Are you planning to visit Auschwitz and don’t know where to sleep?
In this article we find out together which are the best cities to stay in to visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, how far they are from the camp, and how to get there.
Are you ready? Let’s explore the best accommodation options in cities near the concentration camp memorial, with a focus on Oświęcim and Krakow.
Table of Contents
Where is best to stay to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau?
Auschwitz is located in Oświęcim, a small town located in southern Poland.
Accommodation options for those wishing to visit the death camp fall mainly into two categories: stay directly in Oświęcim, within walking distance of the memorial, or opt for Kraków, a larger and livelier city located about an hour away.
Choosing to stay overnight in Oświęcim offers the advantage of being very close to the historic site, with hotels and guesthouses located within a few minutes’ walk or drive of the museum entrance. In addition, the atmosphere is quieter and more collected, ideal for those who want a more reflective experience.
In contrast, staying in Kraków allows for a wide range of options to suit every budget, from luxurious boutique hotels to budget hostels.
After visiting Auschwitz, you also have the opportunity to explore the many cultural, historical, and culinary attractions this vibrant city has to offer.
| Facility Name | City | Book online |
| Hampton by Hilton Oświęcim | Oświęcim | BOOK ONLINE |
| Hotel Galicja | Oświęcim | BOOK ONLINE |
| Villa Center | Oświęcim | BOOK ONLINE |
| Hotel Stary | Krakow | BOOK ONLINE |
| PURO Kraków Kazimierz | Kraków | BOOK ONLINE |
| Hotel Indigo Kraków – Old Town | Kraków | BOOK ONLINE |
| Mercure Kraków Stare Miasto | Kraków | BOOK ONLINE |
| Apartment Komfort 17 Zator | Zator | BOOK ONLINE |
| Hotel Olecki | Oświęcim | BOOK ONLINE |
| Rezydencja Pod Zegarem | Oświęcim | BOOK ONLINE |
Where to stay in Oświęcim to visit Auschwitz
If you prefer to stay near the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, here is a list of the best hotels near Auschwitz concentration camp.
Hampton by Hilton Oświęcim
Hampton by Hilton Oświęcim is a modern hotel with a welcoming atmosphere and quality services. Rooms are spacious and equipped with all the amenities you need for a pleasant stay, including free Wi-Fi. The breakfast buffet is rich and varied, perfect for starting the day before your visit to Auschwitz. The central location provides easy access to both the museum and the city’s main points of interest.
- Rating: 9.3 out of 10
- Type of facility: 3-star hotel
- Price: 80 to 120 euros per night
- Info and reservations: Book online
Hotel Galicja
Hotel Galicja offers a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere, ideal for those seeking a relaxing stay within walking distance of the memorial. This three-star property features spacious and comfortable rooms furnished in a classic style. The in-house restaurant serves traditional Polish cuisine, making your stay an authentic experience. The convenient location and attentive services make it an excellent choice for those visiting Auschwitz.
- Rating: 8.6 out of 10
- Type of facility: 3-star hotel
- Price: 60 to 90 euros per night
- Info and reservations: Book online
Villa Center
Villa Centro is an intimate and quiet guesthouse, perfect for those who want a stay away from the hustle and bustle of big cities about a 20-minute walk from the entrance to the memorial.The facility has a few rooms, furnished with simplicity and attention to detail. The staff is very helpful and contributes to the warm atmosphere. Ideal for families or small groups, Villa Centro is perfect for a relaxing and reflective visit.
- Rating: 8.8 out of 10
- Type of facility: Guesthouse
- Price: 50 to 80 euros per night
- Info and reservations: Book online
Where to stay in Krakow to visit Auschwitz
If you want a more dynamic and varied stay, we recommend staying in Krakow. Located about an hour away, this vibrant city offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget, as well as numerous cultural, historical, and culinary attractions.
Krakow allows you to combine a visit to the memorial with other activities, making the trip more varied and complete.
Below you will find a list of hotels for every need, from boutique hotels to budget accommodations.
Stary hotels
Hotel Stary, located in the heart of Krakow’s Old Town, combines luxury and history. This boutique hotel is distinguished by its elegant interiors and refined design, blending modern and antique elements. The in-house spa and gourmet restaurant complete the experience of an upscale stay. It is an excellent choice for those who wish to combine a visit to Auschwitz with an exploration of Krakow.
- Rating: 9.2 out of 10
- Type of facility: 5-star boutique hotel
- Price: 150 to 250 euros per night
- Info and reservations: Book online
PURO Kraków Kazimierz
Located in the lively Kazimierz district, PURO Kraków Kazimierz is a modern hotel with a contemporary design. Rooms are bright and equipped with advanced technology, such as tablets to control lights and temperature. The location is ideal for exploring the neighborhood and for easy access to Auschwitz thanks to public transportation links.
- Rating: 9.4 out of 10
- Type of facility: 4-star hotel
- Price: 100 to 150 euros per night
- Info and reservations: Book online
Hotel Indigo Kraków – Old Town
Hotel Indigo Kraków – Old Town is a fine design hotel featuring artistic interiors and a unique atmosphere. Each room is decorated in an original way, making the stay a memorable experience. Breakfast, which is included in the stay, is especially appreciated by guests for the variety and quality of products.
