Kraków, one of Poland’s oldest and most culturally rich cities, captivates visitors with its well-preserved mediaeval architecture, vibrant artistic scene, and the atmospheric charm of its historic Old Town, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Poland: Lower Poland – Wavel Castle, Kraków
About Wawel Castle
The first settlers in Wawel Hill date back to the Paleolithic period. Thousands of years later, during the eleventh century, the Polish monarchs built a Gothic-style Royal Castle on the hilltop. Throughout the centuries, the castle was reformed and its design was transformed into a Renaissance-style structure.
When the capital was moved to Warsaw in 1596, the Royal Castle was abandoned and looted by the Prussian army. The edifice was then occupied by the Austrians, who built city walls around the castle and transformed its interior, fortifying it. During the Second World War, the Palace was resided in by Governor-General Hans Frank.
The complex consists of numerous buildings of great historical and national importance, including the Wawel Cathedral where Polish monarchs were crowned and buried.
The complex consists of numerous buildings of great historical and national importance, including the Wawel Cathedral where Polish monarchs were crowned and buried.
The Outer Courtyard
We headed through the Bernardyńska gate into the outside courtyard area, which is vast. The courtyard is enclosed by numerous buildings, including the castle and the cathedral. The gardens were in full bloom and provided a beautiful backdrop to the manmade architectural edifices.
The cathedral was undergoing some renovation work so the main tower was enclosed in scaffolding and tarpaulin.
The Royal Castle
There are several options for visiting the inside of the castle.
The ‘Castle I’ tour takes you through the first-floor private apartments of the castle and then onto some other exhibits of the royal porcelain collection.
The ‘Castle II’ tour focuses on the second floor of the castle which contains the State rooms. At the end of the tour, there are additional exhibits, including an Ottoman tent display.
As we as these tours you can visit other parts of the castle and exhibits – all for an extra fee. I did feel a bit like we were being ‘nickel and dimed’ here. Other castles in Europe – such as the Tower of London and Prague Castle have similar ticket structures. You can buy an all-in-one ticket, that covers everything and a couple of sights not at the castle – but the cost is pretty hefty. That said if you have the time and interest to see all the exhibits it could be good value.
We chose to do the ‘Castle II’ tour, which takes about an hour, self-guided. The information panels are in both Polish and English. You can also rent an audio guide.
Castle Tour II
I had chosen the ‘Castle II’ tour which includes all the State Rooms on the second floor. After dropping my backpack off at the cloakroom we headed into the castle. There are a dozen or so rooms on the second floor, some of which are ante-rooms. The two largest rooms were at the ends of the floor; the Envoy and Senators rooms which were mostly used for official ceremonial events. The other rooms tended to be smaller and for less formal entertaining. The rooms are a mix of Baroque and Renaissance styles, reflecting the change in design tastes over the centuries. The rooms are sparsely furnished, so most of the attention is given to the art on the walls, the paintings around the tops of the walls and the ceilings, some of which are wooden coffered (the one in the Envoys Room is most spectacular).
1. Deputies’ Hall
2. Army Review Room
3. Tournament Room
4. Deputies’ Staircase
5. Zodiac Room
6. Planets Room
7. Antechamber
8. Interior of the Danish Tower
9. Birds Room
10. Chapel
11. Study in the Sigismund III Tower
12. Antechamber
13. Eagle Hall
14. Vestibule
15. Senators’ Hall
16. Senators’ Staircase
The Tournament Room
The Tournament Room is located on the second floor of Wawel Royal Castle in Kraków, Poland, and is part of the State Rooms. The room is decorated in Renaissance style and features tapestries, a wall frieze, and portraits. The frieze depicts The History of Human Life, an illustration of the antique Tabula Cebetis, and portraits of King Sigismund the Old and his daughter, Anna the Jagiellonian. The room is thought to have been the site of royal council meetings.
The Envoy’s Room
One of the two largest rooms in the palace. Sessions of the sejm were held here, and in the 16th century it was also used as a throne room, presence chamber, and court room. In the second half of the century, it also functioned as a ball room. Among others, the festivities that accompanied the coronation of Henri de Valois as king of Poland (later Henri III of France), and the wedding of Sigismund III were held here. It is also known as the Heads Hall, for the coffered ceiling is adorned with 30 sculpted heads (all that survive of the original 193) made in about 1540 by the Breslau masters Sebastian Tauerbach and Hans the Woodcarver.
