Wawel Royal Castle National Art Collection travel guide

Photo of aerial view of Royal Wawel Castle and Gothic Cathedral in Cracow, Poland, with Renaissance Sigismund Chapel with golden dome, Sandomierska and Senatorska towers, walls, yard, park and tourists.
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Introduction to Wawel Royal Castle National Art Collection

Experience the iconic Wawel Royal Castle up close on your next visit to the beautiful country of Poland. This remarkable attraction nestled in Krakow welcomes a staggering number of visitors every year. Wawel Royal Castle is rated an average of 5 out of 5 stars in 141,574 reviews, hinting that an extraordinary experience awaits.

Wawel Royal Castle was established in 1945.

Make your trip to Poland extra memorable by adding a visit to the remarkable Wawel Royal Castle in your travel plans. Continue reading to discover additional information on how to explore this renowned landmark in Krakow, Poland.

History of Wawel Royal Castle National Art Collection

The Wawel Royal Castle National Art Collection in Krakow is a grand showcase of Poland's artistic and cultural heritage. Established in 1930, the collection resides within the historic Wawel Castle, a symbol of Polish statehood that dates back to the 14th century.

Over the years, the collection has amassed an impressive array of Polish and European art, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, ceramics, and military artifacts. The collection's highlights include works from Italian Renaissance artists, as well as the largest collection of Ottoman tents in Europe.

The collection also houses some of Krakow's most precious historical artifacts, such as the Sigismund II Augustus tapestry collection, one of the largest in the world. Visitors can also explore the Royal Apartments and State Rooms, each adorned with exquisite art and furniture, conveying the grandeur of Poland's royal past.

The Wawel Royal Castle National Art Collection not only offers a visual feast for art and history enthusiasts but also provides a deep insight into Poland's rich heritage.

Located in Krakow, Poland

Located in Kraków, the iconic Wawel Royal Castle is easy to find and can be explored during a short weekend escape in the beautiful city of Krakow or as a stop on your countrywide road trip in Poland.

Krakow is a perfect holiday destination for those who crave a mix of history, culture, and modern amenities. With its distinct architecture, famous museums, and delicious culinary scene, Krakow offers something for everyone.

Take a stroll through the charming streets and alleys to discover hidden gems and enjoy the local atmosphere. Visit the iconic landmarks and immerse yourself in the city's rich history and culture at top attractions, including the remarkable Rynek Główny, Wawel Cathedral, Planty, Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory, and Kościuszko Mound.

Whether you're looking to indulge in shopping or explore the nightlife, Krakow has it all. Don't forget to sample the delicious cuisine, from traditional dishes to modern fusion.

Experience the best of both worlds in Krakow - a place where the past meets the present, and you'll create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Click the travel guides below to learn more and get ready to make unforgettable memories in Poland!

How to get to Wawel Royal Castle

Wawel Royal Castle is located in Krakow, Poland, and is easily accessible by several modes of transportation. If you are arriving by plane, John Paul II International Kraków–Balice Airport is approximately 6.88 miles (11.07 km) away from Krakow. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle to the city, where Wawel Royal Castle is located.

If you’re already in Krakow, you can take a bus, taxi or even walk to the museum. The exact address of the attraction is Wawel 5, 31-001 Kraków, Poland, Poland.

You can also rent a car and drive to Wawel Royal Castle. With a rental car you will enjoy freedom to explore Wawel Royal Castle and other top attractions in Krakow at your own pace.

With your travel plans in place and these guidelines in mind, you're all set for an unforgettable experience at Wawel Royal Castle!

Wawel Royal Castle tours & tickets

Photo of horse carriages at main square in Krakow in a summer day.

No visit to Krakow is complete without a trip to Wawel Royal Castle, one of the most iconic attractions in Poland drawing large crowds of visitors every year. To make the most out of your visit at this unique museum, consider booking a tour in advance to avoid the lines and guarantee a seamless experience.

Find the best and most popular tours and tickets to Wawel Royal Castle starting from 12.25 EUR below.

Top tours & tickets to Wawel Royal Castle

Ensure a hassle-free experience at Wawel Royal Castle by booking a guided tour. The most recommended tour is this Krakow Private Walking Tour, which starts from 112 EUR.

Rated an average of 5 out of 5 stars by 17 travelers, this tour is one of the most popular Cultural Tours in the city. This activity fills up quickly, so make sure to reserve your slot in advance.

Discover and compare more top-rated tours and tickets to Wawel Royal Castle below.

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Wawel Royal Castle travel plans

Photo of old city center view with Adam Mickiewicz monument, St. Mary's Basilica and birds flying in Krakow .

Discover the enchanting beauty of Krakow and top attractions like Wawel Royal Castle with a perfectly planned holiday package. Our travel packages include everything you need to explore Wawel Royal Castle and beyond. Whether you're looking for an adventure-filled getaway or a relaxing retreat, our holiday packages to Krakow, Poland, offer a variety of activities and experiences to suit all types of travelers.

