Are you planning a visit to Auschwitz and Schindler's Factory and wondering whether you can just show up? Short answer: it depends, but it’s best to book in advance. Entry to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial requires named entry cards available online and spaces are limited. For Schindler's Factory it’s wise to buy tickets ahead because popular times sell out quickly, although occasionally there are limited free allocations or tickets available at the ticket office — these are rare and carry the risk of long queues. Below you’ll find concrete rules and practical tips to help you plan.
Admission to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial is free, but you must reserve a named entry card in advance through the official booking system. Individual and group reservations are released with a lead time — the system works in windows (often from about 90 days down to a few days before the visit) so check availability when you plan.
Named cards for self-guided visits are sometimes released at specific times (in high season often in the evenings), while guided visits with a Museum educator are paid and also require reservation. At entry you will be asked to show an identity document — the card is named and linked to your personal details.
When planning, allow sufficient time: to view Auschwitz I and Birkenau at a calm pace plan at least 3–4 hours. There are also luggage size limits on site (small backpacks/bags only); larger items must be left in your car or the coach luggage hold.
Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory is now an exhibition of the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow with a powerful multimedia display. Tickets are usually sold online and in many cases you are required to provide first and last names when purchasing.
Create an account in the museum ticketing system if possible — it makes booking easier. Online sales are sometimes opened well in advance (for example up to 90 days). The museum also limits the number of tickets per transaction and the ability to change names in a group — if you plan for a larger group, check the rules ahead of time.
Watch for free-entry days: Schindler's Factory occasionally offers free admission days (for example some weekdays) — these are limited and generally available only at the ticket office that day. If you want certainty, buy a ticket online.
From Krakow to Oświęcim (Auschwitz) you can travel by train, bus or car. Trains usually take around 1.5–2 hours, buses about 1.5 hours, and by car roughly 1 hour — times vary with traffic and your starting point in Krakow.
Several companies run direct coach transfers from central Krakow to the Memorial gates — a convenient option, but remember the Museum entry card is separate and still requires reservation. When planning, leave extra time for security checks and the walk from parking to the entrance (especially in high season).
Getting to Schindler's Factory is easy: it’s located at ul. Lipowa 4 in the Zabłocie district. From the Main Market Square it’s about a 25–35 minute walk, or you can take a tram or bus. Public transport stops are nearby.
Book as early as possible, especially in high season and on weekends — the best time slots sell out many weeks ahead. For both Auschwitz and Schindler's Factory, early booking gives you peace of mind and a clearer daily plan.
If your dates are flexible, look for midweek or afternoon slots — these are sometimes less crowded. It’s also worth checking for released cancellations (ticket systems sometimes return cancelled places) or planning one visit in the morning and the other in the afternoon.
Avoid intermediaries who promise “guaranteed tickets” at much higher prices — problems arise when these companies lack confirmation from official organizers. Use the official museum pages and reservation systems.
Buying tickets only from resellers at inflated prices — always check the museum’s official website first. If tickets are unavailable, consider changing the date or visiting outside peak season.
Arriving at the last minute without a reservation — at the Auschwitz Memorial entry without a named card admission is usually impossible. Book ahead and arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled entry because of security screening.
Failing to observe appropriate dress and behavior — these are sites of memory; dress respectfully and keep quiet. These places are not for noisy photo shoots or picnics.
Near Schindler's Factory you will find MOCAK — Museum of Contemporary Art — and the Zabłocie neighborhood has growing numbers of cafés and cultural spaces. After your visit consider a walk along the Vistula or a visit to nearby Kazimierz.
After visiting Auschwitz many people stay in Oświęcim to see more of the town and sites related to local history. Allow time for reflection — these visits can be emotionally demanding, so avoid cramming too many attractions into the same day.
If you are in Kazimierz after Schindler's Factory consider one of the popular cafés or restaurants: Massolit Books & Cafe (great for book lovers and coffee), Mleczarnia (a cosy cafe in the heart of Kazimierz) or Hamsa (Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine). These are good spots to rest and have a light meal after an intense visit.
Zabłocie also has newer cafés and small bistros serving local snacks — convenient before or after your Schindler's Factory visit. If you plan a longer drive back to Krakow after Auschwitz, bring water and sandwiches — dining options near the Memorial entrance are limited.
Schindler's Factory is not a museum solely “about Schindler” in a biographical sense — it’s primarily an exhibition about life in occupied Krakow, with Schindler’s story as one important thread in a broader narrative.
Although admission to Auschwitz is free, the reservation system is strict to ensure safety and order — free entry does not mean you can access the site without prior booking.
Many guides recommend one-day packages that combine both sites — this is logistically possible, but consider the emotional pace: both places invite reflection and are intense experiences.
Can I enter Auschwitz without a reservation? - Usually no. Entry requires a named card reserved online; exceptions depend on available cards at service points, but don’t count on them.
Can I take photos inside Schindler's Factory? - Photography is allowed in most exhibition spaces, but please be respectful and do not use flash. Rules may vary for temporary exhibitions.
How much time do I need for both places? - Plan about 1.5–2 hours for Schindler's Factory and at least 3–4 hours for Auschwitz. Combining both in one day is possible but can be tiring.
Reserve named entry cards to Auschwitz on the official site and buy tickets for Schindler's Factory online if available.
Prepare identity documents (passport/ID) — they may be required for entry if tickets are named.
Check opening hours on the day of your visit and luggage rules. If you travel with children or people with reduced mobility, make sure the route and requirements suit your group.
Allow time for reflection. Both sites are places of memory — give yourself space for emotions.
Don’t try to do too much in one day. It’s better to visit one site slowly and absorb it than rush through multiple places and remember little.
If you wish, consider booking a private guided visit with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — a knowledgeable local guide can provide deeper historical context and help process the visit emotionally.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it may save someone stress when planning! If you want to explore with someone who knows Krakow, its history and can lead calm, factual tours, I recommend the private guiding services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact details and service information are available on the guide’s website. I wish you a calm, well-planned visit — this is an experience worth approaching with respect and preparation.
