The Main Market Square is not only one of the largest medieval market squares in Europe, it's also a place where small mistakes happen easily — from accidentally stepping into the path of a tram to overpaying for poor food at a fair. This text collects the most common tourist blunders and explains how to avoid them so your stay is pleasant, safe and full of good memories.
If you wonder what really annoys locals and what can spoil your trip — pause for a moment and read the tips below. They are practical, tried-and-true, and written so you can put them to use right away during your walk around the Square.
Standing in the middle of the square with your phone in hand and blocking foot traffic. That not only irritates others but can be dangerous — trams, delivery vehicles and the crowd move here dynamically. Step aside to take a photo, or make a short stop on one of the side sidewalks.
Unintentionally standing on tram tracks or stepping backwards without looking. In several spots around the Square tracks run close to pedestrian routes — stay alert. People taking photos often don’t hear an approaching tram.
Pickpockets and over-trusting the crowd. The Square attracts crowds, and where there are crowds, there are people who exploit moments of inattention. A phone in a back pocket, an open bag or a wallet in a side pocket is an invitation to a thief.
Gastronomic mistakes — buying at random from market stalls or street vendors without checking the price. Seasonal fairs can be convenient but are not always cheap or high quality. Before you buy, ask the price and request a receipt.
Lack of respect in sacred places. When entering St. Mary’s Basilica or other places of worship, keep quiet, take off backpacks and dress modestly — this matters not only for religious reasons but also out of cultural respect.
Interactions with horse-drawn carriages — don’t push, don’t touch the animals without the driver’s permission and don’t encourage work in extreme heat. The city has rules for carriage stands and animal welfare — respect them.
Party antics in the center and walking home alone at night with a hangover. Loud behaviour, entering private tenement houses or trying random doors is a quick route to conflicts with locals or the police.
Selfies in dangerous places — standing on ledges, low walls above drops or directly on the roadway for effect is risking serious injury. No photo is worth your health.
Three pillars of protection: awareness, limiting access to valuables and staying calm. Keep documents and larger cash in an inner pouch or money belt, and carry phone and wallet in a zipped bag held in front of you.
In a crowd, keep your bag closed, preferably with a zipper and a strap across your body. Avoid backpacks on your back in busy places; if you must have a backpack, wear it on your front. It’s wise to split cards/cash between several places — don’t keep everything in one wallet.
Be wary of distractions: someone starts a conversation or asks for directions while another person looks into your pockets. Common scams include staged requests for help, a ‘lost’ petition and overly pushy souvenir sellers.
If you become a victim of theft — report it to the police immediately and call your bank to block cards. Where possible, gather witnesses and note the police report number. Most travel insurance policies require a police report to process claims.
The Market and its surroundings pulse with nightlife, but that’s also where people offer “great deals” to clubs or “free drinks”. This is usually a way to lure an unsuspecting visitor to a place where the bill will be outrageous. Politely decline and stick to known, well-reviewed venues.
Avoid places where pushy staff insist on wristbands or ‘VIP areas’ in a shady manner. When in doubt, ask the venue staff for the on-site price list. Paying in advance for drinks is a warning sign.
If you plan a night out — arrange a meetup point and time with your group, don’t leave anyone alone, and use licensed taxis or book a ride through a trusted app when you go home.
The Square offers both great restaurants and tourist traps. If you want to try traditional dishes, choose places with good reviews and reasonable menus. Historic restaurants on the Square can be pricier but often offer a unique atmosphere — check reviews and book ahead.
At seasonal markets check prices before buying. Some stalls charge inflated prices for a single serving. If your receipt shows a surprising amount — ask for clarification or walk away from the purchase.
To taste genuinely local flavours near the Square, consider cafés and bakeries popular with residents. Pick places with high ratings and steady local traffic — that usually means freshness and quality.
Horse-drawn carriages are an iconic sight at the Square, but their operation is regulated by the city — in heat the stand and rides may be suspended, and rules protect animal welfare. Don’t urge a horse to do extra work, don’t touch sensitive areas and don’t feed treats without the driver’s permission.
If you want to take a carriage ride, use the official stand and a licensed driver. Avoid ‘street deals’ with people offering rides outside the official stand. Respect city regulations and weather-related closures — a closed stand usually means care for the animals.
