Wawel Castle is perched on a limestone hill above the Vistula River at the southern edge of the Old Town, and for five centuries — from 1038 to 1596 — it was the seat of Polish kings. The hilltop holds both the castle and the Wawel Cathedral, and together they form one of the most important complexes in Poland. The views from the hill over the river and the rooftops of Kazimierz are among the best in the city.
The castle complex holds several separate museums that require separate tickets: the State Rooms show off the royal apartments with extraordinary 16th-century tapestries; the Royal Private Apartments are even more lavishly decorated; the Crown Treasury and Armory holds royal insignia, armor, and the legendary Szczerbiec — the coronation sword of Polish kings. The dragon's cave, accessible from outside the castle, is free and particularly enjoyed by younger visitors. Buy tickets in advance online, especially in summer, as the castle limits visitor numbers.