Auschwitz Birkenau Fast Track Ticket Tour – How to Explore Europe’s Dark History

When visiting Krakow, a trip to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is an essential experience. It is a chance to learn about one of the darkest chapters in 20th-century European history. On this guided tour, you will visit the site where the Nazis committed their atrocities and explore the haunting personal artifacts of the victims. To make the most of your visit, we recommend booking the Auschwitz Birkenau Fast Track Ticket Tour from GetYourGuide.

Experience

This full-day tour from Krakow provides you with an Auschwitz-Birkenau skip-the-line entry ticket so that you can enjoy fast access and skip-the-line entrance. You will explore the dark history of Europe during World War II and learn about the shocking events that took place at Auschwitz-Birkenau. Your tour guide is a licensed expert who has extensive knowledge about the history of Auschwitz-Birkenau. They will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the events that took place and their impact on the world.

Highlights

The highlights of the Auschwitz Birkenau Fast Track Ticket Tour include:

• Skipping the long entrance line and enjoying fast access to the museum
• Learning about the atrocities committed during World War II
• Seeing personal artifacts of the victims and survivors
• Gaining insight from a licensed expert tour guide

Full Description

The Auschwitz Birkenau Fast Track Ticket Tour includes skip-the-line entrance to the museum as well as the services of a licensed guide. Your tour guide will provide you with a headset during the tour so you can hear everything they say. The tour starts upon arrival at the museum where you will meet your host. They will give you your ticket and introduce you to the group. From there, you will start exploring the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum. During the tour, you will see the various sites within the museum, including the gas chambers and crematoria. You will also see the exhibition of personal objects of the prisoners which will give you an insight into the lives of the prisoners. At Birkenau, you will learn about the arrival and selection process, the life of a prisoner in the camp, and the evacuation of the camp.

Transportation and Inclusions

This tour does not include transportation to and from Krakow or other cities. However, you can make your own way to the Auschwitz-Birkenau museum either by public transport or by your vehicle. The journey takes around 1.5 hours from Krakow. The tour includes assistance from a local host, a licensed guide, and a headset to hear the guide’s commentary. Please note that this tour is not suitable for children under 12 years of age and is not recommended for wheelchair users.

Booking Your Tour

To book the Auschwitz Birkenau Fast Track Ticket Tour, head over to GetYourGuide’s website and book your tour using the following link: book here. We highly recommend booking the tour in advance to secure your fast access ticket and skip-the-line entrance. It’s an opportunity to learn about the tragic events that took place at Auschwitz-Birkenau and pay tribute to the victims and survivors of one of the darkest periods in human history.

FAQ: Krakow City Guide

Krakow is a beautiful city in southern Poland that has so much to offer. From its rich history to its charming architecture, Krakow is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Poland. If you’re planning a trip to this amazing city, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Krakow.

1. What is the best time to visit Krakow?

The best time to visit Krakow is during the spring and fall months, from March to May and from September to November. During these months, the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. The summer months, from June to August, are the busiest and most expensive time to visit Krakow, while the winter months, from December to February, are very chilly and can be snowy.

2. What is the currency in Krakow?

The currency in Krakow, as well as in Poland, is the Polish złoty (PLN). You can exchange currency at banks, exchange offices, and some hotels. Many places in Krakow, especially tourist areas, also accept credit cards.

3. What is the transportation system in Krakow?

Krakow has a well-developed public transportation system that includes trams and buses. You can purchase tickets at kiosks or vending machines, and then validate them once you board the vehicle. Taxis are also widely available in Krakow, but make sure to use a licensed taxi company to avoid any scams.

4. What are the must-visit attractions in Krakow?

Krakow has many amazing attractions, but some of the most popular ones include:

• Wawel Castle – a stunning castle complex that was the seat of Polish royalty for centuries
• The Main Market Square – the heart of Krakow’s Old Town and a hub of activity
• Kazimierz – Krakow’s historic Jewish quarter
• The Salt Mine in Wieliczka – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s oldest salt mines
• Schindler’s Factory Museum – a museum that tells the story of Krakow during World War II

5. What is the food like in Krakow?

Krakow has a vibrant food scene that includes both traditional Polish cuisine and international options. Some must-try dishes in Krakow include pierogi (dumplings filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables), bigos (Polish hunter’s stew), and zapiekanka (a popular street food that’s like a Polish pizza). You can find many great restaurants in Krakow’s Old Town and Kazimierz.

6. What is the nightlife like in Krakow?

Krakow has a lively nightlife scene that includes bars, clubs, and even underground pubs. Some of the popular areas for nightlife in Krakow include the Main Market Square, Kazimierz, and the area around Plac Nowy. Many bars and clubs in Krakow stay open late into the night, making it a great destination for party-goers.

