The Main Market Square is the heart of Kraków and one of the largest medieval squares in Europe — roughly a square 200 metres on each side with an area close to 4 hectares. It was laid out during the city's founding in 1257 and since then has been the centre of trade, celebrations, demonstrations and everyday life.
Today the Square combines layers of history and modern life: the Gothic towers of St. Mary's Basilica, the Renaissance Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), the remains of the old Town Hall and contemporary art installations. It is also a great starting point for walks to Wawel, to Kazimierz or along the Planty park.
Remember that the Old Town together with the Market Square is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site — so a walk across the square is both a pleasure and a lesson in history.
St. Mary's Basilica with the Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz) altarpiece — a Gothic gem and one of the most important works of sacred art in Poland. The trumpet call (hejnal) is played from the basilica tower every hour — a Kraków tradition known worldwide.
The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) — the historic market hall in the centre of the Square, now home to the Sukiennice branch of the National Museum and to stalls selling local crafts. Underneath the Cloth Hall you can visit the Market Underground, an archaeological museum with rich exhibits.
Town Hall Tower and the ruins of the old Town Hall — remnants of the medieval civic structures, interesting for architecture and urban history.
Adam Mickiewicz Monument — a favourite meeting spot for locals and an easy landmark for visitors.
St. Adalbert's Church (St. Wojciech) — a small church with a very long history; its foundations predate the formal founding of the city.
The St. Mary's trumpet call (hejnal) is played every hour from the highest basilica tower — it's a distinctive Kraków moment worth hearing while standing on the square. The tune ends suddenly, commemorating medieval events connected with the defence of the city.
If you plan to enter the interior, check visiting hours: the chancel and the Veit Stoss altarpiece are open to visitors at set times (check parish and information sources for current opening hours). Schedules can change on weekends and holidays.
Access to the tower is seasonal and often limited to small groups — if you want the city panorama, plan ahead and be ready to climb stairs.
For centuries the Cloth Hall was the centre of international trade. Today it houses a branch of the National Museum (Sukiennice Gallery) and the well-known craft stalls — a great place for souvenirs and a short break.
To understand what the Square looked like in medieval times, be sure to visit the Market Underground — a modern archaeological museum that reveals old street layouts, everyday objects and changes in the city's level. In high season it's wise to buy tickets online in advance to avoid queues.
The Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) has its own ticketing rules and opening hours — normally the branch operates during daytime and sometimes offers a free admission day for permanent displays (check current information before your visit).
The Town Hall Tower is one of the few remaining parts of the old town hall; the tower and its surroundings hide urban curiosities and legends you'll hear in any good story about the city.
The Adam Mickiewicz Monument, affectionately called 'Adaś' by locals, stands in the central part of the Square and since the 19th century has been a site of local traditions — from graduation gatherings to anniversary commemorations.
On the Square pay attention to small details: stone portals, hidden courtyards behind nearby tenement houses, little chapels and minor monuments that together shape the unique atmosphere of the place.
Around the Square you'll find places at many price and quality levels; for something special consider venues appreciated by locals. Examples of trusted choices: Restaurant Szara (noted for awards, elegant interior and high quality), Wierzynek (historic, representative — ideal for a ceremonial dinner) and intimate cafés like Café Camelot — great for dessert and relaxation after sightseeing.
If you want the best value, walk into the side streets leading off the Square — there you'll often find smaller cafés and bistros with local flavours and friendlier prices. During busy hours it's a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Remember to check current reviews and opening hours — many restaurants have regular closed days or limited menus during the season.
A walk from the Main Railway Station to the Square takes about 20–30 minutes — a pleasant route through the Old Town. Public transport and trams will bring you close to the Square; it's usually best to leave a car outside the strict centre because of restrictions and parking costs.
Tickets are required for St. Mary's Basilica, the Market Underground and National Museum branches; some museum branches offer discounts and free admission on specific days — check current official information before you travel.
Cobblestones and uneven pavements are part of the charm but can be difficult for visitors with reduced mobility — check accessibility of particular sites in advance. If needed, ask for official guides employed by museums or at Wawel who can provide adapted routes and assistance.
The current surface level of the Square is higher than in medieval times — archaeologists have uncovered layers of buildings nearly two metres below the modern pavement, visible at the Market Underground.
St. Adalbert's Church is a fragment of older sacred structures that predate the city's formal founding — evidence that this area was significant even before the centre was officially established.
The Royal Route once ran through the Square — the processional path used for coronation parades and royal ceremonies, which made it the city's main ceremonial axis.
Visiting only to take one photo and leaving immediately — the Square is best experienced: enter the church, go down to the underground museum, sit in a café and listen to the hejnal.
Choosing the first restaurant you see without checking reviews — often better food and prices are found in the side streets. Do a quick online check and reserve a table at popular places when possible.
Not watching your belongings — crowds make petty theft easier. Keep your bag close and documents separate, especially during peak tourist hours.
When is the best time to come? Best times are early morning just after sunrise or late afternoon outside the high season if you want to avoid crowds and catch nice light for photos.
How much time do you need for a relaxed visit? To see the main points (the Basilica, the Cloth Hall, the Market Underground) and have lunch, plan 3–4 hours. If you want to climb towers or visit several museums, a full day is optimal.
Is it worth buying tickets in advance? Yes — in the high season it's sensible to buy tickets for the Market Underground and popular National Museum exhibitions in advance to avoid queues and capacity limits.
Wear comfortable shoes — the cobbles are noticeable, and stable footwear is especially important if you plan to go down to the underground museum or climb a tower.
Check the weather before you go and bring a light coat or umbrella — Kraków's weather can change quickly.
If you need a personalized itinerary, help with ticket reservations, accommodation or restaurant bookings, you can use the services of tour guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Małgorzata can plan routes, lead museum visits and places not always accessible without a guide, and organise logistics, transport and reservations. Contact details are available on the ZwiedzanieKrakowa website.
The Main Market Square gives the most to visitors who spend time with it — don't treat it only as a point on the map but as an environment to observe, taste and discover. Visit the church, listen to the hejnal, go down to the underground museum and find your favourite café in a side street.
If you found this guide helpful — share it with friends or on social media. And if you'd like someone to show you Kraków's hidden corners with stories, anecdotes and practical logistics, get in touch with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. She will gladly help plan trips, book accommodation, restaurants and tickets. Have a great journey and see you at the Square!
