Did you know that Kraków’s Main Market Square is one of the largest medieval market squares in Europe and that millions of visitors come here every year? This vast square is the heart of the Old Town — Sukiennice (the Cloth Hall), St. Mary’s Basilica, the Town Hall Tower and streets radiating in four directions create a unique space, but that same popularity makes it easy to make a few classic mistakes. Below I list the most frequent ones and offer tips on how to avoid them so your walk is calmer, cheaper and more authentic.
The square has many faces: in the morning it’s almost empty and perfect for photos, at midday it buzzes with life, and in the evening it becomes a meeting place. Knowing these rhythms is half the secret of a successful visit.
A pleasant visit starts before you leave your hotel — good preparation helps avoid disappointments and extra costs.
Limiting sightseeing to the Main Square only. Many people spend all their time at the Cloth Hall and think they’ve “seen Kraków.” The Square is extraordinary, but Kraków also has beautiful side streets, the Planty, the Jewish quarter Kazimierz and Wawel — it’s worth going further and feeling the city.
Eating at the first restaurant you find without checking the menu and reviews. Venues with no prices or with surprisingly shaped bills are a common cause of disappointment. The Square has excellent places with quality cuisine, but there are also restaurants aimed mainly at quick tourist profit.
Not booking in season and at weekends. During high season, festivals or long holiday weekends, tables in the best places can be taken well in advance. Unexpected queues at restaurants can cost you time.
Being careless with luggage and personal items. Although Kraków is generally safe, pickpockets do appear from time to time, and media have shown experiments with unattended bags on the Square. Basic precautions are sensible.
Expecting peace and quiet all day. The Square lives — especially in summer and on weekends it hosts concerts, performances and crowds. If you want quiet moments, come very early in the morning or late in the evening.
Not following rules in sacred places. When entering St. Mary’s Basilica or other city churches, remember to dress modestly and keep quiet. These are not places for loud conversations or flash photography.
Taking the first horse-drawn carriage you see without checking the price and conditions. Carriage rides look romantic, but make sure the price is clear and that conditions are safe for the horses and passengers.
Come in the morning. The best photos and the nicest walks are between sunrise and 9:00 — crowds haven’t formed yet and the light is soft.
Check the menu before you go in and book a table. Use places with a solid reputation — Restauracja Szara and Camelot Café are examples of longtime establishments in the Old Town. In season, booking is a sensible step.
Keep valuables close to your body and use zippered pockets. A small waist bag or a front pocket is a better choice than an open backpack. If you plan a long walk, consider leaving passports in the hotel safe.
Plan a route with alternatives. If the Square is too crowded, head toward the Planty, Grodzka Street or Kazimierz — these areas often offer an equally interesting atmosphere without the same crush.
Respect sacred spaces. If you want to enter a church, keep to quiet behaviour and modest dress; photographing interiors can be restricted — ask staff or check notice boards.
Pay attention to animals and local regulations. If you want a carriage ride, ask about conditions and price before starting; avoid rides during extreme heat.
If you want to eat on the Square and avoid tourist traps, choose places with a good reputation and clear pricing. Restauracja Szara (Rynek Główny 6) has long been known for quality and is recognised by culinary critics.
For coffee or dessert, try traditional spots — Camelot Café offers atmospheric seating and a long history in the very centre of the Old Town; it’s a good stop between sightseeing. Reserving a table for dinner on weekends can save your evening, especially at popular venues.
If you’re looking for cheaper well-rated options outside the Square itself, walk 5–10 minutes into the side streets or toward the Planty — there you’ll often find authentic cafés and bars with a better price-to-quality ratio.
The emergency number in Poland is 112 — it works across the EU and connects you to the appropriate service. In case of theft or problems, report it to the police and your hotel reception.
Parking and paid parking zones: the city centre has paid parking zones; check current hours and fees before planning to drive. Often on Sundays and public holidays fees are reduced but rules can vary depending on local signs.
If you need a toilet, many restaurants provide facilities for customers; there are also public toilets, usually for a small fee. Carry small change as cards are not always accepted.
Special events and festivals can completely change the Square’s rhythm — check the events calendar if you’re aiming for quiet or, conversely, if you want to take part in an event.
The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) is not only souvenir stalls — it has a long trading history, today also houses an art museum, and the Square’s distinctive layout dates back to the Middle Ages.
The trumpeter’s hejnał played from St. Mary’s tower recalls the old duties of the city watch and is one of Kraków’s symbols — it’s worth being there at the hour, though remember crowds gather under the tower each time.
The Square has many layers of history beneath your feet — in some townhouses you can visit medieval cellars during tours, which often surprises visitors.
When is the best time to come to the Square for photos? Early morning — between sunrise and 9:00 — or late evening after 21:00, when lighting is attractive and crowds are smaller.
Is it worth booking a table in advance? Yes, especially for dinner on weekends and during tourist season. A reservation saves time and nerves.
Is the Square safe after dark? Generally yes, but like any tourist area — stay alert, avoid dark, deserted passages and watch your personal belongings.
Where to park a car? The centre has paid parking zones — plan for a garage or parking near the train station and switch to public transport. Always check signs and current payment rules.
Remember three simple rules: plan, check and respect. Planning times, checking reviews and prices, and basic respect for the place and its residents will make your stay more pleasant.
If you found this guide helpful, share it on social media or send it to friends — you’ll help them avoid common mistakes. If you’d like to explore the Main Square and its surroundings with a local guide, I invite you to consider private guided tours with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and contact are available on the guide’s website. Wishing you a wonderful visit and many beautiful discoveries in Kraków!
