How to Plan Your Auschwitz Birkenau Shared Tour from Krakow

If you are planning on visiting Krakow, then you should definitely add the Auschwitz-Birkenau tour to your itinerary as it is one of the most notorious places in Poland. This World War II-era concentration camp is a sombre but important UNESCO World Heritage site, and is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to plan your Auschwitz Birkenau shared tour from Krakow.

Overview

On this trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau from Krakow, you’ll learn about 20th-century history while touring this infamous concentration camp with a guide. Admission tickets are included, and hotel transfers from Krakow accommodation are provided. The tour is designed for history enthusiasts, but it is also an important reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust.

What’s included

The tour package includes transportation, admission tickets, and a guided group tour (max. size 30pax). Food and drinks are not included, but there are shops and a restaurant on site where you can purchase them.

Meeting and Pickup

The pickup points for the Auschwitz Birkenau tour are flexible, and they include any hotel or address in Krakow City. The tour starts at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 11:00 a.m. It’s essential to confirm the tour timings with the local provider in advance.

What to Expect

The Auschwitz Birkenau shared tour starts with a pickup from your hotel or address in Krakow, and then you will join other members of the trip in a shared vehicle. The journey takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.Once you arrive at Auschwitz, you will be met by your English-speaking guide who will take you on a tour of the camp, including the barracks, gas chambers, and crematoriums. The tour guide will provide clear and detailed information about the tragic history of Auschwitz and Birkenau, and you will have the opportunity to see the buildings and facilities where the prisoners lived, worked, and died.The guided tour is designed to be informative, and you will also have some free time to explore on your own. During this time, you can visit the museum, bookshop, and restaurant, or just spend time in quiet contemplation.After you have finished exploring the Auschwitz Birkenau site, the shared vehicle will take you back to Krakow city.

Conclusion

Overall, the Auschwitz Birkenau shared tour is a powerful and emotional experience that should not be missed. It’s essential to plan your tour in advance, to confirm the timings with the local provider, and to ensure that you give yourself enough time to adequately explore this important site. If you’re interested in booking the Auschwitz Birkenau shared tour, you can do so on viator.com via this link. We hope you found this guide helpful, and we wish you a safe and memorable experience.

FAQs About Krakow: Everything You Need to Know

Krakow is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Poland. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture, it has become a popular tourist destination. If you plan to visit Krakow anytime soon, it’s essential to have all the information you need beforehand. In this post, we’ve put together the most frequently asked questions about Krakow to help you plan your trip.

1. What is the best time to visit Krakow?

The best time to visit Krakow is from March to May and from September to November. During these months, the weather is mild, and the crowds are relatively low compared to the summer months. In the summer, the city is packed with tourists, and the weather can be hot and humid. In winter, the city is covered in snow, and the temperature drops significantly, but if you don’t mind the cold, it can also be a great time to visit and enjoy the winter festivals.

2. How to get to Krakow?

Krakow has an international airport, John Paul II International Airport Krakow–Balice, which provides easy access to the city. You can fly to Krakow from most major European cities, such as London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam. The city is also connected by train to locations throughout Europe.

3. What are the top tourist attractions in Krakow?

Krakow offers a wide variety of sights to see, but the most popular tourist attractions include:

• Wawel Castle
• Main Market Square
• St. Mary’s Basilica
• Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz)
• Salt Mine
• Auschwitz-Birkenau Holocaust Memorial

4. What is the currency used in Krakow?

The currency used in Krakow is the Polish złoty (PLN). You can easily withdraw money from ATMs throughout the city or exchange your currency at any bank or exchange office. Most restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions accept credit cards, but it’s always best to have some cash on hand.

5. What is the language spoken in Krakow?

The official language spoken in Krakow is Polish. However, most people working in the tourism industry can speak English, so communication shouldn’t be a problem for most tourists.

6. What is the food like in Krakow?

Polish cuisine is hearty and comforting, with plenty of savory dishes to choose from. Some of the must-try foods in Krakow include:

• Pierogi (Polish dumplings)
• Zapiekanka (Polish-style pizza baguette)
• Kielbasa (Polish sausage)
• Bigos (hunter’s stew)
• Żurek (sour rye soup)
• Nalesniki (Polish-style crepes)
• Pączki (Polish donuts)

7. Is Krakow a safe city?

Krakow is generally a safe city for tourists. However, pickpocketing and theft can occur in touristy areas, so it’s essential to be cautious and keep an eye on your belongings. Additionally, it’s best to avoid unlit or secluded areas at night, especially if you’re alone.

