It’s a natural question: can you see Kraków’s most important monuments and also visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial in one day? Yes — but it requires good planning and preparation. This route links Kraków’s royal and religious history (Wawel, the Cathedral, the Royal Route) with a site of profound moral and educational significance (Auschwitz-Birkenau). For many visitors the visits also have a pilgrimage and spiritual dimension — so it’s worth scheduling time for reflection.
In practice, a day that combines a walk through Kraków’s center and a visit to Oświęcim is intensive but feasible — provided you start early, reserve entrance tickets and allow time for travel and short breaks.
Below you’ll find a friendly, tried-and-tested day plan and practical tips to help you organise this route — step by step.
Note: this article is written with guests of zwiedzaniekrakowa.com in mind — if you want to personalise the route, feel free to get in touch.
The Royal Route in Kraków is the traditional walk from the city gates toward Wawel: the Barbican and Florian Gate - Floriańska Street - the Main Market Square (St. Mary’s Basilica, Cloth Hall) - Grodzka Street - Kanonicza Street - Wawel Hill (the Castle, the Cathedral).
A walk “from the outside” along this route takes about 2–2.5 hours. If you want to enter interiors (St. Mary’s Basilica, the Cathedral, Wawel state rooms, etc.), plan for 4 hours or more — depending on queues and how many sites you enter.
Auschwitz-Birkenau is outside Kraków — depending on transport it usually takes about 1 hour by car (in favourable conditions) and around 1–1.5 hours by bus. Touring the Museum grounds (Auschwitz I + Birkenau) requires at least about 3.5 hours if you want to see the exhibitions and site with proper attention.
Entry to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial requires a reservation (personalised entry pass) and, given the nature of the place, visitors are expected to behave with caution and respect. For groups the Museum recommends booking a guided visit led by an educational guide.
6:30–7:30 — start in Kraków: meet at Matejko Square (Kleparz) or Florian Gate. Early morning has fewer people and better conditions for photos and a calm telling of the story.
7:30–9:30 — a taste of the Royal Route: the Barbican, Florian Gate, Floriańska Street, and a short walk around the Main Market Square (Cloth Hall, a glimpse of the altarpiece in St. Mary’s). If you plan to enter St. Mary’s Basilica, allow extra time here (about 20–40 minutes).
9:30–11:30 — Grodzka and Kanonicza lead up to Wawel Hill: walk toward the Castle, visit the courtyard, enter the Cathedral (this is a good moment to allow time for prayer/reflection if your visit has a pilgrimage purpose) and optionally visit the castle chambers, crypts or the Sigismund Bell (if available).
11:30–12:30 — a light meal/break (café or quick lunch). This is also a good time to pick up luggage from your hotel or prepare belongings for the trip to Oświęcim.
12:30–13:30 — travel to Oświęcim: usually 1–1.5 hours by car or bus. When planning, leave a margin for traffic and possible stops.
13:30–17:00 — visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum: with a purchased entry pass or a scheduled visit with a museum educator. Assume that walking the site and exhibitions will take at least about 3.5 hours; if you take part in a longer educational programme, allow additional time.
17:00–18:30 — return to Kraków. In the evening you can rest after a full day or choose a quiet evening stroll around the Old Town.
Book in advance: entry passes to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and popular tickets for Wawel/Cathedral can sell out in high season. Online reservations are essential, especially when you combine visits with travel and have limited time.
Arrive on time: the Auschwitz Museum asks visitors to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start due to security checks and organisation of entries.
Small backpack instead of a large bag: only luggage within specified dimensions is allowed on the Museum grounds (check current rules before you go). Larger bags are better left on the coach or at the hotel.
Dress and behave appropriately for the place: both the Cathedral and the Memorial require suitable clothing and reserved behaviour. Auschwitz is a site of remembrance — avoid loud conversations and behaviour that is inappropriate for the character of the place.
Plan meals and breaks: the day will be long and emotionally demanding. Schedule short rest breaks and something to eat to avoid fatigue and tension.
Transport: a car offers the most flexibility (travel about 1–1.5 hours), but regular buses and trains also run. Check timetables and remember the time to get from the station/stop to the Museum.
Prepare children and sensitive visitors: the Museum visit can be challenging — prepare younger participants in advance and consider alternative plans if they are not ready for long and difficult content.
If your visit is a pilgrimage, plan moments for prayer and personal reflection: the Wawel Cathedral offers natural space for prayer, and the places of remembrance in Oświęcim require silence and focus.
You might plan a short stop by the “Papal window” at the Bishop’s Palace or visit graves of religious significance on Wawel Hill. At Auschwitz it is appropriate to pay tribute to the victims in silence and with due respect — the site rarely lends itself to loud ceremonies, but personal prayers and moments of contemplation are fitting.
If you plan to attend Mass or other services, check times in advance at the relevant churches — during the tourist season availability may be limited.
Remember: pilgrimage also means caring for others — be moderate and courteous toward fellow visitors and local residents.
For those who want to enter all interiors in Kraków and also spend more time in reflection at Oświęcim, combining everything into one day can be too tiring. In that case consider splitting the plan into two days: one for the Royal Route and Wawel, another for Auschwitz-Birkenau.
If you have only one day, stick to a shortened Kraków visit (an outside walk plus one interior, e.g. the Cathedral) and reserve a longer visit for the Museum. This keeps the day balanced and helps you to experience both parts more meaningfully.
General motto: it’s better to see less but more attentively than to rush and remember little.
If you like, I can prepare a personalised itinerary for you — adapted to group pace, interests (for example a stronger pilgrimage focus) and transport preferences. I can check ticket availability and advise what to book in advance.
Most important at the end: plan the day with respect for the places you visit — both for the beauty and history of Kraków and for the seriousness of the Memorial Site in Oświęcim. With good organisation this can be a valuable, moving and memorable day.
If you want to book a trip or have additional questions about opening hours, tickets or transport options — write or call via zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. I’ll be happy to help tailor the route to your needs.
Safety and respect are priorities — see you in Kraków!
