Yes — it is possible, but it requires a good plan and clear priorities. The most sensible approach is: a morning coffee and a short walk through the Old Town, a departure to Oświęcim in the first half of the day, a calm visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum (with pre-booked tickets), and a return to Kraków for an afternoon or evening coffee at one of the recommended cafés.
Keep in mind that the museum visit is emotionally heavy — plan time for reflection and avoid overloading the same day with too many activities. If you want to feel Kraków’s atmosphere and try truly good coffee, below you’ll find a tested plan and a list of places worth visiting.
6:30-8:00 - morning coffee and a quick breakfast in central Kraków. Choose a café close to the Market Square or in Kazimierz to save travel time.
8:30-9:30 - a short walk around the Main Market Square: Sukiennice (Cloth Hall), St. Mary’s Church (outside view), and just the streets you really want to see before you leave.
9:30-10:00 - departure to Oświęcim (by car about 1 hour, by train/bus about 1.5-2 hours).
11:30-14:30 - visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum. Booking an entry time is mandatory — plan at least 2-3 hours for the museum; some visitors need more time.
15:00-17:00 - return to Kraków and rest; if you’re tired, make a short stop for coffee and a bite to eat.
17:00-19:00 - evening stroll in Kazimierz or the Old Town, dinner at a well-reviewed restaurant and a final coffee or caffeinated dessert to close the day.
Car - the fastest option (about 1 hour depending on traffic). It gives flexibility for timing, stops and breaks. Useful if you travel in a group or have limited time.
Train/bus - a cheaper choice; a train from Kraków Main Station to Oświęcim usually takes around 1.5-2 hours. Check timetables in advance; on weekends and in high season consider booking tickets ahead.
Private transfer - the most convenient option if you want to optimize time. You can arrange pickup and return at specific hours, which makes completing the one-day plan easier.
Booking admission and guided visits is mandatory for individual visitors and groups. Buy tickets with adequate advance notice, especially during the tourist season.
Prepare for strong emotions. Visiting sites of memory requires respect: keep quiet, dress modestly and be discreet with photography. Allow yourself time after the visit — many people need a moment to recover.
Visit duration: Auschwitz I can be seen in about 1.5-2 hours; Birkenau (Auschwitz II) is another 1-1.5 hours of walking and reflection. Plan 2.5-4 hours in total, depending on pace and interest.
There are limited food services on site — bring water and, if needed, a small snack, but remember to respect the place and museum rules.
Morning coffee near the Market Square: choose classic, historic cafés if you want to feel the city’s atmosphere — for example places around the Cloth Hall or elegant spots on Bracka Street. If you value history and interior atmosphere, pick a café directly by the Market.
Coffee in atmospheric Kazimierz: Kazimierz is a neighbourhood full of soul — here you’ll find cafés that combine coffee with books, vinyl and an artistic vibe.
Specialty cafés and local roasteries: if you appreciate specialty coffee, look for places offering alternative brewing methods (Aeropress, pour-over, Chemex) and freshly roasted beans. Kraków has several well-regarded roasteries and specialty cafés worth trying.
Recommended well-known spots (examples): Café Noworolski (Sukiennice) - a classic in the heart of the city; Massolit Bakery - known for good breakfasts and baked bread; Cafe Camelot - distinctive, cozy interior; Gossip Cafe and Mo-ja Cafe - modern cafés with very good coffee; Prowincja - famous for chocolate and breakfasts; Manggha area cafés and others in Zabłocie for a calmer atmosphere.
Trying to cram too many attractions into one day — it’s better to choose quality over quantity. If a calm visit to the museum in Oświęcim is important to you, don’t plan many intensive museum visits in Kraków the same day.
Failing to reserve Auschwitz-Birkenau tickets — tickets sell out or time slots are limited. Buy tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
Choosing the first café you see at the Market without checking reviews — the center has places aimed mainly at tourists, often with lower quality at higher prices. Look for well-reviewed spots or local recommendations.
Do I need to reserve a visit to Auschwitz? - Yes, an entry time reservation is required and should be made well in advance.
How long does the trip from Kraków to Oświęcim take? - By car roughly 1 hour; by train or bus usually 1.5-2 hours depending on the connection.
Is photography allowed in the museum? - In some parts photography is allowed but you must show respect and follow the museum’s rules; avoid flash and refrain from taking photos in areas where it’s clearly prohibited.
Where can I leave luggage during the visit? - If you travel by train, the station usually has left-luggage services; many hotels and apartments in Kraków will hold luggage before check-in or after check-out. Consider lightweight packing for the day.
In Kraków you can find cafés with a literary and artistic tradition — a cup of coffee in such a place can be a small lesson in local culture.
If you want to save time in the morning, choose a café near your accommodation or close to the station/route out of the city — this will avoid unnecessary transfers.
After an intense day that includes historical remembrance, consider a quiet evening walk along the Vistula or a peaceful spot in Kazimierz — it helps process emotions and end the day more gently.
If this article was helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it will help others plan a similar day.
If you’d like a more personalized experience of Kraków and Oświęcim, consider booking a private guided visit with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Details and contact are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — a safe way to tailor the pace and content of the visit to your needs.
