There is no place for rushing. A visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum is an emotional and demanding experience — it’s worth reserving enough time and energy so you can go through it calmly. If you also plan to visit Wawel and walk across the Father Bernatek Footbridge on the same day, it’s a good idea to sort out the logistics in advance — tickets, transport and parking are the three things that most often determine how comfortable the whole day will be.
This article gives you step-by-step practical tips: how to reserve entry to Auschwitz, what to remember about Wawel tickets, where to park near the Old Town and how to fit a walk across the Bernatek Footbridge into your sightseeing plan.
Entrance to the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum is free, but you must reserve an admission card or a place on a guided visit with an educator. Because interest is high, it’s best to book in advance — slots fill quickly, especially in the high season.
Plan enough time for the visit — at least about 3.5 hours if you want to see both parts: Auschwitz I (built-up area, exhibitions) and Birkenau (outdoor area). Arriving at least 30 minutes before your scheduled entry time helps you complete formalities and security checks without stress.
There are strict rules about dress and behaviour: show proper respect while on the site. Pay attention to luggage size limits — larger bags or backpacks must be left outside the exhibition areas (check permitted dimensions before your visit).
If you’re driving, the main parking lot and the Visitor Services Center are located at Więźniów Oświęcimia 55. You can also use organized transfers from Krakow — many companies run full-day transfers — but if you want time flexibility, consider renting a car or taking a train/bus to Oświęcim and then a short local transfer.
Oświęcim is outside Krakow — by car or bus from central Krakow you should expect about 1 to 1.5 hours each way depending on traffic. That’s why a trip to Auschwitz usually takes a whole day: travel there and back plus the visit itself.
If you want to combine Auschwitz with Krakow attractions on the same day, consider one of these options: - Morning departure to Oświęcim and return in the afternoon/evening for a short walk around Kazimierz and across the Bernatek Footbridge. - Or the reverse: morning walk around the Old Town and Wawel, then an afternoon transfer to Oświęcim (bear in mind that evening entry times at the museum are limited).
It’s wise to allow extra time for traffic and unexpected delays — especially if you’re using group transfer services. Better to have a 30–60 minute buffer than to rush through the visit.
The Father Bernatek Footbridge links the banks of the Vistula between Kazimierz and Podgórze. It’s a pleasant and convenient pedestrian crossing — ideal for a short walk after sightseeing in the Old Town. The bridge has clearly marked lanes for walkers and cyclists, which makes crossing safe and comfortable.
The bridge was officially opened in 2010 and its length and design sit well within the city panorama — it’s worth bringing a camera; the views of Wawel and the river are particularly photogenic.
If you’re walking from Wawel toward Podgórze or the other way around, the bridge is a natural part of the route. An evening crossing can be very atmospheric, but in peak tourism seasons it can get crowded — choose early morning or late afternoon if you prefer a quieter walk.
Wawel is a complex of exhibitions and sites: state rooms, the cathedral, the treasury and the royal crypts or cellars — separate tickets and entry limits apply to particular routes. When planning your visit, check which parts you want to see and buy tickets in advance — especially on weekends and in summer.
Pay attention to the scheduled entry time when you buy a ticket — many tickets are time-specific and you must arrive at the assigned slot. A limited number of tickets are sometimes available at on-site ticket offices, but don’t rely on this if you have a fixed plan.
Not every exhibition is free. Occasionally there are days with free entry to selected displays, but places are limited and usually require collecting a ticket in person at the ticket office during specific hours — so don’t count on these when organising a busy day.
If you want to enter the cathedral, the royal tombs or climb towers or visit cellars, check separate reservation requirements — some attractions have distinct rules and limited capacity.
Remember: you cannot drive freely inside the Planty (the ring around the Old Town) — access is restricted and there are virtually no public parking spots inside. The most convenient options are public and private car parks located within a 10–20 minute walk of the Main Market Square.
Some reliable locations: - Parking at the major shopping centres and the transport hub by the Main Railway Station — very convenient if you arrive by train; - Car parks near cultural institutions (for example around the National Museum) — relatively close to the Market Square; - Private parking lots and garages around Starowiślna or Karmelicka streets — many are open 24h; - Park & Ride (P+R) lots on the city outskirts — cheaper and convenient, with good public transport links to the centre.
If you want to be really close to Wawel, check underground garages and private facilities on streets that lead to the Planty — remember about fees and opening hours. On holidays or at night parking may be easier; during peak hours expect to search longer for a free spot.
Comfortable option - trip to Oświęcim: - 7:30 - departure from Krakow by car; - 9:00 - arrival, check-in and start of the visit; - 12:30 - end of the visit, short break; - 14:00 - return to Krakow; - 16:00 - walk through Kazimierz and across the Father Bernatek Footbridge or a quick stop near Wawel.
Intensive option “from Krakow in the morning”: - 8:30 - short walk around the Old Town and Wawel (buy tickets in advance); - 11:00 - depart for Oświęcim; - 13:00 - visit the Memorial; - 16:30 - return to Krakow and dinner in a calm restaurant in Kazimierz.
In both plans leave a time margin for traffic and unexpected delays — especially when using group transfers. It’s better to have a 30–60 minute buffer than to rush through your visit.
- Identity documents and booking confirmations (printed or stored on your phone) - Comfortable shoes — part of the Auschwitz visit is outdoors, and Wawel has uneven stone floors - A light daypack or bag — remember museum luggage restrictions; leave larger items in the car - A drink and a small snack for the journey — maintain respect inside the Memorial and do not eat on the exhibition routes - A scarf or light outer layer in case of cooler weather — conditions in Birkenau are fully exposed to the elements - Respect the rules of the sites — keep quiet where appropriate, avoid smiling selfies in sensitive places, and follow museum staff instructions
If this is your first visit to Krakow — don’t try to “tick off” everything in one day. It’s better to choose a few highlights and see them mindfully. After visiting Auschwitz, give yourself time to recover — a coffee and a calm walk through Kazimierz can be soothing.
If you travel with children, adjust the pace and prepare them for the emotional nature of the Memorial. For younger visitors consider shorter exhibition segments or special audio guides designed for younger audiences.
At Wawel and at places with limited entries — plan ahead and have a plan B. Sometimes it’s better to reserve just one major attraction and spend more time there than to rush from point to point.
These are visits that leave an impression — both Auschwitz and the historic corners of Krakow. Keep a steady pace, book tickets in advance and choose a parking option that gives you peace of mind. That way the whole day will run more smoothly and you’ll have time for reflection and for an enjoyable walk, for example across the Bernatek Footbridge at sunset.
If you need help planning a specific day, write to me — I’ll gladly suggest routes and practical solutions that make sightseeing easier. Safe travels and a meaningful day of experiences!
Q: Is Auschwitz always free? A: Yes — entry to the Museum is free but you must reserve an admission card or a guided place in advance.
Q: How long should I allow for the visit? A: Plan at least 3.5 hours to see both Auschwitz I and Birkenau comfortably, plus travel time each way from Krakow. Q: Where is the main parking for Museum visitors? A: The Visitor Services Center and main parking are at Więźniów Oświęcimia 55 in Oświęcim.
If you want recommendations for cafés or restaurants in Kazimierz after your visit, popular choices include Café Alchemia, Karma (for light meals) and Szara Gęś (near the Main Market) — each offers a relaxing spot after a long day.
