Yes — visiting Kraków in 48 hours is like a sprint, but with a good plan you can see the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), the Main Market Square, a few museums and feel the city’s atmosphere without unnecessary rush. The Cloth Hall is a must-see: the National Museum has the 19th-century Polish Art Gallery on the upper floor, while the ground level hosts stalls and the entrance to the Rynek Underground. If you give the Cloth Hall about 2 hours (gallery visit plus a short walk through the stalls or a visit to the Underground), you can comfortably fit it into a one-day walk through the Old Town.
In this article you’ll find a detailed two-day plan, suggested tram connections, recommendations for the best spots for coffee and lunch, and practical tips to help you avoid common tourist mistakes. You can adapt the plan to your own pace and interests — I also leave alternatives for those who prefer art, history or food.
The Cloth Hall has stood here since the 13th century and at the height of its importance was an international trade center — spices, silks and salt were brought here. Today the ground floor is filled with stalls and souvenirs, but upstairs there’s a large collection of 19th-century paintings, and beneath the Market Square lie archaeological remains of medieval streets and workshops. If your time is limited, consider a shorter visit to the stalls and a longer visit to the gallery or the Underground — choose depending on what interests you most.
If you arrive in Kraków in the morning and only have a few hours before check-in or meetings, do this: drop off your luggage (lockers at the station or an arranged early check-in), head to the Main Market Square and spend the first two hours at the Cloth Hall and the nearby area.
0–15 min: walk from the nearest tram stop or the station to the Market, admire the Cloth Hall’s exterior and, if you like and have time, enjoy the view from St. Mary’s Church tower.
15–90 min: enter the Cloth Hall — visit the 19th-century Polish Art Gallery on the upper floor or quickly browse the ground-floor stalls; if you plan to visit the Rynek Underground, add 60–90 minutes.
90–120 min: short coffee break in one of the nearby cafés and decide on your next route (Wawel, Planty, Kazimierz).
Remember: museums in the Cloth Hall are often closed on Mondays; Tuesdays may offer free admission to permanent exhibitions — check opening hours before you go.
Day 1 - Old Town and the Cloth Hall:
Morning: arrival, check-in (if possible), walk to the Main Market Square. Start with an exterior look at the Cloth Hall, then go upstairs to the 19th-century Polish Art Gallery (allow about 1–1.5 hours).
Noon: visit the Rynek Underground (if you are interested in archaeology and the city’s trade routes) or take a short tram ride to Wawel (if you prefer the castle interiors, reserve 1.5–2 hours).
Afternoon: lunch near the Market — recommended places include historic restaurants and cafés close to the square; then stroll the Planty or head toward Kazimierz for the evening.
Evening: dinner and an evening walk through Kazimierz — here you’ll feel a cozier, more intimate side of the city.
Day 2 - Wawel, surroundings and a tram ride:
Morning: visit the Royal Castle on Wawel Hill and the Cathedral (book tickets for a specific time to avoid queues).
Noon: return by tram to the center for lunch, quick stop at the Cloth Hall for souvenirs.
Afternoon: choose one option — a longer museum visit (for example the National Museum), relax in a local café, or take a scenic tram ride — some tram routes pass by major sights and the ride can be an attraction in itself. Evening: final walk and dinner.
The Cloth Hall stands in the very heart of the Main Market Square, which is within walking distance of many tram stops. From the Main Railway Station it’s about a 15–20 minute walk, but if you prefer the tram, choose one of the lines that stop near the Market. Many lines stop within a short walk of the square — check the route on a map before boarding.
Kraków public transport requires a valid ticket — buy one from a machine, a mobile app (apps like SkyCash or the official MPK app) or at a kiosk. Remember to validate/activate the ticket if the system requires it. If you plan several trips in one day, a 24-hour or 48-hour ticket is usually worth it.
A tram ride is also a great way to see the city from a different angle — I recommend taking a line that runs along the boulevards and through historic districts instead of walking the whole time.
If you have only about 2 hours for the Cloth Hall, plan your time like this:
0–15 min: quick look at the exterior and compare souvenir stalls; decide whether to visit the gallery first or the Rynek Underground.
15–75 min: visit the 19th-century Polish Art Gallery — three quarters of an hour is enough for a tour of the main rooms and famous works. If you prefer the Rynek Underground, allocate that time there instead (the Underground typically takes 60–90 minutes).
