The Main Market Square in Kraków is one of the most beautiful places in Poland — outdoor tables here have a unique atmosphere, but they are often more expensive than coffee or lunch a few steps away. If your priority is the view and the vibe, it can be worth paying a bit more to sit at a terrace with a direct view of the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) or St. Mary's Basilica. If your priority is a reasonable bill, step onto a side street or pick a table a little farther from the square — you'll often find a better price-to-quality ratio while still being only a few dozen metres from the city's heart.
This article includes practical tips: where to look for cheaper tables, what questions to ask before sitting down, and a few well-known places that combine a great location with reasonable prices. At the end there is a short FAQ and an invitation to contact private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz, who can advise, reserve a table or tickets, and help with tour logistics. (Contact details and more on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com).
Regardless of the place, central prices reflect demand: the summer season, tourist crowds and the exceptional location next to landmarks all push prices up. On top of that are costs related to permits for outdoor terraces issued by the city — venues on the Main Market must meet specific requirements and often pay higher fees for occupying public space than cafés on side streets. During special events, markets or festivals prices can rise even further.
In practice this means the same coffee or snack can cost significantly more at a main entrance to the Square than on a neighbouring street. Keep this in mind when planning a break to rest and eat.
Instead of choosing a table in the very centre with a view of the Basilica, pick one of the middle options: the side streets around the Square (Szewska, Sławkowska, Grodzka, Kanonicza) often offer a similar atmosphere at lower prices. The Small Market (Mały Rynek) and the squares around it provide a more intimate feel and often better prices for comparable service.
Look for venues with courtyards or tucked-away terraces — hidden courtyards and smaller gardens off the side streets offer calm and usually lower prices while keeping the Old Town charm.
Consider Szczepański Square and the area around Westerplatte Street — there are places here serving good coffee and food at friendlier prices, and it's just a few minutes' walk to the Main Market. If you want a higher perspective, cafés at the level of the Cloth Hall offer a panorama of the Square without sitting on the most crowded terraces.
Słodki Wentzl (Rynek Główny 19) — a classic by the Cloth Hall. Worth popping in for cake and coffee; prices can be more reasonable than some restaurants on the immediate edge of the Square, and the atmosphere and history of the place compensate for the cost.
Cafe Camelot (ul. Św. Tomasza) — an iconic café near the Square known for homemade pastries and an intimate vibe. A good spot for a relaxed coffee away from the busiest noise while staying close to attractions.
The Piano Rouge (Rynek Główny 46) — a terrace with a view of the Town Hall and St. Mary's; a more elegant place with higher prices, but the exceptional atmosphere and service are often rated very highly.
Hidden venues on Kanonicza and Grodzka — here you'll find several intimate restaurants and cafés with terraces that combine good cuisine with a pleasant atmosphere and often lower prices than those directly on the Square.
When choosing, filter by ratings and reviews — places with good reviews often offer a fair quality-to-price ratio.
Before you sit down ask for a menu with prices and check whether the listed prices apply to outdoor tables or only the interior. Some venues have different tariffs for terraces. If the menu isn't available outside, ask a server for approximate prices.
Watch for extra charges: some restaurants add a “table charge” or have a minimum order for terrace seating. If you're unsure — ask before ordering.
Consider ordering takeaway and eating on one of the benches around the Square or on the Small Market — it's a way to enjoy the view without terrace prices. Buying an obwarzanek from a street vendor or a dessert from a patisserie is a cheaper way to eat while still soaking in the Market atmosphere.
Higher prices for mixed drinks (cocktails, aperitifs) are common in the most touristy spots. To save, go for coffee, juice or local beer, and asking for “a small cup, not a large one” often helps reduce costs.
Check happy hour times, lunch promotions or daily specials — many places outside peak tourist hours offer attractive deals. Look for venues with lunch menus or midday promotions.
Sitting down without checking the menu and prices — simple yet common. Always ask for the menu before you sit.
Assuming outdoor seating is cheaper than indoor — often the opposite; some terraces charge extra for the spot. Notice this before ordering.
Assuming you can pay everywhere by card. Despite modernisation, some small places prefer cash or add a surcharge for card payments. Have some small change for small purchases.
Not reading venue descriptions online — many restaurants and cafés clearly state whether their terrace is open or requires reservation. Check online information or call ahead.
Organising a terrace in urban space in major cities requires permits and procedures — the City Hall issues permits and rules regarding the Main Market and adjacent squares. This partially explains higher prices and formalities around terraces.
In some years the city has introduced temporary fee reductions for businesses (for example relief measures during difficult economic periods). This has allowed some restaurants to lower prices or expand terraces temporarily. Such measures are variable and depend on city policy.
Markets and special events (Christmas, Easter, festivals) significantly affect prices and table availability — if you plan a visit during these times, book ahead or be prepared for higher rates.
Prices vary greatly, but as a rough guide: coffee at the cheapest places near the Square can start in the low tens of złoty, while in the priciest locations special coffees or coffees with extras cost considerably more. Main courses in restaurants by the Square typically start around 30 zł and up. Beer in tourist terraces often costs several dozen złoty. These ranges help plan a budget, but always check the menu for current prices.
For more precise, up-to-date amounts check menus online or call the venue. Prices respond dynamically to season and city events.
Where should I sit if I want a great view but lower prices? Choose cafés at the Cloth Hall level or the side streets Grodzka, Kanonicza, Szewska — they often keep the view while offering lower prices.
Can I drink alcohol standing on the Square? Rules for public alcohol consumption are set by city regulations — formally consuming alcohol outside designated places may be restricted, so it's best to use terraces and licensed venues.
Is it necessary to reserve a table on the Square? In season and at lunchtime reservation is a sensible idea, especially if you want a specific table with a view. For a morning coffee reservation is usually not necessary.
How can I save money without giving up the atmosphere? Order coffee and cake instead of a full meal, sit in a side alley or buy takeaway and eat on a bench — this lets you enjoy the atmosphere at a much lower cost.
If you plan a longer walk around the Old Town, schedule your lunch break outside peak hours (for example before 13:00 or after 15:00) — many places offer lunch promotions then.
Ask staff for the daily recommendation — local daily specials are often not expensive and Polish seasonal cuisine can pleasantly surprise you with its value.
If you want a special experience (for example dinner with a view of the Basilica) consider booking in advance and asking about the option to settle the bill early or arrange a set menu — this helps avoid surprises.
Obwarzanek krakowski — cheap, filling and available practically everywhere around the Square; a great idea for a quick, budget-friendly snack during a walk.
Apple pie (szarlotka), kremówka and cakes from traditional patisseries near the Square — an excellent alternative to a full meal and perfect with coffee.
Lunch sets in local restaurants away from the main terrace often offer the best quality-to-price ratio — check the daily offers.
During markets and big festivals outdoor tables can be more expensive and availability drops — book ahead or visit outside peak hours. In heat look for terraces with umbrellas or shade — a small extra charge for a shaded table can be worth it. In rain check whether the terrace has covers or heating; these amenities usually come with a higher price.
During busy tourist periods restaurants may require a minimum order for terrace seating — ask about this when you arrive.
If you like, I can propose a sightseeing route tailored to your preferences including the best places for a coffee break or lunch at a reasonable price. Małgorzata Kasprowicz, a private guide cooperating with zwiedzaniekrakowa.com, helps plan tours, reserve tables and museum tickets, and organise transport and accommodation. That way you can focus on enjoyment instead of logistics. (Contact details available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com).
If you enjoyed this article — share it with friends or on social media to help others plan their visit to Kraków. Thank you and enjoy a tasty day on the Market!
