The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) is one of Krakow’s most recognizable symbols — a place known both to history lovers and to people looking for souvenirs. For many tourists the name “Sukiennice” sounds exotic; having a short English glossary on hand will help you move around the site with more confidence, understand signs and talk to museum or café staff. This article combines a brief history, practical tips and an easy Polish–English glossary of terms related to the Cloth Hall. It will help you fully appreciate the architecture, the exhibitions upstairs and the stalls on the ground floor.
You’ll also find a few surprising facts, the most common mistakes tourists make, and simple tips that will make your visit easier (for example: how to buy a ticket, when to go up to the terraces, and what to look for so you don’t miss the upstairs gallery). If you’re interested in a private guided tour, note that the site zwiedzaniekrakowa.com has information about services provided by Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact details are visible on the site.
The Cloth Hall grew from the historic trade in cloth and fabrics — hence its name. The first stone stalls appeared here as early as the 13th century; much of the building’s current appearance comes from Renaissance reconstructions after the fire of 1555 and renovations at the end of the 19th century. Today the ground floor of the Cloth Hall is filled with stalls selling handicrafts and souvenirs under elegant arcades, while the upper floor houses the Gallery of 19th‑Century Polish Art, a branch of the National Museum. There is also the entrance to the Market Underground — an interactive archaeological museum showing the historical layers of the square.
In the building you’ll notice characteristic features: a decorative attic with mascarons (carved masks), arcades with covered walkways, and — along the shorter axis of the hall — an iron knife hanging from a chain, linked to local legend and old city laws. The Cloth Hall terrace offers a pleasant view of the Main Market Square and is a popular spot for a short coffee break.
Sukiennice — Cloth Hall / Cloth Market — a historic market hall where cloth was traded; today: galleries, stalls, cafés.
Rynek Główny — Main Market Square — Krakow’s central square, the largest medieval market square in Europe.
kram — stall / market stall — a sales point for handicrafts, jewelry and souvenirs under the arcades.
sukno — cloth / woollen cloth — the material from which the Cloth Hall gets its name.
attyka — attic / decorative parapet — ornate crowning of the roof; in the Cloth Hall you can recognize it by the carved mascarons.
maszkaron — mascaron — a carved face or decorative mask on a building façade.
podcień — arcade / colonnade — the covered span under the arches where passersby walk and stalls are located.
jatki — old butchers' stalls / meat stalls — historic trading rows (around the square there used to be specialized rows, e.g. for shoemakers or tanners).
Galeria Sztuki Polskiej XIX wieku w Sukiennicach — Gallery of 19th‑Century Polish Art at the Cloth Hall — a branch of the National Museum located on the upper floor.
Podziemia Rynku — Market Underground / Main Market Square Underground — a museum presenting the archaeology and history of the square.
wieża ratuszowa — Town Hall Tower — the preserved part of the former town hall at the Square.
Bazylika Mariacka — St. Mary’s Basilica — the famous church standing by the Main Market Square next to the Cloth Hall.
taras Sukiennic — Cloth Hall terrace — the part with a café and views over the Square; sometimes accessible for a fee or included with a ticket.
kawiarnia — café — a place for coffee and cake in the arcades or on the terrace.
bilet normalny / ulgowy — regular ticket / reduced ticket — museum pricing (check eligibility for discounts).
audioprzewodnik — audioguide — a rented audio guide for the exhibition.
godziny otwarcia — opening hours — check before visiting, since the museum and the café may have different schedules.
"How much is the entrance fee?" — Ile kosztuje wstęp? "Do you have an audio guide in English?" — Czy macie audioprzewodnik po angielsku? "Is the upper gallery open today?" — Czy galeria na piętrze jest dziś otwarta? "Where is the terrace / café?" — Gdzie jest taras / kawiarnia? "Can I pay by card?" — Czy mogę zapłacić kartą? "Is this handmade?" — Czy to jest ręcznie robione? "Do you have a receipt?" — Czy mogę prosić paragon? These simple questions will make communication with stallholders, museum staff and café employees easier and help you get the information you need faster.
If you want to ask about guided visits: "Are there guided tours in English?" — Czy są wycieczki z przewodnikiem po angielsku? Keep in mind that municipal and national museums often have official guides who run scheduled tours.
The Gallery of 19th‑Century Polish Art on the Cloth Hall’s upper floor is a must for anyone interested in Polish painting from the 19th century. Hours and ticket prices change seasonally — check current information at the National Museum or at the ticket office before your visit. Common options include regular and reduced tickets, family tickets, group tickets and the rental of an audioguide (for an additional fee).
