A new underground route called "Międzymurze" has opened at Wawel - it reveals the layers of walls and fortifications of the Wawel hill from the early Middle Ages to the 19th century. The exhibition opened in spring 2025 and combines archaeology, the hill’s geology and threads of the Wawel Dragon legend, making it appealing both to history lovers and families with children.
The route runs in the space between the hill’s defensive walls, near the Dragon’s Den (Smocza Jama) and the Złodziejska Tower, and is one of the few places where centuries-old remains of fortifications can be seen in one spot. The exhibition uses discreet multimedia and lighting to highlight the wall structures without overwhelming the historical character of the site.
Typical visiting time is about 30–60 minutes - depending on pace and interests. Because the exhibition is underground, wear comfortable shoes and a light extra layer, as temperatures can be lower than on the surface.
Wawel is several independent routes and places in one: the Royal Chambers, the Treasury and Armory, temporary exhibitions, the Dragon’s Den and Wawel Cathedral with tombs of dukes and kings. Not every exhibition is open at the same times and some have limited capacity, so plan which places you want to visit on the same day.
If you plan a full day, split the visit into stages: morning - Royal Chambers and permanent exhibitions; late morning - a walk or lunch in Kazimierz; afternoon - the underground route or the Dragon’s Den. Keep in mind that some temporary shows change seasonally and may require a separate ticket.
Outdoor elements are also important - terraces and views from the hill, gardens and architectural details nicely complement the indoor exhibitions.
Opening hours vary between routes, but most Wawel exhibitions are accessible in the morning and afternoon. In the tourist season entrances begin early, and the last admissions usually take place about 30–60 minutes before closing. Pay attention to the time printed on your ticket.
Buy tickets in advance, especially in season (May–September) and on weekends - some routes have limited capacity. Tickets are often issued for a specific entry time, which should be observed. Allow time for lines at ticket offices and possible security checks.
Ticket prices differ by route - for clarity: the Royal Chambers, the Treasury and the Cathedral have separate fees; discounted tickets are available for children, pupils and students. If you plan to visit several routes, check combined-ticket options which can be more economical.
Sometimes selected exhibitions offer free admission on Mondays, but the offer is limited in number and scope - not all displays will be open. If you arrive on such a day expect heavier traffic and a fast depletion of free places, so ask at the ticket office for details.
Remember public holidays and special dates when some sites may be closed or operate on altered hours. It’s always worth checking up-to-date information for the day you plan to visit. If you can’t find current data online, call the ticket office or the tourist information point in advance.
Don’t leave important arrangements to the last minute - some exhibitions sell tickets only for specific time slots.
Kazimierz and Wawel make a perfect neighbourhood for a full day of sightseeing - the walk between the hill and the heart of the former Jewish district takes about 20–30 minutes on foot, depending on your pace and stops along the way.
Suggested practical day plan - a friendly proposal: - morning: Wawel (Royal Chambers, royal terrace, brief permanent exhibitions) - late morning: the underground route "Międzymurze" or the Dragon’s Den - lunch: Kazimierz - afternoon: walk around Kazimierz, visit synagogues and museums, coffee or local snacks break - evening: dinner and relaxation in one of the district’s restaurants or bars.
On the way between the districts pause at the Vistula Boulevards - a pleasant route with views of the river and Wawel, especially lovely in the late afternoon.
Not all underground routes and the Dragon’s Den are fully accessible for wheelchair users - many places include stairs and uneven surfaces. If you travel with a person with limited mobility, plan the route in advance and contact the site staff to learn which parts of the hill are accessible.
For families with children: - younger visitors are often fascinated by elements related to the Wawel Dragon; - plan breaks and avoid cramming too many attractions into one day; - watch children closely on underground routes because of stairs and sometimes narrow passages.
Check availability of language guides or audio guides if you want more detail without slowing your pace of visiting.
Kazimierz is a great place to combine culture with good food. For something traditional try one of the district’s restaurants serving Polish cuisine. For a quick and characteristic snack try a zapiekanka at Plac Nowy - a classic of Krakow street food.
For a longer break, choose one of the cozy cafés or restaurants in Kazimierz’s side streets - the neighbourhood’s atmosphere invites leisurely meals. After visiting Wawel, sit down for coffee and cake or try local specialities nearby. If you’d like specific recommendations, I can suggest places tailored to your tastes.
If you plan an evening out, Kazimierz offers a wide range of bars and live music venues - a great way to finish a busy day of sightseeing.
How much time should I reserve for Wawel and Kazimierz? - To see the main Wawel sites and enjoy an unhurried walk in Kazimierz with a lunch break, plan a full day. A shorter focused visit can be done in 4–5 hours but will be intense.
Do I need to book tickets in advance? - In season and on weekends, definitely yes. Online booking helps avoid lines and guarantees admission at a set time.
What should I bring? - Comfortable shoes, a warm layer for underground exhibitions, a small water bottle, an ID if you’re eligible for a concession ticket and a charged phone for photos and maps.
How to avoid crowds? - The fewest people are usually early in the morning and late afternoon, outside the peak season. Choose weekdays outside long holiday weekends.
Is photography allowed? - In most places you may take photos without flash, but some temporary exhibitions or museum halls may have photo restrictions - check the information at the entrance.
What if I have more questions just before arrival? - Contact me via the site zwiedzaniekrakowa.com or call in advance - I’m happy to help adjust the plan, tickets and route to your expectations.
