Is it possible to see Auschwitz, Nowa Huta, Wawel and still eat excellent ice cream in one day? Yes — with a good plan and a sensible pace. This article will help you build a realistic schedule, choose the optimal order of visits, check opening hours and point out several places with some of the best ice cream in the city. Everything is written in a simple, friendly tone so you can fully enjoy Krakow. Guide: Małgorzata Kasprowicz.
Remember: exact opening hours, exhibition schedules and ticket offices can change — especially in high season or on holidays. It’s always a good idea to check for updates before you go, but below you’ll find a safe plan and practical tips.
Let’s get started!
- Relaxed version (for those who like detail): morning departure to Auschwitz (leave Krakow around 7:30–8:30), return in early afternoon, short rest, afternoon stroll and coffee in Nowa Huta, evening visit to Wawel (if timed tickets for temporary exhibitions are convenient) and finish the day with ice cream in the center.
- Intensive version (for logistically fit visitors): morning at Wawel and a short walk around the Old Town, travel to Auschwitz around midday, return in the evening and dessert at one of the recommended ice cream shops.
- Logistics note: Auschwitz is outside Krakow and a visit to the museum (Auschwitz I + Birkenau) usually takes 3–4 hours when accompanied by a guide; add travel time (about 1–1.5 hours). For this reason it’s best planned as a half-day or a full day on its own.
- When the museum is closed: the Memorial Museum has fixed closed days each year — typically January 1, December 25 and the first day of Easter. Outside of these, the museum operates most of the year with seasonal visiting hours.
- Entry times: entries begin early in the morning; in winter the first tours may start around 7:30, while in summer entry times start earlier and run longer, sometimes allowing late entries in the evening. Exact schedules change with the season.
- Reservations and tickets: it’s worth booking in advance, especially in high season. guided tours and organized groups fill up quickly; during busy periods ticket availability for a given day may be limited.
- Guided vs self-guided visits: a guided tour by an educator helps to understand the context and course of history across both sections of the museum. The standard route includes Auschwitz I and Birkenau and usually takes several hours.
- Behavior on site: Auschwitz is a place of remembrance and reflection — respect the surroundings, keep quiet and avoid noises that would disturb other visitors. Some areas have photography restrictions — follow on-site instructions.
- Why visit? Nowa Huta is a unique district built in the communist era as a model socialist realist industrial settlement. Today it’s a mix of history, architecture, local culture and a growing food scene. It’s a great place for a walk away from the tourist center.
- Main points of interest: Central Square (the heart of the urban design), residential blocks from the era, local cinemas and cultural centers, neighborhood cafés and ice cream shops with an authentic Nowa Huta vibe.
- How to get there: from central Krakow the most convenient options are trams and buses. Popular tram and bus lines connect Nowa Huta with the center — travel time is about 25–40 minutes depending on your starting stop and traffic. Check current line numbers from your departure point.
- Tip: to feel the local atmosphere, pop into small cafés and family-run ice cream shops off the main tourist routes — they often serve great homemade flavors and are less crowded than the center.
- What Wawel includes: the Wawel Hill is a complex that includes the Royal Castle and the Cathedral. Wawel is a broad topic: permanent and temporary exhibitions in the Castle, the State Rooms, the Armory, the Treasury and the Cathedral — each may have separate opening hours.
- Typical visiting hours: Castle exhibitions and the Cathedral are usually open from morning to late afternoon — often with hours that differ between the two. On Mondays some exhibitions may operate reduced hours or be closed; when buying a ticket, check which exhibitions it covers and what time the last entry is.
- Tickets and queues: many exhibitions have limited entrance times — timed tickets are standard. If you prefer more comfort, buy a ticket in advance for a specific hour.
- Wawel Cathedral: the cathedral is an active place of worship and services take place there — during Mass access may be limited. Dress respectfully and keep quiet during religious services.
