How to Plan Your Full Day Auschwitz Birkenau Premium Tour in Krakow

Krakow is a city steeped in history and full of sites to explore, one of those being Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp. This place is a stark reminder of the horrors faced during World War II and should not be missed. Planning your full day premium tour to Auschwitz-Birkenau in Krakow is an easy, straightforward process. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to take to ensure you have a smooth and memorable experience.

Step 1: Book Your Tour

The first step in planning your tour to Auschwitz-Birkenau is to book your spot. There are several companies that offer tours, but we recommend the Full Day Auschwitz Birkenau Premium Tour by GetYourGuide. This tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned bus and includes an English-speaking guide in Auschwitz and Birkenau. The entry ticket to the memorial and museum is also included in the tour fee.Once booked, you will receive a confirmation email with all the necessary information. Make sure to read through it and double-check the date and time of your tour. The tour usually starts early in the morning and lasts for approximately 7-8 hours.Book the tour here

Step 2: Prepare for Your Tour

Before embarking on your tour, it is important to be prepared. Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather as you will be walking for a few hours. Don’t forget to bring your camera, but it is important to remember that taking photos inside the museum is not allowed.You can choose to bring your own lunch or add on a lunchbox option when booking your tour. It is also a good idea to bring a small bottle of water and some snacks as you will need to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day.

Step 3: Arrive at Meeting Point

On the day of the tour, make sure to arrive at the designated meeting point on time. The meeting point is usually your hotel lobby if you chose the hotel pickup option. If you do not choose this option, the meeting point will be clearly stated in your confirmation email.The tour guide will take care of all the logistics and ensure that you arrive at Auschwitz-Birkenau in a timely manner. Once there, you will have the opportunity to pay your respects and hear about the conditions prisoners faced during their time in the concentration camp.

Step 4: Explore Auschwitz-Birkenau

The tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau is split into two parts, Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. Auschwitz I was the first camp opened in 1940, and it served as the administrative center for the entire complex. Here, you will see the main entrance, several barracks, and the notorious “Arbeit Macht Frei” gate. The guide will provide in-depth information about the camp’s inner workings and the prisoners’ living conditions.Next, you will move on to Auschwitz II-Birkenau, which was opened in 1942 to accommodate the growing number of prisoners. This camp was much larger than Auschwitz I, and it quickly became the largest extermination camp. The guide will show you the remains of the gas chambers and the railway arrival platform where prisoners were brought in from all over Europe.

Step 5: Learn from the Museum

After the tour, you will have the opportunity to visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau museum. This museum has a vast collection of material objects, such as prisoners’ belongings, that provide insight into the daily life of those who lived and died there.Take your time and explore the museum’s exhibits, and you can also watch a documentary film about the concentration camp. The museum is an important reminder of the atrocities that occurred during World War II and the need to remember the past to prevent it from happening again.

Conclusion

Undertaking the Full Day Auschwitz Birkenau Premium Tour in Krakow is an emotional experience. The tour provides visitors with opportunities to reflect, learn, and continue to remember the past. Hopefully, this how-to guide will help you plan your tour efficiently and reduce any stress you may have had. By following these steps, you will be able to explore Auschwitz-Birkenau and come out with a deeper appreciation of history.

Frequently Asked Questions about Krakow

Krakow is a beautiful city in southern Poland that attracts visitors from all over the world. Its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture make it a top destination. If you’re planning a trip to Krakow, there are likely to be a few questions you have before you go. In this post, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this wonderful city.

1. What is the best time of year to visit Krakow?

Krakow is a great city to visit at any time of the year, but the best time really depends on what you’re looking for. If you want to avoid crowds and enjoy lower hotel rates, visiting during the winter months (December to February) can be a good idea. The temperatures can be chilly, but there’s nothing quite like seeing the city covered in snow. Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are also good times to visit, with mild weather and fewer tourists. If you’re looking for warm weather and longer days, summer (June to August) is the best time to go, but be prepared for crowds and higher prices.

2. Do I need a visa to visit Krakow?

If you’re a citizen of the European Union, you can enter Poland without a visa and stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. If you’re from a non-EU country, you’ll need to check the visa requirements for your specific country. Generally, tourists are allowed to stay for up to 90 days without a visa.

3. What is the currency used in Krakow?

The currency used in Krakow (and the rest of Poland) is the Polish Zloty (PLN). It’s best to exchange your money at a bank, ATM or currency exchange kiosk, rather than at hotels or airports where rates can be more expensive. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most restaurants, shops, and hotels.

4. How do I get around Krakow?

Krakow is a very walkable city, and many of the main attractions are located within the Old Town. However, if you want to go further afield, there are several options. The city’s public transport system includes buses and trams that run frequently throughout the day. You can also rent a bike or scooter, or take a taxi or Uber. Another fun option is to take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the streets of the Old Town.

