auschwitz & salt mine tour krakow

• Auschwitz & Salt Mine Tour

About Auschwitz & Salt Mine Tour

For those of you who are a bit pushed for time, but still want to see Krakow’s two most-visited sites, our one-day visit to Auschwitz and the Salt Mines is the answer. The choice to visit Auschwitz is a difficult and personal one, but few who do will not be left profoundly affected. The town of Oswiecim (Auschwitz) is about an hour and a half journey by bus from Krakow, and a visit to both Auschwitz and the nearby Birkenau (Auschwitz II) reveals the full extant of the Nazi ‘Final Solution’. The camps are still an indelible part of today’s world, and visiting them is both emotional and educational.

Our day will also take in the spectacular subterranean wonders of the Salt Mines at Wieliczka, which include underwater lakes, chapels carved completely out of salt, and an extensive network of tunnels and chambers.

Tour Information

We will drive you to the museum at Auschwitz and Birkenau from Krakow, to the Salt Mines at Wieliczka and back to Krakow. We will also arrange for you to have a tour with museum guides at both locations – all are registered guides and experts in their field.

As always, we offer individual tours, free of overcrowded buses and full of valuable insider information – on site and on the way there! Our guides are knowledgeable and friendly locals and will make sure you get the most out of your tour.

Prices and Group Bookings

Price Per Person (up to 10 persons) 380 PLN

Groups over 10 Persons Negotiable

What’s included in the price?

Comfortable minivan transport to both destinations and return, including hotel or apartment pickup/drop off, entrance fees to both museum included, headset rental at Auschwitz also included. At each site you will join others for larger group tours guided in English by an official guide licensed directly with the museum. The snack provided is a sandwich plus a bottle of mineral water.

approx 7.30/8.30 am – 8 pm. Approx. 11 hours

Minimum of 2 people per tour. Prices include all entrance fees and taxes. The price provided is for English language tours. If you wish a tours in another languages, please contact us for information and we will be happy to help.

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AUSCHWITZ BIRKENAU & SALT MINE DAY TOUR

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Visit auschwitz birkenau and wieliczka salt mine in one day, private car tours with a shared or private guide.

Our Private Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine one-day tour Tour from Krakow takes approximately 11 hours . We offer door-to-door pickup and drop-off , private, modern car and friendly, English-speaking tour leader/driver . We will set up the pickup time based on the hour you have requested and fit it into the entry time options to the Auschwitz Museum and Salt Mines to make It as comfortable for you as possible. The journey takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes to Auschwitz and then 1 hour to The Salt Mines. In the Auschwitz Museum and 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 3.5 hours —approximately 2 hours in Auschwitz I and 1,5 hours in Auschwitz II Birkenau. A guided tour of the Salt Mine takes about 2.5 hours. After the tour, we will drop you off at your hotel in Krakow; the ride takes approximately 30 minutes. The tour can be extended upon request for an additional charge.

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 tours from Krakow

Our Shared Auschwitz Birkenau & Salt Mine tour from Krakow takes approximately 11 hours . We offer door-to-door pickup from any central Kraków accommodation and a meeting point option is also available. We provide a Modern 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 takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes to Auschwitz and then 1 hour to The Salt Mines. The Auschwitz-Birkenau guided tour with a professional English-speaking guide or other language of your choice takes about 3.5 hours —approximately 2 hours in Auschwitz I and 1,5 hours in Auschwitz II Birkenau. In Wieliczka Salt Mine guided tour takes about 2.5 hours. After the tour, we will drop you off in Krakow city centre, the journey back to town takes about 30 minutes.

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Auschwitz Birkenau & Salt Mine One Day tour - further information

Auschwitz Birkenau & Salt Mine One Day tour is an interesting option for those with limited holiday time but eager to see as many Krakow’s highlights as possible. As two of the oldest Polish entries to the UNESCO World Heritage List, Auschwitz and Wieliczka Salt Mine are two of Poland’s most recognizable landmarks. They both are in close proximity to the historical capital of Krakow, which is also a World Heritage Site. These unique tourist destinations draw the attention of millions of visitors each year. With our special Auschwitz Birkenau & Salt Mine One Day tour, you can visit Krakow must-sees while saving time and money.

