St. Mary's Basilica in Kraków, Poland, is a stunning Gothic church renowned for its majestic wooden Veit Stoss altarpiece, which is dramatically unveiled daily at specific times, typically around noon. General access to the main nave for prayer is usually free, but a modest fee applies for tourists wishing to explore the altar area more closely, visit specific chapels or the crypts, or climb the taller tower for panoramic city views; these areas are largely accessible, though tower climbs involve stairs. Both solo exploration and guided tours are highly recommended, with tours offering deeper historical and artistic insights. The basilica is open year-round, though specific tourist visiting hours may vary slightly by season, so checking the current schedule is advised. A typical visit duration ranges from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on whether one only views the main nave or opts for a more comprehensive exploration including a tower climb. Visitors should dress respectfully as it is an active place of worship, and the hourly trumpet call (Hejnal Mariacki) from the taller tower is a unique and cherished tradition.