How to Plan Your Krakow Auschwitz Birkenau Guided Tour With Tickets

If you’re looking for an unforgettable and educational experience, visiting the Auschwitz Birkenau concentration camps in Krakow, Poland is an incredible option. This is an opportunity to learn more about the worst atrocities of the human race, paying homage to the individuals who were subjected to unimaginable abuse, misery, and death in a place that still resonates with the horrors of the past. To make sure you get the most out of your trip, we recommend a guided tour with tickets. This tour is available through getyourguide.com, and we’ve put together this guide to help you plan your visit.

Experience

The Krakow Auschwitz Birkenau guided tour will take you to the Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau camps, and you’ll learn about their history from a licensed guide. On this tour, you’ll see the memorials, exhibits, and personal belongings of the camp prisoners.

Itinerary

The tour will start from Krakow, where you’ll board a comfortable bus and travel for about 1.5 hours. The bus will take you to Oświęcim, the location of the Auschwitz 1 death camp.

Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau

The first stop on the tour will be at the Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau. Here, you’ll visit the authentic buildings and exhibits that have been preserved, which include:

• The prisoner barracks
• The so-called “death wall” where prisoners were executed
• The gas chambers and crematoria
• The “Black Wall” where disciplinary actions were taken by the SS
• The exhibitions that present information about the horrors experienced by prisoners

Auschwitz I Guided Tour (2 hours)

After exploring the Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau, you’ll start the official guided tour in Auschwitz I, where you’ll learn about the history and daily life at the camp.

Break time (15 minutes)

After two hours of the tour, there’ll be a break period where you can relax, take photos, or get some refreshments.

Auschwitz II-Birkenau Guided Tour (1.15 Hours)

After the break, the tour continues with a guided tour of Auschwitz II-Birkenau, which functioned as a concentration camp from 1942 until its liberation in 1945. The camp was the site responsible for most of the killings during The Holocaust.

Bus / coach

Back on the bus, you’ll travel for around 1.5 hours and will arrive back in Krakow. You’ll make two stops, at the main stop and at another stop. It’s important to note that this itinerary is for reference only, and Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

Some of the highlights of the Krakow Auschwitz Birkenau guided tour include:

1. Visiting the infamous concentration camp of Auschwitz to learn about their tragic history from a licensed guide
2. Being able to step inside memorials and exhibits to help understand what happened there.
3. Seeing the personal belongings of the camp prisoners, including suitcases, shoes, and glasses, which really bring home the personal nature of the tragedy.
4. Visiting the museum’s buildings and the vast open-air concentration camp Birkenau, which provides visitors with a real sense of the immensity of the tragedy that occurred there.

Booking Your Tour

You can book your Krakow Auschwitz Birkenau guided tour here on GetYourGuide.com. Make sure to book in advance as these tours have a maximum capacity, and they can sell out quickly. When you book, you’ll have the ability to choose the date and time that works best for your schedule. The tour costs start from €39 per person, depending on the package selected, and there’s no question that it’s worth every penny.

Book Your Tour Now

A visit to Auschwitz can be a very emotional experience. By taking one of the guided tours that are available through GetYourGuide, you’ll be able to explore the history of the site in a respectful and educational manner. Remember, this is an opportunity to learn, to honor those who lost their lives, and to ensure that we never forget what happened there. By planning your visit with care, you’ll ensure that you get the most out of your experience, and you’ll be able to remember it for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions about Krakow

Krakow is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Poland. With a rich cultural and historical legacy, it attracts millions of tourists every year. If you are planning a trip to Krakow and have some questions in mind, this FAQ article is for you.

1. What is the best time to visit Krakow?

Krakow enjoys a temperate climate, with distinct seasons. The peak tourist season is from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, visiting Krakow in the shoulder season (May, September, and October) can be a great time to avoid the crowds and enjoy pleasant weather. Winter (December to February) can be cold and snowy, but it also offers a unique charm with Christmas markets and winter sports.

2. How can I get to Krakow?

Krakow has one airport, John Paul II International Airport, which has direct flights from most European cities. There are also excellent rail and bus connections with other Polish and European cities. If you are coming from another country, the best way to travel to Krakow is by flying to Frankfurt, Warsaw, or Prague and then taking a connecting flight or bus.

3. What are the must-see attractions in Krakow?

Krakow has plenty of attractions that are worth visiting. Some of the must-see attractions include:

• The Main Market Square
• The Wawel Castle
• The Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz)
• The Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum
• The St. Mary’s Basilica

4. Is Krakow a safe city for tourists?

Krakow is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it is always advisable to take necessary precautions like not leaving your belongings unattended, avoiding poorly lit or deserted areas at night, and being cautious around beggars and pickpockets in tourist areas.

