Wawel Royal Castle
Wawel Royal Castle
4.5
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
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.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Neighborhood: Stare Miasto
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See what travelers are saying
- Petia HSofia, Bulgaria302 contributionsReally worth viewingThe castle is gorgeous. You can have a very nice view to the river from it. What isn’t worth is the entrance ticket for the cathedral - 22 plz per person, since it’s not so special inside. Another thing that’s overpriced is the entrance for the small cave through which you pass to the dragon - 9 plz per person. The dragon can be reached and seen without passing along this route.Visited October 2023Traveled with friendsWritten October 18, 2023
- yellerwelly21 contributionsTicket system is nuts but beautiful sight to seeWell worth a visit but ticket system is nuts. You need to buy a ticket for each part separately so we did state rooms, treasuries, armouries and dragon cave. Was 198 pl for two people. Apparently a ticket for the entire place only available before 11. Took a good couple of hours but was plenty more to see so pretty sure a full day would be needed.Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 28, 2023
- Michael H166 contributionsEnglish speaking tour 'Image of the Golden Age' and free state room ticket (Oct 2023 only)Amazing palace complex, interesting history and spectacular items. History made to come alive by the once daily English speaking tour 'Image of the Golden Age' (several times a day in Polish) for items temporarily loaned from around the world and relevant to Krakow and Poland. For the month of October this also included tickets for the state rooms - which with the audio guides (payable / English available) lead to a fascinating morning blessed by stunning blue skies and great photos! It is free to look around the grounds and this is worth doing even without tickets. Toilets in the grounds are free to use with your ticket (scanned automatically on way in) or 2PLN without tickets. DEFINITELY book before to avoid queues and as some tickets run out early and tickets can be scanned on your phones etc.Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 28, 2023
- ellieitaliaSheffield, United Kingdom233 contributionsGood views from hereEnjoyed a slow walk up the gentle slope to the castle. We went in the armoury and wandered around. Great city views. Inexpensive. Good starting point to see the river and get a sense of the town. Would have like to go in other areas hjt was short on time. Wasn’t overly busy.Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 2, 2023
- MikeBrunswick, Ohio34 contributionsA must see destination!I have been to Poland numerous times and have visited Wawel during every season. The view, the history and the energy are so positive, I could see it a hundred times and it will never get old. Take time to see everything at Wawel if you can. You won’t regret it!Visited November 2023Traveled soloWritten November 21, 2023
- JoeBangkok, Thailand4,955 contributionsUnmissableMajestic historical gem. Really enjoyed my time here and I spent around 5 hours total. I got the combined ticket for everything. Stand outs include the treasure room and residences. You can add the cathedral to extend the time. The dragon cave was pointless and the tower was just ok. Overall a very enjoyable experience. You can use your ticket multiple times for the toiletVisited October 2023Traveled soloWritten November 25, 2023
- spike8744Cardiff, United Kingdom133 contributionsGreat views of the area.Visited the castle for the cultural history and surrounding views and we were not disappointed. Plenty to see and a nice little cafe within the grounds. The down side was having to pay for each section of the castle even the toilets if you never had a ticket. Lovely souvenirs in the shop at realistic prices.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 30, 2023
- Hayley C8 contributionsBeautiful castleBeautiful castle. Lovely to look around. Was very busy with school trips so didn’t get to experience it how we imagined. Can imagine if you knew more about the families there this would be very interesting. It was a beautiful castle and would recommend but thought it would offer more than it did.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 6, 2023
- Redkitewatcher64Andover, United Kingdom2,007 contributionsBeautiful castle above the city centreStopped off here as part of the walk by Citywalk. Located on top of a hill above the main city. Beautiful castle , with many different chapels of different designs for all the different kings that were buried here. Look out for the dragon bones that hang by the entrance , its believed that if they fall so will Krakow. Great views over the wall, which also look down on the fir breathing dragon of Krakow. Sadly didn't have time to go inside , but by the queues of people its a popular attraction.Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 27, 2023
- TickleishWellington, New Zealand326 contributionsAwesome groundsWe didn’t have enough time to visit inside the castle and cathedral so we opted to tour the grounds and place this on our bucket list. The grounds are amazing and the big main square past the cathedral was amazing. The rain impacted some of touring, but what we saw was superb.Visited January 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten January 1, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
10,708 reviews
Excellent
5,473
Very good
3,648
Average
1,210
Poor
255
Terrible
122
LadyKJohn
Exeter, UK8 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, UK8 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, UK122 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, UK102 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, UK10,787 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.
LanceJackson M
Dudley, UK89 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.
Robert O
Rotterdam, The Netherlands5,838 contributions
Oct 2020
Since Wawel hill has been occupied by those who held power (roughly since around 1000 AD), the site has been the scene of construction, decline and reconstruction. The result is a complex that for an outsider is rather confusing to understand. The help of guides is on offer ( at a price), but to absorb their stories and appreciate what they are showing is hardly possible, if you do not have at least some knowledge of Polish history. So come prepared after some study.
