Things to do in Wawel Castle
Wawel Castle in Krakow is the ancient heart of Poland, a multifaceted art museum and a patchwork of nearly all European architectonical styles. The castle is located upon Wawel Hill, overlooking the Vistula river and has been for many centuries the residence of the Polish royal family.
One of the first UNESCO world heritage sites, the castle consists of a number of different structures from different periods and includes architectural styles from medieval, renaissance and baroque periods. The castle was originally built in the eleventh century, the remains of which can be located in the northern wing of the present-day castle. In the fourteenth century, the castle was considerably extended and renovated, which then continued throughout the years.
The grounds and gardens surrounding the castle are interesting to explore and offer beautiful views over the Vistula River. Visitors to the castle can enjoy access to the former state rooms and private royal apartments, which include some of the original interior design. The art museum encompasses various permanent art exhibitions that range from Oriental art to paintings (including Italian Renaissance), prints, tapestry, sculptures, porcelain, arms and more. Visit the Dragon’s Den, a legendary cave full of murky caverns in the western slope of Wawel Hill or climb the Sandomierska Tower and enjoy the stunning views over Krakow and the surrounding countryside.
The Wawel Cathedral is also within the grounds and is the burial and crowning site of many Polish monarchs. Entrance into the Cathedral is separate and offers richly decorated interiors and beautiful works of art and relics.
The castle is easily accessible by foot from the city centre or public transport options are also available. A must-see for anyone visiting Krakow, the Wawel Castle is beautifully preserved and represents the most important historic and cultural place in the country.
Our recommendations in Wawel Castle
Krakow Card with free museums, attractions, and public transport
Discover Krakow with the comfortable Krakow Card, visit the most interesting museums and attractions in the city and take advantage to use public transport free of charge.
Wawel Castle, Cathedral and Rynek Underground guided tour with lunch
Explore the Royal Route in Krakow! Visit the Royal Chambers and Cathedral on Wawel Hill and then see the Rynek Underground Museum on the Market Square.
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Wawel Castle and Wawel Hill audioguided tour
Explore Wawel Hill in Krakow which is one of the most significant places in Poland. Visit Wawel Castle during your audio guided tour.
en, it, fr, es, de, +3 ru, pl, sv
Wawel Castle's Greatest Exhibitions with English Guide
Explore the Royal Wawel Castle, one of the most spectacular castles in Europe, with an expert English-speaking guide and learn about the history of Polish Kings.
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Krakow Card with free museums, attractions, and public transport
Discover Krakow with the comfortable Krakow Card, visit the most interesting museums and attractions in the city and take advantage to use public transport free of charge.
Wawel Castle, Cathedral and Rynek Underground guided tour with lunch
Explore the Royal Route in Krakow! Visit the Royal Chambers and Cathedral on Wawel Hill and then see the Rynek Underground Museum on the Market Square.
en
Wawel Castle and Wawel Hill audioguided tour
Explore Wawel Hill in Krakow which is one of the most significant places in Poland. Visit Wawel Castle during your audio guided tour.
en, it, fr, es, de, +3 ru, pl, sv
Wawel Castle's Greatest Exhibitions with English Guide
Explore the Royal Wawel Castle, one of the most spectacular castles in Europe, with an expert English-speaking guide and learn about the history of Polish Kings.
en
3-day Museum & Attraction Pass in Krakow
Get access to over 40 museums in Krakow and explore the city at your own pace, and visit the most popular sites such as Oscar Schindler's Factory, Eagle Pharmacy and St. Mary's Basilica.
Guided Wawel tour with lunch and Vistula River cruise
Book a Wawel Hill, Castle and Cathedral guided tour with lunch and cruise by catamaran included. Visit one of Poland's top attractions and learn how the Polish monarchy used to live.
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Krakow Wawel Castle and Cathedral guided tour
Book your Krakow Wawel Castle and Cathedral guided tour to see the Royal chambers of former Polish kings including the permanent exhibition of recreated rooms from the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
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Wawel Castle, Cathedral and Wieliczka Salt Mine guided tour with lunch
Book a tour to Wawel Royal Castle and Wieliczka salt mine with lunch and transportation included. Learn about the lives of the former kings inside their State Rooms then discover the secrets hidden 340 meters underground at the UNESCO World Heritage salt mine.
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Escape Tour self-guided, interactive city challenge in Krakow
Discover Krakow in a unique way: find clues and complete the puzzle in an escape app-guided tour!
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Sightseeing cruise on the Vistula river in Krakow
Discover the highlights of Krakow from the Vistula, relax at the sound of the waves and have great fun.
en, pl
Night cruise on the Vistula in Krakow
Discover the highlights of Krakow by night on the Vistula, relax at the sound of the waves and have great fun.
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Krakow Old Town sightseeing by golf cart and Wawel Castle guided tour
Book a guided tour of Krakow Old Town by golf cart and explore Wawel Royal Castle. See the most iconic parts of the UNESCO world-heritage-listed city before touring the former residence of Polish kings.
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How to get there
Wawel Castle
Krakow
Poland
Reviews Wawel Castle
“With this card you can get free transportation for 2 days and visit a wide variety of museums and attractions!. I Visited Schindler List Fabric, awesome experience.”
“Really nice way to spend an hour and you get to see Krakow from a different perspective”
“La visite commence avant le château et ainsi permet de mieux comprendre le contexte historique et contemporain. Une belle première pour cette expérience réussie.”