- Rating: 9.3 out of 10
- Type of facility: 4-star hotel
- Price: 120 to 180 euros per night
- Info and reservations: Book online
Mercure Kraków Stare Miasto
Mercure Kraków Stare Miasto is a modern four-star hotel located within walking distance of Kraków’s Old Town and Central Station. Its convenient location makes it ideal for those wishing to combine a visit to Auschwitz with exploration of the city’s main attractions. The rooms, furnished in a contemporary style, are equipped with all amenities, and the in-house restaurant offers local and international cuisine. The hotel is especially popular for its proximity to public transportation and professional service.
- Rating: 9.1 out of 10
- Type of facility: 4-star hotel
- Price: 110 to 160 euros per night
- Info and reservations: Book online
Other recommended accommodations near Auschwitz
If you want other options outside Oświęcim or Krakow, consider these alternatives:
Apartment Komfort 17 Zator
Apartment Komfort is an ideal option for families and groups seeking a quiet stay in a strategic area between Kraków and Oświęcim. The apartments are modern, well-equipped and have full kitchens, perfect for those who prefer a self-contained solution. The proximity to the Energylandia amusement park makes this facility particularly suitable for those who wish to combine culture and recreation during their stay.
- Rating: 9.8 out of 10
- Type of facility: Apartments
- Price: 70 to 100 euros per night
- Info and reservations: Book online
Hotel Olecki
Hotel Olecki is a small, cozy establishment located within walking distance of the Auschwitz Memorial. The simply furnished but functional rooms offer a good level of comfort for short stays. The prime location for visiting the memorial and the intimate atmosphere make this property one of the best options for those who want to stay near the historical site.
- Rating: 8.3 out of 10
- Type of facility: 3-star hotel
- Price: 50 to 80 euros per night
- Info and reservations: Book online
Rezydencja Pod Zegarem
Rezydencja Pod Zegarem is a quaint guesthouse located in a quiet area a few kilometers from Oświęcim. The rustic, cozy setting is perfect for those who want a relaxing break after a day of visiting the memorial. The rooms are furnished in traditional style, and the service is known for warm hospitality.
- Rating: 7.6 out of 10
- Type of facility: Guesthouse
- Price: 60 to 90 euros per night
- Info and reservations: Book online
Frequently asked questions
The choice of where to stay depends on your preferences and the needs of your trip. If you want to be close to the museum to maximize your time, Oświęcim is an ideal choice, due to its proximity to the memorial and the town’s quieter, more reflective atmosphere. However, if in addition to visiting Auschwitz you wish to have a richer experience in Poland, Krakow is an excellent option. Located about an hour away, this vibrant city offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget, as well as numerous cultural, historical, and culinary attractions. Krakow allows you to combine a visit to the memorial with other activities, making the trip more varied and complete. The hotels we recommend are:- In Oświęcim (to be very close to the memorial): Hotel Galicja, Hampton by Hilton Oświęcim.- In Kraków (to combine the visit with other tourist experiences): PURO Kraków Kazimierz, Hotel Stary.
Visiting Auschwitz should be planned carefully, especially by booking tickets in advance, especially in the peak season months.One of the most recommended options is to join a guided tour, which includes in-depth explanations and often transportation from Krakow or other nearby cities.Alternatively, you can choose to visit the memorial on your own, gaining access with a free ticket available during specific time slots, but in this case you will not have a guide to explain the historical details.For those who prefer more autonomy but still want to delve deeper, you can hire an audio guide directly on site.
A full visit to Auschwitz takes only one day. The complex consists of two main sections: Auschwitz I, with the brick buildings and exhibits, and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, which is much larger and includes the railroad tracks and the remains of the gas chambers.A guided tour generally takes three to four hours, but devoting a full day allows you to leisurely explore both areas.If you plan to combine the visit with other activities, such as exploring Krakow or nearby towns, you may want to plan two or three days in total.
Auschwitz is located about 65-70 km from Kraków, and travel time varies depending on the means of transportation.- By car, the journey takes about an hour by taking the A4 highway;- Buses depart regularly from Kraków Central Station, with a travel time of about an hour and a half;- Trains, on the other hand, arrive at Oświęcim Station, located about 2 km from the memorial, from which it is possible to continue on foot or with a short cab ride.
– By car: About an hour’s journey.-By bus: They leave regularly from Krakow’s central station, with an average cost of 10-15 euros.-By train: The trip takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to Oświęcim, with a short cab ride to the memorial.
To visit Auschwitz on your own, you can book a ticket online and choose to gain access during times set aside for unguided tours.Transportation can be arranged by car, bus, or train from Krakow.Once on site, you can move freely between Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, using a map or audio guide to orient yourself and explore the visit in depth.Devoting at least 3-4 hours will allow you to see both sections at leisure, although without a guide it may be more difficult to understand all the historical details.Visiting independently offers more flexibility in timing, but requires good planning to optimize the experience.
Info and contacts
- Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum
- Address: Więźniów Oświęcimia 20 Street – 32-600 Oświęcim, Poland
- Tel: +48 33 844 8000
- Opening hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m
Where to stay for Auschwitz: conclusions
Here we have come to the end of this long article on where to sleep to visit Auschwitz, in which we talked about what is the best place to stay to visit Auschwitz and the best hotels close to Auschwitz.
If you still have doubts, please leave a comment below. We will be happy to answer you.