Auschwitz and Salt Mine Tours from Krakow – private or shared?

Auschwitz Birkenau & Salt Mine One Day tour is available in both private and group options. It lasts for about 10 hours. Pick-up time on our group Auschwitz-Salt Mine tours is usually set between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. On our group tours, we pick up our passengers directly from their hotel or accommodation. The meeting point option comes as an alternative.

We arrange several pick-up points in the city centre. Normally there are no more than 5-6 stops. If your accommodation is located in further districts of the city, we can arrange additional transport to get you to the closest pickup point.

On our private tours, we are flexible to change pick-up time to fit to your schedule. Pick-up time should not be set later than between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m., as our Auschwitz-Salt Mine tours take a full day. We pick you up directly from your hotel or accommodation. Full Krakow Auschwitz tour with the Salt Mines takes around 11 hours.

When booking the tour, it is important to secure tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. Please note that this tour is not available every day, so it is advisable to plan ahead and make reservations early.

Auschwitz Birkenau tour information

Our day trip begins at the Auschwitz Birkenau Museum, located around 70 km from Krakow. Krakow to Auschwitz tours are the most popular among Polish and foreign tourists. People who visit Auschwitz are always left touched as this place is a symbol of genocide and horrors of World War II. Trips to the Museum are organised all year long, and it is possible to visit Auschwitz almost every day of the year. The sites of Auschwitz Birkenau camps are now a modern museum that honours every single person who died there.

On a day tour to Auschwitz, our groups join a guided tour with a professional English-speaking guide organised by the Museum. The exhibition of the Auschwitz I Museum takes up to 2 hours to fully explore. Then visitors proceed to the second site, Auschwitz II – Birkenau, where they spend from 1 to 1.5 hours. The two camps are located about 3 kilometers from each other. Our driver will be waiting on-site to transfer you to Auschwitz II. If time permits, you will have a 15-20 minutes break between the two camps.

On our private Auschwitz trips, you can choose whether you want to walk on your own, with a private guide or join one of the English guided tours. You can book private tours of Auschwitz in any available language in advance with us. Also, walking the camps on your own is possible only between November and March.

Things to know before entering the Auschwitz Museum

• Visitors are required to behave appropriately. Auschwitz concentration camp is a memorial ground first and foremost. Therefore, you must not dress in an overly revealing manner, or wear clothing with imagery that could be found offensive in such a place. You also have to carry yourself in a calm and respectful manner at all times. Museum has the right to evict you from the premises if you break these rules, so please be careful.
• There are restrictions regarding the maximum size of your carry-on. It cannot exceed the following dimensions: 30 x 20 x 10 cm.
• Taking pictures is generally allowed with a few exceptions.
• There is no limitation regarding the age of visitors to Auschwitz Birkenau. However, we do not recommend visiting with children under 14 years old due to the dreadful character of the place. Also, if you are visiting with little children, some areas will be hard to access using strollers. A baby carrier or sling is the go-to for this kind of endeavour.
• Please note that tracks in the camps are mostly made of dirt.  Please wear comfortable shoes, preferably the kind you would use for hiking or trekking. Also, some spaces (for example, blocks in Auschwitz I) are not accessible for wheelchairs. However, the Museum in Auschwitz can  provide substitute wheelchairs  for visitors with mobility problems. If you want to hire a wheelchair, please let us know in advance. Our customer service will help you to arrange it upon your request prior to the tour.

After you visit Auschwitz Birkenau, our driver will take you to Wieliczka Salt Mine. There is an option of taking a lunch break at a restaurant between the two parts of your trip. Lunch cost is not included in the price. We can also provide lunch boxes for you to have lunch in the car on your way. Lunch boxes are to be paid for additionally by checking the appropriate option.

