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Wawel Castle tickets
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Wawel Hill: Surroundings Tour with Audio Guide
- Explore Wawel Hill and the outer parts of Wawel Castle, the monarch’s residency from the 11th century, where Polish royals were crowned and buried.
- Explore the Main Courtyard erected atop a limestone outcrop, and the Arcaded Courtyard, a fine example of Renaissance art with hints of Polish Gothic-styled architecture.
- At the Royal Castle, hear about the role of each building, and the stories behind them.
- Learn about the history of this picturesque UNESCO site with an audio guide.
Inclusions
- Instructor to help you with the audio equipment
- Audio-guided tour of Wawel Hill and Wawel Castle
Exclusions
- Live tour guide
- Entry ticket to Wawel Castle and other paid exhibitions inside
- Tip: While going uphill, pass through the Arms Gate, and stop by the monument of Tadeusz Kościuszko, a Polish army officer famous for his role in the American Revolution.
- Entrance for Wawel Cathedral & other exhibitions in Wawel Castle must be paid additionally on your own.
- This tour is wheelchair, pram/stroller accessible.
- Guide dogs may accompany you. Other pets are not allowed.
- This tour is accessible to pregnant women.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Guided Tour of Wawel Castle with Entry Tickets to the Interiors
- Enjoy a guided tour of Wawel Castle with skip-the-line access and options to visit Wawel's Interiors.
- Tour the Royal Apartments, the residence of Polish monarchs, or visit the Royal Crown Treasury with treasures such as jewelry and antique coins gathered over centuries.
- Learn all about Polish history, former royalty, and the stunning architecture of the castle.
- Explore the Royal Armoury and find a collection of weapons from swords and scissors to firearms and
cannons. - Choose among the 4 guided tour options of Wawel Castle's interiors, undergrounds, treasury, or highlights.
Inclusions
- Skip-the-line access
- Professional licensed tour guide
- Entry Tickets
- Guided tour of Wawel Castle highlights: The crown treasury (optional)
- Guided tour of Wawel Castle highlights: The greatest exhibitions (optional)
- Guided tour of Wawel Castle undergrounds: Interiors & armory (optional)
- Guided tour of Wawel Castle highlights: Royal apartments & interiors (optional)
Exclusions
- Entrance to the cathedral
- Entrance to the cathedral
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Wawel Cathedral Guided Tour
- Discover ancient Poland with our expert-guided tour of the Wawel Cathedral, where you'll walk through a millennium of royal and religious history.
- Get inside access to royal tombs, a self-guided climb to the bell tower, and tales of legendary figures that bring history alive.
- Be captivated by the artistic grandeur of the sarcophagi and the tombstones, each telling a unique historical tale.
- This tour extends beyond the cathedral, providing the rare chance to explore crypts that house remarkable stories of saints, kings, and eminent personalities.
- Customize your journey with our multi-language guided tours in English, German, French, or Polish, ensuring a personalized historical adventure.
Inclusions
- Entry to the Wawel Cathedral
- English/German/French/Polish-speaking guide (optional)
- Guided tour of the interior, royal tombs, possibility of climbing the bell tower on your own
- Tip: Touch the heart of the bell: It's a tradition to touch the heart of the gigantic bell for good luck.
- Note: During religious, state, and jubilee celebrations or visits by important guests, access to the cathedral, royal tombs, and bell tower may be withheld or restricted without prior notification.
- Strict Dress Code: No shorts or sleeveless tops are allowed. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Wawel Castle & Cathedral Guided Tour
- 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.
- Be guided by an expert tour guide who will explain intriguing facts and mysterious stories about this cherished castle-cum-musuem.
- Wander through the magnificent residence of Polish kings as you stumble past heavily adorned chambers, halls, and more.
- Gasp at the large collections of paintings, graphics, sculptures, fabrics, military items, porcelain, and furniture stored here.
- Visit the Royal Chambers and the State Rooms for a closer look into the lives of Polish royalty when it was once occupied.
- Finally, discover the stunning Wawel Cathedral, a great narrative of Polish history where all Polish monarchs are buried.
Inclusions
- Expert tour guide (English, French, German or Polish)
- Admission into the Wawel Cathedral
- Entry into the Wawel Royal Castle
- Access to the State Rooms
Exclusions
- Hotel transfers
This ticket has the following options you can choose from:
- English Tour
- French Tour
- German Tour
- Polish Tour
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Old Town Sightseeing by Golf Cart & Wawel Castle Guided Tour
- On a golf cart and with an expert guide, explore the streets of Krakow's historic city.
- Explore the antique ruins of the medieval walls, the Barbican, St. Florian, and the Academy of Fine Arts.
- Admire the stunning 17th-century St. Anna church, with its rich Baroque interior, is a must-see.
- The exquisite features of the Gothic Franciscan Monastery from the 13th century are worth remembering.
- With an audio guide, discover more about the Old town on a golf cart by exploring the ruins of the historic city on the city's northern outskirts.
- Experience the majestic chambers of the Royal Castle with an expert guide.
Inclusions
- An expert guide for the museum
- Entrance tickets to Wawel castle including the Staterooms and Cathedral
- Audio guide in the golf cart
Exclusions
- Food and drinks
- Pick up/drop off
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Wawel Castle, Cathedral and Rynek Underground Museum: Guided Tour with Lunch
- Trace the footsteps of Polish royalty as you visit Wawel Castle with your expert guide.
- Wawel Castle was the first UNESCO World Heritage Site and represents nearly all European architectural styles of the medieval, renaissance, and baroque periods.
- Explore the castle complex on the banks of the Vistula River, in the company of a local guide.
- Learn about its fascinating history and gain entry into the enormous 900-year-old Wawel Cathedral, which traditionally has served as the coronation site of the Polish monarchs.
- Stroll through the market square and discover how Krakow developed through the Middle Ages.
- Enter the Rynek Underground Museum and see everything from old coins and clothing to automated puppet performances!
Inclusions
- Expert English, German or French-speaking guide
- A ticket to the State Rooms (Wawel Castle)
- A ticket to the Wawel Cathedral
- A ticket to the Rynek Underground Museum
- Lunch (without drinks)
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
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.