Book Wawel Castle Tickets | Multilingual Guided Tours

Wawel Royal Castle | The pride of Krakow

Built in the 14th century, Wawel Castle in Kraków served as the royal residence for Poland’s kings for 400 years. It is home to the stunning Wawel Cathedral, where the country’s monarchs were crowned, and the mysterious Dragon’s Den, said to be the lair of a mythical dragon. Beneath the castle walls lie ancient relics, while the courtyards offer sweeping views of the Vistula River. Today, the castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Poland’s most prestigious museums. It stands as a powerful symbol of Poland’s history and a living testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Know before you book your Wawel Castle tickets

As Poland’s most historically and culturally significant site, the Wawel Castle complex is best explored with a guide. All Wawel Castle tickets include multilingual guided tours with knowledgeable guides, who will share fascinating stories about the castle, its kings and queens, and the legends associated with it.

Entry to the Wawel Royal Hill, which includes the Wawel Castle’s courtyards, is free. Consider a private guided tour of the grounds to learn about Wawel Cathedral, the defensive towers, the gardens, Dragon’s Den, and the architecture of the buildings in the castle complex.

Different sections of Wawel Castle – the State Rooms, Royal Private Apartments, the Crown Treasury, Armory, and Wawel Underground – are permanent exhibitions, each requiring a separate ticket. Opt for one of the highlights tour options, where you can choose which areas to explore based on your interests.

If you want to explore the entire castle in depth, the 3-hour guided tour of the castle is perfect for you. These tickets include skip-the-line access and are available in English, Spanish, and Polish.

Entry to the cathedral is not automatically included in all Wawel Castle tickets. If you’re keen on exploring the cathedral, choose an experience that includes access, like the 2-hour guided tour of the castle and cathedral, available in six languages.

Experience more of Krakow’s beauty and history with combo tickets. You can pair your Wawel Castle visit with additional experiences like a Vistula River Cruise or a Schindler's Factory guided tour. These tickets offer savings of around 10% compared to booking each experience separately.

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State Rooms

The State Rooms are the grandest and most opulent rooms in Wawel Castle. They were used for court functions like welcoming dignitaries, royal weddings, and audiences with the king. They are decorated in the elegant Italian Renaissance style, with stucco ceilings, intricate tapestries, and 16th-century furniture. The outstanding feature here is the coffered ceiling of the Envoys’ Hall, which has several carved and painted heads.

The Wawel Castle Dragon | From medieval legend to modern icon

One of the most famous legends associated with Wawel Castle is that of the Smok Wawelski or the Wawel dragon. According to Polish folklore, the Wawel dragon once lived beneath the castle and terrorized the people in King Krak’s city. The dragon agreed not to attack the city if the townsfolk provided it with a steady supply of meat.

No knight was successful in killing the dragon until a shoemaker named Skuba used his wit to vanquish it. He stuffed a ram’s hide with sulfur and pitch, and presented it to the dragon. Once it devoured the doctored ram, it felt a burning sensation in its throat. It drank the water from the Vistula River, which reacted with the sulfur, making the beast explode.

Today, you can walk down to the limestone cave formations beneath the castle and look at Smok’s bones hung proudly outside the Wawel Cathedral. There’s also a bronze statue of the Smok Wawelski right outside the castle walls, which breathes fire every few minutes.

Frequently asked questions about Wawel Castle tickets

How much do Wawel Castle tickets cost?

Wawel Castle tickets start from . Prices may vary depending on which section of the castle and permanent exhibits you choose to visit.

What do Wawel Castle tickets typically include?

All Wawel Castle tickets include guided tours and access to different sections or exhibits of the castle. Depending on the ticket option you choose, you can explore the permanent exhibits including the state rooms, royal apartments, treasury, armory, historical exhibits, and Wawel Cathedral. If you’re looking for a comprehensive tour, you can choose the 3-hour guided tour of the entire castle.

Do all Wawel Castle tickets include entry to Wawel Cathedral?

Not all Wawel Castle tickets grant access to the cathedral. To explore the cathedral, you must choose an experience that includes entry or purchase separate tickets.

Should I book my Wawel Castle tickets in advance?

It’s best to book Wawel Castle tickets online in advance. The castle is one of Krakow’s top attractions, and tickets sell out quickly, particularly during the peak season (June to August) and on weekends. Booking online ensures you secure your preferred time slot and you can avoid long queues at the ticket counter.

How long should I plan to spend at Wawel Castle?

The amount of time you spend at Wawel Hill depends on how many exhibitions you plan to explore. You’d typically need about 2–3 hours to explore the castle grounds, courtyards, and at least one permanent exhibit. If you want to explore multiple permanent exhibits, we recommend setting aside at least 4–5 hours for your visit.

Is photography allowed inside Wawel Castle?

Yes, you can take photographs and videos in most areas of Wawel Castle, but flash photography, tripods, and selfie sticks are prohibited. Photography is also not permitted in certain permanent exhibits, rooms, and the cathedral. Make sure to always check for posted signs or ask the castle staff for guidance.

Is Wawel Castle suitable for children?

Yes, children would enjoy a visit to the castle. There are many fascinating historical stories about the castle and its past royal inhabitants that will keep them interested. The legend of the Wawel Dragon, the Dragon’s Den, and the statue of the firebreathing dragon are particularly popular with kids of all ages.

Is the Wawel Castle complex accessible for wheelchair users?

Wawel Castle is partially accessible for people using wheelchairs. Many areas are equipped with ramps and barrier-free corridors for easy navigation. Visitors in wheelchairs can use the special elevator to access the castle’s upper floors and underground exhibits. However, given the castle’s historical architecture, some areas, including parts of the permanent exhibits, are not accessible due to steps or steep corridors.