best tour krakow

APRIL SALE:   Book now and get   up to 60% off!

Krakow Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Krakow. We've got 211 adventures going to Krakow, starting from just 2 days in length, and the longest tour is 61 days. The most popular month to go is August, which has the largest number of tour departures.

211 Krakow tour packages with 1,941 reviews

• In-depth Cultural

Krakow & Auschwitz

I felt like I was the only person involved in this "group" tour. When I booked this I was under the impression I would be with a group. I never met a consistent guide or any other consistent person on the same activities. It seemed like the accommodations and tours were arranged for me through TourRadar/Euroadventures. But quite honestly, I could have done that myself with better accommodations.

• Christmas & New Year

Krakow, Auschwitz & Wieliczka Salt Mine - 4 Days

If you want to experience all krakow has to offer have plenty of free time and don’t want to worry about all the booking and planning this is the trip for you!

Krakow, Auschwitz, Enamel Factory & Wieliczka Salt Mine - 4 Days

friendly service with a focus on the customer. The tours were very informative and relaxed. I also was glad that I had plenty of free to explore the Old City and Castle.

• Hiking & Trekking

Hiking in Slovakia (small group minimum 2 people & maximum 8 people)

Bear watching hiking tour

• Mountain Hikes

Hiking in the Polish Carpathians

I can’t believe that this is the first time Ania guided this tour. She organized the week so well that we all have enjoyed it very much, although we are at different levels in terms of hiking. I can tell how much effort she has spent with the tour each day. She cares about everyone at every detail of the tour. Due to constant weather changes in the mountains it is very difficult to follow the planned routes, but she would come up with alternative plans quickly and make it very interesting. She also told wonderful stories and shared cautionary experiences. We have attended many tours and this one is the top experience for us. Mont Ania is definitely a hard working and caring professional as a tour guide. Thank you Explore for having such a wonderful tour guide for us.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Coach / Bus

Highlights of Southern Poland

The Poland tour was excellent! The group leader Beata was awesome and all guidance, planning and itinerary was wonderful. Totally recommended!!

Hike Gems of Tatras and Slovak Paradise

Hike the High Tatras with Slovak Paradise in a Weekend

• Sightseeing

Pearls of Poland (for couples)

I think this tour is just right for covering the best sites in Poland in a week's time. I doubt few travelers know anything about Poland's history. So a brief outline of the essentials at the start of the tour would facilitate understanding in Warsaw and Krakow. Our guides were excellent, but if they had structured their presentations, they would have communicated the details at the sights visited much better. Since we two were the only tourists on this tour in this Covid-marred year, we traveled with a driver (Piotr) who was tops.

Budapest to Berlin: Graffiti Walls & Market Halls

The tour provided fabulous, fun & incredible memories. Plus new friendships with adorable people met.

Tour of Poland

Am excellent tour that provided fine accommodations and a good mix of organized touring and free time. It was novel in that you had different guides and drivers in each city but the handoffs were seamless and each guide was superior. I would recommend adding the optional Marienberg Fortress and Salt Mine visit options. I booked other sites such as Auschwitz & topic specific walking tours thru other operators but they blended well. You will hit the "Big 3 cities" but you'll not see much countryside or small town life on this particular tour. Any glitches were quickly and satisfactorially resolved. I will be back and I will use this operator if possible.

• Self Guided Walking Holidays

Poland: Pieniny and Tatra Mountains Walk

6 days in Krakow and Szczawnica- private exclusive tour for 2 people

7 days in Krakow and Szczawnica- private exclusive tour for 3-4 people

What people love about krakow tours.

Did their Krakow, Poland trip in December during the Christmas markets. Really a great trip and experience. Everything was very organized, had really good hotel near the square/old town (I booked the 3-star hotel, private room option with my husband), guides were very good & knowledgeable and the excursions/tours were very good. We also received a lot of extra information and recommendations for things to do and places to go (food and drink too) in our free time which was really nice and helpful. I was a bit nervous reading a few of the reviews here on Yelp but our experience was fantastic and nothing like what some others wrote in their reviews. Krakow was an amazing city and one of the most beautiful in Europe. Definitely recommend this trip and company.

Seweryn was a fantastic tour guide and very knowledgeable about Krakow's history. I enjoyed learning about the many historical and religious details we saw around Krakow. He also went above and beyond to help me when I had trouble purchasing train tickets, and when I got sick offered to reschedule one of the tour days. I really enjoyed his tour and would highly recommend it.

I had a great first time experience of Krakow through this tour. My tour guide Seweryn was very friendly, flexible, organised and helpful and made the whole process very smooth. The trips to the mine, factory and camps were well laid out and gave me plenty of time for independent sightseeing and fun. If you want to come to Krakow I would highly recommend you do a trip this way!

Tours starting from Krakow

• for 7 Days (20)
• for 10 Days (10)
• for 2 Weeks (8)
• to Europe (40)
• to Poland (26)
• to Slovakia (6)

Top Tours in Krakow, Poland

Krakow tours.

• Cultural Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Krakow to Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour with Ticket and Transfer

2. Day Trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine from Krakow including Lunch

3. Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum Guided Tour with Ticket and Transfer

4. Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Full Day Tour

5. Krakow to Zakopane and Thermal Hot Bath Day Trip with Transfer

6. Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour with Ticket and Pickup Option

7. Wieliczka Salt Mine: Guided Tour from Krakow (with hotel pickup)

8. Krakow Schindler's Factory Guided Tour with Admission Ticket

9. Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour From Krakow

10. Krakow Food Tasting Tour with Delicious Poland

11. Walking Tour in Iconic Monuments of Krakow Poland

12. ZAKOPANE & TATRA Mountains Tour from Krakow

13. Zakopane & Thermal Baths with hotel pickup

14. Auschwitz & Birkenau: Live-Guided Tour with Transportation and Hotel Pickup

15. Old Town Krakow & Wawel Castle Walking Tour

16. Wawel Castle and Cathedral with St Mary Basilica tour

17. Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour with Pickup from Krakow

18. Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour & Hotel Pick Up

19. From Krakow: Wieliczka Salt Mine Live Guided Group Tour

20. 1 Day Auschwitz Birkenau Museum Guided Tour Hotel Pick up

21. Krakow by night 60 minutes cruise The Vistula River Krakow

22. Auschwitz-Birkenau and Salt Mine Full day tour

23. Auschwitz and Birkenau Tour with Hotel Pick up from Krakow

24. Auschwitz Birkenau: Live-Guided Tour with Transportation and Hotel Pickup

25. Zakopane Day Tour from Krakow with Tasting and Funicular ride

26. Auschwitz Birkenau Museum and Salt Mine All Inclusive DAY TRIP with Local Guides

27. Pierogi Cooking Class with Market Shopping and Local Snacks

28. Krakow: Extreme Shooting Range with Hotel Pick-Up

29. Swim in Chocholow Thermal Baths with an Optional Zakopane Visit

30. Guided Tour from Krakow to Auschwitz Birkenau - Transfer & Ticket

What travellers are saying.

• Mary W 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Five-star food experience Konrad was fabulous. Not only did we have an amazing food experience, we also had a walking tour. He was so knowledgeable and passionate about food and Poland and history. Well worth the money spent. Read more Review of: Krakow Food Tasting Tour with Delicious Poland Written 25 April 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Auschwitz and Birkenau Fully Guided Tour from Krakow
• Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum Guided Tour from Krakow
• Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided One Day Tour
• Zakopane Tour and Thermal Hot Bath Pool with Krakow Hotel Pickup
• Day Trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine from Krakow including Lunch
• Cracovia Walking Tours
• Thousand Miles Krakow
• TOURISM IDEA
• My Krakow Driver
• Krakow Connect
• Kroke Jewish Tours
• Private Tours Krakow
• Hello Cracow
• Krakow Urban Tours
• Pablo Taxi Tours
• Good Cracow Tours
• Crazy Guides - Private Tours
• Stadtfuhrer in Krakau Jacek Ptak Tours
• Communism Tour of Nowa Huta
• Delicious Poland Food & Craft Beer Tours
• Legendary Krakow
• Krakow Crawl
• Krawl Through Krakow - Pub Crawl
• Segway Tours Krakow
• Polonia Y Centro Europa
• Krakow Travel Time
• eScooters Tours

Best Krakow Tours

There are many guided tours in Krakow Poland that are worth joining. In facts, new are added everyday, so it’s hard to choose the most interesting ones!

Even though it’s definitely great to see the city independently, you will never have a chance to find all the hidden gems , lovely little restaurants , and less-known places.

In this post, we are giving you best Krakow tours. No matter if you are traveling to the city solo , with kids, or a group of friends, you will definitely find something for yourself here.

Be sure to read our other articles from the series:

• best places to visit in Krakow
• recommended day trips from Krakow
• where to eat in Krakow
• fun facts about Krakow
• romantic things to do in Krakow
• recommended beaches in Kraków
• Krakow tips for first time visitors
• visiting Kraków in winter
• 3 days in Kraków (full itinerary)
• where to have the best breakfast in Kraków
• free things to do in Kraków
• best thermal baths in Kraków
• top museums in Kraków

If you have any questions, comment below or simply join our Poland Travel Planning Facebook group . We will be happy to help!

Table of Contents

Krakow Food Tour

One of the best ways to try Poland cuisine in Krakow is to join a guided tour . Not only you will have a chance to meet fellow travelers but also try delicious Polish cuisine. 

Be sure to eat at least one obwarzanek , a ring-shaped bread that Krakow is famous for . My favorite is with cheese sprinkle but you can also choose poppy seeds, salt, and sesame.

Book Krakow Food Tour directly here .

If you want, you can also join a dedicated Obwarzanek Workshop to learn how to make this delicious snack.

Krakow Walking Tour

If you have enough time, you can wander around Rynek and discover the city all by yourself. You can also join one of the Krakow walking tours to make sure you’ve seen all the important places in the city.

The experienced guide will show you Krakow from the local perspective. Plus, you will have a chance to make new friends with travelers from other countries.

Skip the lines and book Krakow Walking Tour directly here .

Krakow Segway Tour

If you don’t feel like walking, you can always use segway to get to know the city. The local guide will show you everything that’s important in Krakow.

Save your time and money and book Krakow tour by segway directly here .

Krakow City Tour by Electric Car

You can also find someone selling electric car tickets in the Old Town area. The price may be quite high, so always bargain or simply book it online in advance .

You will see everything that’s important in Krakow without walking. Choose the Old Town and Kazimierz trip. This Krakow sightseeing tour is accessible, so it’s perfect for those traveling with infants and wheelchair users.

Book it directly here .

Krakow Bike Tour

Want to do some sports and see the beauty of Krakow all at the same time?

If you answer is yes then Krakow bike tour may be good for you.

Skip the lines and book the tour directly here .

If your plan changes, you can cancel the trip (and all the others I recommend in this post) up to 24 hours before and get the full refund.

If you don’t feel fit enough, consider joining e-bike tour . Electric bikes are definitely easier to ride, so you won’t get that tired.

Krakow Bus Tour

Hop on hop off buses are available all around the world and we are big fans of them. 

Our favorite way to get to know the city is to wander around during the first day, and then take the sightseeing bus on the second day.

Krakow sightseeing bus can’t take you directly to Rynek area, as it’s walk-only zone but you will have a chance to get to other important places, like Blonia, Kosciuszko Mound or Schindler’s Factory. Book Krakow bus tour directly here .

Krakow Boat Tour

Your stay in Krakow won’t be complete without taking at least a short cruise on Wisla river.

Seeing the city from a completely different perspective will be a highlight of your trip (I’m speaking from experience)

Check out the sightseeing Krakow cruise here .

If you want to have fun, then hop on the party boat! 2 hours of cruising with an open bar and music is a great way to start a night. Book this tour here .

Creepy Krakow Tour

Did you know that many serial killers have been living (and killing) in Krakow?

You will have a chance to learn about them during Creepy Krakow Tour. It starts at the evening, which will give you an extra thrill.

Apart from hearing the stories about murders, you will also discover some creepy legends and Krakow stories that will give you goosebumps.

Polish Folk Show

Don’t miss the folk the show while visiting Krakow!

You will have a chance to see the live performance of dancers wearing traditional Polish clothes. If you want, you can join them and learn how to dance as well.

All that will be followed by eating delicious, authentic Polish buffer dinner. How awesome is that? Check our Polish folk show here .

Krakow Pub Crawl

There is no better way to experience a nightlife in Krakow than by joining pub crawl tour .

The evening will start with visiting bar and one hour unlimited drinking. Then, you will walk from one bar to another, getting free welcome shot everywhere.

It’s a great chance to meet new friends and discover the best places to party in Krakow!

If you don’t feel like party hard, check out also Krakow Beer Tasting tour or Vodka Tasting Tour .

Krakow Photo Shoot

Make your time in Krakow last forever and picture your trip on the photos!

You will be taken to the most beautiful places in the city. The professional photographer will take a photo of you (or your family). He or she will also help you pose if you are not an experienced model.

Book your private photo shoot in Krakow here .

Krakow Communism Tour By Trabant

Hop into the old school car called Trabant and learn all about the communist era in Poland.

You will hear the funny , scary, and totally weird stories back from the times when Poland was under Russian influence.

