Yes — Wawel regularly opens selected exhibitions free of charge as part of seasonal initiatives, and in 2025 the most important opportunity was the so-called “Free November.” In practice this means that for a defined period (most often the whole of November or part of it) selected routes and exhibitions are available without an entry fee, but tickets and capacity limits still apply. Remember that “free” does not always mean “no reservation required” and that not all spaces on Wawel Hill are opened free of charge on those days. Before you choose a date, check carefully which displays are offered for free that day and whether prior reservation is required.
Some days and events are organised locally (for example special weekends dedicated to royal residences), and during premiere openings (for instance new exhibitions) the first days can be free for visitors — but also very crowded. This guide will help you plan your visit so you can make the most of free offers and avoid the biggest pitfalls.
During the November 2025 initiative, free entry applied to selected routes and exhibitions of the Wawel Royal Castle as well as to an educational programme. On designated days and within limits, visitors could access, among others, the Representative Royal Chambers (Castle II), the Lapidarium (Wawel Underground) and selected temporary and permanent exhibitions made available as part of the campaign. A special finale programme for Wawel was planned for the last weekend of the month, with new presentations that were available for free in the first days after opening.
Opening hours during the campaign were usually specified precisely: on Mondays some exhibitions could be open for shorter hours (for example 10:00–16:00 with early last entry), while Tuesday–Sunday typical hours were roughly 9:00–17:00. Audio guides or guided visits could be offered free of charge on selected dates.
Most commonly, free admission covers selected permanent exhibitions and parts of an exhibition — typically: the Representative Royal Chambers (Castle II), the Lapidarium (underground) and chosen temporary exhibitions prepared for the campaign. Not all routes are included in free entry: special routes (for example guided-only routes, access to towers, the treasury, the royal crypt or certain seasonal shows) may remain paid or be available in a limited way.
Wawel Cathedral operates a separate entry system — masses of course are free, but admission to some parts of the cathedral (crypts, the tower, the treasury) may require a fee or separate ticket. If you want to visit the crypt or enjoy the panoramic view from the tower, check rules and opening hours in advance.
Check the campaign calendar and the museum’s official announcements — promotional actions (e.g. Free November) have exact dates and a list of included exhibitions.
Register or visit the official ticketing system about a week before your planned date — in practice the pool of free tickets on the online channel appears with specified advance notice (for example 7 days before the date).
If you can’t get a ticket online, go to the ticket offices on the morning of the opening — during campaign days tickets are issued on-site until the allocation is exhausted. Ticket offices usually open at the start of visiting hours.
Remember the limit: in practice one person can collect tickets for a maximum specified number of people (for example up to 5 people) — don’t expect someone to be able to hand you a very large number of tickets.
Prepare documents entitling you to concessions or free entry (if applicable). Eligibility is checked at the ticket office or at the exhibition entrance. Note that on special routes (museum lessons, guided routes) statutory exemptions may not apply.
Arrive earlier than your scheduled entry time — even with a ticket it’s wise to be there before the stated time. Visitor flow systems can be strict and entry may be closed a few minutes before the start time.
Pick a weekday and a morning slot if you want to avoid crowds. Weekends are busiest, especially during free campaigns.
Leave large bags and backpacks in the cloakroom — most routes require you to store luggage that exceeds set dimensions. Wawel’s rules limit bringing large items into exhibition spaces.
Check the expected route durations — some exhibitions require around 60–90 minutes, so don’t plan several long routes in one day. Also remember that routes may overlap in time.
If you plan to use an audio guide or an official museum guide, check availability — audio guides are an additional service and can be free on selected campaign dates. Wawel employs official museum guides, which is a reliable option if you want to deepen your knowledge.
If you visit with children: keep in mind that children up to a certain age must be accompanied by an adult, and that prams and carriers may have restrictions. Educational activities for school groups are often included in the pool of free lessons (for example hundreds of lessons in the campaign).
Assuming that “free” equals “entry without a ticket” — on campaign days tickets and limits apply, so lack of reservation can mean long waiting or no entry.