8. How to get around Krakow?

Krakow has an extensive public transportation system, including buses and trams, which is cheap and efficient. You can also choose to explore the city by bike, as there are many bike rentals available throughout the city. As the city is a popular tourist destination, walking is also a great way to get around and explore the city.

9. Are there any festivals in Krakow?

Krakow hosts several festivals throughout the year, including:

• Juwenalia (May)
• Krakow Film Festival (June)
• Jewish Culture Festival (June/July)
• Wianki (June/July)
• Open’er Festival (July)
• Cracovia Danza (July)
• Unsound Festival (October)

10. What souvenirs can I buy in Krakow?

Krakow is famous for its handmade souvenirs, such as amber jewelry, traditional embroidery, and pottery. You can also buy traditional Polish snacks, such as oscypek (smoked sheep cheese) and kabanos (dried sausage), which make great gifts for foodies.

Conclusion

Krakow is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Europe, and it’s worth a visit if you’re planning a trip to Poland. By reading this post, we hope we’ve answered some of your questions and helped you plan your trip to Krakow. Remember to stay safe, be respectful of the local culture, and enjoy everything Krakow has to offer!

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Krakow

Krakow is a city in the south of Poland that dates back to the 7th century. The city features a rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant culture. As a tourist, there are plenty of things to do and see in Krakow. This guide provides a comprehensive list of what to see and do when visiting the city.

1. Tour the Wawel Castle

The Wawel Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is among the most iconic attractions in Krakow. The castle dates back to the 14th century and is a symbol of Polish heritage and culture. Visitors can explore the castle grounds, take guided tours, and visit the art galleries located in the castle.

2. Visit the Main Market Square

The Main Market Square is the largest medieval town square in Europe and features various attractions such as the Town Hall Tower, St. Mary’s Basilica, and the Cloth Hall. Visitors can enjoy street performances and bustling cafes while taking in the beauty of the historic square.

3. Explore the Kazimierz District

The Kazimierz district is a lively hub of culture, art, and history. The district is known for its Jewish heritage and features historic synagogues, museums, and cafes. The district is also a popular nightlife destination featuring trendy bars and nightclubs.

4. Learn about Krakow’s History at Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum

The Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum is a solemn reminder of the atrocities that took place during the Holocaust. Visitors can learn about the history of the concentration camp, view artifacts and exhibits, and pay their respects at the memorial sites.

5. Take a Walking Tour of the Old Town

A walking tour of the Old Town is the best way to explore Krakow’s historic architecture and landmarks. Visitors can see the Barbican, Florian Gate, and the Collegium Maius, among others. Walking tours are offered by several companies, including private and group tours.

6. Explore the Tatra Mountains

The Tatra Mountains are located near Krakow and offer a breath-taking natural escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Visitors can take hiking trails, cable cars, and ski slopes to enjoy the stunning scenery and fresh mountain air.

7. Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine

The Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the oldest salt mines in the world and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the history of salt mining, view underground chapels and lakes, and even taste the salty water.

8. Experience Traditional Polish Cuisine

Krakow is known for its delicious traditional Polish cuisine, including pierogi, kielbasa, and oscypek. Visitors can visit traditional restaurants and cafes to taste authentic Polish dishes and enjoy the local cuisine.

9. Explore the Vistula River

The Vistula River is the longest river in Poland and runs through Krakow. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing river cruise, rent kayaks or paddle boats, or simply stroll along the riverside and take in the stunning views.

10. Enjoy the Nightlife in Krakow

Krakow has a vibrant nightlife scene, catering to all tastes and preferences. Visitors can enjoy trendy bars, nightclubs, and live music venues scattered throughout the city.

Conclusion

Krakow is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. As a tourist, there are plenty of things to do and see in Krakow, from exploring the Wawel Castle to experiencing traditional Polish cuisine. By following this guide, visitors can make the most of their time in Krakow and have an unforgettable trip.