How to Plan Your Auschwitz Birkenau Half Day Tour from Krakow

If you are visiting Krakow, Poland, you cannot miss visiting Auschwitz Birkenau, one of the most notorious Nazi concentration camps in WWII history. This half-day tour will take you through the horrors of the past and enlighten you about the events that took place during the Holocaust. In this guide, we will take you through the essential details on how to plan your Auschwitz Birkenau Half Day Tour from Krakow.

Overview of the Tour

The Auschwitz Birkenau Half Day Tour is a moving day trip that will take you through Krakow’s WWII history. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off (if you choose the option with hotel pickup), transportation by air-conditioned minivan, and an informative, friendly, and professional guide. The tour is limited to a small group, ensuring personalized service. Taxes, fuel surcharges, and service fees are all included.On this tour, you will visit Auschwitz, a former concentration camp, and Birkenau, a nearby extermination camp. You will learn about the horrific experiences of the prisoners and survivors, the methods used by the Nazis to exterminate innocent lives, and the events that led up to the liberation of the camps.After touring Auschwitz Birkenau, you will visit the Oskar Schindler Factory to learn about his heroic efforts to save Jewish laborers during the Holocaust. This will give you a more comprehensive understanding of the Krakow history during World War II.

What’s Included in the Tour

• Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option with hotel pick up selected)
• Fuel surcharge
• Transportation by air-conditioned minivan
• Food and drinks (not included)
• Tip for the driver

Meeting and Pickup Information

You can choose to head directly to the meeting point or request pickup from your hotel. The meeting point for the tour is Radisson Blu Hotel Krakow, located at Floriana Straszewskiego 17, 31-101 Kraków, Poland. You can find the tour guide waiting in front of the Radisson Blu Hotel Krakow at Straszewskiego 17 street.If you have selected the option with hotel pickup, the tour operator will pick you up from your hotel at the designated start time. The tour starts at 7:00 AM and ends upon completion of the tour.

Booking Information

To book the Auschwitz Birkenau Half Day Tour from Krakow, visit Viator’s website at Viator. Viator is a trusted tour operator that offers a variety of tours in more than 2,500 destinations worldwide.

Tips for Your Tour

• Dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable footwear. The tour involves a fair amount of walking, and you will be outdoors for most of it.
• Carry an extra layer of clothing as it can get chilly, especially in the morning and evening.
• Bring some cash if you want to purchase food and drinks during the tour.
• Carry a small bag to carry your essential items, including water, snacks, and sunscreen.
• Do not take any photographs inside the Auschwitz Birkenau camps as it is not allowed.

Conclusion

The Auschwitz Birkenau Half Day Tour is an emotional and educational experience that every visitor to Krakow should take. This tour allows you to pay homage to the lives lost during the Holocaust and learn about the Krakow history during the WWII. Booking the tour is easy, and you can do it online from Viator’s website. Don’t miss this opportunity to visit one of the most significant historical sites in Europe!

The most frequently asked questions about Krakow

Krakow is a city situated in the south of Poland. It is renowned for its historical and architectural heritage and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. If you are planning a trip to Krakow, here are some of the most commonly asked questions about the city that we will answer in this blog post.

1. What is the best time to visit Krakow?

Krakow is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit the city is from April to October when the weather is mild and usually sunny. If you are keen on winter sports or like the snow, you can also visit Krakow in winter; November to March when there’s often snow on the ground. During peak season, Krakow can be congested, and accommodation rates can be high, so book your accommodation in advance.

2. What are the top tourist attractions in Krakow?

Krakow is abundant in attractions that make it hard to limit them to just a few. Here are some of the top tourist attractions to explore while staying in Krakow:

• Rynek Glowny: This is one of the biggest market squares in Europe and is the heart of Krakow. Here, you can find many fantastic cafes, restaurants, and boutiques.
• Wawel Castle: It was the residence of kings and is one of the must-see attractions in Krakow. The castle has various museums with centuries-old art collections, armouries, and the dragon’s den.
• Krakow Cloth Hall: Built-in Renaissance style, Krakow’s Cloth Hall is one of the oldest indoor markets in Europe.
• Jewish Quarter: Kazimierz is popular for its colourful history, street art, vibrant atmosphere, and Jewish culture. When you travel to Kazimierz, you should visit the Jewish Museum, the Old Synagogue, and the Remuh Synagogue.
• Wieliczka Salt Mine: Located just outside the city of Krakow, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a unique attraction. The labyrinthine mining tunnels are full of sculptures carved out of salt deposits.

3. What is the local currency used in Krakow?

The local currency of Poland is the Polish zloty (PLN). It’s advisable to exchange currency before you arrive, as the exchange rates offered by the money changers in the city centre are usually much higher than at the airport. Credit and debit cards are widely used and accepted in Krakow, and you can withdraw money from the ATMs.