Wieliczka Salt Mine guided tour – what you need to know

Salt Mine in Wieliczka is a world-class landmark, an example of how people and nature complement each other. Salt Mine tour is a journey to the underground world of miners who had worked there from as early as the 13th century.

In Wieliczka, you will join one of the guided tours in English or in your requested language. Walking on your own is not possible, but on our private Salt Mine tours you can book a private guided tour. To book one of private guided tours, please contact us in advance.

The standard tourist route covers all highlights of the Wieliczka Salt Mine and takes around 2-2.5 hours. It leads through carved entirely in salt St. Kinga’s Chapel , a real underground wonder, where even chandeliers are made of salt crystals. Visitors also see an underground lake, caverns, narrow tunnels, salt sculptures and little chapels.

How to prepare for a Salt Mine day tour

Please note that on the standard tourist route in Wieliczka Salt Mine, there are approximately 800 stairs. It should be taken into account because once you participate in the tour, you will be required to last until the end. There are no strict regulations regarding your carry-on, but it should be in a reasonable size. Also, strollers are not allowed in the salt mine due to lack of appropriate ramps. Please also note, that in Wieliczka Salt Mine temperatures are around 15ºC year-round. Even in the summer, you should have a hoodie in your bag for when it’s time to delve underground. Taking photos and filming is possible only after purchasing an additional pass.

Unfortunately, the tourist route in Wieliczka Salt Mine is not accessible for people with mobility problems. However, we can organize a tour of Krakow Saltworks Museum, which is located just next to the Mine. The area of the museum is adapted for wheelchairs as well. This option is available during private tours only.

Visit Auschwitz and Salt Mine with KrakowDirect

You can book our services with a few days in advance. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can pay via our online payment system or in cash to the driver. We prefer cash payment in Polish Zlotys (PLN), but we do accept Euros, Pounds and U. S. Dollars. The amount in foreign currency is calculated accordingly to the current exchange rate. Our driver gives the change in Zlotys.

During Auschwitz Birkenau & Salt Mine One Day tour you will learn about Polish history and see unique landmarks. With our offer, you save time and trouble. We guarantee high-quality services that are recognised by thousands of satisfied customers as the best in Krakow.

English speaking drivers and guides

Our English speaking drivers are are some of the best in the business and they will make your 1 day tour quick, safe and comfortable. The Museum employs dozens of certified and English tour guides who will provide interesting information and valuable insights throughout the visit.

We can also have a way of arranging a tour in the mine and museum in almost any language, but for that you must make a custom inquiry and book well in advance.

Highest quality shuttle buses and cars

KrakowDirect has a great selection of modern Mercedes-Benz minibuses and cars that will make your travel experience a breeze. Whether you’re taking a transfer from the Krakow airport or commuting between Auschwitz and Wieliczka in one day, we’ll make sure your time travelling is spent just as well as your stay in Krakow.

Please contact us if you need anything!

We are a premium tour and transfer provider which can cater to even the most demanding groups and customers. If you’re looking to plan your trip from the ground-up, we can make it happen! Give us a call or email and we’ll talk about our Tailor Made experiences.

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• About this activity

1 Day Trip Auschwitz Birkenau and Salt Mines with Hotel Transfer

• Free cancellation available
• Mobile voucher
• Instant confirmation
• Selective hotel pickup

Visit former Nazi concentration Camp in Auschwitz which was the largest camp of Nazi Germany. See one of the oldest Salt Mine in the world. Discover both of these places on our full day trip from Krakow. In Auschwitz you will join licensed guide who will bring you closer to the history of this place. The memorial tour in Auschwitz begin at the entrance gate by the ironic slogan - “Arbeit macht frei” Next you will see prisoners’ barracks and railroad track that transported people to gas chambers. Auschwitz tour takes around 2 hours and Birkenau tour around 1-1.5 hour. After that our driver will drive you to Salt Mine. Tour in Salt Mine takes around 2.5h and during the tour you will see St Kinga’s Chapel - 54 m long and 12 m high chapel resembles interiors of medieval wooden churches and is a real underground wonder with breathtaking chandeliers made of salt crystals, underground corridors and landscapes thatcannot be seen on the surface saline lakes and beautiful underground chambers.

