Krakow is a city that lends itself to a wide variety of tours. Its cobblestone streets hide stories of tragedy and triumph alike, and the city is perfectly positioned for day trips into the mountains or to historic sites. We love the deeply moving Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour with Pickup, which offers an opportunity to understand one of the darkest chapters in history with the comfort of door-to-door service. Whether you’re drawn to WWII history, the stunning scenery of Zakopane, or the underground marvels of Wieliczka, Krakow’s tours provide authentic, memorable experiences—suitably comprehensive and thoughtfully guided.
Quick Overview
Our list covers a range of experiences including historical sites like Auschwitz (see more), mountain adventures in Zakopane, salt mine exploration in Wieliczka, and culinary tours through Krakow’s Kazimierz district. Many tours include hotel pickups, skip-the-line options, or full-day itineraries to maximize your time and learning. Read on to find the tour that best fits your interests and travel style.
1. Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour with Pickup
This comprehensive Auschwitz-Birkenau tour is a standout for its combination of convenience and depth. It covers the entirety of the Nazi concentration camp complex, including original barracks, gas chambers, and the infamous main gate. The tour is led by a professional educator, who will help you grasp the scale of the Holocaust and the stories behind the exhibits. The itinerary includes two guided visits: Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, with enough time to reflect and absorb the gravity of this place. The service includes pickup and drop-off from multiple locations, making the logistics smooth.
Rated 4.6/5 by nearly 25,000 reviewers, it’s praised for its informative guides and organized transportation. Guests often comment on the emotional impact, noting that the guide’s respectful approach helps process the experience. It’s ideal for travelers who want a full, impactful day with minimal hassle. The price is very reasonable at $26 per person, making this a compelling choice for those seeking a meaningful yet affordable tour.
Bottom Line: A well-organized, respectful tour that makes visiting Auschwitz accessible and deeply educational, perfect for first-time visitors craving insight without sacrificing comfort.
2. From Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour & Hotel Pickup
For those who prefer a slightly more flexible schedule, this full-day Auschwitz-Birkenau trip offers hotel pickup and drop-off, with similar in-depth guided visits. It lasts between 7-10 hours and includes a visit to original camp buildings, gas chambers, and the “Arbeit Macht Frei” gate—an unmissable reminder of history’s darkest moments. What makes this tour stand out is the inclusion of a break between visits, giving you space to reflect or explore at your own pace.
Rated 4.6/5 by over 24,000 reviews, it’s appreciated for its punctuality, professional guides, and thoughtful organization. Reviewers highlight the emotional weight of the experience and the value of the included transportation. Although slightly pricier at $26 per person, it’s worth it for the added comfort and flexibility—especially if you want a stress-free day with early start times.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a seamless, respectful visit to Auschwitz with flexible logistics, making it perfect for travelers who want a hassle-free, meaningful day.
3. Krakow: Zakopane Tour with Chocholow Hot Baths and Cable Car
If the mountains call, this popular Zakopane tour delivers a full day of scenic beauty and local culture. The trip includes a ride up Gubałówka Hill by cable car for panoramic views of the Tatra Mountains, a walk along Zakopane’s main street, and a chance to sample regional cheese and vodka. The highlight is relaxing in the Chocholow Hot Thermal Bath Pools, which offers a soothing end to a busy day.
Rated 4.9/5 from over 6,600 reviews, travelers love the combination of scenery, local gastronomy, and cultural insights. Guides are described as friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share local secrets. The full day costs around $80, which is a fair price considering the cable car ride, the hot springs, and the guided sightseeing.
Bottom Line: An ideal choice for those seeking mountain views, fresh air, and a taste of highlander culture, with enough time to enjoy the thermal baths and local specialties.
4. Krakow: Auschwitz Guided Tour with Optional Hotel Pickup
This Auschwitz guided tour offers a shorter but still impactful visit, averaging 3.5 to 7 hours. It covers Auschwitz I and Birkenau, including original barracks, the railway ramp, and the gas chamber ruins. The tour is highly praised for its informative guides and well-organized transportation, with a detailed itinerary that allows time for reflection.
Rated 4.5/5, many reviewers highlight the emotional power of the experience and the professionalism of guides. Costing $43 per person, it balances affordability with a comprehensive look at this tragic site. Its main advantage is the flexibility in duration, making it suitable for travelers with limited time or those wanting a shorter, more focused visit.
Bottom Line: For a meaningful yet condensed Auschwitz experience, this tour offers good value with flexible timing options.
5. Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau and Salt Mine Guided Tour
Combining two of Krakow’s most compelling sights, this full-day tour immerses you in history and natural wonder. It begins with a guided walk through Auschwitz and Birkenau, then takes you deep underground to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with carved chapels, sculptures, and underground lakes.
