Yes — three days is a good amount of time to comfortably visit Krakow’s main sights, including St. Mary’s Basilica and Wawel. The key is to plan your visiting times well (especially for Wawel, where some exhibitions have limited entry) and to consider Masses and liturgical events at the church.
Below you will find: - practical, up-to-date information about opening hours (as of the article preparation), - a convenient 3-day itinerary with an optimal distribution of attractions, - tips on avoiding queues and common tourist mistakes, - recommendations for well-rated places to eat and rest.
St. Mary's Basilica usually opens to visitors approximately Monday–Saturday 11:30–18:00, and on Sundays and public holidays 14:00–18:00. The main altarpiece by Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz) is shown to visitors at similar times; on weekdays it is ceremonially opened a little later in the morning (around 11:50).
Tourist entry to the basilica uses a different door than the entrance for people attending Mass — follow staff directions and the signs at the entrance. A small admission fee (a so-called donation) is collected for sightseeing to support the upkeep of the church; prices vary (regular and reduced rates). Tower tickets (to visit the hejnal trumpeter point) are sold separately and are limited — if you really want to climb the tower, aim to arrive early in the morning.
If you plan to visit during a Mass or religious ceremony, note that sightseeing may be restricted and only the area reserved for worshippers may be available.
Wawel includes several separate attractions: the Royal Castle (permanent and temporary exhibitions), Wawel Cathedral and the hill grounds. Many exhibitions require separate tickets and have visitor limits — plan what you want to see and book tickets in advance, especially in high season.
Typical opening hours for the courtyards and some routes are roughly 9:00–18:00 (seasonal variations apply). The Cathedral usually has seasonal hours: longer in warmer months (April–October) and shorter in winter. Example ranges are: April–October Mon–Sat 9:00–17:00, Sunday 12:30–17:00; November–March Mon–Sat 9:00–16:00, Sunday 12:30–16:00.
When planning, remember: - some routes have strict visitor limits, - some castle rooms require separate tickets, - there are rules about baggage and security (large backpacks may be restricted).
Day 1 – Old Town and St. Mary's Basilica: Morning walk around the Main Market Square — Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), cafés and historic townhouses; late morning enter St. Mary’s Basilica (best just after it opens to tourists, around 11:30), admire Veit Stoss’s altarpiece and consider climbing the tower if tickets are available.
Day 2 – Wawel and the nearby area: Start early at Wawel to avoid crowds. Explore the courtyards and one selected castle exhibition (choose no more than 2–3 exhibitions that day), then visit the Cathedral to see, among other things, the royal tombs and the Sigismund Bell. In the afternoon relax by the Vistula or take a stroll around the Planty gardens.
Day 3 – Kazimierz and alternatives: Visit the Jewish Quarter Kazimierz — synagogues, atmospheric cafés and museums. If you wish, book a visit to the Oskar Schindler Museum or take a walk through Nowa Huta for a contrasting experience to the historic centre.
You’ll find many well-reviewed places in the Old Town and Kazimierz. A few recommended spots: Pod Aniołami (traditional Polish cuisine, a well-known venue), Szara (great location by the Market Square, elegant dining), and cafés such as Cafe Camelot or Charlotte. In Kazimierz check restaurants offering alternative and Jewish-influenced cuisine; the neighbourhood is lively in the evening.
If you want something quick and local — try obwarzanki from the Market and pierogi at well-rated bistros. Remember the best places fill up — booking a table for weekend evenings is a good idea.
Not planning Wawel in advance — some routes have limits and without an advance ticket you may face long waits or miss interiors you really wanted to see.
Confusing the entrance to St. Mary’s Basilica — the main door leads to the worship area; sightseeing uses a separate tourist entrance. Follow staff instructions and avoid entering during liturgies.
Overambitious daily plans — trying to see too much in one day reduces enjoyment. It’s better to see fewer sights well than rush and remember little.
The altarpiece in St. Mary’s is one of the greatest Gothic sculptural works in Central Europe — carved by the master known as Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz). Its panels show scenes from the lives of Jesus and Mary, and it’s worth spending time to admire the details.
The trumpeted hejnał from the basilica tower is cut off mid-melody in memory of a medieval trumpeter who was shot while warning the city. It’s one of Krakow’s most recognizable traditions — stop and listen when the clock strikes the hour on the Market Square.
Do I have to buy a ticket for St. Mary's Basilica? - Tourist sightseeing is paid (a donation). Entry to the worship area is free, but visits that include the altarpiece and museum areas usually require a fee.
Is access to Wawel free? - The hill and courtyards are generally open to the public, but most exhibitions and interior routes require tickets. Some routes also require reservations.
When is the best time to come to avoid crowds? - Early morning and late afternoon outside peak tourist season are the best times for popular sights. On weekdays museums are less crowded.
Always check current opening hours before you go — schedules may change for holidays or special events. Bring comfortable shoes — you will walk a lot over three days.
To avoid queues at Wawel — buy tickets online in advance and plan which exhibitions you want to visit. For St. Mary's Basilica, arriving just after the tourist opening gives quieter conditions and better photo opportunities (avoid flash).
If you prefer a guided visit, consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) — she offers tailored tours and local insights for visitors to Krakow.
If this guide was helpful — share it with friends or on social media so more people can find reliable tips and avoid common tourist pitfalls. Enjoy discovering Krakow — have a great trip!
