St. Mary’s Basilica is one of Krakow’s icons — a place that brings together history, art and local tradition. Children usually react with excitement to the impressive Gothic silhouette, the huge carved altarpiece and the hourly hejnał played from the tower, which you can easily turn into a short, memorable lesson in history and culture.
A visit to the church is also a chance to show youngsters crafts from centuries ago: Veit Stoss’s altarpiece amazes with sculptural detail that can be explained using images and short stories. For many families it’s a must-see stop on a route through the Main Market Square.
Veit Stoss’s altarpiece — the basilica’s centerpiece and the attraction most visitors point to. Plan your visit so you can see the ceremonial opening of the altarpiece, which usually takes place around 11:50.
The presbytery and the area closest to the altar are opened to visitors for a small donation ticket (a symbolic “cegiełka” used for the church’s conservation) — this is the part that lets you get closer and show children the fine sculptural details.
The treasury and side chapels offer lots of architectural details and sacred objects that can be described with short, interesting anecdotes tailored to the children’s ages.
Climbing the hejnalica tower is a reward for older children and parents — the panorama of the Old Town is impressive. For safety reasons children under 8 years old are not allowed on the tower, and the number of spots for each climb is limited.
Donation tickets for the tower are purchased at the tourist service point on Marian Square (Plac Mariacki) 7 on the day of your visit — advance reservation is usually not possible. Climbs depart regularly, every half hour, but queues form quickly in season, so it’s worth arriving early.
The stairs up the tower are steep, stone and wooden (there are many steps to reach the higher tower). For families with strollers or very small children, it’s often better to explore the church interior and stroll around the Market Square than to attempt the summit.
The best time to see Veit Stoss’s altarpiece is just before the official opening of the wings, usually around 11:50 — then all the scenes are most visible. Consider this time when planning your day, especially when traveling with small children.
Avoid entering the tourist route during Masses and services; on Sundays sightseeing often starts only in the afternoon. Check the church’s hours before you go so you don’t arrive when parts of the exhibition are closed.
If you plan to climb the tower, arrive at least 30–40 minutes earlier to buy donation tickets and queue. Bringing water, a small snack and a simple game or coloring sheets can save the trip if kids get bored.
Instead of dry facts, tell a short, colorful story: who made the altarpiece, how long it took to create, how the sculptures tell Bible stories and why the work is so precious. Simple comparisons and questions that invite children to look for details help a lot.
The hejnał from the tower is a fantastic moment — if you’re in the square at 12:00, stop for a moment and explain where the tradition comes from and why the tune ends abruptly. It’s a short, powerful scene children will remember.
You can prepare a little game: give children the task of finding three elements (for example an angel, a lion and a musical instrument) during the visit — it engages them and trains observation.
Around the Main Market Square you’ll find many family-friendly places. Well-rated cafés and patisseries offer quick snacks and space to rest — perfect after an intense visit.
If you plan to have lunch with children, choose venues with positive reviews and a kid-friendly menu — in the high season it’s wise to reserve a table in advance, especially during afternoon hours.
Planning a tower visit without checking the age restrictions — result: disappointment. Before going, make sure children meet the age and health requirements.
Arriving just before closing or during Mass — many areas are then unavailable to visitors. It’s better to plan your visit during exhibition hours and avoid services.
Relying on spontaneity in high season. Queues can be long; bring a plan B (a short walk, a place for a snack, alternative nearby attractions).
Veit Stoss’s altarpiece was created over many years and is made from different types of wood — a good starting point to talk about sculpting and the work of old masters.
The Mariacki hejnał is played every hour and the tradition goes back centuries. Children are often surprised that the melody suddenly stops — it’s part of a local legend worth telling briefly.
The tower is a restricted space and climbs are organized in groups every half hour; places are limited, so the ascent is a short, structured excursion.
Can children enter the church for free? - Entrance to the main nave is sometimes free, but to enter the presbytery and see the altarpiece up close you usually need to buy a donation ticket (a symbolic “cegiełka”). The proceeds help maintain the church.
Can I take a stroller to the tower? - You cannot take a stroller to the tower; the stairs are steep and narrow. For families with small children it’s better to leave the stroller on site and visit the interior or walk around the Market Square.
Do I need to reserve entry to the altarpiece or the tower in advance? - Donation tickets are usually sold on the day of the visit and advance booking is often not possible. In high season it’s worth arriving earlier.
Bring sunscreen and a bottle of water on hot days — the Market Square is open and after a long walk children will quickly need a break.
Think of short stories and small games that make the visit feel less 'boring' — this significantly improves how young children experience culture and history.
If you plan to use a private guide, consider local guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on the guide’s website.
St. Mary’s Basilica is a place you can visit with children and turn into a meaningful family adventure — with good preparation and a plan that matches the children’s ages.
If this guide was helpful, share it with friends or on social media — practical tips are worth spreading. If you’d like to tour with a private guide, feel free to contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz — her contact details are on the guide’s page. Have a great time exploring Krakow with your family!
