 3–4), plan around the weather and the golden hour. Think of small props: a light coat, a scarf, a cup of coffee — they add intimacy to photos.
Additionally: if you want video content or an extended photo session in public space, consider contacting venue owners in advance or check rules for commercial photography in public spaces.
- Checklist: tickets/timetables, powerbank, small bag, 3–4 places in Kazimierz, golden hour.
- And most importantly: give yourselves space for emotions after visiting the place of remembrance.
A day that combines a visit to the Auschwitz‑Birkenau Memorial and a romantic afternoon in Kazimierz can be a very meaningful experience: on one hand education and remembrance, on the other closeness, conversation and beautiful photos. The key is time planning, awareness of museum rules and empathy toward the place.
Start early, plan the emotional transition between parts of the day and pick a couple of favourite photo spots in Kazimierz instead of chasing every popular location. Less is often more — especially when it comes to couple portraits.
If you’d like, I can prepare a tailored route for you: I’ll match travel times, suggest the best moments for photos and propose places to rest after the visit. Just tell me your arrival date and where you’re staying in Kraków.
Wishing you a calm, thoughtful and beautiful trip — one that combines memory with closeness.
- Best regards,
Margaret (Małgorzata) Kasprowicz
