Some places you visit for the view. Others for the food, the culture, the escape. But every so often, there’s a place that follows you home—not in pictures, but in the way it shifts something inside you. Auschwitz-Birkenau is one of those places.

It’s hard to describe what it feels like to walk through the same gates that so many never walked back out of. But once you’re there, you feel it. It’s powerful, eye-opening, and unforgettable.

That’s why it helps to go in prepared. Logistically, mentally, and emotionally. This article will help you do just that—offering practical advice, emotional awareness, and everything you need to know before your first visit.

Book Your Tickets in Advance

One of the first things you’ll need to know is that you can’t just show up and walk in. The site requires advance booking, and tickets tend to get snapped up quickly—especially in warmer months or on weekends. So, it’s always better to reserve early.

Luckily, there are many trusted platforms online where you can book easily, so don’t stress too much. Just be mindful of where you’re booking from. Take a few minutes to check reviews or see if the site is known for reliable service.

Some providers even include added benefits that make things smoother for first-time visitors. For example, some Auschwitz tickets come with skip-the-line access. That means you won’t have to wait in long queues. 

Many also include a licensed guide, and that’s something really worth considering. You’ll hear stories, timelines, and details that help you connect to the place in a better way. If you’re not sure about your travel dates, look for options that offer flexible booking and easy cancellation. 

Know What You’ll See During the Visit

It’s hard to fully prepare for what you’ll see at the site—but knowing the layout helps you walk through it with more understanding. 

The site is divided into two main parts: Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. Auschwitz I is where you start. This was the original camp. You’ll walk through the gate with the haunting inscription “Arbeit macht frei,” see the barracks, and stand in rooms where belongings of victims are displayed—suitcases, shoes, even children’s clothes. It’s a quiet kind of heartbreak.

Then comes Auschwitz II-Birkenau. It’s more open, vast, and sobering in a different way. This is where the trains arrived, where families were separated, and where most of the lives were taken. You’ll see the railway tracks, ruined gas chambers, and endless rows of wooden barracks.

The full visit takes around 3.5 to 4 hours, including a short break between the two camps. Most people don’t talk much during the tour. And honestly, that silence says a lot.

Plan Your Journey to the Site

The camps are located in Oświęcim, about 1.5 to 2 hours from Krakow. So, if you’re not from the area, you’ll need to figure out how to get there. You can drive, take a train, or join a group tour.

A tour can be especially helpful if it’s your first time. You don’t have to think about bus schedules or finding your way. These tours often include transport, entry, and a guide—so everything’s taken care of, and you can focus on the experience itself.

Try to arrive early. There’s usually a security check at the entrance, and it’s not the kind of place you want to rush into.

Pack Smart and Travel Light

You don’t need to bring much. But what you do bring should be useful. Bring a small water bottle and maybe a light snack. There’s a short break during the visit, and although there’s a café at Auschwitz I, many prefer to pack their own food. 

Also, remember to carry your passport or ID—they check it at the gate. Backpacks must be small, under 20 x 30 cm. If you bring anything larger, you’ll have to leave it behind. And most importantly, wear comfortable shoes. 

You’ll walk a lot, on uneven ground, sometimes in the cold or rain. It’s not an easy walk, but that feels appropriate here.

Dress Modestly and Respectfully

The clothes you wear won’t change your experience, but they can show quiet respect.

You don’t need to dress up, but you also don’t want to wear anything too revealing or flashy. This isn’t a place for selfies or outfits made for Instagram. It’s a memorial. And dressing with care helps you and others around you remember that.

Stick with neutral tones and layers if the weather might change. Most of the tour is outside. If it rains, it rains. If it’s cold, you’ll feel it. Also, remember that sleeveless shirts and short skirts are not allowed out of consideration for the victims and the site’s history.

Photography is allowed in most areas, but be gentle with your camera. There are spaces—like the Room of Hair—where photos aren’t allowed. Always read the signs. Some moments are better felt than captured.

Prepare Emotionally, Too

Even if you think you’re ready, it still hits you. It might happen when you see a tiny shoe in a glass case. Or the remains of a gas chamber. Or just the way the light falls over the train tracks. Different things stay with different people. And that’s okay.

There’s no one way to feel here. Some cry. Some go quiet. Some don’t feel much at all until later. Let yourself move through it at your own pace. If you need to take a break, do. If you need space, step aside. No one’s expecting you to be strong or composed.

And if you’re visiting with someone, talk before you go in. You may want time to process things alone. Or not speak for a while. That’s all part of it.

Final Words

Auschwitz-Birkenau doesn’t try to shock you. It doesn’t need to. The space speaks for itself. And if you’ve come this far—if you’re planning a visit—it means you already care. That matters. 

Your visit becomes part of the memory, too. It’s one more person who hasn’t forgotten. So prepare with intention. Show up fully. And let the silence teach you what words cannot.