How to plan a weekend trip to Krakow and Auschwitz from London
Krakow has a way of surprising you.
Krakow is one of Europe's most rewarding short breaks - affordable, historically rich, and easy to reach from London in under 3 hours. Pair it with a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau, and you get a weekend that combines culture with one of the most important acts of historical remembrance you can make.
Getting to Krakow from London
Several airlines operate direct flights on the London–Krakow route. Ryanair flies from Stansted, Wizz Air from Luton, and LOT Polish Airlines from Heathrow. Flight time is typically 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes. For a weekend trip, the smartest move is to fly out on Friday evening after work and return on Monday morning or late Sunday night.
Book at least 6–8 weeks in advance to secure reasonable fares. Prices from London to Krakow often start around £40–£80 return when booked early, though they rise sharply closer to departure. Since Brexit, UK citizens can visit Poland visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period under the Schengen rules. No visa is required for a short weekend break. Carry a valid passport as an ID card is not accepted.
The best months to visit Krakow are April to June and September to October. The weather is mild, crowds are manageable, and prices for accommodation are lower than in peak summer. July and August are busy and can be hot. Winter visits are atmospheric (especially around Christmas markets), but factor in shorter daylight hours if you're planning a full sightseeing schedule.
Where to stay in Krakow
Old Town (Stare Miasto) is the most central option. It’s within walking distance of Wawel Castle, the Main Market Square, and the main bus connections to Auschwitz, but expect to pay more for the convenience.
Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter) is slightly cheaper, full of character, with excellent restaurants and cafés. It’s a 20-minute walk or short tram ride from the Old Town.
Krakow is typically affordable, with hostels in the Old Town cost from £15–£25 per night. Boutique hotels with great reviews and central locations typically range from £50–£90 per night. Book well in advance for weekend stays, particularly during spring and autumn when the city sees high visitor numbers.
Exploring Krakow: what to see and do
Krakow's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and compact enough to explore largely on foot. Here are the highlights you shouldn't miss.
Perched on a hill above the Vistula River, Wawel Castle is one of Poland's most iconic landmarks. The cathedral next to it is the coronation site of Polish kings and holds deep national significance. Allow 2–3 hours for both sites and book entry tickets online in advance, as timed entry slots sell out quickly during busy periods.
The Main Market Square is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. St. Mary's Basilica dominates the northeastern corner - its Gothic interior and the famous altarpiece by Veit Stoss are worth seeing. Every hour, a trumpeter plays a short melody (the Hejnał) from the basilica's tower. It's a small but memorable moment.
Kazimierz was the historic centre of Jewish life in Krakow before the Second World War. Today it's a neighbourhood of synagogues, museums, street art, and independent restaurants. Visit the Old Synagogue, walk Szeroka Street, and take time to reflect on the area's layered history. It also became famous internationally after Steven Spielberg filmed Schindler's List here.
The Old Town and Kazimierz are easily walkable. For longer distances, Krakow has a reliable tram network - single tickets cost around 4–5 PLN. Taxis and ride-hailing apps (Bolt and Uber both operate here) are inexpensive by UK standards.
Polish food is hearty, affordable, and delicious. Try pierogi (dumplings stuffed with potato and cheese, meat, or mushroom), żurek (sour rye soup, often served in a bread bowl) and bigos (hunter's stew with cabbage and meat).
A sit-down meal at a good local restaurant costs £6–£12 per person. Daily budget for meals, local transport, and entry fees typically falls between £30–£50, making Krakow one of the most affordable city breaks from the UK.
Planning the Auschwitz-Birkenau visit
Auschwitz-Birkenau is located near the town of Oświęcim, approximately 70 km west of Krakow. You have two main options:
An organised tour from Krakow (recommended): Several operators run dedicated day trips, including transport, a guide, and entry. An Auschwitz Tour with KrakowDirect takes the stress out of logistics - you're collected from your accommodation or a central meeting point, transported directly to the memorial, guided through both sites, and returned to Krakow. This is the most efficient option for a weekend trip where time matters.
Independent travel by bus or train: Regular buses depart from Krakow's main bus station and take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to reach Oświęcim. Trains also run but often require a change. The independent route costs less but demands more planning and eats into your available time at the memorial itself.
The memorial site consists of two main areas:
Auschwitz I: the original camp, now a museum with preserved blocks, exhibitions, and the infamous "Arbeit Macht Frei" gate.
Auschwitz II-Birkenau: the much larger extermination camp, 3 km away, where the majority of victims were killed.
Both sites require a pre-booked guided tour, which is mandatory as of 2026. Do not arrive without a reservation - entry without a booking is not guaranteed and often unavailable during peak months. Book directly through the official Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum website as far in advance as possible.
Allow a minimum of 4–5 hours for a thorough visit to both sites. A rushed visit does a disservice to the history and to yourself.
Practical considerations include wearing comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing as much of the visit involves walking on uneven ground outdoors. Bring water and a light snack as there are facilities on site, but the focus should be on the visit itself. Photography is permitted in most areas but must be done respectfully. Some areas, such as the gas chambers, prohibit photography. Dress modestly and behave quietly. The site is an active place of mourning for survivors, descendants, and visitors from around the world.
Emotionally, prepare yourself. Reading about the Holocaust before you go - whether through books, documentaries, or the memorial's own online resources - will deepen your understanding and help you process what you see. Many visitors find the experience profoundly moving and difficult. That is appropriate.
Tips for maximising a short trip
Book everything before you travel. Wawel Castle entry, Auschwitz guided tours, and flights all have limited availability. Last-minute planning in Krakow doesn't work well for this itinerary.
Don't over-schedule Saturday. It's tempting to cram everything in, but Krakow rewards a slower pace. Wandering without a rigid plan often leads to the best discoveries.
Avoid common tourist traps - the horse-drawn carriages around the Main Market Square are expensive and often criticised for animal welfare reasons. Skip them.
Use KrakowDirect for transfers if you're arriving by plane - they offer reliable airport-to-city transport and organised tours that work well for visitors managing a tight weekend schedule.
A weekend in Krakow and Auschwitz from London is genuinely one of the most worthwhile short trips you can take. Krakow offers beauty, history, food, and affordability in equal measure. The visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau is something different - it is not leisure, but it is important. Millions of people have stood at that site to bear witness, and doing so yourself is an act of respect that stays with you long after you return home.
Book your flights early, reserve your Auschwitz tour well in advance, and leave a little room in the itinerary for the unexpected. Krakow has a way of surprising you.