The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) is the heart of the Main Market Square and a symbol of Kraków's trade since the Middle Ages. This long, elegant market hall now houses a branch of the National Museum and souvenir stalls, but above all it is an excellent starting point from which you can reach many important places in the city within a few minutes. If you only have a short window between sights, start here.
In the guide below I describe 10 places located roughly within a five-minute walk of the Cloth Hall. For each one I add practical tips, a little curiosity or a suggestion for combining it with other attractions. This article was created to help visitors make the most of a brief moment in Kraków's center.
You can't pass by unnoticed — the tall tower and the hejnał (bugle call) sounding every hour are images associated with Kraków around the world. Inside you'll find the altarpiece by Veit Stoss, one of the greatest works of medieval sculpture in Europe.
If you have little time, stop by the altarpiece and listen to a short story about its creation — also take a moment to notice the 19th-century polychrome decorations. Entrance to the church and to the tower is paid and follows set hours, so check them in advance. Keep in mind that on liturgical days access to some parts may be limited.
The monument stands in front of the northern façade of the Cloth Hall and for decades has been a popular meeting point. It's a convenient landmark — arrange to meet 'by Mickiewicz' and almost everyone in the center will know the spot.
Curiosity: the monument has witnessed many demonstrations, artistic gatherings and open-air cultural events over the years — it has become part of Kraków’s urban story.
The Town Hall Tower is the only preserved part of the old town hall, once the seat of city authorities. Its presence crowns the view of the Main Square; the old stone wall and small museum displays create a distinctive atmosphere.
Near the tower you'll find small cafés and tourist information points. It’s also a good place for photos from a slightly different perspective than from behind the Cloth Hall.
The entrance to the Underground is right next to the Cloth Hall — this modern archaeological museum reveals layers of medieval trade and city life beneath the square. The multimedia displays and archaeological finds make a strong impression even during a short visit.
The Underground is a great option when the weather is bad — visits can be adapted to the time you have, and there are often short guided segments and multimedia shows on site.
Krzysztofory Palace is on the Market Square and is part of the city's historical exhibitions. It's worth stopping in if you want a compact overview of the history of the Market and Kraków — temporary exhibitions change seasonally, so interesting short shows often appear.
The museum employs official guides and offers educational programs — if you'd like a deeper visit, consider a guided tour led by a museum staff member.
Floriańska begins at the northeast corner of the Square — it’s one of Kraków’s most famous streets, full of historic townhouses and shops. In a few minutes you can reach St. Florian's Gate and, beyond it, the Barbican and fragments of the old city walls.
A walk down Floriańska quickly immerses you in the atmosphere of a medieval trade route. If you feel like buying local goods or souvenirs, the side streets often offer more pleasant and less commercial options than the main façades of the Square.
Grodzka is the main route from the Market to Wawel — full of churches, townhouses and small museums. You can walk to Wawel in about 15–20 minutes, but the start of the street is literally a few steps from the Cloth Hall.
This is a good solution if you want to combine a quick visit to the Cloth Hall with a stroll down to the Vistula or a short stop at Wawel — the route is picturesque and packed with sights in a compact area.
The Cloth Hall isn’t just the ground floor with souvenirs — upstairs there is a permanent exhibition of 19th-century art run by the National Museum, and from the terrace you get a pleasant view of the Square and the city towers.
Visiting the terrace and the gallery lets you change perspective — instead of the crowd on the square you can see the place from above, appreciate the architectural composition and relax with a coffee and a view. Tickets are available at the ticket office or online; the museum offers audio guides and guided tours.
Within a few minutes of the Cloth Hall you’ll find both iconic and intimate dining places. A few reliable, highly regarded options are: Szara (well known on the Main Market Square), Wierzynek (tradition and upscale dining), and Camelot Cafe — a charming café a short walk from the square.
Practical tip: venues with direct entrances from the square tend to be pricier and busier. If you prefer a calmer atmosphere and better value, enter from a side street or take a short walk toward Plac Szczepański or Kanonicza Street.
The Planty encircle the Old Town and a short walk to the nearest band of trees and benches gives a welcome break from the bustle of the Square. The closest stretches of Planty are within easy reach — an ideal spot for a quick pastry in the shade or to plan the next stage of your route.
Planty are also a good alternative if you want a peaceful place to talk or check a map before continuing to other sights.
If you have an hour: start with the Cloth Hall terrace (30–40 minutes in the gallery and a short view), then a quick coffee in Camelot Cafe or another side-street café (15–20 minutes), and finish with a short walk through the Planty or a visit to the Market Underground if you prefer indoor spaces. This plan lets you feel the atmosphere of the Square and see its main highlights without rush.
If the weather is bad, choose the Market Underground plus a café instead of the terrace and an outdoor walk.
1) The St. Mary's bugle call (hejnał) is played every hour toward the four cardinal directions — the melody is interrupted as a remembrance of the trumpeter who, according to legend, was shot while sounding the alarm in the Middle Ages. Today the hejnał is a city symbol.
2) On the northern façade of the Cloth Hall there used to hang the so‑called “iron knife” — a relic of former trade regulations and punishments, recalled today by plaques and guides on site.
3) On certain days of the week you may find free entry to permanent museum exhibitions — a great opportunity, but expect larger crowds. Check hours and rules before visiting.
Thinking “I’ll make it everywhere” — visitors often plan too ambitious an itinerary. Tip: choose 2–3 points and enjoy them calmly.
Not checking opening hours — many museums are closed or have reduced hours on Mondays. Always verify current information before you go.
Buying souvenirs only on the main square — prices can be higher and quality of vendors varies. Side streets often offer better, more artistic items and local galleries.
Is it worth buying a Cloth Hall ticket online? Yes — especially in high season. Buying online saves time and helps plan your visit without long queues.
Is accessibility for people with disabilities available? Many institutions in the center offer facilities, but it’s best to contact the museum ahead of time to ask about the most convenient entrance.
How much time should I allocate for the Cloth Hall and surroundings? If you only want to see the Cloth Hall and the immediate area, 1–2 hours is enough. If you add the Market Underground, Krzysztofory Palace and a coffee break, plan for half a day.
For a quick coffee: Camelot Cafe or another small place on a side street — choose venues with good reviews and an entrance from the street to avoid Market noise. For a traditional, highly rated dinner I recommend Szara or Wierzynek for a historic dining experience.
If you’re looking for accommodation near the Cloth Hall, pick hotels and guesthouses within the Old Town — starting the day with breakfast near the Square saves travel time and helps you make the most of your stay in Kraków.
Always check museum opening days and hours — many are closed on Mondays. If you want to avoid crowds, wake up early — the morning Market has a very different atmosphere from the afternoon.
If you plan to visit several museums, check whether museum cards or combined tickets are available — that can save time and money. And a simple tip: enter cafés from a side street rather than from the square — atmosphere and prices are often better.
I hope this guide helps you plan a short but satisfying walk around the Cloth Hall. If you found it useful — share it with friends or on social media so others can more easily plan their visit to Kraków.
If you’d like to discover the city more deeply with an experienced guide, consider arranging a tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details and offerings are available on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website. Wishing you a great stay in Kraków!
