Wawel is the heart of the former Polish monarchy, and the Royal Road is the route walked for centuries by kings, dignitaries and funeral processions. The walk starts at St. Florian's Gate, continues along Floriańska Street, through the Main Market Square, Grodzka Street and ends on Wawel Hill. It's the most historically concentrated part of the city — in a few steps you will see the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary's Basilica, historic townhouses and finally Wawel with the cathedral and castle. This guide helps you plan the walk so you can avoid queues, not miss the key sites and enjoy something tasty nearby.
Starting from St. Florian's Gate you will feel how the scale and atmosphere of the city change: from medieval walls, through the lively Market Square, to quiet streets that lead up to Wawel Hill. If your time is limited, the route itself makes a great, free outdoor walk; if you want to enter interiors — plan ahead and buy tickets in advance.
1. Wawel Royal Castle — a symbol of Poland and the place where state decisions were made for centuries. Worth seeing are the courtyards, the Royal Chambers and the treasury (some indoor exhibitions have limited access and fixed entry times).
2. Wawel Cathedral — the spiritual heart and the burial place of kings and notable Poles. Access to some parts of the cathedral (the Sigismund Bell, royal tombs, the Cathedral Museum) requires a ticket. During services some areas are closed to visitors.
3. The Sigismund Bell and royal tombs — one of the most moving places; the bell chimes the hour, and entry to the tower interior and crypts requires a separate ticket.
4. St. Florian's Gate and the Barbican — part of the old defensive walls, a great place to begin the walk and take photos.
5. Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) — the largest medieval square in Europe with the Cloth Hall and the Town Hall Tower; an essential stop on the Royal Road.
6. St. Mary's Basilica — famous for the hejnal (bugle call) and Veit Stoss's altarpiece. When planning a visit, remember mass times and short bugle performances.
7. Grodzka and Kanonicza Streets — picturesque lanes leading from the Market straight to Wawel, full of historic townhouses and famous addresses.
8. Market Underground (Rynek Cellars) — where archaeology reveals the city's past layers; ideal if you want to understand medieval Kraków's daily life.
9. The Planty — the green belt surrounding the Old Town; excellent for a rest after intensive sightseeing and a quick shortcut between points on the route.
10. The Wawel Dragon and the Vistula boulevards — a short but beloved attraction at Wawel; the boulevards are especially pleasant in the evening for a walk and photos.
Visiting hours can be seasonal and change depending on exhibitions and conservation work, so it’s worth checking them before your planned visit. General rules to remember: in the spring-summer season (usually April to September) the cathedral and some exhibitions are open longer than in the autumn-winter season.
When planning, keep in mind that: entry to the Sigismund Bell, royal tombs and some chapels requires a separate ticket; ticket offices usually close about 30 minutes before the end of visiting hours; on public holidays (for example December 24–25, January 1, Holy Thursday/Friday/Saturday and other movable holidays) access may be limited or impossible.
A practical rule: if you want to enter several interiors at Wawel (e.g. the Royal Chambers + the Underground + the Cathedral with crypts), plan for at least 2–3 hours and be prepared for fixed entry times for specific exhibitions.
Not all exhibitions operate on a 'come whenever' basis — many have set entry times. If you want to go inside, it’s best to buy tickets in advance or arrive at the ticket offices early, right after opening.
A common mistake is arriving at midday in the high season and expecting to buy tickets on the spot without a queue. If your schedule is tight, buy online or come early. On some Mondays during the season there are occasionally limited free entries to selected exhibitions — that’s an option, but places are usually limited.
If you have little time, consider a combined ticket only for the exhibitions that are your priority — you’ll save time and avoid unnecessary rushing.
Best times for the walk: early morning (before 10:00) or late afternoon — crowds are smaller, the light is better for photos and temperatures are more pleasant in summer.
Dress and respect in sacred places: when entering the cathedral remember to wear respectful clothing — covered shoulders and backs are often required. Silence is expected inside the cathedral and photography may be restricted in some areas.
If you plan to visit churches on Sunday, check mass times — parts of the interior may be inaccessible to tourists during services.
Recommended restaurants along the route: Camelot Cafe (Św. Tomasza Street) — a cozy café known for its cakes and pleasant atmosphere, good for breakfast or a coffee after sightseeing; Pod Wawelem Kompania Kuflowa — a large restaurant at the foot of Wawel, known for Polish dishes and a family-style atmosphere. Both places are popular, so check table availability for evenings or weekdays.
Hotels to consider in the center: Hotel Wentzl (directly on the Main Market Square) — exceptional location with the possibility of waking up to a view of the Market; Hotel Stary — a blend of elegance, comfort and a great location close to the Market and the Royal Road. These options suit visitors who want to stay in the heart of the city with most attractions within easy reach.
If you prefer smaller, more intimate places, consider guesthouses and apartments on Grodzka Street or near the Planty — a compromise between quiet and quick access to main attractions.
Surprising fact: the hejnal from St. Mary’s is abruptly cut off to commemorate a medieval trumpeter who was shot while warning the city of a Tatar attack — it’s one of Kraków’s most recognizable traditions.
Most common tourist mistakes and how to avoid them: not checking mass or ceremony times — before entering the cathedral confirm whether liturgy is scheduled that day; not preparing for limited entry to some exhibitions — buy tickets in advance or arrive early; assuming every museum exhibition is open daily — check current announcements from organizers.
A small tip: if you want to take good photos of interiors, note that light in the cathedral and some castle rooms can be low — camera/phone settings and a tripod (where allowed) can help.
Is visiting Wawel free? Some areas on the hill (for example courtyards and exterior parts) are free to view, but entry to the Royal Chambers, the Underground, the Sigismund Bell and certain exhibitions is paid.
Do I need a ticket to enter the cathedral? Access to parts of the cathedral for visitors depends on liturgical schedules and conservation; a ticket is required for the Sigismund Bell, royal tombs and the Cathedral Museum. Ticket offices usually sell tickets until about 30 minutes before closing.
Is Wawel accessible for people with limited mobility? Unfortunately not all routes are fully accessible — many spaces involve stairs and narrow passages. If you need assistance or information about accessibility, it’s a good idea to contact the information point in advance and plan your visit.
- Check opening hours for the day (especially if you plan to enter the cathedral or a specific exhibition).
- Reserve tickets online if you want to visit the Royal Chambers, the Underground or the Sigismund Bell.
- Bring comfortable shoes — the Royal Road involves a lot of walking on cobbles and stairs.
- Schedule interior visits (cathedral, castle) in separate time windows to avoid crowds and rushing.
Kraków is a city best discovered on foot: the Royal Road and Wawel are the core of that story. Plan your visit so you have time to stop at cafés, admire details and soak in the atmosphere. If you like, I can recommend a detailed route tailored to your pace and interests.
If you enjoyed this guide, share it with friends or post about it on social media. If you dream of a private tour, I invite you to use the services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and offers are available on the guide’s website. Enjoy your visit and many unforgettable moments in Kraków!
