Kraków is a city where one day can contain architectural gems, legends and the tastes of regional cuisine. For groups of 30–60 people, visiting Wawel and the Royal Route is an excellent choice, but it requires concrete preparations — reservations, a well-thought-out coach stop and a clear schedule.
Well-planned logistics save time and nerves: you’ll avoid circling the centre, splitting the group at the last minute and long queues at entrances. With a few practical steps the group will gain comfort and more time for the most important sites.
The first step is to check ticket availability and group reservation rules. places such as the cathedral, castle exhibitions or chapels often require prior booking and may set limits for the size of a single subgroup — so book in advance and confirm whether guides or audio systems are needed.
If you plan paid entries (for example to castle chambers or crypts), allow time for ticket purchase and control at the entrance — for large groups it’s worth ordering tickets ahead and setting a fixed meeting point.
It’s also a good idea to coordinate the plan with the coach driver: agree on the parking spot, pick-up time and any restrictions on entering certain Old Town streets.
There are designated coach parking places around Wawel and the Old Town, but availability can be limited, especially in high season or during roadworks. Common options are the parking near ul. Powiśle (just below Wawel Hill), parking by the Wisła stadium (Reymonta / Al. 3 Maja) and coach bays near Karmelicka or Kopernika streets (by the Dom Turysty).
Some parking areas under Wawel are sometimes temporarily closed because of renovations or traffic reorganisations, so always check the latest information and reserve a spot when possible. For some coaches a slightly more distant parking with a short walk is a better option — often faster than driving around looking for a free place.
If the group arrives in private cars, the most convenient options are underground garages at Plac na Groblach or by the National Museum — remember height restrictions for garage entrances and paid parking zones.
Contact the chosen parking administration in advance — confirm the number of spaces, arrival and departure times and any fees for leaving the coach overnight.
Make sure about vehicle entry limits on some Old Town streets and possible bans for vehicles above certain weights. When planning the route, include the walking time from the parking to the sights — even 6–15 minutes on foot may be needed.
For groups using more than one coach it’s worth preparing a communication plan: who is responsible for the participant list, who keeps the time and where the fixed meeting point is after sightseeing.
Wawel and parts of the Royal Route are places with high tourist traffic. For large groups it’s standard to split participants into smaller subgroups at building entrances and use headsets or a sound system so the guide can be heard by everyone.
Keep in mind that not all parts of the castle or the cathedral are always accessible — there can be restrictions due to conservation works or ceremonies. Check the schedule for the availability of particular spaces before your planned visit.
When planning a route along the Royal Route, allow time for entry to the Cathedral, a walk along Kanoniczna Street and a stop at the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice). For larger groups, an exterior walk past the main monuments can be quicker and equally rewarding if there isn’t enough time for several paid entries.
After sightseeing the group will certainly look for a place to eat. In the Market Square area and on streets leading along the Royal Route consider restaurants with good reputations that accept bookings for larger groups. For example, restaurants such as Szara, Miodova and venues on Kanonicza and Grodzka often serve tourist groups — but book early and agree on a group menu.
For a more informal rest we recommend pubs and traditional inns near Wawel where the group can eat quickly and relax after the walk.
Remember guests with special dietary needs and the serving time — preparation for large group orders can take longer than standard service.
The most frequent mistake is not confirming parking or reservations in advance. As a result the group wastes time searching for a spot or must park far from the planned route.
The second mistake is underestimating the time needed for paid entries. Book tickets and the guide in advance and leave a margin in the schedule for ticket control and short unexpected delays.
Third is lack of clear internal communication. Appoint one or two contact persons, set meeting points and emergency phone numbers, and inform participants about the approximate return time to the coach.
Early morning hours (right after opening) are the best time to visit if you want to avoid crowds and take photos without many tourists in the frame.
On some days parking in the strict centre may be free or follow special rules — check local announcements and paid parking zones before arrival.
It’s often practical to leave most luggage on the coach and take only what you need for the walk — this speeds up moving through narrow passages and makes group manoeuvres easier.
Can you visit Wawel with a group of 50 people? Yes, but you will probably be asked to split into smaller subgroups at interior entrances. We recommend coordinating entries and reservations in advance.
How far must you park from the Old Town if the parking under Wawel is closed? An alternative is parking by the Wisła stadium or other guarded car parks nearby — walking can take 10–25 minutes, so include that in your plan.
Can a guide use headsets for the group? Yes, for groups larger than a dozen people using a sound system or headsets greatly improves listening comfort and order.
Book parking and tickets in advance, appoint contact persons and prepare an alternative plan in case of traffic or access changes. Consider walking times from the parking to the main points and plan short breaks for rest and meals.
If you want the visit to be stress-free and polished in every detail, consider booking a private guide — Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers guided tours tailored to groups of all sizes; contact details and booking information are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Share this article with friends organising a trip, and if you have questions or want to fine-tune the route for specific group needs, write to us — we’re happy to help!
