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.

Plan a trip to see Wawel Castle

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
New Port Hotel
Metropolitan Boutique Hotel
Kanonicza 22

Browse tours and tickets to explore Wawel Castle

Tours & day trips

See all 114 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 19 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 15 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 5 activities

Reviews of Wawel Castle

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
280
5 - Excellent 73%
4 - Good
90
4 - Good 24%
3 - Okay
10
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful castle overlooking the city of Krakow. A must see!

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

At 2 pm there were no more tickets available for the day.

5/5 - Excellent

DoggieMommie

This is walkable from the apartment, it is only about a twenty minute walk. It is well worth your time to go here, especially if you love dragons.

5/5 - Excellent

Gary

Visits are scheduled. Select the venues before purchasing tickets and allow at least 1/2 day.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

An interesting Polish castle.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Very long ques. ..

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Wawel Castle

1891 Garni Hotel

1891 Garni Hotel

4 out of 5
4 Podbrzezie, Kraków, Malopolskie
1891 Garni Hotel
Radisson Blu Hotel, Krakow

Radisson Blu Hotel, Krakow

5 out of 5
17, Straszewskiego Street, Kraków, Lesser Poland
Radisson Blu Hotel, Krakow
Bachleda Luxury Hotel Kraków - MGallery Collection

Bachleda Luxury Hotel Kraków - MGallery Collection

5 out of 5
Plac Kossaka 6, Kraków
Bachleda Luxury Hotel Kraków - MGallery Collection
Sheraton Grand Krakow

Sheraton Grand Krakow

5 out of 5
Ul. Powisle 7, Kraków, Lesser Poland
Sheraton Grand Krakow
Metropolitan Boutique Hotel

Metropolitan Boutique Hotel

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

PURO Kraków Kazimierz

4 out of 5
ul. Halicka 14a, Kraków
PURO Kraków Kazimierz
Hotel Rezydent

Hotel Rezydent

3 out of 5
ul. Grodzka 9, Kraków, Lesser Poland
Hotel Rezydent
Aparthotel Stare Miasto

Aparthotel Stare Miasto

4 out of 5
Ul. Golebia 2, Kraków, Lesser Poland
Aparthotel Stare Miasto
Aparthotel Best Views Luxury

Aparthotel Best Views Luxury

5 out of 5
ul. Zwierzyniecka 29, Kraków
Aparthotel Best Views Luxury
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

While visiting Wawel Castle in Kraków, explore the vibrant local art scene, enjoy theater performances, and participate in the renowned Kraków Film Festival. Don't forget to check out the shopping options nearby for unique souvenirs. If you're looking to expand your adventure, consider taking a day trip from Kraków to discover the beautiful surrounding areas. There's something for everyone to enjoy at this historic site.

Shopping

For a great shopping experience near Wawel Castle, visit Little Market Square, just 0.5 miles away, offering a local vibe. Florianska Street, 0.7 miles away, is perfect for unique shops. If you're up for a drive, Galeria Krakówska is a shopping mall 1 mile away with diverse options.

Recreation

The ICE Krakow Congress Centre, located 0.5 miles from Wawel Castle, offers vibrant music concerts that energize your spirit. Enjoy the lively atmosphere at Marshal Jozef Pilsudski Stadium, 0.7 miles away, where sports events bring excitement. Nearby, the Kraków Philharmonic, just 0.3 miles from the castle, hosts enchanting performances.

Adventure

Experience thrilling adventures at Wawel Castle with a visit to Park Wodny, a vibrant waterpark located 3 miles away, offering family-friendly fun. For something different, head to the Kraków Shooting Range, also 3 miles away, or the Laser Arena, an exciting venue only 0.6 mile away.

Nightlife

A night at Wawel Castle offers a blend of culture and romance. Enjoy a captivating performance at the Juliusz Slowacki Theater, just 0.8 miles away, or experience the Groteska Theatre, located 0.7 miles away, both perfect for family-friendly entertainment.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Wawel Castle

Wawel Castle in Kraków offers a rich blend of culture and romance, making it a must-visit destination. Explore the historic Wawel Cathedral and the fascinating museum within the castle grounds. Nearby attractions enhance your experience, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural immersion. Don't miss the charm of the surrounding areas, where you'll find galleries and additional points of interest to enrich your visit.

  • Wawel Cathedral: A stunning example of Gothic architecture, Wawel Cathedral is not only the spiritual heart of Poland but also a historical marvel. Visitors can explore its magnificent chapels, impressive altars, and royal tombs, immersing themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the nation.
  • Dragon's Den: Venture into this intriguing cave, steeped in local legend. Located beneath Wawel Hill, Dragon's Den offers an adventurous exploration of its natural rock formations and the fascinating myth of the legendary dragon that once lived here.
  • Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology: This unique museum blends Japanese culture with modern technology, showcasing stunning art pieces and exhibitions. It's a peaceful retreat that highlights the beauty of Japanese aesthetics while promoting cultural exchange.

Best time to go to Wawel Castle

The best time to visit Wawel Castle is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July and August are its hottest month on average. At the time of August, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January29.5°F (-1.4°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February31.6°F (-0.2°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March39.0°F (3.9°C)No RainMostly 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 RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December32.9°F (0.5°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Wawel Castle

To save money on your visit to Wawel Castle, plan your trip between January and March when hotel prices are lowest. Booking about a month in advance can also yield better rates, especially if you check for last-minute deals on Expedia. Mondays typically offer the best prices, while Fridays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tools to find budget-friendly options and consider joining their One Key membership for exclusive discounts. Additionally, walking around the area can be a cost-effective way to explore without spending on public transport.

  • 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: Booking a hotel around Wawel Castle about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • 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: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation 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.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia