The Cloth Hall is not only a symbol of Kraków and one of the most beautiful parts of the Main Market — on hot days it can also be a very practical refuge. The ground floor with its arcades and stalls already gives you some shade, but the real cool shelter is upstairs: the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art (a branch of the National Museum) on the first floor. Visiting the gallery combines sightseeing with a break from the sun and heat — the exhibitions and sometimes air-conditioned rooms let you recharge before continuing your walk around the city. Plan a visit so that museum interiors can serve as a refreshment stop during a hot day.
The Cloth Hall has a long history — from a medieval trading hall to a carefully arranged art gallery. Besides the paid museum exhibitions, remember the ground-floor market hall is publicly accessible and free, so you can pop in for shade without buying a ticket. If you intend to spend more time in the museum, it’s smart to buy tickets in advance and go in when the outside temperature is at its peak.
The Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art on the first floor of the Cloth Hall is usually open from Tuesday to Sunday, with morning openings and afternoon closings that suit visitors. Many museum branches are closed on Mondays, so if you visit during the week check opening days and hours in advance. Tuesdays are often free-entry days for permanent exhibitions — a good opportunity, but expect larger crowds and queues.
Ticket prices for the gallery are moderate and include discounts: there are full and reduced tickets, family tickets and special rates for young people. Sometimes the ticket includes access to the Cloth Hall terrace if it is open to visitors. The museum offers audio guides and guided tours (guided tours are usually an additional cost — the museum publishes reservation rules and a price list for guide services). The last visitors are generally admitted about 20 minutes before closing, so avoid arriving right on the dot in the heat — better plan to enter earlier so you can calmly see the exhibits and rest.
Best mornings: to avoid the strongest sun and the biggest crowds, come right after opening. The first hours after opening are often the most comfortable — both in terms of temperature and visitor numbers. If you’re an early bird, visit the gallery first, then enjoy coffee and a walk.
Afternoon break: during the hottest hours (typically midday and early afternoon) it’s wise to pause touring and hide in an air-conditioned café or museum. Consider splitting your visit into two parts: morning and late afternoon, with a meal and rest at a recommended spot near the Market in between.
Buy tickets online and time your visit: buy tickets online when possible to shorten time waiting in outside queues (this matters a lot when the sun is strong). Also check whether a specific exhibition requires timed entries or prior registration.
Refillable water bottle — preferably still water. Hydration is essential in the heat; sip regularly in small amounts.
Hat and sunglasses — sun protection is essential, especially if you plan to walk across the Market and beyond.
Light scarf or thin layer — air-conditioned museum rooms can be cool; a thin layer prevents getting chilled when you step inside from hot air.
Comfortable shoes and a small backpack — avoid extra burdens, keep your hands free and have easy access to documents and your phone.
Sunscreen and moistening wipes — apply sunscreen before you start sightseeing; wipes are great for a quick freshen-up.
The Cloth Hall is an excellent starting point for several places that help you survive the heat. Apart from the first-floor gallery you can visit the Rynek Undercity (Podziemia Rynku) — an underground walk beneath the Market that stays cool and nicely complements the visit when it’s scorching outside.
Cafés and restaurants with atmosphere: around the Market you’ll find many well-regarded spots to sit in the shade and enjoy good coffee or a light meal. A few well-known places nearby include Cafe Camelot (cozy interior), Jama Michalika (historic, artistic atmosphere) and Wierzynek restaurant (an iconic Kraków venue with a special atmosphere). In high season choose places with good reviews and consider reserving a table — popular cafés draw crowds on hot days.
If you want a short shaded walk, head to the Planty — the green belt around the Old Town — where many paths and trees provide pleasant cooling and calm.
Arriving in full sun with no plan — many people think “I’ll see everything at once,” which leads to fatigue and dehydration. Plan shorter stages and breaks in cool interiors.
Not hydrating and overexerting yourself — heat is not the time for long walking routes without rest. Drink water regularly and avoid strenuous walking at the hottest time of day.
Not checking opening hours and free-entry days — Tuesday free-entry days may bring crowds. If you prefer fewer people, pick another day of the week.
Leaving valuables in a hot car — a car heats up fast in the sun. Never leave people or animals inside, and keep valuables out of direct sunlight or take them with you.
The Cloth Hall is older than most visitors expect — its roots go back to the 13th century and over the centuries it served commercial and representative functions for the city. In the 19th century, the first floor became one of the earliest seats of the National Museum in Kraków, so while you admire the artworks you’re also looking at part of Poland’s museum history.
The Cloth Hall terrace is sometimes opened to visitors and offers a lovely view of the Market roofs and the city panorama — a pleasant way to end a cool museum visit in the middle of the day.
Is entry to the Cloth Hall always paid? - The ground-floor market hall is publicly accessible and free; the first-floor exhibitions and some underground attractions or special exhibitions are paid.
When are there the fewest people? - It’s usually quietest right after opening and late in the afternoon; Tuesdays with free entry are busier.
Are there audio guides and guides in the museum? - Yes, the museum offers audio guides in several languages; there are also guided tours available for an extra fee.
If you plan to visit Kraków during a hot summer, treat the Cloth Hall as part of a well-thought-out route: morning walk around the Market, a visit to the gallery, a break in an air-conditioned café, then the Market Undercity or the Planty for an evening stroll. With such a plan you won’t overheat, you’ll see more and you’ll save energy for the next days of sightseeing.
If this article helped you, share it with friends or on social media so more people learn how enjoyable visiting the Cloth Hall can be even in the greatest heat. If you’d like to tour with someone who knows the city and can adapt the route to the weather, consider the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — more information and contact details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