Trying to see too many routes in a short time — visiting Wawel involves time in rooms but also moving between spaces, waiting and possible queues. It’s better to focus on one or two routes and leave time for a walk on the hill and the view of the Vistula.
Not preparing concession documents — if you expect statutory discounts, bring the document that proves your entitlement (student ID, ISIC, disability ID, etc.).
Driving without a parking plan — the area around Wawel and Kraków’s centre has limited parking spaces; public transport or a taxi is often faster and more reliable.
If you’re looking for traditional, well-regarded cuisine near Wawel, consider the legendary Wierzynek — historic interiors and a menu suited to tourist expectations. Near the Market Square you’ll also find highly-rated places: Szara (modern Polish cuisine) and Pod Wawelem (a large restaurant serving regional dishes).
For coffee and dessert, Cafe Camelot on the Old Town is a great choice — it’s atmospheric and popular with visitors. If you prefer a quieter spot with books, cafés on the Small Market (Mały Rynek) or near Kanonicza Street offer a calm break after sightseeing.
If you’re looking for accommodation close to Wawel Hill, hotels such as Hotel Stary and PURO Kraków Stare Miasto have strong ratings and convenient locations. When choosing a hotel, check whether they offer early or late luggage storage, which can make visiting easier on arrival or departure day.
Ticket pools are sometimes split across several sales channels (online, ticket office, machines). If online availability is gone, check the ticket machine by the ticket offices or arrive early at the ticket office.
If you don’t get a ticket for your preferred exhibition, choose a shorter underground route (Lapidarium) — it usually takes less time and gives a different, interesting perspective on Wawel’s history and architecture.
During free campaigns there are lessons and workshops for schools — if you travel with children, check the educational programme; you can often find activities tailored to different age groups.
On some days audio guides are offered free of charge — if you plan a relaxed visit check this option in the campaign description.
Do I need a ticket to enter Wawel on a free-entry day? Yes — even when exhibitions are offered for free, tickets are required. On-site they are issued at ticket offices until the allocation is exhausted according to adopted limits.
How many tickets can I collect at once? In practice the free ticket pool has a per-person limit (for example up to 5 tickets per person when collecting at the ticket office). This rule protects against one person taking a disproportionate number of tickets.
Is the cathedral open for free? The cathedral follows a slightly different system than the castle museum: masses and services are free, but visiting some parts of the cathedral (crypts, tower, treasury) may require a fee or separate tickets. Check the cathedral schedule and entry rules before your visit.
What about people entitled to statutory concessions? People entitled to concessions (students, pupils, ISIC holders, etc.) should carry documentation proving their entitlement. For special events or guided visits, concession rules can be limited.
Can I visit with an independent private guide? Some routes require guides employed by the institution; otherwise Wawel offers official museum guides. For larger groups or special routes it’s best to contact the reservation office in advance.
Here are three things that most often spoil a visit: no tickets despite a free day, trying to see too many routes in one day, and not having necessary concession documents. Avoid these by booking in advance, planning one or two routes, and carrying the required IDs.
If you want a stress-free option consider booking one of the paid, official guided routes on the museum’s website or using a private guide service—this can be a good investment when you want more historical context in a short time.
Wawel Hill is not only the castle and the cathedral — it is a complex of buildings, courtyards and underground spaces with a history spanning centuries. The Lapidarium in the underground collects architectural fragments and sculptures that are not always displayed above ground.
Some temporary exhibitions at Wawel (including contemporary presentations) are made available during free campaigns — a great chance to see surprising pairings of historical collections with contemporary art.
Official Wawel guides are trained by the institution — if you join a museum-led tour you can expect a reliable, well-researched narrative and often additional curiosities you won’t find in a standard audio guide.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or on social media — someone planning a trip to Kraków may benefit from these practical tips.
If you want to visit Wawel with someone who will show you the place behind the scenes, consider booking a private tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact and full offer are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. This is a convenient option if you want to fine-tune your route, avoid queues and learn more than a standard guide provides.
Thank you for reading and enjoy your visit to Wawel — may it be one of the highlights of your trip to Kraków!
