Wawel Castle tickets

4.5(6,889)

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Royal Wawel Castle
























































From happy customers

Loved by 35 million+
Marta Maria Renata Manucci
LU

Marta

Luxembourg
Apr 2025
4/5
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+1 more

Our guide was very knowledgeable. She explained everything to us in excellent French. She even answered our questions.
Eric de Groot

Eric

Aug 2024
4/5
A nice tour of the Wawel castle. Nice and not too long explanation. Unfortunately at the wall and post work so you can't get there.
lutz theisen
DE

Lutz

Germany
Sep 2023
4/5
The tour with audioguide was very good /voice was pleasant ,clearly structured,understandable narrated.price was good.the narrated informative and interesting. Only the issuing point was difficult to find
Stephen Welsh
GB

Stephen

United Kingdom
Nov 2023
4/5
Easy to book. Meeting place was local to us and whole tour was very informative and well timed. Lunch was included in a nearby restaurant. All seemed good value
Fiona Nolan

Fiona

Dec 2022
5/5
Really enjoyed the whole experience of Wavel Castle,Cathedral,and Rynex Underground Museum,plus we had a delicious lunch also,we were lucky enough to have the tour guide to ourselves for the Rynex Museum which we got a very interesting and insightful history,with a few surprises in store,thank you so much for this very memorable experience.
Denisa Berdar
CZ

Denisa

Czech Republic
Sep 2024
5/5
The castle itself was very beautiful and rich of history. Our guide was great and answered all our questions we've had of him plus he was very helpful with directions. We also liked the inclusion of headphones, as this way it was guaranteed that we will hear everything he has to say. Overall great expirience and we hope to exlplore the rest of the castle sometime later.
Mariella Borg
MT

Mariella

Malta
Jul 2024
4/5
The experience was good, guide was knowledgable. I believe we needed more time to absorb all the information and appreciate the exhibited artifacts in the rooms we've visited. I think we had very little time.

Top things to do in Krakow

Wawel Royal Castle | The pride of Krakow

Built in the 14th century, Wawel Castle in Kraków served as the royal residence for Poland’s kings for 400 years. It is home to the stunning Wawel Cathedral, where the country’s monarchs were crowned, and the mysterious Dragon’s Den, said to be the lair of a mythical dragon. Beneath the castle walls lie ancient relics, while the courtyards offer sweeping views of the Vistula River. Today, the castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Poland’s most prestigious museums. It stands as a powerful symbol of Poland’s history and a living testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Why visit Wawel Castle

Wawel Royal Castle Tickets
  • An art and architectural treasure trove: Over the centuries, the Wawel castle complex has undergone several reconstructions, resulting in a blend of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. This architectural diversity is matched by the artistic treasures it houses, like Italian Renaissance paintings, exquisite sculptures, Meissen porcelain, ceramics, weaponry, and the iconic Sigismund II Augustus tapestry collection. 
  • Rich historical significance: The current castle was constructed in the 14th century, but the earliest stone fortifications on Wawel Hill date back to 970 AD. As the seat of Polish royal power for centuries, the castle is home to important historical artifacts like the interiors of the royal apartments and state rooms, the Polish crown jewels, weaponry, and diplomatic records.
  • The legend of the Wawel Dragon: Legend has it that a dragon once lived in a cave under the castle. The story of how it was defeated is one of the most popular tales in Polish folklore and adds a fascinating dimension to your visit. If you’re interested in dragons and mythology, don’t miss this place.

Know before you book your Wawel Castle tickets

  • All Wawel Castle tickets include multilingual guided tours with knowledgeable guides, allowing you to comprehensively explore Poland’s most historically and culturally significant site.
  • Entry to the Wawel Royal Hill, which includes the Wawel Castle’s courtyards, is free. Consider a private guided tour of the grounds to learn about Wawel Cathedral, the defensive towers, the gardens, Dragon’s Den, and the architecture of the buildings in the castle complex.
  • Different sections of Wawel Castle – the State Rooms, Royal Private Apartments, the Crown Treasury, Armory, and Wawel Underground – are permanent exhibitions, each requiring a separate ticket. Opt for one of the highlights tour options, where you can choose which areas to explore based on your interests.
  • Explore the entire castle and its interiors with a 3-hour guided tour of the castle in English, Spanish, or Polish. These tickets also include skip-the-line access
  • Entry to the cathedral is not automatically included in all Wawel Castle tickets. If you’re keen on exploring the cathedral, choose an experience that includes access, like the 2-hour guided tour of the castle and cathedral, available in six languages.
  • Experience more of Krakow’s beauty and history with combo tickets. You can pair your Wawel Castle visit with additional experiences like a Vistula River Cruise or a Schindler's Factory guided tour. These tickets offer savings of around 10% compared to booking each experience separately.

