Wawel and the Royal Road are the heart of historic Krakow — this is where processions, coronations and city life played out for centuries. If you are planning a private tour of these places, a well-planned arrival and a convenient place to park will save you stress and help you make the most of your time with the guide.
Private tours give the greatest flexibility: you can set the pace, choose interiors to visit (the Cathedral, castle courtyards, St. Mary’s Church) and add topics that interest you most — legends, architecture, sacred art or family histories. At the same time, keep in mind that the strict city centre has traffic and parking limitations, so it’s best to discuss logistics with the guide in advance.
The Royal Road leads from St. Florian’s Gate through the Main Market Square up to Wawel and includes the city’s most important monuments: the Barbican, St. Florian’s Gate, Floriańska Street, St. Mary’s Church, the Cloth Hall, Grodzka Street and, finally, Wawel Hill.
At Wawel it’s worth focusing on the Cathedral (royal tombs, the Sigismund bell), the castle courtyards and the legends connected with the Wawel Dragon — a private tour allows you to visit places and hear stories that get lost in large groups. If you want to see interiors, remember tickets — you can reserve them in advance or schedule entry times so they fit the best moment of the day.
Paid parking zones operate around the Old Town and Wawel. Fees are usually charged on weekdays and Saturdays during set hours — so check the current zone hours for the date of your visit before you arrive.
In practice, parking closer to Wawel usually means higher rates and shorter turnover. If a spot right at the foot of the hill is taken, it is often quicker and cheaper to park in subzone B or C and walk 6–12 minutes, rather than circling for a place in the most expensive zone.
Before entering an underground garage, check vehicle height limits (often around 2 m) and the rules for charging electric vehicles if you plan to use them.
Underground garage at Plac na Groblach — open 24/7, many spaces and an easy walk to Wawel. This is the most reliable solution when you want to be close, especially for pairs or families with luggage.
Straszewskiego parking (surface lot) — a convenient option a few minutes on foot from the Planty and the Wawel gates, good for those who prefer surface parking and want to avoid garage ramps.
Streets along Aleja Krasińskiego and side sections in subzones B/C — if you want to save on hourly fees and don’t mind a short walk, this is often the fastest solution. Remember parking meters and apps to pay for the zone.
Stopping at a pedestrian crossing, at an intersection or in a bus-bay — the narrow streets around Wawel are monitored and such actions quickly lead to a fine or towing.
Parking on the pavement without leaving 1.5 m for pedestrians — this is a frequent reason for reports from residents and city services. Leave enough space for strollers and passersby.
Blocking gates and driveways of tenement houses around Podzamcze and Stradom — deliveries and emergency access must be preserved, so pay attention to signs and don’t park 'for a moment' where you will obstruct traffic.
Schedule your visit to avoid the heaviest crowds on the Market Square and at Wawel entrances — early morning or late afternoon often work best.
If you want to enter the Cathedral or the castle courtyard, it’s worth booking tickets in advance or coordinating the exact visit time with the guide to minimize waiting. Private tours are flexible: you can shorten or lengthen the walk, add a coffee or lunch break.
For groups arriving by coach, plan a drop-off at a designated point and move the bus to a long-term parking area outside the strict centre; central streets have limits and only short technical stops are allowed.
Do you have to pay for parking near Wawel on Sundays? Many city zones have different rules on Sundays — check the parking schedule before your visit, because some days the zones are not in effect.
Where is the best place to park closest to the castle? The most reliable place is the underground garage at Plac na Groblach; if you prefer surface parking, consider the lot at Straszewskiego.
Are there chargers for electric cars? Some underground garages have charging stations. Check availability before you leave using the operator’s app or the parking’s information.
Check you are not parking closer than 10 m to an intersection or 10 m to a pedestrian crossing.
Make sure you leave at least 1.5 m on the pavement for pedestrians and strollers and that you are not blocking gates, hydrants or tram tracks.
Confirm parking payment at a meter or in an app and display the ticket if required; check vehicle height before entering a garage.
Pod Wawelem Restaurant & Pub — a classic menu, a popular spot for families and larger groups after visiting Wawel.
Restauracja Szara and Miodova — elegant options close to the Market Square, good if you want a pleasant lunch after walking the Royal Road.
Cafes on Kanonicza and Grodzka — if you’re looking for a quick coffee and cake between visits, these streets have several intimate places with local pastries.
Wawel was not only a royal residence — it is also a complex of architectural rebuilds: many styles meet there, from Romanesque through Renaissance to Baroque, visible in courtyards and facades.
The Royal Road is not just monuments — it is also a living set of streets with crafts and residents; walking it gives a chance to see Krakow as a layered city, not just a list of 'must-see' points.
Thinking 'closest = best' — often it’s better to park a bit farther in subzone B/C and walk to Wawel than to waste 20–30 minutes looking for a free spot in the priciest zone.
Unclear signs and no parking meter nearby — before you leave the car, check nearby posts and machines, and use the city payment app. It’s better to pay upfront than risk a fine.
Not checking the height limit at the garage entrance — vehicles above the limit (e.g. 2 m) won’t fit and you’ll be forced to find an alternative, which costs time.
Talk in advance with Małgorzata Kasprowicz about your priorities: whether you prefer more history, anecdotes, sacred art or practical tips for families with children. That way the route can be perfectly tailored to your expectations.
When booking, agree on a meeting point and the optimal drop-off/parking spot for the car — the guide will help plan where it’s easiest to stop and where to leave the vehicle so the tour can start without wasting time.
If you’d like me to save you time and stress in planning parking and to guide you around Wawel and the Royal Road in a friendly, flexible way — I invite you to book a private tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact details are visible on the website and I will gladly tailor the route to your needs.
If you found this guide useful — share it with friends or on social media so others can benefit from the practical tips. See you in Krakow!
