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Wawel Castle tickets
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- Skip the lines and explore Krakow's iconic castle's majestic interiors, explore mysterious undergrounds, or get a comprehensive highlights tour.
- See hidden chambers, discover the legend of the Wawel Dragon, and see Europe's largest collection of Ottoman tents.
- Walk in the footsteps of Polish kings and queens as you explore their lavishly decorated private apartments.
- Choose between an English or Spanish-guided tour and personalize your experience with optional add-on tours to the Crown Treasury and Armoury.
- Skip the lines and explore Krakow's iconic castle's majestic interiors, explore mysterious undergrounds, or get a comprehensive highlights tour.
- See hidden chambers, discover the legend of the Wawel Dragon, and see Europe's largest collection of Ottoman tents.
- Walk in the footsteps of Polish kings and queens as you explore their lavishly decorated private apartments.
- Choose between an English or Spanish-guided tour and personalize your experience with optional add-on tours to the Crown Treasury and Armoury.
Inclusions
- 1 to 3-hour guided tour of Wawel Castle
- Skip-the-line entry to Wawel Castle
- Guide fluent in English or Spanish
- Guided tour of royal apartments and interiors (optional)
- Guided tour of the crown treasury (optional)
- Guided tour of the Wawel exhibition (optional)
- Guided tour of interiors and armory (optional)
Exclusions
- Entrance to the cathedral
- Tip: Consider visiting the nearby Wawel Cathedral, the final resting place of Polish kings and national heroes.
- This tour is not wheelchair accessible.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Venture out to the heart of Krakow to explore the rich history and heritage of Poland at its famous historic attractions, Wawel Royal Castle & Cathedral.
- With an expert tour guide learn intriguing facts and mysterious stories about this enchanting castle-cum-musuem.
- Wander through the magnificent residence of Polish kings and stumble past heavily adorned chambers, and halls, displaying royal collectibles.
- Visit the Royal Chambers and the State Rooms for a closer look to witness the grandeur of Poland's past.
- Finally, discover the stunning Wawel Cathedral, a great narrative of Polish history where all Polish monarchs are buried.
- Venture out to the heart of Krakow to explore the rich history and heritage of Poland at its famous historic attractions, Wawel Royal Castle & Cathedral.
- With an expert tour guide learn intriguing facts and mysterious stories about this enchanting castle-cum-musuem.
- Wander through the magnificent residence of Polish kings and stumble past heavily adorned chambers, and halls, displaying royal collectibles.
- Visit the Royal Chambers and the State Rooms for a closer look to witness the grandeur of Poland's past.
- Finally, discover the stunning Wawel Cathedral, a great narrative of Polish history where all Polish monarchs are buried.
Inclusions
- Entry to the Wawel Cathedral
- Entry to the Wawel Royal Castle
- Access to the State Rooms
- Expert tour guide (English, French, German or Polish)
- Tip: Don't miss the Wawel Dragon's Den located beneath Wawel Hill as it is the traditional symbol of Krakow.
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
- Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
- Nobody likes a crowd. A single group has a maximum of 15 people.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- One of Poland’s most important hills, the Wawel Royal Hill, awaits your visit
- Follow around an expert English-speaking tour guide through the tucks and turns of the hill for a fun tour through Polish history
- Learn the events that led to the Wawel Castle’s biggest fire, and how the castle changed hands last-minute
- Delve in the history of Poland discovered on Kanonicza street, as you walk past some iconic landmarks
- Wander past Krakow’s most expensive hotel, Jan Dlugosz’s house, the monument dedicated to Tadeusz Kościuszko, and the grand Wawel Cathedral
- Visit the burial grounds for President Lech Kaczynski and his spouse, past the Bernardyńska Gate, and towards the cave of the Wawel Dragon
- One of Poland’s most important hills, the Wawel Royal Hill, awaits your visit
- Follow around an expert English-speaking tour guide through the tucks and turns of the hill for a fun tour through Polish history
- Learn the events that led to the Wawel Castle’s biggest fire, and how the castle changed hands last-minute
- Delve in the history of Poland discovered on Kanonicza street, as you walk past some iconic landmarks
- Wander past Krakow’s most expensive hotel, Jan Dlugosz’s house, the monument dedicated to Tadeusz Kościuszko, and the grand Wawel Cathedral
- Visit the burial grounds for President Lech Kaczynski and his spouse, past the Bernardyńska Gate, and towards the cave of the Wawel Dragon
Inclusions
- Expert English-speaking tour guide
- Guided tour through Wawel Royal hill
Exclusions
- Admission into Dragon's Den, Wawel Royal Cathedral & Wawel Royal Chambers
- Access to Wawel Royal Castle
- Hotel transfers
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Guided Tours
Wawel Castle, Cathedral, St. Mary’s Basilica & Rynek Underground Museum Guided Tour
- Explore Wawel Castle, Poland's royal heart, and delve into medieval life at the Rynek Underground Museum on this guided tour.
