A Journey Through History: Your Complete Guide to Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp, Poland

There are places in this world that demand we pause, reflect, and remember. Places where the weight of history presses down with such intensity that you can feel it in your bones. Auschwitz-Birkenau is one of those places. But let me tell you right from the start—this isn’t your typical travel blog post filled with sunshine, laughter, and Instagram-perfect moments. This is about something far more profound, far more important, and yes, far more uncomfortable.

I’ve walked through countless cities, explored ancient ruins, and stood in awe of natural wonders. But nothing—and I mean nothing—prepared me for the experience of standing beneath the infamous “Arbeit Macht Frei” gate at Auschwitz I, or walking along those haunting railway tracks that cut through the endless expanse of Birkenau. This visit will change you. It will challenge you. And it will remind you why we must never, ever forget the darkest chapters of human history.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably planning a trip to Poland, specifically to Kraków and the surrounding region. You’re trying to figure out the logistics—how to get there, what to expect, where to stay, how much it costs. But more than that, you’re probably wondering how to prepare yourself emotionally for one of the most powerful experiences you’ll ever have. I’m here to walk you through all of it, from the practical details to the emotional preparation, because visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau requires both your head and your heart to be ready.

Let me be completely honest with you: this place will haunt you long after you leave. The silence that hangs over those barracks, the empty shoes piled behind glass, the photographs of faces that will never grow old—these images will stay with you forever. But that’s exactly why you should go, because remembering is our responsibility. Because bearing witness matters. Because the 1.1 million people who perished here deserve to be more than statistics in a history book.

Why Auschwitz-Birkenau Should Be On Your Travel Itinerary

Before we dive into the practical details, let’s talk about why visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is one of the most important journeys you’ll ever make. This isn’t “dark tourism” or morbid curiosity—it’s education, commemoration, and a stark reminder of what hatred and intolerance can lead to.

Auschwitz-Birkenau was the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp established during World War II. Located in Oświęcim, about 66 kilometers west of Kraków, this complex consisted of multiple camps: Auschwitz I (the original camp), Auschwitz II-Birkenau (the extermination camp), and Auschwitz III-Monowitz (a labor camp), along with numerous subcamps. Between 1940 and 1945, over 1.1 million people—primarily Jews, but also Poles, Roma, Soviet prisoners of war, and others—were murdered here in what became the most efficient killing machine in the Nazi genocide.

Today, the site serves as both a memorial to those who died and a museum dedicated to Holocaust education. In 1979, UNESCO designated Auschwitz-Birkenau as a World Heritage Site, recognizing its universal significance and the importance of preserving it for future generations. Every year, over 2 million visitors from around the world come to pay their respects, learn about this dark period of history, and ensure that these atrocities are never forgotten.

Walking through Auschwitz-Birkenau isn’t easy. You’ll see the barracks where prisoners were crammed together in inhumane conditions. You’ll walk past the ruins of gas chambers and crematoria. You’ll stand in front of exhibits displaying the belongings of victims—suitcases with names still visible, piles of shoes, human hair, and children’s clothing. These aren’t just historical artifacts; they’re the last traces of real people who had dreams, families, and futures that were brutally stolen from them.

But here’s what I want you to understand: this visit is not optional if you care about humanity. It’s not something you do because it’s on a “must-see” list. You visit Auschwitz-Birkenau because bearing witness is a moral obligation. You visit because forgetting is not an option. You visit because in today’s world, where hatred and division still threaten communities, understanding the consequences of prejudice has never been more crucial.

Planning Your Visit: Everything You Need to Know

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty details. Planning a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau requires some advance preparation, and I’m going to walk you through every single step so you can focus on the experience itself rather than worrying about logistics.

Getting to Auschwitz-Birkenau from Kraków

Most visitors to Auschwitz-Birkenau base themselves in Kraków, Poland’s second-largest city and a stunning destination in its own right. Kraków is approximately 66 kilometers (about 41 miles) from Oświęcim, where the camps are located. You have several transportation options, each with its own advantages.

Option 1: Organized Tours with Transportation

This is hands-down the easiest and most hassle-free option, especially if you’re short on time or prefer not to navigate public transportation in a foreign country. Numerous tour operators offer full-day excursions from Kraków that include round-trip transportation, skip-the-line entrance, and a guided tour with a licensed educator.

I highly recommend booking through GetYourGuide, which offers comprehensive Auschwitz-Birkenau tours with hotel pickup, professional English-speaking guides, and entrance fees included. Prices typically range from €39 to €70 per person, depending on the type of tour (group or private) and what’s included. The beauty of these tours is that they handle everything—you’ll be picked up from your hotel or a central meeting point in Kraków, driven directly to the memorial, provided with headsets so you can hear your guide clearly, and then transported back to Kraków afterward. The entire experience takes about 6-7 hours.

