Krakow Old Town & Saint Mary's Basilica Express Guided Tour

Step into Krakow’s UNESCO-listed Old Town and enjoy entry to St. Mary’s Basilica on this 1.5-hour guided tour.

Getting started

Meet your guide at St. Mary Magdalene Square, by the Piotr Skarga Monument, where you’ll be welcomed, and your tickets will be validated. After a brief introduction, your expert guide will outline the route and set off with your group through the historic heart of Krakow.

What to expect

Krakow Old Town & St. Mary’s Basilica

Explore Krakow’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its medieval layout and vibrant market square. Your guide will share stories of the city’s evolution from a royal capital to a center of learning and trade, culminating in a visit to the iconic St. Mary’s Basilica.

Features

• Collegium Maius courtyard: See the oldest building of the Jagiellonian University, founded in 1364, where Nicolaus Copernicus once studied, and which remains a symbol of Krakow’s academic tradition.

• Main Market Square: Walk across Europe’s largest medieval square, alive with local legends, street performers, and centuries-old townhouses that frame the city’s social and commercial hub.

• Cloth Hall (Sukiennice): View the Renaissance-era arcade that was once the heart of Krakow’s international trade, connecting merchants from across Europe and beyond.

• St. Mary’s Basilica: Step inside to admire the 15th-century Veit Stoss altarpiece, a masterpiece of Gothic sculpture, and take in the richly painted vaults and stained glass that define this sacred landmark.

• Local legends and stories: Hear about Krakow’s famous residents, from artists to scientists, and discover the traditions that make the city unique.

This express walking tour offers an insightful introduction to Krakow’s cultural and spiritual heritage, guided by a local expert in multiple languages.

Know before you go

What to bring

• Dress respectfully for places of worship: both men and women must cover their knees and shoulders; shorts and sleeveless tops are not permitted.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for exploring on foot.

• Choose weather-appropriate clothing, as the tour runs in all weather conditions.

What’s not allowed

• Access to additional areas, such as the church bugle tower, is not included in this experience.

• Shorts and sleeveless tops are not permitted inside St. Mary’s Basilica.

• Flash photography and the use of tripods are not allowed during the tour.

Accessibility

• The tour is wheelchair accessible; however, some sections of the Old Town feature uneven surfaces.

Additional information

• Group tours are offered in a single language, which must be selected at the time of booking.

• The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

• The experience takes place rain or shine.