St. Mary's Church is one of Krakow's most important monuments: the famous Veit Stoss altar, interiors full of historic chapels and — every day — the hejnał played from the tower. For tourists, visiting the church happens outside worship hours and requires purchasing a so-called "brick" — an entrance pass that helps support the basilica's upkeep.
In practice this means there is no widespread online ticketing system or possibility to reserve far in advance. Bricks are bought at the visitor service point at Plac Mariacki 7, and the desk closes 15 minutes before the end of visiting hours, so it's wise to plan your visit ahead of time.
Current visitor rules include two categories of bricks: a larger and a smaller one. For visiting the interior of the basilica the large brick costs a dozen or so złoty, while a small brick applies to youth and seniors 60+. Exact rates may change, so it's always worth checking current prices before you go.
Tower (hejnal) access is charged separately — there is usually a separate brick for the tower, often at a higher price than entry to the nave. The hejnal tower can be closed seasonally or due to weather, and the number of spots for tower access is limited.
At the moment there is no universal online reservation system that would let you buy a priority ticket to bypass the queue. Bricks are sold at the service point next to the church and that's where lines most often form during peak visiting hours.
So what can you do to avoid waiting? The most effective strategies are: arrive just after the visitor opening (morning entries are often best), choose weekdays instead of weekends, visit outside the main season (spring or autumn instead of summer), and consider seeing the interior without going up the tower if you're short on time. Also remember that the altar is sometimes accessible at different times than the rest of the interior (for example after a special opening at a set hour) — this can be a good opportunity to see the most important elements with less waiting.
Start: Plac Mariacki — begin at the square, buy your brick at the visitor desk at Plac Mariacki 7 and visit the basilica interior. Allow at least 30–45 minutes to admire the altar and chapels; if you plan to climb the hejnal tower, add another 30–45 minutes.
Next: Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and Sienna Street — a short walk to the Cloth Hall for a quick look at the souvenir stalls and, if you like, coffee in one of the nearby cafés either inside the arcade or just outside.
Then: Floriańska Street and St. Florian's Gate — walk part of the route along the old city walls toward the Barbican, then head toward the Planty park for a short rest in the greenery.
Optional: The Planty and around Wawel — if you have more time, continue along the Planty toward Wawel; it's a pleasant extension, especially for seniors, because the ground is flat and there are plenty of benches.
For older visitors it is important to choose the right time of day (avoid heat and tourist peaks), wear comfortable shoes and take regular sitting breaks. The basilica interior is generally accessible, but the climb to the tower requires stairs and is often limited by age or safety rules — it is not always a suitable option for people with joint problems.
If you use a wheelchair or have major mobility difficulties, ask at the visitor desk about the most convenient entrance and any available accommodations. Remember that the main entrance from the Market leads to the prayer area and is not intended for sightseeing, so visitors are directed to use the southern entrance.
If you want to rest with a good coffee or have a meal after visiting, choose well-reviewed, trusted places. Around the Market you'll find cozy cafés that capture the Old Town atmosphere, restaurants serving traditional Polish dishes and venues with European cuisine. In high season it's wise to reserve a table.
If you're looking for a quick coffee and cake on the go, seek out cafés with short wait times and easy access to the Planty so you can sit outside and rest before continuing your sightseeing.
Assuming you'll buy a ticket online at the last minute. For St. Mary's Church bricks are sold mainly on-site, so plan some time for potential waiting.
Trying to enter through the main doors during liturgy. That entrance leads to prayer areas — tourists should use the designated tourist entrance on the south side.
Expecting the tower to always be available. The hejnal tower can be closed seasonally, limited by the number of visitors or unavailable for technical reasons. If the tower is a priority for you, check availability upon arrival and have a plan B.
When can I visit the Basilica? Tourist visits typically take place outside worship hours; exact opening times vary seasonally, so check them in advance.
Are there discounts for seniors? Yes — there is a smaller brick for groups including seniors 60+, but remember concession rules can differ between the nave entry and the tower.
Can I go up the tower? Yes, but tower access requires a separate brick, spaces are limited and the tower may be seasonally closed or unavailable for safety reasons.
Can I take photos? Photography is usually allowed without flash, but some chapels or services may have restrictions — always show respect for a place of worship.
A surprise for many visitors: the most valuable details of Veit Stoss's altar are best seen from different vantage points in the nave — don't rush, take time to discover the small carved scenes in the wood. It's sometimes worth returning in the evening, when crowds are smaller and the light inside the church can be especially painterly.
If you liked this plan and want to explore Krakow comfortably and stress-free, consider contacting the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — on the site zwiedzaniekrakowa.com you'll find contact details and offers tailored to seniors. Share this article with friends or on social media if you found it helpful — we'd be glad!
