Yes — this is one of the most popular combinations for visitors to Krakow. The Royal Route links the most important points of the Old Town and ends on Wawel Hill, so planning a route “from the gate to the castle” is natural. The key to a successful day is sensible time management: you can treat the Royal Route as a walk with short stops (2–3 hours) or as a program with entries to interiors (4–6 hours or a full day if you want to explore museums in detail).
In this guide you’ll find a ready walking plan, practical tips about tickets, opening hours and places to eat, plus a few surprises to delight curious tourists. We won’t describe private guiding services beyond official information — if you want a guided tour, I’ll remind you at the end about the option to use the services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz shown on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website.
The classic Royal Route begins at Matejko Square (Barbakan, St. Florian’s Gate), continues along Floriańska Street to the Main Market Square, then along Grodzka and Kanonicza Streets to Wawel. It’s a simple and picturesque line where you’ll constantly meet historic buildings, cafés and viewpoints.
If you have limited time, start in the morning at the Barbakan and head toward the Market — this helps you avoid the biggest crowds at entrances. If you prefer to start at Wawel (for example to book a specific entry time right away), you can visit Wawel Hill first and then walk down the Royal Route toward the Market — both options are convenient and depend on castle or cathedral reservation times.
Practical tip I recommend: 1) arrive in the morning (ideally before 10:00), 2) walk the Royal Route with short stops, 3) reserve your Castle/Cathedral entry for a specific time, 4) take a lunch break and rest in one of the recommended restaurants along the way.
1. Start at Matejko Square and the Barbakan — a quick look at the fortifications and photos. 2. Pass through St. Florian’s Gate and stroll down Floriańska Street — you’ll pass the Jan Matejko House, historic townhouses and cafés. 3. Main Market Square — Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica (if you want to go inside, allow extra time). 4. Grodzka Street — walk past churches and monuments. 5. Kanonicza Street — the most beautiful stretch before Wawel Hill; a great place for photos and stories about former canons’ residences. 6. Wawel Hill — enter the Castle Courtyard and visit the Royal Castle or the Cathedral according to your reservation.
If you book entry to the Royal Castle, set the reservation for a time that allows you to reach Wawel in 20–30 minutes from Kanonicza — that is usually enough at a normal walking pace with short stops.
There are two separate institutions on Wawel: the Royal Castle and the Cathedral. Each of these places has its own tickets and reservation rules. The Cathedral also contains additional zones (for example the Cathedral Museum, the crypts and the Sigismund Bell) and some entrances can be restricted during religious ceremonies.
The most practical tactic is to decide in advance whether you want to explore the Castle interiors (royal apartments, armory, tapestries) or focus on the Cathedral (royal graves, crypts, the bell). You can also split visits into two shorter entries at different times — for example the Cathedral in the morning and the Castle in the afternoon. Remember that Wawel has limited opening hours and some exhibitions have fixed entry times — check them before you go.
It’s also worth asking the Wawel Reservation Office about the availability of official guides employed by the Castle — these are scholarly guides familiar with the history and the collections (different from commercial offers).
Tickets for the Royal Castle and for the Cathedral Museum usually require an hour-specific reservation — buying tickets online saves time and guarantees entry at the chosen hour. The Cathedral also has its own opening hours and may be closed on certain holidays or during liturgical ceremonies — it’s always wise to check current information before your visit.
I don’t recommend buying tickets “at the last minute” in high season — lines at ticket offices and entry gates can be long. If you plan to visit at the weekend or during summer, book entries in advance. Also keep in mind that some exhibitions require separate tickets (temporary exhibitions, viewing terraces, crypts).
Practical notes: bicycles are not allowed on Wawel; some steep routes and underground areas may be inaccessible for people with limited mobility — check accessibility information on the Castle’s official channels.
The quietest moments are early morning (castle/cathedral opening) and late afternoon after the main exhibitions close. If you want to feel the Market’s atmosphere without crowds, come before 09:00. On sunny weekends the Market and the Royal Route are busiest between 11:00 and 15:00.
