If you want to see Wawel from a tourist bus — the most reliable spots are stops right by Wawel Hill (for example the stop on ul. Grodzka) and short pauses on streets and squares along the Royal Road and by the Vistula River. Remember that many official coach positions (so-called K+R BUS) have limited stopping time, so plan photos and disembarking in advance.
Grodzka (stop below Wawel) — the most convenient place if you want to stand almost at the foot of Wawel and quickly get a classic postcard photo with the castle in the background. Practically many sightseeing routes have one of their main stops here.
Matejko Square — a convenient place to get off and start a walk along the Royal Road toward Wawel; a good point if you want to combine seeing Wawel with a short stroll through the Planty and the historic streets.
Stradom / ul. Dietla (stops in the Stradom area) — a short walk and you are under Wawel Hill; often used by tourist buses as a disembarkation point.
ul. Powiśle (parking below Wawel) — used to be a very convenient place for coaches right by Wawel; since 23.09.2023 some coach parking from this spot was restricted, so you can’t always count on a long stop at the castle walls.
the Vistula riverbank and bridges (for example around Piłsudski Bridge) and stops on the Podgórze side (ul. Podgórska, pl. Bohaterów Getta) — from these spots you’ll see Wawel from a different, picturesque perspective, often better for panoramic and evening shots.
Aleja 3 Maja by the National Museum — a point where tourist buses sometimes have a longer stop (occasionally extended to about 20 minutes), which gives more time for a quick visit and good photos.
ul. Dajwór, Monte Cassino and other K+R BUS locations — other official positions in the city; not all offer a direct view of Wawel but are useful if you want to plan a short walk toward the hill.
There isn’t one “magic” seat on the bus — but some rules help you get better shots: choose the upper deck (if the bus is open-top or has a glazed upper level, the top gives a better panorama), sit near the front — you’ll have fewer poles and structural elements in the frame, and pay attention to which side of the city you are passing: that decides from which side Wawel will appear.
If you plan to get off at Grodzka or Matejko Square, be prepared to leave quickly — official tourist stops usually have limited stopping time; keep your camera or phone ready, secure straps, etc. (short coach stops are due to city regulations).
For panoramic photos and less “touristy” compositions get off on the Podgórze side (pl. Bohaterów Getta, ul. Podgórska) — the panorama of Wawel Hill from the river side often looks impressive, especially in good weather.
Check which stops a given double-decker operator uses — not all routes are identical. Some companies advertise a “stop under Wawel”, others stop a bit further and suggest a short walk.
City rules regulate: tourist stops are places of limited stay — usually up to 10 minutes, some selected positions have an extended stop up to 20 minutes. Watch for K+R BUS signs and follow the driver’s instructions.
If you want to visit Wawel interiors, note that the nearest public transport stops are the tram stop “Wawel” on ul. św. Gertrudy and bus stops such as ‘Jubilat’ and ‘Stradom’ — from them you can reach the hill in a few minutes. Book tickets for the castle interiors in advance during the season.
For groups and coaches: the city has designated K+R BUS positions and coach parking — drivers and tour organizers are usually familiar with these, but it’s good to confirm in advance where your vehicle will stop.
The most beautiful light on Wawel is in the first hour after sunrise and during the golden hour before sunset. If you plan shots with the Vistula and the bridges — late afternoon gives warm, pleasing colors.
There are fewer tourists in the early morning and late afternoon, so quick disembarkations and photos are easier. In summer, allow extra time for walks and queues to enter the castle interiors.
If you’re on a hop-on hop-off bus — plan your Wawel stop at the beginning or end of the loop to avoid crowds, and check how many minutes the operator allows at each stop (different operators have different rules).
Assuming the bus will stop for a long time “right under Wawel” — official stops have limited time; be ready to disembark quickly and take fast photos.
Sitting on the lower deck if you want a panorama — choose the upper (open or glazed) deck near the front for clearer, wider shots.
Not planning access to Wawel — even if the bus stops nearby, entry to some castle parts requires a ticket and time; keep this in mind and reserve entrances in advance if you want to see interiors.
Not checking temporary traffic changes — Krakow sometimes introduces temporary stop changes and detours; before you board, check updates from your operator and city announcements.
If you want really nice, less crowded photos, consider combining the bus ride with a short walk along the Vistula riverbank — the river perspective gives a different, often more picturesque silhouette of Wawel.
For families with small children and people with limited mobility it’s most convenient to get off at the tram stop “Wawel” (ul. św. Gertrudy) — it’s the shortest walk to the hill.
If you want someone to take your photo with Wawel in the background — ask the driver or bus staff for a short pause at the designated stop; they’ll often help, but remember the time limits.
Check the weather and carry a light rain layer — views by the Vistula are beautiful even with clouds, but protect your camera and phone.
If you want something nearby and well regarded: Wierzynek (historic restaurant by the Market Square) is a classic — pricier, but with a unique atmosphere; Pod Wawelem Kompania Kuflowa is a more relaxed spot popular with visitors seeking traditional cuisine.
In Kazimierz you’ll find great cafés and well-reviewed places — Massolit Books & Café (bookstore with a café) or Cafe Camelot (ul. Św. Tomasza) are praised by visitors for atmosphere and quality. Choose places with high ratings and reserve a table on weekends.
After intensive sightseeing, relax on the Vistula Boulevards — benches, river views and Wawel from the opposite bank are a great way to rest and capture more photos for your album.
Will the bus always stop “right under Wawel”? - Not always; many buses stop at nearby points (Grodzka, Stradom, Matejko Square). Always check the operator’s route before you travel.
How much time do I have to sightsee if I get off from a tourist bus? - Official city coach positions usually limit stopping time to about 10 minutes; some places have extended stops (up to 20 minutes). Plan short and efficiently.
Where is the best place to buy Wawel tickets? - The most reliable option is directly from the Royal Castle’s official website or through the museum’s indicated sales points; in season reservations in advance are often necessary.
Does a hop-on hop-off bus have a stop exactly under Wawel? - Many sightseeing routes have a main stop around Grodzka (below Wawel) — check the specific route map of the operator.
Wawel’s appearance changes strongly depending on the time of day and the observation point — from the Old Town side it looks monumental and royal, while from Podgórze and the boulevards it feels more picturesque and urban.
Although it seems most convenient to have a coach right at Wawel, the city increasingly directs coaches to designated K+R BUS positions to maintain traffic flow and safety in the center — this changes disembarkation logistics and requires short, planned stops.
If your goal is a beautiful view of Wawel from a double-decker bus — choose the upper deck and be ready for quick exits at Grodzka or Stradom; for panoramas and calmer compositions get off on the Podgórze side. Remember stop time limits and plan any interior visits in advance.
If you’d like a more comfortable, personalized way to discover Wawel and the surroundings — contact private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz for tailored plans, short routes and practical tips. More practical plans and short itineraries are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
If this article was helpful — share it with friends or on your social media. Enjoy exploring Krakow and capturing great shots of Wawel!