The Zodiac Room
In the 16th century this was a part of an apartment intended for royal guests. It owes its present name to the frieze by Leonard Pękalski from 1929, on which are presented the signs of the zodiac. It is known that the earlier Renaissance frieze was the work of Hans Dürer. The room’s furnishings include Brussels tapestries and copper wine coolers placed on Italian chests.
The Planet Room
From the dormitory, we headed back downstairs to the ground floor of the cloisters to continue our tour.
The chapter house was the next room we visited. The walls of this room are lined with statues of religious figures.
The Collector’s Cabinet
The display relates to the historical collectors’ cabinet, or Kunstkammer, speaks to the collecting passion of the Vasa kings – Sigismund III and his son Ladislas IV. The painted and embossed gilt-leather wall coverings, provide a sumptuous backdrop for the works of art and curiosities of nature traditionally assembled in such places.
The Bird Room
In the 16th century the room functioned as a throne room and a presence chamber, to which the chair placed on the dais alludes. It was rebuilt after the fire of 1595, and from this period derive the majestic chimney piece with the coat of arms of Poland and the Vasa dynasty Sheaf being the work of Ambrogio Meazzi. We know that at this time, around the year 1600, the room was adorned with metal birds suspended from the ceiling, hence the present name. The birds on the frieze that runs round the room are also a reference to this fact. The original ceiling paintings by Tommaso Dolabella were destroyed in the fire of 1702; the present-day painting is the work of Felicjan Szczęsny Kowarski of 1929.
The Chapel
Giovanni Trevano built this private chapel for King Sigismund III in 1602. The preserved original Baroque stucco work was supplemented with decorative paintings by Józef Pankiewicz, which he executed in 1931. The altarpiece, in the form of a triptych with a depiction of the Holy Trinity, comes from the Krakow Dominican church at Gródek..
The Eagle Room
In the 16th century, it was called the grand chamber (stuba magna), in which the royal courts presided.
During the wedding of King Sigismund I and Bona Sforza, it served as the royal state bedchamber. After
1595, it received a new ceiling with a magnificent carved Eagle, which was to be destroyed by fire in 1702.
The present-day ceiling is supplemented by the painting of Leonard Pękalski from 1933–1934, depicting,
among others, Józef Piłsudski commanding the Polish Legions.
Senators’ Hall
This imposing stateroom was referred to in primary sources as aula superior or stuba magna. Here were held the state openings of the Sejm and sessions of the senate, the upper house of parliament. The room was also used for balls and theatrical spectacles during royal weddings – for the first time in 1518 during the wedding of Bona Sforza and Sigismund I. The musicians’ gallery was added in 1592. The exit leads to one of the main stairwells, known as the Senators’ or Royal staircase.
The Ottoman Tents
This exhibit is included in the Castle II tour ticket.
Kraków in Poland and Lviv in Ukraine sat on the main trading route between East and West, and strong trading relations were developed between Poland and countries in the East, especially Turkey. For the most part, things were peaceful but In the seventeenth century, Polish-Turkish relations became locked in crisis, which more and more often erupted into armed conflict. Ultimately, it led the Polish army to Vienna. On the 12th of September 1683, King John III Sobieski led a combined Polish, Imperial, and German force to victory in one of the last great military confrontations between Europe and the Ottoman Empire.
This exhibit contains some of the spoils of war, but also items collected in the process of trade. There are not only several dazzling Ottoman tents display, but other items including carpets, armour, weapons and saddles.
Special Exhibition – Lviv Rococo Sculpture
The castle also has temporary exhibits, and the one that was included on the Castle II tour when we visited was based around the Rococo sculptures of Ukrainian artist Johann Georg Pinsel.
The exhibits on display are based on the sculptures Pinsel produced for the high altar in the Missionary Church in Horodenka ( a town in Ukraine).
It was a fascinating exhibition as it not only spoke of the completed works but also how they were developed. On display were some 3-metre-high wooden sculptures that were dumped on a pile inside the Horodenka church. They were quite stunning!
Other Exhibits
There are other exhibition areas in the castle grounds that can be visited on different tickets.