Check out trabant communism tour here .

Nowa Huta Tour

Once one of the most dangerous districts of Krakow, Nowa Huta is getting more and more popular.

Still, it’s definitely not crowded and you won’t see many tourists visiting Nowa Huta.

Join this tour to see the traditional communist architecture that is totally different from this you will see in the heart of Krakow.

See more recommended tours in Krakow:

Pin For Later:

Did you enjoy reading this post about the best Krakow tours? Let us know in the comments below!

Are you ready to plan your trip to Poland? Just fill the form and we will help:

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

My name is Karolina, I was born and raised in Poland. I love my homeland. Even though I’ve been to 50+ countries in the world I’ve never hesitated to make Poland my base!

My mission is to show you the beauty of Poland and help you plan your trip!

Join our Facebook Group

Join the Poland Travel Support Group, a group to help you plan your trip to Poland!

Subscribe and Get Travel Poland tips

• Work With Us
• Destinations
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service
• Powered By:
• www.SekretyKonwersji.pl

THE 10 BEST Krakow Tours & Excursions

Tours in krakow.

• Cultural Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Krakow to Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour with Ticket and Transfer

2. Day Trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine from Krakow including Lunch

3. Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum Guided Tour with Ticket and Transfer

4. Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Full Day Tour

5. Krakow to Zakopane and Thermal Hot Bath Day Trip with Transfer

6. Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour with Ticket and Pickup Option

7. Wieliczka Salt Mine: Guided Tour from Krakow (with hotel pickup)

8. Full-Day Slovakia Treetop Walk and Thermal Baths from Krakow

9. Krakow Schindler's Factory Guided Tour with Admission Ticket

10. Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour From Krakow

11. Krakow Food Tasting Tour with Delicious Poland

12. ZAKOPANE & TATRA Mountains Tour from Krakow

13. Zakopane & Thermal Baths with hotel pickup

14. Auschwitz & Birkenau: Live-Guided Tour with Transportation and Hotel Pickup

15. Old Town Krakow & Wawel Castle Walking Tour

16. Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour with Pickup from Krakow

17. Oskar Schindler's Factory Museum Krakow skip the line tour

18. Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour & Hotel Pick Up

19. From Krakow: Wieliczka Salt Mine Live Guided Group Tour

20. 1 Day Auschwitz Birkenau Museum Guided Tour Hotel Pick up

21. Krakow by night 60 minutes cruise The Vistula River Krakow

22. Auschwitz-Birkenau and Salt Mine Full day tour

23. Auschwitz and Birkenau Tour with Hotel Pick up from Krakow

24. Auschwitz Birkenau: Live-Guided Tour with Transportation and Hotel Pickup

25. Zakopane Day Tour from Krakow with Tasting and Funicular ride

26. Auschwitz Birkenau Museum and Salt Mine All Inclusive DAY TRIP with Local Guides

27. Pierogi Cooking Class with Market Shopping and Local Snacks

28. Krakow: Extreme Shooting Range with Hotel Pick-Up

29. Swim in Chocholow Thermal Baths with an Optional Zakopane Visit

30. Guided Tour from Krakow to Auschwitz Birkenau - Transfer & Ticket

What travellers are saying.

• Mary W 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Five-star food experience Konrad was fabulous. Not only did we have an amazing food experience, we also had a walking tour. He was so knowledgeable and passionate about food and Poland and history. Well worth the money spent. Read more Review of: Krakow Food Tasting Tour with Delicious Poland Written 25 April 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Auschwitz and Birkenau Fully Guided Tour from Krakow
• Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum Guided Tour from Krakow
• Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided One Day Tour
• Zakopane Tour and Thermal Hot Bath Pool with Krakow Hotel Pickup
• Day Trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine from Krakow including Lunch
• Cracovia Walking Tours
• Thousand Miles Krakow
• TOURISM IDEA
• My Krakow Driver
• Krakow Connect
• Kroke Jewish Tours
• Private Tours Krakow
• Hello Cracow
• Krakow Urban Tours
• Pablo Taxi Tours
• Good Cracow Tours
• Crazy Guides - Private Tours
• Stadtfuhrer in Krakau Jacek Ptak Tours
• Communism Tour of Nowa Huta
• Delicious Poland Food & Craft Beer Tours
• Legendary Krakow
• Krakow Crawl
• Krawl Through Krakow - Pub Crawl
• Segway Tours Krakow
• Polonia Y Centro Europa
• Krakow Travel Time
• eScooters Tours

Our Most Popular Krakow Tours in 2024

Krakow Things To Do

Kraków (Cracow) is one of the most visited cities in Poland. It’s also the second-largest Polish city with a vibrant history. It was the capital of Poland where reigned kings. The most important things to see are the Royal Wawel Castle, the Main Market Square, Cloth Hall or the Kazimierz district. There are also many universities, museums, theatres, galleries, opera and philharmonic. In the Old Town and also Kazimierz Quarter there are a lot of pubs, restaurants and cafes.

Worth to see are situated near Krakow, the Salt Mine and Auschwitz. Visiting all these places makes this city unforgettable.

Check Our Recent Posts

Best Krakow Tour Companies

Search 41 Krakow tour operators and travel companies, with 189 reviews.

Health Safety +

Featured Krakow Trips

Intrepid Travel

G Adventures

Exodus Travels

Tours of Distinction

On The Go Tours

Sign in  to see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (it’s free)

Euroadventures

Journeys Connect

Just Go Holidays

Homeric Tours

Expat Explore

Stephen Ambrose Tours

Odysseys Unlimited

Great Value Vacations

Voyages Jules Verne

Best Single Travel

41 match your criteria (1 - 20 shown)

View Krakow trips

Plan your Krakow trip

Krakow Reviews & Ratings

Budapest to prague adventure.

Csilla was superb! So knowledgeable and friendly. A great guide on a brilliant trip. A good mix of mini bus travel and train, which gave us a view of local culture a...

I found this trip enjoyable but repetitive. Lots of castles etc so depending on your preferences it could be amazing or a bit much. Not many arranged activities, mor...

Trusted Customer

The first hotel in Budapest (Papillon) was disappointing, very tired and not up to the standard I would usually expect from Explore which was a shame. I would have b...

This trip was less well organised than many trips. We saw some wonderful thi...

See all Krakow reviews

Related Trips and Tours

Trip planning.

Top Tours in Krakow, Poland

Krakow tours.

• Cultural Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Krakow to Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour with Ticket and Transfer

2. Day Trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine from Krakow including Lunch

3. Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum Guided Tour with Ticket and Transfer

4. Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Full Day Tour

5. Krakow to Zakopane and Thermal Hot Bath Day Trip with Transfer

6. Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour with Ticket and Pickup Option

7. Wieliczka Salt Mine: Guided Tour from Krakow (with hotel pickup)

8. Krakow Schindler's Factory Guided Tour with Admission Ticket

9. Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour From Krakow

10. Guided Tour of The Wawel Castle and Cathedral from Krakow

11. Krakow Food Tasting Tour with Delicious Poland

12. ZAKOPANE & TATRA Mountains Tour from Krakow

13. Zakopane & Thermal Baths with hotel pickup

14. Auschwitz & Birkenau: Live-Guided Tour with Transportation and Hotel Pickup

15. Old Town Krakow & Wawel Castle Walking Tour

16. Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour with Pickup from Krakow

17. Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour & Hotel Pick Up

18. From Krakow: Wieliczka Salt Mine Live Guided Group Tour

19. 1 Day Auschwitz Birkenau Museum Guided Tour Hotel Pick up

20. Krakow by night 60 minutes cruise The Vistula River Krakow

21. Auschwitz-Birkenau and Salt Mine Full day tour

22. 2 Hours Shooting Range Experience in Krakow With Hotel Pickup

23. Auschwitz and Birkenau Tour with Hotel Pick up from Krakow

24. Auschwitz Birkenau: Live-Guided Tour with Transportation and Hotel Pickup

25. Zakopane Day Tour from Krakow with Tasting and Funicular ride

26. Auschwitz Birkenau Museum and Salt Mine All Inclusive DAY TRIP with Local Guides

27. Pierogi Cooking Class with Market Shopping and Local Snacks

28. Krakow: Extreme Shooting Range with Hotel Pick-Up

29. Swim in Chocholow Thermal Baths with an Optional Zakopane Visit

30. Guided Tour from Krakow to Auschwitz Birkenau - Transfer & Ticket

What travellers are saying.

• Mary W 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Five-star food experience Konrad was fabulous. Not only did we have an amazing food experience, we also had a walking tour. He was so knowledgeable and passionate about food and Poland and history. Well worth the money spent. Read more Review of: Krakow Food Tasting Tour with Delicious Poland Written 25 April 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Auschwitz and Birkenau Fully Guided Tour from Krakow
• Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum Guided Tour from Krakow
• Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided One Day Tour
• Zakopane Tour and Thermal Hot Bath Pool with Krakow Hotel Pickup
• Day Trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine from Krakow including Lunch
• Cracovia Walking Tours
• Thousand Miles Krakow
• TOURISM IDEA
• My Krakow Driver
• Krakow Connect
• Kroke Jewish Tours
• Private Tours Krakow
• Hello Cracow
• Krakow Urban Tours
• Pablo Taxi Tours
• Good Cracow Tours
• Crazy Guides - Private Tours
• Stadtfuhrer in Krakau Jacek Ptak Tours
• Communism Tour of Nowa Huta
• Delicious Poland Food & Craft Beer Tours
• Legendary Krakow
• Krakow Crawl
• Krawl Through Krakow - Pub Crawl
• Segway Tours Krakow
• Polonia Y Centro Europa
• Krakow Travel Time
• eScooters Tours

The 15 best things to do in Kraków

Nov 21, 2023 • 9 min read

Here are the top things to do on a trip to Kraków © martin-dim / Getty Images

Crowned with an impressive royal castle and dotted with church spires and world-class museums, Kraków combines the historic with the cosmopolitan.

The streets of former Jewish quarter Kazimierz and nearby Auschwitz are sobering reminders of 20th-century tragedy, while the crowds thronging Kraków’s main square and the restaurants lining photogenic Old Town lanes buzz with 21st-century joie de vivre. Alongside heavy-hitting attractions exist simpler local pleasures: strolling alongside the Vistula River; dining on hearty home-style cooking in a retro bar mleczny (cafeteria); catching a local band at a legendary dive bar; enjoying a coffee in hipster enclave Tytano; gawping at the art nouveau architecture.

Here are the best things to do in Kraków.

1. Wawel Royal Castle and Wawel Cathedral

Overlooking Old Town from its Wawel Hill perch, what was once the seat of Polish royalty for centuries is the city’s most impressive sight, not to mention the symbol of Poland and a source of local pride. Red-roofed, turreted and ringed by a red-brick wall, this 16th-century Renaissance palace is merely the latest incarnation: royal residences on this very spot have come and gone (burned down, extended, vandalized by Swedish and Prussian armies…) since the 11th-century.

Highlights include the 16th-century tapestries and carved wooden heads in the grand state rooms, the royal private apartments that give you an intimate glimpse into the monarchs’ private lives, the crown jewels in the treasury, and the Szczerbiec (jagged sword) that’s played an essential role in Polish coronations from 1320 onwards – find it inside the vaulted Gothic armory.

Give yourself plenty of time to visit the adjoining Wawel Cathedral , where many of Poland’s kings and queens are seeing out eternity in elaborate tombs, alongside the bones allegedly belonging to the legendary Wawel dragon. The grounds are free to visit, but it’s a really good idea to book tickets for exhibits you want to see at least two weeks ahead due to their enormous popularity.

2. Główny Rynek (Main Market Square)

Surrounded by restaurants and overlooked by handsome centuries-old buildings, Główny Rynek (Main Market Square) is the focal point of Old Town, as well as Europe’s largest medieval town square. After you’re done browsing the wares inside the market building, go back to the Middle Ages by descending to the medieval-meets-the-21st-century museum beneath the square.

Clever multimedia displays, holograms and animated puppets show you medieval market stalls and teach you about vampire prevention burials. Buy your timed ticket online in advance. Free entry on Tuesdays; closed second Monday of each month.

3. Auschwitz-Birkenau

You don’t know what will touch you particularly deeply until you get there. For some, it’s the "Death Block" with its torture cells and its crematorium. For others, it’s the gas chambers and the endless rows of crematoria chimneys at Birkenau , where most of the mass killings occurred. For others still, it’s the mountains of eyeglasses and prosthetic limbs, the mass of human hair collected from victims to be used in textile production, and piles of battered suitcases with home addresses written on them by those for whom this Nazi extermination camp became their final destination.

In any case, Auschwitz is unlikely to leave you unmoved. More than a million Jews, as well as numerous Poles and Roma, were systematically killed here between 1940 and 1945, and the death camps have been preserved as a brutal, essential history lesson.

Auschwitz is reachable by bus, train and organized day tour from Kraków. While solo travelers can visit the site without a guide, it’s well worth joining a tour to get the most out of it, from the screening of the graphic 1945 documentary film by the Soviet liberators to the exhibitions in the barracks.

4. Explore Kazimierz

Southeast of Old Town, the Kazimierz neighborhood had been Poland’s most important center of Jewish culture for 500 years until mass deportation and extermination of Kraków’s Jews by the Nazis destroyed it. Largely rundown during the Communist era, Kazimierz has bounced back in recent years.

