Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour & Museum Expert Guide
Active
7h - 8h
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial on a moving day trip from Krakow.
-Full-day Auschwitz tour from Krakow with official museum guide
-Explore both Auschwitz I and Birkenau (Auschwitz II) camps
-Learn about the Holocaust through verified facts, stories, and historical context
-Walk through the iconic "Arbeit Macht Frei" gate and original barracks
As a thank you for booking with Discover Cracow, we have a gift for you. Every product purchased from us include a free tour: The Best of Krakow: A Walking Tour Through the Heart of the City. It runs daily in English at 10:00 AM and 2:30 PM from Jan Matejko Square. Simply be there at time and show this booking to our Storyteller Guide – that's it. We invite you to Discover Cracow with us!
Special Booking Tip – Save More!
We offer a discounted rate for single-person reservations.
To take advantage of this offer, you can book each ticket separately for each participant — this way, you’ll get the lowest price per person!
Available options
Guided tour +Private Transport
Private transportation<br/>Duration: 7 hours<br/>Pickup included
Guided Tour: Meeting Point
Group: Max 30 people it may change due to Auschwitz Museum schedule.<br/>Duration: 7 hours<br/>Please note: Due to the high tourist traffic, there may be a queue at the entrance. We kindly ask for your patience.<br/>Start Time: The start time of the tour may change, depending on the availability of museum guides and reservation slots.
Guided Tour: Hotel Pickup
Option with pick up: Choose this offer for convenience! <br/>Please note: Due to the high tourist traffic, there may be a queue at the entrance. We kindly ask for your patience.
<br/>Start Time: The start time of the tour may change, depending on the availability of museum guides and reservation slots.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Professional assistance in case of any issue
Round-trip transportation from and to Krakow by air-conditioned vehicle (van or mini-bus)
Entry fees
Headsets to hear the guide clearly
Licensed, English speaking local guide
High quality, friendly and helpful English-speaking tour leaders
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
Start your tour with easy transportation from Krakow. During the trip, a friendly English-speaking leader will be there to help. When you get to Oswiecim, take a quick break for coffee or to check out some outdoor exhibits. Then, meet your local guide. They're officially approved by the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and will show you around.
2
Stop 2
Guided tours of Auschwitz I Museum provide visitors with a profound and educational experience, as knowledgeable guides lead them through the haunting remnants of the camp. Explore the barracks, watchtowers, and infamous "Arbeit Macht Frei" gate while learning about the systematic oppression and unimaginable suffering endured by prisoners.
Witness the chilling exhibits, including personal belongings, photographs, and documents, which serve as powerful reminders of the human cost of hatred and intolerance. Pay your respects at the memorials and monuments dedicated to the victims of the Holocaust, and take a moment for quiet reflection at this hallowed ground.
A visit to Auschwitz I Museum is not only a historical journey but also a solemn reminder of the importance of remembrance and the ongoing commitment to ensuring that the atrocities of the past are never forgotten.
3
After the 1st camp short break up to 15 minutes is planned. You will be taken by us to visit the second part of the tour - Birkenau (Auschwitz II), only 3 minutes away, which is the largest camp built and operated for the specific purpose of making Europe ''Judenrein'' (free of Jews). The same guide continues a poignant lecture about the camp in the village Brzezinka (Birkenau) which was constructed in 1941 on the order of Heinrich Himmler (SS commander) and could hold some 90 000 prisoners. You will be told about terrible stories of unimaginable living conditions as well as cruel selection and pseudo-scientific medical experiments made by prominent Nazi doctors including Josef Mengele. A history about soldiers of the 60th Army of the First Ukrainian Front opened the gates of Auschwitz on January 27, 1945, which meant the final liberation, ends your tour with a feeling, both this genocide should never have happened and it can not happen again.
4
Stop 4
Pass by
At the end of the tour, there's no hurry from our side. You'll have at least a 20-minute break where you can visit a bookstore, grab some groceries, or simply relax. Then, after another 1 hour and 15 minutes on the road, we'll drop you off at your chosen address in Krakow.
What's not included
Food and drinks
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
2.9
17 reviews
5★
6
4★
1
3★
2
2★
1
1★
7
Tripadvisor
4.9
464 reviews
5★
434
4★
19
3★
8
2★
2
1★
1
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please make sure to bring with you ID or passoprt. Because before the entrance seciurity will ask about it.
We encourage you to bring umbrellas or raincoats in case of bad weather.
