The Main Market Square is the heart of Kraków — a simple, easy-to-find landmark and the place where many routes begin their story of the city. The square, roughly 200 x 200 m, concentrates the most important layers of history: the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), the Town Hall Tower, St. Mary’s Basilica and the Royal Route that continues toward Wawel.
The Cloth Hall is more than souvenir stalls. Upstairs it houses the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art, whose windows offer a particular view of the Square. Under the arcades and from the corners of the square you can take photos that show the Market’s geometry rather than just the crowd — a practical tip, especially in high season.
At the Market it’s worth listening to the bugle call (hejnał) from St. Mary’s Tower — the tune abruptly ends in accordance with Kraków tradition. The interior of St. Mary’s Church with Wit Stwosz’s altarpiece and the Rynek Underground (Podziemia Rynku) are other must-see sites that complement a walk on the square and give it historical depth. Touring these places with a guide gives you context — legends, anecdotes and explanations that aren’t usually in standard guidebooks.
Małgorzata Kasprowicz leads tours in an engaging way — combining solid knowledge with anecdotes and energy. The route around the Market usually includes the main elements: the Cloth Hall (history of trade and the gallery’s role), St. Mary’s Basilica (the story of Wit Stwosz’s altar and the hejnał), the Town Hall Tower and a stretch of the Royal Route toward Wawel.
Depending on the chosen time and theme, the guide can suggest visiting the Rynek Underground, a short introduction to Collegium Maius, or extending the route to Kazimierz. For visits to Wawel — some interiors and stories are available only with a guide, which often makes such a visit particularly attractive.
If the group is large or the place crowded, audio headsets are available — this greatly improves the comfort of listening. Małgorzata holds a state guide license since 2012 and has guided groups of all sizes many times — from school trips to VIP groups.
Bookings are made directly with the guide — it’s best to contact her in advance by e‑mail or phone to set the date, meeting point and tour length. In the message include: preferred date and time, approximate number of people, preferred language (Polish or English) and the topic if you want a themed tour.
Price list (promotional offer valid for a specific period): the promotional rate runs from October 1, 2025 to March 1, 2026. For tours in Polish (small groups, 1–35 people) example promotional prices are: 2 hours – 300 PLN; 3 hours – 400 PLN; 4 hours – 500 PLN (each additional hour +80 PLN). Different rates apply for large groups and English tours — you will receive a full breakdown when booking.
Extras and practicalities: renting audio headsets is possible and costs very little (around 8 PLN per person), which is especially recommended for larger groups and during the season. When booking you will also agree on the meeting point — usually the Main Market Square (for example under the Cloth Hall arcades or by the Adam Mickiewicz monument), but confirm the exact spot in your message.
How far in advance to book: for small groups a few days' notice is usually enough — for weekends, holidays and peak season it’s better to reserve several weeks in advance. For school or corporate trips it’s wise to finalize details early and communicate any special requirements (e.g., accessibility needs).
Start: meeting at the Main Market Square — a few minutes for orientation, a quick map of the route and a short history of the square.
Cloth Hall: story of trade, the role of the building and a quick visit to the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art (if time and the group wish).
St. Mary’s Basilica: an exterior overview of the architecture, and entry to the interior to learn the story of Wit Stwosz’s altarpiece (sometimes interior entry requires a separate ticket — it’s good to check in advance).
Rynek Underground: an interactive archaeological route (it’s best to reserve tickets for a time slot), ideal for a rainy afternoon or to diversify the program.
Finish: a short round along the edges of the square, recommendations for coffee or an obwarzanek and tips on how to continue exploring on your own (the Planty, Wawel or Kazimierz).
Enjoy Kraków’s flavors without rushing. Quick snacks include a fresh obwarzanek from a street cart and the classic zapiekanka (especially at Plac Nowy in Kazimierz if you plan a break there).
For lunch or dinner try smaller side streets near the Market — you’ll find places serving traditional Polish food (pierogi, żurek, schabowy) and cozy cafés for dessert (sernik or kremówka). Recommended options around the Market include Szara (Rynek Główny 6) for a refined meal, Szara Gęś (Rynek Główny 17) for modern Polish cuisine, and the historic Wierzynek (Rynek Główny 16) for a taste of Kraków’s royal culinary legend.
For coffee and cake consider Café Camelot (Świętego Tomasza) with its atmospheric interior; if you prefer to avoid crowds, step into a side street off the square — smaller cafés often have a calmer vibe.
If you want specific restaurant suggestions or a reservation tip during the tour, let Małgorzata know when you book — she often recommends trusted places that fit the group’s schedule and tastes.
Cobblestones and steps: central Kraków has many cobblestones — choose comfortable shoes with flat soles. Not all routes are fully adapted for strollers and people with limited mobility; if someone in the group has special needs, mention this when booking — the guide will help plan an accessible route.
Weather: have a plan B for rain — some attractions (e.g., the Rynek Underground, museums) move the program indoors. For winter bring warm clothing; in summer bring a hat and water.
Discount documents: keep student and senior cards handy — many ticketed exhibitions offer reduced fares.
- How long does a typical Market and Cloth Hall walk take? 2–3 hours is enough to comfortably see the main sites; there is also a 1‑hour shortened version or a longer 4‑hour option if you want to enter several museums.
- How much does a private tour cost? Prices depend on length, language and group size. In the promotional period (Oct 1, 2025–Mar 1, 2026) example rates for small groups in Polish are: 2 hours — 300 PLN, 3 hours — 400 PLN, 4 hours — 500 PLN. You will receive a full invoice when booking.
- Where do we meet? The meeting point is set when booking; usually the Main Market Square — most often under the Cloth Hall arcades or by the Adam Mickiewicz monument. Confirm the exact spot in your message.
- Does the guide do tours in English? Yes — tours in English are available (rates differ from Polish tours).
- Are entrance tickets needed? Some sites (Rynek Underground, certain museum interiors, some Wawel rooms) require tickets. It’s a good idea to agree at booking which tickets should be bought and at what times, or whether the guide should arrange them.
- What if the weather is bad? The program can be modified — more indoor visits to museums or shifting parts of the route. Alternatives will be discussed at booking.
- Start early if you want to avoid the largest crowds and have better light for photos.
- Photograph the Market from the corners of the square and from the Cloth Hall gallery floor — compositions tend to read more clearly than pictures taken from the very center.
- If you’re coming with children — mention it when booking. There are tailored routes and stories for younger listeners, with fun tasks and shorter narrative segments.
- Booking in advance gives you time and the possibility to tailor the route to your interests (history, legends, photography, food).
- And most importantly: come with an open mind and a good sense of humor. Kraków is a city of stories — a good story with a guide stays with you for a long time.
Recommended meeting points: under the Cloth Hall arcades, by the Adam Mickiewicz monument, or at the northern corner of the square.
Typical tour languages: Polish and English. Other languages may be available on request — check when booking.
Suggested tips for groups: if you enjoyed the tour, tipping the guide is appreciated but voluntary — a small tip from each participant is a common, friendly gesture.
Useful phone items: power bank for photos, small umbrella, water bottle in summer, and printed or screenshot copy of your booking confirmation.