5. What are the must-see attractions in Krakow?

Krakow has a wealth of attractions, ranging from stunning architecture and historic landmarks to world-class museums and galleries. Some of the must-see attractions include:

• Wawel Castle
• The Main Market Square (Rynek Glowny)
• The Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz)
• The Museum of the Second World War
• The Schindler Factory Museum
• The Wieliczka Salt Mine
• The National Museum in Krakow

6. What is the food like in Krakow?

The food in Krakow is delicious and hearty, with a focus on traditional Polish dishes. Some popular dishes include pierogi (dumplings filled with meat or vegetables), bigos (a stew made with sauerkraut, meat and sausage), and oscypek (smoked cheese made from sheep’s milk). For dessert, be sure to try a traditional Polish cake like szarlotka (apple pie) or makowiec (poppyseed cake). There are also plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans, with many restaurants offering plant-based versions of traditional dishes.

7. Is Krakow a safe city to visit?

Krakow is generally a safe city to visit, with low levels of crime against tourists. However, it’s always a good idea to take precautions like avoiding walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, staying alert to pickpockets in crowded areas, and keeping valuables secure.

8. What is the nightlife like in Krakow?

Krakow is known for its vibrant nightlife, with a wide variety of bars, clubs, and music venues to suit every taste. The Old Town is a great place to start, with many bars and pubs offering local beers and live music. The Jewish Quarter is another popular spot, with trendy bars and clubs that stay open late into the night.

9. What should I pack for my trip to Krakow?

What you pack for your trip to Krakow will depend on the time of year you’re visiting and the activities you have planned. In general, it’s a good idea to pack comfortable walking shoes, layers for changing weather conditions, and a waterproof jacket. If you’re visiting during the winter months, be sure to pack warm clothing and sturdy boots.

10. Where can I find more information about Krakow?

There are many resources available online to help you plan your trip to Krakow. Some useful websites include the official tourist information website, Visit Krakow, and TripAdvisor. For more detailed information about the city’s history and culture, be sure to check out some of the many guidebooks available from major booksellers.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Krakow

Krakow is a captivating city in Southern Poland that offers visitors an abundance of things to do, see and experience. It is a city with a rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene. If you are planning a trip to Krakow, here are some tips on how to spend your time in this beautiful city.

Discover the History of Krakow

Krakow is a city with a long and fascinating history. The best place to start is the Main Market Square, which is the heart of the city and one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. Here, you will find the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica, and the Town Hall Tower. Take a stroll around the square and soak in the atmosphere. For an in-depth look at the city’s history, visit the Wawel Royal Castle. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was the residence of Polish kings for over 500 years. The castle features a wide range of architectural styles, from Gothic to Renaissance, and houses everything from royal apartments to an armory. The castle is located on a hill and offers stunning views of the city. Another must-visit historical site is the Jewish Quarter, Kazimierz. It is a neighborhood that was once the center of Jewish life in Krakow before World War II. Today, you can still see the synagogues, cemeteries, and other remnants of the Jewish community. Be sure to visit the Remuh Synagogue and Cemetery, which is one of the oldest in Krakow.

Explore the Culture of Krakow

Krakow is a city that is steeped in culture, and there are plenty of opportunities to experience it firsthand. Traditional Polish cuisine is a must-try, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes that serve pierogis, bigos, and other local dishes.For a taste of Polish music and dance, head to a Folk Show. There are several venues in Krakow that offer these shows, which usually include traditional costumes, live music, and dance performances. The most famous is the Cracow Folk Show, which takes place in a historic building in the Main Market Square.Krakow also has a thriving arts scene, and there are several museums and galleries worth visiting. The National Museum in Krakow has an extensive collection of Polish art, while the MOCAK (Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow) features modern and contemporary art from Poland and around the world.

Indulge in Nature and Parks

If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to one of Krakow’s parks. The Planty Park is a 52-acre green belt that surrounds the Old Town, and is an excellent spot for a leisurely walk or a picnic. In the summer months, the park is a popular spot for locals to relax and sunbathe.Another option is the Wolski Forest, which is located on the outskirts of the city. It covers over 4000 hectares and is one of the largest urban forests in Europe. The forest is home to several walking and cycling trails, as well as the Wolski Zoo.

Experience the Nightlife

Krakow is a city that knows how to party, and there are several nightlife spots worth checking out. The Old Town is bustling with bars and pubs, and the Main Market Square is a popular spot for a night out. For a more laid-back atmosphere, head to Kazimierz, where you will find several cozy cafes and bars.If you are looking for a wild night out, head to one of the nightclubs in Krakow. The most popular is probably the Prozak 2.0, which has been named one of the best clubs in Europe. The club plays a mix of electronic, house, and techno music and is open until 5 am on weekends.

Conclusion

Krakow is a city that has something for everyone, from its rich history to its vibrant culture, beautiful parks, and lively nightlife. Whether you are a history buff, a foodie, a culture lover, or someone who just wants to let their hair down, Krakow is the perfect destination. With this guide, you can make the most of your time in this captivating city.