Self-Guided Tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum with Transportation
Active
7h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Experience the Holocaust memorial at your own pace, without rush or hassle. You will receive all the details from the official museum guidebook in your language.
Available options
Tour from meeting point
Option description: Select this ticket for a self-guided Auschwitz Museum tour, with a guidebook in your language and transportation.
Discounted tour
Option description: Choose this option for a discounted ticket for a Self-Guied tour to Auschwitz Museum<br/>Included: Guidebook in your language and transportation from the central meeting point.
Tour with lunchbox
Option description: Select this ticket for a self-guided Auschwitz Museum tour, with a guidebook in your language, transportation and lunchbox.
What's included
Skip-the-line Entrance Ticket to Auschwitz 1
Documentary movie "The liberation of Auschwitz" on the way to the museum.
Roundtrip transportation
Guidebook in your language with the route and detailed description
Skip-the-line Entrance Ticket to Auschwitz 2
Detailed itinerary
1
The Judenrampe (Jewish Ramp) was a railway unloading platform used during the Holocaust between 1942 and 1944 at the Auschwitz concentration and extermination camp. It was located between the Auschwitz I (main camp) and Auschwitz II-Birkenau camps.
Today, the Judenrampe is a memorial site with commemorative plaques honoring the victims.
Unlike the well-known "Gate of Death" at Birkenau, the Judenrampe played a critical but lesser-known role in the mass deportations.
2
Stop 2
First, we will take you to Auschwitz camp by walking through the gate of Auschwitz I, the first camp, initially established as a concentration camp for Polish citizens arrested after Germany annexed the country in 1939. You'll pass under the infamous sign "Arbeit Macht Frei" (Work Makes You Free). This portion of the tour typically lasts two hours, during which you'll use a headset to hear your guide clearly. The group size is limited to 30 people, as per the Museum's regulations, ensuring a comfortable and accessible experience for all participants. Explore the original wooden barracks, fortified walls, barbed wire fences, gas chambers, and crematoria, which together leave a haunting impression and allow visitors to grasp the immense scale of the Holocaust.
3
After Auschwitz we will take you to the second, larger camp —Birkenau (Auschwitz II), located just 3 minutes away from Auschwitz. Birkenau, the largest camp, was built and operated with the sole purpose of making Europe "Judenrein" (free of Jews). Your guide will continue the powerful narrative at Birkenau, located in the village of Brzezinka. Constructed in 1941 under the orders of SS commander Heinrich Himmler, the camp could hold around 90,000 prisoners. You’ll hear harrowing accounts of the brutal living conditions, the cruel selection process, and the pseudo-scientific medical experiments carried out by Nazi doctors, including Josef Mengele. The tour concludes with a story of liberation when soldiers from the 60th Army of the First Ukrainian Front opened the gates of Auschwitz on January 27, 1945, leaving you with a profound understanding that such genocide should never have occurred—and must never happen again.
What's not included
Live guide
Food and drinks
Available languages
Written guide
DE
EN
IT
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
3.5
4 reviews
5★
2
4★
0
3★
1
2★
0
1★
1
Tripadvisor
3.5
28 reviews
5★
15
4★
1
3★
2
2★
2
1★
8
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Please await for the driver on the bus stop in front of the entrance to Radisson Blu hotel.
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
