Frequently asked questions
Is the Royal Castle really a reconstruction?
Yes, and that's what makes it worth seeing. The Germans destroyed it in 1944; it was rebuilt from 1971 to 1984 using salvaged original fragments and period paintings. Much of the panelling, stucco and stonework you see is original, recovered from the rubble and reinstalled.
What's the difference between the routes?
The Royal Route is the king's apartments. The Museum Route is the parliamentary halls, the Matejko paintings and the Rembrandts. The Castle Route combines both — it's what most people want. The Golden Ticket adds the Palace under the Tin Roof.
Which ticket should I buy?
For a first visit, the Castle Route covers the essentials in about two hours. If you have more time and want the Poniatowski apartments too, take the Golden Ticket. Short on time on a Sunday? The guided Sunday Highlights is the fast way to see the best rooms.
Do I need to pick a time slot?
Yes. Entry is timed and capped at roughly 15 places per slot, so your ticket is for a specific date and time. We show you live availability before you book and secure the slot for you.
Can I just skip the line at the entrance?
Your timed ticket lets you skip the ticket-desk queue — you don't line up to buy. There is still a short security and cloakroom check at the door, the same for everyone.
Is the audioguide included?
Yes, on the self-guided routes the castle's multilingual audioguide is included with entry. The Sunday Highlights ticket is a live guided walk instead.
How far ahead can I book?
The castle releases timed tickets roughly 60 days in advance. If your date isn't open yet, message us and we'll watch for it and hold your place in line the moment it opens.
What are the Canaletto and Rembrandt rooms?
The Canaletto Room holds 23 views of 18th-century Warsaw by Bernardo Bellotto — the paintings used to rebuild the city after the war. The Lanckoroński Gallery on the Museum Route has two Rembrandts most visitors walk straight past.
Are children's or student tickets available?
The castle offers reduced tickets, but they require ID or a student card checked at the door. Message us before booking and we'll sort the right ticket for your group.
What happens if my plans change?
Tell us as early as you can. Where the castle's rules allow, we'll try to move your slot. All sales are final, with a full refund if the operator cancels your visit.
Is the castle wheelchair accessible?
Most of the visitor routes are lift-served and step-free, though a few historic thresholds remain. Tell us your needs before you book and we'll confirm the current access directly with the castle.
How long should I allow?
About 1.5–2 hours for the Castle Route. Add 30–45 minutes for the Golden Ticket, which includes the Palace under the Tin Roof across the courtyard.
Where exactly do I go?
The entrance is off plac Zamkowy (Castle Square), at the edge of the Old Town. Your confirmation gives the exact door and your time slot; arrive about 15 minutes early for security.
Can I take photos inside?
Yes, photography for personal use is allowed in most rooms without flash or tripod. A few loaned works may be marked no-photography — the room signs tell you.
Do you charge more than the castle?
Our price includes our booking and concierge service, so it's above the castle's own counter price. What you pay is what you see — no fees added at checkout — and if the operator cancels your visit you're refunded in full.
Is this the official castle website?
No. We're an independent concierge that books official tickets for international visitors and supports you in English. You can also buy directly from the castle; we exist for people who'd rather we handle the admin.