Many visitors want to ‘tick off’ Krakow’s most important sights without giving up a visit to Wawel. That’s perfectly possible, but keep a few limits in mind: tickets for some Wawel exhibitions are limited, certain routes have fixed entry times, and access to the Cathedral or the tower often takes place in set time windows.
So the golden rule is: book Wawel as a timed reservation. Arrange the rest of your sightseeing — the bus tour or walks around the city — around that booked slot.
Wawel is not a single “entry” — it’s several routes and exhibitions. The Castle interiors, the Cathedral with its crypts, the Sigismund Bell, the tower with a viewing terrace and temporary exhibitions often require separate tickets. Tickets are valid only on the day of purchase and for the chosen time slot, so booking online is the safest way to avoid disappointment.
On the castle’s official website you can check current opening times, information about entry limits, options to reserve a guide or audio guide, and rules about luggage and restrictions. The Reservations Office handles both groups and individual visitors and there’s also an information point where you can confirm times and possible changes.
1. Buy or reserve your Wawel ticket in advance (with a specific time slot). This is the most important step.
2. Choose a bus or route that stops at or near Wawel. Plan to have a 30–45 minute buffer between the bus arrival time and your Wawel entry — to walk up, allow for possible queues and security checks.
3. If you’re using a hop-on hop-off bus or a regular city line, get off at the nearest stop and head straight up to the hill. After visiting you can rejoin the bus on the next run or continue exploring the Old Town on foot.
A standard visit to the Castle interiors and the Cathedral usually takes 1.5–2.5 hours, depending on whether you climb the tower, visit temporary exhibitions or use a guided tour. If you only plan quick photos and a visit to the Cathedral, 45–60 minutes can be enough.
If you want to visit the Cathedral, the Castle, climb the tower and see the cathedral museum — it’s better to plan half a day, or do a shorter visit now and come back later for the rest.
The Reservations Office at Wawel handles ticket and guide bookings. Group reservations are mandatory, and ticket numbers for some exhibitions may be limited. Check the Reservations Office opening hours before your planned visit.
Official guided tours and audio guides are available on site. If you want a deeper introduction to the history, it’s worth taking a guided tour led by guides working with Wawel.
It’s most convenient to get off at a stop immediately adjacent to Wawel — check the bus route map to make sure the bus stops near the boulevards or a street leading up to the hill. From the stop, walking to Wawel typically takes 5–15 minutes, depending on the exact location and pedestrian traffic.
If you plan to leave luggage on the bus or in storage, allow time to collect it. Also remember that some exhibitions and churches have restrictions on large bags.
Wawel sits on a hill, so reaching it requires a short uphill walk. Not all internal routes are fully accessible for wheelchair users — before visiting, check the accessibility information for specific exhibitions and routes and available facilities. Some routes include stairs or narrow passages.
If you’re traveling with someone with reduced mobility, it’s a good idea to contact the Reservations Office in advance to plan the most comfortable route and any assistance you may need.
09:00 – Start a city bus tour of Krakow, quick photos at the Main Market Square and at St. Mary’s Church.
10:30 – Get off near Wawel, short walk and entrance at your reserved time (ticket booked in advance).
13:00 – After visiting Wawel, lunch nearby. Recommended options close to Wawel include long-established restaurants and well-reviewed cafés — for example, Pod Wawelem for hearty local fare or Wierzynek on the Market Square for a historic dining experience.
14:30 – Back on the bus for more sightseeing: Kazimierz or the Planty, depending on the bus route.
Around Wawel you’ll find both traditional restaurants and cozy cafés. If you want places with local character and good reviews, consider restaurants known for Polish cuisine and well-rated cafés in the Old Town.
If you’re after something special, pick a spot with a view of the Vistula or a café located in a historic townhouse — a lovely way to rest after a walk and soak up Krakow’s atmosphere for a while longer.
Not booking Wawel in advance – many people arrive spontaneously and cannot enter because of limits. Buy your ticket online ahead of time.
Not allowing enough time to get there – don’t expect the stop to be right at the entrance; leave at least 30–45 minutes between the bus arrival and your entry time.
Choosing the wrong bus route – not every bus stops where it’s most convenient for you. Check the stop map before you travel.
Not planning where to eat – popular restaurants can be full after morning tour groups. Reserving a table for after your Wawel visit is a good idea.
Wawel is not just the castle and the cathedral — it is a museum complex with separate routes and exhibitions, each with their own entry limits and tickets. Temporary exhibitions can have their own access rules.
Not all parts of the Cathedral are always open to visitors; there are days or hours when liturgical ceremonies or conservation work take place.
Wawel has a Reservations Office that serves both groups and individual tourists. It’s worth using this service if you want to visit at a specific time or need a guide.
Can I buy a Wawel ticket on the day I visit? Often yes, but not always — some routes have daily limits. It’s safer to buy your ticket online in advance.
Do I have to use a guide? No — you can visit on your own with an audio guide, but an official guide adds historical context and anecdotes you might otherwise miss.
How much does entry cost? Ticket prices vary depending on the route and exhibition. Check current prices before you travel.
Are there luggage restrictions? Yes — some exhibitions restrict large bags. It’s better to leave suitcases in storage or on the bus.
Check Wawel’s opening hours and possible conservation breaks. Confirm opening times and changes on the castle’s official channels or by calling the Reservations Office.
Remember time limits: tickets for selected exhibitions are valid only on the day of purchase and often only within a specific time slot, so plan ahead.
If you found this article useful, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help them plan a better visit to Krakow.
If you want your sightseeing to be even easier and more enjoyable, consider booking a private tour with guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Reservation details and contact information are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. We’ll gladly help plan your route, match times and reserve entries so your day in Krakow is stress-free and full of great experiences.
