Wawel is no longer just the cathedral and the representative chambers — in 2025 the hill opened several new and refreshed exhibition spaces that show the castle from the point of view of archaeologists, conservators and curators. For a visitor this means that on a single visit you can learn not only about royal ceremonies but also about the technical and everyday aspects of palace life and the secrets hidden beneath the walls. If you are planning a trip to Kraków this season, it’s worth reserving time for at least two different Wawel routes — the permanent route and a new temporary or underground exhibition.
The new exhibition projects combine traditional collections with multimedia and family-friendly storytelling — there are sensory stations, audio descriptions and materials that make the displays easier to experience for visitors with different needs. Check which spaces are accessible and plan your route to make the most of your time, avoiding lines and peak hours.
If you enjoy history in a broad sense — from coronation regalia to foundations and the castle’s cellars — Wawel in 2025 has a lot to offer you.
One of the season’s most important new features is the permanent archaeological exhibition opened in the hill’s underground — described under various names such as “Wawel Underground” or “Międzymurze.” It’s a route that displays structural relics, building materials and fragments of former buildings that until now were not available to the general public.
The exhibition has an archaeological-architectural character: here you will see cross-sections of walls, remains of former buildings, and modern multimedia displays explaining how the hill formed and how it was rebuilt over the centuries. Entrance to this part is planned from the Powiśle side, and the project combines traditional exhibits with interactive solutions so that both adults and children better understand conservation and archaeological processes.
For many visitors the greatest value is the chance to see Wawel from “below” — an experience different from walking the courtyard or entering the Royal Chambers. The route is ideal if you want to feel the historical context of the structure and see fragments that were previously known mostly from specialist publications.
One of the temporary exhibitions displayed objects related to the Saxon coronations — including regalia and pieces of coronation dress that rarely leave their home collections. The exhibition allowed visitors to follow the coronation ceremony as a Baroque spectacle: the ceremonial entry into the city, the rite of consecration, banquets and the tributes of the townspeople.
The show included items borrowed from important domestic and foreign collections, as well as scenography and staging elements that help imagine the atmosphere of those events. For visitors it was not only viewing artefacts but also tactile and sound components (sensory stations, audio descriptions) that make the experience more engaging.
If you are interested in court culture and the Baroque — such an exhibition is an opportunity to see regalia and costumes in a context that a typical display case cannot convey.
Buy tickets in advance: the most popular routes and temporary exhibitions fill up quickly, especially in the tourist season. Online booking (when available) will help you avoid long queues and will let you schedule your walk around the hill according to entry times.
Arrive in the morning or late afternoon if you want to avoid the biggest crowds. Weekdays are usually calmer than weekends. Combining the underground tour with a short walk around the courtyards and the Cathedral makes for a sensible half‑day plan.
Check accessibility and amenities: some parts of the underground and historical cellars may have limited access for visitors using wheelchairs, so it’s worth asking in advance about accessible routes and possible lifts or alternatives.
Remember how long tours take: visiting one larger exhibition (for example the underground) plus parts of the permanent displays can take from 1 to 3 hours — plan breaks for coffee and photos.
Is “Międzymurze” suitable for children? Yes — the exhibition mixes educational elements with interactive points, which usually works well for families. Keep in mind, however, that the underground spaces are confined in places, so adapt the route to the children’s ages.
Can you take photos? In most parts of the museum amateur photography is allowed without flash, but there may be exceptions for some displays or loaned objects — always follow signs and staff instructions.
How much does it cost? Ticket prices vary depending on the route and whether it’s a permanent, special or combined exhibition. Check current prices online or at the ticket office before your visit — buying in advance often gives you a better choice of entry times.
Where is the entrance to the underground? The entrance to the underground section is planned from the Powiśle side; study the hill map and plan your approach to avoid unnecessary detours through the courtyards.
Arriving without a reservation — in season this can mean long hours in line. Book a ticket or come outside peak times if you don’t have a reservation.
Only looking from the outside — Wawel is a complex of many spaces; take time for the Cathedral, the Chambers and the underground to understand the full historical context.
Not checking practical information — check opening hours of specific routes, because not all rooms and exhibitions operate every day or have the same availability times.
Wearing inappropriate footwear — parts of the route may run over uneven, stone surfaces and stairs. Comfortable, stable shoes will make your visit more pleasant.
If after touring you fancy traditional Polish cuisine in a historic setting, consider Restaurant Wierzynek on the Main Market Square — a Kraków culinary icon, well rated by visitors. Another proven option is Pod Aniołami, known for regional dishes and a friendly atmosphere.
For coffee and cake I recommend popular cafes with a good reputation — well‑established places serving coffee and small snacks, perfect for a break between routes. If you’re looking for accommodation nearby, the Old Town and Kazimierz areas offer a wide range from boutique places to well‑rated chain hotels — choose spots with positive guest reviews and a short walk to Wawel Hill.
Reminder: when picking a place to eat, favor venues with high ratings and up‑to‑date reviews — it’s the best way to find good food.
The cellars we see today have a long history — construction work in this part of Wawel was carried out as early as the 16th century; some cellar elements date back more than 400 years.
Some exhibitions have displayed objects that rarely leave their collections — including regalia and pieces of coronation dress loaned from other museums, giving visitors the chance to see them in person.
The 2025 modernization and exhibition projects at Wawel were carried out with public funds and conservation committees involved — some investments had significant budgets, which contributed to modern exhibition solutions and careful conservation of the monument.
Combine your visit with a short walk along the Vistula — the view of Wawel from the opposite riverbank is a classic Kraków photo spot and a pleasant counterpoint after an intensive museum experience.
If your time is limited: choose either the Chambers and the Cathedral (for lovers of history and symbolism) or the underground and archaeological displays (for those curious about conservation technology and the building’s secrets). Both routes give different, valuable perspectives on the hill.
Consider visiting themed temporary exhibitions — seasonal displays can be real cultural events (for example tied to anniversaries, loaned collections from other museums or artistic projects).
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help others plan a better trip to Kraków. And if you prefer to explore with someone who will show places from a local guide’s perspective and tell stories that printed guides don’t fit — consider booking a tour with private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact and offer details are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — a convenient option for those who want a personalized route and extra local insights. Have a great trip and enjoy discovering Wawel!
