Yes — but it depends on what you mean by “visit.” If you want to see the highlights of Kraków’s Old Town and also visit the Auschwitz‑Birkenau Museum in Oświęcim, you need to plan smart: get up early, book the museum tickets in advance and be prepared for the emotional intensity of the trip. It’s a day of contrasts: the joy of Kraków’s historic Market Square and a serious, reflective visit to a place of memory. It’s a good idea to prepare your group mentally beforehand and plan time to rest afterwards.
In practice, driving takes about 1–1.5 hours, trains or buses usually 1.5–2 hours — so it’s safest to set off in the morning (ideally before 8:00) and reserve your museum entry well ahead of time.
If your priority is mainly the museum in Oświęcim, consider dedicating the whole day to it. If you want the “two icons” in one day (Kraków + Oświęcim), keep your Kraków plan compact: a short walk along the Royal Route, the Main Market Square and a view from Wawel — without trying to enter every interior in detail.
06:30–07:30 - Wake up, quick breakfast, meet and depart from Kraków. Bring light snacks and water bottles.
08:30–09:30 - Arrival in Oświęcim / check in on site for your pre‑booked entry time. Don’t forget IDs and booking confirmation.
09:30–13:00 - Visit the Auschwitz‑Birkenau Museum. Depending on the chosen program and pace, expect about 3–4 hours with time for reflection.
13:00–14:00 - Lunch near Oświęcim or on the way back. Choose a simple, home‑style meal in a local restaurant or take packed food.
15:30–17:30 - Return to Kraków and a short walk in the Old Town: St. Florian’s Gate, Floriańska Street, Main Market Square, St. Mary’s Church (view from outside if time is tight), Wawel — photos and a short coffee break.
17:30–19:00 - Dinner in one of Kraków’s restaurants (suggestions below) and time to recover. If you plan a night out, feel the city’s rhythm but remember the emotions of the day.
Note: this plan is intensive — adapt the pace to the group’s fitness. Alternative: visit Kraków in the morning and Oświęcim in the afternoon, but watch museum ticket availability.
Car: the most flexible option. The drive usually takes about 1–1.5 hours in normal traffic. For a group of friends it’s worth sharing fuel and parking costs.
Train / bus: a cheaper option, but longer (about 1.5–2 hours) and dependent on the timetable. If you travel by public transport, check departures from Kraków Główny and possible connections — aim for an earlier service to avoid losing time.
Organized transport (private minibus): comfortable for larger groups, with flexible pickup times but more expensive. If you choose this, make sure the driver/organizer knows parking rules in Oświęcim and the agreed pickup point.
Logistics tip: regardless of transport, leave large suitcases in the trunk or at the hotel — a small daypack is best for the museum visit.
Booking: entries to the Auschwitz‑Birkenau Museum are usually reserved online with limited spots. Book tickets well in advance — especially in summer and on long weekends.
Duration: programs covering both camps (Auschwitz I and Birkenau) take several hours. Give yourself space for reflection; many visitors need a quiet moment after the visit.
Respect and rules: this is a site of remembrance — respectful behavior is required. Photography is allowed in many places but exercise restraint and sensitivity. Drones and loud behavior are prohibited.
What to bring: ID, booking confirmation, comfortable shoes and a light jacket — weather can change during the day. Avoid large luggage; leave it in the car or at the hotel.
Emotional aspect: the visit can be hard for sensitive people and children. If traveling with friends, talk beforehand about expectations and how to support each other.
In Kraków, after you return, it’s nice to relax and eat somewhere pleasant. A few friend‑friendly options: Pod Wawelem (hearty traditional Polish cuisine), Cafe Camelot (a cozy café on the Market for coffee and cake), Szara Gęś (atmospheric restaurant by the Market Square).
If you prefer to eat near Oświęcim: local eateries serve home‑style lunches — look for places offering Polish dishes (pierogi, soups, cutlets). During high season many restaurants provide quick service for groups.
Tip: with a large group it’s worth calling ahead to reserve a table or arrange a group meal. If short on time, take light sandwiches and drinks for the return journey.
Not reserving Auschwitz‑Birkenau Museum tickets in advance — result: no entry at the planned time. Book days or weeks ahead, especially in high season.
Trying to fit too many attractions into one day — result: exhaustion and no time for reflection after the museum. Choose priorities and leave time to rest.
Underestimating the emotional impact — result: an unpleasant experience for sensitive people. Talk beforehand and have a plan for support (e.g., a quiet café or a slow walk).
Bringing large luggage to the museum — result: complications at security and while moving around. Leave suitcases at the hotel or in the car.
How long does the museum visit last? - Usually 3–4 hours, depending on the program and group pace. If you see only part of the exhibition, the visit can be shorter.
Should children go on this trip? - It depends on age and maturity. The subject is difficult and requires preparation. Young children may not be ready for the full visit.
Do you need a guide? - Guided thematic tours deepen historical context, but you can also use an audio guide or self‑guided program depending on availability.
Can I take photos? - Photography is possible, but use restraint and show respect for the site; drones are forbidden.
The town of Oświęcim and the Auschwitz‑Birkenau Museum are not the same thing — the former is a living town, while the camp area is preserved and managed as a museum and place of memory, distinct from daily life.
Many visitors remember Birkenau most strongly because of its space and the view of the railway ramp — it’s a place that impacts people visually and emotionally.
Although it’s a difficult topic, many groups of friends say that sharing this visit deepened their relationships and led to important conversations — plan a moment to talk after you leave the museum.
Check and save your ticket reservations — print them or keep confirmations on your phone.
Leave large luggage at the hotel or in the car; take a small backpack with water and documents.
Dress comfortably and appropriately for a place of remembrance — avoid flashy outfits and dress for the weather.
Plan time to rest after the visit and possible emotional support for anyone who may need it.
Kraków and Oświęcim in one day is possible if you plan sensibly, book tickets and take care of the group’s emotional comfort. It’s a day of contrasts — from Kraków’s historic streets to the space of remembrance in Oświęcim — that can stay with you for a long time.
If you found this article useful, share it with friends or on social media to help others plan a respectful, well‑prepared trip.
If you’d like help planning the perfect day, licensed guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz can prepare an ideal itinerary and lead your group — contact details are available on her site.
