St. Mary's Basilica is not only a tourist attraction and a masterpiece of sacred art — it is an active house of worship, a place of prayer and services. For that reason appropriate clothing is required to reflect the sacred character of the site. In practice this means staff may refuse entry to a visitor whose outfit is deemed inappropriate. As a tour leader it's worth taking these rules seriously - it's a matter of respect for the place, but also of the group's comfort and smooth organisation of the visit.
Following the dress rules also makes the basilica staff's work easier: less stress at the entrance, lower risk of a participant being asked to leave and smoother visiting at the scheduled times. For pilgrimage groups coming for religious reasons, proper attire is often part of conscious preparation for encountering a place of worship.
Keep in mind that the basilica's regulations state visitors must wear clothing appropriate to the sacred character of the place and that people in inappropriate dress may be denied entry. This is not a vague suggestion — it is a real rule enforced by the site staff.
The basilica's regulations set the rules for visiting and staying on the premises. The most important points for organisers and tour leaders are: the obligation to maintain solemnity and silence, a ban on eating and drinking inside, a ban on smoking, and limits on carrying large baggage (dimensions specified in the regulations).
The regulations explicitly state that visitors must wear clothing appropriate to the sacred character of the place. There is also a rule that staff may refuse entry to anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or to anyone whose clothing is inappropriate. The rules also foresee responsibility for the guide/tour leader for group discipline.
Practically: tourists should use the entrance intended for visitors (the entrance from the south side), while the entrance from the Market Square leads to the personal prayer area and is not recommended for sightseeing. The Visitor Service Point provides information and sells donation-tickets, which are at the same time acceptance of the regulations.
Before departure give participants a simple checklist — preferably in the group's language. Clear rules to propose: covered shoulders (short-sleeved tops are acceptable, but better to have a small scarf), knees covered (skirts and dresses at least to the knee or trousers), no deep necklines or transparent fabrics, no beachwear or sports tops, and no overtly provocative outfits (for example exposing the navel).
Additional practical tips: simple, comfortable shoes (preferably closed - beach flip-flops are often inappropriate), a light scarf or shawl for women and for anyone who wants to cover their shoulders in seconds, and a hat or cap that can be removed inside the church. In cooler months it is useful to have a light jacket or shawl as a backup.
Ask participants not to bring large backpacks into the interior — the rules prohibit bringing luggage exceeding specified dimensions. If the group carries luggage, plan a deposit on the coach or at the hotel before entering.
It's best to send a short note with clothing and behavior rules a few days before the trip and to remind the group on the morning of the visit. Short bullet points work best: what to bring, what to avoid, and how to behave at the entrance.
On site gather the group before entering — remind them about silence, turning phones off or setting them to silent, the ban on eating and drinking, and the procedure and order for buying donation-tickets. If someone is unsure about their outfit, ask them to put on a shawl or offer a quick wardrobe swap if possible.
Assign a person in the group to be responsible for keeping time and supervising behaviour (this can be one of the participants). Two to three short reminders are more effective than a long lecture. For larger groups consider splitting into smaller subgroups so you don't block entrances or create crowds.
Check opening hours and any closures due to services — the basilica's service provides visiting hours and information about altar presentations. Visits usually take place at set times (it's worth confirming the day before the visit).
Donation-tickets are purchased at the Visitor Service Point; the desk closes 15 minutes before the end of visiting hours. Donation-tickets have different prices depending on category (inform participants about an approximate amount and ask them to prepare small change).
If you plan to go up the bell tower — remember seasonal restrictions and group limits. Tower visits follow a schedule, the number of people per entry is limited, and in some months the tower may be closed. Plan the tower as a separate item on the itinerary, not as a quick add-on after the interior visit.
Remind participants to keep silence inside, to behave modestly and that some parts of the church may be closed to visitors due to liturgy. Do not shout, do not chew gum and do not block passageways.
Photography inside is allowed, but the rules forbid using additional light sources and tripods without permission. If a Mass or service is taking place, encourage respectful participation according to local customs - if the group wishes to take part, check first whether this conflicts with the planned visit.
If you plan for the group to attend Mass, contact the parish in advance to confirm times and any requirements. Keep in mind that some entrances are for the faithful, so organisation should respect prayer and sightseeing zones.
If staff refuse entry to a participant because of inappropriate clothing, stay calm and handle the matter diplomatically. Simple solutions include offering a scarf or shawl (it's useful to have a few spares on the coach) or asking the person to wait outside and join later if possible.
For pilgrimage groups it's useful to decide in advance how to handle such situations — whether the person will have time to change on the coach or whether the group will continue without them. Clear, polite communication minimises tension and preserves dignity for everyone involved.
