Yes — with a reasonable plan and a few practical choices you can get the feel of the Old Town in two days, visit the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art in Sukiennice and see the main attractions around the Main Market Square. Sukiennice is not only a souvenir market but also a museum housing one of the most important collections of 19th-century Polish painting — allow at least 1–2 hours for it.
If you want to save money, pay attention to available discounts, free-entry days and the option to buy tickets online — that often saves time and stress at the ticket desk.
The address of Sukiennice is Rynek Główny 3 — its central location makes it easy to combine a gallery visit with a walk around the Market Square, a trip to Wawel or lunch in one of the recommended restaurants.
Start the morning with a walk around the Main Market Square: hear the trumpet call from St. Mary’s Church, admire the historic townhouses and go into Sukiennice before it gets crowded. Visiting the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art usually takes about 1–2 hours — enough to see rooms devoted to artists such as Bacciarelli, Matejko and Chełmoński.
After Sukiennice, take a break for coffee or a light lunch. Nearby you’ll find iconic places with long traditions: Café Noworolski (in the eastern part of Sukiennice) and, a few steps away, elegant restaurants with Polish accents like Szara Gęś or Wierzynek — if you plan dinner at a popular spot, reserve a table in advance.
In the afternoon you can walk to Wawel (a short stroll from the Market) or visit the Market Underground — if city archaeology interests you, schedule both for the same day (remember to book in advance, as entries can be limited).
I recommend starting day two at a smaller exhibition or branch of the National Museum if you want to explore particular artists, then head to the Kazimierz district. Kazimierz is perfect for an afternoon walk, coffee and dinner — the Jewish quarter has a very different atmosphere from the Market Square.
In Kazimierz, visit well-rated restaurants and bars, taste local specialties and walk between synagogues and atmospheric streets. In the evening the Main Market Square looks completely different — it’s worth returning for a short walk to enjoy the lights and night-time city atmosphere.
If you prefer quieter museums, consider one of the National Museum branches or the Museum of Kraków — check on-site which temporary exhibitions might interest you.
The Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art in Sukiennice is a branch of the National Museum in Kraków. The key ticket information includes: regular (full) tickets, reduced tickets, family tickets and special rates for young people and holders of certain cards.
Typical rules (based on recent museum communications): a full ticket to Sukiennice is roughly 35 PLN, a reduced ticket about 25 PLN, a family ticket around 70 PLN; young people aged 7–26 may pay a symbolic fee (for example 1 PLN) after presenting a valid student or youth ID. Tuesday is often the free-entry day for permanent exhibitions — a good way to save money, but expect larger crowds.
You can also rent an audio guide at the ticket desk or online (for a small fee) — useful if you prefer to explore at your own pace. The viewing terrace on the Sukiennice roof is sometimes included in the ticket price and offers a great panorama of the Old Town.
Buying tickets online reduces waiting time at the desk and guarantees your place for a specific time. During the tourist season it’s wise to reserve tickets in advance, especially for weekends or Tuesdays (free days attract many visitors).
When buying a reduced ticket, have the relevant documents with you: student ID, school ID, proof of age or entitlement. Not all discounts are applied automatically — staff may ask to see documents.
If you plan to visit both the Market Underground and Sukiennice on the same day, check at museum ticket offices or online whether combined tickets or special promotions are available. From time to time institutions offer combo tickets or discounts when buying two entries at once — that’s a good saving if you plan to visit more than one nearby museum.
The best time to visit Sukiennice is at opening — usually in the morning, when there are fewer people and the light in the galleries is good for viewing paintings. Alternatively, late afternoon shortly before closing can be calmer than mid-day.
Avoid Tuesdays if you want peace and fewer visitors — although Tuesday is often a free day for permanent exhibitions, the museum tends to be much busier. If you choose a free day, come as early as possible.
If you travel in a group or want a guided visit, book the guided tour in advance — this will help avoid availability problems and plan your time better.
Arriving on Monday expecting a quick visit — Sukiennice are usually closed on Mondays, so check opening hours before you leave.
Forgetting ID for reduced tickets — youth discounts often require a valid card; without it you may be asked to pay the full ticket price.
Underestimating the time needed — to see the main Sukiennice rooms and spend some time with the exhibits, allow at least 60–90 minutes; if you love art, count on 2 hours or more.
To enjoy Kraków’s culinary atmosphere, consider well-known spots: Wierzynek offers historic interiors and a refined menu; Szara Gęś is a good place for a modern take on traditional Polish cuisine.
For coffee, visit Café Noworolski — a historic café located by Sukiennice. For a cozier atmosphere, try Café Camelot (near the Market) — a popular spot for a calm coffee and dessert.
If you stay overnight, the Old Town and Kazimierz offer a wide range of accommodation — from boutique hotels to cozy guesthouses. When booking, choose a location near the Market or tram stops to save travel time.
Is Sukiennice accessible for people with limited mobility? Yes — the museum has facilities including an elevator and adapted toilets; it’s always a good idea to confirm details before your visit.
Do children enter free? Young people aged 7–26 often have a special symbolic fee upon presenting an ID. Younger children may have free or reduced entry — ask at the ticket desk before purchase.
Is an audio guide worth it? Yes, if you prefer touring at your own pace and want context for key exhibits. Audio guides are usually available in several languages for a small fee.
What to bring? IDs for discounts, comfortable shoes, a water bottle and a camera (amateur photography in permanent exhibitions is often allowed but without extra lighting or tripods).
The Sukiennice terrace is a great spot for a quick panorama photo of the Old Town — we often forget that the Market has this little 'viewing window'.
Check whether a special event or temporary exhibition is taking place during your visit — sometimes these are great opportunities to see something unusual, but they can also mean more visitors and altered opening hours.
If you plan to combine museums, book visits on the same day only when you have reserved tickets or timed entries — otherwise you may waste time waiting in lines.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media — a well-planned weekend in Kraków will make travel easier for others too.
If you want to tour with a local guide, consider the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — booking a professional guide helps you see the main sites more efficiently and learn local stories and details that typical tourists often miss.
Good luck planning and enjoy your visit to Kraków — two days can be enough to fall in love with the city.
