CityBuddy
Wawel Cathedral (Katedra Wawelska)
Best time to visit
Early weekday mornings are best to avoid tour groups and long lines at the tombs. Late afternoon light on the Vistula side gives the best photos of the façade.
Budget tips
Main nave entry is free, but paid tickets apply for the Royal Tombs, Sigismund bell tower and cathedral museum, typically 10 to 30 PLN per site; combined tickets and online booking save time and often money. Bring student or senior ID for reduced rates and check whether the Kraków Card offers discounts.
Recommended for
History buffs, Architecture lovers, Cultural travelers, Photography enthusiasts
Plan your visit
45-60 min
About
Raske fakta: Wandering beneath soaring Gothic vaults, you feel the hush of coronations and see chapels that glitter with intricate tombs and dramatic sculptures. A thunderous bell that marks momentous occasions dominates the soundscape, while dozens of royal sarcophagi and hidden burial chambers reveal surprising personal stories when you pause and listen.
Høydepunkter: If you crane your neck into the south tower you'll spot the Sigismund Bell, a hulking bronze cast by Hans Behem in 1520 that weighs roughly 13,000 kilograms and is rung only on the gravest national and religious occasions. A crew of about a dozen ringers hauls the ropes to swing it, the sound landing like low brass thunder you feel in your ribs as dust trembles from the rafters and the whole place falls into a respectful hush.
Insider tips
- Cover shoulders and knees, and remove hats during services, as the cathedral is an active place of worship.
- Buy tickets online for the Royal Tombs and the bell tower to reserve a time slot and avoid long queues.
- For best photos of the façade and cathedral set against the Vistula, walk down to the riverbank at golden hour.
- Skip the tower if you have limited time or mobility, and focus on the chapels and crypts which hold the richest art and history.
Klikk for å bestille en GRATIS vandretur i Kraków, Poland
Den beste måten å oppleve en by med en lokal guide.
Tip: We strongly recommend a free walking tour on your first day to get to know the city with a local guide. They usually cover all main attractions and you can ask for personal recommendations based on your interests for the next days. Book early as spaces fill up fast!
Reviews
Reviews (4)
4.3Arrived at 8am and had almost no line. The cathedral interior is stunning, and the underground tour was definitely worth the extra fee of about 25 PLN.
Brought kids late afternoon and the crowd was manageable. Bells and treasury stole the show, though the crown jewels exhibit is a bit pricey for families.
Came at sunset and it was much calmer, perfect for photos. Guided cathedral tour costs more but gives great context, avoid weekend mornings for long lines.
Visited at midday and it was extremely crowded. Main nave is free but several chapels need extra tickets; skip the audio guide unless you have lots of time.
