Want to visit Wawel but don’t know where to start? Wondering if entry to the cathedral is included with tickets to the royal chambers? Or whether the Market Underground is really worth a visit? This guide answers those and many other questions, suggests how to plan your time and what to bring for a walk through Kraków’s historic heart.
For those who like facts: Wawel consists of several independent parts — the Royal Castle with its chambers and exhibitions, Wawel Cathedral with crypts and the Sigismund bell, plus smaller attractions around the hill (for example, the Dragon’s Den). The Market Underground is an archaeological and multimedia museum beneath the Main Market Square that shows the city’s history from the medieval period to modern times.
Below you’ll find details about museum entrances, practical tips for avoiding queues, a suggested route and a few local dining recommendations — all in a friendly tone so you can enjoy exploring without stress.
Wawel Hill is a symbol of Polish history: the royal castle and cathedral were sites of coronations, royal burials and the political and cultural centre for centuries. Even a short walk through the courtyards lets you feel the centuries-old atmosphere and see architectural styles from Romanesque to Renaissance.
If your time is limited, begin with the castle courtyards and cloisters — they give a good overview and offer beautiful views. Then choose one main exhibition, for example the State Rooms (Royal Chambers) and the Treasury or the Armory; each tells a different story and requires a different amount of time.
Remember that Wawel Cathedral often operates on a separate entry system — sometimes cathedral access and castle exhibitions require separate tickets. It’s worth checking in advance which parts are open and whether timed entries are in effect.
The Wawel Castle is a museum complex with several permanent and temporary exhibitions. Visitors most often choose the State Rooms — furnished royal apartments showing the wealth and court life of different eras — and the Treasury and Armory, where royal regalia and military exhibits are displayed.
There are also special routes, such as private apartments, applied arts exhibitions or collections connected to particular rulers. When picking a route, note the duration — some exhibitions need at least an hour, others can be seen in half an hour.
It’s worth taking a walk through the Renaissance cloisters and, if available, climbing the castle tower — from above you get a lovely panorama of the Old Town and the Vistula River.
The Cathedral of St. Stanislaus and St. Wenceslaus is the spiritual heart of Wawel. Inside you’ll find royal tombs, famous chapels and monumental sarcophagi. Many visitors make a point of seeing the crypt with the graves of Poland’s notable figures and the Sigismund Chapel.
The Sigismund (Zygmunt) bell is a national symbol — many tourists queue for a chance to stand near it. Also look closely at tomb details and epitaphs, which tell personal stories of former rulers and national heroes.
The cathedral is an active place of worship — on holy days or during services access to some parts may be limited. Respect the rules of the site: keep quiet, switch off your phone and check photography regulations.
Beneath Wawel Hill is the Dragon’s Den, associated with the legend of the Wawel Dragon. The walk to the den and the metal dragon statue nearby — which occasionally breathes fire — are particularly popular with children.
Entering the cave is a pleasant break from the Market bustle and lets you soak up a legendary atmosphere. Note that during the high season there may be queues and the interior space is limited.
If you’re travelling with small children, the funny stories about the dragon and the chance to see the “breathing” monument will be an extra attraction.
The Market Underground is a modern archaeological museum beneath the Main Market Square that combines excavations with multimedia reconstructions of the old city. A walk under the surface lets you see house foundations, remains of workshops, tools and everyday objects from various centuries.
The exhibition shows how city life changed over time: trade, crafts and public space. For people interested in archaeology and urban history it’s a must-see because it gives context to the monuments you see above ground.
Entrance to the Market Underground is through a separate entrance and typically requires a timed ticket. Planning your visit in advance makes it easier to explore without standing in long lines.
The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) is a symbol of Kraków’s mercantile past — today it houses the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art as well as a passage with handicrafts and souvenirs. The arcades and loggias are worth seeing, and the first floor often hosts painting exhibitions.