- The Armoury – a collection of weapons covering the periods of the castle’s history
- The Treasury – includes the Crown jewels, symbols of Statehood, trophies of military glory and other items acquired by the State
- Wawel Underground – A collection of artefacts relating the long history of civilisation on Wawel Hill
Kraków Cathedral
Kraków Cathedral or to give the full title, the Wawel Royal Cathedral of St Stanislaus B. M. and St Wenceslaus M. is located on the grounds of the castle complex.
It can be visited on a separate ticket (we chose not to go in). As well as the cathedral itself there are two museums.
For more information on entry tickets to the cathedral and museum click here.
Planning your visit to Wawel Castle
Wawel Castle is one of Kraków’s most significant historic sites and a must-see for anyone visiting the city. With its royal past, architectural variety and array of exhibitions, a little planning goes a long way to make the most of your visit. Here’s how we approached organising our time at the castle.
🎟️ Tickets and Entry
We discovered that entry to the castle grounds is free, which is ideal if you only want to walk around the courtyards or enjoy the views across the river. However, access to the exhibitions inside the buildings requires timed-entry tickets. There is no single ticket that covers everything, so it’s worth deciding in advance which parts you’re most interested in.
We chose to book tickets online via the official website a couple of days before our visit. This saved queueing at the ticket office and guaranteed access to our preferred exhibitions. Popular areas like the Royal Apartments and the Crown Treasury often sell out during peak seasons, so advance booking is definitely recommended.
🕰️ What to See
There is quite a bit to choose from within the Wawel complex. Among the highlights:
Royal Private Apartments: Beautifully furnished rooms that show how the monarchy once lived.
Crown Treasury and Armoury: Housing a collection of royal regalia, armour, and historical weapons.
State Rooms: Larger ceremonial halls used by Poland’s former rulers.
Wawel Cathedral: Separate from the museum areas, but highly significant and worth visiting. Entry is free, but certain parts (such as the bell tower and royal tombs) require a paid ticket.
The Dragon’s Den: A short underground route with a mythical twist, ideal if you enjoy local legends.
Lost Wawel: An archaeological exhibition showing the castle’s early medieval past.
We selected a few key exhibitions to focus on rather than trying to see everything in one go. That way, we could take our time and avoid rushing.
📅 Choosing the Day and Time
We opted to visit in the morning to avoid the later crowds. The castle opens around 9:30 depending on the season, and arriving early gave us a quieter start. The layout of the exhibitions means that different buildings have separate entry times, so we planned a route based on our ticket schedule and allowed time between entries to avoid rushing from one area to the next.
🧭 Getting There and Accessibility
The castle sits on a hill above the Vistula River and is within easy walking distance of the Old Town. From our apartment, it was about a 15-minute stroll. The paths up to the entrance are cobbled and slightly uneven in places, so it is worth wearing sensible shoes. Some parts of the castle are accessible, though not all exhibitions are suitable for visitors with limited mobility. The official website provided helpful details on which parts had lifts or ramps.
☕ Facilities and Amenities
There is a café within the grounds and several places nearby to stop for food or drink before or after your visit. Toilets are available on site, though they are spaced out depending on where you are in the complex. There is also a gift shop near the entrance.
📷 Photography and Restrictions
Photography is allowed in the castle grounds but not in most of the exhibition rooms. Signs are clearly posted, and staff are on hand to remind visitors if necessary. We took photos outside but were happy to simply take in the atmosphere indoors without the distraction of a camera.
Getting around Kraków
Kraków is a compact and walkable city, particularly in and around the Old Town and Kazimierz districts. Many of the main attractions are within close proximity, so exploring on foot is often the most pleasant and practical option. The pedestrian-friendly streets, historic architecture and relatively flat terrain make walking both easy and enjoyable. Most pavements are in good condition, although some older cobbled streets can be a little uneven.
🚌 Public Transport
Kraków has an efficient and affordable public transport system consisting of trams and buses. Services run regularly from early morning until late at night, with night buses available on key routes. Tickets must be purchased in advance from machines at major stops or kiosks, and must be validated once on board. Single-journey tickets are available, but day passes or multi-day options offer better value for visitors planning to use transport frequently.