The best time for photos and quiet viewing is early morning or late afternoon outside the tourist peak. At noon and on weekends the Square can be very crowded; stalls and vendors are liveliest then, but for a calmer gallery visit choose a weekday or less busy hours.
If you plan to go up to the Cloth Hall terraces or to the upstairs café, check whether an entrance ticket is required — sometimes there is a small fee. Ticket offices usually close about half an hour before the end of visiting hours, and opening times may vary between winter and summer seasons.
Near the Cloth Hall you’ll find hotels, cafés and restaurants of various standards. If you want a place well rated by both tourists and locals, consider Restauracja Sukiennice — a well-known spot offering a wide selection of Polish and international dishes, often with views of the Square. A classic historic café is Kawiarnia Noworolski — known for its secessionist interiors and historical atmosphere.
We also recommend checking smaller local cafés and bistros on the streets around the Square — they often serve highly rated cakes and good coffee in a more relaxed atmosphere than the central spots. Reserving a table during the tourist season is a good idea if you plan to dine in a popular restaurant in the evening.
If you’re looking for exceptional places for lunch or coffee: choose venues with strong reviews and positive feedback on service. It’s also worth asking at the museum ticket office for recommendations — staff usually know reliable addresses nearby.
Thinking the Cloth Hall is only souvenir stalls — many people miss the upstairs gallery because of this. To truly get to know the place, go upstairs to see the 19th‑century painting exhibition and, if you have time, visit the Market Underground.
Buying from the first seller without comparing prices — souvenir prices can vary. Compare a few stalls, negotiate politely and make sure the product quality matches the price.
Not checking the museum and café opening hours — terraces may be open seasonally or access to the upper floor may require a ticket at specific times. Always check before you go.
Assuming every seller speaks English — many do, but it’s still good to know a few basic English (or Polish) phrases and to have some cash as well as a card.
Disrespecting exhibits and the space — galleries have rules: do not touch exhibits, silence your phone and be aware that photography may be restricted. Following the rules is an important part of good visiting etiquette.
Is entrance to the Cloth Hall free? — Entry to the ground floor, the market area, is free. Access to exhibitions on the upper floor (Gallery of 19th‑Century Polish Art) and to the terraces may require a ticket. Fees and discounts depend on the museum regulations.
Is there an audioguide in English? — Most branches of the National Museum offer audioguides in English. Ask at the ticket office about availability and price.
Can I take photos inside the gallery? — Photography rules depend on the exhibition — some rooms may restrict photography for copyright or conservation reasons. Ask before entering.
Are there official guides? — Yes — museums and important historical sites employ official guides and cooperate with licensed guides. The site zwiedzaniekrakowa.com has information about guided services by Małgorzata Kasprowicz, who offers tours tailored to visitors’ needs.
What is the easiest way to get to the Cloth Hall? — The Cloth Hall stands in the heart of the Old Town on the Main Market Square; it’s easiest reached on foot from most central points or by public transport to stops near the Square.
An iron knife hangs on a chain in the Cloth Hall passage — it’s part of tradition and one of the local legends. The knife is said to recall old laws and punishments for theft and is linked to a story about two brothers who built the towers of St. Mary’s Church.
The attic with mascarons is not only decoration — these are elements of the Renaissance rebuild that gave the Cloth Hall its characteristic look after the great 16th‑century fire.
On the upper floor you’ll find a collection of 19th‑century Polish art — if you’re interested in Romanticism, realism and Polish impressionism, the collection can pleasantly surprise you with its richness.
Under the Cloth Hall archaeology reveals earlier layers of the city — walking through the Market Underground you can see fragments of medieval buildings and artifacts confirming the site’s long history.
Come in the morning or late afternoon outside peak hours, buy a ticket for the exhibition if you want to see the Gallery of 19th‑Century Polish Art, and take a moment for the Market Underground — three different experiences in one building. Bring comfortable shoes, check opening hours and keep a few basic English phrases from this glossary with you.
If you want a guided visit and to learn more than just facts from the labels, consider booking a private guide — see the offer and contact details for Małgorzata Kasprowicz at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
If you think this glossary might be useful to friends — share the article on social media or send the link to someone planning a trip to Krakow. Enjoy your visit and soak up the true atmosphere of the Main Market Square!
