Wawel Castle, Cathedral and St. Mary’s Basilica Private Tour

Krakow , Poland

Wawel Castle, Cathedral and St. Mary’s Basilica Private Tour

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About this experience

Discover Krakow’s World Heritage Sites on a private tour of the Old Town with skip the line access to Wawel Royal Castle, Wawel Cathedral and St. Mary’s Basilica. See the Market Square, Royal Route, Jagiellonian University, Planty Park, and more.

Highlights:

- Discover the highlights of Krakow’s Old Town with a Licensed Private Guide
- Avoid waiting in long lines with skip-the-line tickets to Krakow’s 3 top-rated attractions
- Find out how Wawel Castle became the first UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Visit Krakow’s 2 most important churches: Wawel Cathedral and St. Mary’s Basilica
- Immerse yourself in local history and legends

Join our passionate Private Guide on this walking tour of Krakow’s Old Town to discover its most famous monuments and World Heritage Sites. With skip-the-line tickets to Wawel Royal Castle, Wawel Cathedral and St. Mary’s Basilica you will enjoy Krakow’s top-ranked attractions without waiting in any queues.

Available options

Wawel Castle, Cathedral and St. Mary’s Basilica Private Tour

What's included

Skip-the-line tickets to Wawel Royal Castle State Rooms

Skip-the-line tickets to Wawel Cathedral

Skip-the-line tickets to St. Mary’s Basilica

5-Star Licensed Guide who is fluent in the selected language

Private Walking Tour of Krakow’s Old Town, Wawel Castle, Wawel Cathedral and St. Mary’s Basilica

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Meet your guide in front of the Sheep&Dragon Cafe, Straszewskiego 2, 31-101 Kraków, Poland. Please do not enter the building, it is only a meeting point

Stop 2

Walking tour is a great way to discover the best things to do in Krakow for anyone new to the city, as you will visit the most popular attractions and hidden gems of the Old Town. We will begin with the mighty Wawel Castle, a royal residence on Wawel Hill.

Stop 3

As the world’s first UNESCO site, the castle attracts millions of visitors each year, but you won’t even notice this as we will skip the long lines. With your Expert Guide you will discover the royal history and heritage of Wawel, admiring its richly decorated interiors filled with works of art. Another highlight will be a visit to Wawel Cathedral, which has been the main burial site for Polish monarchs since the 14th century.

Stop 4

From Wawel Hill, you will follow a Royal Route to the Old Town, passing by many beautiful palaces and churches like the Church of Saints Peter & Paul. You will wander around the medieval Market Square

Stop 5

Enter the magnificent Basilica of St. Mary to see one of the finest examples of Polish Gothic architecture. The guide will also show you one of the world’s oldest universities, the Jagiellonian University and the idyllic Planty Park, which marks the site of the old city walls.

Available languages

Guide guide

DE RU EN IT PL FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please check your email the day before the tour for important information.

Please ensure you arrive at the meeting point on time. Being late may prevent you from joining this tour or entering the attractions at your reserved time slot.

Skip-the-line tickets are purchased in advance to allow you to get in faster without queuing at the ticket office.

Entry to churches during masses and special events (such as scheduled concerts) is restricted, so the guide can provide all the information from the outside.

Admission to Wawel Castle is for the State Rooms.

You have to climb 144 stairs to reach the top of the Sigismund Tower of Wawel Cathedral. The staircase is narrow and has a low ceiling, so it is not easily accessible.

Due to local regulations, we limit your group size to 1-20 guests per 1 guide. We will arrange additional guides for larger groups..

