No — you cannot walk from the Main Market Square to the Auschwitz Memorial in 15 minutes. This often-repeated, misleading question mixes up two different attractions: the Main Market Underground (a museum beneath Kraków’s Main Market Square) and the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, which is in Oświęcim, about an hour’s travel from Kraków. In this article I explain the differences, suggest a realistic day plan and give practical tips to help you visit both places without stress.
Tip for planners: if someone advertises “15 minutes on foot to Auschwitz” — that’s a mistake or imprecise marketing. Instead, plan a separate trip to Auschwitz and a separate visit to the Main Market Underground in Kraków’s city centre.
The Main Market Underground is directly under Kraków’s Main Market Square — it’s visited right in the city centre and you descend from the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) within minutes.
The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is located in Oświęcim, outside Kraków. Driving or taking a bus from Kraków takes roughly 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic. Touring the camp itself requires at least a few hours — official routes and exhibitions usually take a minimum of 3–4 hours (allow extra time for travel and formalities).
In practice, you cannot reasonably combine an in-depth visit to the Main Market Underground and Auschwitz into a single short 15‑minute walk — they are separate experiences, each deserving time and respect.
The Main Market Underground is a modern archaeological and history museum under the surface of the Main Market Square. The exhibition shows traces of medieval Kraków, trade, urban life and artifacts found during excavations.
Entrance: access is usually through the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), near St. Mary’s Church. The route is well signed, and in season the displays include attractive multimedia presentations.
Visiting time: plan about 1–2 hours to see the displays at a comfortable pace, take photos and use an audio guide if you wish. On some Tuesdays there are free-admission days (check current information before your visit).
Tickets and practice: ticket prices and admission rules may change, so it’s a good idea to buy tickets online in advance or check opening hours before you go.
Booking: tickets and visiting times for the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum should be reserved in advance through the museum’s official booking system. During the high season slots fill up fast, so plan a few weeks ahead.
Transport: the most convenient options are by car, private transfer or train plus a local short transfer. The journey usually takes around an hour to Oświęcim, and on site you should allow time to reach the entrance and pass security checks.
Time on site: the route through the exhibitions requires at least 3.5–4 hours, so for a full trip from Kraków plan most of the day (at least 6–8 hours total including travel).
Formalities: you will need an identity document that matches the booking. Security checks are in place and large bags can be a problem — leave big luggage at your hotel or in left-luggage facilities. The Memorial site requires a respectful demeanor, quiet and appropriate clothing.
Car: gives the greatest flexibility, especially for families or if you want to return at a convenient time. Parking near the Visitor Centre is available but can fill up in high season.
Train + local transfer: you can take a train to Oświęcim and then a short local transfer to the museum. Check timetables and connections in advance.
Bus / day-trip operator: comfortable if you don’t want to arrange transfers yourself. Choose reputable providers and avoid offers that promise “guaranteed tickets without reservation” without clear terms.
Day plan: if you want to combine the Market Square and Auschwitz in one day, it’s easiest to go to Oświęcim in the morning, tour the Memorial, and return to Kraków in the evening for a stroll around the Market and dinner.
Assuming Auschwitz is “right next door” to the Market — this leads to a poorly planned day. Book time and transport in advance.
Not booking an Auschwitz ticket — in high season walk-up entry may be impossible. Reserve on the official museum booking system.
Buying “tickets” from uncertain intermediaries at the last minute — this can cause extra stress or higher costs. Use official channels or trusted, transparent providers.
Rude behaviour and taking photos in prohibited places — remember to show respect at a memorial site. Follow the rules on site.
If you want a highly regarded meal after sightseeing, consider restaurants around the Main Market Square: Wierzynek (historic and elegant), Szara (well-known Polish cuisine in the centre), Pod Aniołami (traditional dishes in a stylized interior). For coffee and a relaxed break try Cafe Camelot or Massolit Bookstore & Cafe.
For overnight stays choose properties with a good location by the Market: Hotel Wentzl (right on the Square, distinctive building), Hotel Stary (high quality and close to major attractions), or other well-rated hotels within the Old Town — these make morning walks and logistics for the Auschwitz departure easier.
Book tables and rooms in advance during peak tourist season — the best places fill up quickly.
Can you see the Main Market Underground in 30 minutes? - Not really; a comfortable minimum is about 1 hour to see the main elements of the exhibition.
Is entry to the Main Market Underground paid? - Yes, tickets are usually required; there are occasional free-entry days, but the safest approach is to check the museum’s current schedule.
How much time do you need for Auschwitz? - Plan at least 3.5–4 hours for the exhibitions; include travel time and formalities and count the whole day.
Can children visit Auschwitz? - Yes, but remember the nature of the site and prepare younger visitors appropriately; school groups have special rules and booking arrangements.
Can you buy an Auschwitz ticket on site? - In high season it’s better to book online; availability is limited and advance reservation is recommended.
The Main Market Underground is not just excavations — it tells the everyday story of medieval urban life with multimedia commentary, and visitors are often surprised by how rich the artifact collection is.
At the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial you may be struck by the international diversity of visitors — it’s also a major centre for education. Go at a calm pace and prepare yourself for difficult content.
Finally: if you plan an intense day combining several sights, make a priority list and leave margin time for delays. Careful planning is better than rushing.
If you found this guide useful and would like help creating a personalized Kraków itinerary, contact the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — information and contact details are available via zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Małgorzata can tailor your route to your interests, including time for the Main Market Underground and an optional trip to Auschwitz.
If this article helped you — share it with friends or on social media so other visitors avoid misunderstandings and plan their stay in Kraków better.
