Two collections in one, of which the latter is only accessible on a specially conducted guided tour, these are the rooms in which the royals once lived and did their entertaining. The spectacular State Rooms seemingly go on forever, and are full of luscious oil paintings, intricate 16th-century Flemish tapestries, some truly extraordinary wallpaper and the breathtaking Bird Room. Highlights include the eerie Deputies Hall, complete with 30 wooden representations of former Kraków residents’ heads on the coffered ceiling and an original throne that really brings the majesty of Poland’s past to life. The Royal Private Apartments are, as one would expect, stunning. Packed with delightful Gothic and Renaissance details, rooms include the wonderful Guest Bedroom, complete with original Renaissance larch wood ceiling, and the charmingly named Hen’s Foot - two small rooms inside the 14th-century Belvedere Tower. What these rooms were originally used for is anyone’s guess, but the view from the windows is well worth the visit.

Admission to State Rooms 18/11zł. Royal Private Apartments 25/19zł (guide included).