Krakow treats ice cream almost like a ritual. Below are a few places worth visiting — each has its own character and flavor:
- Pracownia Cukiernicza (Lody na Starowiślnej), ul. Starowiślna 83 — an iconic, traditional ice cream shop known for classic, intense flavors. It often has queues, but the taste usually justifies the wait. Recommended flavors: vanilla, cream with dried fruit and nut mix, and seasonal fruit sorbets.
- Good Lood (several locations in the city, including around Kazimierz and Plac Wolnica) — a larger, modern chain of artisanal ice cream outlets with a wide flavor range, vegan and gluten-free options, and delivery available. Good for trying unusual combinations.
- Lodowa Huta (Nowa Huta, Osiedle Centrum) — a local Nowa Huta legend, ice cream made on-site from fresh ingredients. If you’re in the Huta, it’s a must-stop.
- Lodowa Chatka / Lodowa Chatka Nowa Huta — a friendly neighborhood spot often praised by locals.
- Rolling Ice & Dessert (Nowa Huta) — a more modern option offering Thai-style rolled ice cream prepared in front of you, with exotic toppings — a fun choice if you like novelty.
Taste tip: in small family-run shops ask about the flavor of the day — these are often real, intense fruit sorbets or homemade creams you won’t find in chains.
- Public transport: in Krakow the easiest way to get around is by tram and bus. Tickets can be bought at machines at stops, in apps or at kiosks; remember to validate your ticket. To reach Auschwitz it’s best to travel by car, shuttle bus or an organized transfer — travel time is about 1–1.5 hours one way from central Krakow.
- Time for visits: plan 3–4 hours for Auschwitz in addition to travel time. Allow 1.5–3 hours for Wawel and the Old Town depending on how deeply you explore. Nowa Huta needs at least 1–2 hours to feel the atmosphere and visit a few spots.
- What to bring: comfortable shoes, a water bottle, ID, and a light jacket or coat for cooler days. When visiting Wawel and the cathedral, dress more conservatively.
- Time of year: summer is peak season with longer opening hours; spring and autumn offer a good balance between weather and smaller crowds. In winter some exhibitions or venues may have reduced hours.
- Option 1 — a day of memory and reflection: depart in the morning for Auschwitz, return in early afternoon, short rest, evening stroll in the Old Town and dessert at one of the ice cream shops. This is a good solution if you want to give Auschwitz the proper amount of time.
- Option 2 — a mixed cultural-and-taste day: morning at Wawel and a short visit to central museums, lunch in the center, afternoon in Nowa Huta with local cafés and ice cream, evening rest. For people who prefer to spread their energy across different experiences.
- Option 3 — an outbound day: combine Auschwitz with other sites outside Krakow (for example Wieliczka Salt Mine) — this requires careful logistics and an early start but lets you see more of the region.
- How long does a visit to Auschwitz take? Usually 3–4 hours for the standard route covering both sites. Plan extra time for travel and possible queues.
- Do I have to buy a ticket with a guide? Not always — you can visit individually, but a guide greatly enriches the experience and helps to understand the context. It’s strongly recommended to reserve in advance if you visit during the high season.
- Do Wawel and the Cathedral have the same hours? Not necessarily — individual Castle exhibitions and entry to the Cathedral can have different hours and separate tickets. Check the entry time for the specific exhibition in advance.
- Are there vegan ice cream options in Krakow? Yes — many artisanal shops offer sorbets and dairy-free ice creams, and both chains and local shops usually clearly mark vegan and gluten-free options.
- Is visiting Nowa Huta safe? Yes — it’s a normal city district of Krakow; as in any city, keep usual precautions. Nowa Huta has a unique atmosphere and many interesting places to see.
- Krakow offers a wealth of experiences: from places of remembrance to royal monuments and local flavors. A good plan and time buffers will let you visit Auschwitz with due respect, feel the atmosphere of Nowa Huta, see Wawel and still enjoy delicious ice cream.
- If you wish, I can prepare a personalized day plan for you that takes into account your accommodation, preferred pace and interests — tell me your priorities and I’ll create a step-by-step route.
Thank you for your trust — Małgorzata Kasprowicz, Krakow guide.