Which Wawel Castle ticket is best for you?

Wawel Castle Guided tours

Guided tours

Guide: Expert English/ French/ German/ Italian/ Spanish/ Polish/ Russian speaking tour guide
Access to Wawel Hill: Yes
Access to Wawel Castle: Depends on ticket option chosen
Access to Wawel Cathedral: Depends on ticket option chosen
Access to Exhibitions: Depends on ticket option chosen
Skip-the-line entry: No
Duration: 1.5 to 2 hrs

  • Dive into the history of Krakow, Wawel Hill, the castle, and the cathedral with an in-depth expert-guided tour. If you’re a first-time visitor or a history enthusiast, these tickets are ideal for you.

Recommended tickets:

  • Wawel Castle & Cathedral Guided Tour
  • Wawel Royal Hill Guided Tour
The inner courtyard of the Wawel Castle in Krakow, Renaissance

Skip-the-line guided tours

Guide: Expert English/Spanish/Polish speaking tour guide
Access to Wawel Hill: Yes
Access to Wawel Castle: Yes
Access to Wawel Cathedral: No
Access to Exhibitions: Access to 1 permanent exhibit (Royal private apartments, Treasury, or Armory), optional access to other exhibits
Skip-the-line entry: Yes
Duration: 1 to 3 hrs

  • Bypass ticket queues entirely and get direct entry to the castle with skip-the-line tickets. Spend your time exploring the castle’s interiors, including one permanent exhibit, with a guided tour in your preferred language.
  • Consider upgrading your ticket to see other parts of the castle, like the other permanent exhibits, or choose the full guided tour for a thorough exploration.

Recommended tickets:

  • Wawel Castle Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Entry Tickets to the Interiors
Wawel Castle & Cathedral Guided Tour + 1-Hour Night Cruise on Vistula River

Combo tickets

Guide: Expert English/French/German/Polish speaking tour guide
Access to Wawel Hill: Yes
Access to Wawel Castle: Yes
Access to Wawel Cathedral: Depends on ticket option chosen
Access to Exhibitions: Depends on ticket option chosen
Skip-the-line entry: Depends on ticket option chosen
Duration: 1 to 2 hrs

  • Save time and money, and maximise your Krakow exploration by covering two of its top attractions with one combo ticket. Combine your Wawel Castle visit with a cruise on the Vistula River or a trip to the Schindler’s Factory museum.
  • Enjoy benefits like skip-the-line access and multilingual guided tours, saving even more time and enhancing your experience.

Recommended tickets:

What to see at the Wawel Castle complex

Wawel Castle State Rooms ceilings
Wawel Castle Royal Private Apartments exterior in Krakow, Poland.
Sword displayed in the Crown Treasury at Wawel Castle, Krakow, Poland.
Wawel Castle Armory
Lost Wawel
Wawel Castle miniature model in Krakow, Poland, showcasing detailed architecture.
Wawel Castle carpet collection showcasing intricate Oriental designs.
Tour guide leading a group at Wawel Cathedral, with a view of Old Town and St. Mary’s Basilica in Krakow, highlighting the unique architecture and historical significance of the tour
Wawel Royal Castle Sandomierz Tower gate in Krakow, Poland.
Courtyard with tiered arcades Wawel Castle
Dragon’s Den Wawel Castle
Temporary exhibitions Wawel Castle
Wawel Hill grounds
1/13

State Rooms

The State Rooms are the most opulent rooms in Wawel Castle and were used for court functions like welcoming dignitaries, royal weddings, and audiences with the king. They are decorated in the Italian Renaissance style, with stucco ceilings, intricate tapestries, and 16th-century furniture. The outstanding feature here is the coffered ceiling of the Envoys’ Hall, which has several carved and painted heads.

Royal private apartments

Explore the royal private apartments for a glimpse of the lifestyles of past Polish royalty. On the castle’s first floor, these lavish chambers feature wooden ceilings from the 1500s, Flemish tapestries collected by King Sigismund II, delicate porcelain items, and an impressive collection of paintings.

