Tickets Krakow

Wawel Cathedral Tickets & Tours

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

Royal Wawel Castle
























































From happy customers

Loved by 47 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
luccinda pagett
GB

Luccinda

United Kingdom
Jan 2026

review-image

review-image

review-image
From start to end this was great experience. We met our hosts then given a landyard and headset. That worked well. The guided tour begins straight away before you get to the castle. Our guide had lots of knowledge and history to share. Well worth it, the castle and cathedral are so good. Highly recommend.
Laura Adell Juan

Laura

Jan 2026

review-image

review-image

review-image
The ferry was very nice and cozy. The views around the river were worth it and we were able to take fun pictures. Thanks to the guide's explanations we learned about curiosities and key points of the city. And besides, we were lucky enough to make a couple of friends to hang out with on the cruise and go out with afterwards! I highly recommend the experience and would choose it again.
TÜRKMEN CENGİZ
PL

Türkmen

Poland
Jan 2026

review-image

review-image

review-image

+2 more

You don't need to get much expectation. Night Krakow scene from the river. Wawel Castle is the most beautiful part, also other places are described within 4 languages. Snack and drink bar in the boat is nice. Spaces are large and also have an open view upstairs. I like it for relax, scenery, beer. Nice tour.
Marc FEUGUEUR

Marc

Dec 2025

review-image

review-image

review-image
Please note that the ticket sent to you does not allow you to enter: you have to wait for someone on site to give you the paper ticket outside the museum: it seems to me that this was not indicated, or I certainly misread the instructions. The museum is well designed, but unfortunately a victim of its own success. It was very busy during our visit. The nearby Museum of Modern Art may be of interest to the initiated.
Vincenzo Tomaselli
IT

Vincenzo

Italy
Sep 2025

review-image

review-image
I had already been to the Schlinder factory eight years ago, and this time again I felt so much excitement in visiting such an iconic place known to me from Spielberg's film. The visit was on September 10 and everything was easy with the skip-the-line ticket .
Fluri Christine Mirjam
CH

Fluri

Switzerland
Dec 2025
The tour was well organized and the guide shared a lot of interesting information. He answered all the questions and knew how to priorities this many information and convey it in a funny and entertaining way.
Efren Cerda
MX

Efren

Mexico
Sep 2025
In general, tours are very well organized, and tourist guides are kind, providing always valuable information. Driver who took us to the mine salt was very helpful, gave us good recommendations, and ensured to keep communicated with us once the tour finished, very good service level
Pauline Graham

Pauline

Sep 2025
Very interesting tour with excellent guide. I did however feel that the tour group was a bit large. My only important concern was that there are 2 possible exit points, one at the same place as the entrance and another which although not very far away, was difficult to get back to the transport from as it was a bit disorientating because it was becoming dark when we exited. I would suggest on the part of the organisers, better signposting back to the point of entry and from the point of view of visitors, to make sure you are clear on the direction back to where you started

Top things to do in Krakow

Wawel Cathedral | Poland’s spiritual heart

Wawel Cathedral is Poland’s most significant historic and religious site, located within the Wawel Castle complex on Krakow’s Royal Wawel Hill. Often referred to as Poland’s equivalent of the UK’s Westminster Abbey, Wawel Cathedral has been the coronation site of Polish kings and the resting place of its heroes. Within its grand interiors, you’ll find the beautifully decorated Sigismund Chapel, the tomb of St. Stanislaus, its patron saint, and the Sigismund Tower, home to the massive Royal Sigismund Bell.

How to access Wawel Cathedral?

Wawel Cathedral is situated on Royal Wawel Hill, within the Wawel Castle complex. You can access it through the entrance on its western side, located between the Holy Trinity Chapel and Holy Cross Chapel. Entry to the cathedral is included in some Wawel Castle tickets.

Wawel Cathedral in a nutshell

Wawel Cathedral

Highlights: Royal Sigismund Bell, intricate frescoes, the blend of architectural styles

Current use: An active site of worship, a museum, and a repository of historical artifacts.

Entrance: Its entrance is located on the western side, between two chapels, and a short distance from the complex’s Vasa Gate.

Unique facts:

  • There are huge fossilized bones hanging just outside the cathedral’s doors, believed to be the bones of the mythical Wawel Dragon. In reality, they’ve been identified as whale and mammoth bones.

Know before booking Wawel Cathedral tickets

  • Access to the Wawel Cathedral is not included in all Wawel Castle tickets. You must purchase a ticket that allows entry to explore it. Opt for a guided tour of the Wawel castle and cathedral for a perfect experience.
  • If you’re looking to explore the cathedral from the outside, opt for a guided tour of the Wawel Royal Hill. You can choose between a private guided tour or explore at your own pace with an audio guide.

Your Wawel Cathedral tickets booking guide

Experience TypeCathedral AccessWhy go for it?Recommended ticket

Guided tours

Included

Get a comprehensive tour of Wawel Cathedral. Explore its interiors, and learn about its history and lesser-known facts.

