Many visitors come to Krakow wanting to see the city’s most important memorials and its most interesting neighborhoods. Auschwitz is a site of enormous historical importance that requires time and quiet reflection; Podgórze and Schindler’s Factory are on the same side of the Vistula River and complement the route well — they combine reflection with the intimate, local atmosphere of Podgórze Market. This makes for a convenient one- or two-day plan: a morning visit to the Schindler’s Factory Museum or a walk around Podgórze, and a separate day for the trip to Oświęcim (Auschwitz-Birkenau).
When planning an “Auschwitz + Podgórze” visit keep in mind the different character of these places: Auschwitz calls for silence and respect, while Podgórze invites you to pause at a café, stroll across the Bernatek footbridge and visit contemporary museums. That contrast helps organise impressions and gives visitors a fuller picture of Krakow’s history and present day.
Entry to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is free of charge, but you must have a named Entry Card reserved online through the museum’s reservation system. Booking in the museum’s system is essential, especially during the tourist season.
The museum uses a timed reservation system: bookings are possible in advance (the reservation window is set by the museum). In practice this means you should log in to the official reservation system ahead of time and check availability regularly; do not rely on promises from outside vendors.
Sometimes a limited number of entry cards are available at the on-site service point before opening, but there’s no guarantee they will be available in the language or at the time you need. It’s therefore safer to book ahead. Remember to bring an identity document — entry cards are issued with names.
The Oskar Schindler Enamel Factory (a branch of the Museum of Krakow) is a very popular exhibition documenting life in Krakow during the occupation. The museum usually offers a “free day” (most often on Mondays) — on that day admission to the permanent exhibition is free, but the number of free tickets is limited. Typically free tickets for that day must be collected in person at the ticket office on the day; there is not always an option to reserve free tickets in advance.
Check opening hours and ticket prices on the Museum of Krakow website before your visit — full and reduced ticket prices, as well as free days and their rules, can change seasonally. If you need a specific entry time, consider buying a regular timed ticket online to avoid queues.
Schindler’s Factory is located in the Zabłocie neighbourhood, very close to Podgórze Market and MOCAK — making it easy to combine several attractions on one walk.
Podgórze Market is the heart of historic Podgórze — once a separate town, today it’s a charming square with townhouses, the neo-Gothic St. Joseph’s church and an atmosphere different from the crowded Old Town. A walk around the square gives a feeling of authentic, local Krakow.
Around the Market notice the historic townhouses (for example the House under the Black Eagle), fragments of older architecture, and numerous cafés and small eateries. It’s a great place for a coffee break after visiting Schindler’s Factory or before heading to MOCAK.
From the Market you can easily reach the Bernatek Footbridge over the Vistula, Bednarski Park, and Lasota Hill and Krakus Mound — both offer pleasant views over the city skyline.
Option 1 – Schindler + Podgórze (the day before your Auschwitz trip): morning visit to Schindler’s Factory, then a stroll through Zabłocie and Podgórze Market, afternoon coffee at Cricoteka café (nice views), and an evening relaxing by the Vistula. This gives you time to prepare calmly for the Oświęcim visit the next day.
Option 2 – Auschwitz day (self-guided with a reserved entry card and awareness of visit length): reserve your Entry Card in advance and plan a full day — visiting both Auschwitz I and Birkenau usually takes several hours (many recommend 3.5–4 hours). After returning to Krakow you can finish the day with a light walk in Podgórze.
Logistically: avoid combining a strenuous full-day memorial visit with intense city sightseeing the same day — allow time to rest and process the experience.
You can reach Oświęcim from Krakow by train or bus; the journey typically takes about 1–1.5 hours depending on the connection. From the Oświęcim railway station local buses or taxis run to the Memorial — allow extra time for the transfer and for security checks at the entrance.
If you use public transport, check timetables the day before and arrive at the meeting point at least 30 minutes before your scheduled visit (the museum asks visitors to be punctual because of briefings and security). Dress appropriately at the site — maintain seriousness and discretion.
Practical tip: if you plan to bring luggage, check the museum’s size restrictions; large bags are best left at your hotel or in luggage storage.
Podgórze Market and its surroundings are freely accessible — strolling the square, crossing the Bernatek Footbridge, seeing parts of the former ghetto walls, visiting Bednarski Park or climbing Lasota Hill are great ways to explore the district at no cost.
Outdoor spaces along the Vistula, the view of Wawel from the footbridge, sections of historic track bed and the Zabłocie atmosphere offer many free experiences. Local markets or open-air events by Podgórze Market are often free and provide a nice insight into daily life.
Remember that some nearby museums have free or reduced days — if you plan to use a free day (for example at Schindler’s Factory), check the rules for collecting tickets in advance.
Cricoteka Fresh Coffee Place — the café on the top floor of Cricoteka with large windows and pleasant views of the Vistula and Kazimierz; great for morning coffee or a light breakfast.
ZaKładka Bistro — a French-inspired menu and intimate atmosphere near the Bernatek Footbridge; a lovely spot for lunch after a walk.
Krako Slow Wines — a small wine bar in Zabłocie with an interesting Central European wine selection; recommended for a calm evening finish.
Additionally, around Podgórze Market you’ll find local bistros and small restaurants serving quick meals and seasonal dishes — check the daily menu when you arrive.
Buying Auschwitz entry cards from unverified middlemen — avoid sellers who promise “guaranteed” last-minute entries. The only reliable way to reserve is the museum’s official system. - How to avoid it: book ahead on the official site and keep your confirmation.
Assuming you can get in on the day without booking — during high season there may not be space for walk-ins. - How to avoid it: if you need a specific time or language (for example English), buy the ticket in advance.
Forgetting an identity document with a named entry card — the museum may refuse entry without ID. - How to avoid it: carry your passport or ID card.
Is entry to Auschwitz really free? - Yes, admission to the Memorial and Museum is free, but a named Entry Card reservation is required.
Can I reserve a free ticket to Schindler’s Factory online? - Free days (for example Mondays) are often handled differently than normal reservations; free tickets are limited and typically require collection at the ticket office on the day. Check the current rules before your visit.
Can children visit Auschwitz? - The museum generally does not recommend visits for children under 14 due to the difficult subject matter; consider this carefully and decide on a case-by-case basis.
Can I travel there by bus or train? - Yes, trains and buses run from Krakow to Oświęcim; plan with time to spare and check schedules before travel.
Surprise: Podgórze Market was one of the first places in Krakow to be lit by electric streetlights (late 19th / early 20th century) — a small historical detail that adds to the square’s charm.
Reminder: when visiting places of remembrance try to keep your phone aside during sensitive moments — silence, reflection and respect matter more than photos. If you want to share your experience, wait and consider the context before posting.
If this guide was helpful — share it with friends or on social media. And if you’d like to explore with personal support, consider booking a private guided visit with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
