Wawel Castle Opening Hours | Timings & Visitor Information

Timings

Wawel Royal Castle

The Wawel Castle exhibitions are open to the public from 10am to 4pm on Mondays and from 9am to 5pm between Tuesday and Sunday. The Castle is closed on 1 November 2024.

Jan 1 TO Dec 31 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Dec 31)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday (Today)	10:00–16:00	15:00
Tuesday	09:00–17:00	16:00
Wednesday	09:00–17:00	16:00
Thursday	09:00–17:00	16:00
Friday	09:00–17:00	16:00
Saturday	09:00–17:00	16:00
Sunday	09:00–17:00	16:00

A few selected temporary exhibitions, such as ‘Long Live the King! Masterpieces from the Lanckoronski Collection’ and ‘Wawel Recovered,’ are open from 3 to 3:30 p.m. on Mondays.
On 11 November, only the ‘Wawel Recovered’ and ‘Wawel Underground: The Lapidarium’ are open between 9am and 5pm.

Wawel Cathedral

Jan 1 TO Dec 31 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Dec 31)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday (Today)	10:00–16:00	15:00
Tuesday	09:30–17:00	16:00
Wednesday	09:30–17:00	16:00
Thursday	09:30–17:00	16:00
Friday	09:30–17:00	16:00
Saturday	09:30–17:00	16:00
Sunday	09:30–17:00	16:00

Best time to visit the Wawel Royal Castle

Weekday vs Weekend

The Wawel Castle is one of Poland’s most important historic sites, drawing visitors from all over the globe. It is particularly busier on weekends, often resulting in longer lines for tickets and entry into popular exhibitions like the State Rooms, Royal Apartments, and the Crown Treasury. We recommend visiting on a weekday for a much quieter visit. Arrive early in the morning as the Castle opens from around 9am for comparatively empty grounds and fewer crowds in front of the exhibits.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant

Crowded

Very Crowded

Peak season vs low season

July and August are the busiest months of the year. The Castle's opening hours are extended and summer views over the Vistula River and from Wawel Hill are stunning.
The spring blossoms, during April and May make the castle grounds particularly scenic, with lighter crowds allowing you more time to enjoy the exhibitions. The crowds are also comparatively reduced during the fall months, between September and October.
The Castle is coated in a heavy layer of snow during winter, especially around December and January, enhancing the site's historical ambiance. Some sections, however, may have reduced hours, such as the Dragon’s Den, which only opens from late spring through early fall.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season

Moderate Season

Peak Season

How long should I spend at Wawel Castle?

If you’re on a quick visit to Krakow, you can cover the main highlights and the Wawel Castle exteriors in 1 to 2 hours.

The ideal duration of your visit to Krakow’s Royal Castle is 3 to 4 hours. During this time, you can cover the State Rooms, the Royal Chambers, and the Wawel Cathedral and take the time to appreciate history and architecture alike.

For those of you who cannot get enough of history and would love to explore every nook, set aside 5 to 6 hours. This time can be spent visiting the different sections of the castle as well as exploring the vast collection of artifacts and treasures.

Frequently asked questions about Wawel Castle opening hours

Is Wawel Castle closed on any days or special occasions?

Yes, the castle remains closed on December 24 and 25, and on January 1.

Are there any special events or days when the Wawel Castle opening hours might be shortened?

The castle may have shorter working hours on certain days. For instance, the ticket counter opens only at 2:50pm and 2:20pm on December 16 and 20, respectively.

Are there any time restrictions for entering the exhibitions?

The timings for certain exhibitions differ from the castle's opening hours. For Castle II, with the temporary exhibitions Long Live the King! and Masterpieces from the Lanckoroński collection, the last entry is 3pm. The last entry for Wawel Recovered is 3:30pm.

Are the castle's exhibitions open during the holiday season?

Yes, you can visit the Crown Treasury and the temporary exhibitions at Castle II between 9am and 5pm on December 26 and 31.