Yes — many visitors pair a morning or early‑day visit to the Auschwitz‑Birkenau Museum with an afternoon walk through Krakow that includes Wawel and the Royal Route. It makes for an intense day: dedicate the morning to Oświęcim (Auschwitz‑Birkenau), and on return focus on Wawel Hill and the royal path through the Old Town. The key is an early start and sensible time planning so the day doesn’t turn into a rushed checklist and the experiences remain meaningful.
Start early: leaving Krakow before 7:00 gives you breathing room to go through the exhibitions and tour without hurrying. Transport options include train, coach or private transfer. The trip takes roughly 1–1.5 hours each way depending on the mode and traffic. For school groups or larger parties, a hired coach or minivan is often the most comfortable option — it removes transfer hassles and helps keep to the schedule.
Auschwitz‑Birkenau is a place of remembrance — maintaining solemnity and respect for the victims is absolutely essential. Expect bag checks and follow the museum rules while on the grounds. Book tickets in advance — especially during high season and on weekends. Plan at least 2–3 hours for the exhibition itself; guided tours usually last longer but provide historical context and help understand the site.
Avoid loud behaviour, laughing or using flashlights where forbidden. Photography is allowed in many areas but restrictions may apply — follow the signs and staff instructions.
Wawel is the historical heart of Poland — the Cathedral, the Sigismund Bell, the Royal Castle chambers and the viewing terraces. Walking the Royal Route you’ll pass through the Florian Gate, Floriańska Street, the Main Market Square with the Cloth Hall and St Mary’s Church — a walk full of architecture and history. If you plan to enter interiors (the Castle, the Cathedral, the Underground), check opening times and buy tickets in advance to avoid queues.
Allow at least 1–1.5 hours for Wawel (more if you intend to visit the interior routes). From main parking areas and walking routes the hill is accessible, but crowds in season can slow you down.
Krakow offers a wide culinary range — from traditional Polish dishes to modern cafés. Around Wawel and the Market Square I recommend places at different price levels: Wierzynek (historic restaurant), Pod Wawelem (hearty Polish portions, relaxed atmosphere), Starka and Mleczarnia in Kazimierz (atmospheric interiors). At Plac Nowy don’t miss the local legendary zapiekanki at U Endziora — a quick, cheap, local snack — or small venues serving craft beer like Nowy Kraftowy or Plac Nowy 1.
If you’re travelling with a younger group, keep a few budget options and late‑open venues in mind. Booking a table before a weekend evening is a good habit.
Most of the young‑crowd energy is in Kazimierz and the Old Town. Plac Nowy is a pub hub — many small bars, terraces and informal spots in one square. Popular places often recommended include Plac Nowy 1, Mleczarnia, Singer, Eszeweria and Nowy Kraftowy. These bars attract students and young adults with friendly prices, a relaxed vibe and often a good selection of craft beers.
Many Kazimierz venues have a ‘bar‑ruin’ character or small, live‑music pubs — perfect for meeting friends and soaking up the local atmosphere. If you want a more clubby scene, the area around Szewska Street and the Market Square offers clubs and late‑night music.
Krakow is relatively safe, but a few rules always help: watch your belongings, don’t leave drinks unattended and stick together in a group after dark — especially on less well‑lit streets. Use official taxis or trusted ride‑hailing apps if you’re returning late.
Also be aware of extra charges at some restaurants or external tables — check the menu before ordering. If you plan a bigger night out, check that the venue accepts reservations for younger groups and ask about ID policies.
Autumn in Krakow means shorter days, changeable weather and often more pleasant crowds than in summer. Bring layered clothing, a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes — the cobbles along the Royal Route can be slippery after rain. In summer protect against the sun; in autumn prepare for cooler evenings, especially along the Vistula or on Wawel.
Have a plan B for rain — good museums and cosy cafés around the Market Square and Kazimierz let you wait out the weather without wasting time.
Trying to see “everything” in just a few hours — choose quality over quantity: spend more time at Auschwitz if that’s the main purpose, or leave Wawel for a separate, calmer day.
Not booking tickets in advance — especially for Auschwitz and the Wawel interiors in high season — often means long waits. Book online and recheck opening hours a few days before your trip.
Staying only around the Market Square — Krakow has interesting neighbourhoods beyond the strict centre, like Podgórze and the MOCAK museum, worth visiting if you have extra time.
Do I need a guide at Auschwitz? It’s not mandatory, but a guided visit greatly deepens understanding and provides important context; many groups opt for a guide.
How much time should I reserve for Wawel? Minimum 1–2 hours; allow more if you plan to enter the castle or cathedral.
Can under‑18s enter pubs? Rules vary by venue and event — many pubs admit younger guests until a certain hour, but alcohol sales are restricted by law.
On Wawel, beyond the well‑known spots you’ll find fragments of older walls and traces of earlier buildings that show how the castle evolved over centuries.
Kazimierz changes at night — by day it’s a calm district rich in Jewish history, by evening it pulses with food and cultural life. That contrast is worth planning into your programme.
If you travel with young people, consider an evening photo challenge (e.g. best photo of a cobbled street) — it brings the group together and lets them see the city from a fresh angle.
If you find this plan useful — share it with friends or on social media. If you’d like the visit to be comfortable and tailored to your group, consider booking a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz; details and contact information are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Have a pleasant stay in Krakow — may it be full of reflection, history and good evenings over a glass (or a pint) in one of Krakow’s cosy venues!
