Krakow keeps one of Europe's most beautiful medieval old towns and is the base for visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau. Here's what to see in the city and how to plan the memorial visit, with our ticket guide.
What to see in Kraków
- Main Market Square (Rynek): Europe's largest medieval square, with the Cloth Hall.
- Wawel Castle & Cathedral: the royal hill beside the Vistula.
- Kazimierz: the old Jewish quarter, now full of life and memory.
- Auschwitz-Birkenau (day trip): ~70 km away; needs a booked entry and a guided tour is recommended. Allow a full day.
- Wieliczka Salt Mine: galleries and chapels carved in salt, just outside the city.
- St Mary's Basilica: its Gothic altarpiece and the hourly trumpet call.
Our guides on Kraków
Practical tips
- How many days: 2-3 days for the city and Auschwitz.
- Best time: spring to autumn; winter is very cold.
- Auschwitz: book entry ahead and don't combine it with the salt mine the same day.
- Respect: it is a memorial; dress and behave soberly.
How to plan your visit
- Getting there: From Balice airport, the train reaches the centre in ~20 min, or bus. The old town is walkable.
- Rough daily budget: Very cheap: €30-50 per person per day.
- Common mistake to avoid: Combining Auschwitz and the Wieliczka salt mine on the same day (it's too much) and not booking Auschwitz entry ahead.
