How to Plan Your Day Trip to Auschwitz Birkenau from Krakow

If you’re looking for a profound and humbling experience, a visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Museum should be at the top of your list.This full-day trip offers round-trip transport from Krakow, saving you the hassle of navigating unfamiliar roads and coordinating logistics. The package includes guided tours of both Auschwitz and Birkenau, allowing you to learn about the concentration camp’s tragic past through the eyes of an expert.Here’s how to plan your day trip to Auschwitz Birkenau from Krakow.

Step 1: Book Your Tour

Booking your tour in advance is the easiest and most cost-effective way to guarantee your spot and avoid long lines. We recommend booking your Auschwitz Birkenau tour online through reliable sources like Viator. The shared transfer from Krakow to Auschwitz is a cost-effective option, and the pre-booked tours save time on arrival. The package includes door-to-door transport from Krakow in comfortable minivans.

Step 2: Confirm Your Pickup Time and Meeting Point

Confirm the scheduled pickup time and meeting point with the local provider of the tour. Pickup points could vary depending on your location. Ensure you have selected the best pickup point.

Step 3: Prepare for Your Trip

Once you’ve booked your tour, it’s time to prepare for your trip. Here are some essential things you’ll need to know.

What to Wear

Dress modestly and respectfully. It’s recommended to wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes, as some parts of the tour involve walking on uneven ground. During certain seasons, it’s best to take a jacket, sunscreen, and a hat.

What to Bring

You must bring valid identification with you on the tour. As food and drinks aren’t included in the package, it’s always best to bring water, snacks or money to purchase snacks.

What Not to Bring

Weapons, large backpacks, and luggage aren’t allowed at the museum. Any bags larger than 30x20x10cm, except camera bags, must be left in a car outside the museum grounds.

Step 4: Start Your Tour

On the tour day, the minivan will pick you up from your designated location in Krakow at the scheduled time. The journey is around 60 kilometers, lasting for approximately one hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.During the journey, you’ll receive headphones to ensure that you don’t miss any of the guide’s commentary during the Auschwitz-Birkenau tour.Once you arrive, the local guide will give you an overview of the site, followed by a tour through Auschwitz I, where the Nazis left some of the buildings intact. You’ll see the gas chambers, crematorium, and various exhibitions displaying artifacts and information about the camp’s history.After that, you’ll continue to Birkenau, a bleak second camp set up in 1942 to keep up with the rise in the number of prisoners despatched from various parts of Europe. The visit to Birkenau is self-guided, allowing you to go around the site, see the preserved facilities, and reflect. The guide will explain different aspects and give you a more profound understanding of the place.

Step 5: End of Tour and Drop-off

After completion of the tour, the minivan will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel in Krakow.

Conclusion

A visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Museum is an experience like no other, and this full-day tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau from Krakow provides comfortable transportation and expert guidance through these dark pages of history. Booking your tour online through Viator is one of the easiest and most effective ways to plan your visit. So, book your tour now and be ready to explore the past, reflect on the present and learn from the history of one of humankind’s darkest moments.Book your Auschwitz Birkenau tour now.

Frequently Asked Questions About Krakow

If you’re planning a trip to Poland, then Krakow is a must-visit city. With its rich history, stunning architecture and vibrant arts scene, Krakow has something to offer everyone. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about this beautiful city.

1. What is the best time to visit Krakow?

Krakow is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for. The summer months between June and August are the warmest, with temperatures ranging from 60-80°F (15-27°C). This is the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.The shoulder seasons of May and September offer mild weather with fewer crowds, making it a great time to visit. If you don’t mind colder weather, then the winter months between December and February offer a magical experience with the Christmas markets and snow-covered streets.

2. What is there to do in Krakow?

Krakow has many attractions that make it a popular tourist destination. There are numerous historical landmarks and museums, including the Wawel Castle and the Rynek Glowny, which is the largest medieval square in Europe. You can also take a walk along the Vistula River, visit the Jewish Quarter or explore the Wieliczka Salt Mine.Krakow is also known for its vibrant arts scene. The city boasts some of the best jazz clubs and underground music venues in Europe, as well as a thriving theatre and ballet culture.

3. How do I get around Krakow?

Krakow has an extensive public transportation network that includes trams and buses. A single ticket costs 2.80 PLN and can be purchased at most kiosks, ticket machines or on board. You can also buy 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour passes for unlimited travel.However, Krakow is a walkable city, and most of the attractions are easily accessible on foot. Bicycles are also available for rent at various locations throughout the city.

4. What should I eat in Krakow?

Polish cuisine is hearty and delicious, and Krakow is no exception. Some of the must-try foods in Krakow include pierogi, stuffed dumplings filled with potatoes and cheese or meat, and obwarzanki, a type of bagel similar to New York’s. Traditional dishes such as bigos, a stew made of meat and cabbage, as well as kielbasa, Polish sausage, are also popular.For those with a sweet tooth, try a slice of szarlotka, a Polish apple pie, or pączki, a fried doughnut filled with jam.

