The Hejnał Mariacki is one of Kraków’s strongest symbols — a melody known by almost every Pole and many visitors from abroad. If you plan to be downtown, it’s worth taking a short break at the Market Square right on the hour: it’s a moment that blends history, legend and the city’s daily ritual. For many people it’s a must-see moment and a great chance to capture a memorable recording or photo of the city’s atmosphere.
The hejnał is sounded from the upper tower of St. Mary’s Basilica and is played “live” by trumpeters who are part of the city services. In addition to the sound itself, official live broadcasts have been available online in recent years, which is a good option for those who for some reason can’t be on the Market Square in person.
The hejnał sounds on every full hour — day and night. Each performance sends signals toward the four cardinal directions, and the most famous full rendition is at 12:00 noon.
The 12:00 performance has long been rebroadcast by national media, and in recent years the city has also organized video streams that start just before noon (usually around 11:59) and last a few minutes, allowing viewers to watch the whole performance.
In practice, if you want to hear the hejnał “live,” arrive at the Market Square a few minutes before the hour — you’ll be able to watch preparations and find a good listening spot.
The best listening spot is along the axis between the façade of St. Mary’s Basilica and the Town Hall Tower — that’s where the sound is clearest and you can really feel the atmosphere of the moment. Keep in mind that sound carries across the Square, so places by the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) or at café tables also offer good acoustics.
If you prefer a quieter experience (avoiding the biggest tourist crowds right at the church entrance), move a few metres off the main tourist flow toward the north or toward the Small Market (Mały Rynek). The sound will be a little softer, but you’ll have more comfort for watching and photographing.
Remember that on the full hour the Square can be crowded — plan to arrive at least 5–10 minutes early, especially if you want to stand close to the basilica façade.
Direct access to the highest level of the tower, from which the trumpeter plays, is usually closed to tourists for safety reasons and because of the trumpeter’s work. However, St. Mary’s Basilica offers a lower viewing point — a great option for visitors who want to see part of the tower interior and enjoy a city panorama. Reaching the viewpoint requires climbing several hundred steps, tickets are limited and sold at the basilica’s ticket office.
If your priority is to see the trumpeter “live,” the most reliable option is the official video stream organized by the city, which normally starts just before noon and shows cameras following the trumpeter’s route. These streams can be watched from outside Poland and are a convenient solution when you cannot get into the tower or when the Square is too crowded.
It’s also worth noting that trumpeters work in regular shifts and are most often members of the city’s fire brigade — they ensure the hourly melody is played and represent this centuries-old tradition.
St. Mary’s Basilica tower is about 81 metres high, and the climb to the viewpoint involves several hundred steps (sources commonly give the number of steps around 271–272). For organisational reasons the number of people allowed on certain levels is sometimes limited.
The hejnał is played toward the four cardinal directions — traditionally: to the south (toward Wawel), to the west (toward the Town Hall), to the north (toward the Barbican) and to the east (toward the Small Market). The 12:00 performance is additionally broadcast beyond the city.
If you want the best audio or video clip, record a short excerpt rather than trying to film the entire crowd — Market Square activity and moving groups can spoil a long take. Also respect the privacy of identifiable people if you plan to post recordings on social media.
The hejnał melody ends abruptly — this is part of the legend about a trumpeter struck by an arrow, but it has also become a characteristic feature that symbolises the tradition. The legend is tied to the Tartar raids and is woven into local historical storytelling.
The hejnał also had a symbolic and practical function in the past: it signalled opening and closing of the city gates and warned of fire or enemy. Today it is mainly ceremonial and a reminder of the city’s continuous history.
The hejnał has been written and spoken about in many publications and has been broadcast regularly, which makes the 12:00 performance a daily ritual with national reach.
Expecting to see the trumpeter up close right by the basilica entrance — in practice the highest working level is not open to ordinary visitors, and the areas near the church doors are often the most crowded. It’s better to find a spot a little to the side of the Square or to use the online broadcast.
Arriving exactly at 12:00 without extra time — it’s better to be a few minutes earlier. When the tourist flow is heavy, a few minutes can mean being in the front row or stuck behind the crowd.
Assuming the hejnał is a long concert — the performance consists of several short calls sent in different directions; expect a synchronised visual and acoustic moment rather than a long recital.
If you want to relax near the Market Square after listening to the hejnał, consider well-known spots: the historic restaurant Wierzynek offers a royal atmosphere and substantial cuisine, while atmospheric cafés such as Cafe Camelot provide cosy interiors and good coffee.
For a quick snack and solid reviews, look to the side streets off the Market Square — they often serve great pastries and have less touristy prices. If you need accommodation near the attractions, choose hotels and guesthouses with high ratings on independent portals and book in advance, especially during the high season.
If you’d like personalised recommendations, tour guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz can help choose top-rated restaurants, cafés and places to stay — she also arranges reservations, saving time and stress.
Is the hejnał played every day? Yes — the hejnał sounds every hour every day. The most famous, rebroadcast performance is at 12:00.
Can visitors go up the tower to see the trumpeter? Visitors can access lower viewing points on the tower, but the highest working level of the trumpeter is generally closed to tourists. Tickets for the viewpoint are sold at the basilica’s ticket office and visitor numbers are limited.
Where should I watch the hejnał if the Market Square is crowded? The most reliable and quick option is the city’s official online broadcast. Alternatively, choose a spot slightly to the side of the Square or near the Small Market — those areas are calmer but the sound is still clearly audible.
Can I record the hejnał and post it on social media? Yes, but follow good practices: don’t block passages, respect the privacy of others and check usage rights if you plan commercial use of your recording.
The hejnał has been broadcast on radio regularly since the early 20th century, and since the 1920s the 12:00 performance has been a fixed point on national airwaves, giving it reach far beyond Kraków.
Historically the hejnał had a clear practical role — warning of fire or attack and acting as part of the city’s alarm system. Today it remains a living tradition played “live.”
Some municipal broadcasts use cameras mounted on the tower, which makes it possible to follow the trumpeter’s route from the bell strike to the final note.
If you want a stress-free visit to Kraków full of behind-the-scenes stories, consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Małgorzata can advise on route planning, lead tours of Wawel, museums and the city’s highlights, and handle logistics: transport, accommodation and restaurant bookings, and tickets to popular attractions.
With that support you’ll save time and avoid common tourist pitfalls, and a guided walk with someone who knows local stories and customs will give even well-known sights like the St. Mary’s hejnał fresh context and new stories.
If you found this guide helpful — share it with friends or on social media. When you’re in Kraków, I’ll be happy to help plan the perfect city walk.