Crown Treasury

The Gothic rooms housing the Crown Treasury have been used since the 15th century to store the Polish crown jewels and other royal insignia like crowns, scepters, and orbs. The highlight of this exhibit is the Szczerbiec Sword, the original ceremonial sword that was used to coronate Polish kings from the 14th to the 18th centuries.

Armory

Wawel Castle’s armory holds an array of weapons used by the Polish military over the centuries. Apart from large swords, lances, and crossbows, you’ll also find huge cannons and plated suits of armor. Weaponry from the 15th century onwards includes muskets, rifles and pistols.

Lost Wawel

This exhibit charts the evolution of Wawel Castle and the castle complex over the past thousand years since it was built. See some of the oldest Gothic-style remains dating from the 10th century as well as artifacts from the Middle Ages like ceramic tiles. You can also explore the lapidarium, a collection of stone sculptures and carvings that were once part of the castle’s architecture.

Wawel Recovered

In 1795, Poland lost its independence as its territory was partitioned between Russia, Prussia, and Austria. Wawel Hill came under Austrian control and was converted into a military citadel. The Wawel Recovered exhibit documents the efforts to free Wawel Castle, the symbol of Polish statehood, from Austrian occupation and restore it to its former splendor. Here, you’ll find photographs, architectural models, artwork, and interactive displays detailing the meticulous process of the castle’s restoration.

Art of the Orient

The Polish-Lithunian Commonwealth of the 16th and 17th centuries maintained diplomatic and trade ties with many Eastern European and Asian regions, including Crimea, Turkey, Iran, and even as far as China and Japan. During this period, Polish rulers gathered an impressive collection of carpets, banners, textiles, porcelain, artwork, and Ottoman tents. These are displayed as part of the Oriental exhibit on the castle’s first floor.

Wawel Cathedral

Located on Wawel Royal Hill, Wawel Cathedral is part of the castle complex and stands adjacent to the royal palace. For centuries, it has been the site of numerous royal coronations, weddings, and funerals. Explore the cathedral’s interiors and buildings, including the richly decorated Sigismund Chapel, the Sigismund Tower which houses the 12-tonne Royal Sigismund Bell, and the royal crypts where Polish monarchs are buried.

Sandomierz Tower

Constructed around 1460, Sandomierz Tower is one of the three defensive towers within the Wawel castle complex that also doubled as a prison. Climb to the top of the tower to see sweeping views of the Vistula River and Krakow city.

Courtyard with tiered arcades

One of Wawel Castle’s most picturesque attractions is the inner courtyard of the palace, with its tiered arcades built in the Italian Renaissance style. After a fire destroyed much of the royal residence in 1499, King Sigismund I had it rebuilt, and commissioned the new courtyard as part of it. Don’t miss the topmost level, which is decorated with beautiful paintings resembling Italian frescoes.

Dragon’s Den

The Dragon’s Den is a large limestone cave beneath Wawel Castle that was said to be the home of a legendary dragon. According to Polish folklore, the Wawel Dragon terrorized the local population until it was defeated by a young shoemaker. Today, the cave is open for visitors during the summer months. Just outside the entrance, you’ll find the statue of a dragon that ‘breathes fire’ every few minutes, making it one of the castle complex’s most popular attractions.

Temporary exhibitions

Temporary exhibitions at Wawel Castle highlight a particular theme, collection, or different aspects and eras of the castle’s history for visitors to explore. Don’t miss the ongoing temporary exhibitions, which include Long Live the King! Coronations of Saxon Wettins at Wawel (Sept 21, 2024 to Feb 9, 2025), Masterpieces from the Lanckoroński Collection: A second look (Oct 25, 2024 to Feb 2, 2025), and The Painter's Eye: Tadeusz Kuntze (1727-1793) (Nov 29, 2024 to March 2, 2025).

Wawel Hill grounds

Take some time to stroll around Wawel Hill and the grounds of the Wawel Castle complex. From the central courtyard, you can see all the main buildings in the complex, which showcase a variety of architectural styles. Don’t miss the Royal Gardens with their lush greenery and beautiful flowers. They also offer scenic views of the Vistula River and its riverbanks.

