You’re coming to Krakow for a long weekend and wondering: what to see, how much time you need, and whether you can combine city sightseeing with a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau? This guide is written for Erasmus students and university students — short, practical and with a touch of humor, but always with respect for places of remembrance.
I split the plan into a few options (1 day, 2 days + trip to Oświęcim), give tips on saving money, getting around the city, and preparing for a serious visit to the former German camp. We start with the essentials: logistics and the daily rhythm.
The May long weekend means heavier tourist traffic in Krakow — expect crowds in the center and queues at popular attractions. Plan to get up earlier than the crowds — you’ll see the most beautiful spots in peace and take better photos.
Entry tickets for the most important museums (e.g., Wawel, some exhibitions) and limited-capacity entrances are worth booking in advance. It saves time and nerves.
Keep your student card (ISIC) handy — many places offer discounts. In a group, ask about group tickets or student reductions.
Dress and behave appropriately: in memorial sites, churches and cathedrals keep quiet and show respect. Auschwitz-Birkenau has a special atmosphere — I encourage restraint and reflection.
The tram and bus network is convenient and cheap — buy a single 20–60 minute ticket or a 24/72-hour pass if you plan intensive sightseeing. Tickets are available at kiosks, ticket machines at stops and in mobile apps.
The city center is compact — many attractions are within walking distance (Market Square, Wawel, Planty, Kazimierz). Walking is often the fastest way to get around in high season.
For longer trips (Nowa Huta, Podgórze) the tram is convenient. Trams run late in the evening, but check timetables before you go.
Bikes and e-scooters work if you know how to ride in crowds. During the May weekend remember to park them safely and avoid leaving devices on pedestrian-only streets.
Main Market Square and Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) - the heart of Krakow, perfect for first photos and a short coffee break.
St. Mary’s Basilica - listen to the trumpet call (hejnał) and see Veit Stoss’s altarpiece (there is an entry fee to the interior).
Wawel - the Cathedral, the courtyard and a walk on Wawel Hill. Visit the courtyard and, if you have time, the cathedral.
Kazimierz - atmospheric streets, Plac Now with famous zapiekanki and many bars. The area comes alive in the evening.
Podgórze and Schindler’s Factory - important memorial spots and a compelling story about the city in the 20th century.
Planty - the green belt around the Old Town, ideal for a short rest between attractions.
Nowa Huta - for those curious about contrasts between socialist history and the rest of the city.
Morning - Main Market Square: start early (around 8:00), visit the Cloth Hall, go to St. Mary’s Basilica and listen to the hejnał. Quick coffee at one of the cafés by the Square.
Late morning - Wawel: walk the Royal Route to Wawel, see the courtyard, the Cathedral and stroll by the Vistula River. If you plan to go inside the castle or cathedral, book tickets in advance.
Afternoon - Kazimierz: wander the streets, stop at Plac Now for a snack (zapiekanka, obwarzanek), visit a synagogue and the Remuh Jewish cemetery if you wish.
Evening - Podgórze or return to the Square: dinner at a budget-friendly place, and if you still have energy — a short walk along the Vistula or the Bernatek footbridge.
Day 1 - Krakow: morning at the Market Square and Wawel, afternoon in Kazimierz and Podgórze. In the evening enjoy local food — grilled sausages, pierogi or an affordable milk bar.
Day 2 - Auschwitz-Birkenau: set aside a full day for the trip to Oświęcim. Leave in the morning (train/bus/car), reserve your Museum entry in advance and take time for a calm visit to both parts: Auschwitz I and Birkenau.
Why a full day is worth it: the grounds and exhibitions of both former camps require time — typically reserve 3–4 hours for the visit plus travel time and a break for reflection after you return.
Return to Krakow: relax in Kazimierz in the evening or take a quiet walk in Planty — after an emotionally intense day it’s good to unwind and talk with your travel companions.
Oświęcim is about 60–75 km from central Krakow depending on the route. Driving usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours; by train or bus about 1.5–2 hours. Remember there may be transfers or a walk from the station to the museum grounds.
Train: there are regular direct connections from Krakow to Oświęcim; after arrival you often need to take a local bus or walk 20–30 minutes to the museum entrance. Check timetables before travel.
Bus: there are buses from Krakow to Oświęcim; some services stop closer to the Museum entrance, which is convenient if you don’t want to walk far with luggage.
Car: driving offers the most flexibility but consider fuel and parking costs. During busy holiday periods it’s a good idea to leave early in the morning.
On site: the Museum provides a free shuttle bus between the former Auschwitz I and Birkenau camps, which helps with moving around. Be prepared for walking if you choose to go on foot between the sites.
Visiting the Museum usually requires advance ticket reservation — especially during the season and on the May long weekend. Book ahead to avoid being refused entry due to capacity limits.
There are self-guided and guided-tour options; if you prefer to explore on your own, allow time to study the exhibition and map. Whatever the format, remember the gravity of the place and behave accordingly.
Bring an identity document — it may be needed when purchasing a ticket or at security checkpoints.
The Museum forbids parties, loud behavior and inappropriate conduct; photographing is allowed in most places but follow the rules posted on site.
Visiting Auschwitz can be emotionally difficult — plan breaks, drink water and talk with friends after the visit if you need to process the experience.
The student wallet will love a 'bar mleczny' (milk bar) — a cheap, traditional way to get a hot meal (soups, pierogi). In Kazimierz you’ll find budget restaurants and street food (Plac Now — zapiekanki).
Accommodation prices rise for the May weekend — book hostels or budget apartments early and consider staying near a tram line for easy travel.
Buy water at grocery stores rather than tourist points in the center — the savings add up quickly.
Group shopping for a picnic or shared meals is a great option for Erasmus students — cheaper and more social than eating out for every meal.
In crowded places carry a copy of your ID and don’t leave belongings unattended. Pickpockets act faster when tourists are tired.
In memorial sites and churches keep quiet. Respect is essential — behave as if you were a guest at someone’s funeral.
If you plan to drink alcohol, do so responsibly. In the city center, especially on the Market Square, police and city guards keep order.
Think about the environment: clean up after yourself, use bins and avoid single-use plastics when possible.
- Identity document and student card (ISIC) — for discounts.
- Comfortable walking shoes — Krakow is a city for walking.
- Water and snacks — for long days of sightseeing.
- Jacket or light raincoat — May weather can surprise you.
- Phone with a charged mobile app for city tickets and access to maps.
- Respect and the right mindset for visits to memorial sites — no loud behavior, follow prohibitions.
Evening walk in Planty or along the Vistula — quiet and a different perspective on the city.
Kazimierz after dark — bars and live music (if you want something calmer, choose the side streets).
A film or lecture at one of the art-house cinemas — a good way to mix rest with culture.
Meeting friends for a park picnic — cheap and pleasant way to end the day.
Krakow is a city of contrasts: the bustling Market Square, the quiet Wawel Hill and places that remind us of the difficult history of the 20th century. The May long weekend is a great chance to taste a little of everything: student life, evening conversations in cafés and a moment of reflection at memorial sites.
If you’re planning a May trip — plan ahead, book in advance and leave time to rest. Take photos, but not at the expense of respect where it matters. And remember: travel is best shared — bring friends, split costs and share impressions.
Have a great stay in Krakow! If you’d like, I can prepare a personalized route based on your interests and pace — tell me what you prefer: art, history, food or spontaneous discoveries.
