The Main Market Square in Kraków is one of the largest medieval market squares in Europe — roughly 200 x 200 meters — and it buzzes with life throughout the tourist season. In summer the square becomes a stage for events, café terraces and a meeting place; still, it helps to know a few simple rules to make your visit pleasant and stress-free.
In this guide you'll find tried-and-true walking routes for 60, 120 and 240 minutes, practical tips for coping with heat, recommended places to eat and drink, and a few less obvious curiosities that will make your visit more enjoyable.
St. Mary's Basilica – the Gothic landmark on the eastern side of the square. Inside is the altarpiece by Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz), one of the most important Gothic sculptures in Europe. From the taller tower the trumpeter plays the hejnał (trumpet call) every hour — the sudden break in the tune is part of Kraków's local legend.
The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) – the Renaissance trading hall visible in the middle of the square. The ground floor houses stalls with souvenirs and handicrafts, while the upper floor hosts the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art. Under the Cloth Hall you can visit the modern Market Underground Museum (Muzeum Podziemia Rynku) to see remains of medieval streets and buildings.
Town Hall Tower and the remains of the Town Hall – the solitary, slightly leaning tower is the only preserved part of the former town hall. Nearby you can notice historic townhouses and the small St. Adalbert’s Church (St. Wojciech), which still shows traces of earlier construction phases.
Adam Mickiewicz Monument – a popular meeting spot and photo background. The monument stands closer to the southern side of the square and is a handy landmark for arranging meetups.
The Planty, St. Florian's Gate and the Barbican – stepping off the Main Square quickly leads you into the green ring of the Planty and streets that take you to the historic fortifications. It’s a great way to escape the crowds.
The Market Underground Museum is a must if you want to understand why the Market is so large and how everyday life looked in the Middle Ages. Exhibits and reconstructions have good explanations — allow at least 60 minutes for the visit.
The Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art in the Cloth Hall is a good option for a hot day — the upper floor is air-conditioned and the painting collection tells accessible stories about Poland in the 1800s.
If you’re interested in architecture and history, plan a short visit to the Collegium Maius courtyard (Jagiellonian University) and some nearby museums — many offer shade and a break from the heat.
Best times: early mornings (7:00–9:30) and late evenings are when the square is calmest and the light is best for photos. Midday brings the biggest crowds and the hottest weather, so use that time to visit indoor museums or enjoy a longer meal in an air-conditioned restaurant.
Heat protection: wear comfortable shoes, a hat or cap, and carry a bottle of water. There are café terraces on the square, but prices near main attractions can be higher — step down a side street to find equally good coffee at a better price.
Avoiding the biggest crowds: instead of walking down the center of the square, make a loop along the Cloth Hall arcades, view the townhouses from the Planty side and explore side streets (Grodzka, św. Anny, Sienna) that often hide interesting details and fewer tourists.
Tickets and bookings: in the summer season it’s smart to buy tickets in advance for popular attractions on busy days or arrive early to skip lines. Check museum opening hours — they often differ on weekends.
Around the Market you’ll find a wide range of places — from historic restaurants to trendy cafés. If you prefer tradition, look for restaurants known for good quality and atmosphere; for a quick bite or dessert, seek out artisan ice-cream shops and small cafés on side streets.
Some reliable choices: a restaurant serving traditional Polish cuisine near the Market for local flavors; cafés with good coffee and cakes — perfect for a break; artisan gelato shops recommended for summer heat. Choose places with strong reviews or quieter interiors if you need a cool refuge.
Reservations: on weekends and in the evenings, getting a table at popular Market-side restaurants can be hard — book ahead if you have a specific place in mind. Let reviews and photos of dishes guide your choice.
The most convenient option is accommodation within the Old Town or right by the Planty — it allows easy morning and evening strolls when the Market looks its best. Boutique hotels and trusted guesthouses offer a good base for couples, families and business travelers alike.
If you want quiet at night, choose a room facing a courtyard rather than the Market itself. That way you avoid noise from terraces and evening events.
60 minutes: a quick "must see" — start from the southwest corner of the Market, view the Cloth Hall from outside, pass the Adam Mickiewicz Monument, look at St. Mary's Basilica from the outside (with the hejnał) and return through the Planty. It's intense but doable as your first encounter with the square.
120 minutes: Cloth Hall (visit the upper floor), a short visit to the Market Underground Museum, enter St. Mary's Basilica and walk along Grodzka and Floriańska streets toward St. Florian's Gate. Stop for coffee in one of the side cafés along the way.
240 minutes: the full version with interiors — plan visits to the Underground, the Gallery in the Cloth Hall, Collegium Maius and a rest in the Planty. Finish with an evening walk and dinner at a well-reviewed restaurant by the Market.
The different levels of paving around St. Adalbert’s Church show how the Market surface was raised over the centuries — when you walk around you can easily spot the changes in height and imagine the layers of history beneath your feet.
The hejnał mariacki ends abruptly to commemorate the trumpeter who, according to legend, was shot in the throat while sounding the alarm before a Tatar attack. It's a simple tradition but deeply tied to Kraków’s identity.
The Market Underground Museum uses modern exhibition techniques — it’s not only excavations but also multimedia stories about everyday life in a medieval city.
Poor time planning — visiting the most popular attractions during peak hours (11:00–15:00) leads to queues and heat. Plan visits for morning or evening.
Buying souvenirs at the first stall you see when leaving the Market — prices and quality vary. Compare a few stalls and look for certified handicrafts.
Choosing a restaurant only for the Market view without checking reviews — a great view can come with high prices and average food. Look for trusted places and reserve a table.
Is the Market free? Yes — walking on the Market square is free; fees apply for museums and some church interiors.
Where are public toilets? There are public toilets in the center and toilets in cafés and restaurants; it’s good to have a few coins ready for paid facilities. Some museums provide restrooms for visitors.
Is the Market accessible for strollers and people with reduced mobility? Most main routes and some museums offer accessibility, but the cobbles can be uneven — plan your route and check access at specific sites in advance.
How to get there? The Main Market Square is well connected by public transport. Trams or buses to stops near the Planty and the Old Town are the most convenient.
Is it worth bringing children? Yes — the Market has attractions for kids: street musicians, short exhibitions, parks and museums with interactive displays. Add breaks for play and ice cream.
The Main Market Square is best discovered slowly: a mix of architecture, history and city life creates an experience you’ll want to return to. In summer, balance visits to popular spots with side streets and the Planty to feel the city’s true rhythm.
If you liked this guide — share it with friends or on social media. If you want to explore without stress and learn more stories about the Market and the Old Town, consider a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