Plan your visit to Wawel Castle

Wawel Castle Tickets Timings

State Rooms

  • Monday: 10am to 4pm
  • Tuesday to Sunday: 9am to 5pm
  • Last entry: 1 hour before closing
  • Closed on: December 24 and 25

Royal Private Apartments

  • Tuesday to Sunday: 9am to 5pm
  • Last entry: 1 hour before closing
  • Closed on: December 24–26, December 31

Crown Treasury & Armory

  • Tuesday to Sunday: 9am to 5pm
  • Last entry: 50 mins before closing
  • Closed on: December 24–26

Castle grounds: 7am to dusk

Duration of visit: 4 to 5 hours depending on the exhibitions you visit

Address:  Wawel 5, 31-001 Krakow, Poland.

Find on maps

  • By tram: Lines 6, 8, 10, 13, 18
  • Nearest stop: Wawel tram station
  • By bus: 610, 662, 904, 604
  • Nearest stops: Jubilat (12–15 minutes walk), Stradom (6–10 minutes) 
Wawel Castle
  • Wawel Castle is one of Krakow’s most popular landmarks and there’s a lot to explore. The best time to visit is close to the 9am opening time on weekdays before it gets crowded. 
  • The summer months of June to August see the most crowds. Visitor numbers are lower during the off-peak season months of March to May, September, and October, making them a better time to visit.
Wawel Castle and Wawel Hill with tourists using audioguides in Krakow, Poland.

You can access the Wawel Castle complex from two main entrances:

  • Herbowa Gate: This entrance to the castle complex is accessible from Podzamce Street. It is also known as the “Coat of Arms Gate”.
  • Bernardyńska Gate: This entrance is located on the southern side of the castle complex on Bernardyńska Street and is adjacent to the Sandomierz Tower.

The castle has two other gates:

  • Vasa Gate: Also known as the Sigismund Gate, it is located on the north-western side of the castle, next to the Tadeusz Kościuszko Monument.
  • Austrian Gate: Located on the Kanonicza Street side, you can access the castle's Royal Gardens from this gate.
Wawel Castle Ticket Facilities
  • Visitor information center: You can visit the information center located near the Bernardyńska Gate for information regarding the castle and its exhibits.
  • Restrooms: Visitor restroom facilities are available near the information center.
  • Cloakroom: You can store your luggage in the cloakroom in the Arcaded Courtyard before entering the various castle exhibitions.
  • ATM: You can use the ATM located near the information center for any of your banking needs
  • Dining facilities: The Wawel Castle complex includes a cafe and a restaurant on the premises where you can stop by for a meal.
  • Shopping: You can pick up souvenirs at any of the gift shops within the castle complex.
Wawel Hill Accessibility

Wawel Castle is partially accessible by wheelchair.