Continue reading to find the best travel plans and tips for discovering this one-of-a-kind museum in Poland.

Top Wawel Royal Castle travel plans

The easiest way to plan a holiday including a visit to Wawel Royal Castle is to book a holiday package.

Choose from vacations ranging from relaxing weekend getaways to exciting city breaks in Krakow, or embark on an adventurous road trip across multiple regions in Poland.

One of the most popular vacation packages among travelers visiting Poland is the 7-Day Road Trip to Czechia and Poland from Prague to Brno, Krakow, and Legnica. This all-in-one vacation includes adventure-packed days with visits to famous sites in Krakow, like Wawel Royal Castle, and plenty of other bucket-list attractions in Poland, including the famous Old Town Square, Letna Park, Vyšehrad, Dancing House, and Prague Zoo.

If you can extend your stay in Poland for a few more days, you’re in for a treat. Your itinerary will be filled with visits to top attractions like Gendarmenmarkt, Potsdamer Platz, Brandenburg Gate, German Museum of Technology, and Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, in addition to recommendations of the best activities to join along your route. You’ll return home with a camera gallery full of memories from your iconic road trip across Poland.

Enjoy the convenience of having all accommodations, transportation, and activities taken care of before you arrive in Poland. All you need to do is pack your bags and prepare for an unforgettable holiday in Krakow. Discover the best package holidays to Poland below.

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Car rental near Wawel Royal Castle

Photo of beautiful Krakow market square, Poland.

Discovering Poland's captivating landscapes and the iconic Wawel Royal Castle becomes a breeze with a rental car. Upon arrival, international travelers can choose from 12 reputable rental car companies near John Paul II International Kraków–Balice Airport and the city of Krakow, making transportation seamless and efficient.

Poland's rental car companies cater to a variety of preferences, offering vehicles ranging from compact and midsize to premium, estate, and even camper vans or convertibles. To select the perfect ride, consider your itinerary and specific travel plans in Krakow and beyond.

For budget-conscious travelers, AutoUnion currently boasts the most affordable rates, starting at just 18.1 EUR per day or 126.68 EUR per week. Conveniently located at Krakow Airport, 32-083 in Krakow, this rental option ensures you can explore Poland's wonders without breaking the bank.

Where to stay near Wawel Royal Castle

Photo of Wawel castle famous landmark in Krakow Poland.

Wake up well-rested to a new day of exploring in Krakow by staying at a top-rated hotel in the heart of the city. With the city's most famous attractions like the stunning Wawel Royal Castle just a stone's throw away, you'll be in the perfect location to effortlessly immerse yourself in Krakow.

Discover the best hotels for visiting Wawel Royal Castle below.

Top hotels near Wawel Royal Castle

Make the most of your time in Krakow by staying close to Wawel Royal Castle. Krakow is home to top-rated hotels and places to stay for every budget, within a comfortable distance from Wawel Royal Castle.

This hotel has earned a remarkable 4.2 out of 5 stars from 9272 guests. A stay at Cracow Central Aparthotel starts at approximately 52 EUR per night.

With an outstanding 5 out of 5 stars from 7243 satisfied guests, this hotel is one of the best-rated stays near Wawel Royal Castle. One night at this hotel costs from 93 EUR per night.

With an impressive average rating of 5 out of 5 stars from 4082 reviews, this remarkable hotel promises an unforgettable stay with rates starting at 102 EUR per night.

Explore all your options and find the best hotel for your trip to Krakow below.

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Other top attractions in Krakow

Krakow offers a diverse range of top attractions. From museums and architectural wonders to sculptures and natural wonders, the city has something for everyone. For the ultimate sightseeing tour around Krakow, there are a number of attractions every itinerary should include, namely Rynek Główny, Wawel Cathedral, and Planty.

Rynek Główny is a bucket-list market square and top attraction in Krakow, attracting numerous travelers and locals every year. As evident by its average rating of 5 out of 5 stars in 151,340 reviews, this attraction is a popular place to visit for anyone with time to spend in the city. The exact address of Rynek Główny is Rynek Główny, 31-422 Kraków, Poland.

Another appreciated attraction in Krakow is Wawel Cathedral. This is just like Rynek Główny, one of the most popular sites to visit in the city. With an impressive average rating of 5 out of 5 stars among 29,793 visitors, it’s also one of the highest rated. The exact address of this cathedral is Wawel 3, 31-001 Kraków, Poland.

Planty is also a clear favorite among travelers seeking to experience the uniqueness of Krakow. This park and top attraction in Krakow has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 20,414 visitors. Visitors usually spend a moment at Planty creating core memories of the city. This attraction is located at the address of 31-041 Kraków, Poland.

Check out our full list of top attractions in the city of Krakow below.

Map of attractions in Krakow

Your next adventure is waiting for you in city of Krakow. Explore the map to discover all the incredible attractions you’ll visit on your vacation of a lifetime in Poland.

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