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
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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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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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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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.
en, it, es, pl, fr, +1 de
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.
en, pl
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
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
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.
en, it, es, pl, fr, +1 de
Krakow pass with three picks, audio guide and e-sim
Choose from Auschwitz-Birkenau, Wieliczka Salt Mine, or Schindler's Factory. Create your own itinerary!
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Krakow pass with two top picks, audio guide and e-sim
Choose from Auschwitz-Birkenau, Wieliczka Salt Mine, or Schindler's Factory. Create your own itinerary!
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Krakow pass with one top pick, audio guide and e-sim
Explore Krakow's cultural treasures with the City Pass Classic. Choose your top attraction and enrich your experience with an audio guide.
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120-Minute Electric Scooter Rental in Krakow
Discover the iconic landmarks of Krakow on an E-scooter. Glide along the Royal Route, visit Wawel Castle, and explore the historic Jewish Quarter.
60-Minute Electric Scooter Rental in Krakow
Discover the iconic landmarks of Krakow on an eco-friendly electric scooter. Glide along the Royal Route and explore Wawel Castle. Book now!
30-Minute Electric Scooter Rental in Krakow
Discover the iconic landmarks of Krakow with an electric scooter rental. Glide along the Royal Route and soak up the city's charm.
2-Hour Self-Balancing Scooter Rental in Krakow
Explore the iconic landmarks of Krakow on self-balancing scooter. Glide along the Royal Route and soak in the city's charm!
Wawel Castle Interiors and Crown Treasury Private Tour
In this private tour you will embark on a captivating journey through opulence and grandeur at Wawel Castle's Royal Apartments and Crown Treasury.
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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.”
“Great tour”
“De interactie is minimaal. Er worden hier en daar wat feitjes verteld over wat je ziet, maar geen achtergrond informatie. Alleen het daadwerkelijke wat je ziet. Daarnaast zie je net zoveel als je een halfuur de ene kant oploopt en vervolgens een halfuur de andere kant oploopt”
“Lovely calm quiet boat ride”