Wawel Castle & Cathedral Guided Tour

Combo deals

Included

Explore multiple Krakow highlights with one package deal. Go on a Vistula River cruise after your Wawel Cathedral visit, and see Royal Wawel Hill and other Krakow landmarks from the water.

Combo (Save 10%): Wawel Castle & Cathedral Guided Tour + 1-Hour Night Cruise on Vistula River AG

Wawel Hill tours

Not included

Take a private guided tour of the Royal Wawel Hill and see the buildings within the Wawel Castle complex. Admire their exterior architecture and learn about their historical and cultural significance.

Wawel Royal Hill Guided Tour

What’s inside Wawel Cathedral?

Sigismund Chapel

The 16th-century Sigismund Chapel in Wawel Cathedral is considered one of the most stunning examples of Italian Renaissance architecture outside of Italy. Its standout feature is a gilded dome, while its interiors feature intricate frescoes, marble statues, and intricately carved and painted ceilings. Inside, you can explore the tombs of King Sigismund I the Old, King Sigismund II, and Queen Anna Jagiellon, with exquisite sculptures by Bartolomeo Berecci.

Royal Sigismund Bell

Climb up the Sigismund Tower to see its five historic bells, particularly the Royal Sigismund Bell. Cast in 1520, it is Poland’s largest antique bell and a national symbol. Every key moment in Polish history, from battle victories to royal coronations and national days, has been marked by its deep sonorous gongs. Made of bronze, it weighs over 12 tonnes and needs 12 men to ring. From the top of the tower, you can also see panoramic views of Krakow.

Crypts

Descend into the crypts to see the resting place of not just ancient Polish kings but also the country’s heroes, leaders, revolutionaries, poets, and others who have shaped the course of its history. Here you’ll find the tombs of Władysław I the Elbow-high, the first king to be crowned at Wawel Cathedral, and his son King Casimir III the Great, who established Wawel Castle. The oldest structure here, St. Leonard’s Crypt, dates back to the 11th century.

Chapels of Wawel Cathedral

Apart from the Sigismund Chapel, the central building of Wawel Cathedral is ringed by 18 other chapels filled with religious art, lavish decor, and precious artifacts. Walk through the Vasa Chapel, designed in the Baroque style with rich black marble. The Holy Trinity Chapel is home to a huge stained glass window in vibrant colors. In the Holy Cross Chapel, you can see magnificent Russian murals painted in 1470 and the red marble sarcophagus of King Casimir IV.

Sarcophagus of St. Stanislaus

St. Stanislaus the Martyr, the patron saint of Poland, was the Bishop of Krakow in the 11th century before he was killed. He is one of the two saints to whom Wawel Cathedral is dedicated. Inside the cathedral, his ornate silver sarcophagus is prominently located beneath the main altar. The coffin, created in the 17th century, is adorned with 12 reliefs detailing scenes from his life, the miracles he performed, and the moment of his martyrdom.

St. Jadwiga’s tomb & the Black Crucifix

St. Jadwiga’s tomb and the Black Crucifix are two of the cathedral’s most prominent artifacts. In the 14th century, Jadwiga was Poland’s first female monarch and was crowned at the cathedral. During her reign, she regularly worshipped before the 13-foot-tall wooden Black Crucifix, which she had brought with her from Hungary. After her death, she was buried at the cathedral in a simple but striking white sarcophagus with her life-like effigy on top. Jadwiga was canonized as a saint in 1997.

John Paul II Cathedral Museum

Don’t miss a visit to the John Paul II Cathedral Museum, which was established in 1978 and houses the most precious historical artifacts from the cathedral’s treasury. Divided into four exhibits, here you’ll find medieval manuscripts, Polish royal regalia, gifts from Polish emperors to the church, and medieval artworks. One of the exhibits is dedicated to the belongings of John Paul II, including his papal vestments. It explores his connections to Wawel, where he served as Archbishop of Krakow. The museum is located to the right of the Vasa Gate, across from the cathedral’s entrance.

Architecture of Wawel Cathedral

Wawel Cathedral in Krakow

With its towers, spires, and domes, Wawel Cathedral is one of the most striking structures on Wawel Hill. First constructed in the 11th century, it was destroyed and rebuilt twice. The monument you see today dates from the 14th century.

Both its interiors and exterior feature a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, reflecting the styles prevalent during its many reconstructions and renovations over the centuries. It also retains elements from the original Romanesque structure.

Inside the cathedral, the central nave is built in the Gothic style, with soaring pointed arches and ribbed vaults. The interiors also feature Baroque altars, while the chapels surrounding the cathedral are built in a variety of styles over the centuries. You’ll also find Neoclassical touches, such as its columns and pilasters.

Visitor tips

  • Try to time your visit to Wawel Cathedral for either close to the 9am opening time on a weekday or after 2pm. Wawel Royal Hill and the castle complex are among Krakow’s top attractions, and crowds tend to increase around mid-day.
  • The cathedral is a place of worship, so remember to wear appropriate clothing. Both men and women must cover their knees and shoulders or risk being refused entry.

Frequently asked questions about Wawel Cathedral tickets

Certain Wawel Castle tickets include entry to the cathedral. You can book these online in advance if you want to explore the cathedral.