A stroll through its streets is a wonderful way to get to know its historic sights, from the restored Old Synagogue and a 19th-century Jewish cemetery with surviving tombstones to the Moorish-style Temple Synagogue and the sobering Galicia Jewish Museum that traces the history of Jews in Kraków. Browse the flea markets on Plac Nowy on the weekends, or attend a film screening or concert at Cheder during the Jewish Culture Festival.

5. Wieliczka Salt Mine

Another massively popular attraction that’s not actually in Kraków proper but is easily reachable from the city, this UNESCO-certified subterranean labyrinth of passages and chambers has been drawing visitors since the 1720s. It’s not for the claustrophobic: as part of a "tourist" tour, first-timers descend at least 125m (410ft) below the ground and spend two hours in the depths of the former mine, while return visitors can opt for a more immersive miners’ tour.

Highlights include an underground lake, chapels adorned with statues carved from the white stuff, and a salt cathedral with chandeliers. And yes, everything around you is carved from salt; we licked the wall so that you wouldn’t have to. Wieliczka Salt Mine is easily reached from Kraków by bus, train or tour. Pack a sweater.

6. Schindler’s Factory museum

You’re likely to have heard of Oscar Schindler, the German industrialist immortalized in Steven Spielberg’s 1993 film Schindler’s List . During WWII, Schindler saved more than a thousand Jewish inhabitants of the Podgorzé ghetto from deportation to the death camps by employing them at his enamel factory. Schindler's Factory museum , which was part of the Schindler’s List film set, was given a major facelift in 2010 and became one of Kraków’s must-visit museums . Book your timed slot online at least three days in advance (it’s hugely popular!), and don’t miss the superb permanent exhibition, Kraków During Nazi Occupation 1939-1945, that tells the story of everyday life, underground resistance and anti-Semitic repressions in the city during WWII.

7. Eat street food

Many cities have signature street food. Paris has its croissants, Hanoi has its bánh mì, Vienna has its käsekrainer , and Kraków has its obwarzanek . Chewy, moreish and topped either with poppy seeds or sesame seeds, Kraków’s bagels are found at stalls on every corner in Old Town, and locals will tell you which stall is likely to have the fresher lot.

But there’s more to Kraków’s street dining than bagels. For the best kielbasa (signature Polish sausage) in town, head for the Kiełbaski z Niebieskiej Nyski van in front of the Hala Targowa market on ul. Grzegorzecka. Then there’s zapiekanka – half a baguette topped with melted cheese, mushrooms and a squirt of ketchup. Poland’s answer to pizza was invented in the 1970s when basic ingredients were all you could get, but now versions with fancier toppings are ubiquitous at fast food stands. For numerous zapiekanka sellers under one roof, try the Okrąglak food court at Plac Nowy in Kazimierz.

8. Nowa Huta

If you want to see how steelworkers lived in the 1950s, catch tram 4 or 10 from central Kraków to this masterpiece of socialist-realist urban planning and Communist architecture in the east of the city. If wandering around the uniformly grey, identical blocks of flats isn't enough of a draw, take a tour of Nowa Huta in a vintage, Communist-era Trabant with Crazy Guides , who’ll take you down into the old nuclear fallout shelters and ply you with vodka.

9. Klub Awaria

Klub Awaria is the kind of dingy dive bar that your mother warned you about: a sticky-floored, vaulted-ceilinged saloon where the carpe-diem clientele will gladly press a drink into a sober stranger’s hand to help them participate in the mildly anarchic nightly revelry. Up-and-coming local blues and rock bands perform on the little stage most nights and after the band is done, there’s occasional dancing on the tables and on the bar itself by regulars to Tina Turner classics.

10. Cruise along the Vistula

The slow-flowing Vistula River bisects the city. Join locals during their morning runs along the footpaths that run alongside the river banks for several kilometers from near Wawel Royal Castle to the city’s eastern suburbs, skirting Kazimierz on the way. Alternatively, if you have local friends, you might be invited aboard a party boat with a full bar and music system; these are available for hire by groups and are essentially floating nightclubs. More easily accessible are hour-long cruises that depart below Wawel Castle Hill, showing off the city’s important landmarks, such as the Dębnicki Bridge, the Norbertine Monastery , the Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology  and the Piłsudski Bridge.

11. Swim in Zakrzowek

Tall limestone cliffs and dense pine forest surround this lagoon with its clear, turquoise waters that feel a million miles away from urban life, even though it’s only a short tram ride (on route 1 or 4) to Kapelanka, southwest of Old Town. The lagoon began its life as a limestone quarry but it was deliberately flooded in 1990 after falling into disuse. It then became a popular swimming and picnicking spot for locals. It's currently undergoing renovations that won't be complete until 2023, so you can't swim or dive here at the moment, but it's perfect for a scenic picnic and some lovely out-of-town hiking.

12. Dine at a bar mleczny

Cheap, cheerful, and with seriously retro decor, a bar mleczny is a time-warp step behind the Iron Curtain into 1980s Poland – in a good way. Dotted around the city, bar melczny are dirt-cheap cafeterias, where you’ll be rubbing shoulders with locals while you load up your tray with soup, pierogi (filled dumplings), placki ziemniaczane (potato pancakes) and other hearty, belly-warming staples – all without dropping more than 10zl (around US$2). There’s a branch at Grodzka 43 in Old Town and another at Starowiślna 29 in Kazimierz.

13. Summit Kopiec Kościuszki

When you’re standing on Wawel Hill, you may notice lump-like green hills surrounding Kraków. The origins of Kraków Mounds are lost in the mists of time, but it’s believed that the oldest – Kopiec Krakusa and Wandy – were built by pagan tribes several millennia ago as part of some solar calendar: during the summer solstice, the sun rises at Wandy and sets at Krakusa. Kopiec Kościuszki is a newer mound, completed in 1823 to commemorate a fallen Polish general. Catch bus 100 to the mound for fantastic views of Wawel Castle, St Mary’s Basilica  and Główny Rynek.

14. Spend your night out finding a “lost bar”

Other cities have speakeasies, while Kraków has its “lost bars”. It’s the same idea, even though Kraków’s hidden drinking dens are a recent development. Head to the Smakolyki restaurant on Floriana Straszewskiego, find your way to the cloakroom and pass through to a hidden courtyard from which you enter Mercy Brown . It’s 1920s Kraków – all velvet couches, mood lighting, chandeliers, and cocktails from a bygone era (gin with jasmine tea cordial, anyone?). Entertainment includes burlesque shows.

15. Hang out in Tytano

Just west of Old Town, a decrepit former tobacco factory has been transformed into a pocket of hipsterdom, complete with art studios, exhibition spaces, beer gardens and brunch cafes that attract Kraków’s young and cool contingent. Check out the latest photography exhibition or fashion event, then grab a coffee from Kraków’s specialty roasters at Bonjour Cava.

This article was first published July 2022 and updated November 2023

Explore related stories

Aug 5, 2022 • 5 min read

Here are the best parks, wild spaces and meadows in Kraków, one of Europe’s greenest cities.

Aug 4, 2022 • 7 min read

Feb 2, 2022 • 5 min read

Sep 23, 2020 • 5 min read

Nov 21, 2019 • 6 min read

Aug 8, 2019 • 5 min read

Nov 20, 2015 • 5 min read

Apr 25, 2024 • 7 min read

• Help Desk & Booking
• [email protected]
• +48 570 599 599
• +48 570 792 792
• Mon to Sun 7:00 - 22:00 CET

• Auschwitz Tours from Krakow
• Krakow Salt Mine Tours
• Auschwitz Birkenau & Salt Mine Day tour
• Auschwitz & Schindlers Factory Day tour
• Salt Mine & Schindlers Factory Day tour
• Krakow Walking Tour
• Krakow sightseeing by electric golf cart
• Vistula River Cruise
• Zakopane Tours
• Schindler’s Factory Tour
• Krakow airport transfer
• Katowice Airport transfers
• Krakow airport to zakopane
• All Transfers
• All transfers
• Business Services
• Tailor Made
• Early booking deals
• Client’s feedback

KRAKOW SALT MINE TOUR

Select tour date:

Choose your type of tour:.

Choose your option:

Krakow salt mine tours to a unique centuries-old polish landmark, private car salt mine tours with a shared or private guide.

Our Private Salt Mine Tour from Krakow takes approximately 4 hours . We offer door-to-door pickup and drop-off , private, modern car and friendly, English-speaking drivers/tour leaders . The ride lasts for about 30 minutes each way. In the Salt Mine, you can either join a regular/shared guided tour or book a private guided tour . Private guided tours need to be booked at least 8 days in advance. The sightseeing takes about 2.5 hours . We will set up the pickup time based on the hour you have requested and fit it into the entry time options to the Museum to make It as comfortable for you as possible. You can also book Salt Mine and Auschwitz Birkenau or  Salt Mine and Schindler’s Factory in one day to experience more in one tour. After the trip, we will drop you off at your hotel or any other destination in the city centre.

Our special bonus for this Tour

If You decide to book our Tour, we have got something extra for you. Each day at 19:00, we organise an Evening Walking Tour , which you can join completely for free. It starts at the Jan Matejko Square under the “Grunwald Monument”. You will meet our professional city guide there, who will show you the best of Krakow Old Town. You will walk down the Royal Route and finish under Wawel Castle near the Dragon Monument. It takes about 1 hour. You can participate in this tour on any day of your visit in Krakow.

Shared Salt Mine tours from Krakow

Our Shared Salt Mine Tour from Krakow takes about 4 hours . We provide a modern, comfortable Mercedes Benz vehicle and a friendly English-speaking tour leader . We will schedule the pickup time according to the requested hour, as we aim to optimise the minibus route through the city to ensure maximum comfort for you. The journey to the Salt Mine takes about 30-40 minutes each way. A shared guided tour of the Salt Mine takes about 2.5 hours. You can also book Salt Mine and Auschwitz Birkenau or  Salt Mine and Schindler’s Factory in one day to get the most out of your holiday. After the tour, we will drop you off in Krakow city centre.

Early booking deals - 20% off

€ 53 book now

You could also consider

{{contact.responseMsg}}

{{contact.errors}}

Your message has been sent to us. Thank you. We will get back to You in up to 120 minutes within our working hours (Monday to Sunday from 7:00 to 22:00 CET)

Let's see Wieliczka Salt Mine with Krakow Direct

Organized guided tour from the city of Krakow to the Wieliczka Salt Mine is very popular. Book a guided tour and visit the tourist route in the world-famous salt mine. An English-speaking guide or another of Your choice will tell you the interesting history of the place, answer questions of even the most inquisitive tourists and at the same time take care of your safety and transport from/ to the city of Krakow.

If necessary, you have the opportunity to take advantage of free cancellation for group tours up to 24 hours before departure. You do not lose anything, and the tours are organized all the time, so you can go with us another time. Together we will visit one of the most beautiful places in Poland, and our qualified service will take care of all your needs, tickets and transportation from Krakow.

The interesting history of the Wieliczka Salt Mine

It belongs to the unique and one of the oldest salt monuments of Poland. The Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the oldest existing salt mines in the world and was established in the 13th century. Nowadays, salt is no longer mined in Wieliczka, but this original underground complex has been preserved in excellent condition, which makes it a world-class monument. The Wieliczka Salt Mine was inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List for its breathtaking underground chambers carved entirely out of salt. An organized tour from Krakow to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the most popular day trips and attracts over a million tourists each year. It is impossible to miss such an attraction when visiting Krakow.

Joint sightseeing tour of the Wieliczka Salt Mine from Krakow

Our joint Krakow salt mine tour takes about 4 hours. We provide a modern, comfortable Mercedes Benz car and a friendly, English-speaking tour leader. We make an appointment with you to pick you up at a pre-arranged time. The journey from the centre of Krakow takes about 30-40 minutes each way. The tour of the Salt Mine in English takes about 2,5 hours. You can also book organized combination tours. Krakow Direct offers guided tours , including the Salt Mine and Auschwitz Birkenau or the Salt Mine and Schindler’s Factory, in one day to make the most of your vacation. Of course, it will take more than 4 hours, but you do not have to worry about anything. After the tour from Krakow, we provide safe transportation to your hotel or accommodation in the centre of Krakow.

What’s more, in the event of unforeseen events or the need to cancel, you can take advantage of a free cancellation by informing us in advance. You lose nothing, and your guided tour from Krakow with Krakow Direct can be taken at another time.

Attractions for children in a Wieliczka salt mine tour

Discover solilandie – a tourist route for children.

While in the mine, during these 4 hours, we recommend that you take the whole family on a trip to the mysterious Solilandia – a land that was once discovered by accident by one of the miners working underground. According to legend, it is home to the Soliludki, the dragon Solizaurus, who you must be on your guard against, and the good spirit of the mine – the Treasurer. The locals believe that the Wawel Dragon from Krakow also came from this dragon family. During a visit to Solilandia, children will learn the habits of the Gnomes and enter a wonderful fairy-tale world. They must, however, carefully look around and creep on tiptoe so as not to awaken the evil dragon. Our guide is already experienced in this and the organized group will feel safe.