Meeting point

Meet your guide in front of the Sheep&Dragon Cafe, Straszewskiego 2, 31-101 Kraków, Poland. Please do not enter the building, it is only a meeting point

Important notes

Information for the customer (Know before you go)

• Please check your email the day before the tour for important information.
• Please ensure you arrive at the meeting point on time. Being late may prevent you from joining this tour or entering the attractions at your reserved time slot.
• Skip-the-line tickets are purchased in advance to allow you to get in faster without queuing at the ticket office.
• Entry to churches during masses and special events (such as scheduled concerts) is restricted, so the guide can provide all the information from the outside.
• Admission to Wawel Castle is for the State Rooms.
• You have to climb 144 stairs to reach the top of the Sigismund Tower of Wawel Cathedral. The staircase is narrow and has a low ceiling, so it is not easily accessible.
• Due to local regulations, we limit your group size to 1-20 guests per 1 guide. We will arrange additional guides for larger groups.

About Krakow

Krakow, the former capital of Poland, is a city rich in history, culture, and stunning architecture. It's home to the Wawel Royal Castle, the historic Main Market Square, and the largest medieval old town in Europe. Krakow's vibrant arts scene, bustling nightlife, and proximity to Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine make it a must-visit destination.

Top Attractions

Wawel Royal Castle

This iconic castle was the residence of Polish kings and a symbol of Polish statehood. It offers a glimpse into Poland's rich history.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours 30-50 PLN (€7-12)

Main Market Square (Rynek Główny)

One of the largest medieval town squares in Europe, surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and shops.

Historical/Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore

Wieliczka Salt Mine

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring underground chambers, chapels, and sculptures carved out of salt.

Historical/Adventure 4-5 hours 89-139 PLN (€20-32)

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

A poignant and sobering visit to the largest Nazi concentration camp, now a memorial and museum.

Historical/Educational Full day 70-100 PLN (€16-23)

Kazimierz District

The historic Jewish quarter with a rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, and charming streets.

Cultural/Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pierogi

Dumplings filled with various ingredients like meat, cheese, potatoes, or fruits.

Dinner Can be vegetarian or vegan

Obwarzanek

A type of bread ring, similar to a bagel, often sold by street vendors.

Snack Vegetarian

Zapiekanka

A Polish street food consisting of a half-baguette topped with mushrooms, cheese, and various condiments.

Snack Can be vegetarian

Schabowy

A breaded pork cutlet, similar to schnitzel, often served with potatoes and cabbage.

Dinner Contains meat

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Tatra Mountains Skiing in Zakopane Spa and wellness treatments Strolling through parks and gardens Visiting museums and galleries Attending concerts and performances Boating on the Vistula River Skiing and snowboarding in the nearby mountains

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Krakow for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city is lively with festivals and tourists.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Polish
Widely spoken: English, German, Russian
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Polish Złoty (PLN)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Krakow is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure in crowded areas.
• Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps.
• Be cautious when withdrawing money from ATMs.

Getting there

By air

John Paul II International Airport Krakow-Balice • 11 km from city center

By train

Krakow Glowny, Krakow Plaza

By bus

Krakow Main Bus Station, Młocińscy Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Krakow's tram system is efficient and covers most of the city. Trams are comfortable and frequent.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town (Stare Miasto) Kazimierz Nowa Huta Zakrzówek

Day trips

Wieliczka Salt Mine

14 km from Krakow • Full day

Explore the underground chambers, chapels, and sculptures carved out of salt in this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

70 km from Krakow • Full day

Visit the largest Nazi concentration camp, now a memorial and museum, to learn about the Holocaust.

Zakopane

100 km from Krakow • Full day

A picturesque mountain town known for its stunning scenery, hiking trails, and skiing opportunities.

Festivals

Krakow Jewish Festival • June or July (annual) Krakow Film Festival • May (annual) Krakow Christmas Market • December (annual)

Pro tips

Use the Krakow Card for unlimited public transport and free entry to many attractions.
Visit the Wawel Dragon statue and make a wish by placing a coin in its mouth.
Try traditional Polish dishes like pierogi and żurek at local restaurants.
Explore the Kazimierz district for its vibrant nightlife and cultural scene.
Take a day trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine or Auschwitz-Birkenau for a deeper understanding of Polish history.