How to visit Wawel and the Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden cheaply with your family? Many people planning a day in Kraków ask that. Good news: you can plan a fun, inexpensive day that combines a visit to Wawel with relaxing time in the Botanic Garden — you just need to know the basic ticket options and a few simple money-saving tricks. Below are practical details about prices, what tickets usually include, and tips to make the day smooth and affordable.
The Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden has a clear price structure: regular tickets, reduced tickets and a family ticket (usually 2 adults + 2 children), plus seasonal and annual passes. A family ticket for the Botanical Garden is often much cheaper than visiting several major paid attractions in Kraków — it’s a good option for families who want a calm green break after walking the Old Town. If you plan multiple visits during the year, seasonal or annual passes can be very cost-effective.
For Wawel Royal Castle the situation is more complex: there are family and reduced tickets, but the final price depends strongly on which exhibitions you choose. A short visit to the representative chambers costs much less than a full tour that includes multiple branches, underground sections and treasury displays — for a family of four the difference can be noticeable. Decide in advance which parts of the castle are your priorities.
Remember also that the Botanical Garden may charge extra for professional photo sessions inside greenhouses or other designated spots — if you plan a photoshoot, include that fee in your budget. The Botanic Garden’s main site is at ul. Kopernika 27, near the city centre, which makes it easy to combine with sightseeing around Planty and the Old Town.
Buy thoughtfully: at Wawel consider whether you want to see every branch. Choosing only 1–2 priority exhibitions shortens the visit and lowers the cost. For the Botanical Garden, check whether the family 2+2 ticket is available — it often beats buying separate single tickets.
Watch for seasonal and annual options: if you live in Kraków or plan to return within the year, a seasonal or annual pass for the garden can pay off. Also check municipal programs — sometimes the city or local projects offer free or subsidised entries for specific groups (for example seniors from certain districts).
Bring documents that grant discounts: student or pupil IDs, the Large Family Card (Karta Dużej Rodziny), and disability documents. Without the proper proof a ticket may be sold at the full price.
Early start at Wawel: begin before the biggest crowds arrive. Choose 1–2 priority exhibitions rather than trying to see everything — with children that strategy usually works much better. After the castle, take a short break walking through Planty or the Old Town streets for coffee and a snack.
Afternoon in the Botanical Garden: after an intensive morning it’s lovely to move into a green setting. The Garden is a place where kids can run along paths and parents can relax among plants and in the greenhouse interiors. If you have a seasonal or family ticket the visit will be both nicer and more economical.
Where to eat: after a day of sightseeing try places appreciated by both visitors and locals. For traditional Polish cuisine consider established restaurants in the centre such as Wierzynek; for a cosy café atmosphere try Café Camelot or Charlotte near the Market Square. If you prefer a quick coffee and cake, pick one of the popular cafés close to the Old Town. Near the Botanic Garden you can look for quiet cafés or plan a picnic on one of the green spots just outside the garden entrance.
The Botanical Garden sometimes runs educational events, workshops and hortitherapy sessions — these are excellent for families and a great alternative to a simple walk.
The city of Kraków occasionally runs projects enabling free or subsidised admissions for selected resident groups — check local announcements, especially if you travel with seniors.
If you plan a photoshoot inside the garden or greenhouses, remember these are usually paid services and often require prior reservation.
Not planning the scope of your Wawel visit — many tourists try to “see everything” and then waste time and money. It’s better to pick the exhibitions that interest you most.
Forgetting discount documents — before buying, check which IDs are accepted for reduced tickets and have them ready. Without them the discount may not be granted.
Buying single tickets instead of considering seasonal or family passes — if you plan more than one visit, periodic tickets frequently save money.
Does a family ticket always mean 2 adults + 2 children? In most places a family ticket is listed as 2 adults + 2 children, but definitions and limits can vary — always check the rules of the specific attraction before purchase.
Do children get in for free? Some sites offer free admission for the very young, but the age limit differs. Always confirm the rules before your visit.
Is it worth using a guide? A guide brings history and context to life for both children and adults, but it is an additional cost. If you want to save money, do a self-guided visit with a clear plan of which exhibitions to see.
After Wawel and a walk through the Old Town you can choose from many well-regarded restaurants and cafés. Wierzynek offers a historic dining experience, Café Camelot is known for its cosy interior, and Charlotte is a popular spot for bread, pastries and coffee near the Market Square. For families look for places with children’s menus and quick service.
If you plan a longer stay near the Botanic Garden, check the local map in advance to find a calm spot for a picnic or a nearby café close to the garden entrance. A picnic next to the green areas is a lovely way to end a garden afternoon.
Top restaurants and cafés can be busy — reserving a table in advance is a simple way to avoid disappointment.
Plan around your family’s rhythm: shorter routes, regular breaks and flexibility will make the day enjoyable for everyone. Saving on tickets is often a matter of choosing a narrower scope of exhibitions and using family or seasonal passes.
If you’d like a personalised sightseeing plan or a tailored private tour for your family, consider the services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and contact information are available on her guide page. If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or on social media so others can plan a better day in Kraków too!
Quick reminder: always check current prices and regulations before your visit, since policies and offers can change.
