The hejnal mariacki, played from the tower on the hour, is not just a short tune — it is one of Krakow's most recognizable traditions and draws visitors from around the world. St. Mary's Basilica also houses a masterpiece of Gothic art: the Veit Stoss altarpiece, whose ceremonial opening is always worth planning your visit around. For a 4-day plan: yes, visiting the basilica is definitely worth it, but do it smartly — a small mistake in timing can mean long waits or missing the most important sights.
The basilica is open to tourists at fixed hours: usually on weekdays and Saturdays from about 11:30 to 18:00, and shorter hours on Sundays and holidays, typically from 14:00 to 18:00. The Veit Stoss altarpiece is ceremonially unveiled at a set time (it's worth arriving earlier to watch this event).
Tourist entry is from the south side; the main Market entrance leads to the prayer area and is intended for worshippers — visitors are asked not to use it. At the tourist entrance you buy a so-called "cegiełka" — a donation-ticket for the upkeep of the church. In practice there are full and reduced donation-tickets; prices can vary slightly by season and parish decisions, so have small change ready.
Access to the trumpet-tower (if open) requires a separate ticket/donation. The tower is sometimes closed seasonally (late autumn–winter months may follow different rules), the number of entries is limited, and visits run in small groups every several minutes. For safety reasons, children below a specified age may not be allowed to climb the tower.
The ticket/donation and information point for visitors is usually located near Plac Mariacki. The point closes ticket sales slightly before the official visiting hours end, so don't arrive at the very last minute.
Day 1 – Market Square and the Basilica: If you have 4 days in Krakow, spend the first full day in the Old Town. In the morning walk through the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), see the exhibitions there and, if you wish, visit the Historical Museum. Take care of morning routines: coffee, a stroll around the Planty, and before midday prepare to enter the Basilica (remember: tourist visiting usually starts around 11:30, and the altarpiece is typically unveiled around 11:50). After seeing the basilica — if the tower is open — consider climbing it in the afternoon when visitor flow evens out.
Day 2 – Wawel and surroundings: Dedicate the whole day to Wawel (cathedral, royal chambers, the treasury, and any special exhibitions). Keep in mind that Wawel uses official guides and some attractions have limited capacity; booking tickets in advance makes visiting easier. In the evening have dinner near the Market or around Podzamcze.
Day 3 – Kazimierz and nearby: Explore Jewish Kazimierz, its synagogues, and atmospheric cafes and restaurants. This is also a good time to return briefly to the Market to hear the hejnal, or to repeat the basilica visit for photos from the outside at sunset.
Day 4 – Wieliczka or other options: the Wieliczka Salt Mine (book ahead) or a day trip outside the city (for example to Auschwitz, which requires careful planning and reservations). Alternatively, keep this day free for anything you missed: extra museums, relaxing in cafes, or souvenir shopping.
If you want to see the Veit Stoss altarpiece up close during the unveiling ceremony, arrive before the official opening time (ideally 20–30 minutes earlier) and position yourself in the visitors' area. The altarpiece is opened at a set time, so punctuality gives you an advantage over the crowd.
If you prefer a quiet, reflective visit (without the crowds), try to come just after opening on a weekday or in the late afternoon, but remember the donation/ticket point closes earlier than the basilica — don't wait until the final hour.
Avoid Sunday mornings and Mass times, because access for tourists may be limited; on major liturgical feast days some parts of the basilica may be unavailable or the schedule altered.
Climbing the tower offers a fantastic view over the Market Square and the rooftops of the Old Town, but remember: the number of people allowed in at once is limited and the internal stairs are steep and narrow. The tower is closed seasonally in some months and may be closed in bad weather.
If you want to hear the hejnal live and also see the panorama from the tower, plan to join an earlier available tour — you often can't reserve every time slot in advance, so arrive early on the day you plan to visit. For safety reasons, children below a certain age may be denied entry.
Also remember the hejnal is played every hour and is intentionally cut off mid-phrase — this commemorates the legend of the trumpeter who was attacked, and it's a great story to share with fellow visitors.
The basilica is an active place of worship, so please observe silence and proper behavior. Do not disturb services and respect people who are praying. Some parishes and sacred museums require modest dress (shoulders and knees covered).
Photography inside is allowed with restrictions: turn off the flash, respect signs prohibiting photos in certain places, and remember that professional equipment or tripods may require permission. During religious ceremonies additional restrictions apply — ask staff about rules if you are unsure.
Do not use the main Market entrance as a tourist entrance — that door leads to the prayer zone; tourists are asked to use the dedicated visitor entrance.
If you want tried-and-true places near the Market, consider classics that combine good food and atmosphere: Camelot café (cozy and atmospheric, popular for breakfasts and cakes), Noworolski café (inside the Cloth Hall — historic interior), Wierzynek restaurant (known for its long history and elegant style), and Szara restaurant (near the Market, modern Polish cuisine).
For a quick lunch choose places serving local snacks and seasonal dishes; for evening dining reserve a table (especially after a full day of sightseeing). If you want a break after the tower or a longer rest, many cafés around the Market offer tables with views of the city's lively life.
Arriving at the "last minute" — the donation/ticket point closes before the official visiting hours end, so if you plan to come at the very end you may not be able to buy the donation-ticket.
Using the main Market entrance instead of the visitor entrance — this causes misunderstandings and uncomfortable situations for worshippers.
Not planning for the tower — assuming it will be open without checking the season or availability often leads to disappointment.
Using flash photography or a tripod without permission — this may be forbidden and you may be asked to stop.
The Veit Stoss altarpiece is considered one of the finest works of late Gothic art in Central Europe — the carving details are so rich that it's worth taking time to examine the individual scenes and figures.
The hejnal mariacki, which you hear from the tower, is cut off mid-phrase in memory of the trumpeter who, according to legend, was attacked during an invasion; this legend gives the melody a meaning beyond a simple signal.
The interior of the church has separate zones for worshippers and visitors with clear boundaries — this is not only organizational but also a sign of respect for the continuous religious life taking place in the same space.
How much time to allocate for the Basilica? Usually 30–60 minutes is enough to see the altarpiece and the main chapels; climbing the tower adds about 30–45 minutes.
Is visiting paid? Yes — tourists purchase donation-tickets (full and reduced), and proceeds go to the upkeep of the church. People coming to pray usually do not pay and have a designated area.
Do I need to book in advance? For the basilica itself you usually cannot reserve — donation-tickets are sold on the day of the visit. For the tower and other attractions (Wawel, Wieliczka) it's a good idea to book ahead.
Is the basilica accessible for people with limited mobility? Due to historic architecture not all spaces are fully accessible; check specific information on site or ask staff.
Planning a visit to St. Mary's Basilica during a 4-day stay in Krakow is a matter of good logistics: take into account opening hours, liturgical ceremonies and seasonal limitations (tower, special events). Book tickets for the most popular sites in advance (Wawel, Wieliczka) and leave the Basilica for a day when you can get there at the most convenient time.
If you want a smooth, stress-free visit with live-told stories and little-known details, consider the help of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact and full offer are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Małgorzata can help plan the route, book tickets, solve transport and accommodation logistics, and recommend the best times and places to eat.
If this guide was helpful — share it on social media or send it to friends. If you would like a personalized 4-day plan with St. Mary's Basilica included, write to Małgorzata and she will gladly plan and lead it for you!
