Vistula Boulevards and Wawel Dragon

The Vistula Boulevards run along the river below Wawel Hill in Krakow, Poland, with the Bulwar Czerwienski stretch directly at the foot of the castle. The riverbanks have promenades, cafes, moored boats and paths for walking and cycling, and the setting gives views up to Wawel's walls and towers. The main landmark is the metal Wawel Dragon statue, at the exit of the Dragon's Den cave route, which breathes fire every few minutes and is a favourite with children. The statue refers to the legend of the dragon said to have lived in a cave beneath the hill. The Dragon's Den is entered from the castle grounds and is ticketed separately by the castle, while the statue and the riverside promenade are free and open around the clock. A visit takes about an hour, or longer with a boat trip or a meal at a riverside cafe. The best photographs are of the dragon breathing fire, with Wawel Hill behind it, and the sunset light on the castle walls from the opposite bank. Sunset is the favoured time, when the walls glow and the promenades fill with strollers. Daytime in summer brings tour groups and families to the dragon, and queues form for photographs, whereas early morning and weekday evenings are quieter. The area is five minutes on foot from Wawel and ten from Main Market Square, making it an easy extension to a castle visit. River cruises depart from landing stages along the boulevards.