Option 2: Public Bus

If you’re traveling on a budget and don’t mind a bit of adventure, the public bus is an excellent option. The Lajkonik bus company operates regular services from Kraków’s Main Bus Station (MDA) directly to the Auschwitz Museum. Buses depart multiple times daily (approximately 6:20 AM, 8:40 AM, 9:40 AM, 11:10 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:45 PM, 3:50 PM, 4:55 PM, and 7:05 PM). The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, and a one-way ticket costs around 20 PLN (approximately €4-5).

The bus drops you off right at the museum entrance, which is incredibly convenient. Just remember that you’ll still need to book your entry pass to the memorial in advance online—the bus ticket doesn’t include museum admission.

Option 3: Train

Trains from Kraków’s Main Railway Station to Oświęcim run regularly throughout the day. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, and a one-way ticket costs about 12.50 PLN (roughly €3). However, here’s the catch: Oświęcim railway station is about 2 kilometers from the Auschwitz Museum entrance, so you’ll need to either walk (about 20-25 minutes) or take a local bus to the museum. The train is reliable and comfortable, but the additional walking or bus transfer makes it slightly less convenient than the direct bus option.

Option 4: Private Car or Rental

If you’ve rented a car for your Poland adventure or prefer the flexibility of driving yourself, the journey from Kraków to Auschwitz takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes via the A4 motorway. There’s paid parking available at both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau (around 20 PLN for the day). This option gives you complete control over your schedule, but keep in mind you’ll still need to navigate Poland’s roads and deal with parking.

For a hassle-free car rental experience, check out GetRentacar, which compares prices from multiple rental companies to help you find the best deals in Kraków.

Booking Your Entry Pass: Essential Information

Here’s something crucial you need to understand: You cannot just show up at Auschwitz-Birkenau without a pre-booked entry pass. The museum has implemented a reservation system to manage visitor numbers and ensure everyone can have a meaningful, safe experience. Entry passes are limited and often book up weeks or even months in advance, especially during peak tourist season (June through August).

Entry to Auschwitz-Birkenau is FREE, but that’s only half the story. Let me break down your options:

Self-Guided Visit (Free)

You can visit Auschwitz-Birkenau on your own without a guide, but these slots are extremely limited and only available during specific afternoon hours:

• January and November: From 2:00 PM onward
• February: From 3:00 PM onward
• March and October: From 4:00 PM onward
• April through September: From 5:00 PM onward

These free self-guided slots book up incredibly fast—sometimes within minutes of becoming available. Reservations open 90 days in advance at exactly 12:00 PM (noon) Central European Time on the official website (visit.auschwitz.org).

Guided Tour with Educator (Highly Recommended)

For the fullest understanding of what you’re seeing, I cannot stress enough how valuable a guided tour is. Licensed educators who work at the museum provide tours in multiple languages, including English, Polish, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, and many others.

The standard guided tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours and covers both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. The cost is 130 PLN (about €29-30) per person for English-language tours. This fee includes your educator, headsets (so you can hear the guide even in a group), and transportation via shuttle bus between the two camp sites.

Tours are available throughout the day, with English tours typically departing every hour between 8:30 AM and 2:30 PM (schedules vary by season). You can book these directly through the official website or through tour operators like GetYourGuide, which often bundle the guided tour with transportation from Kraków.

Study Tours

For those seeking an even deeper educational experience, the museum offers study tours lasting 6 hours or longer. These are ideal for students, educators, or anyone wanting a more comprehensive understanding of the Holocaust and the camp’s history.

Opening Hours: When Can You Visit?

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is open year-round, seven days a week, with only three exceptions: January 1st, Easter Sunday, and December 25th. The museum may also close temporarily during official state visits, so always check the website before your visit.

Opening hours vary significantly by season:

• December: 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM
• January and November: 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM
• February: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
• March and October: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
• April, May, and September: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• June, July, and August: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM

These times indicate when the last visitors are admitted. You’re allowed to stay on the grounds for 90 minutes after the last admission time, so in August, for example, you could explore until 8:30 PM.

Pro tip: Visit as early in the morning as possible, ideally arriving right when the museum opens at 7:30 AM. You’ll avoid the largest crowds, have a more contemplative experience, and the cooler morning temperatures (especially in summer) make the extensive walking more comfortable.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Your visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau will be divided between two main sites: Auschwitz I (the original camp) and Auschwitz II-Birkenau (the massive extermination camp located about 3.5 kilometers away). The museum provides free shuttle buses between the two sites for visitors on guided tours.

Auschwitz I: The Main Camp

Your tour typically begins at Auschwitz I, where you’ll pass through the infamous gate bearing the cruelly ironic phrase “Arbeit Macht Frei” (“Work Sets You Free”). This camp, originally designed to hold Polish political prisoners, later became an administrative center and the site where the Nazis perfected their killing methods.

