Did you know the hejnał played from the tower ends abruptly to commemorate a medieval trumpeter who interrupted his call while saving the city? The view from St. Mary’s Tower and the feeling of standing where that legendary melody sounds every hour is an experience many visitors to Kraków want to have. Beyond the history and atmosphere, the panorama of the Main Market Square and surroundings gives a great perspective on the Cloth Hall, churches and the roofs of the Old Town.
Climbing the tower is also an adventure: you go up steep, narrow stairs, feel the texture of the structure and — if you’re lucky to be there with the bugler — you can see the moments before the hejnał is played. It’s a short but intense visit, a good idea to complement a walk around the Market Square.
Entry to the basilica interior and to the tower is traditionally through so-called “donation tickets” — a form of donation collected at the tourist service point. Donation tickets for the tower and for visiting the interior are separate fees.
Donation tickets are sold only at the tourist service desk (address: Plac Mariacki 7) on the day of your visit. Usually it is not possible to reserve tower entry online, so in high season it’s wise to arrive earlier to avoid missing the daily allocation of slots.
Prices are updated seasonally and vary by category (large donation / small donation). For orientation: in recent seasons donation tickets for the tower have ranged from around a dozen to twenty-some zloty; bring both card and small cash, although many points accept card payments.
Visits are organized at set tourist hours and often take place roughly every 30 minutes — meaning a series of small groups go up the tower. Most often the entry point operates Tuesday to Saturday and on Sundays at selected hours; on Mondays it may be closed or follow different rules because of liturgical schedules.
For safety reasons a limited number of people are admitted per entry — typically about 10–15 people per group, though some notices show slightly different numbers. If you are a larger group, expect to be split into two or more turns.
Remember the tower can be closed temporarily due to bad weather (strong wind, heavy rain) or liturgical events. When planning your visit allow extra time — waiting for the next turn can take a while and queues in season can be long.
St. Mary’s Basilica has two towers of different heights — the taller (north) tower is more massive and is where the hejnał is played. Sources commonly quote figures like about 82 m for the highest tower and around 239 steps leading to the main viewing platform. Keep in mind tourist access ends before the technical top of the tower, so the viewing height is often given slightly lower than the structure’s full height.
The stairs are narrow and winding, made of old stone and wooden elements — the climb requires good mobility and attention, especially when descending and meeting people coming up. There is no lift. If you have mobility issues or a fear of heights, consider alternatives such as visiting the basilica interior without climbing the tower.
The view makes the effort worthwhile: the panorama includes the Main Market Square, the Cloth Hall, parts of Wawel and the Old Town skyline. Photographers often prefer mornings or late afternoons for the best light.
St. Mary’s Tower can be appealing to children, but there are several limitations to keep in mind. In practice very young children are sometimes not allowed — sources mention minimal age limits around 7–8 years, with the final decision up to staff based on safety rules. For that reason, younger toddlers often stay with a guardian on the ground while older children climb with adults.
Things to consider when planning a visit with kids: narrow stairs and crowds, the height (which may cause fear), and limited space on the platform. If you plan to go with family, try to arrive outside peak tourist hours, explain briefly what to expect to help calm them, and make sure children can safely manage the stairs.
Families may prefer alternatives: a stroll around the Market Square, the Rynek Underground (which has multimedia elements more accessible for children), or short workshops and exhibitions nearby if little ones cannot or do not want to climb the tower.
The tower is not fully accessible to people with limited mobility — no lift and many stairs mean independent visiting may be impossible for wheelchair users or people with serious mobility difficulties. If you need special assistance, contact the tourist service desk in advance to discuss possible solutions.
During the climb behave responsibly: watch the steps, hold children’s hands, and do not bring large prams or strollers onto the stairs. In case of strong wind or maintenance work the tower may be closed — staff may refuse entry for safety reasons.
If you plan to hear the hejnał “up close,” remember the bugler plays every hour and has duties to keep — it’s not always possible to time your visit perfectly because of liturgical schedules and breaks.
When is the best time to come? The smallest crowds are usually right after the site opens — that’s a good time for a calm climb and nice photos. Avoid times directly before and after midday masses and the biggest weekend peaks.
What to bring? Comfortable shoes, a bottle of water, a light daypack and some small cash just in case. A phone or small mirrorless camera is enough for photos — there’s no space for large tripods on the narrow platform.
Do I need to buy a ticket in advance? Tower visits usually cannot be reserved online — donation tickets are bought on the day at the service desk. If you really want to go up, come earlier or visit outside peak season.
FAQ: Can I go up with a stroller? Usually no — no lift and narrow stairs. Is there a child discount? Yes — there is a reduced donation ticket for children, but exact age rules vary; ask at the service desk. Is the tower open year-round? Seasonal restrictions apply in off-season months and on holidays; the tower can be closed in winter or in bad weather.
After descending the tower it’s nice to rest in one of the nearby well-rated cafés or restaurants. Reliable options around the Market include Cafe Camelot (a charming café close to the basilica), Hamsa (Middle Eastern cuisine on Kazimierz — a great choice if you plan to continue walking) and Alchemia (a cosy café known for its musical atmosphere).
If you plan lunch or dinner after sightseeing, booking a table for weekends is sensible — venues by the Market and in Kazimierz fill up. For families look for places with kid-friendly menus and enough space to comfortably park a stroller (if you use one outside the tower).
Tip: after the tower, take a moment to walk toward the Cloth Hall on the Market Square — it’s a perfect place for souvenir photos with the panorama and a handy starting point for your next sightseeing stops.
Assuming “I’ll buy tickets on the spot” during high season — donation tickets for the tower can sell out quickly; it’s better to arrive earlier or plan outside peak times.
Not checking masses and ceremonies — some parts of the basilica or tower visiting hours may be restricted during services. Check the liturgical schedule or ask at the service desk.
Trying to enter with small children or a stroller — this is a common problem. Prepare alternatives (e.g. Rynek Underground, a Market Square walk, or workshops for children).
The hejnał ends abruptly deliberately — it symbolizes the legend of the trumpeter warning the city of invasion. Today the broken melody is one of Kraków’s most recognizable sounds.
Although we often say “St. Mary’s Tower” in the singular, the basilica actually has two towers of different heights — the one from which the hejnał is played is more prominent and noticeably taller.
Not all parts of the tower are open to visitors — the tourist viewing platform is only a portion of the structure; technical areas and spires are off-limits.
If you’re planning a visit to Kraków and want a stress-free, well-planned tour enriched with local stories, consider using a guide’s help. Małgorzata Kasprowicz — a guide working with zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — assists with route planning, ticket arrangements, trip logistics and can help with transport, accommodation or restaurant reservations. Her experience is especially useful for families and groups who want to make the most of their time in the city.
If you found this article helpful — share it with friends or on social media. When you’re ready for a guided visit — contact details for Małgorzata are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com; you can book guided tours of museums, the tower, Wawel and other attractions and ask for help with reservations. Have a great trip in Kraków!
