St. Mary's Church is one of the most recognizable places in Krakow — its soaring silhouette with two towers, the magnificent altar by Veit Stoss and the daily hejnal played from the higher tower make it a must-see. For a photographer it is a treasure trove of contrasts: Gothic architecture, richly decorated interior, the lively Main Market Square and unique light at different times of day.
The Marian hejnal, played every hour, is not only a city symbol but also a great photographic 'finishing touch' — its abrupt ending has its own legend and adds drama to photos taken on the square.
If you want to climb the Marian tower — the so-called hejnalica — be prepared for almost 300 steps and beautiful panoramas from above. The tower is open to visitors seasonally, and visits are organized in groups; tower tickets are bought at the ticket office by Mariacki Square. It's worth buying a ticket in advance or asking for help with booking from a guide — Małgorzata Kasprowicz can help plan your visit and coordinate group entry.
Part of the church is available for paid visits, usually during specified hours; however access to areas intended for prayer remains free. The Veit Stoss main altar is sometimes accessible to visitors at certain times of day, so it's worth checking the current visiting hours before arrival or asking when booking your tour.
Keep in mind that in season (spring–autumn) queues and crowds on the Square are larger — booking a time with a guide helps minimize waiting and efficiently plan the tower ascent.
If you prefer to tour with a guide, using ZwiedzanieKrakowa's offer is convenient and time-saving. When booking, Małgorzata can plan the route to include the tower ascent, point out the best photo spots and share anecdotes you won't find in a leaflet.
When you reserve a private tour, you can also request priority handling of ticket logistics — the guide helps coordinate ticket purchases for attractions and recommends the best times for sightseeing and photography.
The guide's offer includes themed routes and classic walks along the Royal Route, Kazimierz and Wawel — you can request a photo-focused route that highlights the top fotospots around the Market and St. Mary's.
Here is a tried-and-true short photographic route (approx. 1.5–3 hours) focused on St. Mary's Church and the Market:
- Start: Mariacki Square — capture the church façade and Market crowds; try composing shots that include the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice).
- Climb the tower — city panoramas and architectural details from above. Best lenses: wide-angle for panoramas, 35–50 mm for street shots, 85–200 mm tele for altar and sculpture details.
- Floriańska Street and the Florian Gate — classic urban frames with street movement and rhythm.
- The Cloth Hall and Town Hall vicinity — façade details, market stalls, architecture and colors.
- Kanonicza Street and the streets near Wawel (short walk) — medieval atmosphere, intimate light and interesting façades.
If you have time, add a short trip to Kazimierz — there you'll find atmospheric alleys and photogenic cafés.
The most beautiful light for exterior photos is early morning (just after sunrise) and the golden hour before sunset. The Market in the morning can be almost empty, offering great conditions for architectural photos without crowds.
If you want interior shots of the church and the Veit Stoss altar, come when the altar is open to visitors (check the specific time). Interiors usually require higher ISO settings or faster lenses due to limited light; tripods inside can be problematic because of crowds and conservation rules.
The tower provides excellent conditions for city panoramas just before sunset — secure your camera against strong wind and be mindful of a crowded viewing terrace.
Key points to focus on when photographing the interior:
- The main altar by Veit Stoss — monumental sculptures and details; an excellent subject for close-ups.
- Painted vaults and beautiful ornamental details — wide-angle shots reveal the interior's monumentality.
- Chapels and side altars — each has its own history and details worth capturing.
Interior photos are best taken with a fast lens (for example f/2.8 or faster) and a steady hand. If you plan a professional shoot (larger equipment or tripod), consult the staff in advance and consider support from the guide to obtain necessary permissions.
A plan for visitors with limited time who want to make the most of their visit:
- 0:00–0:20 — arrive at the Market, quickly survey the scene and set up equipment.
- 0:20–0:50 — street-level shots: Cloth Hall, St. Mary's façade, detail shots.
- 0:50–1:20 — climb the tower and photograph the city panorama.
- 1:20–1:40 — interior of the church, the altar and details (if available).
- 1:40–2:00 — extra frames on Floriańska Street and a shot from Kanonicza or a nearby gate.
This plan gives a balanced mix of panoramas, architecture and details without tiring you or your gear.
After an intense photographic outing it's good to rest and recharge. A few trusted places near the Market:
- Restaurant Wierzynek — historic interior and traditional Polish cuisine, ideal for a special meal after sightseeing.
- Charlotte (Chleb i Wino) — a good spot for breakfast or coffee, fresh bread and a pleasant atmosphere.
- Cafe Camelot — atmospheric interior, coffee and cakes in a cozy setting.
When choosing where to eat, consider the location — restaurants on the Market are convenient but can be crowded in season; for a calmer atmosphere, the winding streets west of the Market offer charming cafés and local treats.
Is it worth booking a tower ticket in advance? - In season, yes — with high visitor numbers queues can be long. Booking a time with a guide makes logistics easier.
How many steps are there to the tower? - Almost 300 steps; be prepared and wear comfortable shoes.
Can I use a tripod inside? - Tripods in crowded spaces can be inconvenient and are sometimes restricted for conservation reasons. For professional sessions contact the staff or the guide in advance.
Is the hejnal played every day? - Yes, the hejnal is played every hour; the characteristic sudden ending has historical justification and is part of the tradition.
Is the church accessible for people with reduced mobility? - The interior of the church is accessible, but the tower climb requires stairs and is not accessible for visitors with limited mobility. Keep this in mind when planning your visit.
When planning a photographic visit, use the guide's experience — Małgorzata will help pick the best time of day, plan the route and point out lesser-known viewpoints. That way you'll save time and discover more curiosities than on your own.
Look after your gear in crowded places — keep straps secure and small accessories in your bag. It's also wise to carry an extra memory card and a spare battery.
If you plan a professional shoot (e.g., with models, a tripod or larger lighting) — contact the church staff and the guide in advance to obtain the required permissions.
If you want your visit to be comfortable, full of stories and tailored to photographic needs — we invite you to book a private walk with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. During such a visit we combine logistics (tickets, tower access) with practical photography tips and stories that will give your photos context and an interesting narrative.
Bookings and details can be arranged directly through the ZwiedzanieKrakowa site or by contacting the guide — we will gladly help plan the perfect photographic route through Krakow.
