Wawel Castle
Visit Wavel Royal Castle, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site, and formerly the luxurious residence of Polish royalty. Admire its European architecture, explore the vast museum, and of course visit the royal chambers and Wavel Cathedral. Book Wavel Castle tickets here to enjoy detailed guided tours, skip-the-line entry, and combo tours.
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Must-see highlights & key info
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Explore the history and grandeur of Krakow on a 2-hour guided tour of the renowned Wawel Castle and Cathedral.
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Step inside Wawel Castle, marvel at its Renaissance and Baroque treasures, and enjoy access to one permanent exhibition within the castle.
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Discover the Gothic Wawel Cathedral, a site of Polish coronations, guided by an expert who brings its stories to life.
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Pause to admire the views of the castle grounds and Wawel Hill, a historic site that has shaped Polish history since the 11th century.
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Choose from six languages for your tour and upgrade to include entry to the Rynek Underground Museum, a historical museum beneath Kraków’s main market square, with complimentary lunch.
More details
-
Explore the history and grandeur of Krakow on a 2-hour guided tour of the renowned Wawel Castle and Cathedral.
-
Step inside Wawel Castle, marvel at its Renaissance and Baroque treasures, and enjoy access to one permanent exhibition within the castle.
-
Discover the Gothic Wawel Cathedral, a site of Polish coronations, guided by an expert who brings its stories to life.
-
Pause to admire the views of the castle grounds and Wawel Hill, a historic site that has shaped Polish history since the 11th century.
-
Choose from six languages for your tour and upgrade to include entry to the Rynek Underground Museum, a historical museum beneath Kraków’s main market square, with complimentary lunch.
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Explore Wawel Royal Hill, the residence of Polish royalty since the 11th century, on a 1.5-hour private guided tour or a 2-hour audio-guided tour.
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Discover Krakow’s royal past at over 10 attractions on Wawel Hill, including Jana Długosza House, the Crypt of Silver Bells, and the castle courtyard.
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Dive into history with insights on the Wawel bricks, the Wawel Chakra, and the alchemical experiments of Sigismund III Vasa with your expert guide.
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Prefer a slower pace? Choose a small-group self-guided tour with a multilingual audio guide to explore Wawel Hill and its historic buildings.
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Enjoy views of Krakow and the Vistula River, framed by Wawel’s fortifications and the famous dragon sculpture.
More details
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Explore Wawel Royal Hill, the residence of Polish royalty since the 11th century, on a 1.5-hour private guided tour or a 2-hour audio-guided tour.
-
Discover Krakow’s royal past at over 10 attractions on Wawel Hill, including Jana Długosza House, the Crypt of Silver Bells, and the castle courtyard.
-
Dive into history with insights on the Wawel bricks, the Wawel Chakra, and the alchemical experiments of Sigismund III Vasa with your expert guide.
-
Prefer a slower pace? Choose a small-group self-guided tour with a multilingual audio guide to explore Wawel Hill and its historic buildings.
-
Enjoy views of Krakow and the Vistula River, framed by Wawel’s fortifications and the famous dragon sculpture.
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Get ready to step behind the doors of Wawel Castle with fast-track entry and uncover its royal interiors on a detailed guided tour.
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Explore the Royal Private Apartments, the Porcelain Cabinet, and the Crown Treasury, and hear fascinating stories from your expert guide.
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Upgrade your visit with an electric golf cart tour of Krakow’s Old Town, driving past landmarks such as St. Mary’s Basilica and Planty Park.
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For a personalized visit, opt for a sightseeing ride by golf cart, a private guided tour, or a tour in Polish or Spanish.
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Fun fact: Legend says a dragon once lived on Wawel Hill. Do not miss the fire-breathing dragon statue just outside the castle walls!
More details
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Get ready to step behind the doors of Wawel Castle with fast-track entry and uncover its royal interiors on a detailed guided tour.
-
Explore the Royal Private Apartments, the Porcelain Cabinet, and the Crown Treasury, and hear fascinating stories from your expert guide.
-
Upgrade your visit with an electric golf cart tour of Krakow’s Old Town, driving past landmarks such as St. Mary’s Basilica and Planty Park.
-
For a personalized visit, opt for a sightseeing ride by golf cart, a private guided tour, or a tour in Polish or Spanish.
