The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) is a place of two faces: on the ground floor it’s a historic market hall with stalls stretching under the Market Square arcades, while upstairs it houses the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art — a museum with specific rules. In a single visit you can move from an open, lively space on the ground floor to quiet, climate-controlled exhibition rooms. It’s worth dressing so you feel comfortable in both worlds.
A good outfit helps not only with comfort: it makes walking on uneven cobbles easier, protects you from changing weather and can prevent problems at the museum (for example being asked to leave a large backpack). Being prepared also reduces stress and lets you focus more on the art and the culinary pleasures around the Square.
Key rules that work year-round: comfortable, stable shoes; layered clothing; a small, easy-to-carry bag or crossbody instead of a large backpack when you enter the gallery. Museums typically ask visitors to leave large bags and umbrellas in the cloakroom or deposit lockers — that’s standard in most Krakow museums.
When you get dressed, remember the rule: carry a thin layer you can quickly remove (for example a light jacket or cardigan). Museum interiors are often cooler than the street, especially outside the high season, while on summer days the ground floor and the Market area can feel hot and stuffy.
Respect the exhibition space: avoid very noisy items of clothing (rustling backpacks, loud flip-flops), don’t use flash when photographing and follow staff instructions and the museum rules.
The Main Square is atmospheric, but its surface is historic cobbles and stone slabs. Avoid thin high heels and unstable slip-ons — they can be uncomfortable and unsafe. We recommend comfortable sneakers, light derby shoes, low ankle boots or sandals with a sturdy sole.
In winter choose insulated shoes with good non-slip soles. On rainy days a waterproof pair or non-slip overshoes can help. If you plan to walk a lot around the centre, pick shoes that support your foot and don’t rub.
If you plan a more elegant evening out, bring a second pair that’s quick to change into (for example ballet flats or dress shoes) and leave larger bags in the cloakroom while you visit the museum.
Summer: light, breathable fabrics, a sun hat or cap and a water bottle. Inside the museum you won’t need anything special, but air conditioning can be chilly — a light layer to throw on is useful.
Spring and autumn: layering is your best friend. Weather can change by the hour — a thin rain jacket or windbreaker, a sweater and comfortable shoes are an ideal combination. A compact folding umbrella is worth having on hand.
Winter: a warm coat, hat, gloves and insulated shoes with a good sole. On cold days indoor rooms are often warmer, so bring a layer you can remove. Remember that cloakrooms in museums allow you to leave outerwear, which makes the visit more comfortable.
A small bag or belt bag — practical and secure, easy to carry in front. It holds your ID, phone and wallet without needing a big backpack.
A water bottle and tissues — especially in summer. It’s also useful to have a painkiller or plasters if you plan a long day of walking.
An umbrella or thin rain jacket. Rain can come suddenly at the Square, and the Cloth Hall arcades don’t always give full shelter.
A small camera or a phone with a good no-flash photo mode — amateur photography without flash and without a tripod is usually allowed in many museum rooms.
In the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art amateur photography is usually permitted without a flash and without tripods, but temporary exhibitions may have different restrictions. When in doubt — ask at the ticket desk or to a guard.
Many museums, including branches of the National Museum, ask visitors to leave large backpacks, umbrellas and outerwear in the cloakroom or deposit. Following these rules makes visiting easier and helps protect the collections.
Observe silence and respect: avoid loud conversations and phone calls in exhibition rooms. Do not touch exhibits and keep a safe distance from paintings and sculptures.
Mistake 1: Arriving with a large backpack and being surprised you have to leave it. Solution: carry a small bag and deposit larger luggage in the cloakroom.
Mistake 2: Planning your visit for a Monday. Many museum branches, including parts of the Cloth Hall, are closed on Mondays — check opening hours in advance.
Mistake 3: Choosing overly elegant but impractical shoes for walking on cobbles. Choose a compromise between comfort and style.
Mistake 4: Not checking whether a temporary exhibition allows photography. Always ask, especially if you plan to take photos for publication or a photoshoot.
If you’re visiting with small children, bring a small backpack with essentials and use the cloakroom to store a stroller or larger bags if possible. Guardians are responsible for children in the museum — keep them close and explain visiting rules.
Families often enjoy educational days and programmes organised by the museum. When planning a visit, check the museum’s events calendar — there are often guided tours or workshops for the youngest visitors.
Casual summer: a breathable shirt or cotton T‑shirt, light chinos or a midi skirt, comfortable sneakers, a spare light T‑shirt and a compact umbrella in your bag.
Autumn sightseeing: layered look — thin sweater, shirt, light rain jacket, jeans and low ankle boots. Small crossbody bag, gloves in the pocket.
Winter at the Square: a wool coat or down jacket, warm trousers, shoes with non-slip soles, hat and gloves. Leave your coat in the cloakroom at the museum and tour in a comfortable sweater.
Elegant dinner after visiting: bring one dressier piece (a blazer, dress or shirt) that’s easy to add to your comfortable daytime outfit for a dinner out.
Cafe Noworolski — a historic spot right by the Cloth Hall, ideal for coffee and cake after a walk. It’s a convenient place to rest without leaving the Market.
Wierzynek — a restaurant with a long history; great if you want a more formal dinner in a historic interior. Reservations are recommended in season.
Cafe Camelot and other well-rated cafés in the Old Town are good options for a light lunch or dessert. Choose places with strong reviews if you value quality and service.
The Cloth Hall offers facilities for visitors with limited mobility: there is a modern lift giving access to the upper floor, and parts of the cloakroom are adapted for wheelchair users. Passageways between rooms are threshold-free and some restrooms are accessible.
If you need special assistance or plan a group visit with specific needs, contact the museum staff before your visit to ask about available facilities and quieter visiting times.
Can I take photos in the Cloth Hall? Amateur photography without flash and without a tripod is usually allowed, but temporary exhibitions can have their own restrictions — always check at the ticket desk.
Do I have to leave my backpack in the cloakroom? Yes — large backpacks, suitcases and umbrellas are often asked to be left in the cloakroom or deposit. Small bags and belt bags are usually permitted.
When is it quietest? Weekday mornings after opening or late afternoons outside peak season are usually less crowded. Remember that Tuesdays may feature free admission to permanent exhibitions and attract more visitors.
What are the opening hours? Hours change seasonally, but the gallery typically operates Tuesday–Sunday roughly 10:00–18:00; many branches are closed on Mondays. Check current hours before you go.
If you want a better view of the Square without the crowds — the Cloth Hall terraces or an early morning walk offer great photos. Sometimes terrace access is included with the ticket or available seasonally.
When planning connections to other attractions remember the Cloth Hall is right in the centre — many sights are within easy walking distance, but foot traffic is often heavy. Allow extra time between activities.
If you want a quieter gallery visit, avoid Tuesdays — free-admission days can be louder and more crowded.
If you found this article useful — share it with friends or on social media, especially those planning a trip to Krakow. Good preparation makes visiting more enjoyable for everyone.
If you need help planning a trip around Krakow or would like to tour with live commentary, consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact details and booking information are available on the ZwiedzanieKrakowa website.
