Yes — and without rushing, if you plan your time well. In practice I recommend spreading these activities over two days: an evening in Kazimierz with a good dinner and a short walk, then a morning or afternoon trip to the Auschwitz Memorial, and finally a relaxing evening in one of Kraków’s parks or on the river boulevards. In this article you’ll find ready-made plans, practical logistical notes and suggestions for places to eat and unwind after a day full of experiences.
Entry to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial is based on entry cards — the grounds are free to enter, but the number of available cards is limited, so online reservation is necessary for popular times. The Museum offers different forms of visiting: shorter visits (about 2.5–3.5 hours), longer so-called study visits (up to 6 hours) and guided visits with a museum educator that help explain the historical context. On site visitors are expected to behave with dignity and respect; there are also rules about luggage size and appropriate clothing.
To avoid stress: arrive at least 30 minutes before your booked time, bring an ID, check the rules about baggage size and read the visitor regulations for the Memorial. If you see private organizers advertising things like the “green route,” ask exactly what that route includes — the official Museum tours are described clearly (general visit, study visit, shortened visit).
Day 1 – evening: arrive in Kraków and walk around Kazimierz. Start at Plac Nowy, try a zapiekanka at the Okrąglak or pick one of the many bistros. Then stroll Estery and Józefa streets — neon signs, atmospheric bars and live music. Recommended spots: Mleczarnia (cozy interior), Singer (intimate, full of history), and for lovers of Mediterranean food — small pizzerias and mezze places on the side streets of Kazimierz.
Day 2 – morning or late morning: travel to Auschwitz. Plan 3.5–6 hours for the visit (including travel). In the afternoon return to Kraków and take a gentle evening walk along the Vistula Boulevards (Bulwary Wiślane) or in Jordan Park to recover after an intense day. Dinner in a quieter place — a restaurant serving local dishes or a café with desserts.
Day 1: a full evening in Kazimierz. Book a table at one of the restaurants, eat slowly, enjoy live music and let the streets tell their story. It’s worth visiting synagogues and historic nooks — consider a guided walk if you want deeper historical context.
Day 2: travel to Auschwitz in the morning — this helps you avoid afternoon crowds. After returning to Kraków, reserve the afternoon for relaxation in Bednarski Park or on the Planty; in the evening choose the Vistula Boulevards with cafés and views over the river.
Plac Nowy is a must: in the evening it buzzes with life, from street food (zapiekanki at the Okrąglak) to bistros with short, fresh menus. Estery and Józefa streets are full of bars with music, small galleries and original eateries.
Suggested venues (examples): Mleczarnia — a cozy café/restaurant ideal for a relaxed start to the evening; Singer — interior and atmosphere perfect for a glass of wine; Coca (ul. Kupa) — a small, lively place with an Italian touch, often open late; Okrąglak at Plac Nowy — classic take-away zapiekanka, a pleasant option for a quick bite. If you’re looking for late-night snacks, watch for places that stay open later on weekends.
Vistula Boulevards (Bulwary Wiślane) — an energetic spot for dusk walks: seating areas, café terraces and river views. A perfect way to end the day after heavy sightseeing.
Planty — the green belt encircling the Old Town, ideal for a calm walk between historic gates and alleys. At night Planty feel intimate and pleasant.
Jordan Park (Park Jordana) — a larger green space, great if you want to relax on a bench among trees or use one of the many paths. The park has a classic urban feel and is generally safe at dusk.
Bednarski Park / Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden — if you want something quieter and less touristy, these places offer an escape from the city bustle. Check opening hours for botanical gardens before planning an evening visit.
Not booking Auschwitz entry cards far enough in advance — solution: check online availability and reserve your entry card ahead of time, especially during high season.
Trying to do everything in one day — solution: split the visits, give Kazimierz an evening and set aside a separate day for Auschwitz; if you really have very little time, choose a morning visit to Auschwitz and only a short evening walk in Kazimierz.
Ignoring the Memorial’s rules — solution: dress appropriately, behave respectfully, avoid noisy behavior and don’t use flash where it’s prohibited.
Bringing large backpacks and luggage — solution: check baggage size restrictions before you go; leave large bags at your hotel or in your car.
Getting from Kraków to Oświęcim: the easiest options are car, bus or train plus local transport; plan about 1–1.5 hours each way depending on your mode of travel and traffic. On site have a confirmed start time for your visit and arrive early to complete entry procedures.
Visiting time: including travel, set aside half a day for an Auschwitz trip (museum visits typically last 2.5–3.5 hours). If you choose a study visit, reserve a full day. After you return, leave time to rest before an evening walk.
What to bring: ID, comfortable shoes, a layer for changing weather, phone charger and a small bottle of water. Avoid large backpacks that may exceed the Memorial’s size limits.
Is entry to Auschwitz free? The site is free to enter, but an entry card is required for specific visiting hours and languages; fees may be charged for visits with a museum educator-guide.
Can I visit Auschwitz without a guide? Yes, but at many times entry is organized by entry cards and at some hours guided visits with an educator are required. Self-guided visits have specific time slots — check reservation rules before you travel.
How long does the visit last? A standard general visit takes around 3.5 hours; shorter and longer (study) versions are also available.
Is an evening walk in Kazimierz safe? Yes — Kazimierz is a popular and usually safe part of the city in the evening, though it’s wise to use normal precautions and stick to main streets and well-lit boulevards.
In Kazimierz it’s easy to find places where architecture and the food scene mix tradition with modernity — a great area for culinary experiments (from Jewish dishes to world cuisine).
On the Vistula Boulevards local artists and musicians often put on small performances in the evening; it’s nice to carry some small change if you’d like to tip and support the performers.
Consider short evening walks down less obvious side streets of Kazimierz — there you often find the nicest bars and cafés that aren’t overwhelmed by tourists.
If you’d like, I can help design a trip plan tailored to your expectations — from a quick, intense weekend to a relaxed multi-day stay with extra attractions. The tips here are practical and tried-and-true, but every trip is different — set the pace that’s right for you.
If you liked this article, share it with friends or on social media. If you dream of exploring with a private guide, I invite you to consider a guided visit with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — professional guidance makes both Kazimierz and a visit to the Auschwitz Memorial more complete and secure.
