Many visitors to Krakow want to see three sites closely linked to the city’s history and culture: the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, the Museum in the former Oskar Schindler Enamel Factory, and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) on the Main Market Square. All are worth visiting, but they differ in character and require different preparation. This article will help you plan a reasonable, calm itinerary and avoid common ticketing pitfalls.
If you want a concrete plan: split it across two days — a remembrance day (Auschwitz) and a day for city museums (Schindler’s Factory + Sukiennice) — or, if you have little time, plan a longer Krakow day and treat a farther excursion as a separate item.
Auschwitz-Birkenau — minimum 3.5–4 hours if you want to calmly see the exhibitions and the grounds of both parts (Auschwitz I and Birkenau). In practice, reserve a whole morning or midday, allowing time for travel from Krakow and the return trip.
Schindler’s Factory — about 1–2 hours. It is an intense, multimedia exhibition telling the story of Krakow under occupation; a good pace is 60–90 minutes.
Cloth Hall (Sukiennice / market on the Main Square) — from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on whether you only want to browse the historic stalls and the corner of the Square or visit the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art inside Sukiennice.
Auschwitz: entry to the Memorial grounds is free of charge but you must have a personalized entry card for a specific date and time — it must be reserved online. The Museum recommends booking in advance and arriving at least 30 minutes before the tour start because of security checks.
Schindler’s Factory: tickets are sold online through the museum’s system and can usually be booked in advance. There is sometimes limited availability at the museum ticket office on the day, but if you want a specific time, buy the ticket earlier.
Sukiennice and other museums: some exhibitions inside Sukiennice or other branches of the National Museum require separate tickets. If you plan to enter the Sukiennice gallery, check opening hours and the possibility of advance booking.
Auschwitz is located in Oświęcim, outside Krakow — driving or taking a bus takes about 1–1.5 hours one way depending on traffic. For comfort, depart in the morning and book a morning visit slot so you don’t return to Krakow too late.
Schindler’s Factory is in the Zabłocie area of Krakow, relatively close to the center and Kazimierz — reachable by tram or a 20–30 minute walk from the Main Square. It’s a good place to combine with a walk through Kazimierz and lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Ideal two-day plan: Day 1 — morning at Auschwitz (whole morning), return to Krakow and an evening walk around the Market Square or Kazimierz; Day 2 — Schindler’s Factory in the morning, afternoon at the Cloth Hall and Wawel. If you have only one day, consider skipping one site or booking a private program with transport, and remember the emotional intensity of these visits.
At the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, the solemn nature of the place requires appropriate clothing and behavior. Respect the silence and the memorial grounds.
Luggage size on the Memorial grounds is restricted — check current guidelines before you travel. Large bags or backpacks should be left on the bus or at your accommodation. This also applies to other museums, which sometimes lack luggage storage.
Photography inside exhibitions may be restricted — pay attention to museum signs and requests. In Schindler’s Factory and some parts of the Sukiennice, flash photography is prohibited.
If you spend the afternoon near the Main Square, consider well-known and highly rated places: Cafe Camelot (atmospheric café), Szara (Polish and European cuisine near the Square), or Ajene — depending on your culinary preferences. Around Schindler’s Factory and Kazimierz you’ll find many charming cafes and restaurants with good reviews.
When planning the Oświęcim trip, note that restaurants near the Memorial often offer limited tourist menus. A good solution is to plan lunch after returning to Krakow or en route, choosing popular and well-reviewed places.
Buying tickets from intermediaries without checking reviews — some external sellers offer “guaranteed” tickets at much higher prices. Before you pay, compare prices with official museum reservation systems.
Underestimating visit time — visitors often plan too-tight schedules. Allow more time for Auschwitz than you expect and factor in travel time back to Krakow.
Lack of respect for the memorial — Auschwitz is a place of tragedy and reflection. Avoid loud behavior, don’t take inappropriate “souvenir” photos, and follow suggested dress and conduct guidelines.
A visit to Auschwitz is not only about blocks and barracks — museum exhibitions also present administrative context and personal stories of prisoners, and Birkenau’s wide open spaces create a strong impression in person.
Schindler’s Factory, beyond the well-known film image, offers a modern, multimedia exhibition focusing on Krakow residents’ lives during the occupation — its narrative style can surprise visitors expecting a conventional museum layout.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance? For Auschwitz, reserving an online entry card is standard and recommended in advance; for Schindler’s Factory, book if you care about a specific time.
Can I visit Auschwitz without a guide? Yes — there are entry cards for self-guided visits, though guided tours with an educator often provide deeper historical context. When demand is high, spaces for self-guided visits may be limited.
Should children visit these places? The subject matter is difficult and emotional. The decision should depend on the child’s age and maturity; for younger children consider alternative educational formats or shorter visits.
Visiting Auschwitz, Schindler’s Factory and the Cloth Hall offers a wide spectrum of experiences — from reflection on tragic history to engagement with culture and art. Key rules: plan your time, book tickets in advance, respect memorial sites, and consider spreading visits over several days to avoid rushing.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media. If you’d like a personal and flexible approach to touring Krakow, consider booking a private guiding service with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available on the guide’s page.
