Wawel and the Royal Route are the heart of Old Kraków — places that stay with most visitors long after they leave. To keep your visit pleasant and stress-free, plan tickets and the route ahead of time and decide what to do with your dog — animals are usually not allowed inside historic interiors. As a guide (Małgorzata Kasprowicz) I help plan an itinerary so you see the most important sights without rushing, with stories that bring the places to life.
The Royal Route is a historic path that runs from St. Florian’s Gate along Floriańska Street and the Main Market Square, then Grodzka Street down to Wawel. The most visited points are: St. Florian’s Gate, Floriańska Street, the Main Market Square with St. Mary’s Basilica, the walk to Grodzka, and Wawel — the cathedral, chapel and the Royal Castle courtyard.
A standard walking route without entering museum interiors takes about 2–3 hours. If you plan to enter interiors (Private Apartments, the Treasury, the Cathedral, the Crypts) and want a guided commentary, plan for 3–4 hours or a whole morning. Touring with a guide helps you use your time better: historical stories save you from searching for context on your own and make the route more meaningful.
Consider visiting in the morning (fewer crowds early) or outside the high season to reduce queues and congestion on the sidewalks.
Wawel and other popular exhibitions require entrance tickets, often separate for different routes (for example Private Apartments, the Treasury, the Cathedral). The number of places for specific time slots may be limited — especially during the tourist season — so buy tickets online in advance if possible.
If you plan to tour with guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz, reserve your date early — that guarantees availability and a punctual group start. When buying tickets check: the type of route, the entry time, whether you need to show documents for discounts (student or senior IDs), and the time needed between different exhibitions.
There is usually an on-site ticket desk, but online reservation helps avoid long lines. On selected dates there may be free entry to some exhibitions, but these tickets are usually distributed on-site in limited numbers.
A guide will tell you stories that connect places with people and events — instead of reading plaques yourself you get a coherent picture and anecdotes that bring the visit to life. Good preparation also helps logistics: knowing the meeting point and schedule means you spend more time looking around and less time organizing.
Practical tips: wear comfortable shoes (cobblestones and stairs at Wawel), bring a small backpack (large luggage is often asked to be left in storage), water, ID for discounts, and a charged phone for photos. If you have time constraints, tell the guide in advance so the route can be adjusted.
Meeting point and communication: I usually set a clear meeting point (for example near a designated entrance or the Gate). When you reserve you will receive precise information about where and when to meet.
Short answer: yes for walks around the outside parts of the Royal Route and Wawel grounds (use a leash and clean-up bags), but entering museum interiors and exhibitions is generally not allowed. Most museum halls and historic interiors prohibit animals — the exception is guide dogs and other assistance dogs, which are allowed after showing appropriate documentation.
If you want to see the Castle interiors, the Cathedral, the crypts or particular exhibitions — you need to plan where to leave your pet. You can walk your dog around the outside of the Wawel hill, but remember to behave considerately — keep your dog on a leash, clean up after them and control their interaction with other tourists.
If you are traveling with a dog, let me know before the tour — we will agree on the best logistical solution together.
1) Dog hotels / daycares – the safest option if you want to leave your pet for several hours or a full day. Kraków has several private kennels and dog hotels that offer full-day care, runs, walks and photo reports. Book in advance, especially on weekends and during the tourist season. Confirm opening hours and requirements (for example up-to-date vaccinations).
2) Pet sitter – if you prefer your dog to stay in a home environment nearby, hire a pet sitter for a few hours. This is good when your dog is shy or doesn’t handle busy groups well. Choose sitters with good reviews.
3) Dog daycares / daytime nurseries – some places offer a “day at the daycare” with playtime, walks and rest. This is an active option — your dog will come back tired and happy.
4) Hotel reception / leaving the dog at your accommodation – if you stay in a hotel, ask reception about short-term care (some places offer in-house care or contacts for local sitters). Not all hotels allow leaving a dog alone in the room for long periods, so check the rules.
Local names you may check: Pchełka, Psilandia, Psiemka and other private dog hotels and daycares in Kraków — call ahead to confirm conditions, opening hours and health requirements.
- Health documents and vaccinations: most hotels/daycares require up-to-date vaccinations and usually a dog health booklet. Call ahead to confirm what they need.
- Leash, collar, muzzle (if required), favorite toy and blanket: familiar items help your dog relax in a new place.
- Information about your dog’s routine: feeding times, medications, behaviors, allergies — give all details to the caregiver. Good places often ask for a short questionnaire about your pet.
- Plan logistics: allow time for travel to the care facility, have the caregiver’s phone number and reservation confirmation with you.
Around the Royal Route and Wawel you will find many cafés and restaurants with terraces or outdoor seating that are more dog-friendly. On the Old Town the best choices are places with outdoor tables — it’s easier to sit with a dog without disturbing other guests.
A practical rule: ask before taking a table with your dog, sit where you do not block the passage and have water available for your pet. Many places will give a water bowl on request. If you want recommendations for specific venues, tell me whether you prefer a quick lunch, coffee or a longer meal and I’ll suggest places that fit the season and your needs.
If you left your dog at a dog hotel, plan pick-up times so your pet is not left away for too long.
- Transport: Kraków has a good public transport network, but walking around the center is often easiest with a dog. Some taxis and ride-share apps accept animals — check before ordering.
- Luggage and storage: large backpacks and suitcases are usually asked to be left in storage; there is sometimes luggage storage on the Wawel courtyard. Do not leave your dog unattended at an entrance while you drop off luggage.
- Safety for your pet: never leave a dog in a car — even short periods in a hot car are dangerous.
- Weather: on hot days plan visits for morning or evening; make sure your dog has water and shade.
Q: Can a dog enter the Cathedral at Wawel? - A: Generally sacred interiors and museum halls do not admit animals; guide dogs are the exception. If you plan to enter interiors, arrange pet care in advance.
Q: Do I need to book care for my dog in advance? - A: Yes — in season and at weekends kennels and daycares fill up quickly. Booking ahead brings peace of mind.
Q: How long does a guided Wawel tour take? - A: A standard guided route including interiors and the cathedral usually lasts 1.5–3 hours, depending on the scope. If you plan to see additional exhibitions, allow more time.
Q: What if my dog is afraid of new places? - A: A pet sitter or a dog hotel that offers an introductory/adaptation option (short first stay, photos/updates) is a good solution. You can also choose a shorter tour or an outside-only route.
If you are coming to Kraków and want to visit Wawel and the Royal Route with a guide, I will gladly help plan a route that fits your needs (pace, breaks, expectations, presence of children). For travelers with dogs I offer logistical support: advice, recommendations for trusted dog care places and help choosing the best daily schedule.
Write when you plan to arrive, how much time you want to spend sightseeing and whether you are bringing a pet — I will prepare a personalized route and a practical contact list so your day in Kraków is pleasant and stress-free. Warm regards — Małgorzata Kasprowicz, Kraków guide.
If you like, I can also prepare a short list of specific dog hotels in the area and a sample half-day plan (for example Wawel + Market Square) that takes dog pick-up times into account — tell me which options you prefer.
