In the very heart of Krakow, on the Main Market Square, the hejnał (trumpet call) from the tower of St. Mary’s Basilica is played on the hour — a sound that has been woven into the city’s memory for centuries. Just around the corner, in the Podgórze district, is Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory — a place that connects local history with the wide, moving context of World War II. If you’re planning a trip to Krakow in 2025, it’s worth preparing for visits to both sites: they have specific entry rules, limits and practical “tricks” that can save you time and stress.
Did you know that in 2025 important changes were introduced to ticket sales and limits for Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory, and the museum is working on further rules aimed at reducing mass resale of tickets? Keep this in mind when planning your visit.
The main reason visitors enter St. Mary’s Basilica is the altarpiece by Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz) — one of the most important works of late Gothic art in Poland, usually opened around 11:50 (check times on the day of your visit). Aside from the altarpiece, pay attention to the chapels, the rich interior furnishings and the atmosphere — parts of the basilica are still used for worship, so some entrances are reserved for the faithful.
Don’t miss the hejnał — a short but unique melody sounded from the tower every full hour. It’s also worth viewing the interior from different points around the Market Square, and if you like photography — always show respect for the place and other visitors.
Visitors’ access to parts of the basilica is limited to specific visiting hours; entrance tickets (so‑called donation tickets) are purchased at the visitor service point at Plac Mariacki 7. These donation tickets also help support maintenance of the monument — different price options are available (check the Basilica’s official site for current rates before your trip).
Access to the higher tower (where the hejnał is played) is organized in limited groups, with scheduled entry times and frequent limits on the number of people. Tower access is most often from the Floriańska Street side; if you want great panoramic photos of the city, allow extra time for possible queues.
Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory is one of the city’s most visited institutions — the permanent exhibition “Kraków — the years of occupation 1939–1945” presents the city’s history during that difficult period using multimedia displays and reconstructions. A typical visit takes about 1.5–2 hours.
The exhibition is arranged across many rooms that guide visitors through successive stages of occupation life — it’s a museum that requires focus and can be emotionally moving, so consider planning a break afterward.
In 2025 the Museum of Krakow introduced changes to how tickets are sold and to visiting rules for Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory — including limits on available places, changes to on‑site sales points and caps on the number of tickets a single person can buy at the box office. These measures respond to growing interest and to practices of reselling tickets at inflated prices.
The museum announced further changes coming into effect in 2026 — plans include introducing named tickets for online sales and a new combined ticket system that will also allow entry to neighboring branches. When planning a 2025 visit, follow current ticket-sale information (when online tickets are released, which on‑site points sell tickets, and limits) and be prepared that the best way to secure a ticket may be buying in advance online or trying at the box office on the day — but remember the per‑person limits introduced in 2025.
Buy tickets from reliable, official sources — for Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory use sales from the Museum of Krakow (the museum’s ticketing platform or the on‑site box office). Avoid offers from private resellers and ticket‑resale sites charging inflated prices — in 2025 the problem of ticket reselling intensified and the museum has taken steps to limit it.
If you can’t get an online ticket, consider arriving early to try to buy tickets directly at the box office (but be aware of the per‑person purchase limit introduced in 2025). For St. Mary’s Basilica, buying a donation ticket at the point on Plac Mariacki 7 gives priority entry to the visitor areas and also supports the church’s upkeep.
Short option (half day): Old Town: Main Market Square — a quick visit to St. Mary’s Basilica (altarpiece, hejnał) — walk along Grodzka Street toward Wawel or take a tram to Podgórze for Schindler’s Factory (if you have tickets).
Full day: Morning: St. Mary’s Basilica and the tower (if you want the panorama), stroll through the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and the Market Cellars. Afternoon: head to Podgórze to visit Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory (allow 1.5–2 hours), finish the day with dinner in Kazimierz or near the Market Square.
After intense sightseeing try local flavors: zapiekanki on Plac Nowy in Kazimierz are a classic of street food, and for a more formal meal consider central restaurants such as Wierzynek (historic atmosphere) or Szara (good Polish cuisine in the heart of the Market). For coffee and cake, cafés like Café Camelot (ul. Św. Tomasza) are atmospheric places to rest.
If you prefer something less touristy, look for milk bars (bar mleczny) or small bistros off the Market — Krakow’s food scene is diverse, from regional cuisine to vegan and modern restaurants.
Surprise: part of St. Mary’s Basilica is permanently reserved for prayer and is freely accessible — tourists are mainly given access to the area with the altarpiece and the chapels, so not every corner of the interior is part of the paid visitor section.
Mistake 1: buying tickets from private sellers at marked‑up prices — in 2025 there were cases of large ticket purchases and resale. How to avoid it: use the museum’s official sales or buy at the box office (keeping the per‑person limit in mind).
Mistake 2: planning to visit the St. Mary’s tower without accounting for entry limits and the time needed to climb — reserve a time slot and arrive early.
Can I take photos? At Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory photography is usually allowed without flash; in St. Mary’s Basilica be cautious and respectful — follow the rules posted by visitor services.
How far ahead should I buy tickets online? Check when the museum releases tickets (often in advance) and buy as early as possible if you need a specific date and time. In 2025 some batches sold out quickly.
Are there discounts or family tickets? Museums usually offer reduced and family tickets — check conditions and available options when purchasing.
Take care of your comfort: comfortable shoes, a water bottle and planned breaks will make an intensive day in the Old Town and Podgórze more enjoyable. Check opening hours and possible closed days (for example, some branches are closed on the first Tuesday of the month).
If you found this article helpful — share it with friends or on social media. If you’d like to explore with a local private guide, consider tours with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available on the guide’s page. Good luck planning and enjoy your stay in Krakow!