7. Is Krakow safe for tourists?

Krakow is generally a safe city for tourists, but it’s always a good idea to take precautions like you would in any other city. Avoid flashing money or valuables in public, especially at night. Stick to well-lit and populated areas, and be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas. As always, trust your instincts and don’t take unnecessary risks.

8. What is the language spoken in Krakow?

The official language of Krakow and Poland is Polish. However, many people in Krakow also speak English, especially those working in the tourism industry. It’s always a good idea to learn a few basic phrases in Polish, such as “hello” (cześć), “thank you” (dziękuję), and “goodbye” (do widzenia).

9. What is the weather like in Krakow?

Krakow has a continental climate with cold winters and mild summers. The average temperature in the winter months ranges from -5°C to 0°C, while the average temperature in the summer months ranges from 18°C to 25°C. It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before you visit, especially during the winter months when it can be very chilly.

10. How do I get to Krakow?

Krakow has a well-connected international airport, John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice. You can also travel to Krakow by train, bus, or car. Many major European cities have direct flights to Krakow, making it a convenient destination for travelers.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Krakow

Krakow is a city with a rich history, stunning architecture and vibrant culture. As a tourist, it can be overwhelming figuring out how to spend your time in this charming city. To help make planning your trip easier, we’ve put together a guide on how to spend your time as a tourist in Krakow.

1. Visit the Main Market Square and St. Mary’s Basilica

One of the must-see places in Krakow is the Main Market Square. Known as Rynek Główny in Polish, it’s one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. It’s a great place to start exploring Krakow, as many of the city’s top attractions and restaurants are within walking distance. Located on the Main Market Square is St. Mary’s Basilica, a stunning Gothic church that was built in the 14th century. Climb the steep stairway to the top of the bell tower for a panoramic view of the city.

2. Explore Wawel Castle and Cathedral

Wawel Castle is a national treasure and a must-visit attraction in Krakow. The castle dates back to the 14th century and was the residence of many Polish kings. Inside the castle, you can see the state rooms, royal apartments, and the Crown Treasury and Armoury. Located next to the castle is Wawel Cathedral, which is the coronation site of Polish monarchs and the burial site of many Polish historical figures. Don’t miss the Sigismund Bell in the bell tower, which weighs over 13 tonnes and is one of the largest bells in Europe.

3. Take a Tour of Kazimierz

Kazimierz is a historic district of Krakow that’s located south of the Main Market Square. It’s known for its Jewish heritage, as the district was home to a large Jewish population before World War II. Today, Kazimierz is a trendy neighborhood with many boutique shops, cafes, and art galleries. Take a tour of the district to learn more about its history and see the beautiful synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery.

4. Explore the Underground Museum

The Rynek Underground Museum is a unique museum that takes you on a journey through Krakow’s history. The museum is located underneath the Main Market Square, and you can see medieval artifacts, learn about Krakow’s medieval trade and see a section of the medieval city walls. The guided tour is recommended, as the guides give you an informative and interactive experience while exploring the museum.

5. Visit the Oskar Schindler Factory Museum

The Oskar Schindler Factory Museum is a museum that was created in honor of the famous Schindler’s List character. The museum is located on the site of the factory that Oskar Schindler used to employ and save Jewish people during the Holocaust. Inside the factory, you can see interactive exhibits that explain how the factory worked during World War II and learn more about the life of Oskar Schindler.

6. Try Traditional Polish Food at a Local Restaurant

No trip to Krakow is complete without trying some traditional Polish food. There are many local restaurants and cafes that serve delicious Polish cuisine. Some of the must-try dishes include pierogi, which are dumplings filled with mashed potatoes, cheese, and other ingredients; żurek, a traditional Polish soup made with sour rye flour; and kiełbasa, which is a type of Polish sausage.

7. Take a Trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau

While it’s not located in Krakow, a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau is an important part of understanding Poland’s history. It’s a former concentration and extermination camp that saw over a million people killed during World War II, most of them Jews. You can take a guided tour from Krakow to see the camp and its infamous gas chambers and crematoria.

8. Enjoy the Nightlife in Krakow

Krakow has a pulsating nightlife scene, especially around the Main Market Square and Kazimierz. There are many bars, clubs, and pubs that are open until late into the night. Some of the popular spots include Propaganda, a Soviet-themed bar that serves a range of cocktails and local beers; Singer, a bar located in Kazimierz that plays live music every night; and Forum Przestrzenie, a trendy club that’s located in an old communist-era hotel.

Book Your Tour Now

Krakow is a city that’s full of history, culture, and great food. There’s plenty to see and do in this charming city, whether you’re interested in exploring its historic landmarks or enjoying its vibrant nightlife scene. We hope this guide has given you ideas for how to spend your time as a tourist in Krakow.