-
Fun fact: Legend says a dragon once lived on Wawel Hill. Do not miss the fire-breathing dragon statue just outside the castle walls!
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Skip long lines and enjoy direct entry to Wawel Cathedral on a guided tour, discovering the legacy of Polish kings and the historic Castle Courtyard.
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Explore mysterious royal tombs, medieval altars, underground crypts, the Bell Tower, and the Sigismund Bell in Poland’s most historic cathedral.
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Hear captivating stories and insights from a licensed guide in the language of your choice as you tour this landmark.
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Marvel at the cathedral’s architecture and uncover centuries-old plaques, hidden corners, and the rich history woven throughout the castle grounds.
More details
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Skip long lines and enjoy direct entry to Wawel Cathedral on a guided tour, discovering the legacy of Polish kings and the historic Castle Courtyard.
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Explore mysterious royal tombs, medieval altars, underground crypts, the Bell Tower, and the Sigismund Bell in Poland’s most historic cathedral.
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Hear captivating stories and insights from a licensed guide in the language of your choice as you tour this landmark.
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Marvel at the cathedral’s architecture and uncover centuries-old plaques, hidden corners, and the rich history woven throughout the castle grounds.
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Explore Poland’s seat of secular power on a guided tour of Wawel Castle and Cathedral, followed by a scenic night cruise on the Vistula River.
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Step inside Wawel Castle and admire its paintings and sculptures, including access to a permanent exhibition, while your guide shares stories about the castle’s history.
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Visit Wawel Cathedral, where Polish monarchs were crowned and buried, and marvel at the Renaissance art that adorns the building.
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End with a 1-hour night cruise along the Vistula River, taking in the Kazimierz District and the 'Church on the Rock,' with your audio guide.
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Fun fact: Hidden beneath the castle courtyard is a network of mysterious underground tunnels known as the Wawel Dragon’s Den!
More details
-
Explore Poland’s seat of secular power on a guided tour of Wawel Castle and Cathedral, followed by a scenic night cruise on the Vistula River.
-
Step inside Wawel Castle and admire its paintings and sculptures, including access to a permanent exhibition, while your guide shares stories about the castle’s history.
-
Visit Wawel Cathedral, where Polish monarchs were crowned and buried, and marvel at the Renaissance art that adorns the building.
-
End with a 1-hour night cruise along the Vistula River, taking in the Kazimierz District and the 'Church on the Rock,' with your audio guide.
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Fun fact: Hidden beneath the castle courtyard is a network of mysterious underground tunnels known as the Wawel Dragon’s Den!
10% off
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Skip the lines and learn about the history of the Holocaust and the story of Schindler's efforts to save over 1,100 Jewish lives.
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Enter Oskar Schindler's office with the symbolic "Survivor's Ark" and learn about how he saved over 1000 lives.
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Discover the residence of Polish royalty for centuries and the finest collection of art and cultural treasures of Europe on a guided tour of Wawel Royal Castle.
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Admire the beautiful Italian-styled courtyard, and architectural styles from the medieval, renaissance, and baroque periods.
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Fun fact: Wawel Castle is said to be haunted by King Sigismund III Vasa's ghost, seen walking the halls of the castle with a sword and a crown. Seeing him is believed to be a sign of good luck!
More details
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Skip the lines and learn about the history of the Holocaust and the story of Schindler's efforts to save over 1,100 Jewish lives.
-
Enter Oskar Schindler's office with the symbolic "Survivor's Ark" and learn about how he saved over 1000 lives.
-
Discover the residence of Polish royalty for centuries and the finest collection of art and cultural treasures of Europe on a guided tour of Wawel Royal Castle.
-
Admire the beautiful Italian-styled courtyard, and architectural styles from the medieval, renaissance, and baroque periods.
-
Fun fact: Wawel Castle is said to be haunted by King Sigismund III Vasa's ghost, seen walking the halls of the castle with a sword and a crown. Seeing him is believed to be a sign of good luck!
2% off
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Step back in time and experience Polish royalty on a guided tour of Wawel Castle, its Cathedral, and the Rynek Underground Museum.
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Explore Wawel Castle, a symbol of Polish statehood, and admire its paintings and architecture, along with access to a permanent exhibition.
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Admire the grandeur of Wawel Cathedral, a historic site that hosted royal coronations and served as the burial place for Polish kings.