- Get access to a permanent Wawel Castle exhibit, like the State Rooms or the Royal Apartments offering a glimpse of courtly life.
- See the grandeur of Wawel Cathedral, a UNESCO site and spiritual heart of Poland, with its exquisite chapels and tombs.
- Witness the beauty of St. Mary's Basilica, famed for its stunning interior and the intricate astronomical clock on its facade.
- Choose your language for the guided tour that unlocks Krakow's secrets beyond the guidebooks.
- Explore Wawel Castle, Poland's royal heart, and delve into medieval life at the Rynek Underground Museum on this guided tour.
- Get access to a permanent Wawel Castle exhibit, like the State Rooms or the Royal Apartments offering a glimpse of courtly life.
- See the grandeur of Wawel Cathedral, a UNESCO site and spiritual heart of Poland, with its exquisite chapels and tombs.
- Witness the beauty of St. Mary's Basilica, famed for its stunning interior and the intricate astronomical clock on its facade.
- Choose your language for the guided tour that unlocks Krakow's secrets beyond the guidebooks.
Inclusions
- 5.5-hour guided tour of Wawel Castle, Cathedral, St. Mary’s Basilica, and Rynek Underground Museum
- English, French, Polish, or German-speaking guide
- Entry to one permanent exhibition in Wawel Castle
- Entry to Wawel Cathedral
- Entry to St. Mary’s Basilica
- Entry to Rynek Underground Museum
- Tip: A short walk from the Main Market Square is the Czartoryski Museum, with art from painters like da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Raphael.
- Strict dress code: Visitors must wear clothing that covers their knees, shoulders, and back. Sleeveless tops and shorts are not allowed.
- During major religious holidays, national celebrations, or special anniversaries, access to the cathedral, royal tombs, or the bell tower may be limited. On such occasions, your Cathedral entry will be replaced with another exhibit at the Wawel Castle.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Uncover the stories and secrets of Krakow's spiritual core on a 3-hour guided tour of the Wawel Cathedral, Old Town, and St. Mary's Basilica.
- Get to know about King Casimir’s deadly curse and more from your guide as you explore the Wawel Cathedral, a 1000-year-old tapestry of history.
- Discover the heart of the city’s Old Town at Rynek Główny, where history hums in the Cloth Hall and colorful stalls burst with amber treasures.
- Be awed by the Veit Stoss altarpiece, a masterpiece of wood carving at St. Mary's Basilica in the Main Square.
- Make your exploration of Poland's history unique with a personalized tour tailored for you, available in English, German, French, or Polish.
- Uncover the stories and secrets of Krakow's spiritual core on a 3-hour guided tour of the Wawel Cathedral, Old Town, and St. Mary's Basilica.
- Get to know about King Casimir’s deadly curse and more from your guide as you explore the Wawel Cathedral, a 1000-year-old tapestry of history.
- Discover the heart of the city’s Old Town at Rynek Główny, where history hums in the Cloth Hall and colorful stalls burst with amber treasures.
- Be awed by the Veit Stoss altarpiece, a masterpiece of wood carving at St. Mary's Basilica in the Main Square.
