Wawel Royal Castle
Wawel Royal Castle
4.5
Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas • Castles
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Tuesday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Serving as a royal residence and the site where the country's rulers governed Poland for five centuries (1038-1596), this castle is a symbol of the independent Polish state and today contains a priceless collection of 16th-century Flemish tapestries, considered to be one of the largest in the world.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Stare Miasto
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,960 within 3 miles
Attractions
480 within 6 miles
See what other travelers are saying
- Jane2806Livingston, United Kingdom226 contributionsFairytale castleThe castle is just how I imagine a fairytale castle should look like, so pretty. We walked around the castle on our first day, then visited again the next during our walking tour. I would recommend visiting with a guide as we saw and learnt much more about the castle on our second visit, rather than just using a guide book. The reason I haven’t given the castle a 5star review was that you need to buy individual tickets to enter different parts of the castle interiors, which mean queuing for tickets, then waiting for your allocated time slot. Not ideal if your time is limited. Even though we didn’t get to see any of the interiors, just taking a walk around the castle was worth the visitVisited July 2022Written July 25, 2022
- pawel_hbgSopot, Poland9,993 contributionsPoland's national and cultural symbolWawel is a limestone hill in the centre of Krakow upon the Vistula River with a complex of impressive historical monuments of unique historical, artistic values and is Poland's national and cultural symbol. It is huge castle with many things to visit inside. You can visit Royal Private Apartments for 25 PLN adult ticket, Crown Treasury and Armoury for also 25 PLN. Moreover Royal Gardens for 5 PLN, Sandomierska Tower for 5 PLN, Dragon's Den for 7 PLN. Furthermore separately for 12 PLN The Royal Sigismund Bell with Royal Crypts, Cathedral Museum and Wawel Cathedral. Complicated? Even more if you cannot buy tickets online, on the place you need to stand in 2 different queues. It is complete lack of organisation. All complex is a must in Krakow, it is amazing but it can make you tired because of that.Visited June 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten June 16, 2020
- Lisonholmes3 contributionsMust-see in KrakowThe Wawel royal castle is a must-see if you are in Krakow. Not only it is a piece of art architecturally speaking. It is also a great witness of the time. Indeed, built between the 13th and 14th century, the castle has known many inhabitants through the centuries. When wondering around the castle one can learn the many legends regarding the building itself or its foundation. Hence the presence of the statue of a dragon spitting fire down Wawel hill. Nowadays one can visit the splendid rooms of the castle which has pretty much become an art museum. The castle overlooking the Vistula river, offers a great sunset at dusk.Visited December 2019Written November 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
10,577 reviews
Excellent
5,396
Very good
3,610
Average
1,201
Poor
251
Terrible
119
Jane2806
Livingston, UK226 contributions
Jul 2022
The castle is just how I imagine a fairytale castle should look like, so pretty. We walked around the castle on our first day, then visited again the next during our walking tour. I would recommend visiting with a guide as we saw and learnt much more about the castle on our second visit, rather than just using a guide book. The reason I haven’t given the castle a 5star review was that you need to buy individual tickets to enter different parts of the castle interiors, which mean queuing for tickets, then waiting for your allocated time slot. Not ideal if your time is limited. Even though we didn’t get to see any of the interiors, just taking a walk around the castle was worth the visit
Written July 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pawel_hbg
Sopot, Poland9,993 contributions
Jun 2020 • Couples
Wawel is a limestone hill in the centre of Krakow upon the Vistula River with a complex of impressive historical monuments of unique historical, artistic values and is Poland's national and cultural symbol. It is huge castle with many things to visit inside. You can visit Royal Private Apartments for 25 PLN adult ticket, Crown Treasury and Armoury for also 25 PLN. Moreover Royal Gardens for 5 PLN, Sandomierska Tower for 5 PLN, Dragon's Den for 7 PLN. Furthermore separately for 12 PLN The Royal Sigismund Bell with Royal Crypts, Cathedral Museum and Wawel Cathedral.
Complicated? Even more if you cannot buy tickets online, on the place you need to stand in 2 different queues. It is complete lack of organisation. All complex is a must in Krakow, it is amazing but it can make you tired because of that.