At Auschwitz I, you’ll visit:

• The preserved barracks (called “blocks”), many of which now house exhibitions. Each national pavilion (Poland, Hungary, France, Netherlands, Belgium, etc.) presents the stories of victims from their country.
• Block 4, which contains one of the most harrowing exhibits—displays of victims’ belongings, including thousands of shoes, suitcases, eyeglasses, and human hair. Photography is forbidden in the room displaying hair out of respect for the victims.
• Block 11, known as the “Death Block,” served as a prison within the prison. The basement contains standing cells where prisoners were tortured. Photography is also prohibited in this basement.
• The Death Wall, a reconstructed wall in the courtyard between Blocks 10 and 11, where thousands of prisoners were executed by firing squad.
• Crematorium I, the first gas chamber and crematorium used at Auschwitz, which has been partially reconstructed.

Auschwitz II-Birkenau: The Extermination Camp

After Auschwitz I, you’ll be transported to Birkenau, which is both more overwhelming in its scale and more haunting in its emptiness. This is where the majority of murders took place—up to 20,000 people per day at the height of the genocide in 1944.

At Birkenau, you’ll see:

• The railway ramp (Judenrampe) where trains carrying deportees arrived. This is where the infamous “selections” took place—Nazi doctors would immediately decide who would be sent to forced labor and who would be sent directly to the gas chambers (typically children, the elderly, and those deemed unfit for work).
• The iconic gatehouse (the “Gate of Death”) through which the railway tracks run is one of the most recognizable images associated with the Holocaust.
• Hundreds of barracks (or their chimneys, as many were destroyed), stretching as far as the eye can see. Some barracks are preserved and open for viewing, showing the appalling conditions in which prisoners were forced to live.
• The ruins of four large gas chambers and crematoria (Kremas II-V), which were blown up by the SS in January 1945 in an attempt to destroy evidence before the Soviet liberation.
• The International Monument to the Victims of Fascism, where you can leave flowers or light candles in remembrance.

The sheer size of Birkenau—175 hectares—is almost incomprehensible. As you stand on the railway ramp looking toward the ruins of the crematoria in the distance, the scope of the genocide becomes terrifyingly clear.

Costs and Budget: Planning Your Trip Financially

Let’s talk money, because I know budget is a real concern for many travelers. The good news is that visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau and the surrounding area is relatively affordable compared to many European destinations.

Daily Budget Breakdown

Budget Traveler (€40-60 per day)

If you’re backpacking or traveling on a tight budget, Poland—and specifically the Kraków region—is wonderfully affordable. Here’s what you can expect:

• Accommodation: Hostels in Kraków range from €10-20 per night for a dorm bed. If you prefer staying closer to Auschwitz in Oświęcim, budget guesthouses and hostels cost around €15-25 per night. Check Booking.com for the best deals on budget accommodation.
• Food: Eating at milk bars (bar mleczny)—traditional Polish cafeteria-style restaurants—you can get a full meal for €3-5. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs €8-12. Breakfast at a bakery (coffee and pastry) runs about €2-3.
• Transportation: Public bus or train to Auschwitz: €4-8 round trip. Local transportation in Kraków: €3-5 per day.
• Auschwitz guided tour: €29-30 if booked directly through the museum.

Mid-Range Traveler (€70-120 per day)

Most travelers fall into this category, seeking comfortable accommodation and dining experiences without breaking the bank.

• Accommodation: Three-star hotels or nice apartments in Kraków cost €40-70 per night. Welcome Pickups offers professional airport transfer services starting around €20, making your arrival smooth and stress-free.
• Food: Breakfast at your hotel: €10-15. Lunch at a restaurant: €15-20. Dinner at a nice restaurant with drinks: €25-35.
• Transportation: Organized tour to Auschwitz with transportation from Kraków: €45-70.
• Activities: Add another €20-40 for additional attractions like Wieliczka Salt Mine or Schindler’s Factory.

Luxury Traveler (€150+ per day)

If comfort is your priority, Kraków offers excellent luxury options at prices that would be considered mid-range in Western Europe.

• Accommodation: Five-star hotels in Kraków’s Old Town: €100-200+ per night.
• Food: Fine dining experiences: €50-80 per person for dinner.
• Transportation: Private guided tour with personal driver: €150-250.
• Extras: VIP experiences and private guides available.

Essential Travel Services and Costs

Travel Insurance

Before you even think about boarding that plane, get comprehensive travel insurance. VisitorsCoverage offers excellent plans specifically designed for international travelers, covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and unexpected events. Plans typically start around €20-40 for a week-long trip.

Money Matters

Poland uses the Polish Złoty (PLN), and while many places accept credit cards, cash is still widely used, especially at smaller establishments and for things like bus tickets.

