Wawel Castle

Wawel Castle
Wawel Castle
Wawel Castle
Wawel Castle
Wawel Castle


See the coronation sword of Polish kings, opulent royal apartments, Renaissance paintings and an underground cave system at Krakow’s biggest castle. 

Explore the former bedchambers and staterooms in Wawel Castle. See Flemish tapestries and paintings by Rubens. Head to the Treasury to view collections of armor and royal jewelry and explore the castle’s past in an exhibit dedicated to archaeological finds in and around the grounds. Visit a cave where legend says a dragon once lived or relax with a stroll around the Royal Garden.

A castle was first built on the Wawel Hill as far back as the 14th century, but the building you see today is largely the later work of King Sigismind I. In the 16th century he brought the finest sculptors, builders and artisans from Italy and across Europe to create a fashionable, Renaissance-style palace. Perched high above the Vistula River, it remains one of the most prominent sights in Krakow today.

Start your exploration of the castle in the Treasury. Here you will find the sword used to swear in Polish kings, as well as a large collection of armor and royal jewelry. Visit the top floor to find more royal riches in the king’s apartments. See art by Rubens and other Renaissance painters, original furniture and portraits of the rooms’ former inhabitants. Enjoy sweeping views across Krakow from the Hen’s Foot Tower.

Delve into the castle’s past in the Lost Wawel exhibit, a collection of archaeological finds from as far back as the 10th century. Enter the cathedral and visit the ornate tombs of bygone kings. Descend into the labyrinth known as the Dragon’s Den, a cave system beneath the castle. The entrance is easy to find thanks to the large bronze dragon that breathes fire at regular intervals throughout the day.

Wawel Castle is a 10-minute walk from the main town square in central Krakow. It is open daily. Check the castle’s official website for opening hours, as these vary. Be aware that daily visitor numbers to the castle are limited, so it’s best to arrive early in the day during summer and on public holidays. All areas of the castle, such as the Dragon’s Den and the Treasury, have separate entrance fees.

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Things to do near Wawel Castle

Exploring Wawel Castle offers a wealth of activities, from appreciating remarkable art exhibitions to enjoying captivating performances at nearby theatres. The castle's rich history and stunning architecture make it a must-visit destination, while the surrounding areas provide an array of entertainment options, including charming cafes and shops, perfect for a delightful day out in Kraków.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Wawel Castle, explore Little Market Square, just 311m away, offering a vibrant local atmosphere. Florianska Street, located 435m away, boasts charming shops, while Galeria Krakówska, 621m away, features a variety of retailers and entertainment options.

Recreation

At the ICE Krakow Congress Centre, enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with live music events that invigorate the spirit. Nearby, Cracovia Stadium and Marshal Jozef Pilsudski Stadium offer thrilling sports experiences, allowing you to immerse yourself in the energetic vibes of local athletics.

Adventure

For a splash of excitement, visit Park Wodny, a vibrant waterpark located 1.9km from Wawel Castle, perfect for family fun and adventure. Alternatively, the Laser Arena, situated 373m away, offers thrilling laser tag experiences, while Panienskie Skaly, 1.9km away, invites outdoor enthusiasts to explore its stunning natural beauty.

Nightlife

Enjoy an evening at the Juliusz Slowacki Theater, a cultural gem just 497m from Wawel Castle, offering captivating performances. For a lively atmosphere, head to Pink Bowling & Club, 1.2km away, where fun and entertainment await. Don't miss the Tadeusz Banachiewicz Astronomical Observatory, perfect for family stargazing adventures.

Find the best attractions near Wawel Castle

Wawel Castle in Kraków offers a wealth of attractions, including the Wawel Cathedral and the Royal Castle, perfect for culture enthusiasts and those seeking an outdoor city experience. Explore nearby museums and galleries, all within a short distance from the castle, and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the area. Whether you're interested in history or simply enjoying the picturesque surroundings, Wawel Castle has something for every traveller.

  • Wawel Cathedral: A stunning example of Polish Gothic architecture, Wawel Cathedral is renowned for its intricate artwork and historical significance. As the burial site of many Polish kings, it exudes a rich cultural atmosphere, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
  • St. Francis of Assisi Church and Monastery: This serene church showcases exquisite stained glass and beautiful frescoes, creating a tranquil space for reflection. Its Franciscan heritage and peaceful atmosphere offer a unique glimpse into religious life in Kraków.
  • Planty Park: Encircling the Old Town, Planty Park is a picturesque green space perfect for leisurely strolls or family picnics. With its lush gardens and tranquil paths, it provides a refreshing escape from the city's hustle and bustle.

Best time to go to Wawel Castle

The best time to visit Wawel Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Wawel Castle falls in July and August. August has slightly high visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather. The coolest average temperature around Wawel Castle falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January29.5°F (-1.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February31.6°F (-0.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March39.0°F (3.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April48.2°F (9.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October49.3°F (9.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November41.0°F (5.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
December32.9°F (0.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Wawel Castle

To save money on your visit to Wawel Castle, consider travelling between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel a month in advance or exploring last-minute deals on sites like Expedia can yield significant savings. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Fridays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to filter hotel options based on your budget and preferred location, and consider booking a package that includes flights and activities for additional savings. Don’t forget to compare room rates for the best deals!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Wawel Castle are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Wawel Castle about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Wawel Castle is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Wawel Castle is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. To discover the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking a package with Expedia, which allows you to combine your hotel stay near Wawel Castle with your flights and activities.