Complicated? Even more if you cannot buy tickets online, on the place you need to stand in 2 different queues. It is complete lack of organisation. All complex is a must in Krakow, it is amazing but it can make you tired because of that.
Written June 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisonholmes
3 contributions
Dec 2019
The Wawel royal castle is a must-see if you are in Krakow. Not only it is a piece of art architecturally speaking. It is also a great witness of the time. Indeed, built between the 13th and 14th century, the castle has known many inhabitants through the centuries. When wondering around the castle one can learn the many legends regarding the building itself or its foundation. Hence the presence of the statue of a dragon spitting fire down Wawel hill. Nowadays one can visit the splendid rooms of the castle which has pretty much become an art museum. The castle overlooking the Vistula river, offers a great sunset at dusk.
Written November 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LadyKJohn
Exeter, UK7 contributions
Feb 2020
As the castle looms over the city of Krakow it's essential that you pay it a visit if you're staying in Krakow. You can walk in and around the exterior of the buildings for free but if you want to go inside there are two separate ticket offices for the castle and cathedral. When buying castle tickets you have to choose which areas you want to go to which is annoying as you don't know if you've never been there before! We chose the Armoury and the State Rooms which worked out to be about £4 each and were worth a visit. When we tried to get in one of the exhibitions at the end of the State Rooms, we were told we needed yet a further ticket, which a helpful couple told us they'd been given while in the Cathedral.
While the buildings and architecture are stunning, we found buying tickets all too confusing!
While the buildings and architecture are stunning, we found buying tickets all too confusing!
Written February 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jamiebeckford
Jersey, UK9 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
We visited the magnificent looking Royal Castle which we viewed from our sumptuous hotel room. It was a warm day and upon our arrival we saw that a que had formed. We realised that there was only one ticket office which at a processing time of approximately 1 customer every 5 minutes meant that those who had formed behind us would have a wait of approximately 2 hours. What beggars belief is that there are members of staff handing out leaflets who could if the management had any sense be issuing tickets via portable ticket machines. When you do finally arrive at the ticket desk you are told that you have to purchase tickets for individual exhibits done of which have a limit on the number of visitors who can be admitted per day. Upon receiving our tickets and walking into the castle itself we discovers that there were lengthy ques to enter the exhibits we had booked. This is a diabolical shambles. An organizational disaster zone in which the loser is the customer who has essentially paid heavily to be stood in ques. I would suggest that the management of this historic venue look to appoint an independent expert to look over the customer experience and to develop a strategy going forward to customer access and ticket sales a more streamlined process. This will avoid customer frustration, reviews like this and make the magnificent building accessible and enjoyed by all those whom frequent its wallsu.
Written August 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marcus_Fatticus
London, UK139 contributions
Mar 2020
On an admittedly windy and cold day it was hard to find much worth seeing other than the far views towards the river (ie not towards the Old Town alas) which can only really be found on one side of the castle. We didn't pay to go inside, perhaps that's the problem, but there very little visible information anywhere about what was actually inside to see and we didnt see a single member of staff outside anywhere to ask either. The castle itself has been built and added to over time so has an oddly disjointed aesthetic, and is surprisingly plain and boring to look at. The cafe was tucked in a corner with no signs to find it but once located was a welcome but expensive retreat from the cold. Good coffee & lovely waitresses who were very friendly. Good for a 30 min bit of exercise to walk up to and whizz round...
Written March 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachel G
Leicester, UK33 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
The view from the castle wall was gorgeous to look at along the river. The castle grounds, Court yard and church are all free to enter and some charming polish music was playing when we went. Despite the grey day the views were gorgeous of the entire city and the staff were all helpful. Make sure you get there before 1pm if you want to look inside the castle rooms as there's limited tickets available
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ryan W
Nottinghamshire, UK105 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
We were very interested in visiting the castle and it’s grounds but found the booking in system very confusing, no real queuing system or guide as to what you’re actually paying for.
Ended up in all parts of the ground and up the tower to the big bell.
