Wawel and the historic buildings of the Jagiellonian University sit in the heart of Kraków, only a short walk apart, so combining them into a single visit is natural and convenient. Wawel offers the most important reminders of the nation’s political and religious history (the cathedral, royal tombs, the treasury and the armory), while university sites — such as Collegium Novum and Collegium Maius — present the history of Polish scholarship, richly decorated interiors and the atmosphere of academic tradition. It’s a great combination for visitors who want to feel both civic ceremony and the intellectual life of the city.
Collegium Novum is the neo‑Gothic, representative building of the Jagiellonian University on Gołębia Street. The late 19th‑century building houses, among other things, the assembly hall (Aula), offices of the university authorities and interiors with rich decoration; the Aula contains paintings and specially designed furniture that create an academic atmosphere. One of the rooms commemorates events from World War II — a plaque recalls the 'Sonderaktion Krakau' and the fate of professors arrested on 6 November 1939. The façade and halls underwent conservation work at the end of the 20th century, which helps the building fit well into the Old Town landscape.
The interiors of Collegium Novum are sometimes open to visitors during events, exhibitions or guided tours; even a walk around the building makes it possible to appreciate the neo‑Gothic form designed by Feliks Księżarski. If you want to enter the Aula or historic rooms, check visiting options in advance or ask at the university information point.
The main part of the Jagiellonian University Museum’s collections is housed in Collegium Maius (Jagiellońska Street), and this is where tourists usually go to see the most valuable exhibits and the historic university interiors. Tickets can be bought online or at the ticket office; regular, reduced, family tickets and guided‑tour tickets are usually available. Ticket types and prices often include educational and family options, which makes it easier to plan a visit with children.
The museum’s public opening hours in the ticketing system typically cover days from Tuesday to Saturday in morning and early afternoon hours (last admission often falls in the early afternoon). It’s worth paying attention to the last‑entry time because the museum stops selling tickets a short while before closing. Buying a ticket online lets you pick a specific entry time, which guarantees your slot and helps you plan the rest of your Kraków route.
Wawel is a complex of several separate exhibitions; each site (the cathedral, the royal tombs, the treasury, the armory, the representative chambers) can have its own admission rules and daily limits. For that reason tickets are often sold separately or as combined tickets covering particular areas. During the season and for popular displays there are daily entry limits, so buying tickets in advance increases your chances of getting a convenient time slot.
At certain times institutions may organise free‑entry days for selected exhibitions — there are occasional promotional events or editions of a "free November". These promotions have a limited number of places and specific rules, so if you plan to visit during a promotional period, check the terms and dates in advance.
Here’s a simple, relaxed half‑day route: start at the university (Collegium Maius and a walk past Collegium Novum), then stroll through the Main Market Square and continue on to Wawel. This way you’ll see both academic interiors and the royal residence in one walking sequence.
Example timing: 09:00–10:00 Collegium Maius (main exhibition), 10:15–10:45 walk and photos at Collegium Novum, 11:00–13:00 Wawel — cathedral, tombs, treasury or armory (depending on your ticket). If you buy timed tickets in advance, match your plan to the booked entry times.
Buy tickets online where possible — for both the Jagiellonian University Museum and selected Wawel exhibitions. Booking ahead saves time and reduces the chance your plans will be ruined by sold‑out sessions.
Check the exact time of last admission and arrive about 10–15 minutes early. Popular exhibits have entry windows and visiting can take longer than expected.
Don’t assume one ticket covers every Wawel site. Check the ticket description — some packages combine representative chambers with temporary shows, others grant access to the cathedral and crypts.
Prepare documents that entitle you to reduced fares (pupils, students, seniors) — you will usually be asked to show an ID or membership card at the ticket office or on entry.
Assuming you can always buy tickets on site — on weekends and in high season this is risky. Buy online or arrive very early.
Mixing up Wawel’s objects and routes — check which specific interiors your ticket includes (e.g. Treasury and Armory vs Representative Chambers).
Not planning time — some exhibitions have shorter visit times or require a chosen entry hour; plan so you aren’t left outside before closing.
The Aula of Collegium Novum preserves portraits and furnishings designed for academic ceremonies, many of which have interesting craft histories. On Wawel, the best‑known royal tombs are true masterpieces of casting and sculpture.
A plaque commemorating the arrest of professors in November 1939 recalls the university’s dramatic wartime history and its place in Polish national memory. It adds a deeper historical context to the visit and is worth a moment’s reflection.
Pay attention to details on Collegium Novum’s façade — the neo‑Gothic style and decorative motifs blend well with the Old Town’s historic fabric.
If you want to eat near the Market Square and Wawel, consider well‑known, highly rated places: Wierzynek (historic, by the Market) offers a unique atmosphere; Pod Aniołami is a classic spot for Polish cuisine in the heart of the city; cafes such as Cafe Camelot or Massolit Books & Cafe are great for coffee and dessert after a walk. When choosing a place, follow recent reviews and ratings — the best establishments can be busy, especially on weekends, so a table reservation may help.
The Jagiellonian University Museum offers various ticket types: regular, reduced, family and guided‑tour or educational tickets. Family packages typically cover two adults and two children in one ticket, which is economical for families. To use reduced fares, have your student or pupil ID or another document proving entitlement ready.
If you’re travelling with someone with limited mobility, check accessibility information for specific sites. Not all historic rooms have easy access, so it’s worth calling the organisers before your visit to ask about possible arrangements.
How much time to allow for Wawel and the university? Usually 2–4 hours is enough for the main sights, but if you want to enter several separate Wawel exhibitions, plan for more time.
Can you buy a combined ticket for Wawel and the Jagiellonian University Museum? Tickets are usually sold separately — the Jagiellonian University Museum has its own ticketing system and Wawel manages its own entry pools. It’s best to buy separate tickets and align times.
What to do when an exhibition is sold out? Check alternative time slots or try arriving earlier to buy tickets at the box office (if available); consider visiting nearby attractions in the meantime.
For seasonal visits, consider morning entry times — crowds increase in the afternoon. If you plan to photograph interiors, check the rules: photography without flash is sometimes allowed, while in some rooms photography may be prohibited.
Side streets between Collegium Maius, Collegium Novum and Wawel reveal lesser‑known fragments of the city and pleasant cafés — it’s worth the occasional detour from the main route.
Create an account on the Jagiellonian University Museum’s ticketing site when planning — it makes booking and managing reservations quicker.
A visit to Wawel and the Jagiellonian University buildings combines history, art and academic atmosphere, all comfortably planned as one walk through the Old Town. Buy tickets in advance, pay attention to last‑entry times and choose a route that matches your interests.
If you’d like to share this article with friends or on social media, feel free — it will help them plan their Kraków visit. If you prefer to explore with a private guide, I warmly recommend the services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz (the guide behind Zwiedzanie Krakowa); details and contact information are available on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website. Have a great trip and enjoy your visit!
