10 Essential Holocaust and WWII Books

Hello Cracow • February 17, 2026

The city of Krakow stands as a unique monument to European history, where medieval grandeur meets the stark, haunting reminders of the 20th century’s greatest tragedy. For international tourists, a visit to Krakow is often a pilgrimage of memory. To truly honour this history, one must go beyond the surface-level sightseeing and delve into the narratives that define the Jewish experience in Poland. From the experience of Hello Cracow, a meaningful journey begins with preparation — specifically through the literature that has shaped our global understanding of the Holocaust. This report serves as a definitive guide for the modern traveller, weaving together historical analysis, literary recommendations, and practical travel expertise to ensure a visit that is both educational and deeply respectful.

Essential Books

"The Pilecki Report" 
Witold Pilecki

Witold Pilecki was a Polish resistance leader who volunteered to be imprisoned in Auschwitz to organize an underground movement and gather intelligence. His report is a testament to superhuman courage and the complexity of the resistance within the camp. Understanding Pilecki’s story adds a layer of heroism to any visit to the memorial site.

"The Destruction of the European Jews" 

Raul Hilberg

Hilberg’s work is the definitive study of the bureaucratic process of the "Final Solution." He focuses not just on the victims, but on the administrative machinery that made the genocide possible.

"Smoke over Birkenau"
Seweryna Szmaglewska

Written immediately after the liberation and published in 1945, this is one of the most important eyewitness accounts of the camp. Szmaglewska, a Polish political prisoner, documented the daily operations of Birkenau with such precision that her book was used as evidence during the Nuremberg Trials.

"If This Is a Man" 

Primo Levi

An Italian Jewish chemist, Levi’s memoir is a philosophical and psychological analysis of dehumanization. He describes the "Gray Zone" of morality in the camps, offering a perspective that is essential for those who wish to understand the internal life of a prisoner.

"Shielding the Flame" 
Hanna Krall

Based on an interview with Marek Edelman, the last surviving leader of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, this book explores the ethics of survival and the burden of memory. While focused on Warsaw, its themes are universal to the Polish Jewish experience during the occupation.

"Auschwitz: 1270 to the Present" 

Robert Jan van Pelt & Deborah Dwork

This book is an architectural and social history of the town of Oswiecim and its transformation into the capital of the Holocaust. It explains the banality of evil — how ordinary architects and town planners designed a machinery of death. It is a vital read for those interested in the structural evolution of the camp system.

"Anatomy of the Auschwitz Death Camp" 
Edited by Yisrael Gutman & Michael Berenbaum

A comprehensive scholarly volume that covers every aspect of the camp’s operation, from the role of the SS to the medical experiments and the resistance movements. This is a foundational text for anyone seeking a high level of historical detail before embarking on a professional tour.

"Auschwitz. Not Long Ago. Not Far Away." 
Robert Jan van Pelt

This book accompanies a major international exhibition and connects the historical facts of the Holocaust to contemporary human rights issues. It is an excellent resource for those who want to understand the modern-day significance of the memorial sites.

"Belzec, Sobibor, Treblinka: The Operation Reinhardt Death Camps" 
Yitzhak Arad

This book explores the dedicated extermination camps where millions were murdered. It provides the context for the liquidations of the Krakow Ghetto, as many of Krakow’s Jews were sent to the Belzec death camp. 

"Five Chimneys" 
Olga Lengyel

A harrowing account from a female perspective, Lengyel was a surgical assistant who worked in the camp’s infirmary. Her detailed descriptions of the gas chambers and the moral dilemmas faced by prisoners provide a necessary, if difficult, look at the reality of Birkenau.

What to know before visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau?

A standard visit includes both Auschwitz I (the original barracks and administrative centre) and Auschwitz II-Birkenau (the vast extermination site). The two sites are distinct in their atmosphere and historical function.

  • Auschwitz I: Features brick barracks, the infamous "Arbeit Macht Frei" gate, and exhibitions of personal belongings (shoes, suitcases, hair) that emphasize the scale of the tragedy.
  • Birkenau: A massive area covering 140-170 hectares. This is where the railway ramp, the ruins of the gas chambers, and the International Monument to the Victims of Fascism are located. 

From the experience of Hello Cracow, many visitors are unaware of the strict entry requirements. Tickets are personal and must be booked in advance, with full names matching those on your identification. 

  • Bring ID: You will not be allowed entry without a valid passport or ID card that matches the name on your booking. 
  • Security: There are strict bag size limits (roughly A4). It is best to leave large backpacks in the tour vehicle.
  • Conduct: This is a site of mourning. Visitors are expected to dress modestly and maintain a respectful silence in sensitive areas.

Walking Through History

A visit to Krakow is an opportunity to engage with history on a profound level. By reading the recommended literature and visiting both the famous and the lesser-known memorial sites, you are participating in an essential act of remembrance. Local experts from Hello Cracow emphasize that the goal of these visits is not just to learn about the past, but to reflect on the values of humanity and resilience in the face of adversity.