5. What is the currency of Poland, and where can I exchange money?

The currency of Poland is the Polish Zloty (PLN). You can exchange foreign currency at banks, exchange offices, and ATMs throughout the city. Some popular exchange offices include Kantor Walutowy, Currency One, and Interchange.

6. What is the best way to get around Krakow?

Krakow is a compact city, and most of its attractions are located within walking distance. However, Krakow also has an excellent public transport system, including trams and buses, which is a cheap and convenient way to get around the city. You can also rent a bike or a scooter for a more eco-friendly way to explore Krakow.

7. What is the traditional Polish cuisine, and where can I try it in Krakow?

Polish cuisine is diverse and hearty, with influences from Eastern Europe and Germany. You should try some of the traditional dishes like pierogi, a type of dumpling stuffed with savory or sweet fillings, and bigos, a hearty stew made with cabbage and meat. You can try traditional Polish cuisine at many restaurants in Krakow, including Wierzynek and Restauracja Jarema.

8. How much should I budget for a trip to Krakow?

The cost of a trip to Krakow depends on various factors like the time of the year, the type of accommodation, and the activities you plan to do. However, a budget of $50-$75 per day for accommodation, food, and transportation should be sufficient for a budget traveler.

9. How can I learn more about the history of Krakow?

Krakow has a rich history, and there are many museums and historic sites that you can visit to learn more about it. Some of the popular museums and historic sites include:

• The National Museum in Krakow
• The Schindler’s Factory Museum
• The Wawel Royal Castle and Cathedral
• The Krakow Ghetto and Oskar Schindler’s Factory Tour
• The Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and Memorial

10. What are the best day trips from Krakow?

Krakow is a great base for exploring other parts of Poland. Some of the popular day trips from Krakow include:

• The Wieliczka Salt Mine
• The Tatra Mountains
• The Zakopane Town and Tatras National Park

We hope this FAQ article has been helpful in answering some of your questions about Krakow. Have a great trip!

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Krakow

Krakow is a city that is rich in history and culture, and it has many things to offer to tourists. From the impressive Wawel Castle to the bustling central square, there are plenty of sights to see and things to do. If you are planning a trip to Krakow, here is a guide to help you make the most of your time.

1. Visit the Main Market Square

The Main Market Square is the heart of Krakow, and it is a must-see for any tourist. The square is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe, and it is surrounded by beautiful historical buildings, including the Cloth Hall and the St. Mary’s Basilica. Take a stroll through the square, admire the stunning architecture, and grab a coffee or a snack at one of the many cafes.

2. Explore Wawel Castle

Wawel Castle is a symbol of Krakow, and it is one of the most important historical sites in Poland. The castle dates back to the 14th century, and it was the residence of the kings of Poland for centuries. Today, the castle houses a museum that showcases the country’s rich history, art, and culture. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the castle’s stunning interior, including its royal apartments, armory, and treasury.

3. Take a Trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau

Auschwitz-Birkenau is one of the darkest chapters in human history, but it is also an essential site to visit when in Krakow. The former concentration camp is located about an hour and a half outside of the city, and it serves as a poignant reminder of the atrocities committed during World War II. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn more about the camp’s history and pay their respects to the millions of victims.

4. Take a Walking Tour of Krakow

Krakow is a city with a rich and diverse history, and the best way to learn about it is by taking a walking tour. There are plenty of guided tours available, and they cover various areas of the city, including the Jewish Quarter, Kazimierz, and the Old Town. The tours offer a glimpse into the city’s past and present and provide an excellent opportunity to explore some of Krakow’s hidden gems.

5. Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine

The Wieliczka Salt Mine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most exciting attractions in Krakow. The mine dates back to the 13th century, and it served as a valuable source of salt for centuries. Today, visitors can take a guided tour of the mine’s stunning underground chambers, including its salt lakes, chapels, and sculptures made entirely of salt.

6. Experience Polish Cuisine

Krakow is a city with a rich culinary heritage, and it’s an excellent place to sample some of Poland’s most famous dishes. Pierogi, a type of dumpling filled with various ingredients, is a must-try, as are the city’s traditional soups, such as barszcz (beetroot soup) and żurek (sour rye soup). Make sure to visit one of the city’s many traditional restaurants or markets to experience the local cuisine.

7. Visit the Schindler Factory Museum

The Schindler Factory Museum is located in the Jewish Quarter of Krakow, and it tells the story of Oskar Schindler, a Nazi industrialist who saved the lives of more than 1,000 Jews during World War II. The museum is located in the factory where Schindler employed his workers and includes exhibits and artifacts that provide insight into the time.

Book Your Tour Now

Krakow is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture, and there is plenty to see and do as a tourist. From exploring the Main Market Square to visiting the Wieliczka Salt Mine, there are no shortage of sights to see and experiences to enjoy. With this guide, you can make the most of your time in Krakow and create memories that will last a lifetime.