St. Mary's Basilica (Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary) is a must-see in Kraków — beautiful, historic and often busy. The question “Can I get in there with a stroller?” comes up a lot. The short answer is: yes, but with reservations. Visitor entry is organised from the south side (the visitor service point), and visiting is partially limited because the building is an active church and a protected monument. In practice this means that although a tourist entrance exists, inside you may find thresholds, uneven floors and areas that are hard to manoeuvre with a large stroller or mobility equipment. It's best to prepare in advance, plan a short visit and ask a companion for help with the stroller if needed.
Part of the interior is open to tourists — mainly the presbytery and the front part of the nave — at set times: typically Monday–Saturday from late morning to early evening, and shorter hours on Sundays and public holidays. Tourist entry is handled by the visitor service point located near the square, where the donation-tickets are purchased to support the parish. Access to the tower (bugle tower) is from Floriańska Street and has additional restrictions — it involves narrow stairs and is not suitable for small children, people with limited mobility or parents with strollers. If you have doubts about accessibility on a specific day, contact the visitor service point before your visit to check current opening hours or conservation works.
The Main Market Square and the area around the basilica form a historic centre with cobbles and uneven surfaces that can be challenging for a stroller or someone using a walker. Access to the tourist entrance is easier from the south side, but even there you may encounter small thresholds or doorstep steps at the doors. Inside, space is limited by historic elements, columns and benches — manoeuvring a large stroller can be difficult. If you plan to visit with an older person, note that near the altar and side chapels the floor level may vary and during peak tourist hours (midday and early afternoon) aisles can be crowded, which makes calm movement harder.
Call or email the visitor service point before your visit. Staff can advise which entrance is most convenient on a given day and whether conservation works affect access.
If you have a large stroller, consider leaving it briefly outside under the supervision of a companion and having one caregiver enter for a short look inside — many families and carers use this practical solution. Remember to respect the sacred space: the basilica is not a museum in the full sense but an active church — keep voices low and move carefully.
Choose the day and time wisely: Mass times and tourist visiting hours may overlap — aim for outside peak times (for example, just after opening for visitors or late afternoon before closing).
Wear comfortable shoes and plan your route around the Market — some paths along the Planty and by the Vistula boulevards are smoother for strollers than the central cobbles of the Market Square.
If you want the Market Square atmosphere but worry about comfort, consider a walk along the Planty — level, green promenades encircling the Old Town, with benches and easy surfaces.
The Vistula boulevards and quieter side streets of the Old Town often have more even pavements than the centre of the Market — great spots for photos of St. Mary's without going inside.
Many museums and cultural institutions in the city publish clear accessibility statements — if you prefer interior visits in a more accessible setting, plan a visit to a museum that explicitly welcomes strollers and has adapted facilities. Check individual museum pages or call ahead for specifics.
Can I go up St. Mary's tower with a stroller? - No. Tower access is via narrow, steep stairs and usually has age and safety restrictions. It is not suitable for strollers or people who have difficulty walking.
Where do I buy a visitor ticket? - Tourist entry tickets (donation-tickets) are purchased at the visitor service point on the square.
Can the visitor service point provide accessibility information? - Yes. They give information by phone and email; it's worth contacting them before arrival to check current facilities and opening hours.
Are there accessible toilets nearby? - There are public and institutional toilets around the Market, but standards and availability vary. If an adapted toilet is important, call ahead to the place you plan to visit.
Assuming the entire Old Town is level — historic cobbles and thresholds can surprise you. Plan shorter routes and have a plan B if you need to carry the stroller for a short distance.
Not checking Mass and visiting hours — sections of the basilica are closed to tourists during services. Check times and any special events before you go.
Failing to contact the visitor service in advance — if you need a specific accommodation (like a side entrance or tips for the easiest route), a quick call saves stress on site.
Trying to take small children or someone with reduced mobility up the tower — the ascent is by stairs and is often not recommended. Enjoy the panoramic views from outside instead or choose a different, more accessible viewpoint.
The Veit Stoss altar, the basilica’s best-known treasure, is displayed to tourists at specific times — if you want to see the altar wings opened, time your visit to match the opening schedule.
The hejnal (trumpet call) is played from the higher tower every hour; it's a famous city sound but is also part of the church’s service, so movement inside can be different on feast days or during liturgies.
Sometimes the best photo and the most comfortable place for a stroller is from a bench on the Planty rather than from inside the basilica — you can enjoy the view and the atmosphere without the need to enter.
If you want to avoid unnecessary stress, call or email the visitor service point before your visit and describe your needs (type of stroller, number of people, need for help with thresholds). Staff can give the most up-to-date information and point out the most convenient entrance.
A simple strategy I often recommend: arrive on the Market early, leave the stroller in a safe place under a companion’s supervision and let one caregiver go in briefly to see the interior. That usually works well for families and carers of seniors.
If you want a really smooth visit, consider arranging help with a private guide — Małgorzata Kasprowicz can tailor an accessible route, help with logistics, ticket arrangements and transport where needed. Contact her to discuss details and create a comfortable plan for exploring Kraków.
