The Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) sit at the heart of the Main Market Square — a place where history, art and everyday city life meet in one spot. For families it’s ideal: a compact, accessible exhibition with clear themes, plenty of displays that catch children’s attention, and a roof terrace where you can quickly get an overview of what to see next in the area. A visit to the Sukiennice lets you combine culture with a pleasant walk around the Market and the Planty park without long transfers. For short stays in Krakow it’s especially convenient — one hour or two is enough to get a real sense of 19th-century Polish art and feel the atmosphere of the Old Town.
Parents also appreciate the clear entry organisation and the option of family tickets, which significantly lower the cost for groups of 2–4 people. That makes the Sukiennice an easy fit with the rest of a family route: Wawel, a walk through the Planty, then a café break and some rest.
Typical opening hours: usually Tuesday–Sunday, roughly 10:00–18:00; the branch is normally closed on Mondays — keep this in mind when planning a week-long stay.
Tuesday is often the day of free admission to permanent exhibitions — a good saving opportunity, but expect larger crowds and longer queues.
The last visitors are usually admitted to the exhibition about 20 minutes before closing; the ticket office and cloakroom remain open until closing time.
Tickets: a family ticket costs around 70 PLN and covers up to 4 people provided at least one child under 16 is included. Regular tickets are about 35 PLN, reduced tickets about 25 PLN, and youth (ages 7–26) often pay a symbolic fee of 1 PLN after showing ID.
In many cases the ticket includes access to the roof terrace — a quick way to view the Market from a different perspective.
The museum offers audio guides (in several languages) and the possibility of guided visits; audio guide rental usually carries a small fee, while guided tours have a separate charge (check current prices and availability before your visit).
The ticket office, museum shop and cloakroom are located by the entrance, which makes it easy to leave larger backpacks and start the visit comfortably.
Book tickets online in advance if you have a fixed schedule — buying on site is possible, but in high season and on free Tuesdays queues can be long.
Arrive at opening time or in the early morning if you want to avoid crowds and have more time for children. The Market can be very busy in the afternoons, especially during the tourist season.
Plan the Sukiennice visit as part of a short family route: for example, walk from the Main Train Station to the Market, visit the Sukiennice (45–90 minutes), enjoy a short break with coffee and cake at the Market, then stroll through the Planty towards Wawel.
If you have small children, consider a shorter, themed visit — pick a few of the most interesting rooms rather than trying to see the whole gallery at once. The museum’s displays are family-friendly and can be adapted to your family’s pace.
Check on the day of your visit whether any technical closures or temporary exhibitions affect access to some rooms.
Start: Main Train Station or the area around Floriańska Street. The walk to the Main Market Square usually takes 10–20 minutes depending on pace and ice-cream stops.
Sukiennice — visit the gallery; after the tour, enjoy a quick stop on the roof terrace (weather permitting) and a snack on the Market.
Coffee and cake — choose family-friendly cafés around the Market with dessert options and child-friendly dishes.
Walk the Planty — a green, gentle route perfect for children who need to run. The path leads toward Wawel and takes roughly 20–30 minutes with short stops.
Wawel — admire the castle exterior or, if energy is low, just explore the castle surroundings and the Dragon’s Den. Alternative: Kazimierz with atmospheric streets and family-friendly eateries.
The Sukiennice are in the very centre of the Main Market Square, so public transport access is straightforward. Trams serving the area include lines such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 13, 14, 18, 20, 24 and 52; buses include lines like 124, 152, 424 and 502. Walking from the Main Train Station is also a pleasant option.
Buy tram/bus tickets before boarding (via app or at machines) and remember to validate paper tickets. Ticket inspections are common.
If you visit with a stroller, check availability of ramps and cloakroom facilities ahead of time — call the museum ticket office if you have doubts.
In high season follow simple rules: sun hats for children on hot days, comfortable shoes and a water bottle. There are food outlets and vending machines around the Market, but prices at tourist spots can be higher.
After visiting the Sukiennice, head to well-reviewed places offering child-friendly menus and a relaxed atmosphere. Near the Market you’ll find cafés and restaurants known for good service — choose venues with reviews that mention fresh, homemade dishes and quick service for families with children.
Some places to consider: Cafe Camelot — a cosy café near the Market, popular for its atmosphere and desserts; Pod Aniołami — a restaurant known for traditional Polish cuisine and often recommended on Old Town routes; Massolit Books & Cafe — a calm spot for families who enjoy books and a quieter break after sightseeing.
For a quick snack or child-friendly venue, pick places that explicitly list kids’ options and have space for strollers. Reserving a table at weekends can save time.
Not checking opening hours before leaving — remember the museum is usually closed on Mondays and hours can change for special events.
Arriving on a Tuesday without expecting the free-entry crowds — free admission days are a great chance to save, but they bring heavier visitor flows and longer queues at cloakrooms and ticket desks.
Forgetting ID for discounts — if you plan to use reduced or youth fares, bring the needed documents.
Not scheduling breaks — especially with small children, planning a half-day with the option for naps or a longer coffee break gives a better experience than trying to pack everything into one long day.
On some days and in some seasons the ticket to the Sukiennice may already include access to the roof terrace — a short but attractive extra worth using in good weather.
The museum offers audio guides in several languages — a good solution if someone in the family prefers not to join a group tour but still wants background on selected works.
Ask the ticket desk about current promotions and multi-branch passes — if you plan a longer stay, a pass covering several branches of the National Museum can be economical.
Does a family ticket cover 4 people? — Yes. A family ticket for the main galleries (for example the Sukiennice) typically covers up to 4 people, provided the group includes at least one child under 16.
Is Tuesday free? — Tuesday is often the free-admission day for permanent exhibitions at the National Museum; this is true in many seasons, but expect more visitors that day.
Should I buy tickets online? — Yes. Online booking saves time and shortens queues, especially in high season and during special events or temporary exhibitions.
How long does a Sukiennice visit take? — For families with children plan 45–90 minutes depending on pace and interests. If you also want to see temporary exhibitions, allow more time.
If you’re planning a family day in Krakow, the Sukiennice make a great starting point: central location, a varied exhibition and comfortable connections to other attractions mean this stop works well for both short visits and longer stays.
If you’d like, I can help design a route tailored to your children’s ages, your family’s pace and interests — contact me through zwiedzaniekrakowa.com for details and a contact form (Przewodnik: Małgorzata Kasprowicz — Margaret Kasprowicz).
If you found this guide useful, please share it with friends or on social media — helping other families plan a stress-free day in Krakow is always appreciated. Thank you for your trust and see you on the Old Town trail!
