The Main Market Square is the heart of Krakow — a large square about 200 m on each side, laid out in the 13th century. It is a place where history, architecture and everyday city life meet: cafés, exhibitions, street performers and the souvenir market inside the Cloth Halls. The Cloth Halls were once a trading hall for merchants and today host souvenir stalls as well as exhibition spaces. Around the square stand historic townhouses in a variety of architectural styles, and one of the most recognizable meeting points is the Adam Mickiewicz monument. This short guide will help you plan a walk, suggest what to see and explain how to book a tour with me.
If you want a guided visit: I lead private groups and families, telling stories with humor and anecdotes, and I adjust the pace to the participants (children, seniors, school groups). I have an official tour guide license for Krakow since 2012 and run routes around the Market, Wawel, Kazimierz and other top city sites. On request I can use wireless headset sets, which helps in busy times.
This text also contains practical tips: when to come, what to see in the Cloth Halls, how to combine the Market with Kazimierz and an FAQ with our most frequently asked questions about bookings and prices. I want your walk around the Market to be pleasant, stress-free and full of great photos.
Let’s begin! — below you’ll find a route, curiosities and practical advice.
Note: this article does not include links or references to other guides — we focus on what you can see and how I can help you with it.
The Main Market Square was created during the city planning under the prince in the 13th century and has been the center of urban and commercial life ever since. In its center stand the Cloth Halls, witnesses to medieval trade; today they are a symbol of Krakow and a convenient place to buy traditional souvenirs.
Right next to the Cloth Halls is the Adam Mickiewicz monument — a popular meeting point — and St. Mary's Basilica, famous for the altarpiece carved by Veit Stoss. The basilica is set at an angle to the Square, so it is easy to spot. A walk around the surrounding townhouses will reveal countless architectural details: Renaissance and Baroque facades, bay windows and richly decorated portals.
On the Square you should pay attention to: the Cloth Halls (inside and the upper floors), St. Mary's Basilica (interior and the trumpeter on the tower who plays the hejnał), the Mickiewicz monument, and the houses on the eastern and northern sides with their picturesque façades. Allow at least 1-2 hours here if you want to enter the Cloth Halls and St. Mary's Basilica.
During my tours I like to tell how the Market looked in medieval times, where street names come from and why some townhouses have unusual decorations — these little stories bring the visit to life.
If you plan to take photos — I recommend coming early in the morning or at sunset; the light is best then and crowds are smaller.
The Cloth Halls are more than souvenirs — they are a place full of history. On the ground floor you will find stalls with handicrafts, ceramics, jewelry and keepsakes; upstairs there are often temporary or permanent exhibitions related to craft and art. From the upper level you can sometimes enjoy a pleasant view over the roofs of the Square — a good spot for a short observation and photography.
Where to take photos: classic shots include the Cloth Halls façade with a row of townhouses in the background, the Mickiewicz monument in the foreground, and corner views of the Square that show its geometric layout. Photos near St. Mary's Basilica often look impressive thanks to the unique angle of the church in relation to the plaza.
Practical tip: the Cloth Halls are busiest at noon and in the afternoon. If you want to avoid crowds in photos, go very early (around 7:00-9:00) or in the evening. In summer stalls have extended hours, and in winter some events take place by the Square — those are great chances for atmospheric shots.
For families: at the Cloth Halls and on the Square children usually enjoy short puzzles, clues and photo competitions — during my tours I prepare simple tasks so the walk is engaging for the little ones. If you come with children, mention this when you book — I will adapt pace and route.
Remember: sacred sites (for example St. Mary's Basilica) have their own rules — sometimes silence is required or photography inside is restricted, so it's best to ask the guide before entering.
Best times: early morning (7:00-9:30) and late afternoon (around 16:00-19:00) — fewer tourists and nicer light. At midday the Square can be crowded, especially in summer and during holidays.
