Did you know that the Church of Saints Peter and Paul on Grodzka Street is one of the first Baroque churches in Poland, and that the façade is framed by statues of the twelve apostles that immediately catch the eye of passersby? It's a perfect starting point for a pleasant walk along the Royal Route and then on to Wawel — and you can plan visits to both sites to avoid wasting time in lines.
Without rushing and with a few practical tricks you can see the most important spots, hear stories about architecture and history, and enjoy a well-recommended meal nearby.
Address and location: Grodzka Street 52/52a — right in the city center, a convenient starting point for a walk around the Old Town.
A short note on history and the interior: a Baroque church built around the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries, modelled on Rome's Il Gesù; inside pay attention to the richly decorated vaults and the late Baroque altar. In the crypt lie, among others, the famous preacher Piotr Skarga — a place with soul and many stories that are best appreciated with a guide's commentary.
Services and visiting: the basilica is still an active parish — before planning to visit check service times so you don't disturb the liturgy. Masses are held regularly, including on Sundays. If you arrive during a service, enter respectfully or come back a little later; this is a common mistake by tourists.
Dress and behaviour: as a place of worship modest dress is required — covered shoulders and knees; entry to the interior may be controlled. Some parts (for example the crypt) are open only at certain times or on special occasions.
Local contact and information: the parish has opening hours and contact details — it's worth calling or checking parish information before your visit if you want to attend a special event or visit at an unusual hour.
Wawel is a must-see on any visit to Kraków, but not all parts of the castle are open without a ticket. Many exhibitions and interiors require separate tickets — when planning your visit, choose which displays you want to see and buy tickets in advance.
Buying online: the safest option is to buy tickets online ahead of time, especially during the tourist season. Buying in advance reduces the risk of long queues and guarantees entry for a specific time slot.
Free and promotional options: there are occasionally days or time slots with free admission to selected exhibitions (for example certain weekday mornings or special events). This is a great option if you can be flexible, but remember availability is limited and usually covers only part of the exhibitions.
Payment problems: sometimes online payment systems can be tricky for some foreign cards. If you have trouble, try alternatives (Apple Pay/Google Pay), cards with 3D Secure, or consider buying on site — but be prepared to queue. Some visitors recommend using mobile banking apps or international cards as a backup.
Reservations for groups and guides: if you plan to visit with a guide, certain routes or areas may require a separate guide reservation — check the rules and any extra fees in advance.
Start: St. Peter and St. Paul's Basilica on Grodzka Street — after a short introduction to Baroque architecture walk on along the Royal Route.
Next stops: head toward Wawel via Kanonicza Street — along the way it's worth pausing for short stories about former residents and local legends. A relaxed walk between the two points takes about 30–40 minutes if you don't enter every interior.
Wawel: plan to arrive at a specific ticket time or come earlier to explore the courtyard and chosen exhibitions; after visiting, take a moment for the terraces with views over the Vistula River.
Total time: if you want to see interiors of both sites (the basilica, the cathedral, and several Wawel exhibitions), allow at least 3–4 hours including a coffee or lunch break.
If you want a well-regarded sit-down meal, consider established places near the Market Square and Wawel: Wierzynek (historic, higher-end), Pod Wawelem (atmospheric, traditional Polish cuisine), Cafe Camelot (cozy café on the Old Town) and Massolit Books & Cafe in Kazimierz if you continue that way. These places are popular and well recommended, so reserve a table for the afternoon or evening.
Quick bites: if you prefer something faster, look for reputable pierogi places or local cafés — a good option for a quick lunch between sights.
Practical tip: in high season restaurants right on the main square can be crowded and more expensive; for a calmer experience step one street away and pick a place rated well by locals.
Planning “for today” without checking ticket availability — often ends with long queues or no spots. Plan ahead and buy tickets in advance.
Unplanned services and ceremonies — entering an active church without checking mass times can be awkward. Check the schedule and plan around services.
Large backpacks and bags — some sites restrict large luggage; leave bags at your hotel or use luggage storage.
Relying only on a foreign payment card when buying tickets online — have an alternative payment method or a mobile app ready if the local operator's system doesn't accept your card.
The apostles' statues at the basilica are more than decoration — their presence was once (and in places still is) a visual catechism for passersby.
The Wawel Cathedral is not only a landmark but also the site of coronations and burials of many Polish monarchs; while the main courtyard is often accessible without a ticket, special interiors (for example royal tombs or the tower) require tickets.
Pay attention to small details — fragments of sculptures, coats of arms and inscriptions along Grodzka Street tell short stories about Kraków’s former residents.
Do I have to buy a Wawel ticket in advance? - Recommended, especially during the tourist season or if you plan to visit specific exhibitions at a set time.
Can I enter St. Peter and St. Paul's Basilica at any time? - The interior is usually accessible, but masses and ceremonies can limit visiting hours; check the parish schedule.
How to check opening hours and availability? - The most reliable way is through official information from the sites or the local tourist information points; on the day of your visit call if you plan something special (for example entry to the crypt).
Can I avoid queues? - Buy tickets online, come early in the morning or late afternoon, choose less popular exhibitions or use special free hours if available (remember there are limits).
Kraków is best enjoyed unhurried: plan your route, buy tickets in advance and leave time to discover hidden details between the main attractions. If this guide helped you, share it with friends or on social media — you'll help them plan a better stay in the city.
If you would like to explore with a private guide and discover Kraków through local stories, consider hiring the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — her contact is visible on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. We wish you a great walk and many inspiring discoveries!
