The Main Market Square looks simple at first glance: a huge open space, the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica and crowds of tourists. But beneath the paving stones and behind the façades of the townhouses lies a history many visitors don’t notice — medieval streets, cemeteries, craft workshops and fragments of the old town hall. Discovering these "layers" changes the walk: instead of another photo with a monument you can see how this place lived for centuries and why it feels so unique. A well-planned visit (a few sites, a few hours, tickets in advance) lets you see the Square in a broader context than a surface-level postcard.
In this article you’ll find five concrete, little-known facts plus practical tips — what to reserve, when to come, how to avoid common mistakes and which places are worth your time and money.
Beneath the surface of the Main Market Square there is a modern museum that exposes fragments of medieval structures: streets, merchant houses, craft workshops and even parts of a cemetery. The exhibition helps you understand that the plaza you see today used to be built-up and buzzing with trade. The displays combine excavations with reconstructions and multimedia, so the visit is engaging for families with children as well.
Archaeologists found, among other things, skeletal remains from a cemetery and everyday objects. Some of these finds are shown in the underground displays — a surprising contrast to the colourful stalls above. Keep in mind that access to the underground is limited and it’s often best to book tickets in advance, especially during the high season.
The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), the iconic trading hall in the middle of the Square, has a long history: from a medieval market through a Renaissance rebuild to a prestigious 19th-century role. Today the ground floor hosts craft and souvenir stalls, but the first floor houses the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art — a branch of the National Museum. If you’re interested in Polish painting (Matejko, Chełmoński, Malczewski and others), go upstairs and combine your walk around the Square with a museum visit.
On the ground floor, inside the historic Cloth Hall interior, you’ll also find the long-standing Noworolski café — an Art Nouveau interior with a long tradition. It’s a pleasant spot to rest: coffee in such a setting gives a different dimension to the break during a Market Square walk.
The hejnal played from the tower of St. Mary’s Basilica is a symbol of Kraków and a melody you’ll hear often. Less obvious than the tune itself are the customs around it: the hejnal is played facing the four cardinal directions — each direction once had its meaning (for the king, for city authorities, for arriving guests, for merchants). The melody survived centuries and became one of the city’s most recognizable acoustic signatures.
There’s also a legend about the hejnal: the abrupt ending of the tune is linked to the story of a trumpeter who sounded the alarm about an attack and was struck by an arrow. You’ll hear many versions of this tale; it gives the moment of stopping in the Square (and listening to the hejnal) an added, romantic dimension. If you want to climb the tower for the panorama, check current opening hours — sometimes access is limited.
Many façades, the Cloth Hall attics and sculptures on plinths — much of what you admire today is the result of 19th-century restorations and stylistic decisions. In the 19th century Kraków experienced a wave of renovations: many objects were rebuilt and restored, sometimes with elements added to emphasize the place’s national character. That’s why the Main Market looks very "picturesque" today, but not all details are medieval.
The Adam Mickiewicz monument also has a stormy history: unveiled in the late 19th century, damaged during World War II and later reconstructed. It’s a good example that the Square’s history includes recent events that shaped its final appearance, not only ancient beginnings.
Prices and expectations in the outdoor restaurant terraces — central tourist spots can be expensive, especially seasonal stalls or fairs. You may find a portion of food costs much more than a similar dish away from the Square. Check the menu before sitting down, ask about portion sizes and any extra charges (service, cover).
Horse-drawn carriages and photos with horses — for many visitors this is a romantic element of the visit, but routes and carriage stands change seasonally and regulations sometimes limit carriage traffic on the Square. If you want a ride, ask first about the route and price and make sure the service is legal and safe.
Watch out for small scams and aggressive vendors — in very crowded places some people offer “souvenirs,” ask for small donations or propose other services. Ordinary caution, keeping documents and your phone close and checking the vendor will help you avoid unpleasant situations.
