St. Mary's Basilica is not only a symbol of Kraków and the home of the famous altarpiece by Veit Stoss — it is an active place of worship, with masses and religious events that follow their own schedule. For that reason part of the church (the entrance from the Market Square) is reserved for worshippers, and tourists use a separate entrance and follow specific visiting rules. Planning ahead helps avoid misunderstandings, speeds up entry and ensures comfort for visitors with limited mobility.
If you are coming to Kraków on specific dates, check the current visiting hours and availability of the altarpiece in advance — the basilica operates a system of small conservation tokens/entrance tickets used to support preservation. The visitor service point is at Plac Mariacki 7, where these tokens are sold; remember this is a separate procedure from attending Mass.
Planning is also a good time to arrange any assistance you might need (for example help at doors) or choose quieter visiting hours — early or late afternoon outside Mass times often work best.
The main entrance on the Market Square side leads to the area primarily intended for worshippers and has steps — therefore visitors in wheelchairs or with mobility difficulties should use the tourist entrance on the southern side or one of the side entrances. In practice the most convenient route is the side entrance near the Hard Rock Cafe and the southern part of the square; there is usually a ramp or level access there to ease entry.
Inside the church it is possible to roll a wheelchair to the front of the nave and the presbytery, which are the main areas open to visitors. Keep in mind that not all chapels or zones are always open to tourists (some remain places of prayer). If in doubt, ask staff at the visitor service point on Plac Mariacki 7 for a short assistance — they provide information and help when needed.
If you plan to attend Mass, follow the local entrance rules and respect areas reserved for worshippers; sightseeing may be limited during services.
There is not a large public toilet inside the basilica itself; the nearest accessible toilets on the Main Market Square are located in the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and in nearby cultural institutions such as the International Cultural Centre (Międzynarodowe Centrum Kultury, Rynek 25) and some city museums. When planning a longer walk around the centre it’s useful to note the locations of these facilities — they often save the day.
Many public toilets in the centre are staffed (an attendant opens the cubicle), which can make using them easier for people who need assistance. If you need an accessible toilet, ask at the basilica's visitor desk or at the nearest cultural institution — staff will happily point you to the closest solution.
If you are travelling with someone who needs frequent breaks, consider shorter stages of visiting (for example 20–30 minutes in the basilica followed by a break) so you can plan a rest and toilet stop between attractions.
The interior of the basilica has benches and seating, though the layout and availability depend on the liturgical schedule and which parts of the church are open to tourists. Visitors are usually admitted to the front part of the nave and the presbytery — there it is easiest to find a seat. If you need a reserved or comfortable seat, arrive earlier or ask staff to indicate the most convenient place.
Worshippers attending Mass should use the Market Square entrance (that entrance is intended for the faithful), but if you want to view the altarpiece as a tourist, use the entrance designated for visitors and observe silence and respectful behaviour. During larger events (celebrations, concerts) tourist seating may be limited — staff will inform you about alternatives.
If you have difficulty standing for long periods, ask permission to move to the front of the nave where sitting is easier or to find a spot at the edge of the aisle.
The basilica uses a system of conservation tokens/entrance tickets that support the upkeep and protection of the monument; the sales point for these tokens is at Plac Mariacki 7. Prices and opening hours can change, so it’s a good idea to check current information shortly before your visit.
Many places offer privileged or free entry for people with official disability documents (for example a disability ID card), and the basilica often applies similar practices. These arrangements vary, so confirm exact conditions with the visitor service desk before your visit to avoid surprises.
Access to the tower (where the trumpeter plays the hejnał) is handled separately with its own tickets; entries are limited and happen at set times — the tower requires climbing stairs and is not always accessible to people with mobility restrictions.
Plan your route: if you also want to visit other Market Square attractions (Cloth Hall/Sukiennice, the Historical Museum, the International Cultural Centre), check in advance which of them have accessible toilets and lifts. That will make logistics easier and shorten breaks between attractions.