Opening a Revolut or Wise account before your trip is a game-changer. Both offer excellent exchange rates, low fees, and the ability to hold multiple currencies. You can get a physical card for free and use it throughout Poland without the ridiculous foreign transaction fees that traditional banks charge. I saved probably €50-70 on fees alone during my two-week Poland trip just by using Revolut.

Staying Connected

Don’t waste money on expensive roaming charges! Yesim offers affordable eSIM cards specifically for travelers—you can get data plans for Poland starting around €5-15, depending on how much data you need. Just download the app, purchase your plan, and activate it when you arrive. No physical SIM card needed, no hunting for mobile shops.

Flights

For booking flights to Kraków (John Paul II International Airport), CheapOair consistently offers competitive prices and flexible booking options. If you’re flying from within Europe, budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air offer incredibly cheap flights (sometimes as low as €20-40), though watch out for baggage fees.

Where to Stay: Accommodation Recommendations

While Auschwitz-Birkenau is located in Oświęcim, I strongly recommend basing yourself in Kraków unless you’re on an extremely tight schedule. Kraków is a vibrant, beautiful city with incredible history, stunning architecture, fantastic food, and lively nightlife—it’s worth spending several days exploring.

Staying in Kraków

Budget Options

Kraków has a fantastic hostel scene, especially in the Old Town and Kazimierz (the historic Jewish quarter) neighborhoods:

• Mosquito Hostel (from €12/night): Consistently rated one of the best hostels in Europe, with clean dorms, friendly staff, and a great social atmosphere.
• Greg & Tom Hostel (from €15/night): Excellent location near the Main Market Square, modern facilities, and comfortable beds.
• Bubble Hostel (from €10/night): Budget-friendly option close to major attractions.

Mid-Range Hotels

• Hotel Indigo Kraków Old Town (from €80/night): Boutique hotel with stylish rooms and excellent location.
• Puro Hotel Kraków (from €90/night): Modern, trendy hotel near the train station with a rooftop bar.
• Aparthotel Cracowdays (from €60/night): Spacious apartments perfect for longer stays or families.

Check Booking.com for the latest prices and deals—they often have promotions that can save you 15-20% on accommodations.

Luxury Options

• Hotel Copernicus (from €180/night): Five-star luxury in a historic building with spa, fine dining, and impeccable service.
• Hotel Stary (from €160/night): Award-winning interior design, rooftop restaurant, and prime location on the Main Market Square.

Staying in Oświęcim (Near Auschwitz)

If you prefer staying close to Auschwitz-Birkenau, Oświęcim has several accommodation options, though the town itself has limited attractions beyond the memorial:

• Hampton by Hilton Oświęcim (from €70/night): Modern hotel overlooking the river, comfortable rooms, breakfast included.
• Hotel Galicja Wellness & Spa (from €60/night): Good value with spa facilities and restaurant.
• Second Home Hostel (from €25/night): Highly rated budget option with friendly atmosphere.

Rules, Etiquette, and Emotional Preparation

This section is absolutely crucial, and I need you to read it carefully. Auschwitz-Birkenau is not a typical tourist attraction—it’s a cemetery, a memorial, and a sacred place where over a million people were murdered. Your behavior and attitude matter enormously.

Visitor Rules and Regulations

The museum has strict rules designed to maintain the dignity of the site and respect for the victims:

What’s Prohibited:

• Large bags: Only bags smaller than 30 x 20 x 10 cm are allowed inside. Larger bags must be stored in lockers (5 PLN, card payment only).
• Food and drinks: No eating, drinking, or chewing gum on the grounds. Smoking (including e-cigarettes) is strictly forbidden.
• Inappropriate behavior: Loud talking, laughing, running, or any behavior that disrupts the solemnity of the site.
• Inappropriate clothing: While there’s no formal dress code, dress modestly and respectfully. Avoid tank tops, very short shorts, beachwear, or clothing with offensive slogans. Think about what you’d wear to a funeral—that’s the appropriate level.
• Selfies and inappropriate photos: While photography is generally permitted, selfies (especially smiling ones) and posing for photos are deeply disrespectful and will rightfully draw criticism from other visitors and staff.
• Flash photography and tripods: Not allowed inside buildings.
• Photography in specific areas: Completely forbidden in the victims’ hair room (Block 4) and the basement of Block 11. Signs are clearly posted.
• Touching exhibits or structures: Never touch any part of the exhibits, buildings, or structures.
• Removing anything: Don’t take stones, plants, or anything else from the site as “souvenirs.”
• Mobile phones: Silence your phone and don’t make calls inside exhibition buildings.
• Baby strollers: Not allowed inside buildings (baby carriers are fine).
• Drones: Forbidden without special permission.

How to Behave Respectfully

Keep Your Voice Low: Throughout your visit, speak quietly and respectfully. This is especially important in exhibition buildings and near execution sites.

