Krakow: Wawel Castle, Cathedral, Rynek Underground & Lunch

Krakow , Poland

Krakow: Wawel Castle, Cathedral, Rynek Underground & Lunch

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About this experience

Discover Krakow’s royal and medieval past on a guided combo tour. Visit Wawel Castle and Cathedral, then explore the Rynek Underground Museum with skip-the-line access and expert guide.

Highlights:
• Step inside Poland’s royal residence with a licensed local guide
• Admire Wawel Castle’s Renaissance and Baroque royal chambers
• Discover the Gothic Wawel Cathedral, site of royal coronations
• Touch the mighty Sigismund Bell for good luck in the cathedral tower
• Explore Krakow’s medieval past in the fascinating Rynek Underground Museum

Step back in time and experience the heart of Krakow’s royal and medieval legacy. Explore Wawel Castle and Cathedral — once the seat of Polish kings — before descending beneath the Main Market Square to uncover the city’s hidden past in the Rynek Underground Museum.

Available options

German tour

English tour

Polish tour

French tour

Spanish tour

Italian tour

What's included

Skip-the-line Tickets to the Underground Museum

Licensed local guide

Lunch

Ticket to the Wawel Cathedral

(State Rooms or Royal Private Apartments, or Crown Treasury — subject to availability)

Skip-the-line entrance ticket to one permanent exhibition at Wawel Castle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Meet your guide and begin your journey into the world of monarchy, faith, and art. Step inside the Royal Castle, transformed in 1930 into one of Poland’s most important museums. Wander through grand chambers filled with Renaissance and Baroque interiors, paintings, sculptures, porcelain, and military artifacts. Marvel at treasures such as Flemish tapestries commissioned by King Sigismund II Augustus and Italian Renaissance masterpieces from the Lanckoroński collection. You will also see Wawel’s unique collection of Eastern art, including the largest set of Ottoman tents in Europe.

Stop 2

The highlight of your visit is the Wawel Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece that has witnessed the coronations, weddings, and funerals of Polish monarchs. Enter chapels and altars, then climb the tower to see the mighty Sigismund Bell—tradition says touching it brings good luck. Finally, descend to the crypts where kings, queens, poets, and national heroes rest, as your guide shares stories of power, devotion, and legacy.

Stop 3

Then, enjoy a relaxing lunch at a nearby bistro.

Stop 4

Afterwards with your skip-the-line ticket and an expert local guide, you’ll explore nearly 4,000 square meters of underground paths, merchant stalls, and archaeological remains. Multimedia installations—holograms, touchscreens, and films—recreate the bustle of medieval Kraków, from merchants’ calls to the creak of carts.
Highlights include reconstructions of 11th-century burials, traces of ancient streets, and unique artifacts that illustrate Kraków’s role as a thriving trade hub. You’ll also see how daily life was shaped by craftsmen, merchants, and travelers passing through one of Central Europe’s busiest markets. Your guide enriches the journey with stories about commerce, religion, and the turbulent history revealed during excavations.
When you return to the surface, the Main Square—with St. Mary’s Basilica and the Cloth Hall towering above—will feel different, transformed by the hidden history you’ve just explored. Centuries of life, trade, and tradition.

What's not included

Drink for lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN IT PL FR ES

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

We kindly ask you to arrive 10 minutes before the tour begins. Once the group has departed, latecomers will not be able to join and tickets cannot be refunded. All group tours are conducted in only one language, selected at the time of booking. In line with museum regulations, each tour is limited to a maximum of 29 participants.

Please note that a dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. Shorts and sleeveless tops are not allowed; both men and women must cover their knees and shoulders. The Wawel Cathedral is an active place of religious worship, and during religious, state, or jubilee events, or visits of important guests, admission to the cathedral, royal tombs, and the bell tower may be suspended without prior notice. In such cases, entrance will be replaced with another site within the castle complex.

Please also note that the order of sightseeing may be subject to change. The tour is not suitable for people with disabilities.

Meeting point

Meet your guide on the St. Mary Magdalene Square, at the Piotr Skarga Monument. They will hold an excursions.city sign.

Important notes

We kindly ask you to arrive 10 minutes before the tour begins. Once the group has departed, latecomers will not be able to join and tickets cannot be refunded.
Gratuities are optional but always appreciated as a gesture of thanks for your guide.
The tour is not suitable for people with disabilities.
A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women. The Wawel Cathedral is an active place of religious worship. During religious, state or jubilee events or visits of important guests, admission to the cathedral, royal tombs and the bell tower may be suspended without announcing the reasons. In such a situation, the Organizer reserves the right to replace the entrance to the Cathedral with another one within the castle complex.

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.