Yes — you can plan a great day that includes the main sights of Wawel Hill and some fun at the interactive video game museum without breaking the bank. The keys are: check opening hours in advance, buy tickets where it makes sense, and pace your time well. Below you’ll find concrete opening times and ticket tips (as of the time this guide was prepared), practical advice for limited-entry situations, and recommendations for good places to eat.
It’s a good idea to start the day by checking the current hours for both Wawel and the Krakow Arcade Museum, because schedules can vary between high and low season. I give practical suggestions on how to arrange your route so you get the most out of your time in Krakow.
Wawel is made up of several separate sites: the Cathedral, the Royal Tombs, castle exhibitions and special routes. Opening hours differ by season and by exhibition, so it’s safest to check them the day before your visit. Generally, in the spring–summer season (April–October) many routes are open from morning until late afternoon; outside that season hours are often shorter.
Typical seasonal schedules look like: April–October: Monday–Saturday 9:00–17:00, Sundays 12:30–17:00; November–March: Monday–Saturday 9:00–16:00, Sundays 12:30–16:00. Keep in mind not all routes operate every day and some exhibitions have limited capacity.
You can buy tickets either at the on‑site ticket offices or online. Online tickets often save time (you avoid queues) and let you reserve a specific entry time. Sometimes there are free or reduced‑price entry times for selected exhibitions — it’s worth checking current notices before you arrive.
Remember some routes have entry limits and tickets are valid for specific dates; in summer queues can be long — plan for morning or late afternoon visits to avoid crowds. If you plan to use a personal guide or audio guide, check whether the route allows them and whether an extra reservation is needed.
Krakow Arcade Museum is an interactive video game museum with a collection of classic arcade machines from the 1980s and 1990s. It’s a great choice for families, couples and anyone who enjoys retro entertainment. The museum generally follows a weekly schedule — often opening in the afternoons on weekdays and for longer hours at weekends. Typical times work well if you plan to combine sightseeing with an afternoon of games.
Regarding prices — the museum usually offers several ticket options: one‑hour tickets, two‑hour tickets and open tickets for a full day. There are also student and child discounts, and family packages are often available. Look for current pricing and promotions before your visit — sometimes there are special passes (for example a 10‑entry card) or temporary discounts.
What to bring: comfortable shoes (the museum covers a fair amount of space and you may spend more time at the machines than planned), a phone charger, and payment method (both cash and card are generally accepted). If you’re visiting in high season with a larger group, make a group reservation — groups of 15+ usually need to reserve in advance. For very young children check age policies and family ticket options.
Morning at Wawel + afternoon at the Arcade Museum: start at Wawel in the morning — this is the best time to avoid the biggest crowds. Arrive at opening or in the early morning, visit the Cathedral, see the exhibitions that interest you and allow 2–3 hours for the castle if you plan to enter the royal chambers or the underground route.
After Wawel take a break for lunch in the Old Town or Kazimierz — I recommend a few trusted places in the food section below. After your meal head to Krakow Arcade Museum — unwinding with games is a great way to finish the day, especially after an intensive morning of historic sightseeing.
If you’re short on time: pick one exhibition at Wawel and plan 1–2 hours at the Arcade Museum. This avoids rushing and lets you enjoy both places.
Check whether there are promotions or free entry days for selected routes on the day of your visit — institutions sometimes offer free admission periods or local resident days. Ask at the ticket office or check current notices before you come.
Buy tickets online where possible — while the price may be the same, you’ll save time by avoiding queues. For Wawel, compare single‑route tickets with combination tickets if you want to visit several exhibitions.
Plan meals in advance: instead of eating right next to the main attractions (where prices are often higher), look for places recommended by locals or with good reviews. You can often find a quality meal in Kazimierz or a few streets off the main squares at a more reasonable price.
If you travel as a family or group, check available family packages or season passes at places like the Arcade Museum — a pass pays off if you plan several visits.
Around Wawel and the Old Town there are many long‑standing and well‑regarded places. A few suggestions worth considering: Café Camelot (a cosy café ideal for a lighter meal or coffee), Szara (a restaurant on the Main Market with refined cuisine), Starka in Kazimierz (traditional Polish dishes in a pleasant atmosphere). These locations usually receive good reviews and work well for a family lunch or an evening meal before a night walk.
If you prefer Jewish or Middle Eastern cuisine — Kazimierz has places like Hamsa that are popular and highly rated. For craft beer fans check local pubs with a wide selection of brews. I recommend booking a table at weekends — the best restaurants fill up quickly with tourists and locals alike.
Not checking opening hours before you leave. Museums and institutions have seasonal timetables and occasional closed days — check the day before.
Failing to reserve tickets for popular Wawel routes during high season. Tourists then lose time in queues or can’t enter at the chosen hour — book early if possible.
Packing too many attractions into one day. It’s better to see fewer things properly than to rush and remember nothing. Schedule coffee breaks and time to rest.
Eating right next to major attractions without checking reviews. Restaurants on the Market Square are often pricier — walk a few streets over and look for places recommended by locals.
Can I buy a Wawel ticket the same day at the ticket office? Yes — tickets are available at the ticket offices, but for some routes there are limited places. If you want a specific time slot, it’s better to buy online.
How much time should I allow for Wawel? For the Cathedral and one or two exhibition routes allow at least 2–3 hours. If you want to see more, reserve half a day.
Is the Arcade Museum good for children? Yes — it’s interactive and appeals to both children and adults. Check age rules and family offers; child discounts are often available.
Are student or family discounts available? Yes — many museums and some city attractions offer student and family discounts; bring documentation proving eligibility.
If you’re interested in architectural photography, come to Wawel in the late afternoon — the light is softer then and crowds are smaller. It’s also a lovely time for a walk along the Vistula boulevards with views of the castle.
Time flies in the Arcade Museum — consider a longer ticket if you want to really play and savor the classics without rushing.
Check if there are special events on the day of your visit — concerts, temporary exhibitions or religious ceremonies can affect access to some areas or change traffic around Wawel.
If you enjoyed this guide, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help others plan a great visit to Krakow. If you’d like professional private assistance during your visit, you can contact the guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz via the ZwiedzanieKrakowa website. With a private guide you can personalise your route, learn local stories and avoid common tourist traps. Have a great visit to Krakow!
If you wish, I can help build a detailed day plan tailored to your arrival time, interests and budget — write to me and I’ll prepare a ready‑to‑use itinerary based on your preferences.
