Many visitors treat a trip to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial as an intense, emotional experience that requires time and reflection. After such an experience it's good to plan gentler, "green" moments — and that is exactly what the southern part of Kraków, Podgórze, and its adjacent parks can offer.
A walk around Podgórze helps you calm down, see places with interesting local stories and enjoy the riverside space along the Vistula. It is also a practical logistical solution: if you are staying in this part of the city, you can set off comfortably in the morning to Oświęcim and return to a peaceful, green neighborhood.
Admission to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial grounds is free of charge, but in practice entry requires a personalized entry card that must be reserved online in advance. Due to high demand, dates and time slots sell out — plan your reservation ahead of time.
To see both parts (Auschwitz I and Birkenau) you should allow at least 3–3.5 hours — and if you want to study the exhibitions more deeply, plan for more time. Arrive earlier (around 30 minutes before your scheduled start) because security checks and queues apply.
If you choose to visit independently, check the availability of self-guided entry cards in the time slots reserved for individual visitors; if you prefer an educational guided tour, look into the option with a museum educator and the types of guided tours available.
Weekends and public holidays are usually the busiest. If you can, choose mid-week — Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday — when there are typically fewer visitors, making for a calmer pace of touring and shorter queues.
A morning slot (the earliest tours) gives you advantages: cooler temperatures, smaller crowds and a better chance for a reflective visit. Alternatively, late afternoon (when self-guided entry cards may be available) can be quieter, but always check the Museum's visiting hours before you go.
Auschwitz is located outside Kraków, in Oświęcim; you can get there in several ways: by private car, by train plus local transport, by organized transport, or by taxi/private transfer. The choice depends on group size, comfort and time preferences.
If you go by car — plan parking and arrive early. For train or bus travel check connections and schedules, remembering that some routes require transfers. For those who prefer to avoid logistics, a private transfer from Kraków is an option (convenient but more expensive).
If you start the day in Podgórze, plan your route to the meeting point or departure station in advance — allow time to walk to the tram/bus, possible traffic, and to reserve seats on group transfers when needed.
After returning from Oświęcim (or before you leave, if you prefer a gentler start) I recommend a short route through Podgórze's green corners. Here is a suggested easy walking route that you can adjust to your time and energy:
1) Park im. Wojciecha Bednarskiego (Bednarski Park) - a sprawling park created on the site of a former limestone quarry, with interesting landforms and sheltered paths. It's a great place for a short rest and to connect with nature close to the center.
2) Plac Lasoty and the surrounding area - historic parts of Podgórze with villas and local character; a good spot for photos and a short break.
3) Vistula Boulevards - if the weather is good, a riverside walk is the best way to unwind. Along the boulevards you'll find benches, spaces to relax and often seasonal cafes or food trucks.
4) Zabłocie and Stacja Wisła / nearby city parks - redeveloped post-industrial areas with green squares, ideal for a quiet end to the day. Zabłocie also has many cultural points if you want to combine nature with a short visit to a gallery or museum.
07:00-08:00 - breakfast in Podgórze and quick preparations (comfortable shoes, light backpack, water).
08:00-09:30 - travel to the Memorial (leave earlier if taking train/bus).
09:30-13:00 - visit Auschwitz I and Birkenau (approximate duration 3–3.5 hours). After leaving, take a moment to sit and calm your thoughts; don't schedule the rest of the day at full speed immediately.
13:00-14:00 - return to Kraków / Podgórze (time depends on transport).
14:30-16:00 - easy walk in Bednarski Park and nearby areas, late afternoon coffee on the Vistula Boulevards or around Zabłocie.
16:30-18:00 - dinner at a well-rated riverside restaurant or at one of Zabłocie's venues; evening relaxation and a summary of the day.
In Podgórze and Zabłocie you'll find both modern cafes and well-regarded restaurants. If you want to eat after the trip: choose places with good reviews — the riverside area (for example cafes along the boulevards) and Zabłocie's venues are often praised for atmosphere and quality.
Forum Przestrzenie (near the bridge) is one of the popular and highly rated spots — good for lunch or coffee by the river. Zabłocie has many intimate venues and cafes that receive great feedback from visitors.
It's always worth checking current reviews on review platforms before you go — recommended places change seasonally, but choosing places with consistently good ratings helps avoid disappointment.
Not booking a Museum entry in advance. This often means you can't get in at your preferred time — book ahead, especially in the high season.
Underestimating the time needed to visit. Auschwitz is a place that requires time for viewing and reflection — don't combine the visit with an overly tight, multi-stop plan on the same day.
Bringing large luggage or backpacks without checking acceptable dimensions. Leave larger bags in your car or in storage if possible.
Lack of emotional preparation — many visitors are surprised by how strong their reaction to the visit can be. Allow yourself time and space to rest after the visit.
Bednarski Park was created on the site of a former limestone quarry - that gives it a unique terrain with atmospheric rock formations that stand out among other city parks.
Podgórze was for a long time an independent town - its character and street layout differ from Kraków's Old Town, giving this part of the city a distinctive, intimate atmosphere.
The Vistula Boulevards are not only a place for walks - in summer there are seasonal events here, and the riverside space is a great place to view the city from a different perspective.
Do I have to pay to enter Auschwitz? - Entry to the grounds is free, but personalized entry cards must be reserved online. Paid options include guided tours with museum educators and some special educational programs.
How much time should I allow for a trip from Kraków? - For the visit itself plan at least 3–3.5 hours. Add travel time to and from Oświęcim; a full day is the most comfortable option.
Is it worth going outside the weekend? - Yes. Weekdays are usually less crowded, which supports a calmer and more reflective visit.
Dress comfortably and appropriately for the nature of the site - at Auschwitz maintain a respectful and suitable outfit. Bring water and a small snack, but remember the Museum's baggage restrictions.
If you want to spend the day comfortably without worrying about logistics, consider using a private transfer from Podgórze or the services of a private guide who can help organize a route tailored to your needs.
If this article was helpful, share it with friends or on social media. If you would like to tour with local support, you are invited to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz - contact details are available on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website.
