Krakow brings together some of the most important stories of history, art and memory. A one- or two-day itinerary that includes the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, key branches of the National Museum and Wawel Cathedral gives a fuller picture of Poland’s past — from the tragic events of the 20th century, through masterpieces of art, to royal heritage. A licensed guide provides context, reliable information and an appropriate tone in places that demand special respect.
This article gives practical advice: how to book tickets, how much time to allow, what to bring, how to behave at sites of memory, plus a suggested route and recommended restaurants and hotels. At the end you'll find a short FAQ and common mistakes to avoid.
Entry to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial grounds is free of charge, but named entry cards must be reserved — book time-specific entry in advance. Groups are required to have a museum educator-guide; individual visitors may join educator-led groups. Plan at least 3–3.5 hours to visit both Auschwitz I and Birkenau — many visitors spend longer if they want a quieter, more reflective visit.
Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled visit to allow for security checks and to receive your entry card if needed. Silence and solemn behaviour are required on the site and appropriate clothing is expected; large backpacks should be left in vehicles or coaches, and only a small bag is usually allowed (check current rules before travel).
Educational tours are offered in many languages; school and study groups have special programmes. The Museum also provides guided online tours for those who cannot travel.
Travel from Krakow to Oświęcim usually takes around 60–90 minutes by car or bus, depending on traffic. If you book a transfer from Krakow, schedule departure so you arrive at least 30 minutes early. Consider private transfer or organised trips to avoid the stress of driving and parking.
Check the museum’s rules for permitted bag dimensions (commonly about 35 x 25 x 15 cm) and leave larger luggage on the coach or in storage. Photography is restricted in some displays — follow signage and your guide’s instructions. Bring comfortable shoes — walking across Birkenau can be long and partly on uneven ground.
Respect the place: keep quiet, dress appropriately and be restrained in behaviour. During peak season book well in advance.
The National Museum in Krakow is a network of branches: the Main Building, Sukiennice (Cloth Hall), the Czartoryski Museum, and departments devoted to Wyspiański, Matejko and more. Many permanent collections require tickets and temporary exhibitions often sell timed-entry tickets — especially popular monographic shows. Tuesdays sometimes offer free entry to permanent displays, but temporary exhibitions and events have separate rules and tickets.
The Museum offers guided tours of permanent and temporary exhibitions. guide fees vary by branch and language — for example, a group tour may cost roughly 130–170 PLN for Polish-language guiding, plus admission fees (check current rates and booking options through the Museum’s information and reservations office).
If you have limited time in Krakow, plan to visit 1–2 branches so you don’t rush. Check whether a given exhibition requires online timed reservation — modern, popular shows often sell entries for specific hours.
The Cathedral of St. Stanislaus and St. Wenceslaus (Wawel Cathedral) is the heart of royal Wawel: royal tombs, chapels, the Sigismund Bell and the Cathedral Museum. Many parts of Wawel are open to visitors for a fee and combined tickets often cover the cathedral, royal tombs and the bell tower. Ticket prices differ for individuals and groups; a typical single admission fee may be a few dozen zloty (check current rates before your visit).
Opening hours vary by season — longer in summer, shorter outside peak months; the Cathedral Museum can have different hours from the church itself. Some interiors and the tower are closed during religious ceremonies, so check whether services are scheduled on your planned day. Respect for the place of worship is required: keep quiet and wear appropriate clothing.
A licensed guide helps explain the historical and artistic context of tombs, tapestries and chapels. If you plan to climb the tower to see the Sigismund Bell, note that there may be age or health restrictions.
A licensed Krakow guide holds verified qualifications and deep local knowledge; for some sites (e.g. Auschwitz) a museum educator-guide is required — these educators have special authorisations. Finding a guide through official associations or recognised profiles ensures the person has the proper credentials.
A licensed guide usually carries an ID and may display the city emblem on their badge; ask to verify the licence if you have doubts. When booking, confirm the tour language, group size, duration and route. A short discussion of expectations before the tour (pace, topics, interests) makes the visit more satisfying.
Using a licensed guide is especially recommended at historically sensitive sites — the guide will lead the visit respectfully and provide a reliable narrative.
Option 1 — intensive day (early start required): depart Krakow early for Auschwitz (1–1.5 h), guided visit 3–3.5 h, return to Krakow in the afternoon — stroll the Old Town and a quick stop at the Sukiennice or a National Museum branch, evening walk around Wawel if time and tickets allow.
Option 2 — relaxed two days: day one — visit the museum (choose 1–2 National Museum branches and any temporary exhibitions; book guided tours if you want deeper context); day two — morning at Wawel and the Cathedral with a guide, afternoon trip to Auschwitz with an overnight en route or the reverse order. This layout gives time to absorb content and recover after emotionally demanding visits.
Allow time for transport, food breaks and possible queues at entrances, especially during high season.
Restaurants and cafés often recommended by visitors: Hotel Stary Restaurants (higher-end), Wierzynek (historic and elegant), Pod Aniołami (traditional Polish flavours), Café Camelot and Charlotte (good breakfast and café options). In Kazimierz consider well-rated local places such as Starka or Miodova. Choose according to recent reviews and book evening tables on weekends.
Recommended hotels with good ratings and convenient locations: Hotel Stary (luxury, Old Town), PURO Kraków Stare Miasto (modern, comfortable), Sheraton Grand Krakow (near the Vistula, close to Wawel). For a more intimate stay consider boutique options like Balthazar Design Hotel.
If you plan to visit Auschwitz, staying in Krakow is usually convenient because of the wide choice of accommodation and easy transport — book ahead in peak season.
Not reserving an entry card to Auschwitz in advance — this can mean you miss your preferred time. Book weeks ahead during the busy season.
Underestimating required time — many people plan only 1–1.5 hours for Auschwitz or the National Museum, which is usually too little; allow more time and breaks.
Lack of respect at sites of memory — loud conversations, inappropriate expressions or clothing are unacceptable; follow museum rules and your guide’s directions.
Is entry to Auschwitz free? Entry to the Memorial grounds is free, but reservation of a named entry card is required; guiding services are paid.
Do I have to have a guide at Auschwitz? Organised groups must use a museum educator; individual visitors may join educator-led groups or visit on their own, but an educator provides fuller historical context.
How do I book a guided tour at the National Museum? Contact the Museum’s Information and Reservations Centre — provide the date, chosen branch, language and number of participants.
Is it worth visiting Wawel with a guide? Yes — a guide helps explain tombs, tapestries and symbolism, and can advise when to avoid visiting due to services.
Although the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial symbolises the Holocaust and tragedy, many exhibits and documents also show the fates of different victim groups and the mechanisms of the system — this material requires time and concentration, which is why longer visits are recommended.
The National Museum in Krakow is a dispersed complex — even one gallery visit can open a very different perspective on Polish art from the Middle Ages to contemporary works.
Some parts of Wawel are temporarily closed because of religious ceremonies or conservation work — check the day and time before you arrive.
Visiting Auschwitz, the National Museum and Wawel Cathedral requires reservations, respect for the places and sensible time planning. Using a licensed guide enriches the experience and ensures a reliable, respectful story.
If this article helped you plan your trip — feel free to share it with friends or on social media. If you would like a private guided tour of Krakow with a licensed guide, Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers private and group tours — contact details and booking information are available on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website. Have a safe, respectful and rewarding visit to Krakow!
