Wawel Royal Castle (Zamek Wawelski) Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Wawel Royal Castle. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Old Town Krakow & Wawel Castle Walking Tour
• Wieliczka Salt Mine: Guided Tour from Krakow (with hotel pickup)
• Sightseeing Bike Tour of Krakow
• Krakow Old Town Guided Walking Tour
• Segway Tour Krakow: Old Town Tour - 2-Hours of Magic!

Wawel Royal Castle tickets vary depending on which part of the castle you wish to visit. While the castle courtyard area is free, it costs PLN 40 for adults to visit the State Rooms, PLN 45 to visit the Royal Private Apartments, and PLN 35 for the Crown Treasury and Armoury.

Wawel Royal Castle is historically significant because it’s the former residence of the kings of Poland. It was originally built for King Casimir III the Great and was then expanded over the years to include medieval, Renaissance, and baroque architectural styles, and it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, too.

It’s easy to get tickets to Wawel Royal Castle. You can purchase them online in advance or on the day of your visit at the castle. However, it’s best to book in advance as there is a maximum capacity for visitors. For a more comprehensive experience, opt for a guided tour.

Wawel Royal Castle has a variety of permanent exhibitions, including the State Rooms, the Royal Private Apartments, the Crown Treasury, and the Armory. Visitors can see the private rooms of kings and queens, including magnificent antiques, tapestries, and preserved architecture. There’s also a changing lineup of temporary exhibitions to enjoy.

Yes, there are guided tours available at Wawel Royal Castle. These tours allow visitors to learn about the rich history of the castle and its former royal residents through guide commentary. Some visitors choose to visit Wawel Royal Castle as part of a tour that showcases other Krakow Old Town highlights.

Ideally, it’s best to allocate at least 2–3 hours for a Wawel Royal Castle visit. This time frame allows you to explore the many rooms at a leisurely pace, such as the State Rooms and the Crown Treasury, as well as Wawel Cathedral and the external grounds around the castle.

Yes, photos and videos are allowed inside Wawel Royal Castle, but these must be for personal use. The use of tripods, flash photography, and selfie sticks are prohibited though. Rules may be updated from time to time, so it's best to look out for signs during your visit for further guidance.