- Make your exploration of Poland's history unique with a personalized tour tailored for you, available in English, German, French, or Polish.
Inclusions
- 3-hour guided tour of Wawel Cathedral, Old Town & St. Mary’s Basilica
- Expert English, French, Polish, or German-speaking guide
- Entry to Wawel Cathedral
- Entry to St. Mary’s Basilica
Exclusions
- Entry to Wawel Castle
- Tip: Be sure to visit the Wawel Castle’s arcaded courtyard, where sunlight and Renaissance-era columns play together to create geometric patterns on the ground.
- Cathedral access may be limited during services, events, or dignitary visits. Check schedules in advance.
- Strict dress code: Visitors must wear clothing that covers their knees, arms, and back.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
KrakowWawel Hill and Castle
Top things to do in Krakow
Why visit the Wawel Castle?
- Explore the home of Polish royalty: Wawel Castle has been around for over 500 years and served as the official residence for Polish kings and queens since the 14th century.
- Architectural delight: The castle's architecture is a masterpiece with a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Romanesque styles. The Wawel Cathedral, a part of the complex, is a shining gem with its stunning chapels.
- Art and treasure: The State Rooms inside the castle are like a time capsule. They're adorned with remarkable tapestries and art pieces.
- Discover the Dragon's Den: Legend has it that a dragon used to live under the castle. Don't worry, the dragon's gone (or so we hope!), but there's a limestone cave beneath the castle with a dragon statue.
- See spectacular views: Perched on a hill, the castle offers some jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Vistula River and the city of Krakow.
Which Wawel Castle ticket is best for you?
If you are on a budget
Go for: Wawel Hill tour
Duration: 1.5 hours
Guide: Audio guide
- This ticket offers the best option for budget travelers to explore the outer areas of Wawel Castle and its surroundings with an audio guide.
- An instructor will help you with the audio guide equipment so that you can easily explore while listening to the history of Wawel Hill & Wawel Castle.
Recommended ticket
If you want to go sightseeing
Go for: Sightseeing tour
Duration: 3 hours
Guide: Expert guide for Wawel Castle & audio guide for golf cart tour
- Explore Krakow's historic Old Town on a golf cart with an audio guide for a hassle-free sightseeing experience.
- Then, head over to the Wawel Castle with an expert local guide to explore the castle in-depth.
Recommended ticket
Krakow: Old Town Sightseeing by Golf Cart and Wawel Castle Guided Tour
If you are a history buff
Go for: A guided tour
Duration: 1 -3 hours
Guide: Licensed tour guide
- Go on a guided tour of Wawel Castle with an expert guide who will share in-depth information about the castle's history. Get skip-the-line tickets to avoid wasting time at the entrance.
- You can choose among the 4 guided tour options of Wawel Castle's interiors, undergrounds, treasury, or highlights.
Recommended ticket
Guided Tour of Wawel Castle with Entry Tickets to the Interiors
If you want to explore in-depth
Go for: Wawel Castle + Cathedral tour
Duration: 2 hours
Guide: Expert tour guide (English, French, German or Polish)
- This guided tour includes access to the Wawel Castle, Wawel Cathedral, and the State Rooms for an in-depth exploration.
- Choose an expert guide in your preferred language who will share interesting facts and mysteries about this historic castle-cum-musuem.
Recommended ticket
If you want to explore beyond
Go for: Combo tickets
Duration: 5.5 hours
Guide: Expert tour guide (English, French, or German)
- A combo tour is your best option if you want to explore Krakow beyond Wawel Castle. Along with a visit to Wawel Castle, it includes entry to the Cathedral and Rynek Underground Museum to ensure a day full of exploration.
- The comprehensive combo tour also includes lunch to make your experience more enjoyable.
