St. Mary's Basilica on the Main Market Square in Kraków is one of the city's most recognizable symbols. Its Gothic silhouette, the monumental Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz) altar and the long-standing hejnał tradition draw visitors from around the world.
This guide will help you plan your visit step by step — from opening hours and buying the small admission token, through climbing the tower and listening to the hejnał, to practical tips on how to see the highlights without wasting time.
The Basilica is usually open to visitors Monday–Saturday from 11:30 AM to 6:00 PM; on Sundays and public holidays visits typically begin after Masses, usually from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Exact times may change on special church feast days, so it’s a good idea to check current announcements before your visit.
Visiting is possible after purchasing a small admission token at the visitors' service point (Plac Mariacki 7). There are usually different token types and prices (reduced rates for youth, students and seniors). The visitor point closes ticket sales about 15 minutes before the end of visiting hours.
Tourists are allowed into approximately half of the basilica, including the presbytery and the main altar. The visitors' entrance is on the south side. The main entrance from the Market Square leads to the area reserved for prayer and services — please avoid using it while sightseeing.
1. Arrive just before opening or immediately after — this helps you avoid the biggest crowds and gives you time to study the altar’s details. If there is a morning Mass, enter after it ends (on Sundays access times may be shifted).
2. Buy the admission token at the desk on Plac Mariacki 7. Ask the staff about temporary exhibitions, altar opening times and the possibility of visiting the tower (if you plan to go to the viewpoint).
3. Start in the presbytery and at the main altar — this is the heart of the basilica. Take time to look at the carved scenes showing the life of Jesus and Mary and notice the fine details of the figures and ornaments.
4. Walk down the nave, peeking into the side chapels — each has its own history, tombstone or interesting decoration. Keep quiet and respect those who are praying.
5. If you plan to climb the tower — plan it separately (see the tower section for conditions). Be prepared for many stairs and no elevator.
The hejnał from St. Mary’s is played every hour from the higher tower. The best place to hear it is the space between St. Mary’s and the Town Hall Tower on the Main Market Square — stand there just before the hour and you’ll be right in the path of the tune.
If you want to see the buglers up close and enjoy the city panorama, there is a viewpoint on the tower. The tower is open seasonally — it may be closed in winter, and in summer visits run at set times, often every half hour. Groups admitted to the tower are limited in size, and children below a certain age may not be allowed for safety reasons.
Climbing involves a lot of stairs (on the order of several hundred steps) — wear comfortable shoes, bring water and check the weather. In strong winds or bad conditions the tower can be closed.
The main altar by Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz) is the basilica’s masterpiece — look closely at the sculptural scenes of the life of Jesus and Mary and at the tiny details carved into the figures and ornaments.
Side chapels, wooden pulpits, epitaphs and tombstones hold local histories and symbols. Notice fine craftsmanship, rich gilding and the different architectural styles that have appeared in the church over the centuries.
If you are interested in liturgical music, check the Mass and concert schedule — the basilica regularly hosts organ recitals and choral performances.
The hejnał stops abruptly in memory of the trumpeter who, according to legend, was shot while warning the city of an attack — it’s one of Kraków’s best-known legends.
The hejnał is also broadcast daily on radio at noon — if you can’t be on the Market Square, you can still hear it on the air.
Keep in mind that the two towers historically had different functions — one served as a watchtower (hence the hejnał tradition), the other houses bells.
Don’t use the main Market Square entrance if you plan to sightsee — it’s reserved for prayer and services. Use the visitors’ entrance on the south side.
Check the Mass and ceremony schedule — access to parts of the interior can be limited during liturgy. If you want to see the altar opened ceremonially, come around 11:50 AM (on weekdays) or ask about special opening times.
Avoid flash photography and tripods where people are praying. Photography for private use is usually allowed, but be discreet and respectful.
Buy tickets early and plan a tower visit for the morning or early afternoon — afternoons and high season can bring long lines.
Watch out for pickpockets on the Market Square — it’s one of the city’s busiest spots, so keep valuables close.
Around the Market Square you’ll find historic restaurants and cozy cafés. Longstanding options include places such as Wierzynek and Pod Aniołami, while smaller cafés like Café Camelot offer a quieter atmosphere. You’ll also find spots serving traditional Polish cuisine and modern regional dishes.
If you want to stay close to St. Mary’s, consider well-reviewed hotels in the Old Town — boutique luxury hotels and reliable mid-range options make it easy to reach the Square on foot and return quickly after sightseeing.
When choosing a restaurant, look at recent reviews and ratings — the Market Square has both excellent culinary spots and more tourist-oriented venues. Pick restaurants with high ratings if you want a truly memorable meal in Kraków.
Do I have to buy a ticket to enter the Basilica? - Yes, tourist visits are after purchasing a small admission token. Tokens are available at the visitors’ service point and come in different price categories (standard and reduced).
Can I enter every tower? - Tower access is seasonal and may be restricted by age or group size. Children under a certain age are sometimes not admitted for safety. In bad weather the tower may be closed.
Can I take photos inside? - Private photography is generally allowed, but avoid using flash and tripods and respect worshippers.
Is the church accessible for people with reduced mobility? - Because of the historic layout, access can be difficult in some parts. If you have special needs, contact the visitors’ service point in advance.
Where is the best place to hear the hejnał? - Stand in the space between St. Mary’s and the Town Hall Tower on the Market Square — position yourself there just before the hour.
When planning your day, combine the basilica visit with a short walk through the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and the surrounding Old Town streets — everything is close and helps you make the most of your time.
If you want to see the Veit Stoss altar in relative quiet, try visiting outside peak tourist hours, for example just after opening or shortly after afternoon tours begin.
If you are visiting in a group or with elderly people, let the visitors’ desk know — sometimes arrangements or extra information about accessibility can be provided.
If you want a stress-free visit to St. Mary’s Basilica and the surrounding area, consider the private guiding services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz available via zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Małgorzata can advise on your route, tell stories and curiosities, and take care of logistics.
As part of the service, Małgorzata can plan and guide visits to museums and Kraków’s highlights, help with ticket and restaurant reservations, organize transport and assist in choosing suitable accommodation. It’s a convenient option if you want to make the most of your time in the city.
Contact Małgorzata through zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — she will be happy to prepare an offer tailored to your needs and budget.
If you found this guide helpful, share it on social media or send the link to friends planning a trip to Kraków. That way more people will learn how to visit St. Mary’s Basilica calmly and in good conditions.
When you plan a full trip around Kraków, remember you can use Małgorzata Kasprowicz’s help — a professional guide will take care of details, reservations and tell the stories that are really worth hearing.