A good experience to pass a couple of hours, wouldn’t bother going back if ever in the city again though...
Ended up in all parts of the ground and up the tower to the big bell.
A good experience to pass a couple of hours, wouldn’t bother going back if ever in the city again though...
Written October 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MarcusHurley
Calne, UK9,426 contributions
Sep 2021
We climbed the ramp and went to the ticket office to find that most of the castle was closed on a Monday. Oh joy! I booked the armoury, Royal Gardens and Lost Wawel exhibitions, a total cost of 20PLZ, about £4.
The Lost Wawel exhibition showed ongoing excavations and discoveries and it was quite impressive how far down the original buildings were, considering they were only 900 years old. There were lots of glazed clay tiles and stonework as well as models on what the castle looked like through its various incarnations. A lot of the displays were unlit and the general low lighting made it difficult to read some of the info. The medieval footwear they had on display was amazing though, very intricate.
We left the exhibition and walked around outside, trying to workout where to go. There were maps of the site but helpfully, none of the places we had tickets for were actually marked. Eventually we gave in and (Deb) asked a guide! Second stop was the Treasury and Armoury - this was quite amazing. The stupid glass (a specially inbred museum variety) made it very difficult to take pictures but the weapons were quite incredible works of art. Crossbows, muskets and assorted melee weapons all demonstrated superb carving and inlay work. The Polish weapons and armour were surprisingly eastern and it was good to see the gear of a winged hussar at last.
After all this excitement (!) we needed sustenance so we visited the cafe in the grounds. This was actually excellent and we both had salmon with salad for about the same as a Happy Meal back home! Our next visit was to the Royal Gardens, which were quite small but nicely laid out with roses, an orchard and various other bits that Deb could identify. There were also good views over the city. That was the castle done so next was the cathedral.
The Lost Wawel exhibition showed ongoing excavations and discoveries and it was quite impressive how far down the original buildings were, considering they were only 900 years old. There were lots of glazed clay tiles and stonework as well as models on what the castle looked like through its various incarnations. A lot of the displays were unlit and the general low lighting made it difficult to read some of the info. The medieval footwear they had on display was amazing though, very intricate.
We left the exhibition and walked around outside, trying to workout where to go. There were maps of the site but helpfully, none of the places we had tickets for were actually marked. Eventually we gave in and (Deb) asked a guide! Second stop was the Treasury and Armoury - this was quite amazing. The stupid glass (a specially inbred museum variety) made it very difficult to take pictures but the weapons were quite incredible works of art. Crossbows, muskets and assorted melee weapons all demonstrated superb carving and inlay work. The Polish weapons and armour were surprisingly eastern and it was good to see the gear of a winged hussar at last.
After all this excitement (!) we needed sustenance so we visited the cafe in the grounds. This was actually excellent and we both had salmon with salad for about the same as a Happy Meal back home! Our next visit was to the Royal Gardens, which were quite small but nicely laid out with roses, an orchard and various other bits that Deb could identify. There were also good views over the city. That was the castle done so next was the cathedral.
Written September 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lancethebass
Dudley, UK91 contributions
Feb 2020
The grounds are free and lovely to walk around and there are some beautiful views of the city to be had from the ramparts. Some of the places inside have a fee but the grounds alone are well worth a visit. It's quite a walk-up with lots of steps so pace yourself. Some good facilities were on-site to grab a coffee or a meal. Good gift shop with very reasonably priced souveniers.
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Francesco DG
Sicily, Italy126 contributions
Ciao a tutti, il 26 luglio mi piacerebbe iniziare la visita di Cracovia con questo castello, sul sito ci sono i diversi biglietti per le diverse aree e mi sono un po' incartato per la scelta degli orari! Ogni posto ha un orario o devo prendere i biglietti tutti per la stessa ora? Avete consigli anche di diversa natura? Grazie, Francesco
04nico77
Rome, Italy827 contributions
Ciao devi prendere Orari diversi per le varie visite
Emma P
Spennymoor, UK71 contributions
Is the castle and cathedral free? Bit confused as some posts seem to say it's free and others say it's a charge?