5. Is Krakow a safe city?

Krakow is a safe city for tourists. As with any major city, it’s important to take precautions against petty theft and pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas. Avoid walking alone at night, and be aware of your surroundings when using public transportation.

6. Do I need to speak Polish to visit Krakow?

While Polish is the official language of Poland, English is widely spoken in Krakow, especially in tourist areas. Most menus and signs are also available in English.Learning a few basic Polish phrases can help you navigate the city more easily and connect better with locals. The most important phrases are: dzień dobry (good morning), dzień dobry (good afternoon), do widzenia (goodbye), and dziękuję (thank you).

7. What is the currency in Krakow?

The official currency of Poland is the Polish zloty (PLN). ATMs are widely available throughout Krakow, and credit cards are accepted in most tourist areas. It’s a good idea to carry some cash with you for smaller purchases, such as street food or souvenirs.

Conclusion

Krakow is a beautiful and fascinating city that is well-worth a visit. With its rich history and vibrant cultural scene, there is always something to see and do. Whether you’re interested in exploring historical landmarks, experiencing the local cuisine, or just soaking up the atmosphere, Krakow has something to offer everyone.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Krakow

Krakow, a city steeped in history and culture, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Its well-preserved medieval architecture, world-renowned museums, and vibrant nightlife make it an ideal destination for anyone looking to explore the best of Eastern Europe. If you’re planning a trip to Krakow, here’s a guide to help you make the most of your time in this beautiful city.

1. Visit the Wawel Castle

No trip to Krakow is complete without a visit to the Wawel Castle, one of the most important landmarks in the city. The castle dates back to the 14th century and has been the residence of many kings of Poland. Today, the castle is home to several museums, including the Royal Castle and the Crown Treasury, which offer a glimpse into the country’s rich history.

How to Get There

The castle is located on Wawel Hill, just a short walk from Krakow’s main square. You can easily reach it by foot, bike, or public transport.

Opening Hours

The castle is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets

Tickets to the castle are priced at PLN 25 for adults and PLN 15 for students and children.

2. Explore the Old Town

Krakow’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to some of the city’s most beautiful buildings, including the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica. The area also has plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars, making it a great spot to relax and soak up the city’s atmosphere.

How to Get There

The Old Town is located in the center of Krakow, just a short walk from the city’s main bus and train stations.

Opening Hours

The Old Town is open 24 hours a day, although many of the shops, cafes, and restaurants are only open during the day.

3. Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is one of the most important sites in Poland and is a reminder of the atrocities that took place during World War II. The museum is located outside of Krakow and is easily accessible by public transport.

How to Get There

You can reach the museum by bus or train from Krakow.

Opening Hours

The museum is open daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. In the summer months, the museum is open until 7 p.m.

Tickets

Tickets to the museum are priced at PLN 40 for adults and PLN 30 for students and children.

4. Enjoy the Nightlife

Krakow is known for its vibrant nightlife, and there are plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from. The Kazimierz district, once the center of Krakow’s Jewish community, is now home to many trendy bars and clubs.

How to Get There

The Kazimierz district is located just south of the Old Town and is easily accessible by foot, bike, or public transport.

Opening Hours

Many bars and clubs in Krakow stay open until the early hours of the morning.

Popular Nightlife Spots

– Alchemia

– Mleczarnia

– Propaganda

– Singer

– Forum Przestrzenie

5. Take a Day Trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine

The Wieliczka Salt Mine, located just outside of Krakow, is one of the oldest salt mines in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mine features an underground chapel, as well as several large chambers carved out of the salt.

How to Get There

You can reach the Wieliczka Salt Mine by bus or train from Krakow.

Opening Hours

The mine is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Tickets

Tickets to the mine are priced at PLN 89 for adults and PLN 69 for students and children.

6. Visit the Schindler Factory Museum

The Schindler Factory Museum is located in a former enamel factory and tells the story of Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who saved the lives of more than 1,000 Jewish workers during World War II. The museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of Krakow during the war.

How to Get There

The museum is located just south of the Old Town and is easily accessible by foot, bike, or public transport.

Opening Hours

The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tickets

Tickets to the museum are priced at PLN 27 for adults and PLN 21 for students and children.

7. Try the Local Cuisine

Krakow is known for its hearty and delicious cuisine, which includes traditional dishes such as pierogi and kielbasa. There are plenty of restaurants in the city that serve traditional Polish food, as well as international cuisine.

Popular Local Dishes

– Pierogi (dumplings)

– Kielbasa (sausage)

– Bigos (cabbage and meat stew)

– Zapiekanka (a type of open-faced sandwich)

Where to Eat

– Chimera

– Stary Kleparz

– Wierzynek

– Przystanek Pierogarnia

Final Thoughts

Krakow is a city that offers something for everyone, from history and culture to nightlife and cuisine. With this guide, you should be able to make the most of your time in Krakow and experience all that this beautiful city has to offer. Remember to take your time, explore at your own pace, and enjoy everything that Krakow has to offer.