The Cloth Hall is not just a souvenir stall — it's one of the oldest trading places in Central Europe and has been a meeting point for merchants and locals for centuries. The building itself, standing in the middle of the Main Market Square, tells the story of Krakow: Renaissance reconstructions, 19th-century neo-Gothic details and the transformation of part of the upper floor into the first permanent seat of the National Museum in 1879. Even if hanging paintings are not your passion, the atmosphere, the view of St. Mary’s Basilica and the chance to reach a rooftop terrace can give you an authentic experience without long stays in front of display cases.
Remember that the Cloth Hall brings three different experiences together in one place: the ground floor market stalls, the first-floor Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art and the underground archaeological and historical exhibition. This variety means everyone can find something — from a short market stroll and a souvenir, to a multi-hour visit combining art and city history.
For visitors who normally avoid museums, the Cloth Hall can be a gentle introduction: a short guide talk or an audio guide makes the context easy to grasp without reading long labels beside every work.
The ground floor is a market hall over a hundred metres long where you’ll find handicrafts, amber, jewellery and regional souvenirs. It’s freely accessible and free of charge, so you can pop in even during a short walk around the Square.
On the first floor is the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art, a branch of the National Museum. Here you can see paintings and sculptures from the positivist period and Young Poland — works that tell Polish history and identity through art. The gallery follows standard museum hours and usually charges admission — check current opening times and ticket information before your visit. Sometimes permanent exhibitions are offered free of charge on specific days, often Tuesday, but expect larger crowds then.
Under the Cloth Hall are the Market Square Underground — a museum space presenting the city’s archaeological layers and reconstructions of former buildings. This is a different perspective: instead of paintings, you’ll see a “living” history of Krakow with remnants of old streets and stalls. The underground is a great option if you prefer stories with props and technical reconstructions rather than traditional white-cube exhibition rooms.
Start with a short walk along the ground floor — colourful stalls, scents and local products create more of a market vibe than a museum atmosphere. It’s a good way to feel the place without the pressure to buy anything.
If you're short on time — choose either the first floor or the underground. For visitors who dislike long picture-viewing sessions, the underground is often more engaging because it reveals layers of city life and helps you feel the sense of place.
Use an audio guide or book a short visit with an official museum guide. Official guides can tell the most interesting stories in 30–45 minutes, which is often enough to feel the atmosphere and understand the key exhibits without information overload. The museum also offers themed routes that keep a good pace and focus on highlights.
The first-floor gallery is usually open Tuesday–Sunday during typical museum hours (commonly 10:00–18:00) and is often closed on Mondays. Opening hours and days may change because of temporary exhibitions or conservation work, so it’s wise to check current information before your visit.
Entry to the ground floor market is free. Admission is charged for the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art and for the Underground — prices vary over time, so consider buying tickets online in advance or checking current rates at the ticket office. The museum typically offers reduced, family and group options. Some permanent exhibitions may be free on specific days (for example, Tuesdays) — check the latest rules before you plan.
The Cloth Hall is adapted for visitors with reduced mobility: there is a lift and accessible toilets. Group visits and guide reservations usually require prior contact with the museum staff.
The busiest times are midday, especially between 11:00 and 16:00, during the summer season and on weekends. If you want to browse stalls calmly or enter an exhibition with fewer people — pick early morning just after opening or late afternoon. Evening hours also make for beautiful photos when the Square is lit.
Avoid popular free-admission days if you crave quiet — they attract larger groups and visitors from across the city. If your time is limited, plan to visit one part of the Cloth Hall at a set time and buy tickets online when possible.
If you want photos without crowds, come very early in the morning or choose a season outside the summer peak — spring and autumn often offer a more comfortable number of visitors and nicer light.
There are several well-regarded places right on or near the Market Square that are perfect after a Cloth Hall visit. Noworolski Café is a classic — historic interiors and coffee in the heart of the action. Wierzynek restaurant is a choice for those who want to feel the atmosphere of an old Polish feast (note the higher prices). Szara Gęś (Szara) serves modern dishes with a local character and is well reviewed. For a quick, charming dessert, drop into one of the Old Town’s cozy cafés such as Café Camelot.
On the Cloth Hall rooftop you’ll find a viewing terrace and a café with a panorama of the Square and nearby landmarks — a perfect spot for a short rest and a great photo. Terrace tables can be in demand on sunny days, so for larger groups it’s better to reserve in advance or visit outside peak hours.
If you plan more sightseeing, consider walking to nearby attractions: St. Mary’s Basilica, the Town Hall Tower, the Planty and a short trip to Wawel. Because most Old Town sights are close by, you can see several places in one day without long transfers.
Expecting the whole building to be free — the ground floor is free, but the gallery and the underground usually require paid admission. Check prices ahead of time to avoid surprises.
Confusing market vendors with official museum staff — ground-floor sellers are often independent craftsmen; for exhibition information or guide bookings, go to the museum ticket office or ask for an official museum guide.
Not planning enough time — many visitors assume a short stroll will be enough. If you want to see the Gallery and the Underground, allow at least 2–3 hours.
Beneath the Market square are layers of earlier buildings — the underground can reveal surprising archaeological finds and reconstructions of old streets.
In the 19th century the upper floor of the Cloth Hall was used as the first seat of the National Museum in Krakow — an important moment in Poland’s cultural history.
Near one of the Cloth Hall crosses there’s a medieval knife linked to a local legend about the rivalry between the builders of St. Mary’s towers — a small, charming detail that many tourists miss.
Is entry to the Cloth Hall paid? Entry to the ground-floor market is free. Access to the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art and to the Underground is paid — ticket prices vary by type.
Are there discounts or free-admission days? The museum sometimes offers free entry on specific days (for example, Tuesdays for permanent exhibitions), but rules can change — it’s always good to check current information before your visit.
Can I enter with a stroller or move around in a wheelchair? The Cloth Hall has facilities for visitors with limited mobility, including a lift and accessible toilets. For special needs it’s best to contact museum staff in advance.
How much time should I allow for a visit? A short walk through the ground floor takes about 20–30 minutes. If you plan to visit both the Gallery and the Underground, schedule 2–3 hours.
The Cloth Hall is a natural starting point or stop on a walk around the Main Market Square. After visiting, go to St. Mary’s Basilica and the Town Hall Tower, then head toward the Planty or Wawel. Because so many Old Town attractions are nearby, you can visit several in one day without long transfers.
If you’d like a deeper look at the city’s history, plan time for the Market Square Underground and then relax with coffee on the Cloth Hall terrace — a good mix of storytelling and rest. Families with children may prefer shorter, interactive routes and a shared lunch at one of the well-reviewed Market Square restaurants.
If you prefer a personalised visit shaped to your interests and pace, consider booking a private tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz from ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com — she offers guided walks with stories, curiosities and practical tips to help you avoid queues and make the most of your time.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or on social media — especially with people who like shorter, more engaging forms of sightseeing.
If you want to discover the Cloth Hall through stories, curiosities and practical tips tailored to your pace, I invite you to book a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Details and contact information are available at ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com. Enjoy discovering the Cloth Hall and have a great visit to Krakow!
