Wawel Royal Castle

What to See Hours, Tickets, Reservations, Luggage How to Get Here FAQ

2020-05-21
On Friday, May 22, 2020 the Crown Treasury and Armoury will reopen.

⇒ see more about reopening exhibitions

We ask our guests to act responsibly. We recommend that you follow the health and safety guidelines recommended by the Chief Sanitary Inspector, the Minister of Health, and the World Health Organization.

In compliance with the recommendations of the Chief Sanitary Inspector, Wawel Royal Castle is distributing hygiene products along with information on the proper way to use them in sanitary facilities and intensifying cleaning and disinfection of surfaces in areas with high visitor traffic.

Can I buy tickets in advance or online?

We regret that we do not have online ticket sales.
Advance reservations can be made by e-mailing a completed Reservations Form to:
bot@wawel.org.pl
at least 14 days in advance of your visit.
Reservations can also be made in person or by phone, no later than one day in advance of visit (subject to availability).

⇒ Reservation Office

How much does a ticket to the Castle cost?

We do not offer a collective ticket to the Castle as a whole. Tickets are sold for each exhibition individually, in the following price categories: regular, reduced, complimentary. Click on link for details:
⇒ Concession/Complimentary Ticket Eligibility

During the Summer Season (April 1 –October 31) a special promotional ticket is offered. Click on link for details:

⇒ “3+1” Promotional Ticket

The Castle encompasses several permanent exhibitions and seasonal attractions; the museum also holds temporary exhibitions.
Ticket prices vary according to season: Summer (April–October) and Winter (November–March). See exhibition descriptions for details.

Does the Castle offer free admission days?

Yes. We do offer free admission to selected exhibitions to individual visitors (free admission does not apply to organized groups). Free Admission Passes must be collected from the ticket window. Conservation limits apply; tickets may run out before ticket windows close.

Mondays (Summer Season: April 1–October 31)
Exhibitions offered:
"Crown Treasury and Armoury" and "The Lost Wawel" only
9:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m., last visitor entry at 12:00 noon
complimentary passes issued until 11:45 a.m. (number of tickets limited)
• Sundays (Winter Season: November 2–March 31)
Exhibitions offered: "State Rooms" and "The Lost Wawel" only
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., last visitor entry at 3:00 p.m.
complimentary passes issued until 2:45 p.m. (number of tickets limited)

⇒ Reduced/Complimentary Ticket Eligibility

Does the Castle offer family discounts?

We regret that the Castle does not offer discounted family tickets.
Children under 7 years of age are admitted free.

⇒ Reduced/Complimentary Ticket Eligibility

Who is eligible for reduced admission?

The following are eligible for reduced admission:
Citizens of the European Union, the Swiss Confederation, and member countries of EFTA, who are:

Students of primary, secondary, post-secondary, and art schools
Students of universities and teachers’ colleges, social work colleges, and doctoral students
Persons over age 65, pensioners, benefit recipients, and disabled persons and their caregivers
Teachers at primary and secondary schools, art schools, universities, educational centers, educators at care and educational centers, young offenders institutes, shelters for minors, diagnostic and consultation centers
Individuals holding the following honors: Care of Historical Monuments, Promotion of Culture, Service to Polish Culture, and Merit of Service to National Culture
Veterans

In addition, teachers accompanying school groups are admitted free; one teacher per 10 students.

Tour leaders are eligible for reduced admission.
Please present valid ID at the ticket counter for reduced price tickets.

⇒ More on Reduced/Complimentary Ticket Eligibility

Can I pay in Euros or exchange money?

The Castle does not accept payment in Euros or other currencies. Payment should be made in Polish zloty.
You can pay using your bank or credit card, or withdraw cash from one of the two ATMs (Automated Teller Machines) on site (one is located in the Visitors Center near the ticket windows).
There are no currency exchange bureaus on Wawel Hill. The nearest are located on ul. Grodzka.

Do I tour the Castle with a guide?

Most of the Castle’s exhibitions and attractions are toured individually, without a guide.
The only exceptions are the Royal Private Apartments exhibition and the seasonal outdoor tour Wawel Architecture and Gardens, both of which can only be toured with a guide (included in ticket price).
However you are welcome to reserve guide service for any of the Castle’s exhibitions through the Reservations Office.

How long does it take to tour the Castle?

How long your visit will take depends on how many exhibitions you plan to see. Approximate visiting times are listed below.

Permanent Exhibitions:
1. State Rooms – approx. 50 min.
2. Royal Private Apartments – approx. 50 min.
3. Crown Treasury and Armoury – approx. 50 min.
4. Oriental Art – approx. 30 min.
5. The Lost Wawel – approx. 40 min.

Seasonal Attractions:
6. Dragon’s Den – approx. 10 min.
7. Sandomierska Tower – approx. 20 min.
8. Wawel Architecture and Gardens guided outdoor tour – approx. 1.5 hours (time includes Sandomierska Tower after completion of tour).