How to Plan Your Auschwitz and Salt Mine Guided Tour and Restaurant Lunch in Krakow

Krakow is a fascinating city that’s rich in history and culture, with many iconic landmarks, excellent food, and famous tourist spots. One of the most popular tours in Krakow is the Auschwitz and Salt Mine Guided Tour, which takes visitors to two of the most significant sites in the area. If you’re planning a trip to Krakow and want to experience this poignant tour, here’s how you can plan your Auschwitz and Salt Mine guided tour experience.

Overview

Our Auschwitz and Salt Mine Guided Tour begins with a visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, which is located about 70 kilometers west of Krakow. Visitors will tour the infamous WWII concentration camp with an English speaking live guide provided by the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, who will walk you through the tragic history of the site. Afterward, the tour continues with a one-hour visit to Birkenau, another nearby concentration camp. The second part will be at the Wieliczka Salt Mine, one of the oldest working salt mines in the world. Visitors can take a break and enjoy a two-course lunch before descending 140 meters underground to see the amazing salt rooms, carvings, and statues.

What’s Included

The tour is all-inclusive, which means it covers all the costs you’ll incur throughout the day. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included, as well as headphones to hear the tour guide clearly. The price of the tour includes the entrance fees to both Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine. You’ll also have an English speaking live guide provided by the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum to make sure you experience everything the sites have to offer.

Pick-up Points

The tour offers multiple pickup points, making it easy for visitors to find convenient pickup locations. You can choose the location that’s most convenient for you and your travel party.

Tour Duration

The Auschwitz-Birkenau guided tour lasts around three and a half hours, while the Wieliczka Salt Mine tour takes around two hours. The lunch break between the two tours is around an hour.

What to Expect

The Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp is a powerful and emotional experience, and visitors should be prepared to witness some of the darkest moments in history. The live guide will walk you through the camp, including the barracks, gas chambers, and crematoriums. You’ll learn about the tragic stories of the people who lived and died at Auschwitz-Birkenau.The second half of the tour is at the Wieliczka Salt Mine, and it’s a completely different experience. You’ll descend 140 meters underground to see the incredible world created out of salt. The mine’s intricate carvings, shrines, and statues are a testament to the miners who worked there over the centuries. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a two-course lunch before continuing with the Salt Mine tour.

Booking the Tour

If you’re interested in booking the Auschwitz and Salt Mine Guided Tour, you can do so using the following link: book the tour here. Viator, a third-party company, offers this tour, and they’ve been in the tourism industry for many years. They’re known for their excellent service and attention to detail, so you can rest assured that you’ll have an amazing experience.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine is an unforgettable experience, and it’s a must-see when you’re in Krakow. Planning your tour in advance will ensure that you have a stress-free experience, and you can focus on the stunning and thought-provoking sites you’ll visit. Remember to bring comfortable shoes, wear appropriate clothing, and book your tour in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions about Krakow

Krakow is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Poland, situated in southern Poland, on the banks of the Vistula River. Due to its rich cultural and historical heritage, as well as its charming streets, it attracts millions of visitors every year. In this blog post, we will 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 (March-May) and autumn (September-November) seasons. During these periods, the weather is mild, and there are fewer tourists compared to the summer months. However, if you want to experience the vibrant nightlife and outdoor events, then the summer months (June-August) are the best time to visit Krakow. The winter season (December-February) may be very cold, but it offers a unique experience of Krakow’s Christmas markets and winter sports.

2. How to get to Krakow?

Krakow has an international airport, John Paul II International Airport Kraków–Balice, which operates flights to and from various destinations across Europe and other parts of the world. Additionally, Krakow is well-connected by rail and road. The two main railway stations in Krakow are Kraków Main Train Station and Kraków Główny Płaszów. The city also has an extensive bus network that connects to other Polish cities.

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

Krakow is a city with a rich history and culture, and there are numerous attractions to visit. Some of the must-visit attractions include:

• Wawel Castle: It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was the residence of Polish kings for centuries.
• Main Market Square: It is one of the largest market squares in Europe and has many stunning buildings and monuments.
• Kazimierz: It is a Jewish quarter that has an interesting history and vibe. It has many synagogues, museums, and restaurants.
• Sukiennice: It is a historical cloth hall that has many souvenir shops and art galleries.
• Salt Mine in Wieliczka: It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a fascinating underground world of tunnels, chambers, and sculptures made of salt.

