You can see Krakow and visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum in Oswiecim on the same day, but it requires a good plan and realistic expectations. For families it’s possible — provided you’re ready for an early start and understand that a visit to Oswiecim is a serious, emotionally heavy experience.
If you’re traveling with very young children or want a very relaxed, entertainment-focused day, consider splitting the program across two days. If, however, you want to give children a meaningful history lesson and still see Krakow’s main sights, a well-organized “2-in-1” day is doable.
This article gives a practical schedule, realistic travel times, tips for booking a visit and advice on how to prepare your family for the trip.
Note for families: the decision whether children enter the indoor exhibitions at Oswiecim is individual — the content can be difficult. For younger children, a short visit to the site grounds or alternative activities in Krakow may be a better choice.
The suggestions below are based on the official visiting rules of the memorial site and practical experience moving between Krakow and Oswiecim.
Admission to the grounds of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is free, but entry cards are personalized and places are limited — booking online in advance is highly recommended.
The Museum recommends visiting with an educator-guide; the time needed to see the basic exhibitions and site is usually about 3.5–4 hours (this is the minimum to become acquainted with the most important places).
It’s recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start of the visit because of security checks and to collect identification stickers/group markers.
You cannot bring luggage larger than about 35 x 25 x 15 cm into the museum — larger bags must be left in the car or bus.
Opening times and the language offer are seasonal; if you have a specific time in mind, check availability and reserve your visit in advance.
Train: one of the more reliable options. In practice the train journey from Krakow to Oswiecim usually takes from about 1:00 to 1:40 depending on the service type (regional or intercity). From the station to the Museum allow an additional 15–30 minutes for local transport or walking (about 1.8–2 km from the station).
Bus: direct bus services (various carriers on the Krakow–Oswiecim route) usually take about 1 h 15 min–1 h 30 min, sometimes longer in heavy traffic. Some buses drop you close to the Museum entrance, which is convenient for families.
Car/taxi/Uber: travel time depends on road conditions; allow roughly 1–1.5 hours. A car gives the convenience of storing luggage and more flexible movement, but remember parking and costs.
Practical tip: when planning a combined day, book transport for both directions with a time buffer (at least 1–1.5 hours margin for unexpected delays). If taking the train, check the timetable for your specific date and train type.
If you prefer dedicated transport for your family (private van/taxi), include that in your budget and reservations — it offers the most flexibility.
Below is a family-friendly plan that combines a morning visit to Oswiecim with an afternoon in Krakow. Adjust times to match your Museum reservation and transport schedules.
Option A — early start (most comfortable): - 06:30–07:15: light morning coffee and a quick breakfast in Krakow. Starting point: city centre or Main Railway Station. - 07:30–09:15: travel to Oswiecim (train/bus), arrive and take a short break to stretch. - 09:30–13:00/13:30: visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum with an educator-guide (about 3.5–4 hours). - 13:30–15:00: return to Krakow (time for lunch en route or after returning). - 15:30–18:00: short stroll around the Old Town and Kazimierz — Dragon’s Den (Smocza Jama), Main Market Square (Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica), optionally Plac Nowy for kids.
Option B — Krakow in the morning, Oswiecim in the afternoon (more tiring): - 08:30–11:30: walk along the Royal Route: Main Market Square, Wawel, short visit to the Cathedral or Dragon’s Den. - 11:30–12:30: return to the station/parking, lunch. - 13:00–14:30: travel to Oswiecim. - 15:00–18:30: Museum visit (check guide availability; late slots may limit depth of visit).
Option A is usually better for families — morning energy, longer daylight after returning to Krakow and fewer crowds at the museum in the morning.
Remember: Museum tickets are booked online — make sure your Oswiecim visit time aligns with your return transport.
Talking with children before the trip is key. Explain in simple terms what a memorial site is and why we behave quietly and respectfully there. Avoid sensationalism — give a short, truthful explanation adjusted to the child’s age.
Consider age and sensitivity: many families don’t take children under about 10–12 into the indoor exhibitions, but this is a personal choice. If you don’t want a child to see the indoor displays, you can walk around Birkenau’s grounds or plan alternative activities in Krakow while adults visit the exhibitions.
Practical tips: - Bring comfortable shoes and layered clothing (the site involves a lot of walking and Birkenau can be windy). - Take snacks and drinks for the journey — there are places to stop before or after the visit. - Plan short breaks: children typically need rest every 60–90 minutes.
After leaving the museum, briefly talk with children about what they saw, calmly answering their questions. Don’t avoid the conversation, but be mindful of the children’s emotional pace.
For teenagers, consider sharing short preparatory materials in advance (age-appropriate booklets or videos) so the visit is more understandable.
If you plan a shorter walk in Krakow after returning, focus on attractions kids enjoy and that don’t take too long:
- Dragon’s Den and the Wawel Dragon statue — a legend that engages children. Quick visit, photos and a view of the Vistula River.
- Main Market Square — Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica (a quick entry if desired), street performers and ice cream.
- Plac Nowy in Kazimierz — famous for its zapiekanka stalls and the district’s atmosphere; a good quick food stop.
- The Planty and short bench breaks — perfect for recharging after travel.
If you have more time or need alternatives for younger children: the Science Centre or playgrounds can be good additions but require extra time.
Reservations for Auschwitz-Birkenau visits are made online — places are limited and many time slots sell out, especially in high season. Check availability several days before your planned date.
On entry you may need to show ID matching the reservation (entry cards are named) — keep that in mind.
The Museum issues an identification sticker on site and larger luggage must be left in vehicles or buses. Dress soberly and behave with respect on the premises.
If you plan a guided walk in Krakow afterwards, book a shorter 1.5–2 hour route — the Royal Route with Wawel and the Market is ideal for an afternoon stroll.
A note for parents: check in advance for toilet availability and food outlets near the station and the Museum to make logistics easier with children.
Documents and reservations: printout or screenshot of your Museum booking and ID matching the reservation.
Small backpack for essentials (within museum size limits), snacks and drinks, tissues and basic medicines for children.
Comfortable shoes, a windproof jacket and a compact umbrella (weather can change).
Charged phone, powerbank and headphones — useful on trains/buses and if someone in the family needs quiet time with an educational video.
If traveling by car — spare key, parking location at the Museum and a bag for larger luggage that you’ll leave in the vehicle.
Start the day as early as possible — a morning departure gives better time control and fewer crowds at the Museum and in Krakow.
Be flexible — not everything needs to go exactly to plan. Have an alternative if children get tired (e.g., a short stroll in Kazimierz instead of a long Wawel route).
If you want Krakow sightseeing to be both educational and fun for kids, choose short stories and legends (for example the Wawel Dragon) rather than long lectures.
Allow regular breaks for rest and food — that’s key to a successful family trip.
Respect the Museum rules and maintain a solemn attitude on site — it’s a place of memory and a valuable history lesson.
Yes, it’s possible and meaningful, provided you plan carefully: reserve a Museum slot in advance, choose convenient transport and prepare your children emotionally.
For families the best option is an early departure from Krakow, a morning visit to Oswiecim and a short, relaxed afternoon walk in Krakow to wind down. If you have only one day and want mainly a light, entertainment-focused visit, consider skipping Oswiecim and staying in Krakow with its many child-friendly attractions.
If you’d like, I can help personalize an itinerary for your family — from a short family walk around the Market to a day plan that combines history and fun. Feel free to contact me — wishing you a safe and meaningful trip to Krakow, from the heart and informed by history, Małgorzata Kasprowicz.
Enjoy your visit and travel safely!
— Małgorzata Kasprowicz, licensed Krakow guide
