The Cloth Hall stands in the very heart of the Main Market Square and for many visitors it’s the first stop on their Kraków list. It’s not only a photogenic building with an attic and arcades — it’s a place where trade, culture and social life have crossed paths for centuries. Walking under the arcades, you’re on the same ground where medieval merchants from across Europe once traded. It’s worth visiting for the atmosphere and the souvenirs sold by local craftsmen, and also to go upstairs to see one of the most important collections of 19th-century Polish painting.
The Cloth Hall is also a great spot for a short break — the arcades hide small craft shops and the ground floor hosts the famous Noworolski Café. If you want to feel the heart of old Kraków and understand how the city functioned through the ages, start your visit here.
If you only plan to photograph the façade and take selfies, allow an extra 30–60 minutes to go inside — many tourists later regret that they were “right there but didn’t go in.”
There were wooden cloth stalls here as early as the 13th century, after Kraków’s city charter in 1257. Over time they were replaced by a masonry Gothic hall that filled the centre of the Main Market Square and served as the city’s centre for cloth and luxury trade.
In 1555 the building suffered a major fire. It was rebuilt in the Renaissance style (around 1556–1559) — the distinctive attic with its fanciful mascarons and the loggias date from that period. Italian Renaissance masters worked on the decorative details, introducing elements that became part of the Cloth Hall’s recognizable look.
By the 19th century the building was in poor condition; a major reconstruction and restoration took place in 1875–1879 under architect Tomasz Pryliński. Gothic-arched arcades were introduced, risalits (projecting sections) were added on the longer sides and the upper floor was adapted for museum use. After these works the Cloth Hall acquired its present appearance and a representative public function.
From the late 19th century, and formally with the founding of the National Museum in Kraków (1879), the upper floor housed the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art. Later restorations and modernizations (including extensive conservation in the 21st century) adapted the museum space to contemporary conservation and exhibition standards.
Lower hall: rows of stalls with souvenirs, jewellery (including amber), handicrafts and small gifts. Here you can buy typical Kraków keepsakes, local products and design pieces by Polish makers. Remember that prices in central-market stalls can be higher than elsewhere in the city — it’s worth comparing or asking the seller about a product’s origin.
Upper floor — Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art (a branch of the National Museum): the largest permanent exhibition of Polish 19th-century painting and sculpture — among the well-known works are monumental canvases and paintings by artists such as Jan Matejko, Henryk Siemiradzki and Józef Chełmoński. The thematic rooms and historical layout show the development of art from the Enlightenment to Symbolism.
Architectural elements and details: the Renaissance attic with mascarons, loggias on the short sides, Neo-Renaissance risalits from the 19th-century rebuilding, and former gas lighting fixtures that are sometimes mentioned as an interesting technical curiosity. In the short-axis passage pay attention to the iron knife hanging on a chain — an old symbol of Magdeburg law and a nice little legend to tell children.
Check the opening hours and the National Museum’s rules on the museum’s official site before your visit — the museum has free-entry days (usually Tuesday) and is often closed on Mondays. Hours and policies may vary with the season and temporary exhibitions.
Photography: taking photos outside and in the lower hall is of course possible; in the museum spaces the rules set by the National Museum apply (often no flash and sometimes restrictions for works still under copyright). If you plan to photograph freely, ask at the ticket desk about the current rules.
Crowds and best times: the Main Market Square can be very busy from noon until evening, especially in summer and on weekends. Best times for a quiet walk are early morning (before 10:00) or late afternoon. For photos of an empty square come before sunrise, but note that galleries will then be closed.
Noworolski Café has been in the Cloth Hall since the early 20th century and preserves an Art Nouveau atmosphere inside. It’s one of the historic meeting places of Kraków’s bohemian circles. The interiors include polychrome decorations and a mirrored room that recall the city’s past. It’s a lovely stop for coffee and dessert if you want to feel the historic ambience.
If you prefer something more restaurant-like, the historic Wierzynek restaurant is right by the Main Square and there are many well-rated cafés and restaurants nearby. When choosing a place to eat, check reviews and consider booking a table in popular venues, especially in high season.
