Yes — but it’s worth planning sensibly: a visit to the State Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau takes half a day (often longer when you count travel), while Wawel Hill and the Cathedral deserve a calm visit, especially when you are with children or older relatives.
For families the best choices are two options: spread the attractions over two days or devote a full day to Auschwitz and move the Wawel visit to the afternoon or the next morning — depending on opening hours and the group’s energy.
Option A (no rush): Day 1 — Wawel, walk around the Old Town, lunch in one of the family-friendly restaurants; Day 2 — leave for Oświęcim in the morning and visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum.
Option B (if you have limited time): depart for Auschwitz early in the morning (early train or organized transfer), return to Kraków in the afternoon and take a short walk along the Vistula boulevards or through Kazimierz. Remember that after visiting the Memorial Site people often need a moment of reflection — don’t plan an immediate, intense entertainment program.
In practice families have a better experience when they don’t try to “tick off” every attraction in one day but leave time for breaks and flexibility.
Book tickets in advance on the Museum’s official website — admission passes are usually name-based and you will not be admitted without an ID matching the reservation. Avoid third-party sellers offering “guaranteed places” at inflated prices — there are occasional scams and cancelled bookings.
The museum tour itself usually takes about 3–3.5 hours (depending on route and pace). Add travel time from Kraków: trains typically take about 1.5–2 hours, buses or transfers around 1–1.5 hours depending on road conditions.
The Museum requests respectful attire and quiet behavior. Bringing very young children (under about 14) should be considered carefully — the subject and atmosphere are serious and must be assessed by the parents or guardians.
The new Visitor Service Centre is located by the entrance; there are luggage lockers and a small snack point. In season (spring–autumn) a local shuttle bus runs between the station and the Museum entrance.
Wawel Cathedral is not only a historic monument but also an active parish — check mass times and possible partial closures during religious ceremonies. Some areas (for example royal tombs, the tower with the Sigismund Bell) require paid tickets for entry.
Entry to the main nave can sometimes be free, but access to the crypts, the bell tower and certain exhibitions is ticketed. In summer lines at the ticket offices can be long, so consider reserving tickets online or visiting outside peak hours.
Respectful clothing is requested in the place of worship (covered shoulders, avoid very short shorts if required). For some exhibitions you may be asked to leave large backpacks or strollers at the entrance — check the rules especially if you are traveling with an infant.
Under Wawel — classic, hearty Polish dishes in a cosy interior close to the Castle; a good choice for a family lunch after sightseeing.
Aquarius (a barge-restaurant on the Vistula near Wawel) — for families who enjoy an unusual setting and river views; check availability in season.
No7 Restaurant (Main Market Square) — a restaurant with a dedicated children’s area and a child menu, convenient if you plan to eat in the heart of the city.
La Forchetta and Boscaiola — Italian restaurants that often offer kids’ menus and a warm, family atmosphere.
Mozaika Resto Bar and Nova Resto Bar (Kazimierz) — family-friendly places with occasional play corners and varied menus.
Bakłażan — a pizzeria with activities for children (sometimes workshops and pizza-making experiences), a good pick for energetic little ones.
Browar Lubicz — a popular spot with space and family amenities, especially if you prefer a classic, informal menu.
Cafe Manggha and Oranżeria — cafés with easy access to Wawel and pleasant views of the Vistula; great for dessert or an afternoon coffee with kids.
Recommendation: in season and on weekends reserve a table, check children’s menus and the availability of highchairs and baby-changing facilities.
Trying to see everything in a single day — visiting Auschwitz and thoroughly touring Wawel is a lot for one day. It’s better to spread the program over two days.
Buying supposedly “certain” tickets only through intermediaries — book official admission passes to the Auschwitz Museum on the Museum’s site; external bookings can be cancelled or fraudulent.
Not checking opening hours and holiday closures — the Cathedral and the Museum may limit access due to services or ceremonies; check announcements before you go out.
Assuming children have the same level of interest as adults — prepare shorter routes, breaks and a backup plan (short walk, ice cream, play corner).
Forgetting about documents — the Auschwitz Museum requires an ID matching the reservation at the entrance.
The Sigismund Bell in Wawel Cathedral is one of Poland’s most important historic artifacts — it does not ring daily, only on special occasions. Traditions like touching parts of the cathedral have their rituals — be cautious and always respect the place of worship.
A small number of admission passes for the Auschwitz Museum are sometimes available on site, but that is a gamble — if you come with children or on specific dates, book in advance.
Around Wawel there are many small, less-known streets and local cafés that can surprise you with excellent cakes and quiet corners — it’s worth stepping off the main routes if you have time.
Can I visit Auschwitz with children? The Museum warns that the topic is difficult — many experts recommend that children under 14 should not visit without prior preparation and parental consent.
How long does the trip from Kraków to Auschwitz take? Depending on transport: by train about 1.5–2 hours, by bus or transfer 1–1.5 hours. Add time for checks and the walk from the station to the Museum entrance.
Do I have to pay to enter Wawel Cathedral? Entry to the main nave may be free, but some parts (crypts, tower, exhibitions) require tickets. Check current information before your visit.
Do I need to reserve a table in a restaurant near Wawel? In season and on weekends it’s recommended to reserve, especially at popular places and if you plan to eat at lunch time.
When planning a family trip choose a pace suited to the least energetic participant. Book Auschwitz tickets through the official system, check Wawel opening hours and reserve a table if you want to eat in a popular restaurant.
If this guide was helpful — share it with friends or on social media to help others plan a good trip to Kraków.
If you would like to explore Kraków with a knowledgeable and patient private guide, I invite you to consider the services of guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details and service information are available on the guide’s website.
