Where to Stay When Visiting Auschwitz: Complete Guide

We think Auschwitz Birkenau is something everyone should see. Auschwitz is one of the most powerful and emotional experiences in the world — one of the most important Holocaust memorials in Europe. But where to stay when visiting Auschwitz?

If you are staying in Oswiecim or the neighbouring cities of Krakow, Warsaw, or Katowice, here is our guide to finding your way around the camp.

Overview: Where to Stay to Visit Auschwitz Birkenau

Before all else, what are the most important things to know about sightseeing in Auschwitz? Although you have an option to stay in the town in Oświęcim, should or book a location at Kraków or Warsaw and book a day trip? Let’s discuss the essentials.

Where is the Auschwitz Memorial?

Auschwitz Memorial is located in Oświęcim — a small town in southern Poland. It was the location of a network of Nazi death and concentration camps, built in Poland during World War II.

The concentration camps that make up Auschwitz are combined with Auschwitz I or the original camp including Auchtiz II-Birkenau — an extermination facility and workhouse called Auschwitz III-Monowitz.

Auschwitz — Just around 50 km from Kraków, this is a symbol of the atrocities that took place during WWII and a memorial to those who lost their lives.

Which city is closest to Auschwitz Birkenau?

The closest city to Auschwitz Birkenau is Kraków, about 50 km (31 miles) to the southeast. Kraków is one of the oldest and most lively cities in Poland and is the main hub for visitors to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.

Oświęcim is the town next to the memorial site and has accommodation and amenities nearby, so it’s very easy to get to Auschwitz. If you want to be close, Oświęcim is the nearest option. If you want a more vibrant place, then Kraków is the city.

No matter where you stay, always consider the best time to visit Auschwitz, as it can make or break your day trip.

How Long Does it Take to Get to Oświęcim from Krakow?

It takes around 1-1.5 hours to get from Kraków to Oświęcim by car, 50 km (31 miles) via A4 highway. Or you can take public transport: direct train 1.5 hours, and buses vary depending on the service and traffic. The well-connected roads make it easy to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Staying in Oswiecim: Closest to Auschwitz

The nearest city to the Auschwitz concentration camp is Oswiecim, for those who have many days in Poland this may be a good choice as well. Alternatively, if your trip is only short, then stay in Krakow or Warsaw and just do a day trip.

Best Places to Stay in Oswiecim

• Hampton by Hilton Oswiecim: A reliable international brand with modern amenities, free Wi-Fi and a free shuttle to the Auschwitz museum. Spacious rooms and free breakfast make it a comfortable and nice place to stay.
• Hotel Galicja: This mid-range hotel has all the modern amenities and is close to Auschwitz. Tidy room, cheerful staff and nice lounging space. The location is good – close to Auschwitz and the few restaurants in town – and it’s a good balance of quality and price.
• B&M Guesthouse: This one is for budget travelers, with simple rooms close to the museum. Simple rooms with shared bathrooms and a homey ambiance. The more affordable, convenient alternative Well, yes you can cook your own meals because there is a communal kitchen.

Pros of Staying in Oswiecim

Staying in Oswiecim means you’re closest to Auschwitz so you can walk or take a short ride to the Auschwitz Birkenau memorial. You can start your day early and have plenty of time to visit Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau without feeling rushed.

You’re right in the middle of the historical site so you’ll feel more connected to the memorial.

Plus it’s quiet and peaceful in Oswiecim. In fact, unlike big cities, Oswiecim is silent and you won’t have to fight the crowds.

Lastly, if there’s any issues at the entrance with your dress code at Auschwitz, you’re not too far away from your hotel.

Cons of staying in Oswiecim

• Limited entertainment and dining options compared to bigger cities like Krakow.
• The small-town feel may not be lively enough if you’re looking for more to do than just visiting Auschwitz.

Staying in Krakow

Krakow isn’t very far from the Auschwitz concentration camps (you can easily travel from Krakow to Auschwitz), so taking a group tour from there is a good alternative, and you’ll get to enjoy the nightlife if that’s your thing.

As opposed to Oswiecim, there are plenty of tourist attractions located in Krakow, so you will never get bored.

Best Accommodations to Stay in Krakow

Krakow has countless accommodation options with breakfast, fast WiFi, and good pick-up points for the Auschwitz Museum. Here are the best ones.

Luxury Hotels

• Hotel Stary: In the heart of Krakow’s Old Town, Hotel Stary has modern amenities and historical charm. Elegant rooms, a beautiful courtyard, and a great restaurant. Perfect for those who want to splurge and be close to main attractions and have easy access to guided tours to Auschwitz.
• Bonerowski Palace: 5-star luxury hotel near Main Market Square. High-end experience with big rooms, great service, and views of Krakow. Perfect for those who want to pamper themselves and enjoy Krakow before or after the visit to Auschwitz.

Mid-range Hotels

• Hotel Polski Pod Białym Orłem: Near the Old Town, this lovely hotel has modern amenities and a warm welcome. Guests love the rooms, staff and location making it easy to see Krakow’s sights and arrange trips to Auschwitz.
• PURO Krakow Kazimierz: In the trendy Jewish Quarter, PURO Krakow Kazimierz is a modern hotel for both business and leisure travellers. It has stylish rooms, a rooftop and easy transport to Auschwitz tours. The hotel is in the heart of Krakow’s cultural scene and well connected to Auschwitz concentration camp.

