Sukiennice are more than souvenir stalls — under the roof of this historic building you’ll find the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art (a branch of the National Museum), and above it a terrace with a lovely view of the Main Market Square. Right beneath the Cloth Hall are the Market Underground — an interactive archaeological exhibition that takes visitors back several centuries.
Both attractions sit next to each other on the Main Market Square but belong to different institutions and often have separate entry rules, visitor limits and ticketing systems. That’s why buying tickets online pays off — it saves time and lets you plan your route without unnecessary waiting.
Below you’ll find concrete tips on how and where to buy tickets, typical prices and hours, plus practical advice that will make the visit easier for families, people with limited mobility and photography enthusiasts.
The Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art in the Sukiennice operates as a branch of the National Museum in Krakow. Tickets can be bought at the ticket office or online via the museum’s official ticketing service. Buying online guarantees entry at your chosen time and lets you skip the ticket-office queues.
Standard practical info: the museum is usually closed on Mondays and open Tuesday–Sunday; the last visitors are typically admitted around 20 minutes before closing. Admission often includes access to the viewing terrace.
Example ticket types (approximate — check before your visit): full-price ticket, reduced ticket, family ticket. The museum also offers audio guides in several languages as well as discounts and special passes.
The Market Underground is a multimedia archaeological exhibition run by the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow. You’ll see remnants of old stalls, fragments of medieval market buildings, reconstructions and engaging multimedia — a great place to visit especially on a rainy day.
Tickets for the Underground can be bought at the museum ticket office and on ticketing websites that serve this branch. Because the underground area has limited capacity, it’s a good idea to reserve your entry in advance, especially during the tourist season and at weekends.
Combined tickets (Sukiennice + Market Underground) or family packages are often available — a convenient option if you want to see both exhibitions on the same day. Combined offers can be cheaper than buying two separate tickets, but rules and availability may change, so check before you buy.
Hours and opening days may differ between institutions: Sukiennice (National Museum) are usually open Tuesday–Sunday, while the Market Underground has its own hours and sometimes limited time slots — check these before your visit on the official ticketing pages.
Watch for free-admission days: some museums in Krakow offer free entry to permanent exhibitions on specific days (for example, certain weekdays). This is a great opportunity, but remember — free admission often means long queues and no online reservation option. If you value comfort, choose a paid ticket with a timed reservation.
Accessibility: many museum spaces offer facilities for visitors with limited mobility — Sukiennice has an elevator, and the Underground provides routes and amenities suited to families. If you need special information (stroller access, lifts, toilets), contact the museum staff by phone or email before you come.
Amateur photography is usually allowed, but tripods or additional lighting may be restricted — always check the rules on site.
The quietest times are early morning right after opening and late afternoon on weekdays. If you prefer a calmer visit, choose a weekday and hours outside the main tourist peak.
If you plan to go up to the Sukiennice terrace for panoramic photos — consider the hour before sunset or shortly after opening; you’ll avoid crowds and get flattering light for photography.
For families with children: the Underground offers dedicated spaces and attractions for the little ones, but weekends can be noisier. Try visiting on a weekday or earlier in the day.
The Sukiennice and the Main Market Square are surrounded by many establishments — from legendary cafés to elegant restaurants. If you want to stay close to the attractions, consider: Noworolski (the café inside Sukiennice), Wierzynek Restaurant (historic, representative) and Restaurant Szara — all are well regarded and good for a post-visit break.
For a quick espresso and cake, try the cafés on the square and in the side streets — you’ll find local pastries and a pleasant atmosphere. If you want to taste regional specialties, head later to the Kazimierz district, where there are many well-reviewed authentic places.
Keep in mind that during the season window and outdoor tables with views of the square fill up fast — booking in advance for dinner is a good idea.
Assuming Sukiennice and the Market Underground are the same attraction — they are two separate exhibitions, sometimes with different tickets. Check whether you’re buying a combined ticket or separate entries.
Waiting to buy tickets at the last minute in high season — capacity can be limited on weekends and during the summer. Buy tickets online in advance if you want a guaranteed time slot.
Using free-admission days without checking conditions — free entry is great but usually means no reservations and long lines. If you travel with children or have a tight schedule, consider buying a timed paid ticket.
Not checking the time of the last admission — some branches admit final visitors 20 or 75 minutes before closing. If you have little time, plan accordingly.
How do I buy a ticket online? — Go to the official ticket page of the relevant institution (National Museum for the Sukiennice; Historical Museum for the Market Underground) and choose date and time. An e-ticket on your phone is usually enough at the entrance.
Is a combined ticket worth it? — If you plan to visit both Sukiennice and the Underground on the same day, a combined ticket can be more convenient and often cheaper than two separate tickets.
Are there discounts for families and young people? — Yes — museums offer reduced and family tickets; the exact rules and age limits for discounts vary, so check when you buy.
Can I pay by card on site? — Most ticket offices and points accept cards, but it’s useful to have some cash for small purchases.
The Sukiennice have served as a center of trade for centuries — it’s not only a place for souvenirs but also a historic symbol of Krakow’s commerce. Walking under the arcades, imagine how trade was conducted here hundreds of years ago.
Look out for details: in Sukiennice and in the Underground you’ll find fragments of old walls, tiles and everyday objects that tell the daily stories of old Krakow.
If you want an exceptional panorama photo of the Market Square from the Sukiennice terrace, pick the hour just before sunset — the light is soft and the colors of the market houses are beautifully enhanced.
I hope this guide helps you plan your visit to the Sukiennice and the Market Underground. Buy your ticket online, pick a convenient time and allow yourself to calmly discover Krakow’s history.
If you found this article helpful — share it with friends or on social media so others can benefit from these practical tips.
If you’d like to tour with a private guide — I invite you to use the services of guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact details and more information are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — it’s worth booking in advance, especially in season.
