The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) is the heart of the historic Main Market Square and a symbol of Kraków — a medieval market hall that for centuries served trade purposes and today draws visitors with its crafts, souvenirs and the art collection on the upper floor. It gives an immediate "Kraków effect": architecture, cafés, open-air stalls and a view of St. Mary’s Tower.
If you only have one day, beginning at the Market Square has a big logistical advantage — most main sights (the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica, the Royal Route, and Wawel) are within walking distance, which is convenient when you travel with a middle-aged relative.
Additionally, around the Cloth Hall and the Square you will find places for a quick breakfast or coffee in atmospheric cafés. For visitors who want tradition and convenience, staying near the Square is the most practical option — everything is close at hand.
Old Town (the Market, around the Cloth Hall) — maximum comfort for one-day sightseeing: everything nearby, no morning commutes. Downsides are higher prices and night noise in the summer season.
Kazimierz — a charming, trendy district with many restaurants and cafés, usually 10–20 minutes on foot from the Market. Ideal for those who value atmosphere and good food; check the exact location relative to lively bars if quiet sleep is a priority.
Podgórze (around the Schindler Museum, Zabłocie) — quieter, more local and very convenient if you want to avoid crowds. Good tram connections to the centre and often better value for money.
Krowodrza, Grzegórzki, Dębniki — residential neighborhoods with cheaper hotels and apartments. A longer commute to the Market (tram/walk), but quieter and often easier to find elevators, parking and larger rooms — useful when traveling with an aunt.
Nowa Huta — an option for very budget-conscious travellers: the cheapest accommodation choices and unusual socialist-realist architecture. Expect about 30 minutes to the centre by public transport.
Very low budget: 100–200 PLN — hostels, private rooms outside the strict centre, sometimes guesthouses in less touristy districts. Expect simpler conditions and limited comfort.
Mid-range budget: 250–450 PLN — decent 3–4* hotels, apartments near the centre or in Kazimierz. A good option if you want comfort, a quiet bedroom and easy access to attractions.
Higher budget: 500+ PLN — hotels by the Market, elegant apartments or accommodations with extra standards (great location, breakfast, service). This is for travellers who value maximum comfort and no compromises.
Prices usually rise in the summer — if you travel during the holidays, booking in advance can lower costs and give more choice of rooms with elevators and easy transport access, which matters when travelling with an older companion.
Morning: start with breakfast at a cosy café near the Market (for example a classic café with good coffee and light pastries). After breakfast, take a short walk around the Market: the Cloth Hall — a look at the souvenir stalls, a quick visit upstairs to the gallery if energy allows, and an outside view of St. Mary’s Basilica.
Before noon: if your aunt likes history, visit Wawel — a 10–15 minute walk from the Market. Instead of trying to see all the state rooms, choose a shorter route: the castle exterior, the courtyard, the cathedral and a view of the Sigismund Bell from the outside are enough if time and mobility are limited.
Lunch: pick a restaurant suitable for guests who appreciate traditional flavours and comfortable seating. For a special experience, consider well-rated places in the centre or on Kazimierz — reserve a table in advance, especially in summer.
Afternoon: a slower walk through Kazimierz — Plac Nowy, the lanes with galleries and cafés. If you want a museum visit, choose one attraction rather than several to avoid tiring your companion.
Evening: a light dinner and rest. If you stay near the Market, remember the area can be noisy — choose a hotel with good soundproofing or ask for a room at the rear of the building.
For morning coffee and cake consider charming cafés near the Market and on the Old Town — places with good reviews and comfortable seating. Camelot Café is an example of a cosy spot with a trusted selection of baked goods.
If you want to taste Kraków on a plate, try one of the restaurants serving Polish cuisine done well — a traditional place in the centre offers a taste of history, while a tavern in Kazimierz serves homemade pierogi and local vodkas. Starka in Kazimierz is often recommended for homestyle flavours and a friendly atmosphere.
For a quick snack and typical Kraków street food, the zapiekanka from the Okrąglak at Plac Nowy is a classic you should try at least once. Avoid eating in places with very low prices and questionable cleanliness — it’s better to pay a bit more for quality and peace of mind.
If you plan an evening in a more elegant restaurant, reserve a table one or two days in advance — summer and weekend demand is high.
Don’t book accommodation right on the most party-focused streets without checking reviews about noise — this is a common mistake, especially when travelling with an older person. Check reviews for quietness and the presence of an elevator.
Plan with time to spare rather than trying to rush through every attraction — one day can easily become overwhelming. It’s better to see fewer things in a calm way than to return exhausted.
Use public transport — trams and buses connect most neighbourhoods to the centre. For a short stay buy time-based tickets (for example a 24-hour ticket) so you don’t worry about validating single rides.
Prepare for sun and rain — in summer bring a light hat and comfortable walking shoes, and carry a small umbrella or a thin jacket for sudden weather changes.
Is it worth staying by the Market if I have only one day? Yes, if convenience and no commutes are a priority. If you prefer atmosphere and don’t mind a 15–20 minute walk, Kazimierz offers more of an "authentic" vibe.
How can I save on accommodation without giving up comfort? Look for apartments or hotels in neighbourhoods close to the centre such as Grzegórzki or Krowodrza — usually cheaper than the strict Old Town, with short tram rides into the centre.
Do you need to go inside the Cloth Hall? Many visitors are satisfied with a walk around and looking at the stalls; if you like art, a short visit to the upstairs gallery is pleasant, but remember there can be lines in the high season.
Is Kraków friendly for people with limited mobility? Largely yes, but old townhouses and cobblestones can make movement harder. When booking, check for an elevator and easy access to the street.
The Cloth Hall is not only about souvenirs — upstairs there is a permanent exhibition of 19th-century paintings by Polish masters, so if someone in your party enjoys painting, consider a short visit.
In Kazimierz there are small, family-run restaurants and bars that often have excellent ratings — choose places with several hundred reviews for a reliable quality indicator.
If you visit Kraków in summer, the best times for walks are early morning and late afternoon — at midday crowds and heat can tire even the most avid walkers.
If you found this guide useful, share it with friends or on social media — a simple plan and a few practical tips can save your Kraków day.
If you want to explore Kraków without stress and with pleasure, you can use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and the offer are available on the guide’s website. I warmly encourage contacting her and wish you a wonderful day in Kraków!
