Do I have to reserve a group visit to St. Mary's Basilica? Short answer: usually there is no strict obligation to buy tickets (so‑called donation-tickets) in advance, but there are situations when contacting the tourist office is necessary — for very large groups, if you want to go up the tower at a specific time, or if you request a guided tour of the interior outside standard visiting hours. The safest option for groups is to contact the Tourist Service Point (Plac Mariacki 7) in advance by phone or email to agree details and avoid surprises.
St. Mary's Basilica is both an active place of worship and a major historic monument — visitors should be aware that access may be limited during Masses and services, and the main entrance leads into the prayer area. Organising a group visit therefore requires respect for the church's sacred function and flexibility in your schedule.
Below you will find practical details: opening hours, donation-ticket prices, rules for accessing the tower (hejnał tower), rules for guides, practical tips, and an FAQ — all written to help you plan a smooth, pleasant visit for your group.
Visiting the basilica interior is possible during set visiting hours: on weekdays the Veit Stoss altar is normally open from about 11:30 until 18:00 (the exact opening times of the altarpiece can vary), while on Sundays and public holidays the opening for tourists is often later. The hejnał (trumpet) tower has its own schedule and may be seasonally closed or have limited access.
Because St. Mary's is an active parish, visiting can be restricted to a designated area during Masses and services. Before arriving with a large group, check parish announcements or contact the tourist office to avoid situations where the group must wait outside or cannot enter parts of the church.
The Tourist Service Point is located at Plac Mariacki 7 and this is where donation-tickets are purchased (there is usually no general online sales option). If in doubt, phone or email the office to sort out group details.
Visits to St. Mary's are based on donation-tickets purchased at the Tourist Service Point (Plac Mariacki 7) on the day of the visit. Proceeds help maintain the church. There are usually two categories of donation-tickets: full (regular) and reduced (for children, students, seniors). Prices and concession rules can change, so groups should check current rates shortly before traveling.
The hejnał tower uses separate donation-tickets and the number of daily entries is limited. In high season entries often depart every half hour and the number of people allowed at once may be restricted for safety reasons.
In practice: bring some cash for on-site payments and be prepared that large groups may be asked to split into smaller groups at the ticket desk. To make things fast and smooth, contact the Tourist Service Point in advance to agree on payment arrangements — for schools, travel agencies or companies the parish staff can suggest the most convenient solution.
The basilica interior and the tower have safety and conservation limits. For example, access to the higher tower (the hejnał tower) is often limited to a small number of people at a time — the exact count depends on weather and staff decisions. Very large groups usually need to be split into smaller subgroups, which lengthens the visit.
For organized groups it is best to agree on a specific arrival time with the information point — even if donation-tickets are bought on the day, advance notice helps staff prepare for larger groups and propose optimal entry times. When planning, allow time for ticket checks, limited space around the altar, and possible waits to access the tower.
If your group plans additional activities (for example a short group prayer, a special photo session, or assistance for a person with reduced mobility), inform the staff in advance. In some cases extra permission may be required.
Guided visits are possible, but because the basilica functions primarily as a place of worship, tours must not interfere with services or prayer areas. Guides should respect silence and make sure the group does not block passages or disturb worshippers.
If you plan for a guide to lead the interior visit, it is recommended to agree this in advance with the Tourist Service Point — staff will inform you about time restrictions, the parts of the church where guiding is permitted, and the rules for photography. Note that professional amplification (speakers, microphones) or large movable information panels may require the church administration's consent.
You may use the services of licensed guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) from zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — Małgorzata can help plan the route, handle reservations and logistics, and lead your group in accordance with rules applicable in museums and churches.
St. Mary's Basilica is first and foremost a place of worship — please keep silence during your visit and dress respectfully (cover shoulders and knees). Turn off flash photography and be mindful of worshippers and services taking place in the church.
Photography inside is usually allowed without flash. Professional equipment, tripods, selfie-sticks, or commercial filming require prior permission from the church administration. If in doubt, ask staff at the information point before you start photographing.
If your group plans to take formal group photos or film, notify the Tourist Service Point — there may be restrictions related to visitor flow and safety.
A standard individual visit lasts about 45–60 minutes. For organized groups plan 60–90 minutes if you include a guided interior tour, separate ascent to the tower, and a short moment for reflection at the Veit Stoss altar.
