Wawel Cathedral
Wawel Cathedral
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
12:30 PM - 4:00 PM
About
National shrine known for its superb religious art including the giant bell of Zygmunt of 1520, one of the world's largest, and the burial place of many Polish kings and their families, national heroes and numerous bishops.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view










What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Plan your visit
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Stare Miasto
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,960 within 3 miles
Attractions
480 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- jbg74Saint Paul, Minnesota961 contributionsExterior of the Cathedral is GreatThe exterior of the cathedral is great and well-worth a few photos. The interior, although nice, does not compare to St. Mary's Basilica. Unless you really want to see another church interior I recommend viewing the interior of St. Mary's and skipping the interior of Wawel Cathedral. The exterior of Wawel Cathedral is worth four stars but the interior is three stars. I did not climb the bell tower which was about the only tower in Krakow I did not climb. Tickets are limited for the climb so get them early. It is much easier to get a ticket for Sandomierska Tower in the castle rather than the cathedral bell tower.Visited August 2021Written August 12, 2021
- Giulia - Travelling SunglassesBudapest, Hungary70 contributionsBeautiful Cathedral in the Wawel Castle compoundThe queue for tickets was long, so we just walked around the church without entering any crypt or seeing the bell, so we spent less than 30 minutes inside, admiring the black Baroque canopy and chapel, the tapestries and the coffin of St. Stanislav. What I love the most is actually outside: the "Dragon Bones" hanging next to the entrance door; the view of the facade from behind the statue of Pope John Paul II; and the golden dome to the side. A must visit!Visited June 2019Written March 1, 2020
- Tom JLondon, United Kingdom1,532 contributionsInteresting Cathedral - Go early to avoid the crowds!Having visited the cathedral before in August last year we knew what to expect when visiting in January. The cathedral is just as we remembered and just as commanding when visiting a second time around. Be sure to visit early in the day to avoid the mass crowds as after 9-10am it can get very busy with the tours and crowds.Visited January 2020Written January 25, 2020
- DoulaBeverleyGrendon Underwood, United Kingdom193 contributionsGood to get in from the rainVisited here on a wet Monday in February as the castle was closed. We hired audio guides which were useful. You’re not allowed to take any photos inside which is a shame. The bell tower was a lot of steps but worth it once up there., The audio guide rambles on a bit. Out ticket also allowed us into the museum which was very small and unimpressive.Visited February 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten February 10, 2020
- Ida HeiseldalFredrikstad, Norway53 contributionsPlenty of history wrapped in beautiful premisesIt was obviously my intention to visit the Wawel Hill area on my trip to Krakow, but I didn't necessarily intend for it to be the first thing on my bucket list. But I just so happened to stumble upon it on my first walk around Krakow, before even being able to check into my hotel. It was fairly early in the morning, the weather was lovely, and there weren't so many people around either, which suited me fine, as I was quite tired after having been awake since 1AM. The premises are absolutely stunning, and the views include a small garden, two artillery towers, the castle itself, the Wawel Cathedral, a general museum and a restaurant, to name a few. I didn't take the time to explore all of it, but I went into the cathedral, which has also been formed more like a museum, the Sandomierska tower and went for brunch at the little trattoria there, which will get its own review. All the activities are either free or affordable, and I found it a lovely place to just walk around and admire the view as well. The cathedral was absolutely mesmerizing. Built in the later half of the 14th century, it stands tall above the already beautiful city of Krakow. You can also go pay a small fee to go inside and visit the Royal Crypts, which were well worth the time and money for me. The whole cathedral is absolutely packed with Polish history. I didn't spend as much time at the Wawel Hills as I probably should, so I will definitely come back for a more thorough visit next time. Hopefully, a little more rested.Visited May 2022Written May 25, 2022
- EPHtravelsAylesbury, United Kingdom923 contributionsExcellent self guided tourWe paid for the entrance and audio guide £10 for 2 people) which was worth having. It works automatically as you walk round telling you which direction to go. It's not a big cathedral but crammed with chapels, vaults and so much to see. The highlight for me was the Bell Tower. Not an overly difficult climb in my opinion and I'm not a super fit person but small spaces in parts and tiny doorways. Well worth doing if you are able. Can't take photos inside the cathedral sadly, but can in and up the Bell Tower.Visited February 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten February 10, 2020
