You can see all three sites during the same stay in Krakow, but it’s worth planning them thoughtfully: Auschwitz is a memorial that requires time and solemnity, the Market Square Underground is an hour or two of fascinating discoveries beneath the city centre, and Zakopane is a full-day trip (or worth an overnight stay). I do not recommend combining Auschwitz and Zakopane in a single day — it will be exhausting and you will only scratch the surface of both experiences.
Option A – relaxed pace (best): Day 1 – walk around the Market Square and visit the Market Square Underground; Day 2 – trip to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial; Day 3 – trip to Zakopane with an overnight stay or return in the evening.
Option B – if you have limited time: book the Market Square Underground for the morning and use the same afternoon for a short stroll through the Old Town; plan Auschwitz for a separate day.
Option C – intensive schedule: start early with a day trip to Zakopane (about 2 hours by bus), return in the evening; visit Auschwitz and the Market Square Underground on other days.
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial: admission to the grounds is free, but you must reserve an entry card and/or a guided visit through the official reservation system. Because of high demand, book well in advance; arrive at least 30 minutes before the tour start due to security checks.
Market Square Underground (Museum of Krakow): tickets are available from the museum website or at the ticket office; full-price tickets in recent years have been around 35–40 PLN (reduced, family and city-card discounts may apply). Opening hours change by season, so check current information before you go.
Zakopane: reserve bus or train tickets ahead during high season. Buses from Krakow to Zakopane run frequently and the journey typically takes about 2 hours (depending on traffic on Zakopianka); trains are sometimes slower and can take 3–4 hours.
To Auschwitz: about 70–80 km from Krakow; by car it usually takes about 1–1.5 hours. Buses and trains run regularly and take a similar amount of time depending on the connection. The main entrance is at Więźniów Oświęcimia Street; parking and security procedures can add time before the visit begins.
To Zakopane: the most convenient option is often the bus (approx. 2 hours when traffic on Zakopianka is light). Trains offer scenic views but are usually slower. High season (winter, summer, holidays) increases travel time and demand — book early.
Market Square Underground: located directly beneath the Main Market Square with the entrance by the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice); it’s an easy stop during a walk through the city centre.
Auschwitz-Birkenau: plan at least 3–4 hours if you want to visit both Auschwitz I and Birkenau. Dress appropriately for a place of remembrance; large backpacks and bags exceeding the permitted dimensions (about 35x25x15 cm) may not be allowed — better to leave larger luggage in your car or the coach hold.
Market Square Underground: allow around 1 hour for an individual visit; the exhibition is interactive but go at a calm pace, especially with children.
For a trip to Zakopane: bring layered clothing (mountain weather changes fast), comfortable shoes and snacks if you plan to hike.
Auschwitz is a memorial site and requires solemn behaviour. Do not record videos or make loud photos in exhibition areas; many interior spaces prohibit photography. Follow the instructions of museum staff and educators.
If you plan to visit with children, prepare them in advance — educational materials and an appropriate conversation will help them understand the complex context.
Trying to see too much at once – attempting Auschwitz and Zakopane on the same day usually ends in rushing and exhaustion. It’s better to separate these visits across different days.
Buying ‘guaranteed’ tickets from intermediaries without verification – the safest approach is to reserve your Auschwitz entry card through the official system and buy museum tickets through official channels.
Failing to check baggage limits and opening hours in advance – verify the rules and arrive early to avoid stress at entry.
After visiting the Market Square Underground, choose well-reviewed restaurants near the Market Square for a comfortable meal; there are many places serving both Polish classics and international cuisine—reserve a table in peak season.
For coffee and sweets: atmospheric cafés on the Old Town make a pleasant break before further sightseeing.
If you need accommodation before a mountain trip or a museum visit, look for hotels or guesthouses near the Main Railway Station (shorter transfers to departure points and convenient bus connections to Zakopane).
Auschwitz-Birkenau formally offers free access to its grounds, but the visiting experience improves significantly with advance reservation and a visit with an educator.
The Market Square Underground uncovers medieval layers of Krakow and is an archaeological narrative rather than just ‘cellars’ — it helps you understand how the city developed over centuries.
Bus travel to Zakopane is often faster than the train — despite the relatively short distance, rail services on this route can be slower due to infrastructure and stops.
Do I have to pay to enter Auschwitz? No — admission to the Memorial grounds is free, but you must reserve an entry card; guided services and additional educational options are paid.
Is the Market Square Underground accessible for people with limited mobility? The museum provides information on accessibility; some parts of the exhibition are adapted, but check details beforehand.
Can I combine Auschwitz with Wieliczka or Zakopane in one day? Technically possible, but it will be very intense; I recommend spreading these attractions over at least two days.
If you find this guide useful, please share it with friends or on your social channels — it will help others plan a better visit to Krakow.
If you would like to explore Krakow with personal guidance and commentary, consider booking a private guided experience with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website (zwiedzaniekrakowa.com). Have a pleasant stay in Krakow and safe, respectful journeys to places of memory and into the mountains!