Trams are generally the fastest way to get around, especially during peak hours when roads can become congested. The network covers a wide area of the city, making it a reliable option for reaching parts of Kraków beyond the central core.
🚖 Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are widely available, although it is recommended to use registered companies or book via a reputable app to avoid overcharging. Bolt and Uber both operate in Kraków and are often cheaper and more convenient than hailing a taxi from the street. Prices are reasonable by UK standards, and vehicles tend to be clean and modern.
🚲 Cycling
Kraków is increasingly cycle-friendly, with a growing network of dedicated cycle paths and bike lanes. The city also has a bike-sharing scheme called Wavelo, although availability and reliability can vary. Many hotels and accommodation providers offer bicycle hire, which can be a good option for covering more ground at your own pace.
🚆 Getting Further Afield
For trips beyond the city, Kraków’s main railway station (Kraków Główny) offers connections to other parts of Poland and international destinations. Regional buses also run from nearby terminals, though trains tend to be more comfortable and quicker. Day trips to places like the Wieliczka Salt Mine or Auschwitz-Birkenau can be arranged through local tour operators or via public transport with a bit of planning.
Buses
The city of Kraków has an extensive network of urban buses. This means of transportation usually runs from 5 pm to 11 pm every day of the week.
The historic central district of Kraków is relatively small and ideal to discover by foot. Thus, unless you’re staying outside the city center, you’ll only find the city’s urban buses useful to get to certain attractions located in the outskirts or in other Polish towns, such as Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp and Wielizka Salt Mine.
Lines
There are 132 municipal bus routes in Kraków that connect various parts of the Old Town with the outskirts. The handiest lines for visitors are the ones that connect Kraków Airport with Kraków: 208, 252 and the night bus 902.
Fares
To learn about the city transport fares, read our article on the bus and tram fares in Kraków
Schedule
The extensive network of urban buses in Kraków runs generally from 5 am to 11 pm every day.
Taxis
Taxis are relatively inexpensive in Kraków and are the easiest and most comfortable way to move around the city.
Since Kraków is a fairly small city, the taxi rides are never very expensive.
Fares
There are over 12 taxi companies in Kraków and prices vary depending on the corporation. All taxis must show their official prices on the rear window of the vehicle.
- Between 6 am and 10 pm: The price per kilometre is between 1,84 and zł 2.30 (£ 0.50).
- Between 10 pm and 6 am: The price per kilometre is between 2,80 and zł 3.50 (£ 0.70)
The best time to visit Kraków
☀️ Spring (March to May)
Spring is one of the best times to visit Kraków. As the city shakes off the winter chill, temperatures begin to rise steadily, usually reaching between 10°C and 20°C by May. Flowers bloom across the parks and squares, and the trees along the Vistula River come back to life. The city feels fresh and energised, with fewer tourists compared to summer, making it ideal for sightseeing without the crowds.
Outdoor cafés start reopening, and festivals such as the Misteria Paschalia (a classical music event during Easter) add a cultural touch to the season. Light layers and a rain jacket are advisable, as the weather can still be a bit unpredictable.
🌞 Summer (June to August)
Summer in Kraków is warm, often sunny, and the most popular time for visitors. Daytime temperatures usually sit between 20°C and 30°C. This is peak tourist season, so expect busy squares, especially around Rynek Główny (the Main Market Square) and Wawel Castle.
It’s a great time for enjoying outdoor dining, open-air concerts, and walking tours, particularly in the early morning or evening when it’s cooler. Do be prepared for crowds at major attractions, and book accommodation in advance if travelling in July or August. Summer thunderstorms are not uncommon, so packing a small umbrella is a good idea.
🍂 Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is another excellent time to visit Kraków. The crowds begin to thin out, and the temperatures remain pleasant through most of September and early October, typically ranging from 10°C to 20°C. The changing leaves turn the city’s parks and tree-lined streets into vibrant shades of orange and gold, creating a lovely atmosphere for strolling.
Cultural life picks up again after the summer lull, with the start of the academic year bringing renewed energy to the city. Pack layers and a warm jacket for later in the season as it can turn chilly by November.
❄️ Winter (December to February)
Winter in Kraków is cold, often snowy, and has a completely different charm. Temperatures often drop below freezing, especially in January, but the city wears winter well. Christmas markets in the Main Square are particularly atmospheric, offering mulled wine, festive food, and handmade crafts.