Activity location

• ul. Wiezniow Oswiecimia 20, Entrance to the Museum is located at Stanisławy Leszczyńskiej Str. no. 11
• 32-603, Oswiecim, Poland, Poland

Meeting/Redemption Point

• Floriana Straszewskiego
• 30, Kraków, Małopolskie, Poland

Multiple meeting/redemption points available, see location information for full list

• Sun, Jun 9 -
• Mon, Jun 10 -
• Tue, Jun 11 -
• Wed, Jun 12 -
• Thu, Jun 13 -
• Fri, Jun 14 -
• Sat, Jun 15 -
• Sun, Jun 16 -
• Mon, Jun 17 -
• Tue, Jun 18 $108
• Wed, Jun 19 $108
• Thu, Jun 20 $108
• Fri, Jun 21 $108
• Sat, Jun 22 $108
• Sun, Jun 23 $108

Transport from a Meeting Point

• Activity duration is 11 hours 11h 11h

Exact Pickup Time: Your preferred pickup time might change. Pickup time is between 6:00 and 11:00

Tour with Hotel Pickup

Exact Pickup Time: Your preferred pickup time might change. Pickup time is between 6:00 and 11:00 Pickup included

What's included, what's not

• What's included What's included Headsets to hear the guide clearly
• What's included What's included Transportation to Auschwitz and Wieliczka from Krakow and back,
• What's included What's included Wifi access
• What's included What's included Professional guide
• What's included What's included Transport by air-conditioned minivan or minibus
• What's included What's included Permission to take photos
• What's included What's included Insurance

Know before you book

• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• As it is mandatory in Auschwitz Birkenau museum to confirm your personal details, you are required to take with you passport or ID to be presented at the entrance to museum. Please do not forget it, otherwise you may be not allowed to enter museum.
• While in Auschwitz-Birkenau, visitors are required to behave appropriately and respectfully
• Temperatures in Wieliczka Salt Mine are around 59ºF (15ºC). Also, it should be taken into account that narrow paths may seem claustrophobic, and once underground there is no possibility to shorten your visit and turn back. At the entrance, visitors descent 400 steps down and the whole tourist route features over 800 stairs
• In Auschwitz-Birkenau visitors are generally allowed to take pictures with a few, clearly indicated exceptions. Taking photos and filming in Wieliczka Salt Mine is possible only after purchasing additional pass
• The maximum size of your carry-on can not exceed the following dimensions: 11.8 x 7.8 x 3.9 inches (30 x 20 x 10 cm). You can leave your larger luggage in the car
• Please note that in the camps there are mostly dirt tracks, which may cause minor difficulties for wheelchair-users
• There are no restrictions regarding the age of children in Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial and Museum, but they should be either capable of walking unassisted or carried in baby slings or baby carriers. Baby pushchairs are not allowed underground (salt mine)

Activity itinerary

Panstwowe muzeum auschwitz-birkenau.

• Admission ticket included

Wieliczka Salt Mine

• 2 Wielopole
• 31-072, Kraków, Małopolskie, Poland
• 65 Starowiślna
• 31-052, Kraków, Województwo małopolskie, Poland

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Top experiences in oswiecim.

Auschwitz-Birkenau and Salt Mine Private Tour

A full-day tour of two historical sites in Krakow

This full-day tour will allow you to explore Krakow’s most important historical sites.

You’ll head to Auschwitz-Birkenau, a former Nazi concentration camp. Here, you can explore the largest of the Nazi concentration camps and have an opportunity to pay respect to the 1.1 million people who lost their lives at the site.

You’ll also visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine, excavated in the 13th century and considered to be one of the oldest operating salt mines in the world.

What's included

• Transportation in a private, air-conditioned vehicle
• Shared guide in Auschwitz-Birkenau (if option chosen)
• Private guide in both sites (if option chosen)
• Shared guide in Salt Mine

What's not included

• Food and drinks
• Guide book of Auschwitz
• Boxed lunch (available for purchase)

Accessibility

• Transport is wheelchair accessible
• Wheelchair accessible
• Infant seats available

Health & safety

• Suitable for all fitness levels

Restrictions

• Visitors must show a valid photo ID.