4. How is the public transportation system in Krakow?

The public transportation system in Krakow is efficient and affordable. Major attractions such as the Wawel castle, Jewish Quarter, Kazimierz or Nowa Huta, can be easily accessed via bus, tram or train. The city centre is pedestrian-friendly, and most tourist places are within walking distance. Tickets for public transportation can be purchased from the kiosks, ticket machines, or some corner shops.

5. What is the nightlife like in Krakow?

Krakow comes alive at night with numerous restaurants, pubs, and clubs all over the city. It’s a perfect destination for pub crawls, and there is no shortage of live music, dance shows, and parties. The area of Kazimierz is the most popular place to have a drink and dance the night away.

6. Can you visit Auschwitz from Krakow?

Auschwitz concentration camp is approximately 66 kilometres west of Krakow. The best way to get there is to book a guided tour from Krakow. Visitors can explore the museum exhibits, the gas chambers, and the site of mass extermination. It’s a disturbing but essential visit for anyone interested in learning about and remembering the atrocities that took place there during World War II.

7. What is the local cuisine in Krakow?

Traditional Polish cuisine is hearty, filling, and served in generous portions. Some typical dishes you should try during your stay include pierogi (dumplings with various fillings), kielbasa (Polish sausage), placki ziemniaczane (potato pancakes), and bigos (cabbage stew). You may also enjoy zapiekanka, the most popular street food in Krakow.

8. Is Krakow a safe city for tourists?

Krakow is one of the safest cities in Poland and Europe. However, tourists should remain cautious and be aware of petty theft, especially in the crowded areas, markets, or public transportation. Also, avoid drinking too much, as you may become an easy target for pickpockets.In conclusion, Krakow is a beautiful, vibrant, and safe city with plenty of historical and cultural attractions to keep the visitors engaged. It’s worth spending at least a few days in this incredible city to get a taste of the local culture, food, and hospitality.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Krakow

Krakow is one of the most beautiful cities in Poland that attracts millions of tourists every year. This city is full of historical landmarks, architectural gems, and cultural wonders. If you’re planning to visit Krakow and want to make the most of your stay there, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to spend your time as a tourist in the city.

Step 1: Explore the Old Town

The Old Town of Krakow is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must-visit destination for any tourist. Its streets are packed with historical monuments and beautiful buildings, such as the Main Market Square, Cloth Hall, and the Town Hall Tower. The Old Town is also home to many restaurants, cafes, and bars where you can taste some of Poland’s best culinary delights.

Step 2: Visit Wawel Castle

Wawel Castle is one of the most iconic symbols of Krakow. It was the residence of Polish kings for centuries and houses a museum today that showcases the country’s rich history. Visitors can explore the castle’s beautifully decorated rooms and halls, including the Royal Apartments, the Crown Treasury, and the Cathedral.

Step 3: Discover Kazimierz

Kazimierz is Krakow’s Jewish Quarter, and it has a rich history and culture. The area was a center of Jewish life for hundreds of years until the Holocaust. Today, the neighborhood is home to numerous synagogues, museums, and art galleries that showcase Jewish life and heritage. Visitors can also try traditional Jewish cuisine at one of the many restaurants and cafes in the area.

Step 4: Take a Trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau

Auschwitz-Birkenau is a concentration camp that was built by Nazi Germany during World War II. It is a site of immense historical significance and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning about the Holocaust. Visitors can explore the concentration camp, see the memorials and exhibits, and learn about the atrocities that occurred there.

Step 5: See the Tatra Mountains

The Tatra Mountains are Poland’s most famous mountain range and are located just a short distance from Krakow. Visitors can take a day trip to the mountains and hike its many trails, explore its beautiful valleys and lakes, or take a ride on the cable cars to the mountaintops. The Tatra Mountains are an excellent destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers.

Step 6: Enjoy Polish Cuisine

Polish cuisine is rich in flavors and heritage. During your stay in Krakow, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to taste traditional Polish dishes like pierogi, zapiekanka, kielbasa, and golabki. There are numerous restaurants and cafes in the city that offer Polish cuisine, and food tours are also available for visitors who want to try a variety of dishes.

Step 7: Go Shopping

Krakow has many shopping options for visitors. Visitors can head to the Main Market Square, where they can find numerous vendors selling traditional souvenirs, jewelry, and clothing. Other popular shopping areas in the city include Galeria Krakowska, Bonarka City Center, and Kazimierz.

Conclusion

Krakow is a city with plenty of historic landmarks, cultural wonders, and scenic beauty, making it a must-visit destination for any tourist. By following this step-by-step guide, you can make the most of your time in Krakow and experience all that this beautiful city has to offer. Don’t forget to explore the Old Town, visit Wawel Castle, discover Kazimierz, explore Auschwitz-Birkenau, see the Tatra Mountains, enjoy Polish cuisine, and go shopping.