The Main Market Square and the Small Market are places every visitor to Kraków checks off their map. But right next to well‑known attractions — St. Mary’s Church tower, the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and the Adam Mickiewicz monument — there are quite different stories: fragments of Romanesque walls hidden a metre or two below today’s paving, quiet courtyards, the corners of old butchers’ stalls and spots where the city seems to change before your eyes if you slow down and look carefully.
This article invites you on a walk through those less obvious points: I’ll tell you about the history of the Small Market, what to look for on the surface and below it, where to find peaceful places away from the crowds and which traps to avoid so your sightseeing is pleasant and stress‑free.
For centuries the Small Market served as the commercial back‑room to the Main Market — a place of slaughterhouses, fairs and services that supported the great trade. Because of that it has a different scale of buildings than the vast Main Market: lower, denser townhouses with terraces and steps that hide small architectural curiosities.
While walking around the Small Market, look for traces of its former functions: arcades, narrow passages, fragments of old facades and the church and monastery that give this spot a quieter, more local feel in contrast to the tourist centre.
On the corner of the Main Market Square, almost at the exit of Grodzka Street, stands the small church of St. Wojciech (St. Adalbert). It is one of the oldest churches in Kraków, with roots in the Middle Ages, and its earliest building layers are visible well below today’s street level.
Here you can easily realise that the level of the Market has risen over centuries by a metre or two — the church interior and foundations show the city’s layers of history. In the lower parts and the crypt you can see fragments of walls and archaeological finds that tell the story of everyday life in old Kraków.
Under the Main Market lies another Kraków: levels of former buildings, relics of markets and streets from centuries ago and everyday objects. museums and archaeological displays beneath the surface expose these layers in a very accessible way for visitors.
It’s worth going down not only for interesting exhibits but to feel how the city evolved. It’s a great contrast to walking above ground and an excellent place if you want to understand the historic structure of Kraków’s centre.
The Cloth Hall is an icon of the Market, but it also has a less obvious side: from the arcade passages you’ll find arches and corridors that are often overlooked. On the upper floor there is a permanent art exhibition, and the interior hides architectural details that are easy to miss if you’re only hurrying to photograph the façade.
If you pay attention to details: look at the vaults, stone elements and decorated window sills — every fragment tells of later reconstructions, the tastes of different eras and the Cloth Hall’s role as the city’s trading heart.
Around the Market and the Small Market there are many narrow passages leading to small courtyards and tucked‑away corners. Step into side streets — Stolarska, Mikołajska, Sienna — these are good places to find quiet yards, well‑kept townhouses and unexpected photographic perspectives.
Pay attention to old gates and passages between buildings — they often hide original portals, coats of arms or dates of rebuilding. Some courtyards host café terraces or small galleries — ideal if you want to rest without returning to the crowded square.
Around the Market you’ll find both traditional Polish restaurants and cafés with good coffee. Rather than choosing the first place at the edge of the square, look into side streets and small courtyards — there you’ll often find tastier food at more reasonable prices.
I recommend looking for places with strong local reviews and high ratings — local restaurants in and around the Market often offer seasonal menus and can surprise you with quality. If you’d like, I can suggest several well‑rated options that suit different budgets.
Mistake 1: arriving only for a photo and leaving. The Market is a place to be felt — sit in a café, descend to the underground, visit the small church of St. Wojciech and look around carefully.
Mistake 2: eating at the first restaurant you see on the square. It’s better to take a short turn through side streets and pick a place with good reviews and a local character.
Mistake 3: ignoring information about levels and archaeological fragments. Many historical elements are “hidden” by height differences or underground — take a moment to find them.
Mistake 4: not watching personal belongings. In crowded places keep documents and valuables close to you.
When is the best time to come? Early morning or late afternoon — the Market looks its best and is less crowded. In the evening many restaurants are open, but the area becomes more touristy.
Is it worth climbing St. Mary’s tower? Yes, if you don’t mind the stairs — the view over the Market and surroundings is exceptional. Remember the daily bugle call (hejnał) is played regularly and is one of Kraków’s most recognizable sounds.
Is everything accessible for people with limited mobility? Unfortunately, the cobbles and historical buildings mean not all places are fully accessible. Check access information for specific sites in advance — many museums and institutions publish details about accessible entrances.
Do I need tickets in advance? For some attractions (for example certain towers or popular exhibitions) it’s worth buying tickets ahead, especially in the high season.
The modern Market level is higher than the medieval one — archaeology beneath the surface has revealed fragments of old streets and houses lying a metre or two below.
Until the 19th century the Small Market served different functions — it was a site of slaughterhouses and fairs, which explains part of its layout and the smaller scale of buildings compared to the large Market.
Around the Market and in its corners there are details often overlooked: carefully carved portals, small memorial plaques and fragments of former city steps that once led to other building levels.
Bring comfortable shoes — cobbled streets can be tiring. Also carry a small bag for documents and your phone, worn at the front or in a zipped pocket.
When planning your walk, allow time for visits to churches, a coffee break and a descent into the underground — these short stops will greatly enrich the experience.
If you want photos without crowds, come just after sunrise or during the “golden hour” before dusk. Early hours are also best for calmly finding hidden courtyards.
If you want to see these hidden places at their best, consider booking a private guide — Małgorzata Kasprowicz knows local stories, shortcuts, the most interesting courtyards and can plan a route that shows you not only attractions but also quiet places for coffee and a meal.
Małgorzata can help with full organisation: planning the route, reserving museum tickets, arranging transport, and advising on and booking well‑rated restaurants and accommodation. You can find contact details for Małgorzata at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — write and she will adapt the walk to your expectations and pace.
If this guide was helpful — share it with friends or on social media. Tell us which Market corners surprised you most and what else should be added to this list.
And if you’d like to explore with someone who knows the city like a local friend — contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz. She will help plan the ideal walk around the Main Market and the Small Market so every step you take has history and meaning.