Languages spoken by guide

Additional information.

Please note that the maximum size of bags and backpacks allowed on the museum grounds is 30 x 20 x 10 centimetres (roughly 12 x 8 x 4 inches). You can leave your belongings inside the vehicle, or in the luggage store in Auschwitz, if you wish.

This tour runs in all weather conditions. Please wear weather-appropriate clothes that are suitable for a visit to a memorial site.

As per the Terms of Use at the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, it is mandatory to provide the full names of all participants in the tour.

Please follow the local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations in order to join the tour.

You can buy a guidebook on the day of the tour. A colour book costs EUR 6.5 and a black and white book costs EUR 2.5.

Itinerary information

Frequently asked questions, how do i book a ticket.

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Once you’ve entered your payment details successfully, you will be redirected to your ticket page, where you can check the status and details of your reservations.

You'll receive a confirmation email once the reservation is confirmed with the attraction operator. This could take some time based on the supplier.

You can view your tickets in your confirmation email, or in the Booking & Trips section of your account.

When do I pay?

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How do digital tickets work?

Each digital ticket contains a unique code. This is usually a QR or numerical code, but could be something else and can be found on your ticket or the PDF sent to you.

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Can I cancel or modify my tickets?

Once you book your tickets for this attraction, you won’t be able to modify or cancel the reservation.

Tickets and prices

Auschwitz Salt Mine Tours

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Auschwitz Salt Mine Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau and Salt Mine Guided Visits in One Day

Imagine starting your day in Krakow with a solemn yet essential visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau, confronting the stark realities of history before transitioning to the enchanting depths of the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

The juxtaposition of these two sites offers a profound exploration of human experiences and architectural marvels.

But what logistical challenges might one face when attempting to navigate these contrasting destinations seamlessly within a single day?

Stay tuned to unravel the intricacies of managing a dual-site tour efficiently while maximizing the depth of your experience in Krakow.

• Combine visits to Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Wieliczka Salt Mine in one day.
• Experience informative guided tours at both historical sites.
• Enjoy seamless logistics with shared transportation and lunch included.
• Maximize your Krakow experience with a comprehensive and efficient day tour.

It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.

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Tour Details

Experience guided visits in Krakow that include insightful tours of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and the Wieliczka Salt Mine with various customizable packages available. Tour customization allows visitors to tailor their experience to suit their preferences, whether it’s focusing more on historical insights or exploring specific areas of interest.

With guided tours offering live commentary by licensed tour guides, visitors can delve deep into the stories behind these significant sites. The packages include shared professional transportation, lunch , and other inclusions for a hassle-free exploration.

Meeting and pickup options in Krakow provide convenience, ensuring a smooth start to the tour. Confirming logistics such as start times and endpoint details is recommended to make the most of this enriching experience.

Additional Information

For an enriching and memorable visit to Krakow, travelers should take note of the additional information provided for the guided tours to Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Visitor Recommendations : Review mixed feedback on group sizes, lunch quality , and tour pacing.

Tour Customization : Explore various packages to tailor your experience.

Accessibility: Note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Physical Fitness: Moderate level of fitness is recommended due to the nature of the visits.

Attire: Follow the dress code for the Auschwitz-Birkenau visit and wear appropriate clothing.

Logistics and Meeting Details

The logistics and meeting details for the guided visits in Krakow are crucial for ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for travelers. Meeting points are available for both Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Wieliczka Salt Mine tours, allowing flexibility for travelers to choose convenient locations.

Start times for the tours need to be confirmed to ensure punctuality and adherence to the planned itinerary. It’s recommended to double-check the meeting details and start times to avoid any confusion or delays.

