St. Mary's Basilica is one of Krakow's most recognizable symbols — not only because of the magnificent Gothic altar by Wit Stwosz, but also because of the hejnał (trumpet signal) played from the tower every hour. For many visitors a stop here is a must, but touring has its rules and — importantly — fees. This practical guide explains the typical prices (so-called “donation tickets”), visiting hours and how to make your visit smooth and enjoyable — whether you come with family, an organized group, or on your own.
If you plan to visit on a specific day (for example with a larger group), it's a good idea to check the parish announcements or call the visitor service point, but below you will find the most important information to help you plan time, budget and route.
Visiting the interior of St. Mary's Basilica for tourists is handled by purchasing so-called donation tickets. The donation ticket is a symbolic fee intended for maintenance and conservation of the church. Typical official rates for visitors (for the tourist season) are usually: large donation ticket 18 PLN and reduced donation ticket 10 PLN.
Visiting hours for tourists: on weekdays (Monday–Saturday) usually 11:30–18:00, while on Sundays and holidays sightseeing is possible after the services end, most often from 14:00 to 18:00. The ceremonial unveiling of Wit Stwosz's altar takes place around 11:50, so if you want to see the altar both closed and opened, arrive a little before 11:50.
Keep in mind that prices and hours may be updated seasonally — especially during conservation works or major holidays. The most reliable source of current information is the visitor service point at Plac Mariacki 7 or official parish announcements.
Donation tickets for sightseeing are purchased only at the visitor service point located at Plac Mariacki 7. There is no standard global online reservation system for donation tickets — sales take place on the day of the visit at the on-site ticket office.
The main entrance from the Market Square leads to the prayer area and is free for worshippers; however, access from this entrance to the space near the altar is limited. If you want to get close to Wit Stwosz's altar and view the chancel and chapels, buy a donation ticket and enter through the visitors' entrance (from the south side).
The sales point usually closes about 15 minutes before the end of visiting hours — plan to arrive earlier, especially in high season when lines can be long.
Climbing the taller tower, from which the hejnał is played, is a separate attraction and requires a separate donation ticket. Typically tower tickets are more expensive than interior visits: large donation ticket for the tower about 20 PLN and reduced ticket about 15 PLN.
Tower visits take place in groups, usually every half hour, and the number of people per entry is limited (typically around 10–15 people).
In the tourist season the tower is available (for example from spring to autumn) during set hours — outside the season (November–April) the tower may be closed. The ascent is by stairs and for safety reasons children under 8 years old are usually not admitted.
There is no option to reserve tower donation tickets in advance — tickets are purchased on the day of the visit at the Plac Mariacki 7 point. In bad weather or during conservation works entries can be suspended. If your group is large, plan to split into subgroups and establish the visiting order in advance so everyone has a chance to climb the tower.
Families with small children and school groups should remember that the basilica interior is a place of worship — quiet and respectful behavior is required. Children are often more engaged if you briefly tell them the legend of the hejnał and point out interesting details of Wit Stwosz's altar (for example the Adam and Eve scene or unusual sculptural details).
If you're coming with a larger group, it's practical to arrive early and divide the group into smaller teams — the donation ticket sales operate only on site and tower entries are limited. For organized groups it's useful to plan an alternating route (for example, part of the group views the interior while the other part goes up the tower), then rotate.
Expect stairs and narrow passages with small strollers; the tower is not stroller-friendly. For families with infants consider a carrier rather than a large stroller if you plan to climb the tower.
Trying to enter through the main Market Square entrance and expecting to reach the altar area without a donation ticket — this is a common mistake. The main entrance is a prayer zone and does not grant access to the visitors' area near the altar. To see the altar up close, you must buy a donation ticket and use the south-side entrance.
Another mistake is expecting online reservations for donation tickets or tower tickets — typically this option does not exist, so plan with extra time and arrive earlier. On busy weekends there can be long queues.
Inappropriate clothing (for example short shorts or bare shoulders) can lead to uncomfortable situations. Although formal dress checks are not always enforced at the prayer-area entrance, it's best to wear neat, modest attire during your stay in the church.
The main attraction inside is Wit Stwosz's altar — a Gothic sculptural masterpiece spread across many panels and full of small, fascinating scenes. Viewing the altar takes time and a calm approach; I recommend getting closer to study the details of the figures and the composition of the biblical scenes.
Besides the altar, pay attention to the polychromes and side chapels, where valuable epitaphs and decorations remain. These elements are often overlooked during a quick visit, yet details can tell you a lot about the place's history and context.
Respect for the place of worship is essential — please keep quiet, silence phone sounds and photograph carefully (no flash, tripods or professional equipment without permission). Tripods and large photo gear require consent from the church authorities.
Accessibility for people with limited mobility can be challenging due to the building's age. Visitor access is from the south side; people with disabilities should contact the visitor service point in advance to arrange the most convenient entry.
If you plan to attend Mass — entry to the prayer area is free, but the altar area may be unavailable for tourists during liturgy. Check the schedule of services so you don't plan sightseeing during worship.
The Main Market Square and its surroundings are full of restaurants and cafés of different characters — from historic, elegant places to cozy coffee shops. If you're looking for well-rated spots near St. Mary's Basilica, consider popular options on the Market Square and in its immediate vicinity.
For families, places with quick service and children's menus work well; for a romantic lunch choose a restaurant with a Market Square view. If you need recommendations tailored to your budget and preferences, I can help with bookings or suggest specific places.
Is entry to St. Mary's Basilica free? - The main prayer-area entrance is free, but visiting the chancel and the space near the altar requires a donation ticket (entrance fee).
Where do I buy donation tickets and can I reserve them? - Donation tickets are bought at the visitor service point at Plac Mariacki 7 on the day of the visit; usually there is no option to reserve in advance online.
Can you climb the tower? - Yes, tower visits take place during the season at set times in groups every ~30 minutes; children under 8 are usually not allowed.
Although Wit Stwosz's altar is famous, few people notice the many small, sometimes humorous details hidden in its sculptures — take time to look closely at figures and scenes to discover these surprises.
The Hejnał Mariacki played every hour is not just a tourist attraction — it's a living tradition and part of religious observance. The melody stops mid-way to commemorate the trumpeter who was said to be wounded during an attack, a reminder that the city holds memories of its past at its heart.
If you want your visit to St. Mary's Basilica to be comfortable, well-structured and enriched with stories, I invite you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Małgorzata leads tours of museums and Krakow's most important sites, helps plan the route and organizes logistics: accommodation bookings, restaurant reservations, transport and ticket purchases where possible.
Private guiding is especially convenient for families and groups — you can adjust the pace, depth of information and visit length to the ages and interests of participants. If you want to book a date or need help planning the route and logistics, Małgorzata will be happy to advise and ensure a smooth visit.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media. When planning your stay in Krakow, remember that professional guide support can make the trip easier and more rewarding.