Observe Moments of Silence: When your guide pauses for reflection or when you’re in particularly significant locations (gas chambers, the Death Wall, etc.), remain completely silent.

Dress Appropriately: Cover your shoulders and knees. Avoid flashy, bright clothing or anything that might draw attention. This isn’t the place for fashion statements.

Be Mindful of Photography: If you take photos (which is allowed in most areas), do so thoughtfully and respectfully. Focus on documenting the site’s historical significance, not on capturing yourself. Ask yourself: “Would this photo honor the memory of the victims?” If the answer is no, don’t take it.

Don’t Photograph Other Visitors: Unless you have their explicit permission.

Follow Your Guide’s Instructions: Your educator is there not just to provide information but to ensure proper behavior and flow through the site.

Give Yourself Time to Process: Don’t rush through the visit or treat it like a checklist. Allow the weight of what you’re witnessing to sink in.

Emotional Preparation

I won’t sugarcoat this: visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau is emotionally devastating. You may cry. You may feel angry, sick, overwhelmed, numb, or a confusing mix of all these emotions. All of these reactions are completely normal.

Before Your Visit:

• Read about the Holocaust and familiarize yourself with the history. Understanding the context will make your visit more meaningful.
• Prepare yourself mentally for what you’ll see: disturbing images, artifacts from victims, gas chambers, and more.
• Eat a good breakfast. The tour involves extensive walking (several hours on your feet), and the emotional toll is draining. You need energy.
• Bring water (you can carry it, but just don’t drink inside buildings).

During Your Visit:

• Give yourself permission to feel whatever emotions arise. Don’t suppress them.
• If you need a moment, step aside quietly to collect yourself.
• Take breaks when needed. There are benches throughout both sites.
• Remember that laughter or nervous behavior doesn’t necessarily mean someone is disrespectful—some people process trauma and discomfort through these reactions.

After Your Visit:

• Allow yourself time to decompress. Don’t schedule anything immediately afterward if possible.
• Talking about your experience with others can help process what you’ve seen.
• Journaling can be therapeutic.
• Expect the experience to stay with you—images, stories, and emotions may resurface days, weeks, or even years later.

Many visitors report that their Auschwitz-Birkenau experience fundamentally changed their perspective on humanity, tolerance, and the importance of speaking out against injustice. That transformation, as difficult as it is, is precisely why this visit matters so much.

Beyond Auschwitz: Exploring Kraków and Surroundings

While Auschwitz-Birkenau is undoubtedly the primary reason many people visit this region, Kraków and the surrounding area offer incredible experiences that balance the heavy emotional weight of the memorial visit.

Kraków: Poland’s Cultural Gem

Kraków is absolutely enchanting—a city that somehow survived World War II largely intact, preserving its medieval architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Plan to spend at least 2-3 full days exploring this remarkable city.

Main Market Square (Rynek Główny)

The heart of Kraków is the Main Market Square, which at 40,000 square meters is the largest medieval town square in Europe. It’s a stunning space surrounded by colorful townhouses, historic buildings, and bustling with life at all hours.

Don’t miss:

• St. Mary’s Basilica: A magnificent 14th-century Gothic church with two towers of different heights. Every hour on the hour, a trumpeter plays the Hejnał Mariacki (bugle call) from the taller tower, suddenly stopping mid-tune to commemorate a legendary trumpeter who was shot in the throat while warning the city of a Mongol attack in the 13th century. Entrance to the basilica costs about 15 PLN (€3-4), and it’s absolutely worth it to see the stunning wooden altarpiece by Veit Stoss.
• Cloth Hall (Sukiennice): This beautiful Renaissance building in the center of the square has been a trading hub since the 13th century. The ground floor is filled with stalls selling souvenirs, amber jewelry, and Polish handicrafts (yes, it’s touristy, but the quality is generally good). The upper floor houses an art gallery with 19th-century Polish paintings (entrance around 20 PLN/€4-5).
• Town Hall Tower: Climb the 110 steps to the top for panoramic views of the city (entrance 15 PLN/€3-4). Open April through October.

The square is also ringed with cafes and restaurants—perfect for people-watching over coffee or trying traditional Polish food. Just be aware that prices here are higher than elsewhere in the city (but still reasonable by Western European standards).

Wawel Castle and Cathedral

Perched on a hill overlooking the Vistula River, Wawel Royal Castle was the residence of Polish kings for centuries and remains a powerful symbol of Polish national identity. The castle complex includes several museums, royal apartments, and the stunning Wawel Cathedral, where Polish monarchs were crowned and buried.

Entry to the castle grounds is free, but individual exhibitions require separate tickets (10-30 PLN/€2-7 each, depending on the exhibition). Book online in advance as daily visitor numbers are limited.