Playground underground in Wieliczka salt mine – the chamber of Wincenty Witos

An underground playground located in the Wieliczka salt mine is a great attraction for all the youngest visitors. In the Wincenty Witos’s chamber, a relatively young attraction was built with the smallest visitors to the mine in mind. Children can listen to stories told by Kryształek – the salt lamp which shows the history of the Mine and the miners working there, grab the telephone to hear about the ways of communication between them, or turn the crank and thus turn on the light at different levels of the Mine. This helps them understand more about the whole history and the work that was done there. While looking into a watchmaker’s magnifying glass, they will see a salt crystal magnified. After all, salt is not at the centre of our interest every day. What’s more, they will have a lot of fun using the interactive wall, creating art in the drawing corner and playing at various stations, such as salt, minerals or listening to fairy tales.

Playing together on an underground playground in a salt mine is a great adventure, perhaps even the adventure of a lifetime. After all, not every child has the opportunity to play 125 meters underground. By choosing an organized trip from Krakow to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, you can provide your kids with such wonderful experiences and memories.

Culture crystals in Wieliczka salt mine- beautiful St Kinga’s Chapel, slat mine to marry and world heritage site

The rich salt vaults host various types of events for visitors. The salt mine conducts comprehensive cultural activities, organizing concerts of classical and sacred music, exhibitions, dance tournaments, martial arts tournaments, as well as soccer matches. Interestingly, even bungee jumping has taken place here, others have flown in a basket balloon, thus gaining an entry in the Guinness Book of Records, and Mateusz Kusznierewicz, a multiple worlds and European champion in the Finn class, has sailed on the underground salt lake. The underground salt lake itself is an amazing spectacle, which is really worth seeing with your own eyes. In St. Kinga’s Chapel, many couples have said the magical I do. Perhaps someone of you will also decide to get married in Wieliczka Salt Mine? The chapel there is open to anyone interested. You can come here on Sunday for a holy mass and once a year for a Pasterka mass. It will surely be an even more magical moment.

Participation in the play

The underground salt lake, st. kinga’s chapel, and the whole unique space.

Wieliczka’s underground space delights not only tourists but also filmmakers. The corridors here have become part of the scenery of numerous Polish productions, including the famous film “Sexmission” about the last two men in the world ruled by women.

Time for rest – overnight stay in the Slovakian Chamber

If you like your visit to the Mine very much, you can stay here longer than other visitors. There is an attraction waiting for you which is even more fun than the pyjama party. It is an overnight stay underground. You will open your eyes with amazement, but in the Wieliczka underground there are no impossible things. In the Słowacki Chamber, exactly 125 m under the ground level, a recreation complex was created, where you can find comfortable beds, a TV room, games, a reading room, a restaurant, and convenient sanitary conditions. Staying overnight underground is an incredible attraction for the whole family. It will send shivers down your spine. Just don’t forget to bring your pyjamas.

Why you should choose a Wieliczka salt mine tour with Krakow Direct?

Extreme sports, weddings, concerts, playing in the underground playground, spending the night, and even licking the salt wall… And how would you like to spend your time in the Wieliczka Salt Mine? Our organized tour with an English-speaking guide will provide you with as much excitement and knowledge as all these attractions. What’s more, the salt mine tour with Krakow Direct provides you with safe transportation back to Krakow city in our luxury fleet, as well as the possibility to take advantage of a free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

Interesting facts about Wieliczka salt mine

Here are 5 of the most impressive and interesting facts about the Wieliczka Salt Mine that attract crowds of tourists and children’s tours from all over the world.

Basic facts about the Salt Mine

Wieliczka Salt Mine has a total of over 300 km of galleries, which is equal to the distance from Wieliczka to Warsaw. The tourist route itself, however, is 3.5 km long and includes 20 chambers, about 800 stairs and goes down to the third level of the mine – 135 meters below the ground level. The deepest level is 327 meters underground.

Most of the mine is made of salt alone

Although the scaffolding supporting the entire construction is made of wood, most of the tunnels along with walls, floors, roofs, and beautiful crystal decorations and statues were carved only in salt. Especially worth seeing is the chapel of St Kinga.

Wieliczka Salt Mine was inscribed on the UNESCO list- a world heritage site

Since 1978 the Wieliczka Salt Mine has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List under the official name ‘The Royal Salt Mines of Wieliczka and Bochnia’. It is one of the first 12 sites inscribed on the world list and is also one of the oldest salt mines in the world. According to official data, the oldest document confirming its existence dates back to 1044.

Underground, in the salt mine, hides more than you can imagine

Wieliczka salt mine tour provides many interesting attractions that make the visit more interesting. There is Europe’s only underground church – St. Kinga’s Chapel, where to this day masses are held on the occasion of St. Kinga’s name day, Christmas pastorals and weddings of young couples. You can also find there the world’s largest mining machine made of wood, crystals from crystal caves and many, many other attractions adorning the tourist route, delighting all visitors.

Salt Mine tour – interesting events

Contrary to what might seem impossible, in 2014 the first underground balloon flight took place in the highest chamber and lasted more than 4 minutes. In addition, it earned a record entered in the Guinness Book of Records for the largest number of participants in the polonaise dance and the largest lasagna. As you can see, people’s imagination and possibilities know no boundaries. It is not without reason that millions of tourists come on organized trips from Krakow to Wieliczka to see this monument with their own eyes. The Wieliczka mine has also hosted bungee jumping, soccer matches, and even windsurfing on an underground salt lake.

Practical information for tour participants

The temperature underground is 14-16 degrees C so it is better to take warm sweatshirts with you and replace flip-flops and sandals with comfortable shoes suitable for walking on stone and salt ground.

Our knowledgeable guides usually take breaks during their guided tours, when you can use the toilets free of charge. For parents with children, there are facilities such as baby changing facilities and highchairs in the underground Miners’ Inn and restaurant at the Grand Sal Hotel. If you have any questions to our guide, feel free to ask. He is not only excellent in Polish but he is also English speaking.

Do not worry that on the way back you will have to climb hundreds of stairs again. The trip will end in an elevator that will take you back to the surface. And we’ll take care of your safety and quick return to Krakow.

It is worth getting acquainted with the regulations of the Mine beforehand and listen to the guide attentively. What is interesting, in many places underground Wi-Fi is available.

After the tour of Salt Mine – come back to Krakow

The meeting point after the guided tour is at a previously agreed place with our English-speaking guide. The transport takes about 30 minutes from the meeting point to the centre of Krakow or directly to your hotel.

If you are interested in a salt mine tour from Krakow with Krakow Direct, just call us. You can book in advance  Salt mine tour from Krakow or in an emergency, use free cancellation. Just let us know up to 24 hours before the guided tour, and you can use free cancellation without any consequences.

Other trips with Salt Mine from Krakow city centre with KrakowDirect

Our company specializes in transfer services. We organize daily tours of the Salt Mine in Krakow and guarantee high quality at the best prices . Wieliczka Salt Mine tours with KrakowDirect are available in private or shared options.

If you are interested in a longer tour than just the Wieliczka Salt Mine, please check our website for other options. We also offer guided tours to Auschwitz Birkenau and Salt Mine, Salt Mine and Schindlers Factory . But not only salt mines are in our minds. Check the suggestions of an organized tour to Auschwitz-Birkenau and Schindlers Factory . Each tour is a day trip and includes comfortable transportation, safety, tickets and amazing excitement at great prices per person.

How long is the Wieliczka Salt Mine tour?

Is the wieliczka salt mine worth visiting, what to wear for the wieliczka salt mine, how long does it take to go to wieliczka from kraków, how deep is the salt mine in wieliczka, how far are the salt mines from auschwitz, are there ramps in the wieliczka salt mine, can i take photos in the salt mine, is there a lift in the krakow salt mine, is wieliczka salt mine claustrophobic, can you visit krakow salt mines without a tour, do you have to pre-book the tickets to the salt mine in wieliczka, how many steps are there in the wieliczka salt mine, is the wieliczka salt mine safe, how much is parking at the wieliczka salt mine.

15 Tips & Tricks for Visiting Krakow, Poland (First-timer’s Guide)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 16, 2023

Traveling to Krakow, Poland, for the first time  and looking for useful travel tips and practical information ?

When to visit? Where to stay? What are the tipping rules in Poland? How to save time and money and experience Krakow and surroundings to the fullest?.. .

This article with Krakow tips and tricks should answer all your questions. Read on!

To help you plan your first trip, we selected some of  the best tips for visiting Krakow for the first time . This no-nonsense practical guide will not only help you plan your city break, but will also show you how to make the best of your trip, time, and budget. Find out!

This guide with tips for visiting Krakow is written by our writer Christine who recently spent some time in Krakow. In her previous article, she shared her best tips for a long weekend in Krakow . In this post, you can find her experience-based Krakow tips that will help you make the most of your trip to this vibrant city, including the best areas to stay, some local habits, how to get around, how to save money, and much more! Find out!

1. Stay in the Center of Krakow

Without a doubt, the best place to stay in Krakow is the Old Town, in the heart of the city.

While in many parts of the world this might be a very expensive option, the cost of accommodation in Krakow is still reasonable enough to make a city-center stay very affordable. This is particularly true if you opt for a privately owned apartment.

But also hotel prices are very reasonable compared to Western Europe. So if you ever wanted to stay at a really nice hotel but couldn’t justify it, this might just be your chance. Check out Hotel Unicus Palace – a wonderful place to stay in the heart of the city.

Staying in the Old Town means that you’ll have all of Krakow’s main attractions right on your doorstep. But thanks to the unique construction of its large, old buildings, you won’t get any of the noise typically associated with staying in the city center.

If you’re lucky, you might find an apartment or a hotel close enough to St Mary’s Basilica to be able to hear the bugler perform the hourly hejnał mariacki (bugle call) – a sound that will forever remind you of your stay in beautiful Krakow!

TIP: If you’re looking for somewhere a little less crowded, but still very central and perfect for sightseeing, consider staying in Kazimierz . It’s a quaint and beautiful Jewish Quarter located just a 10 to 15-minute walk from Krakow’s Old Town. Accommodation here is cheaper and you can find some amazing value for your money. Take a look at PURO Kraków Kazimierz or Metropolitan Boutique Hotel , to mention just a few.

2. Avoid Peak Season If You Can

The most popular time to visit Krakow is from June to August when the temperatures are high, the parks are green and the banks of the Vistula come alive with barbecues and picnics.

Of course, the popularity of the peak season comes at a price – the city is busy, queues are long, and the prices for accommodation and some attractions are higher. It can also get too warm to enjoy the city… So consider if visiting at a different time of year would suit you better.

April to May and September to October are lovely times to visit Krakow. The temperatures are mild (although it can be quite chilly in the evenings) and the city is a lot less crowded. Accommodation prices are lower and you don’t have to queue everywhere. Krakow is a great destination for a spring break in Europe !

Winter is the least popular season, but having visited at this time of the year, I can say that it surely has its charm. The Christmas-card perfection of the frosty city, the festive Christmas markets, and the cozy restaurants mean that this is a season that shouldn’t be overlooked! Most attractions are still open, but both queues and prices tend to be far lower.

TIP: Take a walk in the city early in the morning or late at night. It’s magical without the crowds.

READ ALSO: Best Time to Visit Europe

3. Book in Advance

Krakow may be a small city, but it is very busy in peak season and its popularity is growing all the time. Hotels in the city center are often fully booked in peak season and the best price-quality deals are always gone first. So if you have a specific hotel in mind you need to book well ahead of your visit.

If you waited too long to book the hotel of your choice, try looking for an apartment instead. These tend to have more availability than hotels at busy times.

Tickets to popular tours and attractions are also worth booking in advance, mainly to avoid long queues. This is particularly true for the Wieliczka Salt Mine , where the ticket hall becomes incredibly crowded during peak season, and for Auschwitz , where booking in advance is essential (or you won’t be able to visit at all).

Both these places are located outside the city, so if you are planning to go on an organized tour from Krakow, you best book the tours in advance too! Here’s the best-rated tour to the salt mine and here – to the concentration camps .

Wawel Royal Castel , home to Polish kings and queens and considered Poland’s most important collection of buildings, is not to be missed in Krakow. You can view the magnificent exterior and walk around for free (or join this great-value guided tour and learn more about the place).

However, if you want to view the Castle’s impressive art collection or visit the splendid Royal Apartments, then you should buy the tickets in advance . Entry to the interior of the Castle is strictly timed, so you may find yourself waiting for several hours during busy times if you haven’t booked ahead (or not be able to visit at all).

Also Oskar Schindler Factory is a popular place and – if you absolutely want to visit – it’s best to reserve your visit in advance .

Some other landmarks and museums in Krakow require advance booking as well. Please check our 3 days in Krakow article for more details.

4. Take Advantage of Free Activities and Free Days

There are many ways to experience Krakow on a low budget, while still being able to see everything that you want to see!

The Church of SS Peter & Paul, the grounds of Wawel Castle, the impressive Market Square and the historic architecture of St. Florian’s Gate can all be enjoyed at no charge. So too can Kazimierz, which boasts the oldest synagogue in Krakow (also free to visit). Plus, of course, there’s the beautiful Planty Park – lush and green in the summer and the perfect place for a stroll.