  • The approaches to the entrance gates are steep and wheelchair-users might require assistance to cover the distance.
  • Wheelchair-accessible areas include the main ticket office in the Visitors Center (via a ramp), the castle grounds, courtyards, and the Lost Wawel exhibit.
  • Partially accessible areas include the first and second floors of the castle (accessible via wheelchair lift), the Armory (only the ground floor), the Crown Treasury, the courtyard with the tiered arcades, the Wawel Underground exhibit, and the gardens. 
  • The Wawel Recovered exhibit, Dragon’s Den, and Sandomierz Tower are not accessible for wheelchair-users.
  • Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are located at the Visitor Center and in the outer courtyard, near the Lost Wawel exhibition.
  • Guide dogs are allowed on the castle grounds but not permitted inside the permanent exhibitions.
  • If you’re a wheelchair user or have mobility issues, it’s best to inform the visitor center in advance to inform them of your requirements.
wear comfortable shoes
  • The Wawel Castle grounds are open from 7am onwards, so we recommend visiting early and exploring the grounds before you tour the exhibits. 
  • Wear comfortable footwear for your visit. The castle complex and the exhibitions are quite vast, and there will be a lot of walking.
  • The lawns on the castle grounds offer many good spots for a picnic in the warmer months. Pick a place on the castle’s northwestern side to enjoy the views of both the river and the castle. Don’t forget to take a picture at the beautiful magnolia tree on the castle grounds.
  • Wawel Castle has a post office on its premises, near the visitor information center, from where you can send souvenir postcards to your friends and family.
Wawel Castle Tickets Dining Options
  • Wawel Cafe: Located within the castle complex, Wawel Cafe offers scenic views over the Vistula River and is a great spot to grab a bite or a drink. If you’re a chocolate lover, don’t miss out on its wide variety of hot and cold chocolate drinks! 
  • Trattoria Wawel: If you’re looking to have a meal, head to Trattoria Wawel, which serves fresh Polish and Italian fare, like pierogies, soups, and risotto. Its two outdoor terraces provide great views of the castle.
  • Pod Baranem: Just a 5-minute walk from Wawel Castle, Pod Baranem offers traditional Polish cuisine in a chic space. Their stuffed cabbage rolls and duck breast in apple cinnamon sauce, prepared with fresh local ingredients, come highly recommended! 
  • Fiorentina: Specializing in modern European cuisine, Fiorentina restaurant is located just a 5-minute walk from Wawel Castle in Krakow’s Old Town. Their black pudding dumplings, beef tartare, duck, and the 5- and 7-course tasting menus are crowd favorites, so be sure to try them!
Wawel Castle Tickets
  • Auschwitz Birkenau: The Auschwitz Birkenau Concentration Camp is a must-visit during your Krakow trip to learn of the horrific events that took place during World War II, how the Nazis tortured Jewish prisoners, and understand the effects of the Holocaust.
  • Wieliczka Salt Mine: The UNESCO-listed Wieliczka Salt Mine is an underground world of 700-year-old world chambers composed of different salt compositions and saline lakes. There are almost 23 chambers in this mine.
  • Schindler's Factory: The Oskar Schindler's Factory revisits the events that happened during the war in Germany. Marvel at the heroic Oskar who saved numerous Jewish lives during the Nazi occupation in Germany.
  • Rynek Underground Museum: The Rynek Underground Museum is a remarkable archaeological-architectural preserve under the cobblestoned streets of Kraków’s historic market square. You can experience the illusion of a medieval city via high-tech media in this museum.

The Wawel Castle Dragon | From medieval legend to modern icon

One of the most famous legends associated with Wawel Castle is that of the Smok Wawelski or the Wawel dragon. According to Polish folklore, the Wawel dragon once lived beneath the castle and terrorized the people in King Krak’s city. The dragon agreed not to attack the city if the townsfolk provided it with a steady supply of meat.

No knight was successful in killing the dragon until a shoemaker named Skuba used his wit to vanquish it. He stuffed a ram’s hide with sulfur and pitch, and presented it to the dragon. Once it devoured the doctored ram, it felt a burning sensation in its throat. It drank the water from the Vistula River, which reacted with the sulfur, making the beast explode.

Today, you can walk down to the limestone cave formations beneath the castle and look at Smok’s bones hung proudly outside the Wawel Cathedral. There’s also a bronze statue of the Smok Wawelski right outside the castle walls, which breathes fire every few minutes.

Frequently asked questions about Wawel Castle tickets

How much do Wawel Castle tickets cost?

Wawel Castle tickets start from $8.24. Prices may vary depending on which section of the castle and permanent exhibits you choose to visit.

Do all Wawel Castle tickets include entry to Wawel Cathedral?

Not all Wawel Castle tickets grant access to the cathedral. To explore the cathedral, you must choose an experience that includes entry or purchase separate tickets.

Should I book my Wawel Castle tickets in advance?

It’s best to book Wawel Castle tickets online in advance. The castle is one of Krakow’s top attractions, and tickets sell out quickly, particularly during the peak season (June to August) and on weekends. Booking online ensures you secure your preferred time slot and you can avoid long queues at the ticket counter.

How long should I plan to spend at Wawel Castle?

You’d typically need about 2–3 hours to explore the castle grounds, courtyards, and at least one permanent exhibit. If you want to explore multiple permanent exhibits, we recommend setting aside at least 4–5 hours for your visit.

Is photography allowed inside Wawel Castle?

Yes, you can take photographs and videos in most areas of Wawel Castle, but flash photography, tripods, and selfie sticks are prohibited. Photography is also not permitted in certain permanent exhibits, rooms, and the cathedral. Make sure to always check for posted signs or ask the castle staff for guidance.

Is Wawel Castle suitable for children?

Yes, children would enjoy a visit to the castle. There are many fascinating historical stories about the castle and its past royal inhabitants that will keep them interested. The legend of the Wawel Dragon, the Dragon’s Den, and the statue of the firebreathing dragon are particularly popular with kids of all ages.

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Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.