Flanking an arcaded Renaissance-era courtyard, Wawel Castle is divided into several exhibition sections that can seem confusing to first-time visitors and are best explored with a guide to ensure you cover the highlights and understand their history. There are five key sections: the Royal Apartments, State Rooms, Crown Treasury and Armory, Lost Wawel, and Oriental Art—each accessible by separate, entry-timed tickets.
Many tours of the sections include time-saving skip-the-line access, while others are teamed with a River Vistula cruise that showcase views of the castle from the water. Alternatively, book a Krakow walking tour that includes a castle visit and a stroll around Krakow’s Old Town and perhaps its former Jewish quarter, Kazimierz. Other fun ways to see the castle include Segway, bike, and electric-cart tours, or even city helicopter flights.