Krakow's Market Square Guided Tour with visit to St. Mary Church

Krakow , Poland

Krakow's Market Square Guided Tour with visit to St. Mary Church

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About this experience

Walking with a guide through the streets of the Old Town, visit the old academic district, see the remains of the former defensive walls and find beautiful decorations on the walls of churches and tenement houses.

As you approach the Market Square, in the distance you can see two asymmetric towers of different heights of the famous St. Mary's Church, a temple with an 800-year history. Its taller tower is 82 meters high, from which a trumpeter plays the famous Marian bugle call every hour.
Enter St. Mary's Church and discover richly decorated vaults, stained glass windows and a treasury full of liturgical objects and vestments. However, the greatest monument is the extraordinary wooden altar. It contains 200 realistically sculpted human figures and was created by a German master.

It is worth asking the guide about the rings and the lantern placed on the church wall, finding out where the line of life and death runs, and where to throw a coin to return to Krakow one day.

Available options

Polish tour

Tour with Guide in Polish

Italian tour

German tour

Tour with Guide in German

English tour

Tour with Guide in English

Spanish tour

French tour

Tour with Guide in French

What's included

Ticket to St. Mary's Basilica

Guide

Detailed itinerary

Ulica Grodzka, winding through the heart of Krakow's Old Town, is a charming and historically significant street that exudes a timeless ambiance. As visitors stroll along this enchanting street, they encounter landmarks such as St. Andrew's Church and the Church of St. Peter and Paul, immersing themselves in the rich history and cultural tapestry of Krakow.

Stop 2

Krakow's Main Market Square, Rynek Główny, is a bustling epicenter of history and culture in the heart of the city. The square is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe's largest medieval marketplaces. Lively with street performers, outdoor cafes, and surrounded by architectural treasures, the Main Market Square is a vibrant hub that captures the essence of Krakow's charm.

Stop 3

St. Mary's Basilica, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture situated in Krakow's Main Market Square, is an iconic symbol of the city's religious and cultural heritage.Inside, visitors are captivated by the awe-inspiring interior adorned with stunning stained glass windows, an elaborate high altar, and the famous wooden altarpiece carved by Veit Stoss.

What's not included

Tips (optional)

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN IT PL FR ES

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements.

Meeting point

In the central part of St. Square Mary Magdalene at the monument of priest Piotr Skarga, look for a guide with our company website sign

Important notes

The guide holds your original ticket. Meet him at the meeting point.

About Krakow

Krakow, the former capital of Poland, is a city rich in history, culture, and stunning architecture. It's home to the Wawel Royal Castle, the historic Main Market Square, and the largest medieval old town in Europe. Krakow's vibrant arts scene, bustling nightlife, and proximity to Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine make it a must-visit destination.

Top Attractions

Wawel Royal Castle

This iconic castle was the residence of Polish kings and a symbol of Polish statehood. It offers a glimpse into Poland's rich history.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours 30-50 PLN (€7-12)

Main Market Square (Rynek Główny)

One of the largest medieval town squares in Europe, surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and shops.

Historical/Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore

Wieliczka Salt Mine

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring underground chambers, chapels, and sculptures carved out of salt.

Historical/Adventure 4-5 hours 89-139 PLN (€20-32)

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

A poignant and sobering visit to the largest Nazi concentration camp, now a memorial and museum.

Historical/Educational Full day 70-100 PLN (€16-23)

Kazimierz District

The historic Jewish quarter with a rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, and charming streets.

Cultural/Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pierogi

Dumplings filled with various ingredients like meat, cheese, potatoes, or fruits.

Dinner Can be vegetarian or vegan

Obwarzanek

A type of bread ring, similar to a bagel, often sold by street vendors.

Snack Vegetarian

Zapiekanka

A Polish street food consisting of a half-baguette topped with mushrooms, cheese, and various condiments.

Snack Can be vegetarian

Schabowy

A breaded pork cutlet, similar to schnitzel, often served with potatoes and cabbage.

Dinner Contains meat

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Tatra Mountains Skiing in Zakopane Spa and wellness treatments Strolling through parks and gardens Visiting museums and galleries Attending concerts and performances Boating on the Vistula River Skiing and snowboarding in the nearby mountains

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Krakow for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city is lively with festivals and tourists.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Polish
Widely spoken: English, German, Russian
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Polish Złoty (PLN)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Krakow is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure in crowded areas.
• Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps.
• Be cautious when withdrawing money from ATMs.

Getting there

By air

John Paul II International Airport Krakow-Balice • 11 km from city center

By train

Krakow Glowny, Krakow Plaza

By bus

Krakow Main Bus Station, Młocińscy Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Krakow's tram system is efficient and covers most of the city. Trams are comfortable and frequent.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town (Stare Miasto) Kazimierz Nowa Huta Zakrzówek

Day trips

Wieliczka Salt Mine

14 km from Krakow • Full day

Explore the underground chambers, chapels, and sculptures carved out of salt in this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

70 km from Krakow • Full day

Visit the largest Nazi concentration camp, now a memorial and museum, to learn about the Holocaust.

Zakopane

100 km from Krakow • Full day

A picturesque mountain town known for its stunning scenery, hiking trails, and skiing opportunities.

Festivals

Krakow Jewish Festival • June or July (annual) Krakow Film Festival • May (annual) Krakow Christmas Market • December (annual)

Pro tips

Use the Krakow Card for unlimited public transport and free entry to many attractions.
Visit the Wawel Dragon statue and make a wish by placing a coin in its mouth.
Try traditional Polish dishes like pierogi and żurek at local restaurants.
Explore the Kazimierz district for its vibrant nightlife and cultural scene.
Take a day trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine or Auschwitz-Birkenau for a deeper understanding of Polish history.