Breaks during the tour are no longer than 10 minutes
Departure time may be changed due to Auschwitz Birkenay policy. Please contact us day before the tour to confirm exact departure time
Due to the high tourist traffic, there may be a queue at the entrance. We kindly ask for your patience.
Not recommended for people with serious health or mobility restrictions
Meeting point
Kiss and Ride Park (Opposite Mercure Hotel)
Important notes
-Please note that the time of departure may possibly change - in such case we will update you via WhatsApp, email, or by giving you a call the day before.
-Due to the high tourist traffic, there may be a queue at the entrance. We kindly ask for your patience.
-Remember to bring an ID for every participant, as it is necessary to enter the musuem.
-If you have any questions, please contact us via whatsapp: +48 733 091 333
About Krakow
Krakow, the former capital of Poland, is a city rich in history, culture, and stunning architecture. It's home to the Wawel Royal Castle, the historic Main Market Square, and the largest medieval old town in Europe. Krakow's vibrant arts scene, bustling nightlife, and proximity to Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine make it a must-visit destination.
Top Attractions
Wawel Royal Castle
This iconic castle was the residence of Polish kings and a symbol of Polish statehood. It offers a glimpse into Poland's rich history.
Historical/Architecture
2-3 hours
30-50 PLN (€7-12)
Main Market Square (Rynek Główny)
One of the largest medieval town squares in Europe, surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and shops.
Historical/Cultural
1-2 hours
Free to explore
Wieliczka Salt Mine
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring underground chambers, chapels, and sculptures carved out of salt.
Historical/Adventure
4-5 hours
89-139 PLN (€20-32)
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
A poignant and sobering visit to the largest Nazi concentration camp, now a memorial and museum.
Historical/Educational
Full day
70-100 PLN (€16-23)
Kazimierz District
The historic Jewish quarter with a rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, and charming streets.
Cultural/Historical
2-3 hours
Free to explore
Must-Try Local Dishes
Pierogi
Dumplings filled with various ingredients like meat, cheese, potatoes, or fruits.
Dinner
Can be vegetarian or vegan
Obwarzanek
A type of bread ring, similar to a bagel, often sold by street vendors.
Snack
Vegetarian
Zapiekanka
A Polish street food consisting of a half-baguette topped with mushrooms, cheese, and various condiments.
Snack
Can be vegetarian
Schabowy
A breaded pork cutlet, similar to schnitzel, often served with potatoes and cabbage.
Dinner
Contains meat
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Tatra Mountains
Skiing in Zakopane
Spa and wellness treatments
Strolling through parks and gardens
Visiting museums and galleries
Attending concerts and performances
Boating on the Vistula River
Skiing and snowboarding in the nearby mountains
Best Time to Visit
May to September
This is the best time to visit Krakow for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city is lively with festivals and tourists.
15°C to 28°C
59°F to 82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Polish
- Widely spoken: English, German, Russian
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Polish Złoty (PLN)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Krakow is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure in crowded areas.
- • Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps.
- • Be cautious when withdrawing money from ATMs.
Getting there
By air
- John Paul II International Airport Krakow-Balice • 11 km from city center
By train
Krakow Glowny, Krakow Plaza
By bus
Krakow Main Bus Station, Młocińscy Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Krakow's tram system is efficient and covers most of the city. Trams are comfortable and frequent.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Bolt, FreeNow
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Old Town (Stare Miasto)
Kazimierz
Nowa Huta
Zakrzówek
Day trips
Wieliczka Salt Mine
14 km from Krakow • Full day
Explore the underground chambers, chapels, and sculptures carved out of salt in this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
70 km from Krakow • Full day
Visit the largest Nazi concentration camp, now a memorial and museum, to learn about the Holocaust.
Zakopane
100 km from Krakow • Full day
A picturesque mountain town known for its stunning scenery, hiking trails, and skiing opportunities.
Festivals
Krakow Jewish Festival • June or July (annual)
Krakow Film Festival • May (annual)
Krakow Christmas Market • December (annual)
Pro tips
- Use the Krakow Card for unlimited public transport and free entry to many attractions.
- Visit the Wawel Dragon statue and make a wish by placing a coin in its mouth.
- Try traditional Polish dishes like pierogi and żurek at local restaurants.
- Explore the Kazimierz district for its vibrant nightlife and cultural scene.
- Take a day trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine or Auschwitz-Birkenau for a deeper understanding of Polish history.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
