Wawel is not just a castle and a cathedral — it is the center of Polish history, reached by one of Europe’s most famous city routes: the Royal Route. Planning your visit with opening hours and queue times in mind lets you see more and avoid disappointment.
The Wawel Cathedral follows seasonal hours: in the spring-summer period (usually April to September) visits are most often possible Monday–Saturday 9:00–17:00, and Sundays 12:30–17:00. In the autumn-winter season (usually October to March) hours are shorter: Monday–Saturday 9:00–16:00, Sundays 12:30–16:00.
Important: some holidays and liturgical ceremonies mean the cathedral is closed to tourists — for example November 1, December 24–25, January 1 and days connected with the Easter Triduum and Easter. If you plan to visit on a holiday, check the cathedral’s schedule in advance.
Separate tickets are required to visit particular parts of the Cathedral (the Sigismund Bell, Royal Tombs, chapels, the Cathedral Museum). Ticket offices usually stop selling about 30 minutes before closing, and the latest entry is typically 30 minutes before closing time.
On site there are rules to observe: keep quiet, do not take photos where a ban is posted (photography is usually not allowed in most cathedral interiors), men are asked to remove headwear, and it’s best to come dressed with shoulders and knees covered.
Those entitled to concessions should carry a document confirming the discount; group tickets are also available. Before your visit it’s worth checking the current prices and ticketing rules.
The Royal Chambers and both permanent and temporary exhibitions in the Royal Castle on Wawel require separate tickets and may have their own opening hours. Each exhibition is often sold separately, so when planning your visit pick which interiors you want to see and book tickets in advance.
There are sometimes free-entry days or special promotions, but tickets for those are often released shortly before the date (for example a week ahead) and sell out quickly. If you want a particular exhibition or a free ticket, reserve online as early as possible.
Allow time for queues — even with an online ticket you may have to wait for popular exhibitions and during the summer season.
The Royal Route (via regia) is the historic axis that runs through Kraków’s most important points: Matejko Square (Kleparz) — the Barbican and St. Florian’s Gate — Floriańska Street — the Main Market Square (St. Mary’s Basilica, Cloth Hall) — Grodzka Street — Kanonicza Street — Wawel Hill. The route gives a great introduction to the city and can be adapted to your time and interests.
If you only want to walk the route externally, set aside about 2–2.5 hours. A version including entry to the main sites (St. Mary’s Basilica, Royal Chambers, Cathedral) typically takes 4–6 hours or a full day — depending on how many places you visit and how long you spend in queues.
On the walk I recommend short stops: Jama Michalika and Matejko’s House on Floriańska, the Cloth Hall and cafés on the Market, and the quiet townhouses and cathedral views along Kanonicza Street.
It’s least crowded in the morning, right after sites open, and on weekdays. If you can — pick a weekday and start early to catch the first entries into popular places.
Another option is to visit Wawel in the late afternoon (after the castle interiors close) to calmly enjoy the courtyards and the Vistula panorama — but remember that interiors will already be closed then.
In summer expect longer lines at ticket offices; booking online often shortens waiting time significantly.
The nearest tram stop for those using public transport is named “Wawel” and is a convenient walk to the hill. The walk from the Market Square to Wawel takes about 10–15 minutes. If you come by car, remember central parking is limited and it’s better to plan parking options in advance.
Plan a break for a meal along the route. A few well-known places near the Market and Kanonicza include Cafe Camelot (Kanonicza) — a cozy café, Szara Restaurant (Market Square) and Pod Wawelem — if you’re looking for hearty traditional food. In high season check whether you need to reserve a table.
Wear comfortable shoes — cobbled streets and stone steps on Wawel can be tiring after a day of walking.
Wawel Hill and parts of the courtyards are accessible to visitors with limited mobility, but not all exhibitions and spaces (for example some underground areas) are fully adapted. If you need assistance (ramps, lifts, help), check details before your visit and contact the site staff.
The Cathedral and some interiors have restrictions on luggage and large backpacks — if necessary bring a smaller bag or leave larger luggage at a left-luggage facility.
Not booking tickets in advance — in the season and at weekends tickets for the Royal Chambers and special exhibitions sell out fast. Book online ahead if you want to go inside.
Trying to do “everything in one day” — the Royal Route offers so many attractions that trying to see them all in a few hours leads to rushing. Choose priorities and split your visits into stages.
Ignoring cathedral rules — inappropriate clothing or photographing where it’s forbidden can result in being asked to leave. Respect the rules of this place of worship.
Can I enter Wawel without a ticket? Yes — the castle courtyards and the hill area are open without a ticket, but most exhibitions and interiors require separate tickets.
Does the Royal Route have opening hours? The route itself is composed of streets and squares and does not have opening hours, but individual sites along it (churches, museums, the castle) do — check each site’s hours before you go.
Where can I buy tickets? The easiest way is to reserve tickets online via the official Wawel ticketing system or buy them at the ticket office on site — note that some exhibitions have limited availability.
Can I ring the Sigismund Bell? Entry to the bell and other special parts of the Cathedral is possible only with the appropriate ticket and under rules set by the cathedral staff.
Wawel is not only a royal residence and a cathedral — it is a place where historical layers overlap: from medieval fortifications to baroque chapels and contemporary exhibitions. While walking the Royal Route remember many buildings hide lesser-known stories and anecdotes not always found in guidebooks.
Free-ticket actions at Wawel return from time to time — but even then you must register, as places are strictly limited and tickets disappear quickly.
If you’re planning a visit: decide which interiors are your priority, book tickets online in advance and start your walk early in the morning. Break the Royal Route into stages and leave room for a coffee break or lunch.
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on social media — it will help them plan a better visit to Kraków. If you prefer a private guided visit, check the offer of Małgorzata Kasprowicz at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — reservation details are available on the site.
Good luck and enjoy your visit to Kraków!