Sample timetable for a school or tourist group: arrive at the Main Market Square 10–15 minutes before the ticket desk opens, buy donation-tickets and have a short intro by the guide, visit the interior (30–45 min), and optionally go up the tower (15–30 min, depending on queues).
If you plan to visit several central Krakow sites the same day (Sukiennice, St. Adalbert's Church, Wawel), break the programme into time blocks and allow extra time for walking and breaks.
Arriving late before the ticket desk opens — result: long queues and the risk of missing tower entries. Fix: arrive early and set a clear meeting point on the Main Market Square so the whole group is ready when the desk opens.
Not checking the day's service schedule — result: limited access to parts of the interior. Fix: check the Mass schedule and parish announcements or contact the Tourist Service Point before departing.
Bringing too large a group without prior consultation — result: forced splitting of the group on site and longer visit time. Fix: notify the size of your group in advance; the organiser will receive advice on the best timing and the recommended way to divide the group.
The best time for a group visit is a weekday morning outside Mass hours — fewer crowds and more calm for the guide to work.
Use quiet identification for participants in large groups (e.g. coloured wristbands or badges) — this makes counting people and organising movement in tight spaces much easier.
If you have participants with special needs (wheelchairs, limited mobility), warn the Tourist Service Point in advance — staff will advise the easiest access route and how to move around the building.
Can donation-tickets be booked online? Usually donation-tickets are purchased on the day at the Tourist Service Point at Plac Mariacki 7; online sales are not standard. For large events or non-standard visiting hours, contact the office in advance.
How much does group entry cost? Donation-tickets typically include regular and reduced prices; the tower has separate donation-tickets. Rates can change, so it is best to confirm them before your visit.
Can the guide speak in the main nave? Yes, but with respect for silence and the rules of the place of worship. Microphones and amplification usually require permission.
Can groups enter through the main Market Square entrance? Tourists are normally asked to use the southern entrance; the main entrance is intended for worshippers and leads into the prayer area.
The Veit Stoss altar is a masterpiece of Gothic wood carving — it contains an enormous sculptural narrative with hundreds of figures and biblical scenes that can be explored for a long time. It is one of the most important wooden sacred works in Central Europe.
The hejnał trumpet call played from the tower every hour is more than a melody — its abrupt ending commemorates the legend of a trumpeter who stopped playing because he was struck by an arrow. That short tune is an instantly recognisable sound of Krakow.
The basilica interior hides details connected to the history of Krakow's craft guilds and traces of restoration and conservation carried out over the centuries — these are great storytelling topics during a guided tour.
If you want high-quality places near the Market Square: Wierzynek (historic interior), Pod Aniołami (traditional Polish cuisine) and cafés like Camelot or Nowa Prowincja are often recommended and highly rated. These are good choices for a group stop after visiting.
For overnight stays nearby consider hotels with good reviews and a convenient location: Hotel Stary or Hotel Wentzl or other reliable Market Square hotels — they make centre logistics easier and save travel time.
Remember to book group tables and rooms in advance — restaurants around the Market Square fill up quickly, especially in high season.
If you want to streamline the visit and gain flexibility, hiring a private guide is a very good option. Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) from zwiedzaniekrakowa.com offers full support: she will advise the best time to visit, help contact the Tourist Service Point, prepare a visit plan tailored to your group and lead the tour so participants get the most out of their time.
Besides guiding, Małgorzata can help with logistics: booking accommodation, restaurants, transport and tickets for other attractions. This is especially worth considering for school trips, corporate groups or international parties seeking smooth organisation.
If you want to book a date or get planning support — Małgorzata's contact details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
St. Mary's Basilica combines a sacred function with the role of a tourist attraction — when organising a group visit remember the rules: donation-tickets are usually bought on site, the number of people allowed on the tower and in some zones is limited, and guided tours must respect the prayer space.
Good preparation is key: arrange your arrival in advance, allow time buffers and inform staff of any special needs. That way the visit will run smoothly and everyone will return from Krakow with great memories.
If you would like help planning your visit, consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com you will find her offer and contact details. Małgorzata can assist with reservations, logistics and lead your group so your time in Krakow is as valuable as possible.
