Yes — you can! But it’s worth setting priorities and not trying to “catch” everything at once. Wawel is made up of several different parts: the Castle (various exhibitions and royal apartments), the Cathedral with its crypts and the Sigismund Bell, the underground sections and family-friendly attractions like the Dragon’s Den. For families with children, the optimal plan is to choose 1–2 indoor sights to visit and add short, fun outdoor stops. That way the visit will be more engaging for little ones and less tiring for adults.
Below you’ll find a concrete hourly plan for a typical weekday, practical tips (tickets, luggage, stroller) and ideas for turning a visit to Wawel Hill into a successful family adventure. Everything is written in a friendly tone and for visitors who want to enjoy Krakow’s atmosphere without rushing.
Practical note: the Cathedral and the Castle are sometimes run as separate institutions with separate tickets and opening hours, so check what you want to see and where to buy tickets before you set off. On weekdays crowds are usually smaller than on weekends, but popular exhibitions and entry times can be limited, especially in the morning and during the high season.
Buy tickets in advance, especially if you plan to visit the Royal Apartments, the Castle’s undercrofts or the Cathedral. Some exhibitions have limited capacity, and it’s most practical to reserve online a few days or even weeks ahead. If you can be flexible, pick a weekday — it’s usually quieter than Saturday or Sunday.
Check the Cathedral’s opening hours and service announcements — during mass the interior may be closed to tourists. Remember to dress modestly in the Cathedral (covered shoulders, no hats).
If you’re travelling with a stroller: check accessible entrances and barrier-free routes; some interiors have stairs or narrow cloisters. Plan for the stroller to be briefly carried or left at the entrance to some exhibitions if needed. A change kit for the little ones, snacks and a water bottle will be very useful.
On some Mondays there are limited free tickets for selected exhibitions — this can be an option, but the number of such places is small, so don’t rely on it as your main plan.
9:00 — arrive at Wawel Hill. Start the day with a short walk around the courtyard so the children can see the towers and castle walls from outside. It’s a great moment for a few family photos before the crowds arrive.
9:20 — visit a chosen exhibition in the Castle (for example the Royal Apartments or the Undercroft) — plan 45–60 minutes. For families it’s better to choose one story-rich exhibition than try to tick off everything. Short, engaging narratives will keep children’s attention.
11:00 — Wawel Cathedral: a quick look at the main nave, the tombs and the cathedral treasury (if tickets are separate). A shortened visit takes 30–45 minutes. If you plan to go down to the national crypts or climb the bell tower, add another 30–45 minutes.
12:00 — a short break for ice cream or sandwiches on the hill, relax on a bench with a view of the Vistula. Give the children a moment to stretch their legs after indoor visits full of history.
12:30 — an easy walk along the Royal Route towards the Main Market Square via Grodzka Street — it’s a pleasant stretch full of historic townhouses, stalls and galleries, and children will enjoy the atmosphere. On the way you can pop into the Dragon’s Den — a short, fairy-tale attraction for the youngest visitors.
13:15 — lunch at a family-friendly café or restaurant near the Market. The city centre has many places offering quick meals; it’s good to have a few options in mind in case one place has a long queue.
14:30 — if you have the energy, the Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall are perfect for more sightseeing: listen for the bugle call from St. Mary’s Church, take a quick look at the Cloth Hall or visit the underground museum beneath the Market if the children enjoy interactive exhibits.
16:00 — time for lighter activities: a walk in the Planty park or a short carriage ride (if the kids will love it), finishing with coffee or hot chocolate in one of the cafés.
- Plan short breaks every 30–45 minutes. Even the smallest children do better if they can run around outside now and then.
- Choose exhibitions that are engaging and interactive or those told with interesting stories — legends and tales about kings will attract kids more than long dry descriptions.
- Keep safety in mind: don’t lose sight of your child in crowded places, stay together on stairs and near the edges of walls.
- On hot days take a hat and a drink. In cooler weather use layered clothing, because interiors can be colder than the street.
- If you have a stroller: expect that some interiors may have steps or narrow passages — it’s good to have a lightweight sling or carrier as an alternative.
Look for tickets online, especially if you want to visit popular routes or are coming in season. Booking online saves time and guarantees a spot at a specific hour. Many exhibitions have separate tickets, and combined entries may be available as an option.
At ticket offices there are sometimes a limited number of free or special tickets (for example special Monday offers) — it’s worth checking, but have a plan B because these tickets are limited.
If you have questions about accessibility for people with disabilities, leaving a stroller, or storing large luggage — ask at the ticket desk when buying. Staff will often suggest the most convenient route for a family.
- Start the day early to catch the first entries and avoid the biggest queues.
- Bring small rewards — stickers, little toys or cookies — as motivation for longer walks.
- If you want a shorter but colourful tour, ask a guide (or while self-guiding) to tell legends and anecdotes — that works for all children.
- Turn the day into a mini-game: “who finds the eagle?”, “who counts how many towers?” etc. It engages children and shortens perceived time.
If you want the day to be truly stress-free and enjoyable for the whole family, I’m happy to help. I have experience guiding families and know how to tell Krakow’s story in a fun way, full of anecdotes and short tasks for children. I will gladly adapt the pace and content of the tour to the ages of participants so that everyone leaves with a smile.
Remember: Wawel is not a checklist of monuments to tick off — it’s a place full of history and legends. When you choose less but do it more interestingly, the day will stay in your memories for a long time. Wishing you a wonderful trip and beautiful photos!
