St. Florian's Gate welcomes visitors to the city even before they reach the Market Square. Its massive silhouette and the perspective of Floriańska Street create the classic view of the Royal Route — the path taken by kings and their processions entering the city. Starting here immediately gives you the rhythm of medieval Kraków: fortifications, the Barbican, cobbled lanes and a view leading straight to the heart of the Old Town.
The gate dates back to around the 14th century; over time additional storeys and spires were added, and in the 19th century decorative elements appeared that are now easy to recognize. Around it you can still see fragments of the defensive walls and the Barbican — an ideal backdrop for a photo that opens your sightseeing.
This spot is also practical: it's easy to reach by public transport and is a great place to begin a walk along the Planty belt or Floriańska Street. If you plan an early start, you can avoid the largest crowds.
If you enjoy the history of fortifications, take a few minutes to walk around the Barbican and the surviving stretches of wall. It's a small but valuable testimony to the city's defensive layout and a rare example of this type of structure in Europe.
St. Florian's Gate was one of the city's main gates and opened onto the Royal Route; you can spot Renaissance and Baroque elements in its structure. The Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) has been a trading place since the 13th century: originally wooden cloth stalls, later rebuilt in masonry after fires and restored in the 19th century to the look we know today.
On the upper floor of the Cloth Hall is the Gallery of 19th‑Century Polish Art, a branch of the National Museum — if you plan to visit interior exhibitions, allow time and check opening hours in advance.
The famous Noworolski Café operates in the Cloth Hall, and the Market Square is home to well‑known restaurants such as Szara — in season it's a good idea to reserve a table for evening meals.
Start: the Barbican and St. Florian's Gate. Take in the outer fortifications and photograph the perspective down Floriańska Street. A southward walk from here leads you directly to the Market Square.
Floriańska Street – stroll along and pay attention to artisan shop windows and historic townhouses. This street is the historical lead‑in to the Market Square and is full of souvenir shops, bookstores and cafés. Look for architectural details that tell the story of former city life.
Main Market Square – make a short circuit of the Square: the Cloth Hall stands in the middle and historic townhouses spread around it. It's a perfect place for a break and people‑watching.
Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) – walk under the external arcades, buy small souvenirs from craftsmen or go upstairs to the Gallery of 19th‑Century Polish Art. If you want a meaningful visit to the collection, plan for at least 45–60 minutes; for a quick look allow minimum 30 minutes.
St. Mary's Basilica and the Hejnał – if you have time, peek inside the basilica and try to be there at noon to hear the traditional trumpet call (the Hejnał). Remember to dress respectfully when entering places of worship.
Optional: Grodzka Street toward Wawel — if you have more time, continue from the Old Town along scenic Grodzka to Wawel and the royal castle. Alternatively, finish your walk along the Planty and return to your starting point.
Quick walk — 1.5 hours: Barbican, St. Florian's Gate, Floriańska, a short circuit of the Market Square and photos at the Cloth Hall. Ideal when time is limited or you want a reconnaissance before returning in the evening.
Standard visit — 2–3 hours: add a visit upstairs in the Cloth Hall (National Museum gallery), a short look inside St. Mary's and a coffee break. This allows you to soak in the atmosphere without rushing.
Half day or full day: connect the route with Wawel, the Czartoryski Museum or a walk through Kazimierz. In that case plan meal breaks and possible museum tickets.
Noworolski Café – a classic located in the Cloth Hall; historical interiors and a long dessert tradition. A good spot for a short break while exploring the Square.
Szara Restaurant – one of the better‑rated venues directly on the Market Square; higher standard, cuisine combining local inspiration with European classics. Reservations are recommended for evening service.
Cafe Camelot (St. Thomas Street) – a cozy café near the Market Square known for its intimate interior and homemade cakes. A good option for breakfast or an afternoon treat.
Time of day matters: to avoid the largest crowds choose early morning (the Square is quieter between 7:00 and 9:30) or late afternoon. Evenings have a great atmosphere, but restaurants fill up quickly.
Tickets and opening hours: if you plan to see the Cloth Hall exhibition (Gallery of 19th‑Century Polish Art), check current hours and rules — museums are sometimes closed on Mondays and may have free admission days on Tuesdays. Holidays and special events can change schedules.
Avoid tourist traps when shopping for souvenirs — stall prices around the Cloth Hall can be higher; if you want authentic handicrafts (for example amber or ceramics) look for recommended galleries and shops with good reviews.
Crowds and strollers: in summer the Market Square and Floriańska Street become very crowded; keep this in mind if you're traveling with large luggage or a stroller. The Planty offer a quieter alternative route around the Old Town.
The upper floor of the Cloth Hall houses the Gallery of 19th‑Century Polish Art, one of the most important collections of painting and sculpture from that period. If you're interested in Polish art history, allow at least 45–90 minutes.
The museum typically operates Tuesday–Sunday during regular hours (often from 10:00 to 18:00); Mondays are frequently closed. Tuesdays are commonly a free entry day for permanent exhibitions — check up‑to‑date information before you go.
Official guides and museum staff lead tours of the collection. If you want a guided tour, it's best to reserve in advance.
In the Cloth Hall passage you can spot an iron knife — a remnant of Magdeburg law and part of a local legend about two builder brothers; it's a small but colorful detail worth finding.
St. Florian's Gate used to be called Porta Gloriae — the Gate of Glory. Ceremonial coronation and funeral processions began here, which gives the place a special historical ritual significance.
As late as the 20th century a narrow‑gauge tram used to pass through St. Florian's Gate — an image that surprises modern tourists used to reaching the Market Square on foot.
Is it worth going up to the Cloth Hall's upper floor? Yes, if you're interested in art and historical display — the National Museum gallery gives a broad overview of 19th‑century Polish art. Allow at least 45 minutes.
When is the best time to photograph without crowds? The best chances for a quieter Square are early morning before 9:30 or late evening after 21:30 outside the high season. In peak season silence is rare, but early hours greatly improve photo comfort.
Are the Cloth Hall and the Market Square accessible for people with limited mobility? The external arcades and the Square are accessible, but access to the gallery upstairs requires checking availability — museums often provide accommodations after prior notice.
Restaurant reservations: the best places on the Market Square fill up — if you want to eat in a specific venue, reserve in advance, especially for dinner.
Check for current renovations and temporary exhibitions: the Cloth Hall and other historic sites are sometimes partially closed for conservation work or exhibition installations. Updates appear on the cultural institutions' official channels.
Weather and clothing: in colder months the cobbles can be slippery after precipitation, so wear comfortable shoes and layer up; in summer bring a hat and water, as outdoor sightseeing can be intense.
Phone charged, enable battery‑saving mode for photos and navigation.
Comfortable shoes, museum ticket (if you plan to enter), wallet with cash and card, and a backup plan for a coffee break.
Route plan: Barbican → St. Florian's Gate → Floriańska Street → Market Square → Cloth Hall → St. Mary's Basilica → optionally Grodzka Street and Wawel.
If this guide was helpful, share it on social media or send the link to friends heading to Kraków — good routes are worth recommending.
If you prefer to explore with commentary and longer stories, consider booking a private guiding service with Małgorzata Kasprowicz at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — the guide will tailor the route to your interests and time.
Thank you for reading and enjoy a lovely walk in Kraków — may the Sukiennice and St. Florian's Gate leave you with many pleasant memories.
