Did you know the St. Mary’s hejnał from the church tower is played every hour and that the noon performance (12:00) is broadcast on Polish Radio Program I? The melody ends abruptly — a reminder of the legend about the trumpeter who was reportedly struck by an arrow while warning the city of an attack.
For many visitors, that sudden, short rendition of the hejnał becomes one of the most memorable moments of a visit to the Market Square.
The centerpiece of the interior is the altarpiece by Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz) — a massive Gothic wooden masterpiece that takes pride of place in the church. The sculptures and biblical scenes impress even people who don’t normally follow art.
Beyond the altarpiece, pay attention to the polychrome paintings, the side chapels and the calm, sacred atmosphere. Remember that the basilica is an active church — please respect liturgy and keep quiet during services.
If you want the best view of the altarpiece, plan your visit for early morning or right after the doors open for tourists — there are usually fewer people then.
You can visit the tower (the hejnal watch) but entrance is via small donation tickets (so-called 'brick' tickets) — treated as a donation for monument upkeep. Tokens are available at different rates, and discounts are typically available for students (usually up to age 26).
Tower visits take place at set times and in limited groups, so it’s a good idea to arrive early — places for each climb are limited.
Children below a certain age (usually around 8) are not admitted to the tower for safety reasons. Check current opening hours and rules before you go so you’re not surprised.
The Old Town is covered by a Paid Parking Zone (SPP) — parking in the strict centre is limited and more expensive. Fees in the SPP are usually charged Monday to Saturday during the zone’s operating hours.
A safe and convenient option is the Galeria Krakowska car park at the Main Railway Station — many spaces, an easy walk to the centre in a few minutes, and card payment available. This is a good choice for day trips to the Market Square.
An alternative on the other side of the Vistula is the multi-storey 'Stare Podgórze' car park — about 10–15 minutes by tram or on foot from the Market Square. It’s often cheaper than central parking.
Also consider the parking near the National Museum — close to the centre and convenient if you plan to visit routes around al. Mickiewicza and the Planty.
Before you get out of the car, check whether you’re in an SPP area and what the zone hours are. Pay stations and mobile apps make paying for parking easy — use them rather than leaving without a ticket.
If you plan to stay longer, compare prices of multi-storey parking lots (Galeria Krakowska, underground parking near the museum) with on-street zone fees — in many cases a parking garage can be more economical.
Watch for resident-only spaces and marked spots for people with disabilities — parking there without authorization can result in a hefty fine.
Students often get discounts at museums and attractions upon showing a student ID or an international ISIC card — always ask the ticket office about concessions.
Plan visits outside peak tourist hours (early mornings, weekdays) to avoid queues and consider buying tickets at service points (sometimes there are reduced 'brick' tickets for younger visitors).
If you’re traveling with a student group, consider leaving the car at a larger parking lot and using trams to get around the city. Trams and buses in Kraków link the main points in the centre and fares are inexpensive.
For quick, local bites, Plac Nowy in Kazimierz is famous for its zapiekanki — ideal for a fast, cheap meal after an evening out.
Around the Market Square and Kazimierz you’ll also find well-reviewed cafés and bars that often run student promotions — check reviews before you go to pick the best-rated spots.
For a more relaxed meal, look for places frequented by locals — quality and prices are usually better than right in the busiest parts of the centre.
Assuming you can 'easily' park without checking the zone — central spaces are few and you can quickly receive a fine. Always check signs and SPP hours.
Not planning your visit to St. Mary’s — the Veit Stoss altarpiece and tower access have time limits and visitor caps. It’s better to come early or on a weekday off-peak.
Thinking everything is cheaper in the evening — many attractions have opening hours and some places are closed at night. Plan your route with opening times in mind.
Is the hejnał played every day? - Yes, the hejnał is played every hour from St. Mary’s tower; the 12:00 rendition is broadcast on the radio.
Do students pay less to climb the tower? - There are usually reduced 'brick' tickets for students upon showing ID; check the ticket desk on site.
Where to leave the car for the whole day? - The most convenient options are large multi-storey car parks (for example Galeria Krakowska) or the Stare Podgórze car park and then a tram into the Old Town.
Can I take photos inside the church? - Photography is allowed in the interior but with restrictions (for example, no flash) and you must respect services and some chapels.
Kraków and St. Mary’s Church are must-see stops on anyone’s map of the city — with a good plan you’ll see the highlights without rushing or overspending.
If you find this guide useful, share it with friends or post it on social media. If you’d like to tour with a private guide, feel free to contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz — services are available through this guide’s site.