75–120 min: short coffee or pastry break in a nearby café and quick souvenir shopping.
Keep in mind: museums have opening hours and closed days — avoid Mondays and buy tickets online in advance for a timed visit during the high season to save time.
Around the Market and the Cloth Hall you’ll find many options — from historic, elegant restaurants to cozy cafés. Recommended and well-rated places to consider:
Café Camelot - a atmospheric café near the Market, great for morning coffee and a light breakfast.
Charlotte - a bakery and bistro known for excellent bread and breakfasts, popular with locals and visitors alike.
Wierzynek - a historic restaurant on the Market offering a culinary experience steeped in tradition (reservation recommended).
Szara (Szara Gęś w Kuchni) - a respected restaurant serving Polish cuisine in an elegant setting.
When choosing where to eat, follow recent reviews and reserve a table for evening, especially on weekends — the Market area can be crowded.
To make the most of 48 hours, choose accommodation near the Old Town or the Main Railway Station (short tram rides or walks). Some reliable options with good reviews:
Boutique hotels on the Market (for a historic stay directly on the square) — book early as rooms are limited.
Hotels near the Main Railway Station or along Basztowa Street — convenient transport links and easy arrival from the station/airport.
Apartments around Kazimierz — if you prefer a quieter atmosphere and want to enjoy the local evening scene.
When picking a place to stay, pay attention to nighttime noise (the Market can be lively) and the convenience of getting to planned attractions.
1) Planning a visit to the Cloth Hall on a Monday — many museums are closed; check opening days and hours in advance.
2) Not having or activating a valid tram ticket — buy and validate your ticket to avoid fines; consider a 24/48-hour ticket if you’ll travel a lot.
3) Confusing the stalls with the museum exhibitions — the Cloth Hall has a commercial ground floor and museum exhibitions upstairs. If you’re interested in art, go upstairs; if you want souvenirs, browse the stalls.
4) Being too optimistic about time — even a short gallery visit and the Rynek Underground can take longer than expected; allow extra time for lines and breaks.
5) Leaving valuables in easy-to-reach pockets — the Market can be crowded, so take care of your documents and money.
- The Cloth Hall functioned as a trade center in the Middle Ages; its history dates back to the city’s founding in 1257.
- Under the Market’s surface are fragments of medieval streets and shops — the Rynek Underground is a fascinating source of information about old building techniques and trade.
- The gallery upstairs is a permanent exhibition of 19th-century Polish art, created during a 19th-century renovation of the building — it’s worth visiting even if you’re not a devoted painting lover.
Are the Cloth Hall and its galleries open every day?
The gallery and most exhibitions have set hours and days of opening — museums are often closed on Mondays; Tuesdays can be free for permanent exhibitions. Always check hours before you go.
How much time do I need for the Rynek Underground?
A standard visit to the Rynek Underground usually takes 60 to 120 minutes, depending on whether you use an audio guide or wish to read exhibits carefully.
What tickets should I bring?
For trams: a single ticket or a 24/48-hour ticket bought at a machine or via an app. For the Cloth Hall/Gallery: regular/reduced museum tickets; if you plan to visit the Rynek Underground or Wawel, check prices and buy tickets online in advance to avoid queues.
Is it better to take the tram or walk?
Both have advantages: walking gives you direct contact with the city and works well over short distances, while trams help for longer transfers and let you see more of the city without tiring yourself. If time is limited, combine walks with a few tram rides for best efficiency.
- Check Cloth Hall opening hours and museum closed days in advance. Keep in mind last admissions are often 15–30 minutes before closing.
- Install a public transport ticket app or have small change for ticket machines; validate your ticket before the ride.
- Reserve tables at popular restaurants, especially for weekend dinners near the Market.
- To avoid crowds at the Cloth Hall, plan visits early in the morning or late afternoon outside peak times.
- If you want a more comfortable and personalized visit, consider booking a private guide — for guided tours of Kraków contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com for details and bookings.
If this plan was helpful, share it with friends or post it on social media. If you’d like to explore Kraków without stress, full of curiosities and practical tips, consider a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and contact information are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Enjoy your 48 hours in Kraków and many unforgettable moments at the Cloth Hall!