Avoid arguing with staff in public. If the situation requires clarification, ask for contact details for the Visitor Service Point or the parish office and resolve the matter off the main basilica grounds.
Not informing participants about the dress rules in advance — this is easily avoided with a short email listing 'what to bring/what not to wear'.
Large backpacks and luggage carried inside — ask participants to leave big bags on the coach or at the hotel before entering. The rules clearly limit baggage size allowed into the basilica.
Disturbing a service by the tourist group (loud conversations, flash photography) — remind participants about proper conduct before entering and during the visit. For example: 'Two minutes of silence at the altar, please.'
Visiting hours: standard visiting hours are usually published on the parish website — confirm them ahead of time because they may change on feast days and holidays. The Visitor Service Point closes 15 minutes before the end of visiting hours.
Tickets and donation-tickets: tourist entry usually works on a donation-ticket basis; prices vary by category. Prepare the group for small fees and tell them where to buy the donation-tickets.
Photography restrictions: using additional light sources and tripods is forbidden without permission. This is standard for historic churches with original artworks.
After visiting the basilica most groups look for a convenient place to eat or rest. Around the Main Market there are venues of many types — from classic Polish cuisine to international food and cosy cafés. For larger groups it's worth booking tables in advance.
A few trusted suggestions in the Market Square area: Wierzynek (a long‑established restaurant suitable for more formal meals), Pod Aniołami (regional cuisine in historic interiors), and Cafe Camelot (a café with a friendly atmosphere). Always check current reviews and availability before booking.
If the group needs an economical lunch option, prepare a list of places with prices and service times. For large groups booking is necessary to avoid long queues and delays in your itinerary.
Can I enter in short shorts? - Short, beach-style shorts may be considered inappropriate. Recommend longer trousers or a scarf that can be quickly wrapped around the legs.
What about backpacks? - Large baggage exceeding the size limits in the regulations will not be allowed. It's most convenient to leave them on the coach or at the hotel.
Is photography allowed? - Yes, but without flash and without tripods unless you have special permission. Always be respectful of people at prayer and avoid disturbing them.
The interior of St. Mary's Basilica hides many details visitors often miss — from polychromes by Jan Matejko to the carefully arranged chapels and artworks. The story of the Veit Stoss altarpiece and its history always captures the group's attention.
The bugle call (hejnal) played from the tower is heard every hour; the tune ends abruptly in memory of the legend of the trumpeter warning the city of an attack. It's a quick, engaging element of the visit you can use when planning breaks and timing at the entrance.
Remember that the Basilica is a living community — alongside tourists regular Masses and services take place, so some areas may be temporarily unavailable to visitors.
Preparing a group for a visit to St. Mary's Basilica means simple, clear messages: what to bring, how to dress and how to behave. As a tour leader you have real influence on the comfort and atmosphere of the visit — prepare participants in advance, have a plan B (scarves, baggage deposit, a place to change) and keep a friendly but firm tone.
If you would like professional support with route planning, reservations, logistics or accompaniment for your group at the main sacred and museum sites of Kraków, contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz from zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Małgorzata can advise on programme design, help with ticket and restaurant reservations, and guide your group through churches, museums and interesting corners of the city.
If you found this article helpful — please share it on social media or send it to other tour leaders and pilgrimage organisers. And if you need individual help planning a Kraków trip — contact Małgorzata via zwiedzaniekrakowa.com; she can assist with logistics, bookings and guided visits to the city's top sites.
Checklist before arrival: 1) Send dress code reminder 3 days before; 2) Ask participants to carry small change for donation-tickets; 3) Decide on a person responsible for time and discipline; 4) Bring a few spare scarves or shawls on the coach; 5) Plan tower visits as a separate slot and check seasonal openings.
On the day: gather the group 5-10 minutes before the scheduled entry, remind about silence and photography rules, buy donation-tickets as a group to speed up entry, and split into subgroups if the group is large.
If anything goes wrong: remain calm, offer practical solutions (shawl, change on coach, waiting outside), avoid public disputes with staff and resolve issues through the Visitor Service Point or parish office.
Visitor Service Point - buys donation-tickets and provides information; it usually closes 15 minutes before the end of visiting hours.
If you want guided support for groups in Kraków, contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
When working with international groups, prepare translations of the basic rules in advance — a one-page handout in the group's language with dress code, meeting place and time, and a short reminder about silence and photography goes a long way.
If you expect participants with mobility needs, check accessibility in advance and plan accordingly. For tower visits check stair-only access and restrictions for young children.
