The Main Market Square is the heart of Krakow: a vast square laid out in medieval form, lined with the city’s most recognizable monuments, and buzzing with cafés, restaurants and city life all day and into the evening.
A walk around the Square lets you see, among other things, St. Mary’s Basilica with the Veit Stoss altar, the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) with its stalls and the Noworolski café, the Town Hall Tower, and the Adam Mickiewicz monument — each of these spots has its own story and is worth a moment of attention. For a different perspective, climb one of the towers or sit on a restaurant terrace overlooking the square.
Remember that the Square is also a handy orientation point: from here you can easily reach the Planty, Wawel, or the narrow streets of Kazimierz. Before you head off, it’s a good idea to plan a short coffee break and use the restroom — more on that below.
Top attractions on the Main Market Square: St. Mary’s Basilica (with the bugle call), the Cloth Hall (gallery and souvenir shops), the Town Hall Tower, the Adam Mickiewicz monument, historic townhouses with beautiful façades, and numerous cafés and restaurants with views of the square.
If your time is limited: choose St. Mary’s Basilica (for the interior and the bugle call), walk through the Cloth Hall arcade, stop briefly at the Mickiewicz monument, and climb the Town Hall Tower — this gives a good quick introduction to the place.
For those with more time: visit the upper halls of the Cloth Hall (Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art), explore the small streets leading off the Square (Sienna, Mikołajska, Kanonicza) and look for local galleries and craft workshops.
The city provides several public toilets in the center; the most convenient for visitors to the Square is the toilet in the Cloth Hall — usually open during daytime and evening hours; in season opening hours are sometimes extended. Check local city notices before going out in the evening.
Other nearby public toilets can be found on the Planty (near Sienna Street and Straszewskiego Street), at Szczepański Square, on Czerwieński Boulevard (Powiśle area), and in the underpass near Warszawska/Pawia Street. Many locations have seasonal opening hours and may differ between summer and winter.
A few practical notes: some municipal toilets require payment (for example, coin-operated entrances), while other operators offer free access but with shorter opening hours. Night availability can be limited — during the high season the city sometimes extends the hours of selected toilets to reduce public urination.
Many well-known and highly rated places operate around the Square; a coffee or meal there usually gives you access to a restroom. Choose established venues: Wentzl, Wierzynek, Noworolski and Szara are examples of reputable places. Access to toilets in such venues is normally for customers — a polite question to the staff is enough.
If you’re looking for a charming café: Cafe Camelot (Św. Tomasza Street) is a classic with an artistic interior, appreciated by locals and tourists alike. Keep in mind that during the busiest tourist hours requests to use the WC without ordering may be refused — it’s better to buy a small drink or dessert.
Good practice: if you use a venue’s restroom, leave a tip or make a small purchase. This supports local businesses and makes it easier to receive friendly service.
Plan breaks — the Square involves a lot of walking. Before you set off for a longer walk outside the Old Town, use a restroom in the center, because facilities can be scarcer beyond it.
Don’t rely on just one toilet — the Cloth Hall facility may be temporarily closed (breakdowns happen). Keep an alternative in mind: the Planty, Szczepański Square or nearby cafés.
Mistake to avoid: trying to use private restrooms in shops without buying anything. In many places staff politely ask that you order first. Suggestion: buy a small coffee — it’s quick and polite.
Little things that help: spare tissues, hand sanitizer and small change. Some automatic toilets may require a fee or use an entry system.
There are toilets adapted for people with disabilities in the city — you can find them near selected entrances to the Planty and around the Market area. If you’re traveling with a small child, larger restaurants and cafés often have changing tables; it’s worth asking staff on arrival.
If you need special help — e.g., a changing table or a space to feed an infant — look for venues with reviews that mention facilities or choose larger restaurants right on the Market Square. If full accessibility is a priority, plan your route to include the public toilets mentioned earlier.
If you use an accessible public toilet, please observe considerate usage so it remains usable for the next person.
Are toilets on the Main Market Square paid? It depends. Some municipal toilets are free, others operate with a pay-on-entry mechanism. In restaurants and cafés access is usually for customers.
How long are public toilets open? Hours vary seasonally. In high season some central toilets stay open longer; the city announces any extensions during periods of higher traffic. If you plan to explore at night, check current city notices.
Where is the nearest toilet for people with disabilities? There are adapted facilities around the Planty and at selected public points (for example near the Cloth Hall and nearby locations). If in doubt, ask staff at a venue or the city information points.
The Noworolski café in the Cloth Hall has operated in that part of the Square since the early 20th century and has a long tradition as a meeting place for artists — a nice stop if you want to feel the atmosphere of “old Krakow.”
The city sometimes extends opening hours of selected central toilets to reduce the problem of people relieving themselves in gateways and on the Planty at night. This makes evening outings more comfortable for visitors and residents.
Many restaurants around the Square offer terraces with views of the plaza — a great place to rest and watch city life, and at the same time a convenient option if you need a restroom.
If you want to eat or have a drink near the Square and be sure of good service: consider Wentzl (terrace with a view of the Square), Wierzynek (tradition and a representative atmosphere), Szara (high quality, appreciated by guides) and Café Camelot (intimate, artistic atmosphere). These places are often recommended and have good reviews among locals and visitors.
Suggested 1–2 hour plan: a short walk around the Square, visit St. Mary’s Basilica, walk the Cloth Hall arcade, coffee at Camelot or Noworolski, and if you need a restroom — use the Cloth Hall facilities or a nearby café.
Just don’t rely on a single sanitary point and always keep an alternative — it’s the simplest way to make your day in Krakow comfortable and stress-free.
If you found the article helpful — share it with friends or post it on social media; that helps other travelers plan a comfortable visit to Krakow.
If you’d like to explore with a local guide and have a tailor-made route (including practical breaks, recommended cafés and hidden spots), consider a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — her contact details are available on the guide’s website. Enjoy your visit and have a great time in Krakow!
