St. Mary’s Basilica is one of Krakow’s most famous landmarks - not only an icon of the Main Market Square, but above all the place where you can see the Gothic altarpiece carved by Veit Stoss, richly decorated chapels and an interior full of details that are hard to capture in photos. Visiting inside lets you appreciate the scale and craftsmanship of this monument and feel the atmosphere of a living church that still serves worshippers.
For many visitors, an extra attraction is the bugle call (hejnał) played from the tower - a Krakow symbol and a moment worth hearing while standing on the Market or after coming down from the tower. A visit therefore combines art, history and local tradition.
If you come on a weekday, you have a better chance to spend time in relative quiet, study the altar’s details and avoid the biggest queues - this guide focuses on practical tips for visits on weekdays.
The basilica is open to visitors during tourist hours: usually Monday to Saturday around 11:30 AM - 6:00 PM, and on Sundays and holidays later, around 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Exact opening hours can change for liturgical celebrations, so check current information before you go.
Tourist entry is via a donation-ticket known locally as a cegiełka. Typically there are two categories: a full donation and a reduced donation. Tickets are purchased at the visitor service point at Plac Mariacki 7.
Entry to the tower (the bugle tower) is organized separately and requires a separate ticket. The number of entries to the tower is sometimes limited and tickets are sold on the day at the visitor desk - arrive early if you plan to climb.
The best time to visit on a weekday is in the first hours after tourist opening - usually right when visiting hours begin. Mornings have fewer people, better conditions for photography and more opportunity to study the altarpiece calmly.
Avoid times when Masses and services are being celebrated - tourist access may be limited then. Weekday Mass times are scheduled, so if you want certainty, check the liturgy plan or ask at the visitor desk.
If you plan to climb the tower, come early - tower tickets often sell out during the day. It can help to visit the basilica first and then pick up a tower ticket so you can synchronize the time of ascent.
The main altarpiece by Veit Stoss - the basilica’s central attraction: a huge, multi-layered sculptural work showing scenes from the life of Jesus and Mary. It’s best seen up close from the chancel.
Side chapels - each holds historic tombs, polychrome paintings and works of sacred art. Pause at the chapels along the way to spot local details and epitaphs.
The bells and the nave interior - the Gothic architecture, vaulting and abundant decorative elements make simply walking the nave rewarding; look for carved woodwork, paintings and historic furnishings.
Climbing the tower is a separate attraction - the view over the Main Market Square and the surrounding streets is worth the effort. Ascents take place at set times and ticket availability depends on the day and the tourist season.
The tower is reached by stairs; expect narrow spaces and steps. For safety reasons there may be age restrictions or limits on the number of visitors per group.
The bugle call - the hejnał is played from the tower at traditional hours (the most famous being the noon call). Even if you don’t climb to the top, it’s worth listening for the hejnał while standing on the Market.
Remember that St. Mary’s Basilica is first and foremost a place of worship - touring requires maintaining silence and respect. During services, tourist areas may be restricted.
Dress - modest dress is recommended with shoulders and knees covered. While dress checks are not always strict, it’s respectful to adapt your clothing to the sacred setting.
Photography - taking photos inside is generally allowed but without flash; some chapels or areas may have a total photo ban. Professional equipment (tripods, lighting) requires permission.
Suggested plan for 45-90 minutes: 1) Arrive soon after opening and buy your donation-ticket at the desk on Plac Mariacki. 2) Enter through the tourist entrance (the south side) and view the nave and chapels. 3) Spend most of your time at Veit Stoss’s altarpiece in the chancel. 4) If you plan to climb the tower, check the ascent time and get the ticket; after climbing, take a walk outside to enjoy the Market from above.
If you have more time, consider asking the visitor desk about recommended details or a short leaflet or audio guide - staff often point out elements worth noticing.
Plan to combine the basilica with other Market Square attractions: the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), the Town Hall Tower and a stroll along Grodzka Street make natural extensions to your visit.
After visiting the Market Square there are many options for a coffee break or a meal. Nearby you’ll find cafes serving cakes and coffee and restaurants with Polish and international cuisine. Two classic choices in the Market area are Café Noworolski in the Cloth Hall and Café Camelot on a side street - both offer pleasant stops after sightseeing.
If you prefer something quieter, look for small cafes on streets adjacent to the Market - they often serve fresh pastries and local baked goods, perfect after a walk. For traditional Polish fare, restaurants around the Market and on streets leading toward Kazimierz offer hearty dishes at reasonable prices.
Keep in mind that during high season Market-area places can be crowded - booking a table for lunch helps save time if you have a fixed plan.
Do I need to book tickets in advance? - Donation-tickets are bought at the visitor desk on Plac Mariacki on the day of your visit; advance reservations are usually not possible. Arrive early if you want to be sure of entry.
How much time do I need for a thorough visit? - A standard visit takes 45-60 minutes. If you want to study the main altarpiece carefully and climb the tower, allow 1-1.5 hours.
Are children allowed on the tower? - Some tower ascents have age and group-size restrictions; check at the visitor desk before buying a ticket.
Can I enter through the main Market entrance? - The main entrance leads to an area intended for worshippers and prayer. Tourists should use the tourist entrance on the south side.
Arrive early and give yourself time for a calm visit - this is a place where close observation is rewarded. Check current opening hours and announcements about services before you go.
Respect the sacred space: silence phone notifications, avoid loud conversations and follow staff instructions. If part of the church is closed for liturgy, treat it as an authentic experience - locals use the basilica primarily as a place of prayer.
If you want to learn more about the history and symbolism of the altarpiece, pick up a short guide or leaflet at the visitor desk - having a little background helps you notice small elements that tell important stories from Krakow’s past.