- RPThorneSedgwick, Australia258 contributionsWell worth a visitThe cathedral is well worth a visit, with its mix of amazing architectural and artistic features. Signs on major exhibits are in Polish and English, although an audio guide headset was available if desired. Some people took tour guides. Unlike other venues at Wawel Castle, the tickets are untimed, so you can purchase a ticket just near the entrance and go in at your leisure. Photography was not allowed and most people were respectful and kept voices low. It is a functioning church and so opening hours were limited on Sunday. The tour route was clearly signed and takes you downstairs to the tombs of past kings and bishops. I spent minimum time in that section. As a senior, I bought the concession ticket for 15 PLN - so not expensive at all. Less than one hour is needed.Visited August 2022Traveled soloWritten August 2, 2022
- andrewwilkes2018Greater London, United Kingdom42 contributionsBetter outside than inDon’t like the interior at all. A beautiful Gothic construction is hidden by memorials, shrines and altars and it feels like a museum rather than anything else. Nevertheless, a must visit up the hill without a doubt and you may find it more to your taste than I did.Visited February 2020Written February 21, 2020
- MarcusHurleyCalne, United Kingdom9,426 contributionsSuperb tombs and bellsThis was a huge fourteenth century building that seemed to be the equivalent to Westminster Abbey - tomb of royalty and VIPs and a seat of power in its own right. Unfortunately we couldn’t take photos inside but some of the side chapels were amazing, particularly the one painted in the fourteenth century that almost seemed like a 19th century Arts and Crafts offering. There was lots of religious stuff and we pretty much skimmed through the Treasury. The Royal Tombs were quite amazing, very well maintained/restored and a variety of styles including stone, metal and possibly painted wood but all ornate. There was also a memorial to Katyn, where the Soviets massacred 25,000 Polish officers and intellectuals in 1940. Again, no photos though. The final visit was to the cathedral bells. These were up a series of incredibly steep and narrow steps and there were quite a few of them on various levels of the staircases. They were all massive and quite ridiculous weights too! Despite being largely closed we’d spent over 5 hours in the castle complex so that was pretty good going.Visited September 2021Written September 23, 2021
- PetrusM1975Warsaw, Poland362 contributionsHeart of Polish NationThe Wawel Cathedral is very important place for polish people full of history and beatifull art. It is Heart of Nation with the Altar on wich polish kings were crowned, reliquiary of St Stanislas - Protector of Poland and tombs of kings and national heroes. In Cracow it is must see. Sighstseeing with profesional guide is very adivisable specialy for people who dind know a lot about polish history. Worth to climb the bell tower for nice panorama of Cracow Old TownVisited June 2021Written June 29, 2021
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
5,882 reviews
Excellent
3,439
Very good
1,925
Average
430
Poor
58
Terrible
30
DoulaBeverley
Grendon Underwood, UK193 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Visited here on a wet Monday in February as the castle was closed.
We hired audio guides which were useful.
You’re not allowed to take any photos inside which is a shame.
The bell tower was a lot of steps but worth it once up there.,
The audio guide rambles on a bit.
Out ticket also allowed us into the museum which was very small and unimpressive.
We hired audio guides which were useful.
You’re not allowed to take any photos inside which is a shame.
The bell tower was a lot of steps but worth it once up there.,
The audio guide rambles on a bit.
Out ticket also allowed us into the museum which was very small and unimpressive.
Written February 10, 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.
Ida Heiseldal
Fredrikstad, Norway53 contributions
May 2022
It was obviously my intention to visit the Wawel Hill area on my trip to Krakow, but I didn't necessarily intend for it to be the first thing on my bucket list. But I just so happened to stumble upon it on my first walk around Krakow, before even being able to check into my hotel. It was fairly early in the morning, the weather was lovely, and there weren't so many people around either, which suited me fine, as I was quite tired after having been awake since 1AM.
The premises are absolutely stunning, and the views include a small garden, two artillery towers, the castle itself, the Wawel Cathedral, a general museum and a restaurant, to name a few. I didn't take the time to explore all of it, but I went into the cathedral, which has also been formed more like a museum, the Sandomierska tower and went for brunch at the little trattoria there, which will get its own review.
All the activities are either free or affordable, and I found it a lovely place to just walk around and admire the view as well.
The cathedral was absolutely mesmerizing. Built in the later half of the 14th century, it stands tall above the already beautiful city of Krakow. You can also go pay a small fee to go inside and visit the Royal Crypts, which were well worth the time and money for me. The whole cathedral is absolutely packed with Polish history. I didn't spend as much time at the Wawel Hills as I probably should, so I will definitely come back for a more thorough visit next time. Hopefully, a little more rested.
The premises are absolutely stunning, and the views include a small garden, two artillery towers, the castle itself, the Wawel Cathedral, a general museum and a restaurant, to name a few. I didn't take the time to explore all of it, but I went into the cathedral, which has also been formed more like a museum, the Sandomierska tower and went for brunch at the little trattoria there, which will get its own review.
