The Sukiennice are one of those spots you see immediately after stepping onto the Main Market Square and think: “nice, I'll take a photo and move on.” For people who aren't keen on museums, a quarter of an hour is enough to feel the atmosphere, spot the most important details and enjoy a coffee in the iconic ground-floor café.
In this article I’ll suggest what to see on a short walk, which interesting facts are worth knowing, how to avoid tourist traps and where to sit for a really good coffee or a light bite.
Sukiennice stand in the central point of the Main Market Square and are one of Kraków’s most recognizable symbols. Their history goes back to the Middle Ages — the first stalls operated here as early as the 13th century.
Originally they were the centre of cloth trade and other valuable goods; in their golden age spices, silk, leather and items from distant trade routes were brought here.
Today the ground floor of the Sukiennice still hosts stalls selling handicrafts, souvenirs and original products, while the upper floor houses the Gallery of 19th‑Century Polish Art, a branch of the National Museum — if you change your mind and want to go in, plan that separately (museums are often closed on Mondays).
Approach the Sukiennice from the side of St. Mary’s Basilica or from the Town Hall side. Start with the exterior arcades — walk under the arches, look at the loggias and the facade details. The attic with mascarons and the decorative turrets are elements you can’t miss.
Pay attention to the arches and carved details — every fragment has its own story and stylistic traces from the Renaissance through the 19th‑century reconstruction.
Pop inside on the ground floor: the stalls offer handicrafts, jewelry, leather goods and souvenirs. Even if you don't buy anything, the atmosphere and the colours of the stalls give a good picture of local trade.
Don't miss Café Noworolski on the Sukiennice ground floor — it’s a cult place with a long tradition. Even a short espresso break there is an experience, especially for those who appreciate the atmosphere of historic cafés.
Café Noworolski - a classic on the Sukiennice ground floor. A convenient spot for a short break, with an interior full of historic character.
If you want something a bit more refined, well-rated places on the Square include restaurant Szara and Szara Gęś — both close to the Sukiennice and praised for their cuisine and location.
For a quick coffee and cake consider Camelot Café on Świętego Tomasza Street — a cosy interior and good reviews from visitors.
The stalls in the Sukiennice usually open early in the morning and operate through most of the day; during the season opening hours are often extended.
The gallery on the upper floor (MNK - The Sukiennice) has its own opening hours and closed days — most often Monday is the day when exhibitions are closed, and Tuesday may be a free-entry day for permanent displays. The last visitors are usually admitted about 20 minutes before closing.
If you’re interested in the Rynek Underground — that’s a separate attraction, an archaeological museum under the Market Square opened in 2010. It displays layers of the medieval city — check ticketing and opening hours on the Museum of Kraków website.
If you plan to enter any of the museums, buy tickets through the museum’s official site in advance — in season there can be queues and online booking saves time.
If you have more time after a 15‑minute stop at the Sukiennice, walking to Wawel is a natural choice. The Grodzka–Kanonicza route goes along some of Kraków’s oldest streets and takes about 15–25 minutes at a relaxed pace, depending on how many photo stops you make.
Along the way you’ll pass historic tenement houses and churches; the route is very scenic and gives a good sense of the historic corridor linking the Market with the castle hill.
Remember that entry to Wawel’s chambers or the cathedral usually requires a separate ticket and often involves timed availability.
Entering every stall at once and buying the first thing you see. It’s better to walk around the Sukiennice, compare prices and styles and choose something authentic.
Planning a museum visit on a Monday — many branches are closed then. If you plan to visit the gallery in the Sukiennice or the Rynek Underground, check hours beforehand.
Assuming Sukiennice is only a souvenir shopping spot — the place has centuries of history and several layers to discover even during a short walk.
Do I have to pay to enter the Sukiennice? - You can enter the ground-floor stalls for free. The upper-floor museum exhibitions and the Rynek Underground are paid attractions.
How long does it take to see the Sukiennice without going into museums? - About 10–20 minutes is enough to walk the arcades, admire details and take photos.
When is it least crowded? - Early morning right after the stalls open or late afternoon outside the peak season. Weekends tend to be the busiest.
Although the Sukiennice look Renaissance today, their origins lie in a medieval market structure — the site evolved over centuries, combining commercial and representative functions.
Beneath the Market Square lies an archaeological reserve with discoveries dating back to the Middle Ages — under the Sukiennice you can essentially witness fragments of the old city.
If you have 15 minutes: take a short walk through the Sukiennice arcades, peek into a few stalls, order an espresso at Noworolski and take a photo with St. Mary’s Basilica in the background.
If you have 1–2 hours: add a walk to Wawel and a short visit to the Rynek Underground or the gallery on the Sukiennice upper floor and you can create a very pleasant sightseeing plan without rushing.
If you liked this quick guide, share it with friends or on social media — help others plan a comfortable walk around Kraków.
If you want to explore the Sukiennice and the surrounding area with a guide, I invite you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz - contact and details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Carry small change or a card — many stalls accept cards but some cash-only sellers still exist.
If you’re photographing the arcades, try to include details like mascarons and the rooftop turrets — they tell the history of the building at a glance.
On warm days consider sitting on a terrace facing the Square to watch street life; on cold days a quick visit to Noworolski is a warm, atmospheric option.
The Main Market Square is pedestrian-friendly but can be crowded; keep personal belongings secure and be mindful of pickpocketing in busy moments.
Some historic areas have cobblestones and uneven surfaces — wear comfortable shoes if you plan to walk to Wawel or around the Old Town.
Dzień dobry - Good day (useful greeting in shops and cafés).
Poproszę kawę - Coffee, please.
Ile to kosztuje? - How much does it cost?