Visit length: a basic walk around the Market with essential stories takes 60-90 minutes; if you want to go inside the Cloth Halls, St. Mary's Basilica and take more photos, plan 2-3 hours.
What to bring: comfortable shoes, a bottle of water, a light jacket/umbrella (Krakow weather can change quickly), a powerbank for your phone, documents or tickets in electronic form. For families: snacks for children and a break at one of the cafés by the Planty.
How to dress: adapt clothing to the season. In summer wear light clothing and a hat; in autumn and early spring dress in layers; in winter dress warmly and wear slip-resistant shoes. When visiting sacred interiors, choose modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered).
Safety and your wallet: the Market attracts crowds — keep an eye on personal belongings. Pickpockets appear there more often than on quiet streets, so keep your phone and wallet in a crossbody bag or an inner pocket.
I offer private tours of the Main Market Square, the Cloth Halls and nearby areas — routes are adapted to the ages of participants and the time you have available. Themed routes are possible (for example history, legends or a children's route) and combinations are available (Market + Wawel, Market + Kazimierz).
Sample prices (approximate, visible in the offer): for small groups (1-35 people) - 2 hours: about 300-350 PLN; 3 hours: about 400-450 PLN; 4 hours: about 500-550 PLN. For larger groups prices are per person. On request I provide wireless headset sets for an additional fee, which significantly improves comfort in crowded moments.
Bookings: best to reserve in advance — by e-mail or phone. During the season dates fill up fast, especially weekends and holidays, so if you have specific dates and times, ask about availability several weeks ahead.
I have experience guiding school groups, families and business clients — programs are flexible and can be tailored to the group's needs. If you want activities for children or corporate integration — write and we will agree the details.
Note: the prices given are indicative — final rates and any promotions depend on the date and booking details.
The most convenient way to book is direct contact: e-mail and phone. On the ZwiedzanieKrakowa website you will find a contact form and current contact details.
E-mail: kontakt@zwiedzaniekrakowa.com
Phone: the site shows a number starting with +48 501 962... — if you need immediate contact, send an e-mail first or leave a message (in the e-mail include preferred date, time and number of people). I reply as quickly as possible and confirm booking details by e-mail.
How to prepare a booking request (what to include): preferred date and time, number of participants and their approximate ages (children/seniors), language of the tour, preferred route length and whether you need headset sets. This helps me confirm the offer faster and send a cost estimate.
If you plan a school trip or corporate event — mention it in the message and I will prepare a program and a tailored quote.
Do I need to book in advance? - If you come in high season (May-September), I strongly recommend booking at least several weeks in advance. In weeks outside the season you can often find dates on shorter notice, but the best approach is to confirm availability by e-mail.
How long does a walk around the Market take? - A basic walk with stories takes about 60-90 minutes. If you want to enter the Cloth Halls and St. Mary's Basilica and take photos in peace, plan 2-3 hours.
Is the tour suitable for children and seniors? - Yes. I adapt the pace and storytelling to the group. For children I prepare tasks and short contests to keep them interested.
Is it possible to tour in English? - Yes, I offer tours in Polish and English; please indicate the preferred language when booking.
What if the weather is bad? - On rainy days the route can be slightly modified (more interiors, shorter walks). In extreme weather conditions we agree with the client on an alternative date or a different plan.
Come with an open mind and comfortable shoes — the Market will show you a lot, but it’s best experienced by walking slowly and pausing to look at details.
If you want photos without crowds — schedule a session in the early morning. If you prefer the city atmosphere and life — midday and evening are ideal.
I will gladly guide you around the Market and share stories that don’t always make it into general guides — write or call and we’ll set a route tailored to your expectations. See you at the Market!
If you need the exact phone number or a quick confirmation of a date, send an e-mail first (kontakt@zwiedzaniekrakowa.com) — I respond as quickly as possible and will confirm all details.
Thank you for your trust — I look forward to showing you Krakow from the side I know best: local, full of anecdotes and hidden delights.