Don’t miss the Dragon’s Den—a cave beneath the castle hill where, according to legend, a dragon once lived. You can descend into the cave and emerge near the riverside, where a metal dragon statue breathes real fire every few minutes (free to visit, kids absolutely love this).

Kazimierz: The Jewish Quarter

Kazimierz is one of Kraków’s most atmospheric neighborhoods—the historic Jewish quarter that dates back to the 14th century. Before World War II, Kazimierz was a thriving center of Jewish life. Today, it’s been revitalized as a trendy area filled with cafes, art galleries, vintage shops, and memorials to its Jewish heritage.

Must-visits in Kazimierz:

• Old Synagogue: Now a museum documenting Jewish culture and history in Poland (15 PLN/€3-4).
• Remuh Synagogue and Cemetery: One of the oldest surviving Jewish cemeteries in Europe (15 PLN/€3-4).
• Schindler’s Factory: Now a museum dedicated to Kraków under Nazi occupation, telling the story of Oskar Schindler, the German industrialist who saved over 1,000 Jews by employing them in his enamelware factory. The museum uses innovative multimedia exhibitions to recreate wartime Kraków. Entry is 32 PLN (€7-8), but tickets must be booked in advance online as numbers are limited. This pairs naturally with your Auschwitz visit as part of understanding the Holocaust.

Book a combined tour to Schindler’s Factory and Auschwitz through GetYourGuide for a comprehensive World War II historical experience.

Wieliczka Salt Mine

Just 10 kilometers from Kraków, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of Poland’s most popular attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This isn’t your average cave tour—the salt mine is a stunning underground world that has been operational since the 13th century.

The standard tourist route descends 135 meters underground and covers over 3 kilometers through chambers, corridors, and chapels carved entirely from rock salt. The highlight is the breathtaking St. Kinga’s Chapel, an underground church 54 meters high, with chandeliers made from salt crystals, intricate carvings, and even a salt sculpture of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper.

Be warned: you’ll descend over 400 steps at the beginning and climb 800+ steps total during the tour (though there’s an elevator option at the end). The tour lasts about 2.5 hours and costs around 89 PLN (€19-20) for adults.

The easiest way to visit is by booking a combined Wieliczka Salt Mine and Schindler’s Factory tour through GetYourGuide, which includes transportation and skip-the-line tickets (around €55-70 per person).

Other Attractions Worth Visiting

• Planty Park: A lovely green belt that encircles the Old Town, perfect for a peaceful walk.
• Rynek Underground Museum: Beneath the Main Market Square, this multimedia museum shows the medieval history of Kraków (30 PLN/€6-7).
• National Museum: Extensive collection of Polish art (25 PLN/€5-6).
• Pharmacy Under the Eagle: Located in Podgórze (the site of the Jewish ghetto), this moving museum tells the story of pharmacist Tadeusz Pankiewicz, who helped Jews during the Nazi occupation (free entry, donations appreciated).

Sustainable and Responsible Tourism: Your Impact Matters

As travelers, we have a responsibility to minimize our negative impact and maximize our positive contributions to the places we visit. This is especially important at sensitive sites like Auschwitz-Birkenau and in cities like Kraków that are dealing with overtourism.

Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau Responsibly

Respect the Memorial’s Purpose: Remember that Auschwitz-Birkenau is fundamentally a cemetery and memorial, not a tourist attraction. Every decision you make—from how you dress to how you photograph—should reflect this understanding.

Book Official Tours: Always book through the official Auschwitz Museum website or reputable tour operators. Avoid unlicensed guides or tours that make light of the site’s significance.

Support the Museum: Consider making a donation to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation, which works to preserve the site for future generations. The memorial requires constant maintenance and conservation work.

Educate Yourself Beforehand: The more you know before you visit, the more meaningful your experience will be. Read books, watch documentaries, and visit the museum’s educational resources online.

Share Thoughtfully: If you post about your visit on social media, do so respectfully. Explain why the visit mattered to you and what you learned, rather than treating it as just another destination you checked off a list.

Sustainable Travel in Kraków

Use Public Transportation: Kraków has an excellent tram and bus system. A 24-hour ticket costs just 20 PLN (€4-5) and allows unlimited travel. Walking and cycling are also great options—the Old Town is very walkable.

Support Local Businesses: Choose locally-owned restaurants, shops, and accommodations over international chains. Eat at milk bars and family-run restaurants. Buy souvenirs from local artisans rather than mass-produced imports.

Reduce Waste: Bring a reusable water bottle (tap water in Poland is safe to drink), say no to plastic bags, and carry your own shopping bags.

Visit Off-Season: If possible, visit Kraków and Auschwitz during shoulder season (March-May or September-November) rather than the peak summer months. You’ll find fewer crowds, better prices, and locals will appreciate spreading tourism throughout the year.

Stay Longer, Travel Slower: Instead of rushing through Poland in a few days, spend more time in fewer places. This reduces your transportation carbon footprint and allows you to experience places more deeply.