Also helpful is to make up your mind about what you prefer to see beforehand. In my case I focussed on architecture especially from the late 1500s period (Poland's Golden Age). E.g. the Renaissance style inner courtyard is outstanding. It feels almost as if you are in Italy. For me another highlight are the Coxie tapestries (Flemish) from the Jagiellonian period. I skipped almost all that was built and collected after 1600 when Krakow ceased to be the capital of Poland.
Also helpful is to make up your mind about what you prefer to see beforehand. In my case I focussed on architecture especially from the late 1500s period (Poland's Golden Age). E.g. the Renaissance style inner courtyard is outstanding. It feels almost as if you are in Italy. For me another highlight are the Coxie tapestries (Flemish) from the Jagiellonian period. I skipped almost all that was built and collected after 1600 when Krakow ceased to be the capital of Poland.
Written February 7, 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.
Ashleigh O
Glasgow, UK161 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
Unfortunately Wawel castle tanked right from the word go. We queued to buy tickets for the various offerings of Wawel Castle, the member of staff serving us was rude. She gave us the wrong change and took offence to this being pointed out. When we asked for directions she told us to go away and that this is what maps are for. I am unsure why she has a job working with the public.
We go to the Royal apartments, it’s fine, I have seen better. We head at the allocated time to the states apartments (I believe that’s what it was called) we are on time and stand in line watching the security speak horrendously to 3 elderly women in the queue in front of us. It was tight on space and one the ladies was larger and this seems to cause security a problem, accusing her of jamming the line up. It was nasty, unacceptable and I thought let’s just leave. Which is what we did.
I have given this place place a 2 because I appreciate the architecture and the good work done to maintain and preserve this however as an experience it’s lacking in all areas.
We go to the Royal apartments, it’s fine, I have seen better. We head at the allocated time to the states apartments (I believe that’s what it was called) we are on time and stand in line watching the security speak horrendously to 3 elderly women in the queue in front of us. It was tight on space and one the ladies was larger and this seems to cause security a problem, accusing her of jamming the line up. It was nasty, unacceptable and I thought let’s just leave. Which is what we did.
I have given this place place a 2 because I appreciate the architecture and the good work done to maintain and preserve this however as an experience it’s lacking in all areas.
Written January 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.
Joanne B
36 contributions
Oct 2019 • Family
Nice walk up and into the grounds, which is free to enter, you then pay to see different tours and areas.
It’s a lovely look out point over the city.
We paid for the armoury room, unless your really into that sort of thing I wouldn’t bother.
And we paid for a tour of the private rooms which was quite interesting , but very long.
Guide was ok, but he had a lot of info to give so sometimes felt it was a little on fast forward.
A lot of our group lost interest half way around, but you have to stay with guide unless you’d never find your way out.
What I found good about the tour you never bumped into any other groups on the way around. Because of the strict times to go in.
Really nice coffee shop in grounds and reasonably priced.
All in all worth a visit, even if it’s just for a coffee and the view.
It’s a lovely look out point over the city.
We paid for the armoury room, unless your really into that sort of thing I wouldn’t bother.
And we paid for a tour of the private rooms which was quite interesting , but very long.
Guide was ok, but he had a lot of info to give so sometimes felt it was a little on fast forward.
A lot of our group lost interest half way around, but you have to stay with guide unless you’d never find your way out.
What I found good about the tour you never bumped into any other groups on the way around. Because of the strict times to go in.
Really nice coffee shop in grounds and reasonably priced.
All in all worth a visit, even if it’s just for a coffee and the view.
Written March 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.
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
Written July 13, 2023
Ciao devi prendere Orari diversi per le varie visite
Written July 15, 2023
Is the castle and cathedral free? Bit confused as some posts seem to say it's free and others say it's a charge?
Written August 19, 2020
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.
Written August 20, 2020
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
Written March 11, 2020
Poland has shutdown all museums etc.
Written March 12, 2020
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?
Written February 17, 2020
Gratis
Al lunedi mattino, aperte solo alcune parti
Biglietti ad esaurimento.
Non so se anche in estate, però....
Written February 17, 2020
Καλημέρα, on line το κάστρο δεν δίνει εισιτήρια, αλλά μπορείτε να κλείσετε μέσω του tripadvisor
Written January 20, 2020
Is it a steep walk up to the castle? Difficult?
Written November 13, 2019
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.
Written November 13, 2019
Anka
Nowa Deba, Poland
W jakiej cenie jest dostępna przechowalnia bagażu? Czy można zostawić dużą walizkę?
Written September 9, 2019
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.
Written September 9, 2019
Are there wheelchairs you can borrow for elderly visitors? Not sure my mom will make it all the way around the site...
Written August 15, 2019
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.
Written August 22, 2019
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.
Written July 30, 2019
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.
Written September 3, 2019
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