For a good local meal, look for places serving Małopolska (Lesser Poland) cuisine and restaurants highly rated by guests — many high-quality options operate around the Market Square. Keep in mind that prices on the square tend to be higher than a few streets away.
Gdzie są Sukiennice? — Where is the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice)?
Czy można wejść na górę do muzeum? — Can I go upstairs to the museum?
Czy są bilety ulgowe / czy jest zniżka studencka? — Are there reduced tickets / a student discount?
Czy fotografowanie w salach muzealnych jest dozwolone? — Is photography allowed inside the galleries?
Polecacie zarezerwować bilet wcześniej? — Do you recommend booking tickets in advance?
Jaka jest najbliższa toaleta? — Where is the nearest restroom?
Czy w muzeum są przewodnicy oficjalni? — Are there official guides employed by the museum?
Visiting the Cloth Hall only from the outside. Many people take a façade photo and move on. The lower hall is just part of the experience — it’s worth going upstairs to see the gallery even if your time is limited.
Buying souvenirs without comparing prices. Stalls on the Market Square can be pricier; check quality and origin (for example real amber, handmade goods) and compare with shops off the square.
Not checking museum hours. The National Museum and its branches have closed days and free-entry days which affect access. In particular, check for technical closures or conservation work during your planned visit.
In the passage (the so-called cross) an iron knife hangs — once a symbol of Magdeburg law — a quirky detail that makes a good little story. A legend about two brothers building the towers of St. Mary’s Church and a tragic ending for one of them is connected to this knife.
On the Cloth Hall’s attic you’ll find fanciful mascaron sculptures — some are said to be caricatures of contemporary officials or public figures (allegedly representing Kraków’s 19th-century presidents).
During the 19th-century reconstruction technical curiosities were installed, such as parts of gas lighting that still operate in fragments today — an interesting detail showing a mix of eras in one building.
The Cloth Hall was once the main centre of the city’s international trade — spices, silks and goods from faraway trade routes arrived here, while Kraków exported salt and textile products.
In recent years the Cloth Hall has undergone and been planned for ongoing conservation work. Modernizations and conservation measures carried out in the 21st century prepared the gallery for contemporary museum standards, and media reports mention further stages of work planned for coming years. Practically, this can mean scaffolding or temporary protections on some façades or roofs.
Before your visit check announcements from the National Museum and city authorities — they can inform you about temporary closures of parts of the building or changes in access to the galleries. These sources are also a good way to learn about special events, concerts or holidays related to the Cloth Hall.
If you encounter conservation work, treat it as an opportunity: restorations are often accompanied by conservators’ talks, temporary displays or special exhibitions showing the research behind the monument.
Is entry to the Cloth Hall paid? — Entrance to the lower hall with the stalls is free. Entry to the upper-floor gallery (Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art) is paid, with exceptions on free-entry days (usually Tuesdays). Always check current information on the National Museum’s website.
How much time do I need? — To quickly see the lower hall and take photos allow 20–30 minutes. If you want to visit the upstairs gallery, add 60–90 minutes, and more if you plan to read labels and study the artworks closely.
Is the museum accessible for people with limited mobility? — The National Museum publishes its accessibility policy and lists facilities for visitors with disabilities on its site. It’s worth checking specific entrance conditions and the availability of lifts or routes in advance.
Come in the morning if you want to avoid crowds and have more time to quietly view the paintings.
Book tables in popular Market Square restaurants if you plan a meal in a specific place (for example Wierzynek or prominent cafés near the square).
Carry a small bag and watch your belongings — the crowds on the square make pickpocketing more likely; keep closures on and limit valuables to the essentials.
The Cloth Hall combines centuries of trade history, works of art and the café atmosphere of old Kraków. It’s a must-see for anyone who wants to feel the city’s spirit — and a perfect starting point for exploring the Old Town.
If you liked this guide, share it on social media or send it to friends planning a trip to Kraków. If you’d like to see the Cloth Hall (and other sights) in a comfortable, personalized way, consider a private tour with guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — you can find contact details on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. A private tour is a convenient way to hear stories, learn curiosities and get answers to all your questions during a walk.
Good luck discovering the Cloth Hall — may it be the start of a beautiful walk through Kraków!
