Wawel is the heart of historic Krakow - the royal castle and the cathedral that for centuries were the center of power, worship and the burial place of the nation’s most important figures. The hill itself and the view over the Vistula River make a strong impression and are a perfect introduction to the city’s atmosphere.
On Wawel you should especially see: the arcaded castle courtyard, the State Rooms, the Crown Treasury with the coronation sword, the Armory, the Sigismund Chapel in the cathedral, the Royal Tombs and the Sigismund Bell. The cathedral also contains many exceptional works of art and sarcophagi that tell the story of Poland.
You can combine the walk on the hill with a short descent to the riverside - the Vistula boulevards offer a calmer perspective on the city skyline and great spots to rest after intensive sightseeing.
Castle courtyard - the Renaissance arcades are the castle’s signature and an ideal place for first photos.
State Rooms - richly decorated interiors that show how kings lived and furnished their residences; entrance to the rooms usually requires a separate ticket and reservation.
Crown Treasury and Armory - exhibitions of weapons, armor and coronation items (including the famous coronation sword), which illustrate royal power and ceremony.
Wawel Cathedral - the place of coronations and burials; inside you will find the Sigismund Chapel, Baroque and Renaissance tombs and the Sigismund Bell, which can be seen up close (tower access is limited and may require a ticket).
Dragon’s Den and the Wawel Dragon - the legendary cave at the foot of the hill and the sculpture of the fire-breathing dragon, which is especially popular with families with children.
The Royal Route is the historic path used by monarchs arriving for coronations or residence at Wawel. Today it is a pleasant walk that links the most important monuments of old Krakow.
Typical route: the Barbican and St. Florian Gate - Floriańska Street - Main Market Square (Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Church) - Grodzka Street - Kanonicza Street - Wawel Hill. Along the way it is worth stopping at: St. Florian Gate, the ornate façades of townhouses, St. Mary’s Church where the bugle call is played from the tower every hour, the Cloth Hall and the papal window on Franciszkańska/Grodzka Streets.
Walking the Royal Route also gives you the chance to enter university courtyards, peek into churches (Dominican, Franciscan, Sts. Peter and Paul) and soak in the medieval street layout and atmosphere of the city.
2 hours - quick walk: start at the Barbican and St. Florian Gate, walk down Floriańska to the Main Market Square, view the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Church from outside, continue along Grodzka Street to Wawel, see the courtyard and the Dragon’s Den.
3–4 hours - extended version: add entry to the Cathedral (including the Cathedral Museum), a walk around the castle courtyard, a short visit to the State Rooms or the Treasury (if reservation and tickets allow), and time for coffee or lunch near the Market or by Wawel.
If you want to climb to the Sigismund Bell or visit selected castle exhibitions, allow extra time and check ticket availability in advance - some exhibitions and entries are limited and require reservations.
Tickets and reservations - some Wawel exhibitions (for example the State Rooms, the Treasury, or tower access) require purchased tickets. In winter and in high season entries are limited, so it’s worth buying tickets online ahead of time. If you plan to visit the Sigismund Bell, remember this is a separate entrance and may require its own ticket.
Best times for a walk - early morning (right after opening) or late afternoon offer fewer crowds and nicer light for photos. The Market and Floriańska Street can be very crowded at midday and on weekends.
Avoid peak tourist season if you want quiet - July and August are the busiest months, though spring and autumn weekends can also be packed.
For families with children - the Dragon’s Den and the dragon sculpture are usually a big hit with younger visitors. There are many spots along the route for a snack or ice cream.
Wawel and some sections of the Royal Route include steep parts and stairs - not all exhibitions are fully accessible for wheelchair users. If you need conveniences (elevator, level access), check accessibility information for specific sites before your visit.
The old center is best explored on foot - many streets are pedestrianized and paved with stone, so comfortable shoes are essential. If you prefer public transport, tram and bus stops are located near the Market and main walking routes.
Around the Market and Wawel you will find many restaurants and cafés to suit different budgets - from traditional Polish cuisine to trendy cafés. A few well-known options:
- Pod Wawelem - traditional, hearty Polish cuisine very close to Wawel, a good choice for hungry visitors.
- Wierzynek - a historic restaurant on the Market Square, famous for its long tradition and distinctive atmosphere.
- Szara / Szara Gęś - an elegant choice by the Market Square if you want to dine in the heart of the Old Town.
If you prefer a quick bite or a coffee, the Royal Route and the Planty belt are full of cafés and bakeries. After intensive sightseeing consider the pleasant café terraces along the Vistula boulevards for a relaxing break.
Start in the morning if you want to avoid crowds and have better conditions to visit the State Rooms and the cathedral.
Check ticket requirements on Wawel’s official site before your visit - some exhibitions and entries must be reserved in advance.
Plan a coffee or lunch break at the Market or by the Vistula - it’s a great way to rest and sum up impressions from the walk.
If you have little time, focus on Wawel and a short walk through the Market and Grodzka Street - this will give a full sense of the most important places along the Royal Route.
How long does it take to see Wawel? - It depends on which places you choose to visit, but a basic walk around the hill including the courtyard and the cathedral usually takes 1.5–2 hours. Visiting the State Rooms and exhibitions can extend the visit to 3–4 hours.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance? - Some exhibitions and entries (for example State Rooms, the Treasury, Sigismund Bell) require tickets and sometimes advance reservations. It’s best to check before you come.
Is the St. Mary’s bugle call played every day? - The bugle call from St. Mary’s Church tower is played regularly every hour and is a popular attraction for visitors to the Market.
Does the Wawel Dragon really breathe fire? - The dragon sculpture at the foot of Wawel has a mechanism and occasionally emits flames, which is a fun attraction especially for children.
Is the route family-friendly? - Yes, the route is very family-friendly: the Dragon’s Den, legends and stories about kings are engaging for young explorers. Remember to plan breaks and bring comfortable shoes for the children.
Tell each other Krakow’s stories and legends along the way - about the Wawel Dragon, the building of St. Mary’s Church and the old kings. Stories add color and help remember places.
Pay attention to architectural details: the Renaissance arcades of the courtyard, sculptures and tombs in the cathedral, and the façades along Floriańska Street. Often the most interesting stories are hidden in small details.
Don’t rush - the Royal Route and Wawel are places worth returning to. Even a shorter, calm walk can reveal something new every time.
