The Main Market Square is the city’s pulse and one of Europe’s largest medieval squares. It measures roughly 200 by 200 meters and for centuries has served as a stage, marketplace and meeting place. At its center stands the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), nearby rises the slim Town Hall Tower, and watching over everything is the silhouette of St. Mary’s Basilica with its two towers and the hejnał that marks the hours. ]
Floriańska Street closes the north side and leads to St. Florian’s Gate and the Barbican. To the east dominates St. Mary’s Church with the open space in front of its entrance. The south side is defined by the arcades of the Cloth Hall and the entrance to the 19th-century Polish Art Gallery, while the Town Hall Tower marks the west, leaning slightly from the vertical and adding character. The buildings around the square form a colorful wreath of styles from Gothic and Renaissance to richly decorated 19th-century façades.
The square was laid out after a great city fire and the town’s foundation under Magdeburg law in 1257. From that moment the Market became a space for trade, proclamations, royal and civic ceremonies and public debate. To this day Krakowians and visitors gather here to celebrate, protest, listen to concerts or simply enjoy a coffee under the arcades.
Every hour the hejnał sounds from the higher tower of St. Mary’s. The tune breaks off suddenly, tied to the popular legend of a watchman struck by a Tatar arrow during an attack. The best places to hear the hejnał are close to the church at the top of the hour or from the square’s edge by the Town Hall Tower. On summer evenings the trumpet’s notes drift over the square like a delicate thread.
The basilica’s interior hides the famous wooden altarpiece by Veit Stoss, as intricate as lace carved in wood. It’s worth stepping inside for a moment of contemplation and to study the scenes from Mary’s life. Entrances for worshippers and for visitors are managed separately and silence is requested inside. For detail lovers: look up at the vaults, the stained glass and the polychromes that tell the city’s story without words.
On the ground floor you’ll find rows of stalls with crafts and souvenirs, and under the arcades a few cafés with views over the square. Upstairs is the 19th‑Century Polish Art Gallery with paintings and sculptures that are cornerstones of Polish painting. Stairs lead straight to exhibition rooms where light plays off gilded frames and the square outside looks like a living painting.
This is the only remaining part of the old town hall. It leans slightly, which only adds to its charm. Inside you climb to a viewpoint that reveals the roofs of the tenement houses, church gables and the streets radiating from the corners of the square. It’s a single frame that explains the city’s geometry at a glance.
The tiny church at the southeast corner of the square is like a time capsule. Its simplicity contrasts with the Market’s grand scale. Walk all the way around it and notice the differences in pavement levels — they reveal how the square was raised and reshaped over centuries.
The Adam Mickiewicz monument has been a longtime meeting point — locals simply say “under Adaś.” It’s a great place for a short pause, a photo or to plan the next stop. Pay attention to the allegorical figures at the poet’s feet.
The Market is part of the Royal Route linking the Barbican and St. Florian’s Gate with Wawel Castle. Monarchs once rode along this path, and processions and pageants marched here. Today the route is still alive, but in the rhythm of walkers, passing musicians and the aromas from cafés.
Beneath the square’s paving lies an interactive story of medieval Krakow. You’ll see former trade routes, relics of stalls and objects recovered during archaeological work. Entrances are at set times, so it’s best to reserve tickets in advance. The exhibition uses light and sound to guide visitors and avoids overwhelming walls of text.
Several houses around the Market remember grand feasts and historic gatherings. Wierzynek evokes a long tradition of hospitality dating back to the Middle Ages. It’s worth stepping in even briefly to see interiors adorned with paintings and stucco before you head back toward the Cloth Hall.
The square hosts Christmas markets, open-air concerts and city ceremonies. Autumn and spring offer soft light ideal for photographers, winter is market season with the scent of spices, and summer is perfect for lingering in café gardens. If you prefer fewer people, choose mornings or late afternoons on weekdays.
For architectural shots stand at the square’s edge rather than in the center. Film the hejnał from the axis between St. Mary’s and the Town Hall Tower. For a pause choose the Cloth Hall arcades or a bench under the lindens in the Planty park. Rainy days can be a photographer’s ally — puddles turn the cobbles into mirrors.
Good-soled shoes help on the granite pavement. Churches expect quiet and modest dress; flash photography is often restricted. Buy Underground Museum and Gallery tickets for a specific time in advance when possible. During busy hours keep your bag close and avoid leaving your phone on the edge of a table.
Public restrooms are available in museums and nearby cafés, and the Planty park is an easy place to find shade and a bench. For a longer break, pick a quiet side street leading off the Market rather than staying in the busiest central area.
The square is flat and friendly for strollers, though the cobbles can be a challenge for smaller wheels. Some institutions around the Market have ramps or lifts, and the underground museum provides accessibility features for visitors with limited mobility. If you move more slowly, plan your route around the square’s edge and use the arcades as natural rest points.
90 minutes: hear the hejnał at St. Mary’s, circle the square, walk the Cloth Hall arcades, take a quick look at the Gallery upstairs and finish at the Town Hall Tower.
3 hours: walk around the Market’s edge, visit St. Mary’s, see the Underground Market Museum at a booked time, pause under the arcades, stroll toward the Planty and return via the square of St. Mary Magdalene.
Notice the differences in pavement height around St. Wojciech — the square was repeatedly raised over the centuries. Look closely at gargoyles and cornices on the facades; they also tell stories of the residents. On summer evenings street musicians gather around the square’s edges — stop for a few minutes and enjoy the moment.
If you want to discover all the Main Market Square’s secrets and learn Krakow’s story step by step, book a guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact her to arrange a date and tailor the visit to your interests.
Do I need tickets for the Underground Market Museum? - It’s recommended to reserve tickets in advance for a specific time; some days have limited or free admission so check ahead.
When is the square least crowded? - Early mornings and late afternoons on weekdays are usually quieter. High season and weekends can be busy, especially around holidays and during market events.
Where to eat? - For a historic dining experience try Wierzynek; otherwise explore the cafés under the Cloth Hall arcades or the small bistros on the side streets for a more relaxed meal.
Safety and belongings - The Market is generally safe, but during busy periods keep your bag close and be mindful of pickpockets in crowded spots.
Toilets and facilities - Toilets are available in museums and some nearby establishments; Planty park offers shaded benches and rest spots.
Accessibility - The square is mostly level but cobbles can be uneven. Many nearby institutions have ramps or lifts; the Underground Museum offers accessibility options.