There are a variety of free walking tours available, usually starting from Market Square, although it is customary (and polite) to leave a tip at the end.

Auschwitz is free to visit as an independent traveler, although it’s important to note that you still need to book your free ticket. Please see our article about visiting Auschwitz for more information.

Many attractions that charge for tickets also offer FREE entrance on certain days of the week. So always check before you buy, but please note that you may still need to book a free ticket! Attractions offering free days include Schindler’s Factory, the National Museum, Wawel Castle, St Francis Basilica, the Cloth Hall, and Rynek Underground.

5. Save Money with the Krakow Card

The Krakow City Pass Krakow Card can be a worthwhile investment if you plan to fit a lot of sightseeing into your stay, but your visit doesn’t coincide with any of the ‘free days’ suggested above.

This includes entry to more than 40 attractions and museums and free public transport. Here are just a few examples of what’s included: Oskar Schindler’s Factory, Main Market Underground Museum, Pharmacy “Under Eagle”, Town Hall Tower, St. Mary’s Church, The Barbican The Old Synagogue, City Defense Walls, Former Gestapo Headquarters at Pomorska Street, The Old Synagogue, The National Museum, and many more.

This card is only worth it though if you are actually staying in the city itself for 2 or 3 days (so not counting the day trips that most people do from Krakow).

6. Learn a Few Words in Polish

Locals really appreciate it if you try to speak a few words in Polish. Just a ‘hello’ or a ‘thank you’ can get you a long way. Here are a few Polish words you may want to know:

• Dzień dobry = hello – good morning / good afternoon
• Dobry wieczór = good evening
• Do widzenia  = good bye
• Proszę  = please
• Dziękuję  = thank you
• Przepraszam  = Excuse me/ sorry
• Nie rozumiem = I don’t understand
• Tak  = yes
• Nie  = no
• Na zdrowie!  = Cheers!

7. Be Smart When Exchanging Money

Even though Poland is part of the EU, it is not a member of the Eurozone, so the Euro is not accepted there. Poland uses the zloty, which you will often see abbreviated to PLN. 1 zloty is made up of 100 groszy (the equivalent of pennies or cents).

There are many currency exchange offices ( Kantor ) throughout Krakow, but the rates they offer can vary widely, with the worst rates usually offered in the city center. It is worth comparing the rates between offices before exchanging your cash, or – better – just withdraw cash from an ATM.

During our visit, we calculated that it was much cheaper for us to withdraw cash from the ATM using our foreign bank card than to exchange cash. It is usually cheaper to make one large withdrawal than several smaller ones.

All major debit and credit cards are widely accepted in Krakow, but – as everywhere in Europe – it’s best to use VISA or MasterCard with a chip and a 4-digit pin. American Express or Diners Club cards aren’t ideal for traveling in Europe. Many banks charge a foreign currency fee per transaction, so if you don’t yet have a card with no foreign transaction fees , it might be smart to get one.

PRO TIP: When withdrawing money from an ATM or when paying for purchases, you’ll always be asked to choose the currency for the transaction. Always choose the LOCAL CURRENCY (so in Krakow, Polish zloty) and let your bank do the exchange. This is a known trick that can cost you 3-15% extra if you accept the suggested conversion rate and choose to pay in your own currency. This is something to remember for all your international trips!

8. Enjoy Krakow on Foot

One of the most wonderful things about Krakow is that it’s compact, so it’s possible to get around very comfortably on foot and see most of the attractions. Not only does it save money, but it gives you a true feel of the sights and sounds of day-to-day life in the city.

Negotiating Krakow is very simple. The center of the city is made up of the Old Town and Wawel Hill, home to the historic Wawel Castle. The Vistula River borders the city on one side and Planty Park borders the other.

TIP: If you want to see the highlights of the Old Town and familiarize yourself with the city, you can also opt for this highly-rated walking tour with a local . Try to do this at the beginning of your visit, so that you can take advantage of the local tips and recommendations during the rest of your stay!

TIP: If you’re visiting Krakow in winter, bring waterproof shoes! The snow is not always removed from the pavements, so they can become quite ‘slushy’ and muddy!

9. Live Like a Local and Use Public Transport

Krakow’s bus and tram system is cheap and efficient and a great way to get around the city. Although you might want to avoid rush hours (7 am-9 am and 3 pm-5 pm) when traffic often comes to a standstill!

Buy your tickets before you board, either from a ticket machine at a bus or tram stop, or from a kiosk. On some trams and buses, you can buy tickets from a machine onboard – those selling them have an ‘A’ sign over the door. It is possible to buy your ticket from the driver, but you need to have exactly the right change. You can’t try to pay with a higher amount than the ticket price – the driver is not allowed to accept it.

There are many ticket inspectors on the routes and – sadly – tourists often end up receiving hefty fines because they are not sure what they need to do. To avoid a fine, make sure you buy a ticket in advance or as soon as you get on the bus (if you haven’t been able to buy one beforehand) and that you validate it. To do this, you need to punch it in the validation machine. You only need to do this once – not every time you change a bus or tram. If your ticket is within its time period, it can be used for multiple rides.

TIP: If you get the Krakow Card , you can travel on buses and trams without having to worry about the tickets.

TIP: Download the popular Jakdojade app , designed to help you plan your journeys on public transport throughout Poland.

10. Save Money on Airport Transfers & More

If you plan to travel by taxi to and from the airport, book your airport transfer online – it’s cheaper than hailing a taxi from the rank. Always check the price before you travel. While it’s rare, tourists do occasionally fall prey to unscrupulous drivers who charge more than the going rate. Prices should be on display inside the taxi, on the passenger door or window.

Or consider other taxi alternatives such as iCar (local taxi service) or Uber, which operates around Krakow but is not available in the Old Town.

A fun and cost-effective way to get around is to use an electric scooter or bike. You can rent scooters and there are various locations around the city at which you can rent bikes. Sadly, however, Krakow’s popular bike-sharing service Wavelo was discontinued at the end of 2019.

11. Think Twice Before Hiring a Car

While renting a car gives you freedom, I wouldn’t recommend doing it for a visit to Krakow. Parking is hard to find and costly and the traffic can be very heavy. Some of the rules of the road can be very confusing, particularly with regard to ‘driving zones’ that even the locals find hard to understand.

If you decide to drive, be very careful to keep to posted speed limits. Speed restrictions are strictly enforced.

I’d only recommend renting a car in Krakow if you are staying in the area for longer than 3 days and are planning to explore the wide surroundings beyond the city. The most popular day trips to Auschwitz , Wieliczka Salt Mine , and Zakopane can easily be done with tours or private drivers .

12. Experience Polish Cuisine & Street Food

The Poles are rightly proud of their cuisine and you’ll find traditional food available at every turn. Be sure to try pierogis – plump little dumplings filled with a variety of ingredients, then baked or fried. You should also sample zurek – sour rye soup – and the classic borscht , a soup made from beetroot.

The food in Krakow extends far beyond traditional fare. Foodies will love the variety of high quality, gourmet meals on offer at restaurants throughout the city. Prices are very low and it’s possible to dine out very well in Poland for less than $40 a day!

If you’re traveling on a budget, then you can save money by taking advantage of Krakow’s delicious street food. You’ll find Polish bagels known as obwarzanki for sale on just about every corner. And as popular as these bagels are, I don’t think you can beat a loaf of regular Polish bread , fresh from the bakery! Be sure to also sample zapiekanka – Poland’s delicious and filling version of pizza!

TIP: Although it’s tempting to dine at restaurants in Market Square, I recommend doing a little exploring. Restaurants away from the main square are often cheaper and the standard of the food is often higher. Many lovely restaurants and cafes are almost hidden in the inner courtyards of the buildings, so don’t be afraid to stray from the beaten track.

Or you can also join a food tour and discover some of the best places and delicacies with a local guide. Also here, if you take a tour at the beginning of your trip, you can then take advantage of what you learned during the rest of your stay.

13. Tipping Etiquette

At restaurants in Poland, it’s customary to tip 10% if you find the service to be satisfactory. If the service is excellent, you can tip a bit more.

If you pay by credit card, it’s best to leave tips in cash. If you pay in cash and expect to get some change, don’t say ‘thank you’ when handing the money or it might be misunderstood that you’re ok with your waiter keeping the change. So wait to say ‘thanks’ till you have settled the money matters.

It’s not customary to tip at cafés or bars , but you can round up the bill. You can round up your taxi bill as well.

It’s customary to tip your tour guide at 10-15%, but only if you thoroughly enjoyed the service.

Tips are not expected by the hotel personnel or other similar services.

14. Don’t Drink in Public

You should know that it’s illegal to drink alcohol in public places in Poland. So make sure to not drink alcohol in public areas, including parks.

This also counts for celebrations like New Year or similar. There are no exceptions.

Outdoor cafés and restaurant terraces are, of course, ok.

15. Don’t Forget Little Important Details

• Some restrooms display symbols on the doors instead of words, which can be confusing! A restroom with a triangle is for men – a restroom with a circle is for women.
• Krakow is filled with cobbled streets and many hotels, restaurants and other buildings have no lifts. This is something to keep in mind if you are a disabled traveler or if traveling with young kids in a stroller. Make sure to also wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking a lot!
• The Polish electricity supply is 230V, 50Hz AC and the plug sockets type C/E just as in the rest of continental Europe. Visitors from the US and the UK will need to use an adapter. While these are available at shops and hotels in Krakow, the cheaper option is to buy one at home before you leave. Here you can get the UK to Europe travel adapter and here – the USA to Europe travel adapter .
• Krakow’s tap water is safe to drink, so there is no need to buy bottled water. If you are traveling in summer, you may want to bring a reusable water bottle.
• Try to buy your souvenirs away from the main Market Square. You will often find the same goods on sale elsewhere but at a cheaper price.
• Krakow often makes the list of the world’s top 20 safe destinations. Nevertheless, use the same safety precautions that you would use anywhere when traveling.
• Local pharmacies may not sell medications that you are used to using, so stock up before you travel.
• Krakow can be very cold in the winter and very hot in the summer, so be prepared with the right clothes . Bear in mind that it can also be very chilly in spring.

So these are our top tips and tricks for visiting Krakow that should help you experience the very best this city has to offer. If you found this guide useful, make sure to also check our other articles – see below.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Krakow

More tips for your trip to Krakow:

• How to Visit Auschwitz
• How to Visit Wieliczka Salt Mines
• Itinerary for 3 Days in Krakow
• Zakopane Day Tour from Krakow

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

More travel inspiration for the nicest cities all over Europe:

If you are visiting other European cities and are looking for in-depth information for your trip, take a look at some of our city guides:

• Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Antwerp, Belgium
• Barcelona, Spain
• Bern, Switzerland
• Bologna, Italy
• Brasov, Romania
• Brussels, Belgium
• Bruges, Belgium
• Bucharest, Romania
• Colmar, France
• Edinburgh, UK
• Florence, Italy
• Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
• Geneva, Switzerland
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Liverpool, UK
• Lucerne, Switzerland
• Madrid, Spain
• Manchester, UK
• Milan, Italy
• Naples, Italy
• Paris, France
• Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal
• Ravenna, Italy
• Reykjavik, Iceland
• Rome, Italy
• Salzburg, Austria
• Sintra, Portugal
• Venice, Italy
• Verona, Italy
• For more… check our  destinations page.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Wednesday 11th of August 2021

Hello. Thank you so much for the posting. It will definitely help me when I visit in September!

Thursday 12th of August 2021

Have a great trip, Jess!

Saturday 7th of November 2020

Hi Jurga, If you want to explore Poland a bit more, here are some of my suggestions where to go: south Poland -Zakopane and Tatra mountains, Krynica Gorska, Pieniny mountains near Krakow - Ojcow Park, nice for strolling north Poland - Gdansk north-central Poland - Biskupin (Bronze Age settlement) Warszawa is not my favorite , but the old town, Lazienki Park, and Wilanow Palace are beautiful.

Wednesday 11th of November 2020

Wow, thank you so much for all these tips, Kinga! Will definitely keep this in mind when we plan to go in that direction.

Home » Travel Guides » Poland » 12 Best Auschwitz Tours

12 Best Auschwitz Tours

In April of 1940, Auschwitz was established as an extermination camp for Jews shipped in from all over Europe.

Arguably one of the most historically significant and poignant attractions in the world, for most visitors, it ends up being one of the most shocking and memorable experiences of their lives.

A variety of tours are offered, and most originate from the nearby city of Krakow.

The facility includes hundreds of buildings, watchtowers, and gas chambers, and fascinating first-hand accounts of soldiers and prisoners who stayed at the camp during World War II.

Below are 12 of the best tours of Auschwitz.

1. Auschwitz and Birkenau Tour with Licensed Guide

Auschwitz and Birkenau were ground zero for many atrocities committed during the Second World War, and previous visitors agree that they’re both heartbreaking and memorable places.

This full-day tour lasts between six and seven hours and includes the services of a licensed guide.

The tour includes stops at prisoner barracks, the gas chambers, crematoriums, and soldiers’ quarters, all of which contain informative signs so you’ll learn about the things you’re seeing.

Tours end at the memorial, where it’s common for visitors to relax and take a few moments to contemplate the magnitude of events that took place more than 80 years ago.

