Yes — Wawel has for years run campaigns and special days when selected exhibitions are offered free of charge. The best-known initiative is the so-called “Free November” (a nationwide action in royal residences), when the museum opens specific routes and exhibitions free of charge. That means you can see, for example, selected chambers, parts of the underground or special displays without an admission fee, but remember that even for free entry you need a valid ticket for a specific time slot. In practice free days are a great opportunity, but they require planning and quick action when booking.
Important — a free offer usually does not cover every part of the hill: the Cathedral (access to tombs, the Sigismund Bell, the Cathedral Museum) and the Crown Treasury are often excluded from promotions and require separate tickets. Also the Dragon’s Den or some seasonal exhibitions are usually paid.
On a regular basis Wawel is divided into several separate routes and each requires its own ticket — this is crucial when planning a free visit: there is no single universal “free ticket for everything”.
Free tickets must be taken for a specific time — even if they are free, the system reserves concrete time slots. Arrive at Wawel within your allotted time window, because during busy periods staff and security enforce limits on the number of people on a route.
Limits and ticket quantities — most free actions have daily limits. Usually one person can collect or reserve tickets for up to 5 people (exceptions are described in the rules of a given action). That means if you are coming with a larger group you’ll need to split reservations across several people.
Separate tickets for different routes — remember each exhibition (for example Royal Chambers, the Underground, Lost Wawel) may require a separate ticket. If you want to see several routes in one day, reserve places accordingly and allow time to move between routes.
When free tickets appear online — in practice free tickets may become available about a week before the visit date; during special campaigns the system can have its own release rules. Paid tickets for individual tourists are often available weeks in advance.
Group reservations and guided tours — group bookings (and often free ticket bookings related to guided visits) go through the Reservation Office; guided services are usually paid and require separate reservation. If you want to visit with an official museum guide, plan ahead.
Check official announcements about free campaigns — information about dates and routes appears on the museum’s information pages and event listings (most often in autumn as part of special initiatives).
Log in to the ticketing system on the day the tickets are released — demand for free slots is high, so try to access the site exactly when the ticket pool is made available. If you miss the online release you may have a chance at the ticket office on the day, but the number of tickets at the counters is also limited.
Choose a specific route and time — remember you are booking a time slot, not an all-day pass; plan walking time between exhibitions so you don’t miss later reservations.
Download/collect your tickets — depending on the action you may be able to download free tickets online or collect them at the ticket office on the day. Some events require collection at the ticket office, others provide downloadable PDF tickets.
Prepare documents — for concessions have identity cards ready (student ID, senior card, etc.). For group tickets keep a list of participants and contact details.
Payment problems — this mainly affects paid tickets, but online payment systems in Poland often favor instant bank transfers and methods using 3D Secure verification. Tourists with foreign cards sometimes face authorization issues. If you encounter an error: try a different payment method (Apple Pay/Google Pay if available), a different card, a different browser or device.
Reservation session times out — ticket systems frequently limit the time to complete a purchase (for example 15–20 minutes to finish payment). If your booking has several steps watch the clock and have payment details ready.
Tickets sold out in minutes — this is normal on popular dates. It’s best to plan visits on weekdays and outside peak tourist season or follow announcements about the exact moment free tickets are released.
Wrong route or overlapping times — check the detailed description of each route (duration, stairs, restrictions) and leave buffer time between reservations for different exhibitions.
The ticket office is a good option if you arrive in Kraków spontaneously and have time to queue — ticket offices issue tickets on the day, but at weekends and in high season queues can be very long.
Online booking guarantees your place and saves time, especially when you need specific routes or visit during a busy period. For free campaigns online booking (or ticket collection) is often not only convenient but required.
If you have limited time in Kraków — book online and plan a maximum of 2–3 routes for the same visit. That way you won’t spend an hour pushing between exhibits or waiting in lines.
If you plan to see the Royal Chambers and the Underground, allow at least 2–3 hours. The underground and archaeological displays often take longer because of multimedia presentations and exhibits.
After visiting, allow at least 30 minutes for a walk around Wawel’s courtyard and viewing terraces — a great time for photos above the Vistula and a short break.
The Cathedral is a separate point on your itinerary — if you want to enter chapels or see the Sigismund Bell, add another 30–60 minutes and remember separate tickets and possible restrictions due to religious ceremonies.
Can I enter the courtyard without a ticket? - Yes, a walk around Wawel’s courtyard and the view of the Vistula are available without a ticket. However most interiors and exhibitions require admission.
Can free tickets be reserved well in advance? - Free tickets are usually released in a limited window before the event date (for example a week), while paid tickets for individual tourists can sometimes be booked several weeks ahead. Rules vary by campaign.
What to do if the system refuses payment? - Try another payment method, a different browser or device, and check whether your card supports 3D Secure. Alternatively contact the museum’s Reservation Office.
Do school groups have different rules? - Yes — lessons and reservations for schools are usually handled under separate conditions and require prior booking through the Reservation Office.
Reservation Office and general booking information: it’s worth contacting them by email or phone when you have a special request (large group, accessibility needs, guided visit).
If you have problems buying tickets — contact the museum’s Reservation Office for clarification or alternative solutions.
Before you travel check official opening hours and notices about closures or restrictions (for example religious ceremonies in the Cathedral).
After your visit consider dining at well-reviewed places near the Market Square and Wawel. Recommended nearby venues include Wierzynek (historic and elegant), Szara Gęś (modern Polish cuisine), Pod Wawelem (hearty home-style food in a relaxed atmosphere), and cafés such as Cafe Camelot or Massolit Books & Cafe for desserts or coffee.
If you want to stay close to Wawel choose accommodation within the Old Town to have easy walking access. Hotels and well-reviewed apartments in the center make getting around easier and let you start sightseeing early without commuting.
Keep in mind that prices near the Market Square are higher on weekends and in high season — if you want to save, consider staying a bit farther with good tram connections.
Booking too many routes in one day — this leads to rushing and frustration. Pick 2–3 top places and give yourself time.
Not checking the rules of a free campaign — each edition has its own terms (number of tickets per person, pickup hours, routes included). Read the organizer’s announcement before booking.
Relying only on a foreign payment card — if you have payment issues, have a backup method (another card, a mobile wallet, or the option to buy at the ticket office).
Ignoring the Cathedral as a separate attraction — many visitors are surprised that the Cathedral and its highlights require separate tickets and sometimes separate queues.
First, on some Mondays there are special hours with free access to selected displays — a good option for visitors who want to save, but expect limited availability and shorter opening hours.
Second, many underground routes are multimedia-rich and your visit time can increase if you stop at presentations. Keep this in mind when scheduling subsequent reservations.
Third, during major museum campaigns there are sometimes free audio guides or promotions for certain services — check in advance whether such options are offered.
Free visits to Wawel in 2024 are a wonderful opportunity but require planning and attention to a few rules: separate tickets for routes, visitor limits, time slots and possible online payment issues. If you plan well you’ll avoid queues, see the most important places and return with lasting, beautiful memories.
If you found this article helpful — share it on social media or send it to friends. If you’d like to explore Wawel with a professional guide and learn stories you won’t find in guidebooks, contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz for more information. Enjoy your visit and have a great stay in Kraków!
