The hejnał from the tower of St. Mary's Basilica is one of Kraków's most iconic sounds — the short melody is played on the hour and ends abruptly, which ties into a well‑known local legend. If you want to enjoy the hejnał in a calmer atmosphere and take a nice photo at the same time, plan to be on the Main Market Square a few minutes before the hour; the best listening position is on the axis between St. Mary's and the Town Hall Tower.
To avoid the biggest crowds: come early in the morning (before 9:00) or late afternoon outside peak visiting hours; in summer consider weekdays rather than weekends. If you want a spectacular shot with as few people as possible, stand a little to the side of the Square — the central axis gives the best sound, but side spots are often less crowded.
If you want to go up the tower to see the city panorama and hear the hejnał from above, you need a ticket for the tower entrance (access is from Floriańska Street). Visits usually take place in small, timed groups, so buy your ticket early in the day or plan for a quieter time to avoid peak groups.
St. Mary's Basilica is a Gothic jewel of the Old Town: dim, atmospheric interiors, starry polychromes and stained glass, and one of Europe's most important sculptural monuments — the altarpiece by Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz). The best time to visit the interior is in the morning or shortly before closing, when it is quieter and you can better appreciate the sculptural details and paintings.
The Veit Stoss altarpiece is a true masterpiece of Gothic sculpture, famous for its incredible detail and scale — it is a must‑see. Remember that part of the church is ticketed for visitors while other areas remain spaces for private prayer and should be treated with silence and respect.
Practical tips: switch your phone to silent or low volume inside the church, dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees is recommended) and respect worshippers. If you plan to photograph the interior, use a discreet setting — tripods may be restricted due to visitor flow.
Access to the higher tower (from which the hejnał is sounded) takes place at set times, in small groups, and tickets are sold at the desk on Mariacki Square. During summer the tower is open more often but also attracts many visitors — the best strategy is to take the first entrance of the day or buy a ticket as early as possible if that option exists.
If your preferred time is sold out: - choose an earlier or later time of day; - visit the tower on a weekday rather than a weekend; - if a panoramic view is your goal, consider other viewpoints (Wawel, the Town Hall Tower or terraces at nearby museums), which tend to have shorter lines.
For families and people with reduced mobility: check in advance whether the tower climb is suitable — the route can include steep stairs and requires a degree of physical fitness. If climbing is difficult, listen to the hejnał from the square and visit the basilica interior without going up the tower.
The Main Market Square and its surroundings offer countless photo opportunities: the façade of St. Mary's Basilica, the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), the corner by the Town Hall Tower, and pictures of the cobbled streets and townhouses. The best light is early morning and the golden hour before sunset. Explore the adjacent side streets and passageways — they often provide more ‘local’ backdrops than the central square.
Some concrete ideas to consider: - A frame with St. Mary's in the background and an empty part of the Square: arrive before dawn. - The Cloth Hall from the southern side: detail shots of architecture and market atmosphere. - Alleys off Floriańska and Szeroka Street: atmospheric gates, courtyards and street art if you want to continue toward Kazimierz.
If you're after unusual perspectives: try a terrace from a nearby café or focus on details rather than grand wide shots — sculptures, Gothic arches, or fragments of stained glass. Detail photos often get more engagement than the typical Market Square panorama.
Around the Market you'll find several important museums and attractions (the Cloth Hall Museum, Wawel Cathedral and Castle, the Czartoryski Museum and others). To reduce time spent in lines: buy tickets online where possible, choose entrance times right after opening, and avoid weekends and public holidays. Combining a few nearby attractions into one well‑planned day helps minimize walking and waiting time.
Ticket tips: - Check official museum websites and buy timed tickets with a date and hour where available. - Ask at ticket desks about combination tickets — they sometimes exist and save time and money. - If you travel in high season, visit smaller or less obvious attractions during the busiest hours and reserve the most popular sites for the morning.
Note on exhibition schedules: some chapels, altarpieces or displays (for example the Veit Stoss altarpiece) may be shown or made accessible at specific times — check opening hours and display times so you don't miss important views.
After intensive sightseeing the Market and its surroundings offer a wide choice: cafés with views of the Cloth Hall, small bistros on side streets or traditional places serving pierogi. I recommend looking beyond the Square itself — a few streets away prices are often more reasonable and the atmosphere calmer. For local tastes try an obwarzanek to go, kremówka or pierogi at a trusted spot.
Some suggestions for a break: cafés on Floriańska Street, bistros on Szeroka Street, and classic restaurants toward Kazimierz — these are pleasant places to rest after a busy day. Always check current opening hours and availability, as offerings change seasonally.
If you plan an evening meal at a popular restaurant, reserve a table in advance — this will save time and stress, especially on weekends.
Do I need a reservation to enter St. Mary's Basilica? - Entrance to parts of the basilica can be free (prayer area), but visiting the presbytery and viewing the Veit Stoss altarpiece is often ticketed; check opening hours and rules on site.
When is the hejnał played? - The hejnał is sounded every hour from the higher tower of St. Mary's Basilica; standing on the axis between the basilica and the Town Hall Tower gives the best listening experience.
Can I enter the tower with a stroller or wheelchair? - The tower is accessed by stairs and may not be suitable for people with limited mobility. If accessibility is important, ask at the ticket desk or choose alternative viewpoints.
My name is Małgorzata Kasprowicz — I have guided thousands of visitors around Kraków and create practical guides and routes tailored to guests' needs, from families with children to people interested in art and photographic shots. On ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com you can find detailed itineraries, offers and practical information prepared by me and my team.
If you would like to: - book a guided tour, - discover lesser‑known corners of the city, - plan a day focused on great photos and minimal queues — write to me or check the offer on ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com. I will gladly help plan a day in Kraków that is rich in experiences and comfortable for you and your group.
Good luck exploring — Kraków has so much history and charm that everyone will find something for themselves. If you wish, I can help put together a detailed day plan tailored to your interests and pace.
