Information on facilities at the Memorial and options nearby.
Facilities at the Memorial are limited to preserve the authenticity and solemnity of the site. Eating is not permitted on the grounds. This page outlines the available options for before or after your visit. Please review the visitor rules regarding food and drink.
There is a small bistro and bookshop located in the Visitor Service Centre before the entrance to Auschwitz I. It offers simple snacks, sandwiches, and drinks. There are also vending machines available. No food or drink (except water) is allowed past the security checkpoint.
You may bring your own food and drink to consume before or after your tour, outside the Memorial grounds. A short break is scheduled between the visits to Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II, which is only enough time for a quick snack. It is advisable to eat a meal before you begin your 3.5-hour tour.
The town of Oświęcim has several restaurants and cafes. Most are a short drive or a longer walk from the Memorial. Given the time commitment and emotional nature of the visit, most visitors eat in Kraków before or after their day trip.
A visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau is physically and emotionally demanding. It involves several hours of walking. It is highly recommended to have a meal before you start your tour and to bring a bottle of water with you, especially during warmer months.
Remember that eating and drinking (other than water) are strictly prohibited on the historical grounds of both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau out of respect for the site and its victims.
Answers to common questions