If you have limited time in Kraków, St. Mary's Basilica is a must — not only for lovers of sacred art but also for anyone who wants to feel the rhythm of the Main Market Square. Inside you’ll find a sculptural masterpiece — the Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz) altarpiece — richly painted polychromes, and every hour the hejnal sounds from the tower, a symbol of the city. A quick visit to the basilica combined with a short walk around the Square gives a great first impression and helps you plan the rest of your day.
If you prefer a calmer pace, save St. Mary's for the morning or late afternoon — there’s usually less foot traffic and it’s easier to focus on the details of the sculptures and paintings. Visiting at noon gives you the chance to hear the hejnal played from the tower.
90 minutes — a quick overview: enter the tourist part of St. Mary's (to see the altarpiece), take a short walk through the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and circle the Market with a stop at the Town Hall Tower. This plan is for visitors who want to 'tick off' the highlights and still have time for coffee.
3 hours — a comfortable walk: visit St. Mary's plus the Market Underground (if you have a timed ticket), take a coffee or lunch break under the Cloth Hall arcades, then walk toward the Florian Gate and the Barbican. This option lets you see more detail without rushing.
A full day — for history lovers: explore Wawel in the morning, spend the afternoon on the Market with a visit to St. Mary's and the Cloth Hall Museum, and finish with a walk around the Planty or dinner in Kazimierz. Spreading timed entries (Wawel, Market Underground, the basilica tower) through the day helps avoid long queues.
The Cloth Hall and the Market Underground naturally complement a visit to St. Mary's. Logistically it’s often most convenient to visit the Underground at your reserved time first — it explains the medieval layers of the city and gives context for the surface monuments. After the Underground, walk under the Cloth Hall arcades and head to the basilica to see the Veit Stoss altarpiece in person.
If time is tight you can reverse the order: a quick 30–40 minute visit to St. Mary's, then stroll the Cloth Hall and attend the Underground at its scheduled slot. Remember that the Market Underground often requires online reservation, so plan ahead.
The most picturesque and logical route from the Market to Wawel runs along Grodzka Street. It’s a 15–25 minute walk past Baroque and Renaissance churches, historic townhouses and atmospheric cafés. If you plan to visit both sites the same day, schedule entries carefully — Wawel and some exhibitions need more time and often have timed tickets.
Practical tip: if you want to do both Wawel and St. Mary's in one day, start on Wawel Hill in the morning (there are usually fewer visitors then) and leave the Market and the basilica for the afternoon, when some museum groups have left.
In general, the tourist visiting hours for St. Mary's Basilica on weekdays fall in the afternoon (usually opening around midday and running into early evening), while on Sundays and holidays visiting hours may be shifted because of liturgical services. Entry to the prayer area is usually free; tourist entry (the paid part) helps fund maintenance of the church.
Access to the basilica tower (the hejnalica) follows a separate schedule and is often seasonal; the number of visitors is limited and separate tickets apply. If you want panoramic views, consider arriving early or just after the ticket office opens. Also respect visiting rules: maintain silence, dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) and avoid flash or heavy professional photography equipment.
The hejnal is played from the tower every hour and is one of Kraków’s most recognizable experiences. Plan a short pause at a full hour to hear the tune — it’s a simple way to soak up an authentic city moment.
Because regular Masses and services take place, parts of the church can be unavailable to tourists. If you plan to visit on a Sunday or a holiday, check the liturgy schedule in advance to avoid arriving during restricted hours.
If you’re looking for well-regarded places right by the Market, consider historic and highly rated options: Wierzynek for a traditional culinary experience, Pod Aniołami for classic Polish dishes, Café Camelot or Charlotte for a light coffee and breakfast. In Kazimierz, Starka is a pleasant spot offering modern takes on Polish cuisine.
For a quick local snack, the area around Nowy Square in Kazimierz is famous for zapiekanki and casual joints. If you plan lunch between museum visits, reserve a table in advance at popular places, especially during the high season.
Because of its historic architecture some parts of St. Mary's and the towers may be difficult for visitors with limited mobility. Ask at the visitor desk about accessible entrances and alternatives. Public toilets and tourist information points around the Market make short breaks easy.
If you're travelling with a dog, remember that most church interiors do not allow animals — arrange care for your pet during the visit. For longer walks bring a water bottle and comfortable shoes — the Old Town’s cobblestones can be hard on your feet.
Under the Cloth Hall arcades you'll find small historical details: merchant measuring marks set into facades and traces of old shop signs. Many gateways lead to hidden courtyards which in spring and summer open into quiet, pleasant refuges.
The hejnal is inseparable from the legend of the trumpeter who warned the city of an attack; the melody traditionally breaks off abruptly to commemorate that story. For photographers, the golden hour over the Market or the night lighting under the arcades create striking, different moods.
Arriving during a Mass without checking the liturgy schedule — result: limited access to the interior. Solution: check the service times in advance or ask at the information desk.
Trying to see everything in one day without booking timed attractions — result: long queues and wasted time. Solution: buy tickets ahead for the Market Underground, Wawel or the basilica tower where possible.
Wearing inappropriate clothing for a church visit — many visitors arrive in shorts or with uncovered shoulders. Solution: carry a light scarf or shawl to quickly adapt your outfit.
Where can I buy tickets for St. Mary's? — The visitor desk at St. Mary's Square usually sells tickets; ask on site about current rules and prices.
Can I visit the whole church? — Part of the basilica is reserved for prayer and is accessible free of charge, while the exhibition area (including the Veit Stoss altarpiece) is visited with a paid ticket. During Mass tourist access may be limited.
Is it worth climbing the tower? — The tower view gives a beautiful perspective over the Market and the city's roofs. The climb has its limits (stairs, group size) and often requires a separate ticket.
If you want to make the most of your time in Kraków — from avoiding queues to choosing the right pace for your visit — it pays to plan your route in advance. I can help design an itinerary tailored to your interests: short routes focusing on the key sights or more relaxed days with museum entries and food breaks.
If you need help with ticket reservations, restaurant bookings, transport or accommodation, Małgorzata Kasprowicz is available to advise and guide you around Kraków, including museums and lesser-known spots. Contact details and services are listed on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa site — together we can plan a stress-free, memorable day.
