Auschwitz & Wieliczka Salt Mine
If you have the time to take a day-trip while in Krakow, trips to either Auschwitz Concentration Camp and Wieliczka Salt Mines are great options. There are tour groups that can take you to Auschwitz from Krakow, but it is very easy to reach on your own saving the extra cost of a guide. While entrance to Auschwitz is free of charge, you will need to get an entry pass from the website since there are a limited number of people allowed daily. It is also recommended to take part in a guided tour to gain a better understanding of the tragedies that occurred. All information about planning a trip to Auschwitz can be found online.
The Wieliczka Salt Mines are a fun and whimsical trip outside of Krakow. Again, there are tour groups that can take you to the mines, but it is very easy to access the mines from public transport to save some money. The former mines have been transformed into a little magical underground world with stories depicted entirely out of salt. If you have an issue with claustrophobia, you may want to avoid a visit to the mine, however. The entry prices change depending on the season, but if you have a student ID expect to pay about $20 (69-74 zloty). If you like to have a real mining experience while visiting the salt mines, you can opt to take the Miner’s Route which takes you further down and lets you get dirty while you learn more about the history of the mine.