St. Mary's Basilica on the Main Market Square is one of the most visited places in Kraków — and one of those you can see either “quickly” or thoroughly. In practice, the length of your visit depends on how deeply you want to get into the history of Veit Stoss’s Altarpiece, the polychromes and side chapels, and whether you plan to go up the tower (the hejnalica). This text gives realistic visiting times matched to different types of guests and practical tips to help you plan your day in Kraków.
Having a plan in mind makes it easier to avoid rushing around the Market Square and helps you make the most of other nearby sites — for example Wawel Castle or the Cloth Hall. Below you’ll find concrete time suggestions, practical advice and a short list of common mistakes to avoid. At the end there’s a brief FAQ and an invitation to use the help of a private guide who can organize the logistics of your visit. (Practical information about current hours and visiting rules is available at the visitor desk on Mariacki Square.).
The church is generally open to tourists at set hours: on weekdays and Saturdays usually from about 11:30 to 18:00; on Sundays and public holidays access for tourists often starts later (frequently around 14:00) because of services. Note that the Veit Stoss Altarpiece is ceremonially opened at specific times (morning/afternoon) — that is when it is most instructive and visually striking for visitors.
Tickets (so-called donation-admission slips) are sold at the visitor desk on Mariacki Square 7 and cannot always be reserved online in advance. The ticket desk usually closes about 15 minutes before the end of visiting hours — keep that in mind when planning your day. Prices vary depending on concessions, and entry to the tower is a separate charge with separate visiting times. For safety reasons, young children below a certain age (usually under 8) are not allowed up the tower. (Detailed information is available at the visitor desk and on the Basilica’s official information panels).
Express visit (15–25 minutes) - who it's for: passers-by, visitors with a tight schedule, or someone who only wants a quick look inside. What you’ll see: a quick view of the nave, an outline of the altar and a basic look at a few chapels. Drawback: no time to study the altar details or the polychromes.
Standard visitor (45–60 minutes) - who it's for: a typical tourist who wants to see Veit Stoss’s Altarpiece, walk through the nave and check a few side chapels. What you gain: time for a calm look at the main highlights, a few photos (no flash) and short notes. Optional: if you plan to climb the tower, add another 30–60 minutes.
Art lover / history enthusiast (90–120 minutes) - who it's for: someone who wants to read the information panels, examine sculptures and polychromes, analyze the altar’s narrative and listen to longer explanations. What it includes: a detailed look at the altarpiece wings, chapels, possibly time with a guide or audio material. This is the best option when you want to truly “enter” the story of the monument.
Families with children (30–50 minutes) - who it's for: families with younger kids. What to plan: shorter, more interactive stops; allow breaks and consider stair/ tower limitations. If children are curious about details, add extra time.
People with reduced mobility and seniors (30–60 minutes) - who it's for: visitors needing a slower pace or assistance. Important: some prayer areas and architectural fragments may be less accessible; ask the visitor desk for the easiest routes. Not all towers or bell houses are accessible to people with limited mobility.
Visitors with a guide (60–90 minutes) - who it's for: groups wanting historical context and symbolism. The guide will focus on Veit Stoss’s Altarpiece, the polychromes and selected chapels; total time depends on the guide’s program and the depth of commentary.
The tower is a separate part of the visit: climbs run at set times and typically every half hour in high season (outside the low season the tower may be closed). The staircase up, short stops at viewpoints and the descent usually take an extra 30–45 minutes, but on busy days (weekends, holidays) with queues and group size limits you should allow more time — even up to 60 minutes. For safety reasons, children below a certain age are not admitted to the tower. Treat a tower visit as a separate activity in your daily schedule.
If you want to combine the interior visit with the tower, plan at least 1.5 hours in total — that lets you see the main interior spaces and still enjoy the panoramic view from above. For very detailed visiting (reading panels closely, taking photos, stopping for a coffee) leave up to 2 hours. Remember that tower entries are limited and tickets are bought on the day at the visitor desk.
Arrive earlier than you think — especially in high season mornings and late afternoons are more comfortable, and ticket lines tend to be longer around midday. If you start your day at the Market, remember the visitor desk closes ticket sales about 15 minutes before the end of visiting hours.
Use the side entrance for visitors (from the south) — the main entrance leads to the area reserved for prayer. Respect the sacred space: speak softly, silence loud notifications and behave appropriately during services.
Plan time for the Veit Stoss Altarpiece — the most complex and richly detailed part of the interior deserves a moment of focus. If you want to see the altarpiece with its wings open, check the altarpiece opening times (announced by staff) — that’s when the most details are visible. If photography is important to you, avoid flash and follow staff guidelines.
If you value quiet and reflection, choose a weekday outside mass hours; if you prefer experiencing local religious life, check the mass schedule — attending a service gives a different dimension to the visit.
Arriving “at the last minute” — many visitors don’t allow time to buy the admission slip and end up waiting in line, which shortens their visit. Solution: allow 15–30 minutes for formalities.
Assuming everything is open all the time — St. Mary’s is an active church, so parts may be temporarily closed for liturgy. Solution: if you want certainty, call or ask at the visitor desk before your visit.
Lack of respect for the sacred space — making noise, using flash photography or entering areas designated for worshippers. Solution: follow signs, ask staff and behave discreetly.
After your visit, it’s worth choosing a well-reviewed place near the Market. A few popular options recommended by visitors: historic Restauracja Wierzynek (for those who want to feel the atmosphere of old feasts), cozy cafés around the Market such as Cafe Camelot (great for coffee and cake) and the bakery-style fare at Charlotte. When choosing a place, pay attention to reviews and book a table on weekends.
If you prefer a quick outdoor rest, the Market Square and its surroundings offer many benches and places to catch your breath. Consider a short walk toward the Planty — it’s a pleasant green belt where you can relax after an intense visit.
Veit Stoss’s Altarpiece is a multi-layered masterpiece — when you look at the altarpiece wings you’ll see a biblical story told in many scenes; it’s worth spending a few moments “reading” the individual panels.
The hejnał (trumpet call) played from the tower is an abruptly broken melody that commemorates the legend of a trumpeter who warned the city of an attack. If you hear the hejnał while visiting, pause for a moment and think about the tradition you’re witnessing.
The basilica’s interior is full of small symbols and motifs — some details repeat across chapels and tell local stories you won’t notice at first glance.
Where do I buy tickets? - At the visitor desk on Mariacki Square 7 on the day of your visit.
Can tower visits be reserved? - Tower climbs usually run every half hour and tickets are bought on the day; places are limited.
How much time for a visit that includes the tower? - Minimum plan: 1–1.5 hours; better to allow 1.5–2 hours if you want a relaxed visit and the tower.
Is the main entrance for tourists? - The main entrance is aimed at worshippers; visitors are asked to use the south entrance reserved for tourists.
If you want to make the most of your time in Kraków and visit St. Mary’s Basilica without stress, I can help plan the whole visit. Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz), a private guide working with zwiedzaniekrakowa.com, will suggest the optimal schedule, match the visit length to your expectations, assist with ticket and restaurant bookings and help organize transport or accommodation. It’s a convenient option if you have limited time or want richer historical context while walking the Old Town. Małgorzata will be happy to prepare a program tailored to your needs.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media so others can plan their visit without rush and in the best possible way. Thank you for reading — see you at the Market Square!
