St. Mary's Basilica on the Main Market Square is one of those places in Kraków that inspires both awe and… queue anxiety. For Erasmus students and other university students it’s not only a city icon but also a perfect spot for a quick cultural check-off between classes or during a weekend walk around the Old Town.
Before you go in: remember the tourist entrance is on the south side. The main entrance from the Square is intended for people coming to pray — please respect that rule, especially during Mass.
Key facts to remember right away: the Veit Stoss Altarpiece is a must-see; entrance to the basilica requires a donation-ticket (so-called "cegiełka"); and entry to the tower where the bugle call is played requires a separate ticket and is often limited in capacity. Hours and prices can change seasonally, so if your visit is time-sensitive, check the visitor desk on the day of your visit.
The Veit Stoss Altarpiece - a monumental wooden masterpiece of late Gothic art. Most visitors linger longest here; get close and pay attention to the carved details and the scenes from the lives of Mary and Jesus.
Polychromes by Jan Matejko and richly decorated side chapels - each chapel has its own story and style, from Gothic to Baroque. For art or history students it’s a fast lesson in techniques and iconography.
The organ, bells and the hejnał - the interior hides important musical and liturgical elements that matter to local tradition. The hejnał (bugle call) sounds on the hour from the tower; it’s a Kraków symbol and a nice short attraction between looking at the monuments.
Visiting hours: usually 11:30–18:00 on weekdays and Saturdays; on Sundays and public holidays the basilica admits tourists from 14:00 to 18:00. The Veit Stoss Altarpiece is shown to the public at set times (typically opening around 11:50 on weekdays and from about 14:10 on Sundays).
Tickets (so-called "cegiełki") are purchased at the visitor service desk at Plac Mariacki 7. A large donation-ticket costs 18 PLN, a small donation-ticket 10 PLN (reduced applies to, among others, children over 8, students up to 26, and seniors 60+).
Access to the bugle-tower is paid separately (large donation-ticket 20 PLN, small 15 PLN), capacity is limited and there is no online advance reservation — tickets are bought on-site. The tower entrance is from Floriańska Street; children under about 8 years old are usually not admitted for safety reasons.
Best time to visit: early in the morning right after opening or late afternoon — those are the least crowded moments. If you only have an afternoon, try to come on a weekday.
Student discount: if you have a student ID and are up to 26 years old, you can buy a reduced donation-ticket. Many Erasmus students carry an international student card (ISIC) — keep it with you even though the basilica’s reduced rules are usually based on age and the presented student ID.
Enter from the south side: this is the dedicated entrance for tourists and will save you time. Avoid using the main entrance on the Square for sightseeing — that door is for worshippers, not for snapshots or selfies.
Climbing up to the bugle-tower gives you one of the best views over the Market Square and the roofs of the Old Town — it’s a short but intense attraction, often visited in pairs or small groups (usually up to a dozen or so people per turn).
Organization: tower visits usually run every half hour and places are limited; tickets must be bought on-site. Group size per ascent is restricted (commonly up to 15 people), and in bad weather the tower can be closed.
Safety: access to the tower is by stairs, sometimes narrow; children under 8 are usually not allowed. If you have a fear of heights, consider whether to climb — but the views are well worth the effort.
During the visit, silence and respect are required — parts of the basilica are used for prayer and Mass. Photography is usually allowed but without flash. Tripods and professional equipment require permission.
Dress: as in any sacred place, dress neatly — shoulders and knees should be covered if you plan to enter prayer spaces.
Attending Mass as a tourist: you may participate, but use the entrance for worshippers and remain silent. During Mass tourist visits may be limited.
If you feel like coffee and something sweet after leaving the basilica, popular nearby spots include Café Camelot (atmospheric interior), Charlotte (breakfast and bakery), and several cafés along Grodzka Street and around the Market Square.
For lunch or dinner consider places with traditional Kraków and Polish cuisine: Szara or Wierzynek (both historic and pricier) and many well-reviewed, moderately priced restaurants tucked in the side streets off the Square. Students also recommend eateries around St. Anne's Square and Floriańska Street for good quality and student-friendly prices.
If you want a quick and cheap bite after sightseeing, look for local bistros and milk bars (bar mleczny) nearby — in season they serve local specialties at student-friendly prices.
The hejnał mariacki — the melody played from the tower every hour. Traditionally the tune stops abruptly; this commemorates the trumpeter allegedly shot during a Tatar raid. You’ll hear it from the Square on the hour.
Two-tower stories and tower legends — the basilica’s history is full of local tales; it’s a nice topic for a short chat with friends during a coffee break.
Hidden details on the altarpiece — Veit Stoss’s sculptures contain small scenes and details that can surprise even those who have seen photographs. Look for subtle facial expressions and tiny carved props.
Trying to visit during an ongoing Mass — the result is frustration and waiting; check Mass times if you have a strict schedule.
Buying tower tickets at the last minute in high season — the tower fills up quickly. If your time is limited, come early or have an alternative plan (a walk to other Old Town viewpoints).
Entering through the main Square door as if it were an exhibition entrance — that door is for worshippers; respect the liturgical space and use the south-side tourist entrance.
Will an Erasmus student get a discount on the donation-ticket? - Students up to 26 years old are usually eligible for a reduced donation-ticket; keep your student ID with you. Older students may not qualify for the reduced rate.
Where to buy tickets? - All donation-tickets are purchased at the visitor service desk at Plac Mariacki 7 (on site). There is no online reservation for the tower — tickets are only sold in person.
How long does a visit take? - Typically 30–45 minutes to see the interior; the tower visit adds roughly 20–30 minutes depending on the queue.
If you are an Erasmus student or studying in Kraków — treat a visit to St. Mary's as an essential but flexible item on your list: a short visit, a photo by the altarpiece and a stroll around the Square fits well with university life.
If you want to get to know St. Mary's Basilica faster and with commentary tailored to student interests (history, art, anecdotes), you are welcome to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available from zwiedzaniekrakowa (the local guide service).
If this article was helpful — share it with friends, post it on social media or send it to Erasmus colleagues. Enjoy your visit and see you at the Market Square!
