A one-day trip combining Kraków and Oświęcim is doable for a family if you plan your departure time, the museum visit, and a calm return to catch the sunset in Kraków. It’s a day of contrasts — the lively morning atmosphere of the city and the solemn, reflective afternoon at the memorial site. With the right mindset and reservations, it can be a meaningful and safe educational experience for older children and adults. It’s also a chance to finish the day at one of Kraków’s picturesque viewpoints — perfect for family photos at dusk.
In the sections that follow you’ll find a detailed itinerary, practical tips (tickets, travel, what to bring), the best places for sunset photos, and photography and family advice. If you want to shorten or extend the plan, tell me your children’s ages and pace and I’ll adapt it for you.
07:30–09:00 - Breakfast and a short walk around the Old Town: light coffee, a stroll through the main square and a quick look at highlights (Main Market Square, Cloth Hall, Kanonicza Street).
09:00–11:30 - Transfer to Oświęcim (car ~1–1.5 hours, train/bus ~1.5–2 hours depending on connections).
11:30–15:00 - Visit the Auschwitz‑Birkenau State Museum (allow at least 3–3.5 hours for the visit, include breaks and time for reflection).
15:00–16:00 - Short walk around Oświęcim, lunch at a recommended restaurant or begin the return trip toward Kraków.
17:30–19:30 - Return to Kraków. Arrive at your chosen viewpoint for a sunset photo session and dinner.
19:30–21:00 - Relax, have dinner, optional evening stroll along the Vistula Boulevards or through the Old Town.
Remember: times are approximate — the most important thing is to reserve your museum entry for a specific time and arrive at least 30 minutes earlier.
By car: the shortest route is about 65–70 km and usually takes 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic (A4 and DK933/DK44). This is the most comfortable option with children — you can control stops and luggage. Parking is available near the museum.
By train and bus: connections run from Kraków Main Station to Oświęcim; travel time is typically around 1.5–2 hours depending on the service. From the station you will need to walk or take local transport to the museum area (about 1.5–2 km).
Timing and reservations: buy named entry cards to the Museum online in advance (museum booking system). Allow time for security checks and walking from the parking or station — the Museum asks visitors to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled visit.
Entry to the Auschwitz‑Birkenau Memorial grounds is free, but access is by named entry cards that must be reserved online. The Museum offers different visit formats — from self-guided to guided tours with educators. For families with teenagers it’s worth considering a guided visit with an educator who can present the story in a measured way appropriate for the group.
Time for the visit: to see both parts (Auschwitz I and Birkenau) reserve at least 3–3.5 hours; for a calm and thorough experience plan a similar amount of time. The Museum recommends arriving with time to spare because of security checks.
Behavior and photography rules: the Memorial requires seriousness and respect. Private photography is allowed in most outdoor and architectural areas without flash or tripods, but there are clear exceptions (for example, the room with victims’ hair or the cellars of Block 11) where photography is forbidden. Avoid inappropriate posing; cheerful selfie-style photos are socially and ethically problematic — focus on subtle, documentary images that respect the atmosphere and victims.
Reservation confirmation (printed or on your phone), a light snack and water for breaks, though remember eating in exhibition areas is inappropriate.
Bags: leave large backpacks and suitcases in the car or use the museum’s luggage storage — small bag size limits may apply (check current museum rules before you travel).
Clothing: dress appropriately for the character of the place — avoid clothing with provocative slogans; wear comfortable shoes because walking around Birkenau covers several kilometers on varied ground.
Oświęcim also has peaceful urban corners worth a short walk: the market square, historic streets and the boulevards along the Soła River. These are good places for a family lunch away from the museum area after an intense visit.
If you want a different perspective on the town, a short stroll along the river and over the bridges offers calm views; however, remember that the central focus of the visit should be reflection and respect for the Memorial.
When planning a coffee or lunch break, choose local places with good reviews — a quick meal will help you keep to the schedule for returning to Kraków and preparing for the sunset.
Wawel and the Vistula Boulevard - a classic: the castle at sunset is timeless. The boulevards give you reflections in the water and wide compositions with the family in the foreground.
Krakus Mound (Kopiec Krakusa) - less crowded than Kościuszko Mound, with a panorama over the Old Town and Wawel; great for warm, intimate sunset photos.
Grunwaldzki Bridge and Dębnicki Bridge - spots with interesting perspectives on the Vistula bend and Wawel illuminations; good for silhouette and urban sunset shots.
The boulevards from the Bernatek Footbridge toward Wawel - ideal for a stroll and dinner in one of the nearby cafés before or after sunset.
Terraces and roof bars - for example hotel terraces or rooftop bars (options depend on current availability) — a comfortable choice if you want to sit and enjoy the view with a warm drink or a meal.
Prepare in advance: check the sunset time and arrive at least 30–40 minutes earlier to find the best framing and space for the whole family.
Composition: use foreground elements (castle walls, trees, bridges) to add depth. Family silhouettes against the sky create emotional frames — ask relatives for natural poses and avoid forced postures.
Camera/phone settings: keep ISO low when possible, set white balance to cloudy for warmer tones, use HDR mode on phones to balance highlights and shadows. A tripod or steady surface helps keep images sharp during longer exposures.
Respect the place: when photographing in memorial spaces, exercise restraint. In exhibition areas focus on documentary images without dramatizing poses — out of respect for victims and other visitors.
Breakfast and coffee in Kraków: choose well-reviewed cafés that offer family-friendly breakfasts and quick options for kids. In the Old Town and Kazimierz you’ll find many cafés and bakeries (for example Café Camelot, Charlotte Bakery, or local family cafés) with positive reviews and children’s menus.
Lunch in Oświęcim: pick restaurants with good ratings and accessible menus — after an intense visit a warm, calm meal is welcome. Local restaurants with positive feedback are a safe choice.
Dinner back in Kraków: if you plan photos near Wawel or the Boulevards, consider reserving a table at a nearby restaurant with a view or close to the river so you won’t rush after sunset.
Accommodation: if you decide to stay in Kraków overnight, choose well-rated family hotels near the Old Town or slightly outside with good access to the A4 for easy onward travel.
Not booking museum entry — this can mean missing your planned visit time. Reserve named entry cards in advance and check museum visitor rules.
Underestimating travel time — traffic or transport delays may disrupt your sunset plans. Build in buffer time for the return and alternate routes.
Inappropriate photographic behavior at the memorial — avoid happy, posed selfies in exhibition zones; prepare children for quiet and respectful behavior and explain why this visit is different from other outings.
Do you have to pay to enter the museum? - Entry to the Memorial grounds is free, but access requires a named entry card reserved in advance. Costs may apply only for a guide or additional services.
Can you take photos in Auschwitz? - Private photography is allowed in most areas, with exceptions and without flash or tripods; always follow the Museum’s rules and respect the space.
Is it worth going with small children? - Some exhibits may be difficult for very young children to understand; the decision depends on parents and the children’s maturity. For teenagers and older children the visit has significant educational value.
The Museum provides luggage storage and parking on site; using these services can be very helpful if you travel with large bags.
Plan a quiet debrief on the way back — a short family conversation about what you saw helps process emotions and gives meaning to the experience.
If you want a personalized itinerary adapted to your children’s ages or pace, you can book a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details and service information are available on her site.
If you liked this plan — share it with family and friends. Post it on social media or send it to someone planning a visit to Kraków.
If you need help with bookings, adjusting the plan to your children’s ages, or want a personalized route with a guide — explore Małgorzata Kasprowicz’s offer on her site.
See you in Kraków — have a safe trip and a memorable sunset!