Budget Options

• Dizzy Daisy Hostel: A budget favourite, Dizzy Daisy Hostel has private rooms and dorms. The hostel has friendly staff, a social atmosphere, and clean facilities. Great if you want affordable accommodation with easy public transport to Auschwitz.
• Greg & Tom Hostel: Social and budget-friendly, Greg & Tom Hostel is perfect for young travellers and those on a tight budget. The hostel has dorms, private rooms and communal areas to meet other travellers. Near Krakow’s main train station so easy to get a train to Auschwitz.

Pros and Cons of Staying in Krakow

Last but not least, let’s talk about the advantages and disadvantages or booking a room in Krakow.

Pros:

• Tourist attractions: Wawel Castle, Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz), Schindler’s Factory Museum.
• Many accommodation options: luxury hotels to budget hostels.
• Good transportation: buses, trains, organized tours to Auschwitz.
• Nightlife and dining: Many restaurants, cafes and bars to enjoy before or after your visit.

Cons:

• Longer travel time: 1.5 to 2 hours to Auschwitz, can be tiring for some.
• More crowded: Krakow is a touristy place, so accommodations can be busy especially during peak season.

Other Polish Cities to Visit Auschwitz

Many people visited Auschwitz from Warsaw and Krakow, but there are more options you can consider. And if you’re wondering, yes, Auschwitz is worth visiting, no matter where you stay in Poland.

Staying in Warsaw

Warsaw is another option but it’s further away about 3 hours by train or bus. This is more suitable for those visiting multiple sites in Poland. Of course, it’s possible to get from Warsaw to Auschwitz.

Warsaw has plenty of accommodation from luxury hotels to budget hostels and a lively nightlife and dining scene. But the longer travel time means you need to plan carefully to fit Auschwitz in your itinerary.

Warsaw itself is a city full of history and culture so if your trip includes other historical sites or you are flying into Warsaw it might be worth staying here and taking a guided tour from Warsaw to Auschwitz Birkenau.

Staying in Katowice

1.5 hours from Auschwitz, Katowice is a smaller city with modern hotels. If you want to avoid the tourists in Krakow, Katowice is a good option. From luxury hotels to hostels, there’s something for everyone.

Katowice also has great public transport to Auschwitz so it’s a good base to stay. The city has modern amenities, restaurants, cafes, shopping centres, and more.

If you want to see more than just Auschwitz, Katowice has its own attractions, Silesian Museum and Spodek arena which hosts various events throughout the year.

Staying in Wroclaw

Further away (2.5 to 3 hours from Auschwitz) Wroclaw is a beautiful Polish city with unique architecture and many accommodations.

If you want to see more of Poland than just Krakow and Auschwitz, Wroclaw is the place to be. The city has a picturesque Market Square, beautiful bridges and vibrant cultural life so it’s a great addition to your trip.

Wroclaw also has great transport options to Auschwitz, buses and trains. Staying in Wroclaw you can enjoy the city’s attractions, Centennial Hall, Wroclaw Zoo, and Ostrów Tumski district before or after your visit to Auschwitz.

The city has a friendly atmosphere and many accommodations so it’s worth considering for your trip.

Day Trip vs Overnight Stay: What to Choose

Day Trip to Auschwitz

A day trip to Auschwitz from Krakow is an option for many. The cheapest way to visit is by bus or train which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours each way. It’s arguably better than car rentals.

You can visit Auschwitz without having to move. A day trip is perfect if you are short on time or want to combine your visit with other Krakow activities like visiting Wawel Castle or the nightlife.

Overnight in Oswiecim

Staying overnight in Oswiecim eliminates travel fatigue and you can start your visit without rushing. It’s perfect if Auschwitz is the main focus of your trip and you want to spend plenty of time at the Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial.

Plus, being close to the site you can revisit the museum grounds if you want to learn more. Overnight you can also attend evening events or lectures some tour companies offer and add to your experience.

Booking Tips for Auschwitz

Before you book your tour to Auschwitz from Krakow or Warsaw, there are some tips you should note down to make the most of your time.

Book in Advance

Auschwitz is a popular tourist destination so it’s best to book early, especially during summer and holidays. This way you’ll have a place to stay that suits your needs and budget.

Guided tours and entrance tickets can also sell out so booking in advance will save you time and hassle. Booking early also gives you better rates and more options.

While many visitors underestimate it, joining day trips with a tour guide is a great option as you’ll learn everything about the extermination camp, the gas chambers, and what happened at Auschwitz as a whole.

Budget

Decide on your budget before you choose where to stay. Oswiecim has budget guesthouses, Krakow has more options, including luxury hotels.

Decide how much you want to spend and find accommodations that fit your budget without compromising on comfort or convenience. Whether you want luxury or something more affordable, there’s something for everyone.

Location

Consider the location of your accommodation in relation to transport. Staying near a train or bus station will make your trip to Auschwitz easier.

In Krakow, staying in the city centre will give you easy access to other attractions and restaurants, in Oswiecim staying near Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial is a big plus. A central location will save you time and make your trip more convenient.

Conclusion

Where to stay near Auschwitz depends on your travel style and preferences. Oswiecim is the closest and most convenient so it’s perfect for a quiet and focused visit. Krakow offers a vibrant cultural experience with many accommodations and activities outside of Auschwitz.

If you want to see more of Poland towns like Katowice and Wroclaw offer unique experiences and are well connected to Auschwitz.

No matter where you choose to stay planning ahead is key to a respectful and meaningful visit. Book early, choose a place that fits your budget and needs and prepare for a trip that honours the memory of those who suffered in Auschwitz.