St. Mary’s Basilica is famous for the wooden altarpiece carved by Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz) — a Gothic masterpiece — and for the tradition of the hourly trumpet signal (hejnał) played from the tower. The richly decorated interior is often busy with visitors: exploring the altarpiece and side chapels takes time but is definitely worth it.
Remember that during liturgical periods parts of the church may be closed to tourists. Observe proper conduct and suitable clothing in sacred places.
Many key sites use timed entries or limit the number of visitors. Buying tickets online in advance is a good habit — it saves time and guarantees entry at your chosen hour.
At Wawel there are often tickets for specific routes (for example State Rooms, the Treasury, special exhibitions) and separate tickets for the Cathedral. The Market Underground has its own entrance and ticket. Check whether combined tickets or discounts for students, seniors and families are available.
To avoid crowds, choose early morning or late afternoon slots, and avoid the peak tourist season if possible. On weekends and public holidays the longest lines form at Wawel and the Market Underground entrances.
Shoes: comfortable footwear is essential — Wawel has cobbled paths and stairs, and the Market Underground can have flat, cool passages. Dress in layers — churches and underground areas are often cooler than the square.
Bags and luggage: most sites restrict large luggage; lockers are sometimes available but not guaranteed. It’s better to leave big suitcases at your hotel or use a city storage facility.
Photography: usually allowed but avoid flash in chapels and near certain exhibits. Respect sacred spaces and other visitors; during religious events access may be restricted.
Accessibility: many sites try to be accessible but historic stairs and narrow passages can make access difficult. Check museum websites in advance if you need elevators or special assistance.
For an elegant meal near the Market: Restaurant Wierzynek is a historic venue with a long tradition of banquets; reserve a table in advance if you plan to dine at peak times.
For coffee and cake try Cafe Camelot — a cozy spot close to the Market, perfect for a rest after sightseeing. For regional cuisine, restaurants around the Wawel area offer rustic Polish dishes and grilled specialties.
If you want a quick, local snack try zapiekanka on Plac Nowy in Kazimierz; for dessert pick a kremówka or other local sweets at one of the cafés near the Market. There’s a range of options in the centre, from upscale restaurants to budget-friendly street food, so choose according to appetite and budget.
Start: Wawel Hill — begin in the morning to see the courtyards and choose one exhibition (State Rooms or the Treasury). Book tickets in advance if you want to enter at a specific time.
Next: walk along Grodzka Street toward the Main Market Square — along the way you’ll see Kanoniczna Street and many historic townhouses. At the Market set aside time for the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica, then enjoy a short lunch at a nearby restaurant.
In the afternoon: descend to the Market Underground — the multimedia exhibition usually lasts around an hour and gives a fresh perspective on the city. This route balances major sights with short breaks for rest.
How much time do I need for Wawel? — If you want to see the courtyards and one exhibition: 2–3 hours. If you plan to visit the chambers, the cathedral and the armory — allow half a day.
How long does it take to see the Market Underground? — Usually about 45–90 minutes, depending on how long you linger at multimedia points and exhibit descriptions.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance? — It’s a good practice, especially during the tourist season and on weekends. Online purchase often allows entry at a set time and shortens waiting time.
Are Wawel and the Underground accessible for wheelchairs? — Some areas offer accessibility solutions, but the historic nature of the sites (stairs, narrow passages) can limit access. Check individual museum information before your visit.
Can I take a guided tour? — Yes, licensed guided tours are available. If you’d like to tour with me and hear the stories, curiosities and lively histories that bring the past closer, please contact me through ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com to arrange a date and route.
Kraków is best enjoyed slowly — give yourself time to stroll between sights, stop at cafés and soak up the atmosphere. Wawel and the Market Underground are complementary experiences: one reveals the majesty of power and religion, the other uncovers the everyday life of the city’s former inhabitants.
If you’d like to explore with a guide who will tell stories, point out curiosities and tailor the route to your time and interests — visit ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com. I’ll help plan a route suited to your schedule, interests and group pace.
Enjoy your visit and see you in Kraków — Małgorzata Kasprowicz
