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 guided tour, discover the history and secrets of the Polish monarchy
Explore Royal Wawel Castle, one of the most spectacular castles in Europe and learn about the history of Kings of Poland. Visit Magnificent Royal Private Apartments with a professional guide.
en, pl
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 guided tour, discover the history and secrets of the Polish monarchy
Explore Royal Wawel Castle, one of the most spectacular castles in Europe and learn about the history of Kings of Poland. Visit Magnificent Royal Private Apartments with a professional guide.
en, pl
Krakow self-balancing scooter tour of the Old Town, Kazimierz and the Jewish Ghetto
Discover Krakow's Old Town, the Jewish quarter and the Jewish Ghetto on a 3-hour guided self-balancing scooter tour. Learn about the city's past and present.
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Book your Wawel Hill guided tour and learn interesting facts and legends about Krakow from your local guide.
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Krakow private walking tour including Kazimierz
Enjoy a private tour of Krakow including the Jewish district of Kazimierz. Learn about the city's history from your professional guide
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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 Self-balancing scooter joy ride tour
Join a 30-minute Self-balancing scooter tour & cruise down the Planty Gardens, pass the Wawel Castle, down the royal route to the Barbakan and medieval fortifications.
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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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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.”
“Muy buena experiencia, si no quieres contratar un guía, está es la mejor manera, realmente te vas pagando en cada monumento, calle, etc y te explican toda la historia. La verdad que nos gustó mucho la experiencia y la repetiremos sin duda.Gracias”
“Dodatkowo udało się zwiedzić Katedrę i Muzeum Archidiecezjalne.Włocznia Św Maurecego (ponad 1000 lat) robi wrażenie!”
“Argomenti spiegati e trattati molto bene e con l'aiuto delle immagini riprodotte sul registratore ci si orienta molto facilmente tra le strade, chiese e monumenti da osservare durante la riproduzione.”
