Many visitors to Krakow want to see both the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and historic Kazimierz - the district where traces of the prewar Jewish community are especially visible. This is possible even on a limited budget if you plan tickets and transport well and split your time between the memorial visit and exploring the city. This guide will take you through every stage of planning, suggest economical and respectful solutions, and recommend reliable places for meals and accommodation.
Entry to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial is free, but a personalized entry pass is required and must be reserved online. The official reservation system of the Museum is the only source of direct entry passes - avoid resellers who promise "guaranteed" places without confirmation from the Museum.
From May 1, 2025, free entry passes for visitors touring without a guide can be reserved online only and only in the window of 90 to 7 days before the planned visit. This change was introduced to reduce morning queues and abuses related to bringing groups "blindly" to the site.
For those who want a deeper understanding, the Museum offers guided visits with an educator (paid). Organized groups must use the Museum's educator services. If you do not want a guide, plan to reserve passes in the 90-7 day window or be prepared for limited availability on the day of arrival.
When reserving and on the day of your visit remember a few rules: you must bring your personalized entry pass and an identity document; dress appropriately for the solemn character of the place; the Museum does not recommend bringing children under 14 years old.
The maximum size for backpacks and handbags brought onto the Museum grounds cannot exceed 35 x 25 x 15 cm - larger luggage should be left in a car or bus or placed in the luggage storage (check availability and rules of storage before your trip).
A visit can be an intense emotional experience - allow at least 3-4 hours to see both parts (Auschwitz I and Birkenau) and mentally prepare for difficult content. The Museum recommends arriving 30 minutes before the start of your visit due to security checks.
The cheapest and often most convenient option is the train - direct connections from Krakow to Oswiecim run regularly and the journey takes about 40-50 minutes. Choosing a TLK or IC train or buying tickets in advance can save money. Check timetables and buy your ticket ahead of time.
Alternatives include long-distance buses or private minibuses - travel time depends on road conditions and may be longer. If you travel by car, remember parking at the Museum and do not leave valuables in plain sight.
Daily plan: if you combine Kazimierz and Auschwitz in one day, start very early - travel, a Museum visit (min. 3-4 h) and return will take the whole day. Consider splitting the visits across two days (an evening in Kazimierz and Auschwitz the next day) if you prefer a slower pace.
Economical option: an early morning train from Krakow (for example an early IC/TLK), visit Auschwitz I and Birkenau (reserve a pass 90-7 days in advance or try official availability), return to Krakow in the afternoon and take an evening walk through Kazimierz.
In practice: leave Krakow around 7:00-8:00, book your visit slot for mid-day (depending on pass availability), return to Krakow and plan an evening walk along Szeroka Street, ul. Józefa and Plac Nowy - a great time for dinner in one of the recommended restaurants.
If you cannot obtain an entry pass in the reservation window, don't panic - sometimes limited passes for individual visitors are available on the day, but rely on the official reservation system rather than on promises from intermediaries.
Kazimierz is not just atmospheric cafes and bars - it is a historic district where Jewish and Christian cultures coexisted for centuries. Be sure to see Szeroka Street, the Remuh Synagogue and its old cemetery, the Old Synagogue and parts of the former ghetto area in Podgórze.
Also on the must-see list are: the Ghetto Heroes Square and the famous "Under the Eagle" Pharmacy - remnants of the ghetto; the site of the Płaszów labor camp and the villa of commandant Amon Goeth (view from the outside), and the Galicia Jewish Museum with exhibitions dedicated to the memory and culture of the Jewish community in Galicia.
Remember that Kazimierz used to be an independent town and a Jewish cultural center from the 14th century - while walking, pay attention to townhouses, former places of worship and gravestones that have survived in the urban landscape.
Kazimierz offers venues for many budgets. If you want places appreciated by locals and visitors, consider: Zazie Bistro (French cuisine, cozy atmosphere), Restauracja Starka (Polish cuisine, classic Kazimierz fare), Hamsa Hummus & Happiness (Middle Eastern dishes), Mleczarnia (a cafe with character), Plac Nowy 1 (good options in the heart of Kazimierz) and Bottiglieria 1881 (often highlighted by food guides).
At Plac Nowy try the local zapiekanki for a quick and cheap street food option. If you want something special, reserve a table at popular places in advance - especially in the high season.
For a budget solution - milk bars or local pierogi places offer tasty and very cheap meals and a chance to feel the city's everyday atmosphere.
If you plan to visit Auschwitz and spend time in Kazimierz, a convenient place to stay is the Old Town or Kazimierz itself - shorter walks to restaurants and trams that connect easily to the train station. For savings look for trusted hostels or small guesthouses with good reviews.
If you prefer quiet after an intense day, consider accommodation near Podgórze - still close to attractions but usually less touristy and sometimes a bit cheaper. Book in advance during the season.
Buying "guaranteed passes" from unverified intermediaries - avoid offers that promise entry without official confirmation from the Museum. Official passes are booked through the Museum's system.
Underestimating the time needed to visit - Auschwitz plus Kazimierz is an intensive program; reserve at least 3-4 hours for the Museum and an additional 2-3 hours for Kazimierz if you want to visit exhibitions and dine in a good restaurant.
Bringing large luggage - check the 35 x 25 x 15 cm limit and leave larger bags in storage or at your hotel, otherwise you may be denied entry to the Museum.
Not preparing emotionally - the site is one of the most important symbols of the Holocaust; read a short introduction before your visit and plan some time for reflection afterwards.
Kazimierz was for centuries a separate town - it was incorporated into Krakow only in the 19th century. This historical separateness is still visible in the street layout and architecture.
In many places in Kazimierz you will find traces of memory alongside contemporary culture: from permanent exhibitions at the Galicia Jewish Museum to the annual Jewish Culture Festival that fills the neighborhood with klezmer music and discussions about history and memory.
The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial comprises both parts of the camp - Auschwitz I (the museum on the site of the former central camp) and the larger Birkenau (Auschwitz II), which is worth visiting to get a fuller sense of the scale of the place.
Do I have to pay to enter Auschwitz? - Entry to the Memorial is free, but a personalized entry pass reserved through the official online booking system is required; some guided services are paid.
What if I cannot get an entry pass online? - The Museum occasionally makes a limited number of guided-visit passes available on site for individual visitors, but there is no guarantee - it's best to plan ahead.
Can I combine Auschwitz and Kazimierz in one day? - You can, but it will be a long day. If you want a calmer and deeper experience, consider splitting the visits over two days.
Can children enter the Museum? - The Museum recommends that children under 14 do not participate due to the difficult nature of the exhibitions.
A budget-conscious, respectful and rewarding trip combining Auschwitz and the Jewish sites of Krakow is entirely possible - the keys are advance reservations (entry passes 90-7 days before), choosing economical transport (train) and sensible time planning.
If you want the visit to be both informative and peaceful, consider spreading the program over two days: an evening walk through Kazimierz with dinner at one of the recommended restaurants and a calm visit to the Memorial the next day.
If you found this article helpful - share it with friends or on social media. For private guiding with Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz), please contact the team at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com for details and booking information.
