Did you know the trumpeter from the tower of St. Mary's Basilica plays a melody that breaks off abruptly — a tribute to a trumpeter who was shot in the past? It's one of Kraków's most recognizable symbols and a great way to start the day on the Main Market Square. If you have only one day, beginning here is a smart choice: the Market Square is the easiest place to feel the city's atmosphere and plan the rest of your day.
This text will help you plan an optimal, relaxed and doable one-day itinerary in Kraków, with practical opening hours, tips, places to eat and answers to frequently asked questions.
Guide author: Małgorzata Kasprowicz — practical, friendly advice for visitors who want to see Kraków's highlights in one day.
08:30–09:30 - Morning walk around the Market: Floriańska Gate, Cloth Hall, coffee at a café and watching the city wake up.
09:30–11:00 - Visit to St. Mary's Basilica: see the interior and — if possible — the opening of the Veit Stoss altarpiece. Many visitors consider this a must-see moment.
11:00–12:30 - Walk along the Planty or by the Vistula toward Wawel, with a short stop for a snack or lunch near Kazimierz/Wawel.
12:30–15:30 - Wawel: the Cathedral (royal tombs), register for any exhibitions in the Royal Castle if needed, and stroll through the courtyards.
15:30–17:30 - Walk around Kazimierz or the Old Town lanes — perfect time for coffee and cake; I recommend local cafés.
Evening - Dinner at a traditional restaurant, optionally a concert or a riverside walk along the Vistula.
Visiting hours for the basilica are set so they don't conflict with liturgies and ceremonies. Typically the basilica is open Monday–Saturday roughly 11:30–18:00, and on Sundays and public holidays roughly 14:00–18:00. The Veit Stoss altarpiece is usually opened for visitors at a slightly different time — commonly around 11:50 on weekdays and after the liturgy on Sundays — check the information at the entrance.
Practical notes:
- Arrive early if you want to see the altarpiece opening — many tourists come specifically for that moment.
- Entrance to the basilica usually requires a small donation or ticket; students and seniors may be eligible for reduced rates.
- Keep quiet and respectful inside — it's an active church where Masses and services take place.
- Professional filming or photography for publication often requires permission from the parish administration — if you plan something larger, inform them in advance.
- The tourist service point by the basilica is open most of the day — you can ask there about exact opening times for the altarpiece or buy small souvenirs.
Wawel Cathedral and the castle complex include several separate attractions — entry to the liturgical part of the cathedral and visits to museum exhibitions or royal crypts are distinct experiences. In the warmer season (spring–autumn) the cathedral is usually open to visitors from about 9:00 to 17:00 on weekdays, with Sundays often opening after 12:30 because of liturgy. In the autumn–winter season hours can be shorter, for example until around 16:00.
Practical tips:
- Buy online tickets for specific castle exhibitions if possible, especially for the Royal Tombs, Crown Treasury, or Royal Chambers — these have limited entry slots.
- The cathedral is still an active place of worship — Masses and special ceremonies may restrict visitor access; sometimes entry is suspended during services.
- Check which days certain parts of the cathedral or exhibitions are closed (for example on some holidays).
- See the most representative parts of Wawel in the first half of the day to avoid afternoon crowds and organized groups.
Basic time frames (may change depending on season and ceremonies):
- St. Mary's Basilica: visiting usually Monday–Saturday 11:30–18:00; Sundays and holidays 14:00–18:00. The Veit Stoss altarpiece is often opened around 11:50 (Mon–Sat) and after the liturgy on Sundays.
- Wawel Cathedral: in the spring–summer season usually open to visitors around 9:00–17:00; in autumn–winter hours are often shorter (for example 9:00–16:00); on Sundays entry is commonly possible only after 12:30 due to liturgy.
Why check this locally:
- Hours can be adjusted because of church ceremonies, state events or conservation work.
- Before your planned visit it's a good idea to check details at the on-site tourist service point or call the administration of the given church/exhibition if you have doubts.
- Comfortable shoes: Kraków is a walking city — cobbled streets and the small inclines near Wawel mean good footwear is essential.
- Church-appropriate clothing: respect the place — avoid bare shoulders and very short skirts/shorts when visiting sacred interiors.
- Wallet with small change: many places accept small entrance donations, and some cafés or little shops are easier to pay in cash.
- Water and sun/rain protection: depending on the season bring a water bottle and possibly a light jacket or umbrella.
For lunch or a quick bite near the Market and Wawel I recommend:
- Wierzynek — a historic restaurant, great if you want a more traditional, elegant local meal.
- Szara Gęś in the Cloth Hall — a good option for a tasty meal by the Market.
- Pod Wawelem Kompania Kuflowa — generous portions, under-the-castle atmosphere; a good place for a family meal after visiting Wawel.
- Cafe Camelot or Massolit Books & Cafe — lovely spots for afternoon coffee and cake in atmospheric interiors.
If you'd like something more local and inexpensive, look for milk bars and small bistros in side streets — often the best way to taste the everyday flavors of the city.
- Buy tickets online whenever possible — this saves time and reduces the risk of unexpected queues.
- If you travel on weekends or during the summer season, plan morning visits to the most popular sites (St. Mary's, Wawel) — mornings are usually less crowded.
- Schedule breaks — one day of sightseeing is intense; plan 2–3 pauses for coffee and meals to keep energy for the whole day.
- If you plan to visit exhibitions in the Royal Castle, check which exhibitions are available that day — not every section may be open simultaneously.
- Many places in Kraków offer good solutions for visitors with reduced mobility, but not all historic interiors are fully accessible — check access information before your visit and plan an alternative route if needed.
- Photography inside sacred interiors: amateur photos are usually allowed but without flash. Professional photography and filming may require permission from the administration.
- Respect the space and other visitors — keep quiet and avoid sudden loud behavior when visiting the cathedral and basilica.
Q: Do I need a ticket to enter St. Mary's Basilica? - A: Entering the interior (aside from the altarpiece viewing) may require a small symbolic fee; exact rates depend on the day and concessions. The tourist service point at the basilica can give precise information.
Q: What time is the trumpeter's call (hejnal)? - A: The hejnal from St. Mary's tower is played daily on the hour; arriving early lets you find a good spot on the Market Square.
Q: Can I enter Wawel for free? - A: Some areas of Wawel (courtyards, external spaces) are free to access, but visits to the Cathedral interior and certain castle exhibitions are ticketed.
Q: How much time should I allow for visiting Wawel? - A: For a basic visit to the cathedral, a short walk around the courtyards and one exhibition, allow about 2–3 hours.
Q: What if opening hours change? - A: Check information at the on-site tourist service point or ask a staff member at the attraction — they often can suggest an alternative route.
One day in Kraków is enough to feel the spirit of the city and see its greatest gems — the Market, St. Mary's Basilica and Wawel. The key to a successful day is good time planning, booking tickets where possible, and scheduling breaks to rest and taste local cuisine.
If you like, I can prepare a personalized plan for a specific day (taking into account season, dining preferences and pace of sightseeing). Good luck and enjoy your stay in Kraków — discover the city step by step and let its history and flavors surprise you! Best regards, Małgorzata Kasprowicz.
If you wish, I can add a map section with places to visit or prepare a version of the plan focused more on photography, family-friendly sightseeing or museum visits — tell me your preference.
