Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Palaces

Wawel Royal Castle

Kraków, Poland

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST PALACES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 89 2026
Wawel Royal Castle

Former residence of the Polish royal family on Wawel Hill in Kraków, set beside the cathedral above the Vistula River. Inside are state rooms, royal apartments, tapestries and art collections, with courtyards, a treasury, armoury and the cathedral crypts and bell tower nearby.

Highlights

  • State rooms and royal apartments
  • Crown Treasury and Armoury
  • Cathedral crypts and bell tower

Good to know

  • Separate tickets for each building or exhibition
  • Audio guide starts automatically in each room
  • Full visit takes three hours or more

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