Whether you are exploring the vast ruins of Birkenau, the interactive exhibits of Schindler’s Factory, or the quiet streets of Kazimierz, having a professional guide makes all the difference. Our guides at Hello Cracow are trained to provide historical context while remaining sensitive to the emotional weight of these locations. Explore our wide range of expert-led tours, including Auschwitz-Birkenau, Schindler’s Factory, and the Jewish Quarter. We offer comfortable transport, skip-the-line tickets, and the highest standard of service for international travelers.

Contact us and book your tour today


LEARN THE HISTORY WITH US

Krakow in September: A Local Guide to Events and Autumn Culture

By Hello Cracow • August 17, 2026
September is when Krakow begins to soften into autumn. The warmest days still belong to the Vistula boulevards and café terraces, but Planty Park starts to change colour, and the city’s calendar becomes more local, varied and atmospheric. For first-time visitors, Krakow can seem centred entirely on the Main Market Square, Wawel Castle and Kazimierz. September is a good month to look beyond that first impression. A single weekend can bring music from Ireland and Scotland to a Renaissance manor house, local beekeepers to a historic Kazimierz square, and hundreds of dachshunds onto the Old Town’s most famous street. The city feels less like a checklist destination and more like a place where residents have their own rituals, neighbourhoods and reasons to gather. So, what is actually happening in Krakow this September? From the biggest cultural events to the smaller local traditions worth knowing about, here’s your guide to experiencing the city beyond the usual tourist highlights.

The Respectful Traveler’s Guide to Visiting Auschwitz: 7 Things Nobody Tells You

By Hello Cracow • August 11, 2026
Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau is not about seeing more, but about arriving prepared, moving through the site with care, and allowing enough time for the history to register. There is no perfect way to feel when you visit Auschwitz-Birkenau. Some people become quiet. Some feel overwhelmed by the scale of Birkenau. Others find that the most difficult moments are the smallest ones: a photograph, a suitcase, a pair of shoes, or a name. What matters is not performing a particular emotion. It is recognising that this is a memorial and the site of a former German Nazi concentration and extermination camp, where more than a million people were murdered. A respectful visit begins before you reach the entrance: in how you book, what you bring, how you use your phone, and how much space you leave for the experience afterwards.

What Makes Krakow Different From Other European City Breaks?

By Hello Cracow • August 3, 2026
Prague has its grand squares, Vienna has its palaces, and Budapest has the Danube. Krakow has a different kind of appeal. It is a city where centuries of history are packed into a surprisingly walkable area, and where you can move from royal Krakow to Jewish Kazimierz, wartime Podgorze, and the Vistula riverbanks in the space of a single afternoon. That makes Krakow especially interesting for a short city break. You can see the famous sights, eat well, sit down for a coffee, and still come across places that tell you something about the city's past. The different parts of Krakow do not feel like separate attractions on a checklist. They connect naturally as you move through the city. And that is what we want to explore here. Beyond the obvious reasons to visit Krakow, what makes the city such a rewarding place to spend a few days? From its medieval centre and royal history to Kazimierz, Podgorze, local food, and everyday city life, these are the things that make Krakow more than just another beautiful European Old Town.

Krakow in August: A City Full of Things to Do

By Hello Cracow • July 27, 2026
If you are visiting Krakow in August, there is usually more to do than simply work your way through the city's main sights. The month brings a full programme of events, from long-running cultural festivals and folk celebrations to concerts, food events, and evenings of live music. The interesting part is the variety. One day might take you to a traditional festival, while the next could be about jazz, a classical concert, or a large live music event. Some of the biggest events are worth planning around, but others can easily become an unexpected part of your trip if you happen to come across them while exploring the city. This also means that August can look quite different depending on when you visit. The events are spread across the city and take place throughout the month, so the best things to do will depend partly on your exact dates. In this guide, we have gathered the main events taking place in Krakow in August, along with ideas for making the most of the city when you are not following a fixed programme. So, let’s take a look at the best events, festivals and concerts!

Quads, Skywalk And Thermal Baths: The Most Complete Tatra Day Trip From Krakow

By Hello Cracow • July 20, 2026
Not every trip from Krakow to the Tatras follows the same formula. Some focus on getting to Zakopane, others build the entire day around one attraction or activity. The more difficult part is finding an option that gives you enough freedom to choose what kind of mountain experience you actually want. That is where the two of our Tatra quad tours come in. Both start with the same adventurous idea: leaving Krakow behind, heading towards the mountains, and getting out onto the terrain on a quad. Both also include time around a traditional bonfire, giving the day a distinctly local character. The main difference comes in what happens around that core experience. The standard tour keeps the focus firmly on the quad adventure, with the option to add thermal baths for travellers who want to extend the day. The VIP version creates a more complete full-day itinerary, combining the quad ride with the Skywalk, private transport, and time to relax in the thermal baths. So which version makes more sense for you? The answer depends on how much of the Tatra experience you want to fit into one day, how active you want the itinerary to be, and whether you prefer a more focused adventure or a broader mountain day with several different highlights.

