The Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) have stood in the very center of the Main Market Square since medieval times — their trading function goes back to the founding of Krakow in 1257. Today it is a place where history intertwines with everyday city life: souvenir stalls on the ground floor, the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art on the upper floor, and an interactive Market Underground below the surface.
Few people notice that the parapet of the Sukiennice is decorated with a row of grotesque masks, called mascarons — small details that so often catch the eye of visitors walking the Market Square.
1) Express version (1–2 hours) - early morning or late afternoon: walk through the ground floor of the Sukiennice, peek into a few stalls, and if time allows, go up to the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art. Ideal when your time in the city is limited.
2) Half day (3–4 hours) - Sukiennice + Market Underground: start with the Underground (book tickets in advance if possible), then coffee and a stroll among the ground-floor stalls, with an optional light lunch nearby.
3) Full day - Sukiennice as the central point: morning at Wawel, then the Market with visits to the Sukiennice and the Underground, a midday break for lunch, and an afternoon walk along the Planty or visits to other central museums.
- Ground floor: stalls with souvenirs, handicrafts and jewelry. Walking through and browsing the stands is free — a great place for quick souvenir shopping.
- Upper floor: the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art (a branch of the National Museum). Here you will find works by artists such as Jan Matejko, Jacek Malczewski and Józef Chełmoński — plan 30–90 minutes depending on your interest.
- Market Underground: a separate, interactive archaeological exhibition presenting the history of trade and daily life in medieval Krakow. Exploring it thoroughly can take about 1.5–3 hours, depending on your pace and interest.
- Entrance to the ground floor stalls of the Sukiennice is free.
- The Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art on the upper floor is paid — approximate ticket prices in recent sources are around 30–35 PLN for a regular ticket and about 19–25 PLN reduced.
- The Market Underground has a separate price list; adult tickets are usually around 28–35 PLN (there are also reduced and family tickets).
- Time to visit: a quick walk through the Sukiennice with a short visit upstairs is 1–2 hours. The Underground can add another 1.5–3 hours depending on how thoroughly you explore.
- Summer tip on reservations: for popular museum routes and the Market Underground it is worth buying tickets online in advance, especially in the summer season.
Morning suggestion: 9:00 - start at the Sukiennice, short walk through the ground floor and stalls; 9:30 - visit the Gallery on the upper floor; 11:00 - coffee in a cozy Market Square cafe; 12:00 - walk to Wawel.
Afternoon suggestion: 14:00 - lunch at one of the Market Square restaurants; 15:30 - Market Underground (booked); 17:30 - gentle walk along the Planty or relax with coffee; 19:00 - dinner and watch the sunset over the Sukiennice.
There are many options around the Market Square for every budget. A few reliable choices: Restauracja Wierzynek (a classic by the Market), Szara Gęś w Kuchni (Market Square, intimate atmosphere), Cafe Camelot (a cozy cafe ideal for a break), Charlotte (breakfast and bakery).
If you want something less touristy, turn into side streets such as Szewska or Mikołajska to find small cafes and family-run bars serving local dishes.
- Thinking the Sukiennice are only a market: many visitors miss the upstairs gallery and the Underground — plan at least a short visit inside.
- Panic-buying expensive souvenirs: stall prices can be higher than elsewhere in the city; compare before you buy.
- Not booking Underground tickets in season: this often leads to long queues or no available entry at the preferred time.
- Not preparing for heat: in summer the Market can be hot and crowded — take water, a hat and consider visiting in the morning or evening.
- The Sukiennice Festival has been celebrated in recent years, usually in early August — it is a great opportunity for free guided walks and accompanying events.
- The Underground displays everyday artifacts from old Krakow — from pottery to historic tools — that truly show how trade looked centuries ago.
- Although the Sukiennice appear as a single continuous hall, several institutions and exhibitions operate here, so it is worth allocating separate time for the ground floor, the gallery and the Underground.
Is entrance to the Sukiennice free? - Yes, passing through the ground floor and looking at the stalls is free. Entry to the upper gallery and to the Underground is paid.
Do I need to reserve tickets? - For the Underground it is definitely worth booking online; for the Gallery check the museum information on the day of your visit.
How much time should I plan to visit the Sukiennice? - Minimum 1–2 hours for a short visit; 3–4 hours if you plan to include the Underground and a relaxed walk around the Market.
In summer plan your visit outside the hottest hours and largest crowds: early mornings and late afternoons are more pleasant. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a bottle of water, check museum opening hours and — if you want to be sure to enter at a convenient time — buy tickets in advance.
If you liked this plan, share it with friends or on social media. If you prefer to explore the Sukiennice and the area in calm, with stories, anecdotes and a tailored route — consider guided services by Małgorzata Kasprowicz, a private guide. You can find contact details on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Wishing you a wonderful summer in Krakow and many discoveries at the Main Market Square!
