St. Mary's Basilica is the heart of Old Kraków — for many visitors it's the first spot on the "must-see" list. It's also a sacred space with clear visiting rules. If you want to see the interior's most important monument — Wit Stwosz's Altar — and do it with respect for worshippers and with the best experience for yourself, it's worth preparing in advance and avoiding common mistakes. In this guide I collected practical tips, the most frequent errors and simple ways to avoid them.
The biggest mistake is improvising on the spot. The church has set visiting hours and — importantly — the opening of Wit Stwosz's Altar happens at specific times (arrive earlier if you want to see the altar-opening ceremony).
Visiting is supported by buying so‑called "brick" tickets; the sales point is located at Mariacki Square 7. Buying a brick ticket not only gives access to the tourist area prepared inside the basilica, but also helps fund maintenance of the monument. If you plan to climb the tower / bugle tower — check its availability and rules (seasonal hours, visitor limits, possible restrictions for children).
When planning your visit, pay attention to Sundays and public holidays — on those days some areas may be closed to tourists because of liturgies, and the altar opening times may differ.
Entering through the main doors without understanding the purpose of that area. The main entrance and the space facing the Market Square are primarily for people who have come to pray. Tourists should use the southern entrance intended for sightseeing; it's an easy way to avoid disturbing worshippers and to prevent misunderstandings.
Trying to see the altar without a ticket — sneaking past guards, pretending to be a person praying, etc. This is common and unpleasant. If you want a close view of the presbytery — buy a brick ticket. It's honest, legal and supports the care of the monument.
Loud conversations, phone calls and making noisy sounds. The interior is a place of worship — keep quiet, switch your phone to silent or turn it off. If you must speak, step outside.
Taking photos without respecting the rules. The safest approach is to photograph without flash and without tripods. Flash can damage paintings and conservation; tripods obstruct other visitors.
Inappropriate clothing. Shorts, bare shoulders or beachwear are not appropriate in a church. Dress so your shoulders and knees are covered — it doesn't have to be formal, but it should be respectful.
Eating, drinking and chewing gum. These are unacceptable inside the church — plan meals before or after your visit, and keep water bottles out of sight.
Touching exhibits and the altar. Do not touch sculptures, gilded elements or altar parts — they are historic, often fragile and under conservation. Keep backpacks on your back or leave them in a safe place so they don't rub against objects.
Attempting to go up the tower without checking the rules. The tower and bugle tower have visitor limits, seasonal hours and sometimes age restrictions. Check the rules before climbing the stairs.
Photographing the interior is usually allowed, but restrictions apply: don't use flash, don't set up tripods or large equipment without permission, don't block passages, and avoid standing in the sightlines of people praying. If you see clear signs prohibiting photography — respect them.
If you want to photograph someone who is praying or another person — ask for permission. It's a basic courtesy.
The best shots of Wit Stwosz's Altar come from standing in the designated visitors' area and using the natural interior light. Arriving for the altar opening (often in the morning) gives an extra effect and fewer crowds.
The tower and bugle tower are an attraction, but climbing involves restrictions: the number of people per round is limited, there are age rules (sometimes children under a certain age are not admitted), and season and opening hours may change. Don't plan a last‑minute tower visit — check at the visitor service point or on the official site.
Remember that access is by stairs — wear comfortable shoes. If you suffer from vertigo or have health issues, reconsider — it's not worth risking your health.
Tower access usually begins from a different side (for example, from Floriańska Street) than the main church entrance — check where the entrance is and how long the queue may take.
Switch off your phone or set it to silent. Do not make phone calls inside the church.
Mind your attire — covered shoulders and knees is the minimum. Men should remove headwear inside the church.
Don't eat, drink or chew gum in the nave. Discreetly drinking water is acceptable, but it's better to keep the bottle concealed.
Be aware that services may be taking place — check the mass schedule to avoid disturbing worship and to avoid being asked to leave areas reserved for the faithful.
Come early or choose hours outside peak times (midmorning or late afternoon outside mass hours) — you'll avoid crowds and see altar details better.
If you want to see the altar‑opening ceremony, check the exact opening time and arrive 10–15 minutes earlier.
Combine your visit with nearby attractions: a short walk around the Main Market Square, a visit to the Historical Museum or a local cafe. After sightseeing you can relax in one of the well‑rated restaurants by the Market Square — recommended, tried places include Wierzynek, Szara and Pod Aniołem. For coffee, choose one of the popular friendly cafés around the Old Town.
If you value comfort and storytelling that shows historical context — consider a private tour with licensed guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. She can save you time and reveal curiosities that are easy to miss when exploring on your own.
Do you have to pay to enter St. Mary's Basilica? - Yes, visiting the tourist part generally requires buying a brick ticket, which supports maintenance and conservation of the monument. People who come purely to pray have access to the prayer area without needing to buy a brick ticket.
Can I enter during Mass? - During liturgy the area reserved for worshippers may be closed to tourists. When planning your visit it's better to avoid service times unless you intend to attend Mass.
Can I take photos? - Generally yes, following the rules: no flash, no tripods and do not disturb others. If you see clear no‑photo signs — follow them.
Where do I buy a brick ticket? - The visitor service point is at Mariacki Square 7; the desk closes shortly before visiting hours end, so don't arrive at the last minute.
Is climbing the tower safe for children? - Tower access has age restrictions depending on seasonal rules and the regulations; check current information before your visit.
The bugle call (hejnal mariacki) is a broken tune — a remembrance of the bugler who was supposedly wounded during an attack. The tune is played from the tower and is a well‑known symbol of the city.
Wit Stwosz's Altar is a monumental sculptural work with many movable wings and scenes — seeing it up close is a completely different experience than viewing it from behind a barrier. It's worth moving into the designated visitors' area for a closer look.
Part of the church is always available for worshippers; tourist visits are limited to specific areas. This distinction helps avoid conflicts between visitors and the faithful.
Show respect, plan your visit and support the monument's care by buying a brick ticket — these simple rules will make your stay at St. Mary's Basilica pleasant and stress‑free. By avoiding common mistakes — entering through the main doors, using flash photography, eating inside or ignoring service times — you allow yourself and others to fully enjoy this exceptional place.
If you value convenience and want your visit to St. Mary's Basilica and the connected sightseeing in Kraków to be stress‑free — consider using the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Małgorzata can plan the route, book tickets, handle logistics and transport, and recommend the best places to eat and stay. It's a convenient option when you care about time, comfort and learning history in a concise way.
Contact via the site zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — Małgorzata will be happy to advise and prepare a personalized tour tailored to your interests. Good planning lets you fully appreciate the beauty of St. Mary's Basilica and the Old Town.
If this article was helpful — share it on social media or send the link to friends. That way more people will visit the basilica with respect and pleasure.
