St. Mary's Basilica is not only the most recognizable building on the Main Market Square, but a place full of history, art and local traditions — from Veit Stoss's altarpiece, through the polychromes by Jan Matejko, to the hejnał played every hour from the taller tower. In summer, when the Market Square is lively, it pays to plan your visit so you can see the most important interiors and avoid the biggest crowds. This guide will help you prepare a sensible and pleasant plan for your time at the Basilica.
Plan your visit with a little breathing room — allow time for the interior, a possible climb up the tower for a view, and then a relaxed walk around the Market Square to soak up the atmosphere.
Come early in the morning or choose late afternoon — morning offers calm, and sunlight through the stained glass beautifully lights the interior. Start by buying the small donation-ticket (the visitor 'brick') at the Tourist Service Point (Plac Mariacki 7), view the presbytery and Veit Stoss altarpiece, then move through the nave and side chapels, paying attention to the polychromes and carved details.
If you want to climb the taller tower to hear the hejnał up close and enjoy the view, plan an extra 30–60 minutes. Tower visits usually run every half hour and tickets must be purchased on the day at the visitor desk. After leaving the Basilica, take a short walk around the Market Square and stop for coffee at one of the recommended cafés.
If the Market Square is very busy around midday, use that time for a shaded break and consider the tower visit when queues are shorter.
The Basilica is generally open to visitors daily during set hours, with slightly different times on Sundays and public holidays; schedules can be seasonal, so check them on the day of your visit. Visitor entry is from the south side — please respect prayer zones and do not enter through the main Market-facing entrance if you're a tourist.
Visitors contribute via small donation-tickets that support conservation; reduced rates are usually available for children and seniors. The visitor desk closes a short time before the end of visiting hours, so buy your ticket early enough.
Tower admission is charged separately, runs at set times and has a limited number of places per slot. There is usually no advance online reservation, so if the tower view is important to you, plan to visit outside peak crowds or arrive early in the day.
Veit Stoss's altar is the absolute highlight — this monumental late-Gothic wooden masterpiece with numerous realistic figures deserves a quiet viewing (at least 15–20 minutes). Also take time to notice Jan Matejko's polychromes, the side chapels and architectural details that tell Krakow's story.
If you climb the tower, be ready for many steps (nearly 300) and a fantastic panorama of the Old Town. Keep in mind that for safety reasons very young children are sometimes not allowed on the tower and the climb can be physically demanding.
If you enjoy details, spend extra time reading informational panels and admiring sculptural work — the Basilica rewards visitors who look slowly.
The hejnał is played live from the taller tower every hour, around the clock. The melody stops abruptly — a tradition linked to the legend of the trumpeter who sounded the alarm while warning the city of an attack. At noon the performance is often broadcast by radio, making hearing the hejnał in the Market Square a special experience.
To hear the hejnał well and avoid the busiest spots, stand near the northeast part of the Market or close to the square entrance — the sound carries in all directions from the tower.
Best times to visit in summer are early morning (before 10:30) and late afternoon (after 16:30). Midday is usually the busiest time on the Market Square with tour groups and stalls. Wear sturdy shoes — floors and stairs can be slippery, and the tower climb requires stable footwear.
Dress respectfully inside the church: cover shoulders and knees, avoid loud behavior and refrain from photographing during services. If a liturgy is in progress, parts of the altar area may be inaccessible — please respect those moments and the people praying.
Bring a small bottle of water, a hat for sunny days, and a light layer in case the interior feels cool compared with the heat outside.
There are many places around the Market Square, but choose those with consistent quality and good reviews. For a historic dining experience try Wierzynek on the Market Square — it’s famous for its atmosphere and dishes inspired by tradition. For coffee and cake, Charlotte and Cafe Camelot are both popular with visitors and well regarded.
If you prefer a less touristy meal, explore cafés and restaurants on Grodzka Street or around the Planty — several well-rated local spots offer Polish cuisine in a friendly setting.
In summer many restaurants set up outdoor seating — a pleasant way to rest after sightseeing. If you plan to visit at a busy time or on weekends, consider reserving a table.
Many visitors miss that the tourist entrance is on the south side — the main Market-facing entrance is intended for worshippers. Using the correct entrance avoids awkward situations with local staff and respects the parish's rules.
Another common mistake is planning a tower visit without considering capacity and the need to buy a donation-ticket the same day. If the view from the tower is important to you, arrive outside peak hours or allocate time early in your stay to check ticket availability.
The Veit Stoss altarpiece has undergone numerous conservation treatments over the centuries — what you see today is the result of long-term restoration and research, which has brought back details that were once obscured.
The hejnał is played by on-duty trumpeters rather than a recording and has been an enduring symbol of the city; its broadcast on national radio at certain times reinforces its role as one of Krakow's soundmarks.
Is entrance to the church paid? Yes — visitors contribute via small donation-tickets intended partially for conservation; reduced rates are often available.
Can I go up the tower with a child? Children under a certain age (commonly around 7–8 years) may not be admitted to the tower for safety reasons. Also consider the number of steps and the crowds.
Can I take photos inside? Photography is generally allowed, but please switch off the flash and be respectful during liturgies; in some areas or during services photography may be restricted.
Are guided tours available? Yes — guided tours can be arranged. If you would like a private guided visit of St. Mary’s and the surrounding area, consider booking with Małgorzata Kasprowicz, who offers personalized tours tailored to your interests.
If this guide helped you plan your visit to St. Mary's Basilica, share it with friends or on social media — it helps others make the most of their time in Krakow.
If you want to explore St. Mary's and the Old Town with a guide, you can book a private tour with guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — she offers tailor-made tours to match your interests. Enjoy your visit and the unforgettable views from the tower!