Learn Basic Polish: Even just learning “thank you” (dziękuję, pronounced “jen-koo-yeh”), “please” (proszę, pronounced “pro-sheh”), and “hello” (cześć, pronounced “cheshch”) shows respect for local culture. Poles appreciate when visitors make the effort, even if their pronunciation isn’t perfect.

Respect Residential Areas: Remember that people live in Kraków’s Old Town and Kazimierz. Keep noise levels down, especially at night, and treat residential streets with the same respect you’d want for your own neighborhood.

Choose Ethical Tour Operators: Support tour companies that employ local guides, pay fair wages, and give back to the community. GetYourGuide partners with licensed, professional operators and clearly shows company ratings and reviews.

Food and Dining: Experiencing Polish Cuisine

One of the joys of visiting Poland is the food! Polish cuisine is hearty, comforting, and delicious—perfect after a long day of sightseeing.

Must-Try Polish Dishes

Pierogi: These are Polish dumplings filled with various ingredients—the most traditional are ruskie (with potato and cheese), meat, sauerkraut, and mushrooms, or sweet versions with fruit. You haven’t truly experienced Poland until you’ve eaten pierogi. Expect to pay 15-25 PLN (€3-6) for a generous portion of 8-10 pierogi.

Żurek: A sour rye soup often served in a bread bowl, with sausage and hard-boiled egg. Perfect comfort food, especially on a cold day. Cost: 15-20 PLN (€3-5).

Bigos: Known as “hunter’s stew,” this hearty dish combines sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, various meats, and sausage. Costs around 20-30 PLN (€4-7).

Kotlet Schabowy: The Polish version of schnitzel—a breaded pork cutlet usually served with potatoes and cabbage salad. Expect to pay 25-35 PLN (€5-8).

Placki Ziemniaczane: Potato pancakes served with sour cream or goulash. Delicious and filling for about 20-25 PLN (€4-6).

Where to Eat in Kraków

Milk Bars (Bar Mleczny): These cafeteria-style restaurants are a Polish institution—serving traditional home cooking at incredibly cheap prices. The atmosphere is no-frills, but the food is authentic and the prices unbeatable. Try:

• Bar Mleczny Pod Temidą: Central location, full meal for €3-5.
• Bar Grodzki: Near Wawel Castle, popular with locals.

Mid-Range Restaurants:

• Pod Aniołami: Medieval cellar restaurant with traditional Polish cuisine and a unique atmosphere (mains €10-15).
• Morskie Oko: Specializes in food from the Tatra Mountains region, including delicious cheese dishes (mains €8-12).
• Restauracja Starka: Traditional Polish food with a modern twist in Kazimierz (mains €12-18).

Fine Dining:

• Copernicus: Michelin-recommended restaurant in the Old Town (expect €50-80 per person).
• Bottiglieria 1881: Italian-Polish fusion in a historic building (€40-60 per person).

Budget-Friendly Eating Tips

• Eat your main meal at lunch when many restaurants offer fixed-price menus (menu dnia) for 20-35 PLN (€4-8) including soup, main course, and drink.
• Visit bakeries for breakfast—coffee and pastry for under €3.
• Shop at grocery stores like Biedronka, Lidl, or Aldi for snacks and drinks.
• Street food is generally safe and delicious—try zapiekanka (open-faced baguette pizza) in Kazimierz for about 10-15 PLN (€2-3).

Sample Itinerary: Making the Most of Your Visit

Here’s a suggested 4-day itinerary combining Auschwitz-Birkenau with the best of Kraków:

Day 1: Arrival and Kraków Old Town

• Arrive in Kraków, check into your accommodation (book through Booking.com)
• Afternoon: Explore Main Market Square, visit St. Mary’s Basilica, and Cloth Hall
• Climb the Town Hall Tower for sunset views
• Dinner at a traditional restaurant in the Old Town
• Evening: Stroll through Planty Park

Day 2: Auschwitz-Birkenau

• Early morning departure for Auschwitz-Birkenau (7-8 AM, book tour through GetYourGuide)
• Guided tour of Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau (3.5-4 hours)
• Return to Kraków (arrive around 3-4 PM)
• Evening: Light dinner, early night—you’ll be emotionally exhausted

Day 3: Wieliczka Salt Mine and Kazimierz

• Morning: Visit Wieliczka Salt Mine (book tour through GetYourGuide)
• Afternoon: Explore the Kazimierz neighborhood
• Visit Old Synagogue and Remuh Cemetery
• Tour Schindler’s Factory (book tickets in advance)
• Evening: Dinner in Kazimierz (great restaurant scene)
• Sample local Jewish cuisine or grab pierogi at a local spot

Day 4: Wawel Castle and Departure

• Morning: Visit Wawel Royal Castle and Cathedral (book tickets online)
• Explore the Dragon’s Den
• Last-minute souvenir shopping at Cloth Hall or local shops
• Departure