Though daylight hours are shorter, attractions such as Wawel Castle and the museums remain open, and the cold weather makes a good excuse to enjoy hearty Polish food. It’s also a less expensive time to visit, with fewer tourists and lower accommodation costs—aside from the Christmas and New Year period.
Summary:
For mild weather and fewer tourists, spring and autumn are arguably the best times to visit Kraków. Summer is ideal for festivals and outdoor life but comes with larger crowds, while winter offers a quieter, more atmospheric experience, especially around Christmas.
Where to stay in Kraków
The Old Town (Stare Miasto)
At the very heart of Kraków, you’ll find the Rynek Głowny. This is the city’s huge main square, and UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s such a pleasure to wander around the cobblestone streets, explore the alleyways, or drink a cold beer in one of the cafes.
This medieval centre runs from the Royal gate in the North to the stunning castle by the river. It’s encircled by remains of old city walls and the gorgeous Planty green belt. All of this area is considered to be within the “Old Town”.
Kazimierz: Kraków’s Jewish District
Once an independent city, Kazimierz is today one of Kraków’s most famous districts. It boasts a wealth of unique cafés, nightlife and gastronomy. Kazimierz is not as pretty as the Old Town but has an almost Bohemian vibe. It’s a very cool place to stay and explore. Kazimierz is definitely a serious contender when thinking of where to stay in Krakow.
Kazimierz has a number of fascinating squares, connected by interwoven streets and narrow alleyways. On the southern edge, you have the Vistula (Wisła) river and river boulevards. It’s a lovely place for a walk and there’s a number of riverboats where you can stop for some food and drink.
Next to Kazimier’s 14th Century synagogue, you’ll find Szeroka square, lined with Polish and Jewish restaurants. With live music drifting across the square, it’s a laid-back, buzzing atmosphere. A great spot to soak up the area’s rich history.
Podgorze
If you’re looking for where to stay in Krakow that’s a little quieter, cheaper, but still easily accessible, Podgórze is the place to be. It’s just across the river from Kazimierz and the castle. This side of the river is far less touristy than the Old Town and Kazimierz. However, it’s steadily developing a reputation as one of Kraków’s more interesting districts.
This area is known as the former WWII Jewish Ghetto. It is famously home to Oscar Shindler’s factory – the man responsible for saving over a thousand Polish Jews from the Nazis. Just like Kazimierz, the area has moved on from its dark past and is now full of life, culture and gastronomy.
1. Luxury – Hotel H15 Francuski Old Town
The elegant, 5-star Hotel H15 Francuski Old Town – Destigo Hotels is located only 400 metres from the Main Market Square in Kraków. It offers stylish rooms with free internet, tea and coffee-making facilities and a minibar.
All rooms at the Francuski are decorated in Art Nouveau style with period details and furniture. Each comes with satellite TV and a bathroom with a bathtub or shower, toiletries and a hairdryer.
A buffet breakfast is served every morning in the hotel restaurant. The bar is a great place to relax with a drink. The hotel also has a restaurant serving French cuisine, as well as completely gluten-free dishes.
2. Mid-Range – Pollera
Founded in 1834, the Pollera is conveniently located within Cracow’s Old Town. St Mary’s Basilica and the Main Market are only 300 metres away from the hotel. Free Wi-Fi is available in the entire building. Parking is available, reservation is required.
Inspired by Art Nouveau, the interior design of the Pollera features wooden furniture in darker colours. Each room has a satellite TV and a private bathroom with free toiletries. Complimentary mineral water is also provided.
The Pollera offers a breakfast buffet in the morning. Guests can also order it directly to their rooms.
Kazimierz, the old Jewish district which features several Synagogues, is 1 km away from the hotel. Guests can also choose to visit the Wawel Castle, which is 1.2 km from the hotel. The hotel is located about 8 minutes walk from the Main Railway Station.
3. Budget – ibis budget Krakow Stare Miasto
Well situated in the centre of Kraków, ibis budget Krakow Stare Miasto offers air-conditioned rooms, a garden, free WiFi and a shared lounge. This 1-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and an ATM. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge.
The hotel offers a buffet or continental breakfast.
Ibis budget Krakow Stare Miasto offers a terrace.
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