Recommended ticket
Wawel Castle, Cathedral, and Rynek Underground Museum: Guided Tour with Lunch
Wawel Castle highlights
Permanent Exhibitions
The State Rooms comprise 4 rooms on the ground floor and 14 rooms on the second floor of the Castle. Colorful late-Baroque tile stoves have replaced the old Renaissance stoves that were damaged during Austrian rule in Krakow in the 19th century. The Crown Treasury and Armory and the Turkish Tents are also greatly popular permanent Exhibitions at the Wawel Castle.
Seasonal Routes
Seasonal Routes of the Wawel Castle, available to explore if the weather permits, are known for their legends and myths. One of its greatest wonders is the Dragon's Den, a fabled cave on Wawel Hill's western slope. Guests can learn about the architectural beauty and discover hidden jewels such as the sun-drenched Royal Gardens on the guided tour. The Royal Gardens are a must-visit among the Seasonal Routes of the Wawel Castle.
Temporary Exhibitions
The temporary exhibitions of Wawel Castle bring numerous motifs related to the history of Poland for the guests to explore. The Expression: Lviv Rococo Sculpture exhibition will be on display from 30 March to 22 October. The WYSPIA Contemporary Art exhibition will be showcased from 26 January to 30 November and Jacob Mertens and Krakow's Paintings in the 1600 exhibition will be shown from 13 January to 16 April.
Plan your visit to Wawel Castle
Timings
Getting there
Facilities
Accessibility
Dining
Stay
Nearby
- Crown Treasury
Monday: 9:30 AM to 1 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM to 2 PM
Thursday to Sunday: 9:30 AM to 5 PM - State Rooms
Tuesday: 9:30 AM to 2 PM
Wednesday to Sunday: 9:30 AM to 5 PM - Royal Private Apartments
Tuesday: 9:30 AM to 2 PM
Wednesday to Sunday: 9:30 AM to 5 PM - Wawel Hill: Available until 7 PM
Duration: It may take you up to 4 hours to explore Wawel Castle depending on the exhibitions you visit.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the Wawel Castle is during the mornings when the Royal Garden is at its best. You will find comparatively lesser crowds during the months of March, April, September, and October.
Address: Wawel 5, 31-001 Krakow, Poland.
- By Train: Get down at Kraków Głowny station after taking a train from the Kraków Lotnisko-Wieliczka Rynek Kopalnia line.
- By Tram: The nearest stops to Wawel Castle are Wawel and Stradom. It takes less than a 5-minute walk to get to the Wawel Castle from these stops.
- By Bus: Jubilat is the nearest bus stop to Wawel Castle. You can reach the castle from this bus stop in under 10 minutes.
- By Car: Take the A4 and DW780 to Wawel Castle. The nearest parking is available at Plac na Groblach and is close to the National Museum.
- Cloakroom: There is a checkroom at the Arcaded Courtyard where you may store your larger pieces of luggage before entering the Wawel Castle.
- Free Wi-Fi: Enjoy free Wi-Fi at the Visitor's Center in the Castle.
- Dining Facilities: Dining and shopping facilities are available on the premises.
- Accessible Toilets: You can make use of accessible toilets during your visit to Wawel Castle.
- Wheelchair-Friendly Premises: The exterior courtyard has a wheelchair ramp and the Arcaded courtyard is steep, but also has a wheelchair ramp for visitors with limited mobility.
- Wawel Castle is partially accessible.
- While equipped with an elevator, there are stairs at the entrance.
- Exhibitions on the first and second floors are not accessible by wheelchairs.
- The Crown Treasury and Armoury exhibition and the Lost Wawel exhibitions are partially wheelchair accessible.
- The Wawel Recovered, the Dragon's Den, and the Sandomierska Tower are not accessible to visitors in wheelchairs or with mobility impairments.
- The Wawel Architecture and Gardens tour is not accessible to visitors in wheelchairs or with mobility impairments.
- Visitors with mobility issues can borrow manually operated wheelchairs on a first-come, first-served basis.
To facilitate safety and social separation, the Trattoria Wawel and the Wawel Cafe will remain closed. For the time being, the café beside the White Wall will only serve beverages to go. The other places to eat near Wawel Castle are:
- Fiorentina: The restaurant provides local dishes in a rooftop setting.
