Yes — you can see Krakow and visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum in 2 days, but it requires good planning, choosing priorities and booking in advance. I recommend: one full day for the trip to Oświęcim (Auschwitz-Birkenau) and the second day for Krakow’s main sights plus a short, atmospheric carriage ride or a shorter private hire around the Old Town and nearby areas.
This article will help you plan the route step by step, explain how to get to the museum, how to realistically use a horse-drawn carriage and where to eat well after a day full of impressions. I write as a local guide — I want your time in Krakow to be as pleasant and stress-free as possible.
Note: the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum is a place of remembrance and reflection — prepare yourself emotionally and respect the rules and tone of the site.
Day 1 — Auschwitz (full day): early departure from Krakow, visit the Museum (Auschwitz I and Birkenau), return to Krakow in the evening. This is an intensive day — plan roughly 3–4 hours for the museum grounds and extra time for travel and formalities.
Day 2 — Krakow (half day on foot + carriage): morning walk around the Main Market Square, Wawel Castle, the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica; in the afternoon a short carriage ride or a private hire for a longer route around the Old Town and the Planty; evening dinner in one of the atmospheric restaurants in Kazimierz or near the Market.
If you prefer a slower pace: consider visiting Auschwitz in the afternoon of Day 1 and doing half a day in Krakow that first afternoon — but remember the museum requires a reservation and early arrival because of security checks.
Booking entry: admission to the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum is free but you need a named Entry Card reserved online — ideally through the museum’s official reservation system. Book in advance, especially in high season.
Time for the visit: the recommended minimum is about 3.5 hours on the museum grounds; allow more time if you want to read exhibits carefully. Keep this in mind when planning to return to Krakow the same day.
Getting there: options include train, bus or private transfer. Train travel to Oświęcim takes roughly 1–1.5 hours to the town station, from where you can reach the museum by local bus, taxi or a ~2 km walk. Direct buses from Krakow also run, and a private transfer is the most convenient (though pricier) option because it takes you directly to the museum gate.
Useful items: ID matching your reservation, comfortable shoes, water, a light snack. The museum expects respectful, modest dress and behavior; large bags may be restricted (check permitted baggage dimensions before your visit).
For families: visits are not recommended for children under 14 — consider carefully whether this experience is suitable for younger participants.
Carriages at the Market are a piece of Krakow folklore and a charming option for a short, romantic or nostalgic ride. Standard rides available at the stand by the Main Market typically last 15–30 minutes and pass the Market, the Planty and parts of the Royal Route.
Longer hire: if you want a “half-day” in a carriage — a longer private route around the city — many coachmen offer the possibility to hire a carriage for several hours. This is possible but more expensive than short rides; prices depend on time, route and the number of passengers.
Price guide: short rides from the stand are usually modest amounts (varying by season and negotiation). Local examples show a roughly 50-minute hire can cost several hundred zloty, and larger coaches cost more — always agree the price before you start.
Regulations and animal welfare: the city regulates carriage operations (parking stands, heat restrictions, contract conditions). In hot weather some carriage stands may close temporarily. If you plan a longer hire, ask the coachman about rest breaks for the horse, riding conditions and whether the horse looks rested — animal welfare should be a priority.
Practical tip: instead of hiring a carriage for the whole day consider a mix — a short carriage ride on the Market in the morning or at sunset (when it’s quieter) and the rest on foot. That way you get the atmosphere without overworking the horses or your budget.
Day 1 — “Auschwitz in the morning, Krakow in the evening”: 6:30 — depart Krakow; 8:30–12:30 — visit Auschwitz I and Birkenau (times may vary); 15:30 — return to Krakow; 17:00 — short walk around the Market and dinner in Kazimierz.
Day 2 — “Krakow in one day + carriage”: 9:00 — Wawel and Podzamcze; 11:00 — Main Market, Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica; 13:00 — lunch (see food section); 15:30 — carriage ride / private hire (or a walk on the Planty); 18:00 — dinner and an evening stroll in Kazimierz.
Time buffer: always allow at least 30–60 minutes of margin for travel and reservations — that’s a realistic approach to moving around the city and beyond.
Traditional Polish flavours: after a day trip you may want hearty Polish food — I recommend Pod Wawelem (large portions, rustic tavern atmosphere near the Castle) or Wierzynek for a more formal dinner by the Market.
Kazimierz and street food: Kazimierz offers many atmospheric places — Starka is a popular spot for Polish cuisine in a cozy interior; on Plac Nowy look for local street food: zapiekanki and small bars with regional treats.
Cafes and desserts: on the Old Town, Cafe Camelot is a pleasant place for coffee and a rest between sightseeing and the carriage ride.
Dining tip: if you plan to go to popular places in the evening, reserve a table in advance — especially on weekends and during the tourist season.
Tickets and reservations: book your Auschwitz Entry Card in advance on the museum’s official reservation site. For Wawel Castle and other attractions check ticket rules and buy online where possible.
Dress and behavior: the Auschwitz Memorial requires solemnity and respect — avoid loud behaviour, provocative outfits and take photos only where permitted.
Weather and protection: in summer watch for heat — carriage stands and city authorities may limit carriage operations during the hottest hours. In winter dress warmly: the museum grounds and Birkenau are open and exposed to wind.
Getting around: in Krakow use the city apps, taxis or trams and buses; for short distances the Old Town and Kazimierz are best explored on foot.
Safety: carry your ID — some places require verification against reservation details (for example at museum entry).
Can I visit Auschwitz without a guide? — Yes, individual visits are possible, but the museum recommends guided visits with an educator for deeper understanding of the exhibitions. Note that for some organized groups a museum guide is mandatory.
Can a carriage go across the entire Main Market? — Carriage stands are by the Market, but operations may be limited by weather and municipal rules. In some conditions (e.g., extreme heat) rides across the Market may be temporarily suspended.
How much time do I need at Auschwitz? — The recommended minimum is about 3.5 hours to see the grounds and displays, though many visitors spend longer to read exhibits in detail.
Can I book a carriage for half a day? — Yes, private hire for several hours is possible, but it is more expensive and requires agreeing conditions with the coachman in advance (horse rest breaks, route, price).
Don’t try to cram too many points into the program. It’s better to soak up Krakow’s atmosphere and allow a calm visit to Auschwitz than to rush from place to place.
Book your museum entry and plan transfers ahead — that’s the key to a stress-free trip. When planning a carriage, care about the horses: shorter, thoughtful rides are more beautiful and more ethical than long, tiring loops.
If you’d like, I can prepare a personalized 2-day plan for you (tailored to your arrival/departure times, food preferences and pace). Tell me when you arrive and what matters most — I’ll help refine the details!