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Descend 4 meters beneath Krakow’s market square to the Rynek Museum, uncovering artifacts dating back to the 12th–13th centuries.
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Choose from 4 languages for your guided tour and enjoy stories about the region, before concluding your Krakow experience with a delicious lunch.
More details
-
Step back in time and experience Polish royalty on a guided tour of Wawel Castle, its Cathedral, and the Rynek Underground Museum.
-
Explore Wawel Castle, a symbol of Polish statehood, and admire its paintings and architecture, along with access to a permanent exhibition.
-
Admire the grandeur of Wawel Cathedral, a historic site that hosted royal coronations and served as the burial place for Polish kings.
-
Descend 4 meters beneath Krakow’s market square to the Rynek Museum, uncovering artifacts dating back to the 12th–13th centuries.
-
Choose from 4 languages for your guided tour and enjoy stories about the region, before concluding your Krakow experience with a delicious lunch.
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Travel through Krakow’s extensive history and deep-dive into ancient secrets while walking through four of its renowned landmarks that make the city as popular as it is.
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Start your tour at Wawel Castle, now a museum, that’s recently acquired exclusive paintings by Brueghel the Younger and Willem Claesz Heda for an exorbitant fee.
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Before visiting the gorgeous Cathedral, stop to admire the castle’s tapestries by the renowned Zygmunt August and Renaissance paintings.
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If you’re ready to get charmed by the medieval magnificence of Krakow then the Old Town awaits you; where you can visit St. Mary’s Basilica, see Veit Stoss’s stunning altarpiece, woodcarvings, and more.
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Fun fact: If you’re a Steven Spielberg fan, you must know that many scenes from Schindler’s List were shot in Krakow.
More details
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Travel through Krakow’s extensive history and deep-dive into ancient secrets while walking through four of its renowned landmarks that make the city as popular as it is.
-
Start your tour at Wawel Castle, now a museum, that’s recently acquired exclusive paintings by Brueghel the Younger and Willem Claesz Heda for an exorbitant fee.
-
Before visiting the gorgeous Cathedral, stop to admire the castle’s tapestries by the renowned Zygmunt August and Renaissance paintings.
-
If you’re ready to get charmed by the medieval magnificence of Krakow then the Old Town awaits you; where you can visit St. Mary’s Basilica, see Veit Stoss’s stunning altarpiece, woodcarvings, and more.
-
Fun fact: If you’re a Steven Spielberg fan, you must know that many scenes from Schindler’s List were shot in Krakow.
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Enjoy an audio-guided tour of Wawel Hill, home to the Wawel Castle surrounded by lush gardens to enjoy the historical and cultural side of Poland.
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Learn about the rich history of this UNESCO site as you explore the outside of the castle with an audio guide.
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Meet the magnificent Wawel Dragon, one of the most famous dragons in Polish folklore, featuring a series of stalactites and stalagmites.
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Marvel at stunning vistas of Cracow and the majestic Tatra Mountains with its soaring peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and diverse wildlife from atop Wawel Hill.
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Fun fact: The Wawel Hill, rising nearly 228 meters above sea level, is a Jurassic limestone formation dating back a whopping 150 million years!
More details
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Enjoy an audio-guided tour of Wawel Hill, home to the Wawel Castle surrounded by lush gardens to enjoy the historical and cultural side of Poland.
-
Learn about the rich history of this UNESCO site as you explore the outside of the castle with an audio guide.
-
Meet the magnificent Wawel Dragon, one of the most famous dragons in Polish folklore, featuring a series of stalactites and stalagmites.
-
Marvel at stunning vistas of Cracow and the majestic Tatra Mountains with its soaring peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and diverse wildlife from atop Wawel Hill.
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Fun fact: The Wawel Hill, rising nearly 228 meters above sea level, is a Jurassic limestone formation dating back a whopping 150 million years!
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Similar things to do in Krakow
About Wawel Royal Castle
The Wawel Royal Castle offers a glimpse into Poland’s rich cultural heritage. Marvel at the architectural splendor of the Renaissance-era Royal Chambers, adorned with exquisite tapestries and paintings that narrate Poland's glorious past. Step into the Wawel Treasury, where the crown jewels and regalia of Polish monarchs are preserved. The Sandomierz Tower offers breathtaking views of the city’s skyline and the surrounding countryside. From its imposing facade to its royal chambers, Dragon’s Den, and regal sculptures, the Wawel Castle stands as a poignant reminder of Poland's storied past.
