Did you know that Kraków's Main Square measures about 200 × 200 metres and is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe? It's a place where history meets daily city life: stalls, museums, horse-drawn carriages and the trumpet call played every hour from the tower of St. Mary's Basilica create a unique atmosphere.
If you're arriving in Kraków for the first time, this text will walk you step by step through the square's most important sights, suggest how to plan your visit, point out what to avoid and where to taste local specialties. I write with tourists in mind — in a simple, friendly way — so your first walk through the Old Town is enjoyable and stress-free.
The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) is the heart of the square. For centuries it was a centre of international trade; today the ground floor houses stalls with crafts and souvenirs, while the upper floor is home to the Gallery of 19th‑Century Polish Art, a branch of the National Museum. It's worth going upstairs — not only for the paintings but also for the atmosphere of the historic rooms.
St. Mary's Basilica stands out with its two unequal towers and the famous altarpiece carved by Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz) — one of the most important works of Gothic sculpture in Poland. The hejnał mariacki, played live every hour from the higher tower, is a Kraków tradition you shouldn't miss. Remember that visiting the interior and seeing the altarpiece open follow set visiting hours, and on Sundays liturgical services limit access.
The Town Hall Tower is the only remaining part of the old town hall. Climbing the tower offers a lovely panorama of the Old Town, though the stairs can be narrow — if you have a fear of heights, plan this in advance. Beneath the tower there's a small exhibition about the history of the town hall.
The Rynek Underground is a modern museum with an archaeological exhibition: a walk about four metres below the surface brings you into the city's layers from the 12th–14th centuries. Archaeological digs have produced thousands of everyday objects that help explain medieval life in Kraków. It's a great option if you want to feel the past not only from above but from beneath your feet.
The Adam Mickiewicz Monument is a favourite meeting point — it's easy to arrange to meet your group there. Around the square you'll also find many historic townhouses, the Church of St. Wojciech and small architectural details worth looking at slowly and up close.
If you want to visit the Gallery of 19th‑Century Polish Art in the Cloth Hall or the Rynek Underground, check opening hours and whether tickets can be bought online. In high season queues can be long, and entry to some museum branches is limited by the number of visitors.
Museums on the square often use guides employed by the institutions — consider an official guided tour, especially in the Underground, where a guide's narrative adds context to the exhibits. If you plan to visit with an external guide, ask about museum authorisations when you want access to restricted exhibition areas.
Free admission days for permanent exhibitions occur at different institutions and change seasonally, so if you're trying to save money, check current promotions — but keep in mind these days usually attract larger crowds.
The best time for a walk on the Main Square is early morning (around 7:00–9:00) or late evening — crowds are smaller, the light is better for photos and the atmosphere feels more local. During the day the square can be very busy, especially in summer and during special events.
Wear comfortable shoes — the cobblestones are picturesque but tiring for your feet. If you plan to climb towers or navigate narrow staircases, factor that into your plan.
Keep wallets and phones close to you — as in any tourist centre, pickpockets can occur. That said, stay calm — cautious behaviour is enough in most cases.
There are many food outlets on and around the square. Watch out for tourist menus at tables arranged outdoors — prices there are usually higher. If you want authentic flavours and better quality, choose well‑reviewed cafés and restaurants a few steps away from the most exposed terraces.
Public toilets are available in several places around the centre, but most are not free. It's useful to have some small change, although most venues accept cards.
If you're looking for a cosy café, choose venues with a longer history and good reviews. You can find warm interiors and homemade cakes in several cafés near the square — ideal for a break after a long walk.
If you'd like to try Polish cuisine at a higher level, consider restaurants located in historic interiors around the square. Some places offer modern interpretations of regional dishes and seasonal produce — good choices for a special lunch or dinner.
For a quick local snack, try an obwarzanek krakowski — the traditional braided bread sold at street stalls. It's a tasty and fast option for a street lunch.
If you want recommendations tailored to your budget and taste, I'll gladly advise specific places — I always recommend tried-and-tested, highly rated venues so you avoid tourist traps.
The hejnał mariacki is played live every hour and for centuries has been the city's signal — the melody abruptly breaks off in the middle, linked to the legend of a trumpeter who was shot while warning of an invasion. Today the hejnał is heard in every weather and its radio broadcast has cemented the custom in Polish awareness.
Beneath the Cloth Hall lies history stretching back centuries: archaeological research has uncovered fragments of medieval streets and thousands of small everyday objects now displayed in the underground exhibition.
Around the square you'll notice details that go unnoticed on a quick walk — the Renaissance attics of the Cloth Hall, Neo‑Gothic and Art Nouveau decorations on townhouses, and small traces of the city's former defences. Look up and step away from the busiest routes to discover them.
An overly tight schedule. The square is a place to savour slowly — don't try to see everything in one hour. Reserve time to enter at least one museum and to sit down in a café.
Eating only at the most exposed outdoor tables. This is the easiest way to overpay for an average meal. It's better to go a few steps inside a venue where quality and price-to-value are usually better.
Not checking opening hours. Some attractions close early or have days when they're not open. If your priority is, for example, climbing a tower or visiting a specific exhibition, check hours in advance.
Neglecting reservations for large groups. Museums and popular restaurants accept reservations and often have limited seating. If you travel in a group, arrange this ahead of time.
When is the best time to come to the Main Square? Early morning or late afternoon/evening — crowds are smaller and the light is better for photos.
Is it possible to climb St. Mary's tower every day? Tower access is organised at set hours and can be restricted because of weather or liturgical events. Check current information before visiting.
Are the Rynek Underground exhibits worth visiting? Yes — it's a unique experience that provides historical context and shows what the medieval city looked like under our feet.
Should I reserve a table at a restaurant on the square? If you want to eat at a popular place during the season or in the evening, a reservation is a good idea.
If you'd like, I can help plan your visit to the Main Square and to Kraków in general: I'll suggest a route tailored to your time, interests and group pace, book museum tickets, advise on restaurant choices and assist with logistics and transport.
Contact me through zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — I will gladly prepare an individual tour plan, guide you through museums and interesting places, and help with booking accommodation and tables at the best venues.
If you found this guide helpful, share it on social media or send the link to friends. Enjoy discovering Kraków and see you at the Main Square!
