Wawel Castle Tours

Wawel Castle
Wawel Castle
Wawel Castle
Wawel Castle
Wawel Castle


See the coronation sword of Polish kings, opulent royal apartments, Renaissance paintings and an underground cave system at Krakow’s biggest castle. 

Explore the former bedchambers and staterooms in Wawel Castle. See Flemish tapestries and paintings by Rubens. Head to the Treasury to view collections of armor and royal jewelry and explore the castle’s past in an exhibit dedicated to archaeological finds in and around the grounds. Visit a cave where legend says a dragon once lived or relax with a stroll around the Royal Garden.

A castle was first built on the Wawel Hill as far back as the 14th century, but the building you see today is largely the later work of King Sigismind I. In the 16th century he brought the finest sculptors, builders and artisans from Italy and across Europe to create a fashionable, Renaissance-style palace. Perched high above the Vistula River, it remains one of the most prominent sights in Krakow today.

Start your exploration of the castle in the Treasury. Here you will find the sword used to swear in Polish kings, as well as a large collection of armor and royal jewelry. Visit the top floor to find more royal riches in the king’s apartments. See art by Rubens and other Renaissance painters, original furniture and portraits of the rooms’ former inhabitants. Enjoy sweeping views across Krakow from the Hen’s Foot Tower.

Delve into the castle’s past in the Lost Wawel exhibit, a collection of archaeological finds from as far back as the 10th century. Enter the cathedral and visit the ornate tombs of bygone kings. Descend into the labyrinth known as the Dragon’s Den, a cave system beneath the castle. The entrance is easy to find thanks to the large bronze dragon that breathes fire at regular intervals throughout the day.

Wawel Castle is a 10-minute walk from the main town square in central Krakow. It is open daily. Check the castle’s official website for opening hours, as these vary. Be aware that daily visitor numbers to the castle are limited, so it’s best to arrive early in the day during summer and on public holidays. All areas of the castle, such as the Dragon’s Den and the Treasury, have separate entrance fees.

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District17 - LoftAffair Collection
The Bonerowski Palace Boutique Hotel

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Best Lodging Options Near Wawel Castle

Radisson Blu Hotel, Krakow

Radisson Blu Hotel, Krakow

5 out of 5
17, Straszewskiego Street, Kraków, Lesser Poland
Radisson Blu Hotel, Krakow
1891 Garni Hotel

1891 Garni Hotel

4 out of 5
4 Podbrzezie, Kraków, Malopolskie
1891 Garni Hotel
Hotel Rezydent

Hotel Rezydent

3 out of 5
ul. Grodzka 9, Kraków, Lesser Poland
Hotel Rezydent
Balthazar Design Hotel

Balthazar Design Hotel

5 out of 5
63 Grodzka St, Kraków, malopolskie
Balthazar Design Hotel
Sheraton Grand Krakow

Sheraton Grand Krakow

5 out of 5
Ul. Powisle 7, Kraków, Lesser Poland
Sheraton Grand Krakow
AC Hotel by Marriott Krakow

AC Hotel by Marriott Krakow

4 out of 5
Aleja 3 Maja 51, Kraków
AC Hotel by Marriott Krakow
Betmanowska Main Square Residence Adults Only

Betmanowska Main Square Residence Adults Only

4 out of 5
Ul. Rynek Glowny 44, Kraków
Betmanowska Main Square Residence Adults Only
Metropolitan Boutique Hotel

Metropolitan Boutique Hotel

4 out of 5
ul. Berka Joselewicza 19, Kraków, Lesser Poland
Metropolitan Boutique Hotel
Hotel Golden Queen

Hotel Golden Queen

4 out of 5
10 Tarlowska, Kraków, Malopolskie
Hotel Golden Queen
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Wawel Castle

When visiting Wawel Castle in Kraków, be sure to explore the stunning cathedral tours that showcase its rich history and architecture. You can also enjoy various fashion events held nearby, adding a modern twist to your cultural experience. Don't miss the opportunity to take a comprehensive tour of the castle itself, immersing yourself in the fascinating stories and legends that surround this iconic landmark.

Shopping

Your shopping experience near Wawel Castle will be delightful! Little Market Square, only 0.5 miles away, offers a vibrant atmosphere with local goods. Florianska Street, 0.7 miles from the castle, features charming shops. Galeria Krakówska, 1.0 mile away, provides a mix of entertainment and retail options.

Recreation

The ICE Krakow Congress Centre offers vibrant entertainment experiences, with a variety of concerts that energize the spirit. Nearby, the Cracovia Stadium and Marshal Jozef Pilsudski Stadium provide thrilling sports events, perfect for those seeking an active and lively atmosphere during their visit to Wawel Castle.

Adventure

At Wawel Castle, dive into fun at Park Wodny, a vibrant waterpark located 3 miles away, perfect for family adventures. Explore the natural beauty of Nowa Huta Meadows, an outdoor oasis 4 miles from the castle. For thrill-seekers, Kolej linowa Chełm offers exhilarating skiing experiences 18 miles away.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Wawel Castle by visiting the Juliusz Slowacki Theater for captivating performances, Groteska Theatre for a unique cultural experience, or Laznia Nowa Theatre for diverse shows. Each venue offers a blend of romance, family-friendly vibes, and entertainment just a short distance away.

Find the best attractions near Wawel Castle

Wawel Castle in Kraków is a must-visit for travelers seeking cultural enrichment and outdoor experiences. This iconic site features stunning churches, fascinating museums, and captivating galleries, all set against the backdrop of the royal castle. Whether you're exploring Wawel Castle or delving into its rich history, there's something for everyone in this vibrant area, making it a perfect destination for a memorable vacation.

  • Dragon's Den: Located a mere 0.1 miles from Wawel Castle, Dragon's Den is a fascinating cave that evokes a sense of adventure. Legend has it that a dragon once lived here, making it a thrilling spot for exploration and storytelling.
  • Wawel Cathedral: Right next to Wawel Castle, this magnificent cathedral is a cultural gem, showcasing stunning architecture and rich history. It’s the final resting place of Polish kings and a site of significant national ceremonies.
  • Royal Private Apartments: Also 0.1 miles away, these historic apartments offer a glimpse into royal life. The beautifully decorated rooms reflect the opulence of the Polish monarchy, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Best time to go to Wawel Castle

Visitor numbers around Wawel Castle is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Wawel Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Wawel Castle falls in July and August. July has slightly high visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather. The coolest average temperature around Wawel Castle falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January29.5°F (-1.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February31.6°F (-0.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March39.0°F (3.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April48.2°F (9.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October49.3°F (9.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November41.0°F (5.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
December32.9°F (0.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Wawel Castle

To save money on your visit to Wawel Castle, consider traveling between January and March for lower hotel rates. Book your stay about a month in advance, ideally on a Monday for the best deals. Use Expedia to find last-minute discounts and package deals that combine your hotel, flights, and activities. Join their One Key membership for exclusive offers and earn OneKeyCash for future bookings. For public transport, Kraków has an affordable bus system, and walking is a great way to explore the area without spending extra.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Wawel Castle are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Wawel Castle about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Wawel Castle is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Wawel Castle is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool empowers you to set your budget, choose your ideal destination, and customize your preferences. You can easily arrange your search results from the lowest to the highest price, ensuring that the most affordable hotels appear first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel category—selecting the "Eco-certified" filter, for instance, will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Wawel Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.