Yes — although entry to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial grounds is free of charge, you must reserve an entry card through the official reservation system. Because of high demand, it’s best to book your slot in advance.
Groups (for example school groups) must visit with a museum guide-educator; in practice group bookings and rules differ from those for individual visitors. Solo visitors can also join sessions led by an educator.
When planning your visit, arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled entry — security checks are carried out and the museum asks visitors to be punctual.
Check rules and availability in the official reservation system — that is the single reliable source for up-to-date information about available entry cards.
Keep in mind that some kinds of free entry cards (for example those for schools) require prior registration and online booking.
Allocate a minimum of about 3.5 hours to see the Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau areas and exhibitions. This is only a guideline — if you want to spend more time with specific displays, plan extra time.
Conduct on the Memorial grounds requires appropriate behavior — silence and respect are expected. Before your visit, read the museum’s visitor rules.
There are luggage limits — maximum dimensions are roughly 35 x 25 x 15 cm. Larger luggage must be left in your car or on the coach.
If there are no free entry cards in the system, that means the chosen date and type of visit is sold out. If tickets are unavailable, consider another date or an early morning slot outside peak times.
Photography has rules — in places of memory and in the exhibitions, please behave with dignity and respect for what you will see.
The Czartoryski Museum is a branch of the National Museum in Krakow and tickets are sold for a specific date and entry time. It’s a good idea to buy tickets in advance, especially during the tourist season.
Opening days and hours usually run Tuesday–Sunday; Tuesdays are often the day of free admission to permanent exhibitions. Check current hours before your visit as they can change.
Ticket prices vary by type of entry (adult, reduced, family). The museum also offers special rates for young people and other categories — some age groups pay symbolic fees.
Be aware of cloakroom restrictions — large suitcases are generally not accepted, so plan your visit without heavy luggage or leave it at your accommodation.
Tickets for exhibitions are often available online through the National Museum’s ticketing system; buying electronically guarantees entry at your chosen time.
Auschwitz and the Czartoryski Museum are very different experiences — one is a place of remembrance with heavy historical weight, the other is a unique art collection. If you want to visit both in a single day, plan carefully.
Suggested plan: travel from Krakow to Oświęcim in the morning and tour the Memorial (book an early session), then return to Krakow in the afternoon for a timed entry at the Czartoryski Museum. This schedule is intense but possible with good organization.
If you prefer a gentler pace, separate the visits across two days — the Memorial is emotionally demanding, so allow yourself time to rest afterward.
Allow for travel time — the journey from Krakow to Oświęcim takes about 1–1.5 hours each way depending on your transport and traffic.
When planning, check the opening hours of both sites for your specific dates, as schedules can vary with season or operational needs.
The easiest ways to reach Oświęcim are by car, bus or train. If you use public transport, check timetables in advance and factor in walking time and possible transfers.
The Czartoryski Museum is easy to reach on foot from Krakow’s city center or by local public transport — it’s located in the historic Old Town area.
Wear comfortable shoes and lightweight clothing — part of the Auschwitz visit is outdoors. At the Czartoryski Museum a small bag for essentials and ID for reduced tickets will be useful.
If you have large luggage, leave it at your accommodation or in a city luggage storage — museums do not always accept suitcases.
Plan breaks for food and rest — a day of intensive visiting can be tiring, so schedule time to recharge.
At the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, behave with due solemnity and respect. Silence and reflection are expected — avoid loud conversations or joking on the exhibition grounds.
Dress appropriately for a place of remembrance. Some displays have specific photography rules — if you are unsure about photographing an area, ask staff or review the regulations before entering.
In museums, including the Czartoryski Museum, do not touch exhibits unless explicitly allowed — most objects are protected and touching is forbidden.
If you are visiting with children, prepare them beforehand for the seriousness of Auschwitz and the rules in art museums.
Keeping things simple and respectful will make the visit meaningful for you and for other visitors.
Check news and any changes to opening hours or reservation rules on the official websites of both institutions before your visit.
Buy your Czartoryski Museum ticket online if you want to guarantee entry at a specific time. Reserve an entry card for Auschwitz well in advance, especially during summer and on weekends.
Plan your route and allow extra time for travel — traffic, roadworks or public transport delays can lengthen your journey.
If you want a more comfortable visit, choose morning hours outside the busiest times. Also remember that visiting emotionally heavy sites can be tiring — give yourself space to rest.
If you have questions about booking details, use the institutions’ official information channels — that gives you the most current and secure guidance.
When planning visits to Auschwitz and the Czartoryski Museum, book tickets in advance where required, allow travel time and give yourself space for reflection. These two sites offer very different but complementary perspectives on history and culture.
Online reservations are the most reliable way to secure entry — remember that reserving an entry card for Auschwitz is essential, and for the Czartoryski Museum it’s wise to buy a timed ticket.
If you’d like help tailoring a visiting plan to your dates in Krakow, I’m happy to assist — tell me when you’ll be in the city and I’ll suggest an optimal schedule.
Wishing you a calm, safe and meaningful visit. - Małgorzata Kasprowicz
Contact: zwiedzaniekrakowa.com (practical information and help planning visits)
Q: Can I bring large luggage? A: No — large suitcases are usually not accepted. Leave big bags at your accommodation or use city luggage storage.
Q: Are photos allowed? A: Photography rules differ — in many outdoor areas photos are permitted but in indoor exhibitions you must follow museum rules and behave respectfully. Avoid flash and tripods.
Q: Are there places to eat nearby? A: In Krakow’s Old Town you’ll find many options for lunch or coffee. Nearby, consider traditional or recommended places such as Pod Aniołami, Wierzynek, or cozy cafés like Cafe Camelot. For quick bites, local milk bars and cafés around the Main Square are convenient.
Q: Is it possible to visit both sites comfortably in one day? A: Yes, but it will be a long day. For a less rushed experience, split the visits across two days.
Tip: Keep a printed or saved copy of your ticket/reservation and bring ID for reduced-price tickets. Wear layers and comfortable shoes, and carry a small water bottle for the Czartoryski visit.