4. What is the currency in Krakow, and can I use credit cards?

The official currency in Krakow is the Polish zloty (PLN). Most of the shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions accept credit cards. However, it is always a good idea to have some cash on you.

5. What are the best restaurants to try Polish cuisine in Krakow?

Krakow has many restaurants that offer traditional Polish cuisine. Some of the best restaurants to try Polish cuisine include:

• Polakowski: It offers a variety of traditional Polish dishes.
• Pierogi Ruskie: It specializes in pierogi (Polish dumplings) and offers many varieties of fillings.
• Kogel Mogel: It is a cozy traditional Polish restaurant that serves homemade meals.
• Milkbar Tomasza: It offers homemade Polish food and has a nostalgic communist-era atmosphere.
• Balaton: It is a Hungarian restaurant that offers traditional dishes like goulash and chimney cakes.

6. Is it safe to visit Krakow?

Krakow is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any other major city, you should take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking alone late at night and do not leave your valuables unattended.

7. What is the nightlife like in Krakow?

Krakow has a vibrant nightlife scene with many bars, clubs, and restaurants. Some of the best areas to experience the nightlife in Krakow include the Main Market Square, Kazimierz, and the Old Town. The nightlife in Krakow is relatively inexpensive compared to other European cities.

Conclusion

Krakow is a beautiful city that has something to offer to everyone. We hope that this blog post has answered some of the most frequently asked questions about Krakow and has helped you plan your trip to this charming city. If you have any more questions or suggestions, please leave them in the comments below.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Krakow

Krakow is a city rich in culture, history, and entertainment. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, with a long list of attractions to see and things to do. To help you make the most of your time in Krakow, we have put together this comprehensive guide on how to spend your time as a tourist in the city.

1. Visit the Main Square

The Main Square, also known as Rynek Glowny, is the heart of the city and a great place to start your exploration. It is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe and is surrounded by stunning historic buildings, including the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica and the Town Hall Tower. You can also find street performers, musicians and artists, and outdoor cafes.

2. Discover the Jewish Quarter

The Jewish Quarter, also known as Kazimierz, used to be a separate town from Krakow. This district is now known for its Jewish heritage, and the streets are lined with synagogues, museums, and Jewish-themed restaurants. You can also find small art galleries and antique shops here.

3. Visit Wawel Castle

Wawel Castle is considered the symbol of Krakow and is a must-see for any tourist. This castle was the home of Polish kings for centuries, and it is now a museum showcasing Polish history and treasures. You can admire the impressive architecture and take a guided tour inside the castle.

4. Explore the Art Museums

Krakow is home to many art museums, with the most famous being the National Museum and the Czartoryski Museum. Both of these museums house an impressive collection of European art from the medieval era to the modern day, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt and Van Gogh.

5. Taste the Local Cuisine

Krakow is famous for its delicious cuisine, and there are many traditional dishes you must try during your visit. Some of the popular dishes include pierogi (Polish dumplings), kielbasa (sausage), and golabki (stuffed cabbage). You can also find many local restaurants serving Polish cuisine in the Main Square and the Jewish Quarter.

6. Take a Day Tour to Auschwitz

Auschwitz-Birkenau is one of the most visited memorials in Poland, and it is only a short distance from Krakow. You can take a guided tour of this former Nazi concentration camp to understand the tragic history of the Holocaust.

7. Attend Festivals and Events

Krakow is a city of festivals and events, with a full calendar of events throughout the year. The most popular events include the Krakow Film Festival, the Pierogi Festival, and the Christmas markets in December. You can join in the festivities and experience the local culture at these events.

8. Enjoy the Nightlife

Krakow has a vibrant nightlife scene and is popular with locals and tourists alike. The Old Town is the best place to enjoy the nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and pubs serving local beer and cocktails. You can also experience the underground clubs and live music venues in the Jewish Quarter.

Conclusion

Krakow has something to offer for everyone, from historical landmarks to cultural experiences and entertainment. You can make the most of your time in the city by following our guide and exploring these top attractions. Remember to immerse yourself in the local culture, try the traditional cuisine and enjoy the vibrant nightlife scene.