Practical Tips and Final Advice

Language: While many people in Kraków speak English (especially in tourist areas), learning a few Polish phrases is appreciated:

• Dzień dobry (jen-DOH-bree) – Good morning/day
• Dziękuję (jen-KOO-yeh) – Thank you
• Proszę (PRO-sheh) – Please/You’re welcome
• Przepraszam (pshe-PRA-sham) – Excuse me/Sorry
• Nie rozumiem (nyeh ro-ZOO-myem) – I don’t understand

Currency Exchange: Avoid exchange offices at the airport or train station—they offer terrible rates. Use ATMs instead (with Revolut or Wise to avoid fees) or exchange offices in the Old Town that display their rates clearly.

Safety: Kraków is very safe, but use common sense. Watch your belongings in crowded tourist areas, and be cautious of pickpockets on public transportation.

Weather: Poland has four distinct seasons:

• Summer (June-August): Warm and sunny, but crowded and more expensive. Pack light layers and sunscreen.
• Spring/Fall (March-May, September-November): Ideal visiting times—mild weather, fewer crowds, beautiful colors. Pack layers and a rain jacket.
• Winter (December-February): Cold and snowy, but magical Christmas markets. Pack warm clothes, but the hotels are heated well.

Tipping: In restaurants, 10-15% is standard if you’re happy with the service. Round up for taxis and leave small tips for hotel staff.

Bathrooms: Public restrooms usually charge 2-5 PLN (€0.50-1). Carry small change. Bathrooms at museums and restaurants are free for customers.

Internet: Most restaurants, cafes, hotels, and hostels offer free WiFi. For mobile data, use Yesim eSIM for easy, affordable connectivity.

Conclusion: Your Journey of Remembrance

As I wrap up this comprehensive guide, I want to leave you with a few final thoughts about what visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau truly means—because this isn’t just about checking a box on your travel bucket list. This is about something infinitely more important.

When you walk through that gate bearing the lie “Arbeit Macht Frei,” when you stand in front of the piles of shoes that once belonged to murdered children, when you look at the photographs of people whose lives were stolen—you’re not just a tourist. You become a witness. And in a world where Holocaust denial persists, where antisemitism is rising again, where hatred continues to divide communities, your role as a witness matters more than ever.

The Holocaust wasn’t some ancient history that happened in a distant, barbaric age. It happened within living memory, in one of the most educated, cultured societies in Europe at the time. It happened because ordinary people made choices—some to perpetrate evil, some to stand by and do nothing, and a precious few to resist and help. Every single day, we all make similar choices about how we respond to injustice, hatred, and the suffering of others.

Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau will break your heart. It should break your heart. But it should also steel your resolve to be the kind of person who would have helped, who would have resisted, who would have spoken out. It should inspire you to recognize the early warning signs of hatred and dehumanization in your own time and place. It should motivate you to treat every person you meet with dignity and respect, regardless of their religion, ethnicity, or background.

Poland, and particularly Kraków, offers you an incredible journey—one that combines profound historical education with stunning beauty, warm hospitality, delicious food, and rich culture. You’ll spend days wandering cobblestone streets, marveling at medieval architecture, descending into astonishing salt mines, and yes, confronting the darkest chapter of human history.

When you return home (and you will carry Auschwitz home with you in your heart), share what you learned. Tell people about your experience. Educate others. Combat Holocaust denial with the weight of your personal testimony as a witness to that place. Support Holocaust education in your community. Stand up against hatred in all its forms. Donate to organizations that preserve Holocaust memory and combat contemporary antisemitism and racism.

The 1.1 million people who died at Auschwitz-Birkenau can no longer speak for themselves. But you can speak for them. You can ensure they are remembered. You can help prevent history from repeating itself.

So book that trip. Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau. Learn. Witness. Remember. And then come back and be the change this world desperately needs.

Before you go, make sure you’ve got everything sorted:

✅ Book your Auschwitz-Birkenau entry pass or guided tour through GetYourGuide
✅ Find your accommodation in Kraków on Booking.com
✅ Get travel insurance through VisitorsCoverage
✅ Set up your Revolut or Wise account for easy currency exchange
✅ Purchase your Yesim eSIM for mobile data
✅ Book your Welcome Pickups airport transfer
✅ Check flight prices on CheapOair
✅ Reserve any rental cars through GetRentacar

I’d love to hear about your experience! Have you visited Auschwitz-Birkenau? Are you planning to go? What questions do you still have? Write me at contact@atinytraveler.com.

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Share this post with anyone planning a trip to Poland—knowledge and remembrance are the most important souvenirs we can carry with us. Safe travels, and may your journey be meaningful, eye-opening, and transformative. 🕊️

Never forget. Never again.

Frank