2. Guided Auschwitz and Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour from Krakow

Though pretty much everyone is relatively familiar with the basic history of Auschwitz, the salt mines at Wieliczka aren’t so well-known.

This 11-hour guided tour from Krakow is a bit on the long side, but it offers guests a look into the area’s macabre history that’s more in-depth than typically found on shorter tours.

You’ll see all the main attractions in the camp, as well as the underground labyrinth of salt mines, where forced laborers toiled in abominable conditions.

The tour includes both guided portions as well as free time for personal exploration and quiet contemplation.

Transportation, park entry fees, and headphones are included in the tour.

View Prices & Reviews

3. Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum & Camp Guided Tour

For some visitors, spending a full-day in Auschwitz and Birkenau is too much.

The site is brimming with horrors that can be overwhelming to many; for those, it’s wise to consider a brief half-day tour to start.

If, on the other hand, you’re ready for full immersion, this eight-hour tour might be a great fit.

You’ll get to see the camp’s main attractions, as well as learn about its status as the Third Reich’s largest extermination center that wasn’t liberated until January of 1945.

The tour includes round-trip transportation from Krakow, entrance fees, the services of a local professional guide, and the use of headsets while in the museum.

4. Self-Guided Tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau from Krakow

For quiet, reflective types, spending a full-day with a talkative guide may not be the best way to spend time at Auschwitz and Birkenau.

Self-guided tours are popular options for many travelers; though you may miss some unique insights, the facility is packed with exhibits, historical plaques, and first-hand accounts.

Due to their location, Auschwitz and Birkenau were primarily filled with Poles, but nearly one million Jews from all over the continent would eventually be sent there for work and extermination.

This seven-hour tour includes transportation to and from Krakow, an English-speaking driver, and all entrance fees.

Food and drinks are available, but they aren’t included in the cost of the tour.

5. Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour with 4 Guests

During much of World War II, Poland was occupied by Nazi troops; the city of Oświęcim was where they built the facilities to hasten their plan for genocide.

This small-group tour is limited to just four guests, so it’s perfect for those who’d rather get a more intimate experience than they would in larger groups.

Guests will get up-close-and-personal with the camp’s most heinous and historic attractions. Due to its small size, this tour is much more customizable than most others.

It’s open to those of most ages and levels of physical ability, but it’s not accessible for those who use a wheelchair.

6. Auschwitz-Birkenau Day Trip from Katowice

For those who want all the details of their trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau handled by professionals, this full-day tour would be a wise choice.

Transportation to and from Katowice is provided in a car, minivan, or bus, depending on the number of guests.

Guests will walk past the crowds with their skip-the-line tickets. Once on-site, they will have 3 ½ hours to explore with their English speaking guide.

Expect to be shocked, educated, and emotionally exhausted as you walk amongst the recreated ruins of the worst Nazi death camps of World War II before heading back to your hotel in Katowice.

7. One-Way Bus Direct between Auschwitz-Birkenau and Krakow

Round-trip transportation is a big selling point for many international travelers visiting Auschwitz and Birkenau, but for those who prefer to fly by the seat of their pants, one-way transfers are often the way to go.

The trip from Krakow to the camps takes about 1 ½ hours. Once on-location, guests will have the option of exploring the facilities on their own or hooking up with a guided group.

You’ll learn about the harsh and deadly lives the prisoners endured and see the camp’s facilities as well as the museum and memorial to the dead.

There are multiple departures daily, and return trips are available too.

8. Auschwitz Tour from Wroclaw

Wroclaw is a bit farther from the camps than Krakow, but it’s still a relatively easy day trip for those who’ve got an entire day to dedicate to one of the world’s most significant attractions.

Plan on being worn-out physically and emotionally after touring the camp and learning about the unspeakable atrocities committed.

For those traveling with kids, infant seats are available, but due to space restrictions, it’s not open to those using a wheelchair.

This tour is limited to eight guests, making it a good fit for families. From beginning to end, the day usually lasts between nine and ten hours.

9. Auschwitz-Birkenau from Krakow with Private Car

For history buffs and those whose lives were personally changed by the atrocities committed during the Second World War, Auschwitz and Birkenau are definitely must-visit attractions.

They’re the perfect places to get caught up on historical events, pay your respects to the fallen, and get shocking insight into the dark side of humanity.

This private car tour begins and ends in Krakow and includes entrance fees, round-trip transportation, and the services of a guide if that option is chosen at booking.

It’s typically a six or seven-hour day, which means guests are back in Krakow by late afternoon.

10. Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Tour from Krakow

Tours with options are big hits these days, especially with savvy travelers looking to stretch their travel dollars and spend their time seeing the things that interest them.

If you fall into this category, this memorial tour from Krakow is worth a look.

Guests will have the option of exploring the two sites on their own or signing up for a guide to show them around.

Whichever option is chosen, you’ll have ample time to see everything for which the camps are known.

Transportation via air-conditioned vehicle is included, but food, drinks, and tips are the responsibility of the participants.

11. Private Tour of Auschwitz from Prague

The distance from Prague to Auschwitz is nearly 280 miles, but there’s a doable day-trip tour option for those with boundless energy.

It’s about five hours of driving each way, but once at the camp, guests will have about four hours to explore on their own or hook-up with a professional guide if they choose that option.

Most guests agree that four hours is sufficient to see the camp’s sights, and hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Though food and drinks aren’t included, there will be the opportunity to stop en route at restaurants and cafes in both Poland and the Czech Republic.

12. Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Minivan Tour from Krakow

Auschwitz’s most revolting features include gas chambers, gallows, and barracks, where overworked inmates spent long nights fighting against hunger, frigid weather, and physical exhaustion.

Needless to say, the site tends to bring a host of emotions to the forefront. During the war years, it was where the lives of more than a million poor souls were taken.

These days, much of the facility has been constructed to near-original condition, and this guided minivan tour from Krakow allows guests a few hours to explore the grounds.

The tour also includes a side excursion to nearby Birkenau, where guests will have about 1 ½ hours before loading up and heading back to Krakow.

Round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and headsets are all included.

12 Best Auschwitz Tours:

• Auschwitz and Birkenau Tour with Licensed Guide
• Guided Auschwitz and Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour from Krakow
• Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum & Camp Guided Tour
• Self-Guided Tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau from Krakow
• Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour with 4 Guests
• Auschwitz-Birkenau Day Trip from Katowice
• One-Way Bus Direct between Auschwitz-Birkenau and Krakow
• Auschwitz Tour from Wroclaw
• Auschwitz-Birkenau from Krakow with Private Car
• Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Tour from Krakow
• Private Tour of Auschwitz from Prague
• Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Minivan Tour from Krakow

The best day tours from Krakow to Auschwitz

The city of Krakow is well known for its rich history and architecture. Its stunning market Square is used in many an Instagram picture for the perfect European backdrop scene. But around an hour away west of Krakow is Auschwitz, one of the most famous WW2 sites in Poland and possibly the world.

Is Auschwitz free to visit?

Auschwitz-birkenau full-day tour with lunch.

• Auschwitz-Birkenau and Schindler's Factory Tour from Krakow

More travel inspiration for your next Poland trip

In 1940, the Nazis took over the town of Oświęcim and established Auschwitz as the largest death camp in Europe for Jews , political prisoners and undesirables.

The tragic history of Auschwitz tells us that over 1 million people were killed, including thousands of Polish political prisoners and Jews from Krakow . Today, the former Auschwitz site is a memorial and museum.

While you are visiting Krakow, you can easily get from Kraków to Auschwitz, on any number of guided tours that run daily to the Memorial and Museum Auschwitz—Birkenau.

Want to take Poland home with you?  Here are all the best Polish souvenirs you should consider

Why should you visit Auschwitz from Krakow?

Many people, visiting Krakow and many parts of Poland, want to visit Auschwitz Birkenau Concentration Camp.

The Auschwitz Memorial lies much closer to Kraków than it does to any other major city in Poland. This makes Krakow, one of the best Polish cities , an ideal base to take a tour of Auschwitz from Krakow.

Auschwitz–Birkenau is a destination that will rock you to the core. So much history, sadness and crazy ideology all converge in this one location. In 1940, on the outskirts of Oswiecim Poland, a prison camp was established.

The continued mass detainment of the Jews , political prisoners and the Polish people meant that a bigger solution was required.

On June 14, 1940, the first prisoners arrived. By 1942 Auschwitz had turned from a prison camp into a death camp, a systemic killing machine controlled by the Third Reich.

For over a million people the Auschwitz arrivals platform was the end of the line for them, as they were marched straight to the gas chamber.

What was once a Polish Army barracks is now one of the most well-known museums in the world. It is a place of pure sadness and will create memories that will not be forgotten.

How to get from Krakow to Auschwitz

An organised tour day trip from Krakow Poland to Auschwitz takes all the hassle of organising it yourself.

Tours from Krakow to Auschwitz are convenient and easy, most Auschwitz tours are planned so that you can relax and have little to worry about other than taking in the experience.

Tour companies and tour operators of any Auschwitz Birkenau guided tours will take care of all the details for your tour from Krakow to Auschwitz , from transport (bus tours, private tour by car) to tickets to guide services. This leaves you free to focus on what matters – gaining an understanding of one of history’s darkest moments.

The best Auschwitz-guided tours from Krakow offer a comprehensive and informative experience for visitors to learn about the tragic history of the Holocaust. If you are short of time you can even do an Auschwitz-Birkenau museum half-day trip

Planning a trip to Warsaw:  Here are the best areas to stay in

How far is Auschwitz from Kraków

The Auschwitz—Birkenau Memorial Camp is just 67 kilometres away from the city of Kraków and can be accessed via, train, bus, car, and tour. Krakow is the nearest and easiest major city in Poland to access Auschwitz.

Questions about visiting Auschwitz

In this section, we hope to answer some frequently asked questions for tourists visiting Poland who choose to take a Krakow to Auschwitz tour.

How far is Auschwitz from Kraków?

Auschwitz, one of the most notorious Nazi concentration and extermination camps during World War II, is located about 60 kilometres (37 miles) west of Krakow, Poland. It is possible to do a private Auschwitz tour , an Auschwitz half-day tour or a full day to the Auschwitz camp complex

How to get from Oswiecim to Auschwitz?

Auschwitz Birkenau concentration camp lies on the edge of the town of Oswiecim. It is only a few kilometres from the town centre to go to Auschwitz.

What is the difference between Auschwitz and Birkenau?

Auschwitz and Birkenau are both a part of the same complex, located a few kilometres apart. At Auschwitz, you will find plenty of buildings used by the SS in World War ii while Birkenau housed most of the prisoners’ accommodation.

What to wear to an Auschwitz Birkenau guided tour?

On Trips To Auschwitz From Krakow you should dress respectfully, as Auschwitz really is a giant cemetery. No skimpy, dirty or ripped clothes, please.

Where to stay in Poland to visit Auschwitz?

You can stay in Krakow for an Auschwitz-guided tour from Krakow. You can also stay in Oswiecim , Katowice or any town in Southern Poland

Tickets to the former Nazi concentration camp are free if you do not want to take any type of guided tour of Auschwitz. The best time to visit this symbol of the holocaust is as soon as it opens to avoid the crowds from tourist buses. You can do a self guided tour .

Why should I go on an organised Krakow day trip to Auschwitz

• You don’t have to get to Kraków Główny or MDA station
• You don’t have to take public transport from Krakow to Auschwitz concentration camp and round-trip transfers are included.
• You can usually organise a Kraków hotel pickup and drop off at your accommodation on Auschwitz Tours.
• Auschwitz Tours will have an English-speaking guide that will keep you informed on the journey out to Auschwitz ii Birkenau so you get the full experience.
• Entry tickets to the two camps are usually included in the tour to Auschwitz from Krakow
• One price for everything including round-trip transport back to Krakow.
• An organised tour of the sights
• During the Krakow Auschwitz tour, visitors are guided through the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp to learn about its dark history.
• If you have children, you may be able to take some extras for them and then have somewhere to keep the extra bags, so you don’t have to carry them around.

Planning a trip to Poland? Use our guide to the best cities in Poland

Best day tours from Kraków to Auschwitz

Let’s explore some great tours for visiting Auschwitz Concentration Camp from Kraków. An Auschwitz trip with a tour guide will make your trip easy. Which Auschwitz tour is best? There is no shortage of Kraków and Auschwitz packages available.

Auschwitz – Birkenau Memorial Tour from Krakow

This day tour to the Auschwitz extermination camp gives you two options, you can either go on a guided tour of the Auschwitz Museum or you can explore the site by yourself.

On your Auschwitz tour from Krakow you have the option of being picked up at 8 central locations around Kraków where you will be transferred to Auschwitz, the former German Nazi concentration, in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.

The tour to the Nazi concentration camp, Auschwitz from Krakow will start to finish in Kraków and lasts around 5 hours. This moving tour incorporates 1 hour to the Auschwitz Birkenau State Museum, then 3 hours at the site doing an official guided tour or your own paced tour and then return to Kraków.

Kraków Concentration Camp tour includes:

• Pickup from 8 different meeting points all over Krakow
• Certificated Museum Guide (if option selected) and entrance tickets
• 3-hour visit to Auschwitz & Birkenau Museum

For more information and bookings

Auschwitz-birkenau guided tour and wieliczka salt mine full-day trip with pickup.