Accessibility and Requirements

Accessibility to the guided visits in Krakow requires visitors to have a moderate level of physical fitness due to the nature of the tour experiences. While the tours offer enriching insights into history and culture, there are accessibility challenges to consider. Key points to note include:

• Moderate physical fitness level recommended
• Uneven terrain at Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial
• 800 steps and underground exploration at Wieliczka Salt Mine
• Walking long distances between sites
• Limited seating opportunities during the tours

These factors highlight the importance of being prepared for the physical demands of the visits. Visitors with physical fitness restrictions may find certain aspects challenging and should plan accordingly.

Attire and Temperature Information

When preparing for the guided visits in Krakow, visitors should consider the recommended dress code and the stable temperature of approximately 14 degrees Celsius throughout the tour. Proper dress is essential for these tours, especially considering the underground conditions at the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

The mine involves walking through 3 km of corridors, descending 800 steps , and reaching depths of 135 meters. It’s advisable to wear comfortable shoes and layered clothing suitable for both the cooler underground environment and any temperature fluctuations.

Being prepared for the constant temperature and the physical demands of the salt mine tour will ensure a more enjoyable and comfortable experience exploring this unique underground attraction in Krakow.

Cancellation Policy

For those considering a change in plans, the cancellation policy for the guided visits in Krakow is as follows:

• Refund Process : Experience is non-refundable.
• Minimum Travelers Requirement : Trip may be canceled if the minimum traveler requirement isn’t met.
• Price: Starting from $87.39, varies by group size.
• Cancellation Timeframe: Check the specific timeframe for cancellations to be eligible for any refunds.
• Rescheduling: Explore options for rescheduling your visit if needed.

It’s important to be aware of these details to ensure a smooth experience in case plans need to be adjusted.

Reviews and Traveler Experiences

With a stellar rating of 5.0 based on 364 reviews, the guided visits in Krakow have garnered praise for their knowledgeable guides and well-organized tours. Travelers express overall satisfaction with the informative guides and the seamless flow of the tours. Many visitors find the experience worth the visit, highlighting the professionalism of the guides and the quality of information provided.

However, there are some mixed reviews regarding group sizes, lunch arrangements , and transportation experiences. Improvement suggestions include addressing issues with pickup delays, enhancing the quality of lunches provided, and ensuring a balanced pace throughout the tour.

Despite some minor drawbacks, the majority of reviews emphasize the value and educational experience offered by the guided visits in Krakow.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can visitors bring their own food and drinks on the tour.

Visitors can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, helpful for dietary restrictions and enjoying picnic options . It’s a convenient way to cater to personal needs and preferences while exploring the attractions.

Is Photography Allowed at Both Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Wieliczka Salt Mine?

Photography rules vary at Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine. Ensure cultural sensitivity and follow guidelines. Visitors must inquire about specific regulations at each location. Respectful behavior is key for preserving the solemnity of these sites.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participating in the Tour?

Age restrictions apply to the tour, with a moderate physical fitness level recommended. Tour restrictions include non-refundable experiences and potential trip cancellations due to insufficient travelers. It is advisable to confirm all details before booking.

Is There Free Time for Shopping or Exploring on the Tour?

Visitors have limited free time on the tour, with no designated shopping options . The itinerary focuses on guided visits to Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Salt Mine, ensuring a structured experience without extended breaks for exploring or shopping.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Type of Bags or Backpacks That Can Be Brought on the Tour?

Bag restrictions are in place for the tour. Travelers should pack essential items in a small, easy-to-carry bag. Avoid large backpacks as they may not be permitted. Ensure comfort and convenience by adhering to these guidelines.

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• Complete Cracow Bike Tour (Small Group of Maximum 8 People!)

Experience the poignant history and architectural wonders of Krakow with a guided visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Wieliczka Salt Mine in one day. Enjoy the rich cultural heritage of these iconic sites, customizable to your preferences.

From emotional resonance to underground marvels, this comprehensive tour offers a unique perspective on Krakow’s most renowned landmarks. Discover the beauty and significance of these historical sites through the eyes of a guided tour.

Book your journey today and embark on a truly unforgettable experience.

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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 Jul 31, 2022 and updated Nov 21, 2023.

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