7 Common Mistakes Tourists Make When Visiting Krakow And How To Avoid Them

By Hello Cracow • July 14, 2026
Krakow is one of those cities that's easy to enjoy from the moment you arrive. The historic centre is compact, most of the major attractions are within walking distance, and it's hard not to fall in love with the atmosphere. But after talking to thousands of visitors over the years, we've noticed that many people make the same small mistakes. They're rarely serious enough to ruin a trip. Instead, they're the kind of things that leave you thinking, "I wish I'd known that yesterday ". Booking Auschwitz a little too late, paying more than necessary at an ATM, ending up in an overpriced restaurant just off the Main Market Square, or not realising how tickets and transport work — none of these are disasters, but they can make your visit more expensive or less enjoyable than it needs to be. That's exactly why we put this guide together. A little local knowledge goes a long way in Krakow, and knowing what to avoid means you can spend less time dealing with the practicalities and more time enjoying the city itself.
Brick barracks at Auschwitz-Birkenau under a clear sky.

Auschwitz vs. Salt Mine: If You Only Have One Day, Which Should You Choose?

By Hello Cracow • July 6, 2026
Compare Auschwitz vs Salt Mine and find the best one-day trip from Krakow, with travel time, experience, and who each tour suits best.

Shadows of History: Exploring the Real-Life Locations of Schindler’s List in Krakow

By Hello Cracow • July 1, 2026
Walking through Krakow, it's easy to forget that behind the cafés, historic buildings, and lively streets lies one of the most significant chapters of the city's history. While Schindler's List introduced millions of people to the story of Oskar Schindler and the Holocaust in occupied Krakow, experiencing the real locations is something entirely different. The journey begins at Oskar Schindler's Factory on Lipowa Street, one of the few places where the film and history meet almost exactly. From there, the story continues through Podgorze, the district where the Nazis established the Krakow Ghetto in 1941. As you cross Pilsudski Bridge and make your way towards Kazimierz, you'll discover streets, courtyards, and buildings that still carry traces of the city's wartime past. Some of these places are authentic historical sites where the events actually unfolded. Others were carefully chosen by Steven Spielberg because they still reflected the atmosphere of 1940s Krakow during the filming of Schindler's List. Together, they create a route that blends cinema with history in a way few cities in Europe can offer.

Krakow in July: A Kaleidoscope of Culture and Celebration

By Hello Cracow • June 28, 2026
If you're planning a summer trip to Poland, July is arguably one of the best times to experience Krakow at its absolute peak. With average daytime temperatures ranging between 24°C and 28°C (75°F–82°F), extended daylight lasting until nearly 9 PM, and dozens of cultural events taking place across the city, Krakow transforms into one of Europe's most vibrant summer destinations. This month brings a packed calendar of festivals, open-air concerts, jazz performances, street theatre shows, food events, historical reenactments, and cultural celebrations. Whether you're exploring the medieval streets of the Old Town, relaxing by the Vistula River, or discovering the atmosphere of Kazimierz, there's always something happening around the next corner. What makes July particularly special is the way the entire city becomes a stage. Events are no longer confined to museums and concert halls. Historic courtyards, palace gardens, market squares, riverside boulevards, and hidden corners of the city regularly host performances, exhibitions, and community gatherings. It's a month when Krakow's rich history and modern cultural scene blend seamlessly together. If you're searching for a destination that combines over 1,000 years of history, world-class cultural events, and an energetic summer atmosphere, Krakow delivers exactly that.

Krakow from Above: The Best Rooftop Bars and Cafes to Enjoy a Sunny June Evening

By Hello Cracow • June 17, 2026
June is one of the most enjoyable times to experience Krakow. The days are long, the evenings are pleasantly warm, and the city seems to slow down as the golden light of sunset falls across historic rooftops and church towers. After a day of sightseeing, there's something special about finding a rooftop terrace, ordering your favourite drink, and watching the city transition from day to night. Many visitors spend their time exploring Krakow's streets, squares, and landmarks without ever seeing the city from above. Yet a rooftop perspective reveals a completely different side of Krakow. From here, you can appreciate the contrast between medieval architecture, green riverside boulevards, and the modern parts of the city stretching beyond the Old Town. Whether you're planning a romantic evening, meeting friends for sunset cocktails, or simply searching for the perfect photo opportunity, Krakow's rooftop venues offer some of the most memorable views you'll find anywhere in the city. In this guide, we've gathered our favourite rooftop bars and cafés where you can enjoy the best of Krakow on a sunny June evening.
More Posts