St. Mary's Basilica is the heart of the Old Town — a monumental Gothic basilica that pairs perfectly with a short walk to Kraków's most important sights. It stands directly on the Main Market Square, so it's a natural starting point if you have about two hours and want to soak up the city's atmosphere.
Inside, the must-see is the Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz) Altarpiece — one of Poland's most precious works of art — along with rich polychrome murals and side chapels. From the taller tower the hejnał (trumpet call) sounds on each full hour — a short, distinctive tune whose abrupt ending commemorates the legendary trumpeter. Entrance to the interior and the tower is usually paid — prices and opening hours can change, so it's a good idea to check the latest information before you go.
Starting at St. Mary's makes it easy to plan a route that includes the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), parts of the Planty park, Grodzka Street and Wawel Castle — or to finish your walk among Kazimierz's atmospheric streets — all within a relaxed 2-hour walk. It's ideal for visitors who want to get a sense of Kraków in a single outing without rushing and with a few short stops for photos.
- Short and practical: St. Mary's gives you both an interior to explore and a viewpoint — a perfect first 20–40 minutes of your walk. - The hejnał and the Veit Stoss Altarpiece are highlights you likely won't miss. - Plan short stops so you can see several places within two hours.
Note: The basilica is an active place of worship — during services visitor access may be limited. Please dress modestly and keep silence during liturgies.
The route is designed for a calm pace with short photo breaks and brief visits inside monuments. Estimated time: 1.5–2 hours depending on pace and any entrances.
1) Start: St. Mary's Basilica (20–35 min) - Go inside, admire the Veit Stoss Altarpiece and the polychromes. If you have time, consider climbing the tower — the view over the Market Square and Kraków's rooftops is worth the extra minutes. Try to be nearby at the top of the hour to hear the hejnał.
2) Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) (15–20 min) - A short stroll around the square: the Cloth Hall is a great spot for souvenirs and has an upstairs gallery with 19th-century Polish art. Walk along the stalls, look at the surrounding townhouses and cafés.
3) Grodzka Street toward Wawel (20–30 min) - Walk the historic Grodzka Street straight to Wawel. Along the way you'll pass churches and old townhouses — a pleasant, picturesque stretch.
4) Wawel — courtyard and exterior walls (15–25 min) - If you prefer not to enter the museums, admire the castle's exterior buildings and the cathedral from the outside. Wawel is a short walk from the Market Square and gives you a royal feel of the city.
5) Return via the Planty or small side streets (15–20 min) - On the way back, walk through the Planty park or choose side streets to see quieter parts of the Old Town and enjoy a more local atmosphere.
Start early in the morning or in the late afternoon — the square is usually less crowded then. If you want to visit St. Mary's interior, arriving right after opening is a smart move. - Time: allow an extra 15–30 minutes for possible lines and ticket purchases.
Tickets and entry - Entrance to the basilica is paid for tourists outside service times; tower access and special visits may require separate tickets. Prices change from time to time, so check before your visit. - Card payments are often accepted, but it's useful to carry some cash for small purchases at the Cloth Hall stalls.
Shoes and comfort - The route goes over cobbled streets and sometimes involves stairs — comfortable, flat shoes will make the walk much more enjoyable. - On hot days bring water and a hat; on rainy days take an umbrella or a light raincoat.
Photo timing - The nicest light for photos is in the morning or late afternoon. If you plan to photograph the basilica interior, avoid using flash and respect people praying.
Accessibility - Parts of the Old Town can be difficult for visitors with limited mobility. Some entrances to historic buildings have steps — if you need assistance or facilities, check in advance or ask staff on site.
Veit Stoss Altarpiece - The altarpiece is the interior's main attraction. Take a moment to admire the sculptural detail and the biblical scenes.
Polychromes and chapels - The colors and decorative details on the walls create the basilica's special atmosphere — it's worth pausing to take them in.
Tower and hejna42 - The trumpet signal is played from the taller tower on each full hour — the tune famously stops mid-stream. If you climb the tower, be prepared for several hundred steps and rewarding panoramas.
Rules of conduct - This is a place of worship, so keep quiet and dress respectfully. Flash photography is usually prohibited, and some chapels may have additional restrictions. Respect ceremonies and masses.
Quick tip: If you want stories and details about the altarpiece and its symbolism, look for an informational leaflet on site or use an available audio guide app.
More time? Instead of returning right away, you can enter Wawel — a full visit to the castle and cathedral usually needs at least 1–2 extra hours. - If you're curious about Kraków's Jewish heritage, continue to Kazimierz after the Market Square — it's a short walk and offers a very different atmosphere.
Cafés and a break - The Market Square and its surroundings are full of cafés and small restaurants. A short coffee break or a takeaway lunch is a pleasant way to rest and watch city life.
Themed walks - Use this plan as a skeleton and adapt it to a theme — for example, focus on Gothic architecture, Kraków legends, or local culinary stops.
If you like, I can prepare a photo-focused route, a local-food version, or a religion-and-history itinerary — tell me which you prefer.
A friendly reminder: when you're in the centre, respect local residents and rules — avoid loud behaviour and sort your waste where possible.
Plan your start time and leave a time buffer — queues at popular sites can lengthen your walk unexpectedly. - Wear comfortable shoes, bring water and a light jacket in case the weather changes.
Entries and prices - Check current opening hours and ticket prices before visiting; some attractions require separate tickets (for example the tower).
Local culture - The church remains a place of prayer — keep silence during services and dress modestly.
Pace - The route is planned so you can see the highlights in two hours, but there's no need to rush — stop where you like.
If you want, I can turn this plan into a short printable map or a version with walking times between points — tell me which option you prefer.
