Kraków's Main Market is a place that can enchant in an instant — the clink of instruments near the Cloth Hall, the clip-clop of carriages and flocks of pigeons circling above the square. Three elements seem to sit side by side for years: horse-drawn carriages as a nostalgic keepsake of older transport, pigeons that have become an almost living emblem of the place, and the impressive bronze head of Igor Mitoraj's “Eros Bendato,” which tourists love to photograph. This text will tell you about their history, symbolism, practical aspects for visitors and how to avoid common mistakes when you're in the heart of Kraków.
Eros Bendato is one of the most recognizable contemporary sculptures in Kraków's public space. Cast in bronze, it depicts a large, reclining head with a band over the eyes — both monumental and “human,” because it is hollow inside, inviting visitors to step in and take photos. The sculpture arrived at the Market as a gift from the artist and has drawn the attention of locals and tourists ever since it was installed.
Eros was not originally planned as a permanent fixture of the Market — it was intended as a temporary outdoor exhibit, but the sculpture “grew into” the landscape and stayed. Its scale and the empty interior make it very photogenic and welcoming to interaction, so if you want a classic photo without a crowd — come early in the morning or late in the evening.
Eros is also a good opportunity to talk about contemporary art in public space — does a modern sculpture fit into a historic square? Kraków residents have different opinions, but there is no doubt the figure has become part of the city's tourist "must-see."
Carriages appeared in Kraków in the 19th century and for a long time were one of the basic means of urban transport. Today they serve mainly a touristic and sentimental function — a fiaker ride is a charming way to see parts of the Old Town from a different perspective. It's worth knowing a bit of history — in literature and local stories the carriage has become a romantic motif mentioned by writers such as Konstanty Ildefons Gałczyński.
Alongside this image of tradition comes responsibility for animal welfare. The city introduces regulations concerning stands, working hours and rules during heat, and requires veterinary checks and adherence to guidelines for horse care. Carriage stands on the Main Market may be temporarily closed or relocated in certain weather conditions; in recent times the city has also introduced formal agreements and tenders regulating parking places.
If you want to take a carriage ride: - Book with a licensed driver or a recommended company - check that the vehicle and horse look healthy and well cared for - in summer heat be aware of working-hour limits — drivers often have bans on standing in the middle of the day when temperatures are high - agree the price before starting and confirm what the service includes (route, time, stops).
For families with children or older visitors, a ride can be a pleasant experience; however, if you have concerns about animal welfare, choose a guided walk through the Old Town instead.
Pigeons on the Market have long been treated as a "living element" of the city's scene — easy to photograph, and children love feeding them. But their presence also brings real problems: droppings damage facades and historic details, large flocks make maintenance harder and pose sanitary concerns. There is an ongoing discussion in Kraków about regulations on feeding and designated places for bird feeding.
Practical tip: don't feed pigeons bread or a bagel. Bread can harm birds, and feeding in the center encourages flocks to congregate and grow. If you want to help birds, ask local organizations for guidance or support feeding programs in designated areas (if they exist). In recent years there have been educational campaigns and proposals to set feeding points or introduce bans outside exceptional conditions (for example, severe frosts).
For tourists: photos with pigeons are cute, but avoid approaching birds aggressively and don't encourage them to sit on bags or shoulders — it's not only a hygiene issue but also a safety concern.
When planning a visit to the Main Market, use a few simple rules to make your experience pleasant and hassle-free: come early to avoid crowds and get better light for photos; if you want a picture with Eros, choose early hours; at noon and in the afternoon it can be very busy.
If you consider a carriage ride, first ask about current stand hours and rules (many stands close during heat). Agree on price and route before you start. If you have doubts about a horse's health or conditions, decline and take a guided walk instead.
Be cautious with drones — flights over the Market and in the historic zone may require permission; always check local regulations. Wear comfortable shoes — the Market surface is stone slabs that can be slippery when wet. Bring a water bottle and have a plan B in case of rain — cafes and museums nearby are close at hand.
Many venues surround the Market, including cafés and restaurants with very good reputations. If you look for classic places with tradition, consider establishments by the Cloth Hall or on the Market itself, which offer local dishes and solid service. If you only want coffee and cake, choose cafés known for quality-brewed coffee and fresh pastries.
A few practical dining tips: reserve a table for an evening meal, because places by the Market can be crowded; check reviews and pick venues with recent positive feedback; if you want to try regional dishes, ask the waiter for recommendations — the best places often highlight seasonal items on the menu.
If you plan overnight accommodation — hotels on or directly next to the Market offer a perfect start for sightseeing but tend to be the most expensive. For a compromise, consider lodging a few streets away in neighborhoods near the Old Town — still central but often cheaper and quieter.
1) Not agreeing the price with the carriage driver before the ride – always negotiate and make sure you know how much and what you're paying for. 2) Feeding pigeons bread – a common but wrong gesture; bread harms birds and increases their population. 3) Photographing in crowds without respect for others – remember the Market is a workplace for vendors, waiters and residents. 4) Assuming everything is “free” – some attractions (e.g., certain museum entries or guided services) require fees or reservations. 5) Not keeping control of luggage and documents — as in any popular tourist spot, keep valuables secure.
Quick guide: plan, ask, book and show civic courtesy — this will give you a better experience and help protect what is most precious in Kraków.
Can you go inside the Eros sculpture? - Yes, Eros Bendato is hollow inside and tourists often pose within it; remember to be considerate of others when taking photos.
Are carriages legal and safe? - Yes, they operate under city agreements and regulations and are subject to veterinary checks; however, pay attention to weather conditions and whether the carriage and horse appear well cared for.
Is feeding pigeons on the Market allowed? - This is a topic of local debate and initiatives; practically speaking it's better to avoid feeding, and never give bread — it's healthier for the birds and for the monuments.
How to avoid crowds at Eros? - Best times are early morning or late evening; even then the high season can be busy, so patience helps.
- Eros Bendato was originally an outdoor exhibit and later became a gift from the artist to the city — it's not a traditional monument but an example of contemporary public art that "enters" city life. - Carriages, while a symbol of nostalgia, operate today within a regulated system — the city issues rules to protect horses and controls working hours, and even organizes tenders for stands. - Pigeons, despite being a nuisance at times, are culturally part of many market squares; in Kraków there are ongoing discussions about how to balance aesthetics, monument protection and bird welfare.
If you'd like a more comfortable way to learn the Main Market and its stories — from legends about enchanted carriages to the background of contemporary sculptures — I recommend using the services of the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Her experience and knowledge of the city will help plan a route, arrange a carriage if desired, organize transport and even assist with restaurant reservations and museum tickets. Małgorzata knows the best moments for photos, where to avoid crowds and how to manage the day's logistics. Contact her through her official website to ask for advice and arrange a guided visit tailored to you.
If you found this article helpful — share it with friends or on social media. When you have specific travel dates, write and we'll help refine your plan and connect you with Małgorzata to organize the perfect stay in Kraków!
