The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) has stood in the heart of Kraków for centuries — originally the central place for cloth trade, today it links a market full of stalls with an art gallery. It’s a place you can calmly discover at your own pace: the ground floor with stalls and souvenirs and the first floor — the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art — are two different worlds under one roof. This guide will show you how to visit the Cloth Hall step by step, aimed at people 60+ who prefer a relaxed pace, comfortable resting spots and practical tips.
In the text you’ll also find a short FAQ, a list of good places for coffee and lunch nearby, and practical advice about tickets and accessibility.
The Cloth Hall is one of Kraków’s most iconic places: from the outside its attic and distinctive mascarons catch the eye, and inside it offers an interesting mix of commerce, architecture and a museum. Here you can feel the rhythm of the city while seeing one of the most important collections of 19th-century Polish painting.
For people 60+ the Cloth Hall is very convenient because many attractions can be enjoyed without long walks: the stalls are on the ground floor and the gallery is on the first floor — that lets you plan the visit in shorter, comfortable segments with coffee breaks.
Under the Cloth Hall there is also the Rynek Underground — an archaeological reserve revealing medieval remains. Consider going down there as a complement to your visit, especially if the weather isn’t great for walking outside.
1) Start your visit on the Main Market Square surface: take a moment to look at the Cloth Hall façade and notice the mascarons and attic — these are characteristic features of the building.
2) Ground floor: walk at a relaxed pace through the arcades and stalls. This is a good place to buy a postcard, a small gift or a handcrafted item. Remember that stalls are part of the place’s atmosphere, but not every item is unique — it’s worth choosing stands with certified craftsmanship.
3) Take a break: before going to the exhibition sit on a bench by the Cloth Hall or in one of the nearby cafés — resting between the ground floor and the gallery is a good idea, especially if you prefer to explore slowly.
4) Entrance to the first floor — Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art: buy a ticket (you can do this at the ticket office or online), use the elevator if you need it or take the stairs. The gallery houses valuable paintings and sculptures, arranged so they can be viewed comfortably.
5) Cloth Hall terrace: if the weather is good, step out to the terrace for another perspective over the Market Square — it’s a nice moment for a photo or a short rest.
6) Rynek Underground: if you fancy an archaeological adventure, the entrance to the Rynek Underground is at the Market Square — reserve additional time (depending on your interest you’ll spend about 30 to 60 minutes there).
7) Finish: after visiting the Cloth Hall I recommend sitting down for a longer coffee or a light meal at one of the recommended restaurants by the Square. If you’re with a group, it’s a pleasant moment to calmly sum up the visit.
On the first floor of the Cloth Hall there is a permanent exhibition dedicated to 19th-century Polish painting and sculpture. The space is organized by themes and shows stylistic changes from classicism to impressionism and symbolism.
In the rooms you’ll see works by artists such as Jan Matejko, Jacek Malczewski, Henryk Siemiradzki and Józef Chełmoński, among other important pieces of Polish art from that period. The exhibition has been restored and arranged with visitors’ comfort in mind: benches, clear signage and air conditioning help you enjoy the collection at an easy pace.
If you like art and want to see the highlights in less time, choose a shortened route: pay attention to the rooms named after Michałowski, Siemiradzki and Chełmoński — they contain the most famous pieces of the exhibition.
The Rynek Underground is an interactive archaeological route under the eastern part of the Main Market Square. It reveals fragments of medieval buildings, cellars and roadways with ruts left by trade carts.
A visit underground is a different kind of sightseeing: fewer paintings, more historical material and multimedia. For seniors it’s an interesting, reflective and comfortable option away from the crowds on the square. Keep in mind that the underground route can be cooler than the surface — bring a light scarf.
If you plan to visit both the Underground and the Gallery in the Cloth Hall, plan your time to avoid fatigue — both exhibitions involve standing and walking.
Opening hours: the Gallery on the Cloth Hall’s first floor is usually open from Tuesday to Sunday during standard museum hours (typically 10:00–18:00); the museum is closed on Mondays. The last visitors are often admitted around 20–30 minutes before closing, so come with time to spare.
Tickets: there are full-price and reduced-price tickets. Many museums, including the Gallery in the Cloth Hall, offer days with free admission for selected permanent exhibitions (for example some Tuesdays) and reduced tickets — check current prices and discount rules before your visit. Ticket offices and online sales usually operate in parallel; you can normally buy tickets through the museum’s official system.
Accessibility: after modernization, a lift has been installed in the historic building so visitors using wheelchairs or those with difficulty on stairs can reach the gallery level. The elevator has Braille buttons. There is a reception at the entrance and the possibility of using an additional cloakroom for people with limited mobility. Doorways between rooms are free of thresholds and the entrance to the terrace is preceded by a gentle ramp.
Toilets and benches: if possible use the restrooms before entering the exhibition and take breaks on benches in the rooms or on the terrace. Central museums often try to provide seating areas within the exhibitions.
Transport: the Cloth Hall is very well connected — trams and buses stop nearby, but most visitors arrive on foot, especially if they stay in a hotel on the Old Town. If you plan to travel by car, note that the Market area has restrictions and paid parking.
After visiting, it’s nice to rest in recommended spots near the Cloth Hall. I particularly suggest: Szara Gęś (Main Market Square 17) — a restaurant serving traditional yet elegant Polish cuisine in a pleasant interior; Wierzynek (Main Market Square 16) — a place with a strong historical atmosphere, great for a special lunch; Camelot Cafe (St. Thomas Street) — a cozy café with homemade cakes and good coffee, perfect for relaxing after sightseeing.
When choosing a restaurant, reserve a table if you plan a longer rest or visit at popular times (weekend lunch). For people 60+ it’s worth booking in advance, asking for a comfortable table near the entrance and chairs with good support. This list is based on local recommendations and high ratings for central Kraków venues.
If you prefer something quick and casual, the Market area has many cafés and small bistros where you can sit for a coffee and cake.
1) Confusing the ground-floor market with the museum — the ground floor is a commercial space, while the Gallery is on the first floor. Not every stall offers original local handicraft, so choose purchases thoughtfully.
2) No time planning — you can visit both the Cloth Hall and the Rynek Underground on the same day, but it requires planning breaks and rest. Schedule coffee breaks between exhibitions.
3) Arriving at the last minute — during busy periods (weekends, holidays) there may be a queue at the ticket office. If you prefer calm, choose morning hours or late afternoons on weekdays.
4) Unsuitable footwear — even a short visit requires comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to go down to the Underground.
Are there discounts for seniors? Yes — museums usually offer reduced tickets; check the rules at the museum’s ticket office before entering or on the official site to confirm which documents are required for a discount.
Can I use the elevator to the first floor? Yes — the historic building has a lift adapted for people with limited mobility, with Braille buttons.
Are there cloakrooms and toilets in the Cloth Hall? Yes — there is a cloakroom and restrooms; an additional cloakroom for people with reduced mobility is located near the museum shop.
Is admission free on Tuesdays? Museums in Kraków often have days of free admission for permanent exhibitions; check current information before your visit to avoid misunderstandings.
The Cloth Hall is best discovered at an easy pace. Give yourself time — spread the visit into short segments, take regular breaks and choose morning or late-afternoon hours when crowds are smaller.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or on social media — maybe someone in your family will plan a special outing just for you.
If you’d like to visit the Cloth Hall with the help of a guide, I invite you to use the services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz — a professional guide. You can find contact details on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. It’s a convenient option when you want someone with experience and sensitivity to show you Kraków’s highlights.