All the activities are either free or affordable, and I found it a lovely place to just walk around and admire the view as well.
The cathedral was absolutely mesmerizing. Built in the later half of the 14th century, it stands tall above the already beautiful city of Krakow. You can also go pay a small fee to go inside and visit the Royal Crypts, which were well worth the time and money for me. The whole cathedral is absolutely packed with Polish history. I didn't spend as much time at the Wawel Hills as I probably should, so I will definitely come back for a more thorough visit next time. Hopefully, a little more rested.
Written May 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.
EPHtravels
Aylesbury, UK923 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We paid for the entrance and audio guide £10 for 2 people) which was worth having. It works automatically as you walk round telling you which direction to go.
It's not a big cathedral but crammed with chapels, vaults and so much to see. The highlight for me was the Bell Tower. Not an overly difficult climb in my opinion and I'm not a super fit person but small spaces in parts and tiny doorways. Well worth doing if you are able.
Can't take photos inside the cathedral sadly, but can in and up the Bell Tower.
It's not a big cathedral but crammed with chapels, vaults and so much to see. The highlight for me was the Bell Tower. Not an overly difficult climb in my opinion and I'm not a super fit person but small spaces in parts and tiny doorways. Well worth doing if you are able.
Can't take photos inside the cathedral sadly, but can in and up the Bell Tower.
Written February 10, 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.
RPThorne
Sedgwick, Australia258 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
The cathedral is well worth a visit, with its mix of amazing architectural and artistic features. Signs on major exhibits are in Polish and English, although an audio guide headset was available if desired. Some people took tour guides.
Unlike other venues at Wawel Castle, the tickets are untimed, so you can purchase a ticket just near the entrance and go in at your leisure.
Photography was not allowed and most people were respectful and kept voices low.
It is a functioning church and so opening hours were limited on Sunday.
The tour route was clearly signed and takes you downstairs to the tombs of past kings and bishops. I spent minimum time in that section.
As a senior, I bought the concession ticket for 15 PLN - so not expensive at all. Less than one hour is needed.
Unlike other venues at Wawel Castle, the tickets are untimed, so you can purchase a ticket just near the entrance and go in at your leisure.
Photography was not allowed and most people were respectful and kept voices low.
It is a functioning church and so opening hours were limited on Sunday.
The tour route was clearly signed and takes you downstairs to the tombs of past kings and bishops. I spent minimum time in that section.
As a senior, I bought the concession ticket for 15 PLN - so not expensive at all. Less than one hour is needed.
Written August 2, 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.
andrewwilkes2018
Greater London, UK42 contributions
Feb 2020
Don’t like the interior at all. A beautiful Gothic construction is hidden by memorials, shrines and altars and it feels like a museum rather than anything else. Nevertheless, a must visit up the hill without a doubt and you may find it more to your taste than I did.
Written February 21, 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
This was a huge fourteenth century building that seemed to be the equivalent to Westminster Abbey - tomb of royalty and VIPs and a seat of power in its own right. Unfortunately we couldn’t take photos inside but some of the side chapels were amazing, particularly the one painted in the fourteenth century that almost seemed like a 19th century Arts and Crafts offering. There was lots of religious stuff and we pretty much skimmed through the Treasury.
The Royal Tombs were quite amazing, very well maintained/restored and a variety of styles including stone, metal and possibly painted wood but all ornate. There was also a memorial to Katyn, where the Soviets massacred 25,000 Polish officers and intellectuals in 1940. Again, no photos though. The final visit was to the cathedral bells. These were up a series of incredibly steep and narrow steps and there were quite a few of them on various levels of the staircases. They were all massive and quite ridiculous weights too! Despite being largely closed we’d spent over 5 hours in the castle complex so that was pretty good going.
The Royal Tombs were quite amazing, very well maintained/restored and a variety of styles including stone, metal and possibly painted wood but all ornate. There was also a memorial to Katyn, where the Soviets massacred 25,000 Polish officers and intellectuals in 1940. Again, no photos though. The final visit was to the cathedral bells. These were up a series of incredibly steep and narrow steps and there were quite a few of them on various levels of the staircases. They were all massive and quite ridiculous weights too! Despite being largely closed we’d spent over 5 hours in the castle complex so that was pretty good going.
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.
PetrusM1975
Warsaw, Poland362 contributions
Jun 2021
The Wawel Cathedral is very important place for polish people full of history and beatifull art. It is Heart of Nation with the Altar on wich polish kings were crowned, reliquiary of St Stanislas - Protector of Poland and tombs of kings and national heroes. In Cracow it is must see. Sighstseeing with profesional guide is very adivisable specialy for people who dind know a lot about polish history. Worth to climb the bell tower for nice panorama of Cracow Old Town
Written June 29, 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.