This is an amazing tour with the opportunity to visit two of the best World War II sites near Krakow in one day.

Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and Memorial site in Oswiecim . You will see prisoner barracks, the entrance gate, railway ramps, and the original barracks where the prisoner lived.

The Auschwitz Birkenau tour will have a professional guide who give you a brief history of the site. Then travel to Wieliczka Salt Mine and travel 135 meters underground.

The Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the oldest salt mines in Europe. The mine was first mentioned in written documents in the early 13th century. The mine was in operation until 2007. The Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the best things to see in Krakow and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day tour from Krakow includes:

• Duration 11 hours
• Wieliczka Salt Mine entry ticket
• Live guided tour of the Auschwitz memorial by an expert guide
• Hotel pickup and drop off
• Auschwitz-Birkenau entrance ticket
• Rated 4.8 out of 5

Check the latest prices and availability

On this visit to Auschwitz, you will learn about the history of the Holocaust on this day trip to Auschwitz from Krakow. The trip will visit the Auschwitz I Museum and the Birkenau Camp.

An Official licensed Auschwitz guide will lead you through the largest concentration camp complex in Europe and explain its role in the Holocaust. The site still has original roads, gas chamber ruins, fences, watchtowers and gas chambers from the 1940s.

You will pay respect to the victims at the Auschwitz Birkenau complex as you walk through the site, see the gas chambers and crematoria, and personal belongings and learn the horrendous details of what happened at this site.

Your itinerary will involve pick-up and drop-off from a choice of meeting points in Kraków, entrance to the Auschwitz Museum and exhibits a 15-minute break, and a visit to Birkenau, before returning to Krakow from Auschwitz. This is one of the best tours to Auschwitz from Krakow

Day tour to Auschwitz Birkenau Concentration Camp includes:

• Tours to Auschwitz from Krakow include hotel pickup and drop-off
• Transportation in an air-conditioned bus
• Trips to Auschwitz have an English-speaking driver
• Local licensed guide for tours of Auschwitz from Krakow
• Headset to hear the guide when you visit the Auschwitz Birkenau museum.
• Fresh-made lunch box: meat, vegetarian, and vegan options available. Each consists of 2 x sandwiches, apple, banana, dark chocolate wafer, orbit gum, still mineral water 0,5 l, tissue, and paper bag. Specific diet requirements are to be confirmed.

Secure your spot on this tour to the Auschwitz ii Birkenau camp!

Auschwitz-birkenau and schindler’s factory tour from krakow.

Discover the profound history of Krakow with this half-day tour! Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, where you’ll gain insight into the Holocaust and pay tribute to its victims. Explore Schindler’s Factory, a poignant museum showcasing wartime experiences.

Led by knowledgeable guides, this Auschwitz tour provides a meaningful and educational experience. Immerse yourself in the stories of resilience and courage that emerged from these significant sites.

Please note that due to the sensitive nature of the tour, it is recommended for mature audiences who visit Auschwitz. The best Auschwitz tour from Krakow offers a comprehensive experience of visiting the historic concentration camp.

Gain a deeper understanding of Krakow’s past and honour those affected by the Nazi regime in this dark chapter in history. Book now for an impactful journey to the Oskar Schindler factory and the Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial and Museum.

Day tour of Auschwitz and the Oskar Schindler factory include:

• Pickup and drop-off at your Krakow accommodation (if option selected)
• Documentary movie en route to the Auschwitz Museum
• Tour guide in Oscar Schindler’s Factory Museum
• Transportation by modern Mercedes minibus to Auschwitz ii Birkenau
• WiFi access in a minibus
• 3.5-hour guided tour of Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camp
• Entrance fee to Oscar Schindler’s Factory Museum
• Visiting Auschwitz Interactive exhibition (1.5 hours)
• The assistance of an experienced tour leader
• Guaranteed to skip the long entrance lines

Secure your spot on the best Auschwitz tours from Krakow

Essential information for krakow.

There are many other things you need to consider when planning a vacation to Krakow not just where are the best areas to stay in Krakow. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from travellers to Krakow for your 2 days in Krakow itinerary.

How to get to Krakow

• You can   book an airport transfer   from Warsaw Airport to your hotel
• You can catch trains to Krakow from all over Europe and Poland. High-speed trains run frequently between Warsaw and Kraków in around 2 hours. You can book your   Poland train travel with trainline .
• Flix Bus has buses running daily to Krakow from destinations inside Poland and International destinations. Search for your  bus tickets to  Krakow.
• Poland has some great Highways for driving, The newer Highways built with E.U assistants are levied with what we would say are heavy tolls. Some local roads do leave a lot to be desired. You can hire a car at any international airport in Poland and Europe. Search your  Rental Car today !

Booking Flights : To score flight deals, search on Aviasales or  Kiwi Flights . Money-saving tips: fly mid-week or on the weekend, fly carry-on only on a budget airline, and take late-night or early-morning flights

Accommodation in Poland

You can stay in budget-friendly vacation rentals, boutique hotels, and private rooms in hostels or luxury locations. We recommend using  Booking.com   to book hotels ( we love their flexible cancellation policy ) and  Hostelworld  to book hostels ( low deposit, easy change/cancellation, and excellent reviews) . For apartments and rentals, we book using  VRBO . VRBO has lower fees and better customer service than Airbnb. if you’re looking for something a bit fancier with a view or a pool then  Plum Guide  will help you find the perfect apartment in Krakow.

How to get around Krakow

There is no underground transport system in Krakow, An integrated bus and tram system runs in Krakow from  05:00 – 23:00 . Check timetables and network maps online for Krakow at  mpk.krakow.pl . Tickets are the integrated bus and tram system are timed. This allows you the freedom to change between tram or bus lines within the allocated time of your ticket life. You can get 20min 40min,1-hour, 24-hour, 48-hour, 72-hour, and unlimited weekend family pass tickets.

Taxi and UBER are available in the city.

What currency do I need for my trip to Poland?

The official currency you need to use in Poland is the Polish Zloty, We recommend that you get a   Revolut travel money card ,  that can be loaded with multiple currencies and has nearly non-existent withdrawal fees to save you money.

Travel insurance for Poland

Poland has a high quality of healthcare but in saying that travel insurance is still recommended for all travellers entering the country. The last thing you want is a huge bill for medical expenses should you require care on your holiday in Krakow.

We recommend using Travel Insurance Master, their website will compare the best deals from a number of providers and present you with the best value for money policy on the market.  Click through to Insurance Masters to get a free quote .

Using your phone in Krakow

Relying on Wi-Fi when you are travelling and sightseeing in Krakow on vacation can be hard. Making calls and staying in contact when you travel to Europe is a top priority. Plan your trip out and  order your sim before you leave home or buy a voucher for the new E-sims . This will reduce any stress about travelling, data and calls on your epic vacation in Poland.

Use a VPN Service on your travels 

A VPN keeps your digital information (like website login details, bank info, etc) safe, even when you’re connected to an unsecured network while travelling. When overseas, we access a lot of different Wi-Fi networks along the journey. A VPN allows you to stream Netflix & other streaming sites from your home country! We use Express VPN when travelling.

Day trips from Kraków to Auschwitz Birkenau Concentration Camp are ideal, a visit to Auschwitz is something you will remember forever. You will not be disappointed by the experience if you’re in Kraków and go on one an Auschwitz Birkenau guided tour to learn about World War ii and Nazi concentration camps

We hope this article from Poland Travel Expert has helped you choose the best tours to Auschwitz from Kraków . We know there are already plenty of things to do on a Kraków itinerary.

A Kraków to Auschwitz ii Birkenau tour can be done comfortably with a number of options we outline above. Visit our Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial page for more ideas and information.

Poland Travel Expert   is your ultimate guide to all things Poland. Your next trip to Poland will not be complete without our detailed Poland guides, Poland itineraries and Poland travel tips.

The Best 5 Days in Krakow Itinerary

December 23, 2023

Weekend in Sopot

October 22, 2023

Ultimate weekend in Wroclaw: Plan your unforgettable trip

July 27, 2023

A marvellous day at the National Museum in Warsaw

July 1, 2023

Author Bio: Mark Wyld

Mark Wyld is a Father, husband, traveller, and writer at Poland Travel Expert and other blogs. I have accumulated a wealth of experience over multiple visits to Poland. Thanks to our friends in Poland, we stay connected to the nation’s pulse, ensuring that our content is up to date with our first-hand experience. The information on this website is backed by genuine expertise.

1 thought on “The best day tours from Krakow to Auschwitz”

This is the perfect blog for anybody who wants to find out about this topic. Excellent stuff, just wonderful!

Comments are closed.

Traverse With Taylor

| Helping You Experience Europe Easily

10 Best Auschwitz Tours From Krakow (Top Tours For 2024)

Looking for the best auschwitz tours from krakow.

The sites of the largest concentration camp to exist, Auschwitz I and Auschwitz-Birkenau, are heartbreaking places to visit. I’ve visited Auschwitz from Krakow in all seasons- as a Holocaust educator and traveler, I’ve taken multiple guided tours of Auschwitz and many other Holocaust sites around Europe. Even now, years after the Holocaust has ended, Auschwitz tells the stories of those who were imprisoned and murdered within its gates. Although it is incredibly difficult and emotionally draining to visit historical sites such as Auschwitz , it is important to learn from them too.

In a Hurry? Here’s the BEST Auschwitz Tour From Krakow:

Guided Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour (WITH Krakow Hotel Pickup)

Best Guided Tours Of Auschwitz From Krakow, Poland

Visiting a place like Auschwitz puts into perspective for us just how quickly the cruelty of humanity can take over. It warns us to be careful and to heed warnings so that something like the Holocaust does not happen again. Although it is difficult, it is one of the places you must visit if you’re spending time in Krakow, Poland. But, getting to Auschwitz is not easy, and having the right guide can make all the difference in how impactful your visit really is. Make sure you take a tour that is not going to waste your time with logistics and has guides who actually know what they are talking about. I’ve rounded up the best Auschwitz tours from Krakow, Poland. From small group tours to add-ons or private transfers, I’ve covered them all! Let’s get into it!

A Brief History of Auschwitz

Auschwitz was a concentration camp situated in the town of Oswiecim, Poland, about an hour from Krakow. Once it was created in 1940, it quickly became the largest concentration camp to exist, consisting of the main areas and more than 40 subcamps. From 1940-1945, it is estimated that more than 1 million prisoners came through the gates of Auschwitz. Comparatively, almost none survived.

Auschwitz became widely known as the most insidious death camp and was also the only camp to tattoo prisoners, an image that has become consistent with visions of the Holocaust in media. After the liberation of Auschwitz in January of 1945, Auschwitz-Birkenau was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been preserved incredibly well so that the world might learn from the mistakes made there. So that we might remember history. The historical sites of Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau are difficult places to visit. In order to get the most out of your time on the grounds, I highly suggest taking a tour with a licensed guide . These tours will walk you through the camp complexes where you will see remaining artifacts, ruins of gas chambers and crematoriums, and barracks. Guard houses and barbed wire fences still dot the perimeter of the camps, and many of the buildings have been turned into museum permanent exhibitions. It is easy to become overwhelmed and emotionally distraught during your time at Auschwitz. Guides are aware of this and can help navigate the sensitive history and gravity of Auschwitz.

Will this be your first time visiting Auschwitz? Read more about What to Expect While Visiting Auschwitz .

Best Auschwitz Tour From Krakow

1. best krakow auschwitz tour with hotel pickup.

  ⭐ RATING 5 Out of 5 Stars |  ⏳  Duration: 7 Hours |  ✈️   BOOK NOW!

This 5-star-rated Krakow Auschwitz tour is one of the top ones I have taken. My favorite part? Extremely convenient hotel pickups. The minibus ride to the Memorial and Museum grounds was incredibly comfortable and efficient. We picked up a small group of travelers at two other stops, and then we were off.

Fantastic tour guide, well worth every penny. She was so lovely and had so much information to give us, it was so interesting and moving, We’ll remember it forever. The bus picked us up from the hotel and dropped us off which was perfect. -Nicola (Read more reviews )

Entrance to both camps at Auschwitz is included. In addition, your guided tour at Auschwitz will be approximately 3.5 hours long and led by an experienced Museum guide. Our guide was fantastic. They were so knowledgable and even had a personal family connection to the site which made our tour that much more impactful. Reviewers consistently rave about the knowledgeable guides on this tour and note that they come away with a new perspective and information that is well worth the time and money.

2. Best Day Trip to Auschwitz With Licensed Guide (Auschwitz I & Auschwitz II-Birkenau)

A tour to Auschwitz with Hello Cracow means you are getting the best of the very best in terms of guides. This 7-hour tour runs pickup from Rynek Glowny, the Central Square in Krakow, or another chosen pickup location. From there, have a comfortable ride to Oświęcim, Poland. In just over an hour, you’ll arrive at Panstwowe Muzeum Auschwitz-Birkenau.

