Wawel is opening lesser-known spaces to visitors again — refreshed underground areas and new exhibition routes that let you see the Wawel Hill from a different perspective. If you’re planning a visit, it’s worth preparing so you can see the most interesting parts, avoid long waits, and leave Kraków feeling you used your day well. This article gives a practical itinerary, tips about tickets, what to bring, suggestions for good places to eat and answers to frequently asked questions. Everything is written in a friendly tone to make your visit to Wawel stress-free and inspiring. The permanent underground exhibition “Międzymurze” was opened to visitors on May 23, 2025, and the “Wawel underground” project is part of broader modernization work recently supported by public funds.
The new routes and restored underground spaces let you learn the history of Wawel not only through the representative royal chambers but also through architecture, conservation work and archaeology. Wawel’s lapidarium and underground corridors display fragments of structures, wells and remains of earlier constructions, and the exhibitions combine traditional objects with multimedia and 3D reconstructions. The modernized armory has been enriched with unique military pieces and historic banners that complement the story of medieval and Renaissance Poland. It’s a great opportunity both for history lovers and for families with children, who are often more engaged by interactive exhibition elements.
For visitors who have already seen the classic routes (the Royal Chambers, the Cathedral), the new underground areas are a completely new experience — touring “from below” gives a different atmosphere and pace.
This is a sample, practical plan that lets you see the most important parts of Wawel while keeping a comfortable pace. Feel free to adapt it according to opening hours and the tickets you buy.
Morning (9:00–11:00) - Cathedral and surroundings: start with Wawel Cathedral, the Royal Tombs and the Sigismund Bell. This area often has a separate entrance and queue and deserves a calm, focused visit.
Late morning (11:00–13:00) - Royal Chambers: plan to tour the representative halls of the Castle. Visiting time usually ranges from 45 to 90 minutes depending on the route.
Lunch (13:00–14:30) - break: choose one of the recommended restaurants nearby (see the food section). A rest before the afternoon helps you better appreciate the underground exhibitions.
Afternoon (15:00–16:00) - the new underground route (Międzymurze): the underground trail requires attention and time — allow about 30–60 minutes, especially if you want to use multimedia and read the displays.
Late afternoon (16:30–18:00) - Royal Gardens and seasonal exhibitions: a walk around courtyards and gardens is a pleasant way to end the day; in season you may find outdoor exhibitions and sculptures.
Optional evening - special events: during events (e.g. Museums Night) the Castle opens additional spaces and shows, offering a unique chance to see Wawel in a different setting.
Booking in advance is essential — the new underground areas and reconstructed routes often have limited capacity, so buy tickets online if possible. Check the different available routes because not every ticket covers all exhibitions. When planning, pay attention to entry times and any timed-group arrangements.
Also keep an eye out for promotions and special days — occasionally some residences or exhibitions offer free entry, but such initiatives usually have limited spots and require prior registration. If you visit during the high tourist season, demand is high — it’s best to buy tickets at least a few days in advance.
On site, be prepared for security checks and possible restrictions on bags (some spaces may limit bag size). If you plan to visit several sites (Cathedral, Royal Chambers, underground route), compare fees and combination offers — sometimes packages are more cost-effective.
The underground areas can be cooler and more humid than the representative halls — bring a warmer layer even in summer. Wear comfortable shoes; parts of the routes run over uneven surfaces and stairs.
Visitors with reduced mobility should check the accessibility of a specific route before arriving — not all parts of the underground will be fully accessible; when in doubt, contact the Castle staff ahead of your visit to plan the most suitable route.
For families with children: the new exhibitions often include interactive elements that attract younger visitors. Still, some rooms may have narrow passages or steep stairs — keep this in mind when choosing the route and planning timings.
Around the Old Town and the Vistula boulevards you’ll find a wide choice of places — from traditional inns to elegant restaurants and cozy cafés. I recommend choosing venues with good reviews to enjoy a satisfying meal after a long day of sightseeing. Reliable options near Wawel: Restauracja Wierzynek (historic and distinguished), Pod Wawelem Kompania Kuflowa (traditional atmosphere and hearty portions), Miód Malina (Polish cuisine in a pleasant setting) and cafés such as Café Camelot — all are well-rated and convenient choices after touring.
If you prefer something quieter and more local, look for small cafés along Kanonicza Street or on the Vistula boulevards, where the atmosphere is often less touristy.
Not booking tickets in advance — especially in season or for new routes. The simplest solution: buy online and choose a specific entry time.
Trying to fit too many attractions into one day — Wawel has a lot to offer; it’s better to see fewer things thoroughly than to be exhausted and remember little.
Skipping the underground areas — many visitors focus only on the Royal Chambers and the Cathedral. The new underground routes and the lapidarium add valuable layers to the castle’s story and are worth including in your plan.
Being unprepared for conditions — lack of comfortable shoes, no light layer for the cooler underground or no water are small oversights that can reduce comfort.
When were the new underground areas opened? The new permanent underground route called “Międzymurze” was opened on May 23, 2025, as part of making more of Wawel’s underground spaces accessible.
How much time is needed to see the new routes? Approximately 30–60 minutes for the underground route, 45–90 minutes for the Royal Chambers, plus extra time for the Cathedral and nearby courtyards. A full visit with breaks usually takes 3–5 hours depending on pace.
Where is the entrance to the underground route? The entrance to the new route is located on the western side of the hill — access was planned from the area near Powiśle / the tower by the river; check current practical information before your visit.
Are there accessibility limitations for people with disabilities? Not all sections of the underground are fully accessible due to stairs and the historic character of the structure. Visitors with limited mobility should contact the Castle staff ahead of time to plan the most suitable route.
Is it worth visiting Wawel during Museums Night? Yes — it’s a special opportunity to see selected spaces in a unique atmosphere. Events of this type usually have separate entry rules and may offer reduced ticket prices, but places are also limited.
In Wawel’s underground you can encounter construction fragments from different eras — from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. Walking through these layers is like traveling through the building’s history.
The modernization works of the underground aim not only to open new spaces to visitors but also to create modern study storage for museum staff and conservators, so the collection can grow and gain new exhibited objects.
Wawel is one of the few places where, within a short distance, you can see sacred monuments, residential spaces and fragments of historic urban infrastructure — this makes it easy to tailor a visit to your own interests.
If you’re planning a visit to Wawel, take a little time to plan your route — booking tickets, keeping a sensible pace and including the new underground areas will help you fully appreciate this site’s richness. Small preparations, like comfortable shoes, a light layer for cooler rooms and checking opening hours, greatly improve the comfort of the trip.
If you’d like a more personal and easier visit, I encourage you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details and offers are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it will help others plan their visit to Kraków. Wishing you wonderful discoveries at Wawel and a great stay in Kraków!
