When planning a stay in Krakow many groups want to combine two very different experiences: the fascinating, interactive Rynek Underground — ideal for children and families — and a visit to the Auschwitz‑Birkenau Museum, a place of remembrance with a heavy emotional charge. This combination gives a fuller picture of the region’s history but requires a thoughtful schedule and a sensitive approach, especially with younger visitors.
For medium groups of 7–20 people this combination is practical: the group is small enough for a guide to keep children’s attention, yet large enough to make transport arrangements cost‑effective. A small to medium team fits more easily on a minibus, moves faster through sites and allows time for questions and discussion.
Keep in mind: Rynek Underground is an interactive exhibition that often fascinates the youngest visitors; Auschwitz‑Birkenau is a place of silence and reflection — the decision to bring children should consider their emotional maturity and parents’ readiness to talk about difficult topics.
What it is: Rynek Underground is a modern, multimedia museum beneath the Main Market Square. It reveals medieval layers of the city, archaeological finds and stories about life in old Krakow — presented in a way that is accessible even to younger visitors.
Why children like it: interactive screens, reconstructions, animations and hands‑on elements help children see history rather than just hear about it. The route has a ‘wow’ effect — descending beneath the Market Square and feeling like you are walking through layers of time.
Practical rules and safety: visits to the Underground are conducted in groups under a guide’s supervision; the museum has rules about photography (usually no flash and no tripods) and limits on group entries depending on opening hours. Last group entries can be time‑restricted, so check opening times and final entry when planning your visit.
Tips for parents: plan short breaks — after returning to the surface it’s a good idea to sit for coffee or ice cream; have small snacks and water on hand; in case of rain the Underground is a great dry alternative for learning and play.
What the place is: the Auschwitz‑Birkenau Museum covers the grounds of former German concentration and extermination camps and now serves remembrance and education. It is a place of solemnity: silence, reflection and respect.
Is one day reasonable? Yes — if logistics are well planned. Travel from Krakow to Oświęcim typically takes about one to one and a half hours depending on transport and traffic. A guided visit to the museum and the Birkenau area often takes 2–3 hours; add travel time for both directions and breaks.
Preparing the group and children's ages: the choice to bring younger children should be considered carefully. The place can provoke strong emotions and some exhibits may be hard for small visitors. Many families opt to visit Auschwitz with teenagers, while for younger children parents may choose alternative educational activities or a shortened, age‑appropriate narrative.
Reservations and formalities: group entries to the Museum usually require advance reservations and sometimes confirmations due to visitor limits and schedules. Book in advance and check whether your group needs extra permissions or an official museum guide. A licensed guide will also help prepare children by explaining historical memory and how to behave respectfully on site.
Optimal schedule: a suggested itinerary for combining Rynek Underground and Auschwitz in one day looks like this: early departure from Krakow (for example 7:00–8:00), travel to Oświęcim (1–1.5 h), museum visit (2–3 h), return to Krakow and visit to the Underground (afternoon) or the reverse — depending on reservations. Children often find it more comfortable to finish the day in a ‘lighter’ place — the Underground or having dinner in Kazimierz.
Transport: for 7–20 people it’s most convenient to hire a minibus or arrange transport with a carrier; for smaller groups a minibus is cost‑effective, for larger ones a coach may be needed. Choose a meeting point near the centre (for example around the Market Square or an agreed coach stop).
Role of the guide: a licensed guide will manage pace, language and the style of presentation adapted to children; in a medium group they can maintain contact with participants, answer questions and respond to emotions. For larger groups guides often use radio‑guide sets when needed.
Tickets and fees: reserve tickets in advance, especially for the Auschwitz‑Birkenau Museum and Rynek Underground — group slots can be limited. If you plan visits with a guide, confirm this at booking to avoid misunderstandings.
What to bring: documents (for discounts — student IDs, school cards, etc.), comfortable shoes, water and small snacks. For a visit to a place of remembrance bring discretion and dress suitable for the solemnity of the site. In summer plan sun hats and sunscreen; in winter bring warm layers.
Breaks and rhythm of the day: children need short breaks — schedule a pause after leaving the museum or plan short games to keep younger participants engaged. After an intense memory experience, allow calm, gentle activities or time for quiet conversation.
Where to eat (some trusted options in central Krakow):
- Wierzynek — a classic on the Main Market Square, a convenient spot for formal meals.
- Szara (Rynek) — good Polish cuisine and a pleasant atmosphere; reserve a table for larger groups.
- Pod Wawelem Kompania Kuflowa — family‑style meals near Wawel; big portions and traditional flavours.
- Mleczarnia (Kazimierz) — cafe and light meals, good for a break with children.
After a busy day it’s nice to relax in one of Kazimierz’s cafes or treat the group to ice cream around Plac Nowy.
Can children enter Rynek Underground? - Yes — the exhibition is family‑friendly. Still, make sure the group has short breaks and prepare younger children for darker, underground spaces.
Is it possible to visit Rynek Underground and Auschwitz on the same day? - Yes, but it requires an early start and well‑organised transport. Alternatively, split the visits over two days to avoid rushing, especially with younger children.
How far in advance should I book a guide and tickets? - For smooth organisation it’s best to book a few weeks in advance; during the high season (May–September) consider booking several weeks ahead.
How to prepare children for a visit to a museum of memory? - Have a brief, age‑appropriate conversation beforehand: explain that it is a place to remember people and past events; stress the need for silence and respect. A guide can lead this introduction in an empathetic and understandable way.
What if someone in the group has special needs (stroller, food allergies)? - Report these in advance when booking. The Underground and some parts of museum routes may have limited accessibility; a guide will suggest best solutions and alternative points on the route.
Guide reservation and confirmation of the date (email/phone).
Group tickets for Rynek Underground and/or the Auschwitz‑Birkenau Museum — purchase in advance.
Transport confirmed and planned (meeting point, departure time, parking/stops).
List of participants with contact numbers and information about any allergies or special needs.
Brief conversation with the children before visiting the place of remembrance — emotional preparation and practical rules of conduct.
