The Basilica of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul is one of those central Krakow places that draws locals, pilgrims and tourists alike. Its impressive Baroque façade, interior with numerous chapels, the National Pantheon and — the longest Foucault pendulum in Poland — make the site attractive for adults and interesting for children. Autumn has its advantages here: fewer crowds than the summer high season, golden leaves in the Planty and a more pleasant climate for a family walk. However, keep in mind that seasonal visiting hours apply in autumn and liturgical events take place that affect interior access and can create short lines at the entrance. Plan your visit consciously so you spend time admiring architectural details and telling children interesting facts about the place rather than standing in a queue.
Simple rule: avoid weekends and midday. In practice the best times are early mornings on weekdays or late afternoons just before closing. The basilica’s seasonal schedule (managed by the parish) changes across the year, so it’s worth checking current hours before you go.
If you travel with small children, consider coming after an early morning Mass (when tourist traffic often starts later) or in the afternoon just before closing. Bear in mind that in the evening, depending on the parish calendar, services or concerts may take place — then visitor access can be limited.
It’s helpful to learn about regular events that attract a local audience — for example demonstrations of the Foucault pendulum (often on specific weekdays) or special parish services and feast days. On days like the parish feast, major church holidays or June 29 (the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul) it’s better to schedule your visit for another day.
Pack what will make a short, calm visit easier: a small water bottle for the child, snacks in case of delays and a light rain cape for a windy autumn moment. Consider taking a baby wrap or carrier instead of a large stroller if your group is big and you plan to enter narrow spaces — although for many families a stroller is still convenient, sometimes you’ll need to leave it at the entrance because of narrow passages.
Give the children a short “mission” — e.g. find the Foucault pendulum or look for the most beautiful chapel decoration. This helps keep the youngest engaged. Plan short stops: 15–30 minutes is an ideal time to calmly view the interior without tiring the little ones.
If you plan to go down to the crypts or the National Pantheon, tell the children this is a more “serious” part of the visit — not all crypts are stroller-accessible and some places have narrow stairs. Families with small children might limit the visit to the main nave and a few chapels and leave the rest for a quieter time.
Arrive 15–20 minutes before opening. Believe it or not — a short wait before the doors open often means no lines at the entrance control and calm first minutes of sightseeing.
Choose a weekday, preferably Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Mondays can be irregular (changes after the weekend), while Fridays and weekends attract families and local worshippers.
Avoid hours immediately before and after main Masses. At Sts. Peter and Paul Masses are held regularly, including morning and evening — during services tourist access may be limited or suspended.
Check the parish calendar. If special celebrations, concerts or other events are planned, pick another date. Pay attention to feast days and special liturgies.
If you want absolute certainty of avoiding crowds, book a short private visit with a guide. A private visit can allow skipping the queue and tailoring the timing to your family’s rhythm.
Arriving at midday on a weekend. This is peak tourist pressure — the entrance and interior can be crowded and a family with children will tire quickly.
Not checking Mass times and parish events. The tourist program can conflict with liturgy — check the parish website or call the office to make sure the interior is open to visitors.
Confusing the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Krakow with St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. These are completely different places — sometimes visitors mix up security or baggage rules (for example limits on large strollers or supervision of children). Check local rules before you go.
No backup plan. If a queue or a parish event prevents entry, have an alternative ready: a walk down Kanonicza Street, a short stop at a nearby café, or visiting another nearby monument. This keeps children from being disappointed and saves the day.
Is there an entrance fee? Entry to the church is usually free, although the parish often asks for voluntary donations for upkeep. Some areas (special exhibitions or organized visits to the crypts) may require a fee or reservation.
Is access restricted during Mass? Yes — during Mass and services tourist access may be suspended or limited. Avoid wedding hours and major liturgies.
Is the Foucault pendulum run regularly? The pendulum is presented on scheduled days and times — check parish information. Pendulum demonstrations often attract families and school groups, so if you prefer a quiet visit choose another time.
Can I come with a stroller? Many historic churches in central Krakow are accessible for families with strollers, but narrow passages and stairs to crypts can make movement difficult. If comfort is a priority, consider a carrier or folding the stroller while inside.
How long should I plan the visit? To calmly see the main nave, a few chapels and basic information, allow 20–40 minutes. If you plan to descend to the crypts or study the National Pantheon, add another 30–45 minutes.
After your visit, stop nearby for coffee and something to eat — the Old Town has many well-rated cafés and restaurants that welcome families. Look for places with a children’s menu and seating suitable for families.
If you want a quiet spot for cake and a warm drink, check cafés around Kanonicza and Grodzka — there are small cafés and eateries that often serve tourists and families. Many well-reviewed restaurants in the area offer regional and international dishes and some have family-friendly seating.
When choosing accommodation close to the basilica, pick trusted, highly rated places within the Old Town — a short walk to the church allows you to return quickly for a child’s nap or to fetch a forgotten backpack.
The Foucault pendulum at the church is an attraction that not only demonstrates the Earth’s rotation but is often shown on a regular educational schedule — use it as a talking point with children. Scheduled demonstrations can increase attendance on those days.
The National Pantheon and crypts hold the graves of figures connected to Polish culture and science — this is a great moment to tell older children about local heroes and history in an engaging way. Not all crypts are open year-round; check parish information if you plan to go down.
Many artistic details and chapels are best seen in specific light — the golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) can bring out sculptural details and polychrome. That’s another reason to consider a morning or late-afternoon visit.
What if my child makes noise during a service? It’s best to step out briefly to the vestibule or outside — most parishes are understanding of families. After a short break you can calmly return with a calmer child.
Can I enter without a reservation? Generally yes — church entry is available without reservation outside Mass and event times. For larger school groups or to visit the crypts it’s better to contact the parish in advance.
How to engage a teenager? Give them a small task: photograph details (following site rules), find the most interesting grave in the Pantheon or read a short note about one of the patrons. This engages and educates.
If you plan a family walk to the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Krakow this autumn — a few simple rules are enough to avoid queues and stress: pick a weekday, come early or just before closing, check the parish calendar and plan a short route suited to your children’s energy. This way the visit becomes a natural, interesting and pleasant part of your city program.
If you’d like to plan your visit now and want the assurance that everything will go smoothly — consider using the services of a private guide. Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers flexible family-friendly routes tailored to children’s pace and parents’ wishes. If this article helped you — share it with friends or on social media so others can enjoy a calm visit to Krakow with their families.