The legend of the Wawel Dragon: One of the most famous legends associated with Wawel Castle is that of the Wawel Dragon. According to folklore, this dragon terrorized the city of Krakow until it was slain by the legendary hero, Krakus. Today, a statue of the Wawel Dragon stands at the foot of Wawel Hill, delighting visitors and keeping the legend alive.
The Sigismund Bell: The Sigismund Bell, housed in the Wawel Cathedral's Sigismund Tower, is one of the largest bells in Europe. Cast in 1520, the bell weighs over 13 tons and is renowned for its melodious tone. It is said in the local legends that when this bell rings, it brings good luck to those who hear it, making it a cherished symbol of the city’s heritage.
The Dragon’s Den: Beneath Wawel Hill lies a network of caves and tunnels known as the Dragon's Den. According to the local legends, this labyrinthine passageway was once the lair of the Wawel Dragon.
The Renaissance courtyard: The Renaissance Courtyard, located within the Royal Castle complex, is a masterpiece of architectural design. Built during the reign of King Sigismund I, it features elegant arcades, decorative friezes, and a stunning courtyard fountain.
The Vasa King’s apartments: The Vasa Kings' apartments, located in the eastern wing of Wawel Castle, are named after the Vasa dynasty that ruled Poland during the 17th century. These lavishly decorated chambers showcase the opulence of the Polish monarchy, with intricate stucco work, gilded ceilings, and richly furnished interiors.
Why visit Wawel Royal Castle?
Highlights
Representative Royal Chambers
Adorned with intricate stucco work, gilded ceilings, and exquisite furnishings, the Representative Royal Chambers are a testament to the grandeur and opulence of Polish royalty. These lavishly decorated rooms served as venues for official ceremonies, receptions, and diplomatic events.
Art of the East
Wawel Castle also hosts a collection of Eastern art, featuring works from countries such as Turkey, Persia, and China. These pieces, including ceramics, textiles, and decorative arts, offer a fascinating glimpse into the cultural exchange between Poland and the East throughout history. This collection highlights the global influences that have shaped Poland's artistic landscape.
Plan your visit
Sigismund Gate
This is the primary entrance to Wawel Castle and is located on the southern side of the complex. The Sigismund's Gate is a grand entrance adorned with a Renaissance portal and leads into the castle courtyard.
Gate of the Vistula River
Situated on the eastern side of Wawel Hill, this entrance provides access to the castle complex from the side. It was once used for administrative purposes and is not typically open to the public.
Sandomierz Tower entrance
The Sandomierz Tower serves as both a defensive structure and an entrance to the castle. You can access the castle grounds through this tower, which is located near the northern end of the complex.
Well Tower entrance
This entrance is located near the Well Tower on the northern side of Wawel Castle. While it may not be as prominent as the main entrance, you can use this gate to enter the Castle premises.
- A few selected temporary exhibitions, such as ‘Long Live the King! Masterpieces from the Lanckoronski Collection’ and ‘Wawel Recovered,’ are open from 3 to 3:30 p.m. on Mondays.
- On 11 November, only the ‘Wawel Recovered’ and ‘Wawel Underground: The Lapidarium’ are open between 9am and 5pm.
The Wawel Castle has a cloakroom you can use to store your belongings. Coats, umbrellas, suitcases, and large bags above 55 x 40 x 23 cm can be kept in this cloakroom.
You can make use of the free Wi-Fi in and around the Wawel Castle to download audio guides or look up any historical fact about the castle.
There are dining outlets inside the Wawel Castle, where you can grab a bite or get a drink before continuing your tour.
The Wawel Castle has accessible washrooms for your convenience.
Visitors with mobility challenges can borrow wheelchairs on a first-come, first-served basis during their Wawel Castle visit.
Assistance dogs and service animals are allowed in the Wawel Castle, provided you can show the necessary documents before entering the exhibition rooms.
The walk up the Wawel Hill is not suitable for visitors in wheelchairs. Only the exterior courtyard and arcaded courtyard have ramps. The exhibition rooms on the first and second floor are not accessible to visitors in wheelchairs. The Crown Treasury, Armory, and the Lost Wawel exhibitions are partially wheelchair-accessible.
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