Drumby5
Glasgow, UK26 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
This is a wonderful cathedral to visit.
As part of the ticket price you can visit the Sigismund bell in the tower.
There is no information so let me alert you - there are several levels of stairs to climb in very close and dark surroundings.
For anyone who doesn’t like heights or is claustrophobic, I suggest you avoid as you cannot go backwards as there is a long queue behind you with no space to maneovre.
As part of the ticket price you can visit the Sigismund bell in the tower.
There is no information so let me alert you - there are several levels of stairs to climb in very close and dark surroundings.
For anyone who doesn’t like heights or is claustrophobic, I suggest you avoid as you cannot go backwards as there is a long queue behind you with no space to maneovre.
Written February 15, 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.
Urius
Vilnius, Lithuania798 contributions
Oct 2020
It's up on the hill, so expect to hike up a little bit. Historical stone streets lead up to the Cathedral. The vista and views from up top are fair when you can get to them, but nothing quite so panoramic to go our of your way to see. Good views of the river can be seen though. The Cathedral complex is a mish mash of different architectural styles and motifs which don't seem to go together all that well despite their age and impressive individual appearance.
Written December 30, 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.
MAP12
New Orleans, LA526 contributions
May 2022
I'd put this on a "must-see" list for Krakow. Coronation and burial site for kings and others - and this was where Pope Paul II was ordained to be a priest. It's a miss-mash of different "add on" chapels built through time between the 14th century and now. Contains examples of Romanesque, Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, Neoclassical and Neogothic architecture.
Written June 10, 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.
C'è molta fila per il biglietto?
Nigam
Catania, Italy662 contributions
Sono stato ad agosto e va prenotato
Donna-Lynn C
5 contributions
Hello, I have a morning to kill before my flight. What is the duration to visit the Wawel Cathedral and its museum as well?
Apart from that, I heard that the duration to visit the Wawel Castle is around 3hours. Is that correct? Thanks :-)
Catherine G
Washington, UK127 contributions
You can always go down to the river behind it to see the fire breathing dragon on the shore. First time I went there for my photos of it breathing fire there were some teenagers came down to do the same. When the dragon did breathe its fire I've never seen anyone get as big a shock as these kids did! It added to the fun of our holiday!
EmCo1980
Melbourne, Australia3 contributions
I have a morning to kill before my flight. Is 3-4hrs enough time?
redforestfan
Burton upon Trent, UK34 contributions
Yes plenty sorry been on another holiday!
francy l
Mezzanego, Italy428 contributions
per vedere solo la cattedrale bisogna pagare un biglietto?
kelevra1986
Nettuno, Italy763 contributions
ciao puoi vedere la cattedrale gratuitamente ma in versione Light...il costo delle catacombe e tutta la cattedrale costa davvero pochissimo.
mturnbull
Newton Aycliffe, UK879 contributions
Is there lots of steps
Quietman70
Reading, UK858 contributions
There are a lot of steps yes depending on which parts you visit. The castle is split into different attractions. The tower and the dragons den both have lots of steps and are quite tight. The cathedral, cathedral museum and the Staterooms which are the other parts we visited also have steps but not as many. I have to say my calfs ached the following day from all the steps.
France L
Canada37 contributions
Is it possible to buy tickets in advance ex. for a next day visit?
philippe G
Paris, France1 contribution
I don.t remember but I didn't buy my tickets in advance. No queue anyway
Kayra K
Nicosia, Cyprus
how much time is enough for the visit? how much are the tickets?
Chrishayman66
Kent, UK68 contributions
We just went around the grounds, I do believe it was only around 12 zloty but they do closed early I think around 16:30 we spent over 3 hrs there, I hope this helps you
Recently viewed
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingWawel Cathedral, Krakow
Frequently Asked Questions about Wawel Cathedral
- Wawel Cathedral is open:
- Sun - Sun 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM
- Mon - Sat 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- We recommend booking Wawel Cathedral 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 67 Wawel Cathedral tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Wawel Cathedral:
- (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 Cathedral:
- (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
Wawel Cathedral Information
| Excellent Reviews | 3,439 |
|---|---|
| Very Good Reviews | 1,925 |
| Wawel Cathedral Photos | 3,399 |










































































































