Did you know that right beside the large and famous Main Market there is a smaller square full of interesting details? Mały Rynek, though modest at first glance, has a long history: it started as an auxiliary marketplace for the Main Market, hosted butcher stalls, and today is a calm corner of the Old Town - perfect for a break during sightseeing. The square is rectangular and compact, so it’s easy to include in a walking route around central Kraków.
Mały Rynek is a great example of how the city has changed: from a noisy market and parking area into a representative, restored place that since 2007 shows historic paving, a new fountain and nicely renovated rows of townhouses. For visitors it’s a comfortable space - its proximity to St. Mary’s Church and other Old Town landmarks means it’s worth visiting to see Kraków from a slightly different angle.
If you enjoy architecture, short historical stories and places with a local feel - Mały Rynek has it all: houses with traces of Gothic and Baroque styles, charming courtyards and several well-known cafés and restaurants frequented by both residents and visitors.
Mały Rynek was created at the same time as the founding of Kraków, as an auxiliary square east of the Main Market. In medieval times meat and fish were sold here, and later secondhand goods too - which is why older names like "Tandeta" or "Wandeta" appeared. The square housed butcher stalls and for centuries served practical, commercial functions.
In the 17th–18th centuries structures such as the vicars’ house connected with St. Mary’s Church were built here, partially separating Mały Rynek from Mariacki Square. In the 19th century, after demolitions and a reorganisation of the space, the square took on a shape close to what we see today. For much of the 20th century parts of Mały Rynek served as a car park and taxi rank. A renovation connected with Kraków’s 750th anniversary (completed in the first decade of the 21st century) restored the square’s representative character.
The square’s history also includes dramatic episodes – in the 16th century public punishments related to religious persecutions took place here. Later, 17th-century and subsequent townhouses hosted printing houses; notably, in house number 6 in 1661 the first issue of the periodical "Merkuriusz Polski" was printed - one of the earliest periodicals in the Polish lands.
St. Barbara’s Church - a small, picturesque church attached to the buildings by Mały Rynek. Its interior and corner details attract attention with architectural ornaments and Baroque decoration; today it is used for services and pastoral events.
Townhouses from the old trading quarter - look out for buildings with varied façades: Gothic relics, Baroque reconstructions and Classicist modifications. Walk the square around to see the Lamellich townhouse (home to the Śródmiejski Ośrodek Kultury) and the Szoberowski townhouse (Mały Rynek 6) with its historical connection to printing activity.
Courtyards and arcades - some houses have interesting inner courtyards and fragments of wooden arcades preserved from the 17th century; if you’re lucky and a courtyard is open you’ll find a peaceful, intimate contrast to the busy Main Market.
Fountain and paving - after the revitalisation the square gained restored historic paving and a small illuminated fountain that adds a pleasant evening atmosphere. It’s a nice backdrop for photos and a little rest.
Mały Rynek and the streets around it (Mikołajska, Stolarska, Sienna) offer several atmospheric spots recommended by locals and visitors alike. You’ll find cafés and patisseries serving good cakes and coffee, plus small restaurants with Polish and international dishes.
Examples worth visiting: Słodki Vencelík (a café/patisserie by Mały Rynek) - known for desserts and a pleasant interior; Bonobo / Bo-no-bo (a bookshop-café at number 4) - perfect for a quiet afternoon with coffee and a book; and Albo Tak (café/pub) with an informal, friendly atmosphere. Nearby the Lamellich building there are also places with views of the square, including pubs with small terraces.
If you want a good meal, check current reviews and rankings at the time of your visit - the dining scene in central Kraków is dynamic. It’s always wise to choose places with consistently good ratings and to look for menus based on quality ingredients.
Mały Rynek often acts as a side stage for events held in the centre: craft fairs, seasonal markets (for example regional folk fairs), chamber concerts and street performances. In spring and summer the square comes alive with markets and artisans’ stalls.
Although it is close to the busy Main Market, Mały Rynek usually retains a calmer character - especially early in the morning and late in the evening. It’s a good spot for a short break during an intense day of Old Town sightseeing.
Keep an eye on local cultural announcements - the Śródmiejski Ośrodek Kultury and other institutions organise seasonal and family events here.
How to get there? Mały Rynek is right behind St. Mary’s Church; the easiest way is on foot from the Main Market through Mariacki Square or via Mikołajska Street. It’s in the very centre, so public transport and walking are the most convenient ways to reach it.
Can I park a car here? Since the revitalisation vehicle traffic is very limited. Mały Rynek is no longer used as a regular parking area, so it’s best to leave your car at one of the city car parks outside the strict Old Town zone.
When is the best time to visit to avoid crowds? The best times are in the morning (before 10:00) or late afternoon/evening. Weekend afternoons and big centre events make the square busier.
Are there public toilets? Public toilets on Mały Rynek itself are rare; it’s better to use facilities in nearby cafés, restaurants or public institutions (often for a small fee or after a purchase).
Do I have to pay to visit? The square and its surrounding façades are open and free to visit. St. Barbara’s Church usually has free access for services and some events; special guided visits or concerts may charge admission.
Thinking Mały Rynek is "unimportant" and skipping it during an Old Town walk. Although small, it hides interesting stories and architectural details - give it fifteen minutes.
Trying to find peace in the middle of the day without a plan - during peak hours and big events the square can be crowded. For calm photos or conversations choose morning or evening.
Assuming the food here is only touristy and low quality - around Mały Rynek there are places with good reviews and atmospheric cafés; check recommendations and pick according to ratings.
In one of the houses at Mały Rynek (number 6) the periodical "Merkuriusz Polski" was printed in 1661 - evidence that even small places can be sites of important historical events.
Over the centuries Mały Rynek changed function: from a butcher’s quarter, to a fruit and vegetable market, then a parking area and finally a representative square after revitalisation. Each layer left traces in the buildings and the spatial layout.
Although today it’s a pleasant place to rest, in the past public executions and punishments linked to religious and social conflicts took place here - Mały Rynek’s history is not always gentle.
If you want to visit Mały Rynek calmly and without hurry, plan a short route: Main Market - Mariacki Square - Mały Rynek - Mikołajska Street. On the way, drop into one of the cafés for a local cake or coffee and listen to short stories about the townhouses and old professions.
If you need help planning your Kraków visit - from a personalised museum route, to ticket bookings, logistics (transport, accommodation, restaurant reservations) - you can use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Małgorzata knows the Old Town and its hidden corners, will advise on the best visiting hours and tell stories that don’t always make it into guidebooks. Details and contact information are available on the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com website.
If you found this article useful - share it with friends or on social media. And if you’re planning a visit, write to Małgorzata - she can tailor the route to your expectations and make your sightseeing comfortable.