Another tactic is to visit interiors (for example the Castle) in the morning and plan the Market and Kanonicza walk for the afternoon — street crowds can be lighter then and the light for photos often improves. Avoid peak lunch hours at the popular Market restaurants if you don’t have a reservation.
Along the Royal Route and around Wawel you’ll find a wide range of places — from quick snacks to elegant restaurants. I recommend choosing venues with good reviews and reserving a table if you plan to dine at a popular time. A few trusted suggestions: the historic Wierzynek restaurant (for a sense of old banquet atmosphere), cafés at the Market such as Café Noworolski, and cozy bistros and cafés on Kanonicza and the Small Market (Mały Rynek) ideal for a break.
If you’re looking for regional cuisine in a pleasant atmosphere, check places recommended by city guides and guest reviews. Remember that Market Square restaurants can be more expensive — if you care about value, turn down a few side streets from the main square.
Kanonicza is more than a pretty street — at numbers 19 and 21 the residence of Karol Wojtyła (the future Pope John Paul II) once stood. Many visitors pass this spot quickly, yet it has a strong connection to modern Polish history.
On Wawel pay attention to institutional divisions: the Castle and the Cathedral operate separately and have different visiting rules. That’s why buying a Castle ticket does not automatically include Cathedral entry and vice versa.
For families with children: the Dragon’s Den under Wawel and the Wawel Dragon sculpture (which breathes fire periodically) are usually a highlight — it’s worth planning a short stop so children can enjoy it.
Trying to “see everything” in one hour — the Royal Route plus Wawel need at least a few hours if you want to enter interiors and feel the atmosphere. Solution: plan realistic time or split the visit into two trips.
Not reserving Castle/Cathedral tickets in season — this ends with long queues or no possibility to enter. Solution: buy tickets online in advance and arrive at your time slot.
Not checking mass times and ceremonies — the Cathedral can be partially closed to tourists during religious events. Solution: check notices on the institutions’ information channels before visiting.
Many places along the route are accessible to visitors with limited mobility, but not all underground routes and cellars have ramps. If you need assistance, contact the Castle Reservation Office or the Cathedral staff in advance — much accessibility information is provided by the institutions.
For families: bring comfortable shoes and plan short breaks. Children will enjoy the Dragon’s Den and the moving stories about kings and legends — include short tales to keep the youngest ones engaged.
- Check the Castle and Cathedral opening hours before your visit — there are seasonal differences and occasional closures (for example on holidays).
- Wawel has its own rules for group reservations and guides; the Reservation Office handles bookings and provides practical information.
- Consider the weather: part of the route is outdoors, and Wawel includes many steps and stone surfaces — comfortable shoes are essential.
- Finally: if you liked this route guide and want to make your visit truly special, consider booking a private guide — Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers guided tours with personal storytelling and historical context; details are available on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website.
How long does the full walk with entries take? — At a normal pace with one interior visit, allow 4–6 hours. If you want to visit both the Castle and the Cathedral, reserve a full day.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance? — Yes, interiors at Wawel and some exhibitions require timed reservations; buying online secures your entry.
Is it better to start at Wawel or at the Market? — Both options work. Start at Wawel if you have a specific Castle time; start at the Barbakan and Floriańska if you prefer a relaxed walk and photos first.
Can you go up to the Sigismund Bell? — The Sigismund Bell is in the Cathedral; access to the tower and the chance to touch the bell are controlled and sometimes limited — ask at the Cathedral ticket desk about availability (separate rules often apply).
If this guide helped you plan your day in Krakow, share it with friends or on social media — it’s the best way to help other travelers. If you’d like your visit to include a personal narrative and deeper historical context, consider a private tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact and offerings are shown on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website. Enjoy your walk and unforgettable discoveries along the Royal Route!
If you want, I can prepare a half-day plan, a family-friendly version, or a top-10 photo checklist for the route — tell me which you prefer.