Rated 4.7/5, it impresses with its itinerary and knowledgeable guides. The tour costs $80, which is a good deal considering entry to both sites and transportation are included. Guests praise the well-paced schedule and the opportunity to reflect on both the tragedy and resilience represented at these sites.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive day that covers both WWII history and underground artistry, at a reasonable price.
6. Krakow: Zakopane Tour, Hot Springs, Cable Car & Hotel Pickup
For a mix of mountain scenery and thermal relaxation, this Zakopane tour is highly rated at 4.8/5. It features a scenic cable car ride up Gubałówka Hill, visits to the thermal baths at Chocholow, and free time in Zakopane to explore the charming streets and local shops.
Guests love the comfortable transportation, the knowledgeable guides, and the opportunity to relax in the hot springs after a day of sightseeing. Priced at $51, it offers excellent value given the inclusion of transport, cultural stops, and scenic views.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a relaxed day in the mountains with spectacular views, local food, and thermal baths included.
7. Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour with Pickup & Lunch
This Auschwitz tour includes not just a powerful guided visit but also a traditional lunch, extending your understanding of Polish culture. It lasts around 7 hours, with the same in-depth visits to Auschwitz I and Birkenau. The tour is appreciated for its well-organized schedule and the guided narrative, which includes a film about the Holocaust.
Rated 4.5/5, travelers note that the combination of site visits and meal adds a cultural layer. Cost is only $10 per person, making it the most budget-friendly Auschwitz tour on this list, perfect if you’re on a tight schedule but still want to absorb the history.
Bottom Line: An affordable, all-in-one option combining Holocaust education with local cuisine.
8. Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour Pickup/Lunch Options
This premium Auschwitz-Birkenau tour priced at $200 offers a comprehensive, all-inclusive experience. It includes detailed guided tours of both camps, multiple meal options, and extensive time at the site. The tour emphasizes educational content and allows for in-depth exploration.
Rated 4.5/5, reviewers praise the professionalism and knowledge of guides, along with the comfort of hotel transfers. It’s best suited for travelers seeking a detailed, immersive experience with maximum convenience.
Bottom Line: For those who want an all-inclusive, deeply educational day with premium service, this tour offers the fullest experience.
9. Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour with Pickup & Lunch
This full-day Auschwitz and Wieliczka combo offers a thorough look at Poland’s WWII history alongside a visit to the salt mine. Starting early, it covers both sites with guided tours, including a film at Auschwitz and exploration of the salt chambers filled with sculptures.
Rated 4.8/5 and costing $67, it balances cost with a detailed experience. Reviewers appreciate the well-orchestrated logistics and the opportunity to reflect at both locations without feeling rushed.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers wanting a full immersion into Polish history and underground art in one day.
10. Krakow: Wieliczka Salt Mine Entry Ticket & Guided Tour
For a shorter, more flexible experience, this entry and guided tour to Wieliczka allows you to explore the underground chambers at your own pace. It’s perfect if you prefer fewer guided moments but still want to see the salt sculptures, chapels, and tunnels.
Rated 4.4/5, visitors mention the ease of skip-the-line access and the impressive sights underground. Cost is just $39, making it a good value for a half-day exploration.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those comfortable exploring independently but wanting guaranteed access to this UNESCO site.
11. Wieliczka Salt Mine: Skip-the-Line Ticket and Guided Tour
If avoiding wait times is a priority, this skip-the-line ticket guarantees quick entry into the salt mine. The guided tour covers 20 chambers, sculptures, and chapels carved from salt, descending 135 meters underground. It’s an excellent choice for travelers short on time but eager to see the highlights.
Rated 4.5/5, reviews emphasize the efficiency of skip-the-line access and the quality of the underground experience. The price, $40 per group, is very reasonable.
Bottom Line: Ideal for time-conscious visitors wanting a guided tour without the usual wait.
How to Choose Your Tour in Krakow
When selecting your tour, think about your interests, your schedule, and your budget. If history weighs heavily on your trip, the full Auschwitz-Birkenau guided tours provide depth and convenience. For scenic escapes, the Zakopane mountain trip offers breathtaking views, local food, and thermal baths. Travelers pressed for time or on a budget might prefer the shorter Auschwitz or the skip-the-line salt mine options.
Consider booking early, especially for popular tours like Wieliczka or Auschwitz, to secure your preferred dates and times. Also, check whether you prefer a guided experience with comprehensive commentary or a more independent visit with skip-the-line access.
Final Thoughts
Krakow offers an array of tours that cater to history buffs, mountain lovers, foodies, and those seeking profound reflection. For a deeply moving experience, the Auschwitz-Birkenau guided tours stand out for their respectful approach and detailed storytelling. If you’re after a scenic escape, the trip to Zakopane combines spectacular mountain views with relaxing thermal baths. And for underground artistry and history, Wieliczka’s salt mines never fail to impress.
Whatever your interests, booking early will ensure you get the best times and prices. Take your pick from this carefully curated list—your Krakow adventure awaits.