Needs little explanation. Well worth a visit. The main site is a museum, with photographs and exhibits. Following the planned trail leads you through the cells and ends up in a gas chamber. The Polish hut contains photographs and information about the struggles of the nation. Also go to Birkenau, which is about 5 minutes on the bus from the main camp. The sheer size of this camp (aka Auschwitz II) is astonishing and eerie. The 'Death Gate' is enough to send chills down your spine.
Buy the guide (4zl) at the entrance to Auschwitz which is very informative, otherwise you can take an expensive organised tour.
Trains from Krakow to Oswiecim go every 2 hours or so and take 90 minutes from Krakow. From the train station, it’s around 15 minutes to walk to the site. Entrance to the site is free.
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If you want a guide once there you can pay 39PLN for an English speaking guide. The tour takes about 4 hours, including a brief trip to the Birkenau camp.
The camp is huge, so you'll really need a whole day to experience everything.