Yes — this is a common plan for people who want to visit key memorial sites and at the same time see the most interesting parts of the Old Town. You just need to do it sensibly: Auschwitz is a place that requires time and reflection, and the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul on Grodzka Street is an excellent starting or ending point for a walk along the Royal Route.
In practice I recommend separating the two activities in one day in a way that treats emotions and logistics seriously — travel to Oświęcim in the morning (or early afternoon) and return to Krakow for a calm walk and a visit to the basilica. For families with children you can consider the opposite order — a short city walk first, then the trip to Auschwitz if the children are emotionally ready for it.
Travel from central Krakow to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum usually takes about 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic and your chosen means of transport. When booking transport, plan at least 3.5 hours for the guided walk on the site with an educator (standard guided visits last about 3–3.5 hours) plus time for transfers and short breaks.
If you want to visit the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul on the same day, allow 30–60 minutes — this is enough to see the interior, hear a short story about the baroque façade and, if available, visit the crypt.
For families: consider leaving Krakow early in the morning or choosing an afternoon slot outside peak traffic. Make sure children have a break and something to eat — experiences at Auschwitz can be intense and require recovery.
The most important rule: for a visit with an educator or guide, buy your reservation through the official channels of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Site. Online reservations are usually open well in advance and show available entry times. Avoid offers that promise “guaranteed tickets” in an unclear way — many commercial sites add large markups or use practices that do not guarantee a reservation confirmed by the museum.
Entry to the grounds of the former camps is sometimes described as free in the sense of access to outdoor areas, while guided tours or access to certain routes and exhibitions are charged separately. Self-guided visits may be possible but require checking the current reservation rules.
If you are looking for a family ticket — check the official site to see whether the museum offers family discounts or reduced fares. Ticketing policies can change, so it’s wise to confirm details before purchasing.
The Church of Saints Peter and Paul on Grodzka Street is one of Krakow’s most recognizable Baroque monuments. The façade with the statues of the apostles and the interior are worth seeing, and its location makes it a convenient hub on the Royal Route.
It is an active parish — check mass and service times before entering so as not to disturb worship. In churches like this some areas (for example the crypt or special exhibitions) may be accessible only at specific times and sometimes for a small fee; it’s best to check parish information or call the parish office.
Behaviour: treat the place with respect — modest clothing, quiet and discreet photography (when permitted) are basic rules. If you are interested in history, look for stories about notable burials or the baroque decorations.
Sometimes “no museums” means wanting to see places (for example façades, courtyards, memorial spaces) without entering paid exhibitions or attending long guided tours. At Auschwitz remember that many elements of the memorial (barracks, exhibitions, interpretive texts) create context — without a guided tour you lose part of the story and interpretation, but you can still honor the site by a short visit to the grounds.
In Krakow a “no-museums” day can be done by walking the Royal Route, entering the basilica briefly and seeing Wawel from the outside or choosing short entrances to selected interior elements. This option works for visitors with limited time, but remember many sites — including the basilica — are places of worship, so plan your visit sensitively.
Prepare children briefly and simply: tell them you are going to a place where very sad things happened and that it’s important to be quiet and respectful. You don’t need to go into all historical details; adapt your language to the child’s age and sensitivity.
Plan a safe exit: agree beforehand that if a child feels unwell they can leave the route. Bring something comforting and schedule short breaks after returning to Krakow — ice cream, a calm café or a moment on a square will help unload emotions.
Use the visit as a lesson in empathy and remembrance — short conversations about why we remember and why respect and tolerance matter will be more valuable than graphic details of violence.
Back in Krakow it’s nice to eat on the Old Town or near Wawel. Well-known options include Pod Aniołami (traditional Polish cuisine), Szara (by the Main Square — widely praised for quality) and cafés such as Café Camelot or Massolit Books & Cafe — great places to recharge with coffee and dessert.
If you want something quick and family-friendly, choose a restaurant with a children’s menu and fast service. For a calmer dinner after a day full of emotions, visit restaurants with good reviews and consider reserving a table — that will save time.
Buying “guaranteed” tickets from unverified intermediaries — often more expensive and without real confirmation. Always check that your reservation is confirmed by the official museum or parish.
Not planning enough time and trying to combine too many attractions in one day. It’s better to see fewer things calmly than to rush and remember little.
Entering a church during a service without checking times — check mass schedules so you don’t enter during liturgy and disturb worshippers.
In front of the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul on Grodzka stand sculptures of the twelve apostles — it’s one of Krakow’s most recognizable Baroque façades.
Although the grounds of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial are accessible to visitors, touring the full exhibitions and taking part in guided tours is regulated by reservations. For many visitors, speaking with an educator changes how they understand the space and the history.
Many people don’t realize that after visiting a memorial site it’s helpful to plan a moment of silence or a quiet walk — it’s a natural way to process emotions.
Can I buy a ticket on site at Auschwitz? Sometimes — there can be free places and the possibility of purchasing an entry pass at the ticket office, but in high season it’s better to reserve in advance, especially if you want a guided visit in a particular language.
Does the Basilica require an entrance ticket? Usually entrance to the sanctuary is open to worshippers and tourists (check the parish for details about fees for special exhibitions or the crypt).
Are there family discounts? Discount policies vary by institution — check current information on the official pages of the museum or parish.
How to avoid booking scams? Buy through official institutional websites or directly from the organizer with a named confirmation. Keep your confirmations and check cancellation terms.
If this article helped you plan your trip, share it with friends or on social media — it might make someone’s journey easier and protect them from mistakes. When sharing plans, remember to respect memorial sites and churches.
If you would like to explore Krakow with a guide, I invite you to use the services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz. On the site you can find contact details and private tours tailored to families, schools and individual visitors. If you plan a trip to Auschwitz from Krakow and want to guide your family through these places safely and respectfully — feel free to get in touch to create a customized plan.
