This is a common question - short answer: yes, but it will be a very tight schedule and involve a lot of rushing. In practice it’s better to spread these three stops over at least two days, unless you have very little time and your priority is just to tick off the places. Visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial usually takes a minimum of about 3.5 hours on site, plus travel time from Krakow (roughly 60–90 minutes one way depending on transport). The Wawel and a walk through Kazimierz each require separate blocks of several hours - Wawel (the Cathedral, castle museum routes, terrace) often takes 1–2 hours, and a relaxed walk through Kazimierz with time for food and café stops is another 2 hours or more. If you want to see everything properly, plan for two days - Auschwitz and return to Krakow on one day, Wawel and Kazimierz on the other.
If you only have one day: choose priorities (for example, Auschwitz in the morning - make sure to reserve entry cards online a few days in advance - return to Krakow in the evening; or Wawel in the morning and Kazimierz in the afternoon and evening). Remember that an overly tight plan reduces comfort and the depth of the experience, especially at a place like Auschwitz which deserves time and reflection. Always allow extra time for transport and unexpected delays.
Entry to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial site is free of charge, but a system of named entry cards applies - these cards must be reserved online through the Museum’s official booking system. In practice this means that although the museum does not charge an entrance fee for the site itself, you must have a named entry card for a specific time slot. The Museum makes clear that its official booking platform is the only authorized channel and it is not responsible for offers bought from third parties.
What to watch for: when booking you choose the type of visit (with an educator - a museum guide-led group - or without an educator). Visits with an educator are recommended for a fuller understanding of the exhibitions. During busy periods time slots sell out quickly - it’s wise to reserve well in advance. If there are no online slots, sometimes a limited number of cards are released at the Visitor Service Centre ticket office, but that is not guaranteed.
Preparation for the visit: bring an identity document (the entry card is named), arrive at least 30 minutes early because of security checks, dress appropriately and observe respectful behaviour. Maximum backpack/bag sizes are often restricted (please check the current dimensions) - leave larger luggage in your car or in left-luggage facilities. The Museum generally discourages bringing small children (usually under about 14 years old).
Watch out for intermediaries: in recent years offers for “guaranteed cards” have appeared from external companies for a fee - the Museum states it does not cooperate with many of these resellers and warns against unethical practices and high commissions. The safest option is to reserve directly through the official system and not buy “guaranteed places” from companies you don’t know.
You can get from Krakow to Oświęcim by train, bus or car. Train travel typically takes about 60–90 minutes depending on the connection, and is a convenient option for independent travellers. From the station there is a short transfer to the Visitor Service Centre (VSC) - from April to October a special shuttle runs between the railway station and the Museum entrance (check the current timetable).
Many visitors also use direct bus connections, and buses that go straight to the Museum’s parking area arrive from Krakow. If you drive, there is parking and left-luggage at the VSC. Remember to include transfer time both ways when planning your visit.
The Wawel Hill actually comprises two separate institutions: the Royal Castle (museum) and the Cathedral - each has its own visiting rules and tickets. The Cathedral often offers entry to the Cathedral Museum and access to the Royal Tombs or the Sigismund Bell; audio guide options are sometimes available. Many entrances have daily limits - check availability and consider booking in advance, especially during high season.
A few practical rules: the Cathedral requires quiet, respectful behaviour; photography may be limited in some areas, and appropriate dress is expected (covered shoulders, and in some parts men are asked to remove head coverings). Some of the most popular castle routes or the Royal Tombs may have separate tickets and daily entry limits, so check times and availability before you go.
Kazimierz is an atmospheric former Jewish quarter with narrow streets, synagogues, many cafés and restaurants. The most popular spots are Szeroka Street with its historic houses and synagogues, Plac Nowy (famous, among other things, for zapiekanki) and the many galleries and small museums. Plan a walk through Kazimierz for the afternoon or evening - it’s a great place for dinner and live music.
Where to eat: in Kazimierz you’ll find restaurants serving Jewish-inspired and Mediterranean food, as well as cafés and bars. Well-known places include Hamsa (Middle Eastern), Café Camelot (a cosy café with a creative interior) and Restauracja Starka - each offers a different atmosphere, so check current opening times and make reservations if needed. At Plac Nowy you can sample local street snacks, including the famous zapiekanki.
1) Not reserving an Auschwitz entry card in advance - result: no entry at your preferred time. Solution: book in advance in the official system or have a plan B.
2) Buying tickets only through unknown resellers - result: high costs and risk of no confirmation. Solution: use official sales channels or trusted providers. The Museum warns against unauthorized resellers.
3) Underestimating time - especially at Auschwitz allow at least 3.5 hours on the site plus transport time. An overly tight schedule leads to rushing and stress.
4) Inappropriate clothing or large luggage - in sacred sites and museums dress respectfully; remember baggage limits and left-luggage options.
5) Ignoring announcements of closures and special opening hours - check current opening hours and closed days before you leave.
Is entry to Auschwitz paid? Entry to the Memorial site is free, but you must reserve a named entry card online. Visits with a guide-educator may be paid or require booking in the Museum’s system - check the options when you reserve.
Can I come without a reservation? Sometimes a limited number of cards are available at the entrance for that day, but there is no guarantee - the risk is not worth it. Booking online is the safest option.
How much time do I need at the Wawel? For the main routes and the Cathedral plan at least 1–2 hours, more if you want to explore in detail or see temporary exhibitions. Check which routes require separate tickets and whether entry limits apply.
Can I bring children to Auschwitz? The Museum discourages visits by children under around 14 years old because of the nature of the exhibitions. Any decision to bring younger children should be well considered.
- Although the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial operates using free entry cards, demand is so high that in practice not having a reservation can mean waiting or even giving up on a visit that day.
- Wawel actually involves two different “tickets” and two separate institutions: the Cathedral and the Royal Castle have distinct visiting rules, so treat them separately when planning your visit.
- Beyond the tourist streets, Kazimierz has quieter corners and small galleries that often escape guidebooks - to feel the true atmosphere, stray from the main routes.
Plan time - leave room for transport and unexpected delays. Book in advance where possible (especially Auschwitz entry cards and popular Wawel routes). Check current opening hours and any restrictions before leaving your hotel. Bring comfortable shoes and a water bottle - Krakow and its surroundings are best explored on foot.
If you’d like a deeper historical context or help planning a tailor-made itinerary, consider booking a private guide - Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) offers guided tours and personalized planning through zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media - it will help others plan a better visit to Krakow!
