The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) is a natural starting point for anyone who wants to create their own art trail in Krakow. This iconic building on the Main Market Square has been a centre of trade and social life for centuries, and today its first floor houses one of the most valuable collections of Polish 19th-century painting. Visiting the Cloth Hall quickly gives you the historical and artistic context of the city - from Renaissance architectural details to works by Matejko, Malczewski and Chełmoński.
It’s also a great place to start because its location in the very heart of the Old Town makes on-foot wandering easy: within minutes you can reach Wawel or the Bunkier Sztuki contemporary gallery at Plac Szczepański, and public transport will take you quickly to MOCAK in Zabłocie.
For visitors planning a varied, short day: the Cloth Hall offers a museum experience (the National Museum’s permanent exhibition), the market atmosphere, the option of a coffee break on the terraces and quick purchases from local craftsmen - it’s an ideal hub to build a route that connects classical and contemporary art.
The Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art is a permanent exhibition showing the development of Polish painting from the Enlightenment to the beginnings of symbolism. The display includes themed rooms devoted to, among others, Bacciarelli, Piotr Michałowski, Henryk Siemiradzki and Józef Chełmoński.
Pay attention to paintings by Jacek Malczewski, Jan Matejko and other artists that tell stories about Polish history, landscape and cultural identity - these works are an excellent starting point for further conversations about art in Krakow. The Chełmoński room is often recommended as a place where you can feel the spirit of 'Polish nature' in 19th-century painting.
On the first floor there are also seasonal spaces - the Cloth Hall terraces and café are pleasant places to rest after sightseeing, and the view over the Main Market Square helps you feel the scale and urban context of the site.
Define your interests: classics (Cloth Hall, Wawel, the National Museum), contemporary art (MOCAK, Bunkier Sztuki), private collections and commercial galleries. This helps you set the pace and logic of the route.
Plan realistically: one major exhibition plus one contemporary institution is a good half-day plan; three places make for a full day. Consider opening hours - many museums are closed on Mondays, and some have free-admission days.
Use official museum websites to buy tickets online (you save time and avoid queues). It’s also good practice to check current exhibitions and possible closed rooms before you go.
Start: the Cloth Hall (Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art) - a morning walk and visit to the permanent exhibition (1–1.5 hours). Then coffee on the Cloth Hall terrace or at one of the nearby cafés on the Market Square.
Next stop: Bunkier Sztuki (Plac Szczepański) - a 10–15 minute walk. Bunkier focuses on contemporary art and temporary shows, ideal if you want to see local takes on the latest artistic phenomena (about 1 hour).
Afternoon: MOCAK in Zabłocie - a short tram or taxi ride. MOCAK is the city’s largest contemporary art museum; plan at least 1.5–2 hours here. Finish with a walk around the newly artistic Zabłocie neighbourhood and visit cafés and galleries on Lipowa Street and near the Factory area.
Day two: other branches of the National Museum, the Czartoryski Museum (if open), and thematic walks - for example “Krakow and the Czartoryskis,” which links places associated with an important collection and the city’s history.
Day three: private galleries and smaller spaces - Krakow has many intimate galleries and experimental venues. Check local exhibition calendars before your trip and tailor the route to specific artists or themes.
If you’re interested in sacred art, don’t miss Wawel and churches with unique works (for example the Veit Stoss altar in St. Mary’s Church) - this is not only a religious fragment but an important part of the city’s artistic heritage.
Check opening days and hours - many institutions are closed on Mondays; some have free-admission days. Book group visits and guided tours with official museum guides in advance, especially if you value curatorial stories.
Pay attention to museum rules: photography may be prohibited in selected rooms, large backpacks usually need to be left in cloakrooms, and visitors should keep quiet and be careful around exhibits. Bring comfortable shoes and a water bottle - there will be a lot of walking and standing.
Buy tickets online where possible - you’ll save time. If you plan to visit MOCAK or the National Museum at the busiest times, online tickets may be the only guarantee of entry at a convenient hour.
For a quick coffee in the centre, choose one of the well-rated cafés around the Market Square that are known for good coffee and atmosphere: traditional places with positive visitor reviews. After MOCAK, explore cafés and restaurants in Zabłocie - this area is a dynamically developing gastro and cultural zone.
If you prefer more formal dining near the Market, pick restaurants with high ratings and good reviews; in season it’s wise to reserve a table in advance. Remember that prices near major monuments can be higher - look for side streets or ask locals for recommendations.
For local flavour: look for places serving highly-rated Polish and regional dishes - it’s a great way to end a day full of artistic experiences.
Trying to see “everything” in one day - it’s better to choose fewer places and explore them carefully than to rush from exhibition to exhibition without connecting with the works. Planning 1–2 major attractions per day is realistic.
Not checking closure days and special events - a museum may be closed for an exhibition change, renovation or event; always check the institution’s news before you go.
Ignoring museum guidance about group reservations and guided tours - if you want a guide or a group visit, book in advance through official channels. Many museums employ official guides who offer access to extra information and educational resources.
The Cloth Hall’s history goes back to the 13th century, but its current Renaissance appearance is the result of many changes over the centuries. Originally it served as a great trading hall and a centre for the exchange of goods.
The gallery in the Cloth Hall was one of the first seats of the National Museum in Krakow from the late 19th century - a historic meeting place for collectors, artists and the public.
In contemporary Krakow the old and the new are often combined: following a trail from the Cloth Hall to MOCAK you will see how the city transforms old industrial districts into lively spaces for art and gatherings.
Can I enter the Cloth Hall with National Museum tickets bought online? Yes - online tickets save time; check the branch’s official page for information about availability and any group restrictions.
When are the quietest hours to visit? Early mornings right after opening and late afternoons (before closing) are usually quieter. Avoid lunch hours and weekend midday periods when the Market is busiest.
Is it worth taking a guided tour? Official museum guides (employed by the institutions) often tell stories and provide contexts not visible on labels - this is especially valuable for historical collections.
If you want your trail to be perfectly tailored to your interests, schedule and pace, the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz can help plan and lead the tour. She can advise on museum selection, book tickets and guided tours, and assist with restaurant, transport and accommodation reservations.
Małgorzata knows local realities, exhibition dates and well-rated dining spots - with her help your visit to Krakow will be smooth, safe and inspiring. Contact details and service information are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
If this article was helpful, share it with friends or on social media - recommending tried-and-tested routes makes travel planning easier for others. If you’d like, I can help prepare a version of the route for a specific date or interest - write and I will tailor the plan.
