Visiting Auschwitz for the First Time: What to Expect & How to Prepare
Thinking of visiting Auschwitz but not sure what to expect? You’re not alone. For many, it’s a visit that sits heavily on the heart, but also one that feels deeply important, whether you're interested because of a personal connection, historical curiosity, or a desire to better understand what happened there.
Auschwitz was the largest of the Nazi concentration and extermination camps, located near the town of Oświęcim in southern Poland. Chosen for its strategic railway connections and relative isolation, it became the site of unimaginable atrocities during World War II. Today, it stands as a memorial and museum, not just to honor those who suffered and died, but to help keep their stories alive for future generations.
Visiting Auschwitz can be challenging, but it’s also a powerful reminder of the importance of remembrance. If you’ve made the decision to go, there are a few things you might want to know before your visit — from practical tips to emotional prep.
I’ve visited Auschwitz several times now: first as a teenager, then again in my early and late twenties, and most recently in my thirties. Each visit felt different. Some things have stayed the same, and others have changed. So, if you’re planning a visit, I’m here to help guide you through what to expect, what to bring (and what to leave behind), and how to approach the experience in a respectful and meaningful way.
Let’s begin - Here is everything you need to know before visiting Auschwitz:
How to get there from Kraków?
Getting to Auschwitz from Kraków is fairly straightforward. If you're driving, the trip takes about an hour and a half, following a mix of highways and regional roads, specifically the A4 motorway and then smaller local routes as you get closer to Oświęcim. Keep in mind that you’ll need to navigate to Oświęcim, as “Auschwitz” won’t appear on the signs until you're actually in the town. The main parking lot at the museum charges about 20 PLN (approximately $5 USD or €4.50 EUR).
Public transport is also an option. Regular buses run from Kraków’s main bus station and usually take around two hours. You can also take the train, though it’s a bit slower. The station in Oświęcim is about a 20-minute walk from the entrance to the site. If you'd rather keep things simple, there are plenty of organized tours that include transport. I’ll go into that later in this post.
What Are the Entrance Fees and How Do I Access the Site?
To visit Auschwitz, the first step is to head to the official website here and book your time slot, it’s essential as they regulate visitor numbers. If you’re planning to visit independently, the entrance is free. However, if you prefer to join a guided tour, there will be a fee. Time slots for visits open 90 days in advance, so make sure to book early to secure your preferred time. While there are occasionally extra tickets available at the ticket office, I wouldn't recommend relying on them, it’s a long trip to make only to find you can't get in.
Alternatively, you can always book a guided tour through a tour operator like Get Your Guide. Which brings me to my next point:
Should I book a guided tour or go independently?
When deciding whether to visit Auschwitz independently or with a tour group, there are benefits to both options. Going independently allows you to explore at your own pace. For many, this more flexible approach is a huge advantage. However, joining a tour group has its own perks, especially if you’re looking for convenience. Tours typically include transportation, which can be a big plus if you don’t have your own car, and you’ll have the chance to ask questions and gain deeper insights from the guide. I’ve done both, and most recently, I opted for a guided tour through Get Your Guide, which was a good option, making the trip smoother. By following the link below, you’ll find the tour I booked.
Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour & Hotel Pickup
That said, I personally prefer to go independently, as I like to go at my own pace and spend more time reflecting when I feel like it. Sometimes, organized tours can feel rushed, and one thing I’ve noticed is that many tour operators book the entrance tickets after selling the tour, which can result in unexpected changes to your time slot. For example, I booked a 1:00 PM tour last time but was shifted to a 6:00 AM slot, which is quite a difference if you ask me…
If you don’t have your own transportation, I’d recommend opting for a guided tour, as it takes care of the logistics, and you'll get the benefit of learning more throughout the experience. But if you’re flexible and enjoy taking your time, going independently might be the best choice.
What is the difference between Auschwitz I and Auschwitz-Birkenau?
Auschwitz and Auschwitz-Birkenau are two separate sites, each with its own unique role in the history of the Holocaust. Auschwitz, often considered the "museum" part of the two, houses exhibitions and preserved buildings that provide a deeper understanding of the camp’s operations and the victims. It’s where you’ll find detailed exhibits with photos, artifacts, and personal stories.
On the other hand, Auschwitz-Birkenau is more about the physical space; it’s where you'll walk around and see the scale of the camp. There, you’ll find replicas of the barracks where people slept, as well as the remains of the gas chambers and crematoria. This is also where prisoners first arrived by train. When booking a tour, both sites are usually included, and if you’re visiting independently, there’s a shuttle between the two. Alternatively, you can opt to walk the 3 kilometers between them, offering you a moment to process everything you’ve seen.
What Should I Wear and Bring?
When visiting Auschwitz and Auschwitz-Birkenau, comfort is key, as you'll be doing a lot of walking. Be sure to wear very comfortable shoes, as the ground can be uneven, and the distances between the two sites add up. Dress in something comfortable, but also keep in mind that you're visiting a site of great historical significance, so being respectful with your clothing is important. I’d recommend packing light — you don’t want to be weighed down with unnecessary items. The weather is another important factor to consider. Summers in Poland can get pretty warm and dry, so staying hydrated is crucial. Be sure to bring water, and if you're visiting in the summer, don’t forget sunscreen and a cap, especially since you'll be out in the sun for extended periods, particularly in Birkenau.
If you get hungry, there are places to eat near the main parking lot, and I’ve seen food stands outside Birkenau. There’s also a small restaurant across from Auschwitz if you'd like to grab a bite before continuing your visit. In fact, I've seen on social media that food trucks have set up in front of Birkenau. While you may be able to grab a kebab there, just because it's available doesn’t mean it’s the most respectful choice... but I’ll leave that up to you to decide.
What is the emotional impact and how should I mentally prepare?
Visiting Auschwitz is a deeply personal experience, and the emotional impact will be different for everyone. However, it’s important to mentally prepare for the fact that this will be a heavy trip. It’s not something to take lightly. There’s a certain vibe that’s incredibly hard to describe, but once you’re there, you’ll understand exactly what I mean. It’s important to give yourself permission to feel whatever comes up during and after your visit.
I’d recommend taking the time to reflect and process everything once you’ve left the site — don't rush it. It’s impossible to truly prepare for the emotions you might experience, and that’s perfectly okay. Allow yourself time to reflect, and understand that the impact this experience has on you will stay with you long after you leave.
There you have it—everything you need to know about visiting Auschwitz for the first time. Do you still have any questions? Send me a message, and I’ll be more than happy to answer them. Happy Travels!
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