Your First Auschwitz Visit from Krakow? Read This Before You Go

Some places stay with you long after you leave. Auschwitz is one of them. Each year, more people add it to their travel plans—not just out of interest but out of a need to understand.

If you’re thinking about visiting in 2025, things have changed a bit. Entry rules, tour setups, and even how people move through the site are different from a few years ago.

But before you book or start mapping your day, it’s worth taking a closer look. Planning this visit isn’t complicated—but it does help to know what’s new, what to expect, and how to make the most of it.

So, if you want to get it right, you’re in the right place. Keep reading!

Book Early—Spots Fill Up Fast

One of the biggest shifts in recent years is how early you need to book. Auschwitz has daily visitor limits, and time slots fill quickly—especially between April and October.

Online reservations are now standard. You choose your time and type of visit and then receive a digital confirmation. While a few same-day tickets may be available during off-peak times, most travelers won’t be that lucky.

Guided group tours, which include licensed educators and headsets, remain the most popular option. These are structured and informative and help visitors stay on track throughout the day.

Individual visits are still possible, but even those require booking a timed entry. Make sure the name on your ticket matches your ID—random checks do happen at the gate.

Museum Rules That Visitors Often Miss

The memorial has a calm, serious atmosphere, and the rules reflect that. There are specific guidelines in place to keep the visit respectful for everyone.

Large bags are not allowed. You’ll be asked to store them or leave them in your vehicle. Photography is permitted in most areas, but no flash or tripods are allowed. Some blocks are marked as “no photo” zones—please follow the signs.

Visitors are expected to dress modestly. While there’s no strict dress code, it’s best to avoid overly casual clothing like tank tops or beachwear.

Also, food and drinks must be consumed outside the memorial area. Eating on the grounds is not permitted. If you’re spending the full day, plan your meals before or after the main visit.

Auschwitz Tour from Krakow: Still the Most Practical Option

Most visitors start their journey in Krakow, the closest major city. While you can reach Auschwitz on your own using public buses or trains, it’s not always the easiest route—especially if it’s your first time visiting.

For this reason, booking an Auschwitz tour from Krakow remains one of the most practical choices. It saves you time, ensures you won’t miss your entry slot, and usually includes all logistics in one package.

These tours often include:

• Round-trip transportation in a climate-controlled vehicle
• Entry tickets to both Auschwitz I and Birkenau
• A licensed guide
• Personal headsets for better clarity during the tour
• Optional hotel pickup for added ease

Some services offer small-group settings, which provide a quieter, more focused experience. For visitors who prefer privacy or flexibility, private tour options are also available.

Local tour operators with experience running these routes know how to handle entry times, parking, and timing between the two sites, making the process much smoother.

Pace Yourself—This Visit Is Not Like Others

Auschwitz is physically and emotionally demanding. There’s no entertainment, no breaks between rooms, and no real way to disconnect while inside.

You’ll walk across large areas—between Auschwitz I and Birkenau—so wear proper shoes. Avoid new or uncomfortable footwear. Weather shifts quickly, especially in spring and autumn, so bring a light raincoat or layers depending on the season.

Water is allowed, but food should be kept in your bag until after the tour. Bathrooms are available at entry points, but there are no stops once the main visit begins. Use the facilities ahead of time to avoid interruptions.

Emotionally, it’s important to give yourself space. You don’t need to follow every group word-for-word. If you need to pause, do it. There are benches and open areas where many people quietly reflect.

Planning More Than One Stop? Consider Nearby Sites

If you have extra time in your schedule, there are a few nearby places that can add more depth—or balance—to your trip. Some visitors choose to explore more of the area, either later in the day or on the following day. Here are a few ideas:

• Wieliczka Salt Mine

A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its underground chambers, salt carvings, and peaceful, dimly lit pathways. It offers a completely different pace and tone—quiet, cool, and even calming. This place is ideal for those who want to experience something unique without emotional weight.

• Oświęcim Town

Just beyond the memorial, the town itself holds a quieter story. You’ll find a small but meaningful Jewish Museum, a restored synagogue, and a few shaded green spaces. These spots are often overlooked, but they give you time to pause and reflect.

• St. Maximilian Kolbe Church

Located in the village of Harmęże, just a short drive from Auschwitz, St. Maximilian Kolbe Church offers a quiet space for reflection. What sets it apart is the permanent exhibit of artwork by Marian Kołodziej, a camp survivor. His drawings, displayed in the church’s basement, capture powerful, personal scenes of life inside Auschwitz. The art is raw and emotional, offering a deeply human perspective that’s rarely seen elsewhere.

The church itself is peaceful, with few visitors at a time, making it ideal for those who need space after their museum tour. It’s not widely advertised, but it’s worth the stop.

If you do choose to combine stops, allow for mental space between them. Some day tours bundle multiple sites together, but they aren’t for everyone. If the experience at Auschwitz feels heavy—as it does for many, it’s okay to take the rest of the day slow.

Concluding Thoughts

Auschwitz is not a typical destination, and it shouldn’t be treated like one. In 2025, changes have made the visit easier to plan, but the meaning behind the site remains the same. Travel with respect, prepare with care, and give yourself time to take in what you see.