Don’t encourage a driver to operate during forbidden hours — it’s a matter of ethics and the law.
Before you climb onto a wall or edge to capture a panorama — think twice. A dangerous photo spot is a quick route to injury. Also avoid positioning yourself where you block passage or obstruct the work of city services.
Some interiors of monuments prohibit flash or photography altogether. Respect signs and requests from security. If you plan a professional shoot, ask for permission and possible fees in advance.
When photographing, remember others’ privacy — avoid publishing images of people without their consent, especially children.
Always validate your ticket before you start your trip — inspectors make no exceptions for tourists. In the center people often forget to use the validator or buy a ticket after boarding a tram — this can end with a fine.
Use official taxi ranks or order rides through trusted apps. When exiting a taxi check the meter and ensure the amount charged matches local fares.
If you plan excursions outside the center (Wieliczka Salt Mine, Zakopane, Auschwitz-Birkenau), book transport and tickets in advance — it will save time and nerves.
If you rent an apartment in the center, remember it’s a residential space. Respect quiet hours, building rules and neighbours. Loud parties in a rental are one of the main causes of conflicts between tourists and locals.
Before arrival check reviews of the listing — guests often warn others about noise, access or cleanliness issues. When booking, give clear arrival information and request late check-in if necessary.
If something in the rental differs from the description, report it immediately to the booking service and the host — staying silent usually leads to bigger problems.
Come early in the morning — the Square at sunrise is magical and the empty pavement lets you take photos without crowds. Early hours are also a great time to listen to the Hejnał mariacki in peace.
Instead of standing in the middle with a map, have a plan and use side streets — you’ll find cafés, interesting tenement houses and less touristy spots, and you’ll get a break from the bustle.
Use the services of a professional guide who will show you hidden corners and plan a route that avoids the most crowded spots. If you like, Małgorzata Kasprowicz from zwiedzaniekrakowa.com can recommend routes, walking tours and the best times to visit.
Do I have to pay to take photos at monuments? - Photographing exteriors is usually free. Interiors of museums or churches may have restrictions and extra fees for professional equipment.
Are carriages legal and safe? - Yes, carriages operate under city regulations, but their stands may close during heat. Use official stands and licensed drivers.
How to avoid pickpockets? - Don’t keep everything in one place, keep valuables close to your body and avoid showing phones/wallets in crowds.
Do I need to reserve a restaurant at the Square? - In high season and evenings it’s wise to reserve at popular places; for spontaneous visits choose smaller cafés off the main pavement.
If you’re looking for trusted spots near the Square: consider well-reviewed cafés, bakeries and restaurants that are popular with locals. Reserving a table in well-rated restaurants is a good idea, especially if you want regional cuisine in a pleasant atmosphere.
A good pastry and morning coffee often taste better in a small, well-rated café on a side street than in the largest venue on the Square. Choose places that have a strong local clientele — that’s usually a sign of quality.
If you want a special culinary experience in a historic setting, check reviews before booking and ask for a table with a view of the historic parts of the city.
Install an offline map and local emergency numbers on your phone — in crowds it’s easy to lose signal or data. Payment apps that let you transfer money quickly without carrying large cash can be handy.
Watch the weather — in heat not every sightseeing plan will be comfortable. Plan breaks in air-conditioned cafés, and carry water and a hat in summer.
If you want souvenirs made from amber look-alike materials, check quality and provenance. The safest options are shops with good reviews, not random stalls with suspiciously low prices.
If you want to explore the Square stress-free and thoughtfully, I recommend using the help of a professional guide. Małgorzata Kasprowicz from zwiedzaniekrakowa.com can help plan your route, guide you through museums and interesting sites, and organize logistics — transport, accommodation and restaurant reservations, and ticket purchases.
Share this article with friends traveling to Krakow — simple tips can save someone’s holiday from unnecessary problems. If you’d like, you can contact Małgorzata directly through zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — she’ll happily advise and lead a Krakow tour so you see the best without blunders or surprises.
Good luck discovering Krakow — with a bit of preparation your visit to the Market can become one of your fondest travel memories.
