It’s worth visiting Auschwitz‑Birkenau and the memorial sites in Kraków’s Podgórze, and then taking time to rest on Wawel — but you must plan it thoughtfully. Reservations and limited entry passes now decide whether your day will be instructive and calm, or chaotic and stressful. This text will help you arrange everything step by step.
Visiting these places is both a duty of remembrance and a tourist experience — it’s important to be respectful, prepare logistically and not be surprised by ticketing restrictions.
A realistic sample plan for one full day: depart Kraków early for Oświęcim (about 1–1.5 hours), visit the Auschwitz‑Birkenau Museum (about 3–4 hours), return to Kraków in the afternoon, walk through Podgórze (Plac Bohaterów Getta, memorial sites, and, depending on availability, the Schindler’s Factory branch) and finish the evening at Wawel or with dinner near Kazimierz.
If you prefer a gentler pace, split the visits across two days: Auschwitz in the morning of one day, and Wawel with Podgórze on the next. Remember that some exhibitions have limited slots and timed entries. Planning around entry times saves stress.
If you want to see the full museum exhibitions at Wawel and at the Schindler Factory, reserve separate time blocks for each attraction.
Access to the Memorial grounds is organised via personalised entry passes — although the site is a place of remembrance, visits require reservations in practice. Self‑guided entry passes must be booked online; visiting with a museum educator (a guided option) is available separately in the reservation system.
The museum recommends arriving at least 30 minutes before the time on your pass because of security checks and formalities. A typical visit to the grounds and exhibitions takes around 3.5 hours — keep that in mind when planning travel and return times.
Be careful with third‑party resellers: some websites advertise “guaranteed tickets” on dates when official passes are sold out. To avoid extra high fees and uncertain logistics, use the museum’s official booking system or verify that any seller is reputable.
Book your entry passes well in advance, especially during the tourist season — weekends and summer months sell out fastest. If there are no available dates, check back regularly (spots sometimes free up) and consider visiting the museum’s ticket office as a fallback — but don’t rely on that as plan A.
Never pay less for a “guaranteed entry” on suspicious sites — this often means paid transport to a queue and extra hidden fees instead of a real reservation. Make sure you receive a personalised entry pass and keep it with you as a printout or an electronic file.
Check the luggage rules before your visit — the museum limits bag and backpack sizes; larger items must be left in a car or in left‑luggage facilities.
From Kraków to Oświęcim you can travel by train, bus or car. Travel time is usually about 1–1.5 hours depending on the mode of transport and traffic conditions. Plan departures with a time buffer to minimise the risk of missing your entry time.
There is parking and luggage storage at the Museum. Note that transport between Auschwitz I and Birkenau is available on site — organised shuttles for visitors make moving between the two areas easier.
Remember the length of the visit and the schedules of trains/buses back to Kraków — it’s wise to have a plan B in case of delays.
Podgórze is the district where the Kraków ghetto existed during the war. Key points to visit include Plac Bohaterów Getta, surviving fragments of the former ghetto, various memorials and the area of the former Płaszów labour camp with monuments and remembrance exhibits.
Podgórze hosts institutions and exhibitions that bring the history of Jewish Kraków closer — check current museum displays and educational programmes. A walk through this part of the city provides context for a visit to Auschwitz and helps you understand the local dimension of the tragedy.
The Schindler Factory (a museum branch) sits near Podgórze/Kazimierz — if you plan to visit that exhibition, allow a separate time slot for tickets and touring.
Wawel is a complex of monuments: the hill includes the Royal Castle and the Cathedral, and inside there are several separate exhibitions and routes — each may have its own ticketing and opening hours. For that reason, check the availability of specific routes before arrival and plan the order of visits.
If you want to see the royal chambers, the crypts and the cathedral, book the appropriate tickets in advance. Many visitors come to Wawel in the evening — shorter queues and the pleasant atmosphere of sunset over the Vistula make this a lovely time to visit.
Wawel is an easy 10–15 minute walk from the Main Market Square. After visiting, it’s worth stopping for coffee or dinner nearby; I recommend choosing places with consistently good reviews and a long tradition of serving visitors.
After an intense day, choose a good place for dinner — there are many highly rated restaurants near Wawel and in Kazimierz. Book a table in advance, especially on weekends and during the high season.
Reliable suggestions include restaurants serving Polish and international cuisine around the Old Town and Kazimierz — look for places with solid reviews and positive guest feedback. If you’d like specific recommendations by budget or culinary preference, I’m happy to help.
To stay close to the main routes, choose accommodation in central Kraków (Old Town, Kazimierz). You’ll find boutique hotels, guesthouses and apartments there. Book your stay ahead of time in the busy season.
Not allowing travel time — consequence: missed entry and no admission. Solution: build in extra time and check timetables in advance.
Buying “guaranteed tickets” from unverified intermediaries — consequence: much higher price or no real reservation. Solution: book through official systems or trusted sources; always request a personalised confirmation.
Not preparing for the quiet and solemn nature of the sites — consequence: inappropriate behaviour or discomfort for other visitors. Solution: dress respectfully, silence your phone and honour the space of remembrance.
Although the Auschwitz‑Birkenau Memorial grounds are open to visitors, entry is organised with personalised entry passes — this measure helps control visitor numbers and protect the exhibitions and memorial space.
In Kraków, the area of remembrance connected to the ghetto is located in Podgórze, and its history is closely linked with local exhibitions and educational programmes — a walk there offers a different perspective than the Auschwitz museum alone.
Wawel consists of several separate routes and exhibitions — treat them as individual museums when planning your time and budget.
How long does an Auschwitz visit take? Usually about 3.5 hours, though it depends on how many exhibitions you want to see and whether you join a guided educator.
Can I enter without a reservation? Entry is organised with personalised passes — it’s best to reserve online; passes are not always available on site.
Can I take photos? Photography is allowed on most of the grounds, but in some buildings and exhibits it is prohibited — follow signs and staff instructions.
How should I dress? Dress modestly and comfortably; remember these are memorial places and you’ll likely walk a long distance outdoors (Birkenau).
Are there luggage restrictions? Yes — museums typically limit bag/backpack size; larger luggage must be left in left‑luggage facilities or in your vehicle.
A well‑planned trip combining Auschwitz, a walk in Podgórze and Wawel can be a deep and educational experience — the key elements are booking, respect for places of remembrance and sensible logistics. If your time is limited, consider spreading visits over two days so you don’t have to rush and can fully engage with the exhibitions.
If you found this article helpful — share it on social media or send it to friends. If you would like to explore with a licensed private guide, I recommend touring with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and offerings are available via ZwiedzanieKrakowa. Thank you for reading and I wish you a calm, reflective visit.