- Pod Wawelem Kompania Kuflowa: This family restaurant provides a grand setting for dining.
- Trattoria La Campana: This Italian restaurant is known for its rustic decor and locally sourced ingredients.
- Luxury: Kanonicza 22, Bachleda Luxury Hotel Kraków - MGallery, The Bonerowski Palace
- Mid-range: Senacki Hotel, Hotel Maltański, Radisson Blu Hotel, Krakow
- Budget: Angel House Aparthotel Wawel Castle, Hotel Royal, Spatz Aparthotel
- 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.
Frequently asked questions about Wawel Castle tickets
Where can I buy Wawel Castle tickets?
The best way to book Wawel Castle tickets is to get them online. Booking tickets online saves time and money.
What is the best way to buy Wawel Castle tickets?
Booking tickets online is the best way to get your hands on Wawel Castle tickets. You may also chance upon coupons and discounts when booking tickets online.
What is the cost of Wawel Castle tickets?
The Wawel Castle guided tours are available from €6.90. If you choose combo tickets, you can visit the Castle, Hill, and its Cathedral for discounted prices. You can also opt for small-group guided tours with lunch options to explore the Wawel Castle to the fullest.
What are the different types of Wawel Castle tickets available?
When booking Wawel Castle tickets, you can choose between audio-guided tours, tours with a tour guide, and small-group guided tours. Some Wawel Castle tours also offer lunch options and their audio guides are available in multiple languages.
Do my Wawel Castle tickets include skip-the-line access?
Some Wawel Castle guided tours with an audio guide and combo tickets that offer access to Wawel Castle and Oskar Schindler’s Factory include skip-the-line access.
Are Wawel Castle guided tours available?
Yes, Wawel Castle guided tours are available. You can choose between audio-guided tours, tours with an expert tour operator, and small-group guided tours with lunch options.
Are audioguides included in Wawel Castle tickets?
You can choose between English, French, German, or Polish audio guides when booking Wawel Castle guided tours.
What is the Wawel Royal Castle?
The Wawel Royal Castle served as the official residence for 14th-century Polish kings and queens. In the present day, it is an iconic hub of Poland’s culture and history.
What are some of the highlights of the Wawel Castle?
The Royal Private Apartments, State Rooms, Crown Treasury, and Armory are some of the highlights of the permanent exhibition inside the Wawel Royal Castle.
Where is Wawel Castle located?
The Wawel Royal Castle is located on Wawel 5, 31-001 Krakow in Poland. It is about a 5-minute walk from Stradom.
How to reach Wawel Castle?
You can board a tram and get down at Wawel or Stradom, which are about a 5-minute walk from the Castle. Jubilat, the nearest bus stop from the Wawel Castle is also only a 10-minute walk from the Castle. You can also board a train from the Krakow Lotnisko-Wieliczka Rynek Kopalnia line and get down at Krakow Głowny station.
What are the timings of the Wawel Royal Castle?
The Wawel Castle is open from 9:30 AM to 7 PM.
What facilities are available in Wawel Castle?
You can enjoy free Wi-Fi, keep your belongings in the cloakroom, and use accessible toilets and the wheelchair ramp, if necessary at the Wawel Castle.
Is the Wawel Castle wheelchair friendly?
Yes, the Wawel Castle has wheelchair ramps and elevators to accommodate visitors with limited mobility.
Is photography allowed in Wawel Castle?
Yes, you can click pictures inside the Wawel Castle, however, avoid using commercial equipment, tripods, and other gear, that may disrupt others’ experience at the attraction.
Should I buy Wawel Castle tickets in advance?
Yes, you must purchase Wawel Castle tickets in advance to avoid standing in long lines.
Can I cancel my Wawel Castle tickets?
Yes, most Wawel tickets have a flexible cancelation policy. You can cancel them up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund on your purchase.
How long does it take to explore the Wawel Castle?
Depending on the number of exhibits you visit, it can take up to 4 hours to visit the Wawel Castle and its surroundings.