Short answer: most large backpacks, suitcases, umbrellas and strollers must be left before entering Wawel exhibitions — the castle has its own cloakroom/deposit and rules about baggage size.
If you have a small handbag or a small backpack that fits within the allowed dimensions, you may be allowed to take it into some rooms. In practice it’s usually more comfortable to leave anything larger at a deposit point and tour light.
The Wawel cloakroom (deposit) operates during visiting hours — typically from a few minutes before the exhibitions open until they close. When you leave your items you receive a numbered token which you use to collect your baggage.
Wawel sets allowed baggage dimensions; anything exceeding those limits must be left in the deposit. Basic size limits apply when entering exhibitions — check them before you go. According to the castle regulations, there is no charge for storing luggage in the castle cloakroom, but be mindful of rules about valuables and declaring high-value items.
The cloakroom will not accept items that are difficult to store (for example very large, unusual or dangerous goods) or items that are heavily soiled or odorous. Staff may refuse to accept baggage in justified cases.
If the castle cloakroom is closed, full, or you prefer to leave your suitcase for longer, there are several options in central Krakow: the traditional luggage room at the Main Railway Station (Kraków Główny), automated lockers and networked “drop-off” services (partner shops, cafes or stores where you leave luggage by the hour or day).
Large international platforms with online booking have pickup points near the Old Town and along the Planty — prices usually start from a few dozen złoty per day depending on company and location. Popular operators and self-service locker networks offer user-friendly points for tourists.
Self-service smart-lockers in the city center can be available 24/7 — check availability and dimensions before you travel. Local providers often accept card payments and offer access outside standard hours.
The luggage storage at Kraków Główny is a convenient “just after arrival” option — located in the station hall and sometimes open long hours (occasionally 24/7). It’s a good solution if you want to drop your suitcases and go straight to the city or Wawel.
In the high season traditional storage points and lockers can be busy — if you arrive early in the morning consider booking a space in a networked point in advance (if available) or use the first hours after the station opens.
Prepare your luggage for deposit: close your suitcase, take a photo of the contents and the tag/token (useful if you need to make a claim), and don’t leave large amounts of cash or important documents without declaring them separately. If the value of items exceeds the required threshold, declare it according to the storage point’s rules.
Check opening hours: the Wawel cloakroom is open during exhibition hours — if you must collect items after closing, contact security or castle staff (the regulations specify procedures and possible charges for after-hours retrieval).
Keep essentials secure: carry your wallet, phone and documents with you or in a small day bag — this avoids stress if you need to show ID or tickets quickly.
Assuming there will always be space for your backpack — in season cloakrooms and storage points near attractions can fill up. Solution: plan a backup — the station, your hotel or a reserved partner point.
Leaving valuables without declaring them — don’t risk it; if a storage point requires a declaration for items above a threshold, fill it out.
Assuming all options are cheap — prices at private points and apps vary; compare services (hours, insurance, proximity) before leaving your luggage.
Arriving a few hours before a flight: leave luggage at the Main Railway Station or a private storage point near the Market Square for quick access to transport towards Balice Airport.
A family with a stroller: if Wawel won’t accept the stroller into exhibition rooms (size or safety restrictions often apply), leave it in the deposit or use a short-term storage service at a nearby partner point.
Visitors with a small daypack: usually a small bag or waist pack will be enough; if your backpack is small and light it may be allowed — if you want certainty, leave it before touring.
If you leave a suitcase for a few hours, Wawel and the surroundings offer many options: walk around Wawel Hill, visit the Cathedral, stroll the Vistula boulevards or take a short trip to the Main Market Square (5–15 minutes on foot).
A coffee and local flavors: near Wawel and the Market you’ll find highly recommended places to sit down after dropping your things: Wierzynek (historic restaurant at the Market), Pod Wawelem (traditional Polish cuisine near the castle), Massolit Books & Cafe (Kazimierz) — nice spots to relax before more sightseeing.
Does Wawel charge for luggage storage? - Current rules state that storing luggage in the castle cloakroom is free, but the regulations set out procedures for declaring value and possible fees if items are not collected.
Can I leave documents or valuables in the cloakroom? - The castle limits its liability; if the value of items exceeds a specified threshold you should declare them when leaving your baggage.
What if I left luggage and didn’t pick it up before closing? - The regulations include procedures for contacting security and possible handling charges for after-hours collection; contact staff as soon as possible.
Take a photo of your token or deposit receipt immediately after leaving your items — if you lose the token the procedure is easier if you have proof.
If you plan to leave camera gear or larger bags, compare offers from private points — some provide insurance and 24/7 access, which can be worth the extra cost.
If you’re staying at a hotel — the simplest solution: most hotels will store your luggage for a few hours after checkout for free. This is often the most convenient and cheapest option.
Touring Wawel without luggage gives you comfort and helps protect the exhibits and other visitors. Allow time to drop off and pick up your bags, check cloakroom hours and keep essentials with you (documents, wallet, phone).
If you found this article helpful — share it with friends planning a visit to Krakow. If you’d like a guided tour, contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and offers are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. She can tailor routes to your needs and advise how to plan a day without carrying unnecessary baggage.
Good luck and enjoy sightseeing — light and pleasant!
