Yes — it's possible, but it requires good organisation and a realistic plan. A visit to the Auschwitz‑Birkenau Memorial usually takes about 6–8 hours including travel from Krakow and back; the museum and camp grounds themselves require a minimum of 3–3.5 hours. The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and parts of the film trail are located in Krakow’s city centre, so the best approach is to plan the trip to Oświęcim in the morning (or do museums in Krakow in the morning and travel in the afternoon) and reserve the afternoon and evening for the Main Market Square, the Cloth Hall and a walk to film locations. Below you’ll find a sample schedule, practical booking information and a list of film-related sites worth visiting.
Getting there: expect about 1.5 hours each way by car from Krakow to Oświęcim. There are also train and bus connections; local transport runs from the railway station to the museum and parking is available.
Reservations: entry to the Auschwitz‑Birkenau Memorial is free but requires a personalised entry card reserved online — don’t leave it to the last minute.
Time: plan at least 3–3.5 hours for visiting the camps themselves; allowing for travel and breaks, make it a full‑day excursion.
Baggage and rules: the maximum size for a bag or backpack allowed inside the museum is 35x25x15 cm; the site requires solemn behaviour and appropriate dress. Arriving at least 30 minutes before your scheduled entry is recommended because of security checks.
Accessibility and seasonal hours: opening hours are seasonal — check before you travel; a shuttle bus runs between the camps for visitors.
The official reservation path runs through the museum’s visiting system. Although entry is free, the number of entry cards is limited and dates are available online — book ahead, especially in high season.
Individual visitors can tour independently (after reserving a personalised entry card) or join guided 'educator' tours. Organised groups must use a museum guide.
Watch for rule changes: in recent years the museum adjusted sales and entry procedures (for example limiting on‑site issuance of passes) — always check the current rules in the official reservation system before you plan your visit.
Practical tip: if you want commentary and historical context, book a visit with a museum educator; if you prefer to explore on your own, reserve the entry card online and arrive 30 minutes early.
6:30–7:30 — depart Krakow for Oświęcim (car or bus/train)
9:00–12:30 — visit Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II‑Birkenau (including transfer between the camps and time for reflection)
13:30–15:00 — return to Krakow, short break and lunch near the Main Market Square
15:30–17:00 — Cloth Hall (Gallery of 19th‑Century Polish Art) — visit the permanent exhibition and the terraces
17:15–19:00 — film walk: Zabłocie (Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory), Kazimierz (locations from Schindler’s List), Old Town (sites related to The Pianist)
Evening — dinner at one of the recommended restaurants on the Market Square (for example Camelot Cafe or the historic Wierzynek) and relax after an intense day.
This timetable is flexible — if you want a more detailed schedule or a version that includes an overnight stay, I can prepare an alternative.
The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice — Gallery of 19th‑Century Polish Art) is a convenient place to visit after a trip outside the city — it stands in the heart of the Main Market Square and displays a collection of 19th‑century Polish painting.
Hours and tickets: the gallery is usually open Tuesday through Sunday; admission to the permanent exhibitions is paid (prices and free days may vary — check current information before your visit).
Where to eat nearby: well‑rated nearby options include Camelot Cafe (a cosy cafe with a good reputation) and Wierzynek — a historic restaurant with a long tradition (it is pricier and often requires a reservation).
Additionally: beneath the Cloth Hall is the entrance to the Rynek Underground — if you have time, it’s worth visiting to see archaeological finds.
Krakow has been a filming location for many well‑known movies. A cinema‑themed walk can easily be combined with standard sightseeing.
Classics: Schindler’s List filmed scenes in the Kazimierz district and around Oskar Schindler’s factory; visiting Schindler’s Enamel Factory museum gives both historical and film context.
Other highlights: parts of The Pianist and other productions were shot in the Old Town and around Wawel; Wawel also appears in international films (for example Inferno). Walking through Kazimierz and Zabłocie you’ll easily recognise many on‑screen places.
Practical tip: Schindler’s Factory is a separate attraction with its own reservation and about a two‑hour visit time — if you plan to see it, book tickets in advance.
No reservation for Auschwitz — don’t expect to get in at the last minute; book your visit well ahead, especially in high season.
Underestimating time — many visitors come away feeling they didn’t have enough time. Plan at least 3–4 hours for Auschwitz alone and about 2 hours for the Cloth Hall or another Krakow attraction.
Too much luggage — large suitcases are not allowed on the Memorial grounds; leave them at your hotel or in your car.
Disrespectful behaviour — Auschwitz is a place of remembrance; avoid loud behaviour and joking poses for photos. Respect the rules and the solemn nature of the site.
Relying on tight transport plans — if using a private transfer, include buffer time for traffic or delays, especially when returning to the city.
Is entry to Auschwitz paid? — Admission to the Memorial is free, but you must reserve a personalised entry card online; some forms of visiting (especially guided tours) may be paid.
How long does a visit to Schindler’s Factory take? — The permanent exhibition typically takes about 1.5–2 hours; tickets are paid and sold online in advance.
Can I take photos? — Photography is allowed in most places, but flash may be prohibited where indicated; always respect rules and the character of memorial spaces.
Is it worth booking a guide? — Yes, a museum educator at Auschwitz and guided visits to Schindler’s Factory provide historical context that’s hard to get on your own.
The Cloth Hall housed the first branch of the National Museum in Krakow in the 19th century — today the Gallery of 19th‑Century Polish Art has a rich collection.
Auschwitz offers online visits with an educator — a good option if you can’t come in person or want to prepare before your trip.
A shuttle runs between the railway station in Oświęcim and the main museum entrance in season; the museum also operates a visitor service centre with luggage storage.
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on social media — it will help others plan their trip better.
If you wish, I can prepare a detailed day plan tailored to your arrival date, preferred pace and film or history interests.
For those who prefer a personal guided experience: private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz is available to prepare a bespoke route — contact details for booking can be found on the site.
Weather and clothing: Polish weather can be changeable — check the forecast and dress in layers, especially in spring and autumn. Comfortable shoes are essential for walking on cobbles and museum grounds.
Currency and payments: Poland uses the złoty (PLN). Many places accept cards, but it’s handy to have some cash for small purchases in markets or cafes.
Mobile coverage and language: mobile coverage in Krakow and Oświęcim is good; English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few Polish phrases is appreciated by locals.
Emotional preparedness: visits to Auschwitz and WWII exhibitions can be emotionally intense. Allow time to process the experience and seek quieter spaces if you need a break.
Behavioural rules: follow museum staff instructions, do not touch exhibits where prohibited and maintain respectful behaviour at all times.
