Wawel is the heart of historic Krakow — the Royal Castle and Cathedral form a place where history, art and legend intertwine at every step. Even a short walk around the courtyards and a visit to the cathedral gives a sense of why Poles consider this hill one of the country’s most important symbols.
Right next to it, connecting Kazimierz with Podgórze, is the Father Bernatek footbridge — a relatively new element of the city that quickly became known as a romantic "bridge of love." It’s a great combination of attractions: after a morning exploring Wawel you can walk to the bridge, take photos and stop for lunch at one of the nearby restaurants.
For those who like to combine sightseeing with culinary pleasures: plan to see Wawel in the morning or late afternoon and reserve lunch at a restaurant at the foot of the hill or on the Main Market Square — just a few steps from the monuments.
The footbridge was opened in the early 2010s and quickly became a favorite place for walks and a symbol of romantic gestures. The bridge is named for Father Laetus Bernatek (19th/20th century) — the connection with local medical history and the Brothers Hospitallers gives the site local context.
The most characteristic feature of the bridge used to be the thousands of padlocks hung by couples — a small ritual symbolizing lasting feelings. Over time the padlocks began to damage the mesh of the balustrade, which led the city to decide on renovations and the removal of some locks.
A surprising fact: the total weight of the removed padlocks reached several tons. Instead of being scrapped, some were planned to be given a second life as an artistic element — for example as part of a so-called lovers’ bench placed near the bridge so the tradition is remembered without damaging the structure.
Renovation of the balustrades means that hanging padlocks on the old meshes won't be possible in the same way anymore. New solutions are intended to ensure the safety and durability of the structure while preserving the symbolic character of the place through a specially designed space for mementos of love.
Residents were involved in initiatives about the padlocks’ future — ideas ranged from recycling and charity support to artistic use of the metal. Ultimately the concept of using padlocks in a lovers’ bench gained popularity and is being implemented gradually.
For the visitor this means the bridge is still worth visiting even if padlocks are no longer visible — contemporary sculpture, a dragon figure and the view over the Vistula make the walk pleasant and photogenic.
Allow at least 1–1.5 hours for a quick visit: the courtyards and the Cathedral. If you want to enter the royal chambers, the armory or the crypts — book 2–3 hours.
Buy tickets in advance for exhibitions with limited capacity — this will save time in high season. Check which parts of the castle are open on the day of your visit; some exhibitions may be temporarily closed.
The best times to visit are early morning (opening) or late afternoon — crowds are smaller, the light for photos is nicer, and summer temperatures are more comfortable. After visiting, walk toward the Father Bernatek footbridge and Podgórze — an interesting direction away from the busiest Market Square.
Under Wawel / Kompania Kuflowa — a classic at the foot of Wawel, known for hearty traditional Polish dishes and large portions. A safe choice when you want to feel the local character and eat a portion of pork knuckle or maczanka. It’s worth reserving a table, especially on weekends.
Szara Gęś — an elegant option with Polish cuisine in a refined version. Ideal for lunch when you want something a bit more upscale: good service, a carefully prepared menu and comfortable interiors.
Wierzynek — a legendary restaurant with a special historic atmosphere. A choice for those who want to combine lunch with a unique setting and a prolonged culinary experience. Reservations recommended; prices are higher than average.
Trattoria Wawel and the small trattorias and cafés around the hill — for lovers of Italian food and a calmer atmosphere. There are also great cafés nearby if you prefer a light lunch or cake after sightseeing.
If you seek an authentic local experience at a reasonable price — try one of the milk bars or small family-run places a bit further from the Market. They serve traditional homemade lunches and let you taste real regional flavors.
Surprising: the padlocks from the bridge weighed a total of several tons — that’s why their fate became a city matter and a topic of public debate.
If you want to photograph Wawel without crowds, try taking pictures from the opposite bank of the Vistula — the perspective is much less crowded than the courtyards and gives a nice view of the hill’s panorama.
A common tourist mistake: not reserving lunch after sightseeing — in season good places near Wawel and on the Market can be full. Call or book online before your visit.
No advance tickets and no plan for a specific entry time — result: long queues and disappointment. Planning and buying tickets online saves time.
Believing that the most expensive place will always be the best — not necessarily. If you care about authentic flavor, check shorter review lists and ask locals for recommendations. Places outside the Market often have great food at reasonable prices.
Carrying only cash or only a card — better to have both. Most venues near Wawel accept cards, but small purchases or smaller bars may sometimes prefer cash.
Do I need to book tickets for Wawel? For some exhibitions and during the high season, definitely yes. Check availability and buy tickets online in advance.
How much time should I allocate for Wawel? Short visit: 1–1.5 hours. Full visit with chambers and crypts: 2–3 hours. Combined with lunch and a walk around the area, plan for half a day well spent.
Is it worth going to the Father Bernatek footbridge? Yes — it’s a short and pleasant walk, especially if you want to see the Vistula from a different perspective. Even without padlocks the place has charm and nice views.
Opening hours of attractions and restaurants change seasonally — always check current information before you go. Weekends and the summer season are the busiest times for visitors.
If you have limited time, choose priorities: Wawel (courtyards and Cathedral) + a quick lunch under Wawel or a full visit with a restaurant on the Market — both options are satisfying but require different day planning.
Remember comfortable footwear — Wawel and the surrounding area have cobbled streets and a lot of walking. If you plan photos by the river, bring a light jacket — even in summer evenings can be cool.
If you are planning a visit to Krakow, combine a Wawel visit with a short walk to the Father Bernatek footbridge and lunch at one of the recommended restaurants — it’s a very pleasant way to feel the city’s atmosphere.
If you like, I’m happy to help plan an itinerary so everything fits a comfortable schedule — from buying tickets to recommending places to eat that match your preferences. On the guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz’s page you can find contact and more practical advice.
If this guide was helpful — share it with friends or on social media. And when you’re in Krakow and want to discover the city with someone who knows it inside out — consider using the private guiding services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz; you can find contact details on her page.