Renee A
10 contributions
All of the above. When we were there we couldnt have gone in as it was the first day of closures due to covid. We enjoyed walking the grounds and the views of Krakow.
Shannon
Dublin, Ireland20 contributions
Hi there
My boyfriend and I have krakow booked for next week 18-22 March. We are supposed to be travelling from Dublin.
We are not sure whether to continue with the trip, or cancel it due to corona virus. Are most tourist places still open? I’m aware museums are starting to close etc. Just wondering if it will be worth it for us to go as we wanted to visit Auschwitz etc.
We were planning to fly out of Warsaw and get the train from krakow to Warsaw.
If anyone could provide us with some information that would be great
Douglas S
Greensboro, NC16 contributions
Poland has shutdown all museums etc.
Elsa
Elba Island, Italy1 contribution
Ciao skafuzzina vorrei sapere a che ora si può fare la visita al castello co l'audioguida in italiano. e vero che la domenica l'ingresso è gratis?
ReviewsItaly
italy2,532 contributions
Gratis
Al lunedi mattino, aperte solo alcune parti
Biglietti ad esaurimento.
Non so se anche in estate, però....
Απο που μπορω να κλεισω εισητηρια ον λαιν? Γινεται βασικα?
JOHN V
ATHENS4 contributions
Καλημέρα, on line το κάστρο δεν δίνει εισιτήρια, αλλά μπορείτε να κλείσετε μέσω του tripadvisor
yvonneguthrie24
London, UK19 contributions
Is it a steep walk up to the castle? Difficult?
Louise G
Cornwall, UK122 contributions
It’s not a steep walk, there is different entrances to the castle both have an incline but not steep, a gentle stroll should be sufficient to reach the castle grounds.
Anka
Nowa Deba, Poland
W jakiej cenie jest dostępna przechowalnia bagażu? Czy można zostawić dużą walizkę?
Sylwia T
Słupsk, Slupsk, Poland51 contributions
Niekoniecznie jest to przechowalnia bagażu. Zostawia się tam plecaki torebki takie większe z którymi wejście mogłoby grozić uszkodzeniem eksponatów. Nie widziałam tam dużych walizek raczej plecaki, większe torebki, płaszcze parasole. Przechowalnia była bezpłatna.
Roberta H
Fowler, IL9 contributions
Are there wheelchairs you can borrow for elderly visitors? Not sure my mom will make it all the way around the site...
PierreBMalta
San Gwann, Malta476 contributions
No I do not think so. But if you arrive with a well chair there is a lot to see even if not everywhere is accessible.
Ria J
Dubai, United Arab Emirates3 contributions
Hi can I do self guided tour in the castle.?i see only guided tours online? Where can I buy the tickets to enter the castle premises.? Thanks for the reply.
dave20144
Essex, United Kingdom40 contributions
There can be queues, but then everyone stops at the first booth they see at the top of the hill on the way in - there are others which should be quieter.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Wawel Royal Castle
- Wawel Royal Castle is open:
- Sun - Sun 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Tue - Sat 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
- We recommend booking Wawel Royal Castle tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 165 Wawel Royal Castle tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Wawel Royal Castle:
- (0.03 mi) Gold Queen Apartment
- (0.12 mi) Pod Wawelem Hotel
- (0.17 mi) Hotel Wawel Queen
- (0.17 mi) Hotel Copernicus
- (0.19 mi) Balthazar Design Hotel
- Restaurants near Wawel Royal Castle:
- (0.09 mi) Restauracja Trattoria Wawel
- (0.08 mi) Restaurant at Wawel Royal Castle
- (0.07 mi) Pod Smocza Jama Restauracja
- (0.14 mi) Pod Nosem
- (0.06 mi) Kawiarnia Słodki Wawel
- Attractions near Wawel Royal Castle:
- (0.00 mi) Wawel Cathedral
- (0.00 mi) Pomnik Tadeusza Kościuszki
- (0.01 mi) Statue of John Paul II
- (0.03 mi) Czakram Wawelski
- (0.06 mi) Krakow Archery
Wawel Royal Castle Information
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