Best times: if you want to avoid crowds and take nice photos, come early in the morning (just after sunrise) or in the evening. At midday and in the afternoon the Square can be crowded — especially on weekends and during the tourist season. If you plan to visit museums or the St. Mary’s tower, check opening hours online and buy tickets in advance.
Tickets and reservations: the Market Underground, the Cloth Hall exhibitions and some towers have a limited number of daily admissions. Booking online will save time and disappointment. If you plan to eat at a renowned restaurant on the Square (for example Wierzynek, Szara Gęś or other notable places), reserve a table for the evening in advance — popular dining rooms can be full and venues may refuse larger groups without reservations.
Official guides and museums: many museum branches (for example in the Cloth Hall or in the underground museum) employ professional on-site guides — it’s worth joining a museum guide if you want reliable information and curiosities available only on location. If you want help planning your visit (route, tickets, restaurant and accommodation bookings), you can use the services of the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — she will advise and organize the logistics of the trip. With such help you’ll see the Main Market Square not only through a tourist’s eyes but with context, stories and practical support that truly make a difference.
Café Noworolski (Cloth Hall) – a historic Art Nouveau interior and café tradition; a special place for coffee in an exceptional setting. Wierzynek Restaurant – a venue with a long tradition and stylish halls, chosen by guests wanting a "royal" atmosphere; often recommended for those seeking an exceptional culinary experience in the centre. Szara Gęś (Rynek Główny 17) – a restaurant with an original take on Polish cuisine, recommended in culinary guides; a fine choice for an elegant lunch or dinner.
Remember: these places have strong reputations and are often more expensive than less touristy establishments — reserving a table is recommended. To save money, walk a few streets away from the Square (for example to Sławkowska, Kanoniczna or Mikołajska streets) — there you’ll find excellent cafés and bistros with a better quality‑to‑price ratio.
Can I climb St. Mary’s tower and hear the hejnal “from the inside”? - Yes, the tower is open to visitors, but access is sometimes limited; check the basilica’s current opening hours or the ticket office. Are the Market Underground displays suitable for children and people with strollers? - The exhibition is multimedia and family-friendly, but not all parts of the underground are fully stroller-accessible; ask about accessibility and available facilities in advance. Do horse-drawn carriages always run on the Square? - No; regulations and seasonality affect carriage stands and rides. Always ask about the route, price and the driver’s license status before getting in. Can I feed the pigeons on the Square? - Better not; feeding birds creates litter, attracts more birds and is often discouraged by local city services.
Thinking the Square is just a “quick stop” — many people take a photo and leave. To feel the atmosphere, spend at least 2–3 hours: go into the Cloth Hall, visit the underground museum, listen to the hejnal and sit for coffee in a traditional place. Not checking museum and church opening hours — some museums are closed on Mondays and churches may have masses and limited access to exhibition areas. Not booking in popular restaurants — evening tables disappear fast; booking online or by phone saves time and nerves. Leaving valuables in easy-to-reach places — back pockets, backpacks worn on the outside and phones in rear pockets invite petty theft. Simple caution and a closed backpack are effective preventive measures.
Around the Square you’ll find places that change how you see the city: a small Romanesque Church of St. Adalbert (Św. Wojciech) that stood here before the Square was laid out; townhouses whose façades hide much older levels; and the fact that many elements we think of as “ancient” were actually created or reconstructed in the 19th century. These layers of history make a walk across the Square a journey through time.
Another curiosity: the Adam Mickiewicz monument has a long history, including wartime damage and post-war reconstruction. For locals the spot “under Adaś” is a common meeting point and for visitors it’s a must-have photo.
If you liked this guide — share it with friends or on social media. A short note from someone who’s already been is very helpful when planning a successful visit.
If you want your visit to Kraków to be truly polished — I recommend the services of the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. She can help plan the route, reserve museum tickets and tables at recommended restaurants, and if needed take care of transport and accommodation logistics. With that support you’ll see the Main Market Square not only as a tourist but with context, stories and practical assistance that really make a difference. Plan your visit so it becomes a beautiful memory!