Contact the basilica's visitor desk: if you need assistance, seating or information about which parts of the church are currently open, call or email ahead. The parish website lists the phone number for the parish office and contact addresses for the visitor service point.
Keep in mind the Market Square surface: cobbles and stone slabs can be uneven. If you use a manual wheelchair or have balance difficulties, choose comfortable shoes and consider shorter stretches of walking between points.
Is St. Mary's Basilica fully accessible for wheelchairs? Not completely; the main entrance has steps and is mainly for worshippers, but there is a side/southern entrance with a ramp that allows wheelchair access to the front part of the nave and the presbytery.
Where can I find an accessible toilet? The nearest adapted toilets are in the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and in nearby cultural venues (for example the International Cultural Centre). Ask at the basilica's visitor desk for the closest available facility.
Do people with disabilities enter for free? Many institutions grant reduced or free entry for visitors with a disability ID, but practices differ. The most reliable information can be obtained directly at the basilica's visitor service point before your visit.
Trying to enter through the main doors during busy periods — the main entrance is intended primarily for worshippers and involves steps. Use the tourist entrance on the southern side or contact staff if you need help.
Not preparing for the lack of a toilet inside the basilica itself — plan short breaks and note nearby accessible toilets (Cloth Hall, International Cultural Centre).
Failing to inform staff about your needs before the visit — if you require assistance, seating or a step-free route, tell the visitor desk or contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz in advance so everything can be prepared.
There are orientation and tactile elements around the façade and the basilica that help visitors with visual impairments — around the square you can find descriptions and sometimes Braille information (for example on a model of the square near the basilica).
The hejnał (trumpet call) plays from the basilica tower every hour — a strong city tradition. Remember that visiting the tower requires a separate ticket and is subject to seasonal and weather-related restrictions. For most visitors the highlight is seeing the altarpiece from inside the church.
Although the basilica is centuries old, the parish maintains a modern visitor service and token sales point at Plac Mariacki 7 — it is a practical place to get help and up-to-date information.
If you need a break after visiting, there are several well-rated cafés and restaurants around the Square. Choose places with step-free entrances or ramps. The Cloth Hall interiors and cafés near ul. Świętego Tomasza are convenient options — in high season they can be crowded, so plan short intervals and consider reserving a table if you need a specific seat.
Good quick-rest spots include the covered spaces inside the Cloth Hall and quieter cafés slightly off the main square. Check reviews and entrance accessibility before you go.
If you want to explore Kraków comfortably and without stress, I can help plan an itinerary that meets the needs of visitors with disabilities — from reserving seats to arranging transport and recommending accessible restaurants and accommodation. I offer practical support: help with bookings, contact with museum and parish staff, suggesting barrier-free routes and accompanying you during visits.
Contact me through the contact form on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — I will be happy to prepare a program tailored to your needs, taking into account comfort and safety for all participants.
We want everyone to experience the beauty of St. Mary's Basilica without barriers and with peace of mind. If you found this guide helpful, please share it on social media or send it to friends — it will help others planning a visit to Kraków.
If you need help planning a whole trip in Kraków — from transport and accommodation to guided visits of museums and monuments — feel free to contact me. I'll help arrange logistics and make the visit enjoyable for your whole group.
Respect the sacred space: even as a tourist, keep voices low and follow photo rules — in some parts photography is restricted to preserve the atmosphere and the artworks.
If you travel by car, parking in the Old Town is limited; consider drop-offs near the Planty park or use public transport. Many taxis and rideshares can drop passengers near the square, but check access points for step-free routes.
If you need a written confirmation of accessibility arrangements (for example for a group), ask the basilica's visitor desk for contact details and they can often provide up-to-date information by phone or e-mail.
Visitor desk - punkt obsługi zwiedzających
Accessible toilet - toaleta przystosowana
Conservation token / entrance token - cegiełka / wejściówka
Can you help me? - Czy może mi Pan/Pani pomóc?