It is a life-changing experience to visit Auschwitz. Our tour guide is very knowledgeable and explains things in depth. This tour is well organized and the bus is very clean and comfortable. -Victoria (See more reviews )

At Auschwitz I (the first camp), you’ll be introduced to your museum-licensed guide who will tour you through the grounds of the first camp as well as the grounds of Auschwitz-Birkenau. The maximum capacity of this tour is 30 participants, so you are sure to be in a group where questions and concerns can be answered or addressed. This tour even offers an optional lunch box add-on for convenience!

3. Best Small Group Auschwitz Tour From Krakow

  ⭐ RATING 4.5 Out of 5 Stars |  ⏳  Duration: 7-8 Hours |  ✈️   BOOK NOW!

Join this small group tour to the Panstwowe Muzeum Auschwitz-Birkenau. Your driver will pick you up at your hotel for seamless, private transport to the Museum and Memorial Site. Once there, join a small group guided tour (maximum of 22 participants) for an informative and moving day learning about the history of World War II and the Holocaust.

Excellent trip – everything worked like clockwork – from the booking confirmation and answers to my pre-trip questions, to the transport from hotel to Auschwitz to Birkenau & back to hotel, with friendly & helpful driver, to the tour itself. Could have done it independently but worth every penny to have a seamless, time-saving, tour. see more reviews

Your tour guide will take you to both Auschwitz I to Auschwitz II-Birkenau. After your tour concludes, your private transport will be waiting to take you back to your drop-off point in Krakow.

Best Auschwitz Tours From Krakow

4. auschwitz tour: door-to-door pickup and skip-the-line-admission.

Getting to Auschwitz Concentration Camp can be difficult, and the lines there are often BANANAS! Make your life easier by booking door-to-door transport from the city center of Krakow. This way, you don’t have to stress about getting to a pickup or departure point, nor do you need to worry about directions and wrong turns. Your transport will be an air-conditioned minivan, making the ride (just over an hour) a bit more comfortable.

Excellent service from pick up to drop off. Very smooth and easy tour. The guide was very passionate and bring the whole story to life. The driver was very polite and explained schedule on the way there. Would highly recommend. -Ksenija (see more reviews )

Once you’ve arrived at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, skip the long line and head right to the entry gates where you’ll begin your guided tour. Headsets for each member of the tour ensure you’ll be able to hear all of the information clearly without having to stretch for hearing or miss any details!

5. Best Auschwitz Tour With Private Transfer: Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial From Krakow

Visiting the grounds of Auschwitz Concentration Camp is a harrowing experience. It goes without saying that the day will be an extremely emotional one. If you prefer to ruminate and gather thoughts in private, then consider booking a guided tour of Auschwitz that includes a private transfer.

This isn’t an easy tour, or day out, but everyone should go. Our driver and host for the day was Damien, and he was fantastic. Highly knowledgable, friendly, and genuine from beginning to end. A memorable visit -Ian (Read more reviews )

While your tour of the grounds will be in a group (with a maximum of 30 participants), your ride to and from Oświęcim will be private. This private transportation also includes hotel or accommodation pickup and dropoff in Krakow where permitted by city transportation rules. You can even arrange pickup for a time frame that best suits you!

6. Best VIP Tour Experience: Private Guided Tour to Auschwitz Concentration Camp & Krakow’s Jewish Quarter

  ⭐ RATING 5 Out of 5 Stars |  ⏳  Duration: 6-9 Hours |  ✈️   BOOK NOW!

If you’re looking for a personal, customized way to see Auschwitz, book a VIP Private Tour. This is certainly one of the best Auschwitz tours from Krakow. This Auschwitz guided tour, from start to finish, caters to your desires and eliminates all the stress of booking and coordinating moving pieces. From the moment you get picked up from your hotel, your guide will tailor the experience to fit your needs. Relax on your private drive to the former concentration camps of Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau.

This tour has it all: Premium transportation to all attractions. The guide was local, extremely knowledgeable, had intimate knowledge of the area and was very personable. It was almost like the tour was designed around our wants and needs. Over all, this tour is everything you would expect and much much more…… -Darcy (see more reviews )

You’ll have a private, licensed guide at your service ready to share with you the history of this horrific place. After your tour, enjoy lunch at a locally-chosen restaurant where you’re sure to savor some of the cultural foods of Poland. When finished, your tour guide will bring you back to tour Krakow and explore the Jewish District of Kazimierz with you, exploring what Jewish life in Krakow was like prior to Nazi occupation and what it is like now.

7. Top Combination Day Trip: Auschwitz and the Wieliczka Salt Mines From Krakow

  ⭐ RATING 4.5 Out of 5 Stars |  ⏳  Duration: 10 Hours |  ✈️   BOOK NOW!

If you’re short on time to tour Krakow, Poland, or if you just prefer to be busy during your travels, you’ll want to see as much as you can each day. One of my favorite tours to do is a full day guided tour which combines the Wieliczka Salt Mines and the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum. Don’t get me wrong…it’s a LONG day. Like, very long. And incredibly emotionally draining. But, it also gets you to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and two of the top must-visit places near Krakow, in just one day.

A very informative and eye opening experience. The day was long but well worth it. Transportation was very comfortable and guides were excellent. Overall well worth it and we would do it again! -Tasha (Read more reviews )

This tour was the Top Experience Award Winner in 2022 and includes hotel or local pickup and round-trip transportation on a mini-bus to all sites. This means much less hassle for you as the traveler. It also includes lunch! Enjoy a guided tour of Auschwitz and Auschwitz-Birkenau (about 3 hours) AND a guided tour of the Wieliczka Salt Mines (about 2.5 hours). Return back to your hotel in the evening exhausted, just in time for a late dinner.

8. Auschwitz Concentration Camp & Schindler’s Factory Full-Day Private Guided Tour

  ⭐ RATING 4.8 Out of 5 Stars |  ⏳  Duration: 7 Hours |  ✈️   BOOK NOW!

Another popular historical site to visit for history buffs or those interested in World War II and the Holocaust is the Schindler’s Factory. On this private tour, you will be picked up and dropped off at your center city Krakow hotel. The first stop of the day will be your visit to Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau with a licensed guide.

Our guide Alicja was really quite perfect. Charming, caring, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and particularly conscientious. She went out of her way to make our day special – and it certainly was. Anyone who has her as their guide is very fortunate. see more reviews

Then, head back to Krakow where you will tour Schindler’s Factory. This old enamelware factory, which is now a museum, was a factory run by Oskar Schindler during World War II. Oskar Schindler, a Nazi party official, used the factory as a way to employ Jewish people and save them from deportation and death during the Holocaust.

9. Best Self-Guided Auschwitz Tour with Private Transfer From Krakow

If you’re interested in touring Auschwitz but the idea of following a guide around and using a headset does not appeal to you, this is the tour for you! It takes all of the guesswork out of the transportation side. You’ll get a seamless and private trip to Auschwitz with local pickup from your hotel in Krakow. After a peaceful and expedient drive to Oswiecem, you’ll be dropped off in front of the entrance gates at Auschwitz. Here, you’ll be able to wait in line in order to get your own entrance tickets to the museum.

Our driver arrived exactly on time. Was very helpful. We spent as much time in both camps as we wanted to, then texted to say we were ready. He was there waiting for us. -Sharon (Read more reviews )

Once you’re finished touring both Auschwitz and Auschwitz-Birkenau, your driver will return to pick you up for the trip back to Krakow proper. This is the best of both worlds: the tour takes care of reliable transportation to and from the camp complex, but you’re able to take your time and meander where you’d like to. If you are the type of person, in particular, who wants to see every signpost and read each detail, I would highly suggest you go this route!

10. Full-Day Auschwitz-Birkenau & Other Holocaust Sites Tour

  ⭐ RATING 4.5 Out of 5 Stars |  ⏳  Duration: 7-9 Hours |  ✈️   BOOK NOW!

This tour is the best choice for those looking to immerse themselves in Holocaust history for an entire day since it visits three well-preserved educational sites. Begin your morning with an early pickup from your Krakow hotel as you head to the former concentration camp grounds of Auschwitz I. Here you’ll embark on a guided tour meant to open your eyes to the atrocities and brutal treatment that prisoners of Auschwitz faced on a daily basis. You’ll understand, after leaving, the horrible depths that human nature can sink to.

The tour was excellent. It was the third time we visited Auschwitz and Alicja showed us so much that we hadn’t seen before. Her knowledge was excellent and she recounted history with a lot of empathy for the victims. If we ever decide to return to Krakow we will definitely book with her again. -Victor (Read more reviews )

After touring Auschwitz, return with your guide to Krakow and explore the Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz. You’ll delight in tasting some traditional Polish street food before heading to your next destination. The final stop on your tour is the Oskar Schindler factory. This is a unique experience to get a guided tour of this museum, as most entries to it are self-guided. You’ll finish your day exhausted, but with a significant amount of knowledge and insight into the Holocaust and the way history happened in Poland.

Why Should You Visit Auschwitz From Krakow?

The easiest city in Poland to visit Auschwitz from is Krakow. This is because Krakow is the closest major city to Oświęcim, where Auschwitz Concentration Camp is located. Krakow is easy to fly into, and it is a short drive to the Auschwitz Memorial and Museum from the city. Auschwitz is a place you absolutely want to take a guided tour of if you are in the vicinity of Krakow.

Why Bother Taking An Auschwitz Guided Tour From Krakow?

There are a few reasons you want to use a guided tour to Auschwitz from Krakow: ✔️ It can be difficult to get from Krakow to Auschwitz transportation-wise. Public transport to Auschwitz is not the easiest thing to navigate. Booking a tour guarantees easy transport. ✔️Auschwitz is a difficult place to visit. A tour guide will help you navigate the area respectfully and prepare you for what you will see. ✔️ Guided tours give you personal insight into the area that you won’t get from signposts or audio guides. ✔️ All logistics are worked out in advance, giving you time to devote all of your attention to learning.

Questions About Your Tour of Auschwitz

How far is auschwitz from kraków.

Auschwitz Memorial and Museum is about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes outside of Krakow.

What is the difference between Auschwitz and Birkenau?

Auschwitz (or Auschwitz I) is the main camp portion of the former concentration camp. This is where the large gates reading “Arbeit Macht Frei” are, and where you will start your tour. Auschwitz-Birkenau is the second part of the camp complex. The grounds of Birkenau are about a 2.5 kilometer walk from Auschwitz I and are often recognizable by the large train tracks

What do I wear to Auschwitz?

Wear something that you will be comfortable walking in. Keep in mind that the majority of your guided tour of Auschwitz will be outside, so you’ll want to dress appropriately! Closed-toe shoes are a must. The grounds of Auschwitz can be dusty, and the terrain is rugged.

Helpful Tips For Your Guided Tour To Auschwitz

Be prepared to go through a security check.

You will need to pass through a security scan before entering Auschwitz. Prohibited items include luggage and backpacks larger than 30x20x10 cm. A full list of visitor expectations can be found on the Museum website .

Plan For Lunch

There is not a ton of free time in these guided tour itineraries for lunch, nor is there really any place to grab food. There is a small restaurant on the grounds of Auschwitz I, but you will not have much time to get food here. Plan ahead and either bring your lunch and snacks, or book a guided tour that includes lunch as an option.

For the Best Auschwitz Tour: Dress For the Weather

Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau Tours run regardless of the weather . Snow, rain, sun- your guided tour is running anyway! For a very large portion of your tour, you will be exposed to the elements. Make sure to dress appropriately for the weather because you will be walking in it!

Bring Identification

The Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial and Museum is now requiring that booked tickets match traveler identification. Make sure you bring a photo ID with you (license, passport, etc) to ensure entry to the camp grounds.

Final Thoughts: Best Auschwitz Tours From Krakow

Regardless of when you decide to visit Auschwitz, the tours above give you the best ways to do so! When visiting, please keep in mind that Auschwitz is not a tourist attraction. It is a historical site that is steeped in agony and injustice. Reverence and respect are required when taking a guided tour to Auschwitz. Pay your respects to those murdered here, and, when you’ve finished processing, vow to stand with humanity in ensuring that something like the Holocaust will never happen again.

↳ Other Helpful Holocaust & WWII Content

↳ read other helpful holocaust travel content below.

✔ These are the Top Holocaust Sites to Visit Around the World! ✔ Traveling Around Europe? Don’t Miss these Holocaust Tours ✔ Full Guide to Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp or Dachau Concentration Camp ✔ Here are the Best Auschwitz Tours to Take From Krakow! ✔ Everything You Need to Know About Visiting the Anne Frank House ✔ Make sure you have the best travel items for a trip abroad!

Taylor Beal, owner and author of Traverse With Taylor, has been traveling in Europe for more than a decade and helps others explore Europe easily through amazing guides and itineraries. She has adventured through more than 20 countries, searching for the best experiences, must-try foods, and delicious beers! She spends a lot of time in Scotland and Amsterdam, two of her favorite places! Taylor is also a Holocaust educator focused on raising awareness around WWII historical sites.

Similar Posts

3 Quick + Easy Ways For How to Say Good Morning in Dutch

Where to Stay in Edinburgh: Best Areas For a First Visit (2024)

Biking in Amsterdam: 19 Tips For Cycling in the Netherlands

Top 10 Toddler + Baby Books About Travel And Adventure

Is Inverness Worth Visiting? 15 Reasons to Visit Scotland

9 Best Loire Valley Castle Hotels For Luxury Chateau Stays