The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) is not just a photogenic backdrop for the Main Market Square — it is one of Kraków’s oldest and most recognisable symbols. The first stone stalls appeared here in the mid-13th century, and after numerous rebuildings the building acquired the form we know today. In summer the upper floor and terraces are lively: exhibitions, a café and views over the square make it worth a short stop during a brief stay.
This guide will show you how to plan two summer days in Kraków so you can see the Cloth Hall, the most important points of the Old Town and the key traces of Jewish Kraków in the Kazimierz district — without rushing, with practical tips and recommended places to eat and rest. If you wish, at the end you’ll find an FAQ and a list of common mistakes to avoid.
MORNING: Start at Wawel — if you plan to enter the cathedral or the royal chambers, buy tickets in advance or arrive right after opening to avoid queues. A walk from Wawel to the Main Market Square takes a few minutes and along the way you’ll pass St. Mary’s Basilica and the Florian Gate.
AFTERNOON: Spend time at the Cloth Hall on the Market Square. The upper floor houses the Gallery of 19th‑Century Polish Art (a branch of the National Museum) and in summer the terraces and a café operate — a great place to pause and admire the square’s panorama. Buy a ticket for the terrace or the gallery; in high season the terrace usually charges a small fee.
EVENING: Dinner near the square — choose a well-rated restaurant and book a table. After dinner, stroll around the illuminated square or drop in on one of the summer outdoor events.
MORNING: Move to Kazimierz — the historic Jewish quarter. Start at Wolnica Square and Szeroka Street, then visit the Old Synagogue (a branch of the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków) and the Galicia Jewish Museum — the photographic exhibitions and displays telling the story of Jewish Galicia are accessible and moving.
AFTERNOON: Be sure to visit the Remuh Synagogue and the adjacent Remuh Cemetery — a site with gravestones dating back to the 16th century and a powerful historical atmosphere. In Kazimierz you’ll also find other historic synagogues (Kupa, Wysoka, Isaac/Izaak) and various commemorative sites. If you come at the end of June or early July you may encounter the Jewish Culture Festival — a rich programme of concerts, exhibitions and meetings.
EVENING: Kazimierz comes alive at night: cafés, bars and restaurants invite you to long summer evenings. It’s a great area to try Mediterranean and Jewish‑inspired dishes reinterpreted by local chefs.
The Cloth Hall served as a trading hall since medieval times; today it houses the Gallery of 19th‑Century Polish Art (a branch of the National Museum). The building has undergone important reconstructions — after a 16th‑century fire it received a Renaissance form, and its current silhouette comes from a 19th‑century renovation.
In summer the Cloth Hall offers an extra attraction: terraces and a café with views of the Market Square. Entrance to the terrace usually requires a small fee, and the gallery has specific opening hours — remember that some museums close on Mondays or offer free‑entry days for permanent exhibitions, so it’s worth checking before you arrive.
Practical tip: if you want to visit the Market Undercroft, the Cloth Hall and Wawel, plan tickets in advance and include breaks — queues in high season can take a lot of time.
Kazimierz is where history meets the present. I recommend visiting: the Old Synagogue (the oldest in the city, now a branch of the Historical Museum of Kraków), the Remuh Synagogue with its adjoining cemetery (gravestones dated from the mid‑16th century), the Kupa and Wysoka synagogues, and the Galicia Jewish Museum — all good entrances into the story of Jewish life in pre‑war Galicia.
The Galicia Jewish Museum (opened in the early 21st century) presents photographic exhibitions and educational projects devoted to Jewish culture and memory. In summer Kazimierz also hosts the annual Jewish Culture Festival — concerts, exhibitions and workshops make the district especially lively.
Pay attention to architectural details and commemorative plaques scattered across the streets — these are the less obvious but often most moving traces of the former Jewish presence in Kraków.
Visit the busiest sites (Wawel, Cloth Hall, Market Square) early in the morning or leave them for late evening — they’re beautifully lit and less crowded then. Summers in the centre can be hot: use sunscreen, wear a light hat and carry water.
Book tickets online for key attractions (Wawel, National Museum branches, some synagogues) — it saves time. Check opening hours for museums and synagogues: some places may be closed on Saturdays or on religious holidays.
Transport: short distances in the centre are best on foot; for further points (e.g. Wieliczka Salt Mine) use trains or tourist buses. In summer trams and buses run more frequently, but weekends can be crowded.
For a short summer stay choose a central base: the Old Town or Kazimierz are ideal. When choosing accommodation check reviews and location so most attractions are walkable.
Where to eat? Look for well‑rated local restaurants around the Market Square for traditional Polish dishes done well; in Kazimierz you’ll find atmospheric cafés and eateries serving Middle Eastern or Jewish‑inspired cuisine. In high season reserve tables — popular places fill up.
Extra tip: if you want local sweets, look for cafés serving kremówki, good cheesecake, and traditional cakes. For a morning start, choose cafés that open early — a great way to watch the city wake up.
Trying to see “everything” in one day — better pick priorities and give yourself time to rest and soak up the atmosphere.
Not checking opening hours of museums and synagogues — before visiting, make sure the site is open and whether there are restrictions (holidays, services).
Failing to book ahead in summer — both tickets for popular attractions and restaurant tables are worth reserving in advance.
Is 2 days enough? Yes, if you want to see the main points of the Old Town and Kazimierz. If you wish to explore museums in depth or visit Wieliczka, consider adding an extra day.
Is it worth visiting the Cloth Hall inside? Yes — the upper floor houses a fine collection of 19th‑century Polish art, and in summer the terrace and café offer a pleasant view of the Market Square.
When is the Jewish Culture Festival? The festival takes place every summer, usually in late June or early July — that’s a great time to experience a rich programme of concerts and events in Kazimierz.
Beneath the Cloth Hall there are remains of medieval structures and passages — hence the many attractions under the Market Square that tell the city’s deep history.
The Remuh Cemetery is one of the oldest preserved Jewish burial sites in Poland, with gravestones preserved from the 16th century — a particularly powerful historical place that often makes the greatest impression on visitors.
If you liked this plan, share the article with friends or on social media — you’ll help others better plan a short trip to Kraków.
If you would like to explore Kraków with a local private guide, consider booking a tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Private guiding saves time, offers comfort and can be tailored to your interests. Have a great trip and enjoy a wonderful summer stay in Kraków!
