The Sukiennice are the heart of the Main Market Square and one of the most visited places in Kraków. While from the outside they may look like a single large shopping and gallery space, inside several branches of the National Museum operate with exhibitions and facilities you should know about before you go in. A well-prepared visit means less stress, easier handling of luggage and greater comfort while sightseeing — especially for visitors with limited mobility or families with small children. Learn the key information about the elevator, cloakroom and toilets so your visit is smoother and more enjoyable.
I especially recommend reading the short FAQ at the end of the article — I collected answers to the most common questions there, practical tricks and a few things that are easy to overlook.
As part of modernization works, the Sukiennice now have a modern elevator that provides access to the upstairs gallery and to the terrace. The elevator was designed to help visitors who use wheelchairs — buttons include Braille markings and entry areas are usually step-free where possible.
It’s important to know that the standard route to the main cloakroom goes by stairs. Therefore the museum prepared additional solutions: there is an alternative, accessible cloakroom and luggage lockers for visitors with mobility impairments that avoid the stairs. If on arrival you see that the main staircase is the only obvious route, ask reception staff or security to point you to the elevator and the accessible cloakroom.
In practice: if you need the elevator — tell the staff at the entrance. Museum employees are used to such requests and will help operate the lift or show the correct entrance. Keep in mind that during the tourist season lines for the elevator and security checks can form, so allow an extra few minutes.
The museum cloakroom in the Sukiennice is open during the branch’s opening hours and is functionally connected to the ticket desk and museum shop — this means you can leave coats, larger bags or umbrellas there. The last visitors may use the cloakroom up until the branch closes.
Because the main cloakroom can be reached only by stairs, the museum prepared an additional, more accessible cloakroom for visitors with limited mobility — equipped, among other things, with luggage lockers. If you don’t want or cannot use stairs, report to the staff at the entrance and you will be directed to the appropriate place.
Practical tip: if you have a small backpack, cameras or a laptop bag — it’s often convenient to keep them with you during a short visit, but for a longer tour or in bad weather it’s better to use the cloakroom. The cloakroom is a convenient solution, especially when you have an intensive sightseeing program around the Main Market Square.
There are public city toilets around the Main Market Square near the Sukiennice that usually have longer opening hours than many individual venues and are sometimes open until late at night. These public facilities are staffed and partially adapted for people with disabilities. In practice, during the tourist season they are a reliable option when you need a quick restroom.
Remember that the museum also has toilets for visitors, but access can depend on the exhibition area and museum rules. Before entering, you can ask staff about the nearest toilets and whether they are accessible for prams or wheelchairs.
Practical tip: if you plan a longer walk around the Market Square and nearby streets, check in advance where the city toilets are — they are often a better choice than trying to find a free table in a crowded café.
Modernization of the Sukiennice took accessibility into account: many passages are step-free, there are gentle ramps to some areas and an elevator with Braille buttons — all elements that significantly ease visiting. Access to the terrace is sometimes provided via elevator or ramp, so wheelchair users can realistically enjoy the Sukiennice viewpoint.
Despite these improvements, not all museum spaces are entirely accessible — some galleries, mezzanines or exhibition fragments may still require using stairs. That’s why it’s always a good idea to contact museum staff in advance or call the museum if your visit requires additional assistance. Museum employees are happy to help and can indicate the most comfortable route.
If possible, inform your needs when booking a guided visit — official museum guides cooperate with staff and can plan a route that is as comfortable as possible.
The Sukiennice gallery usually operates from Tuesday to Sunday during typical museum hours — check current opening times and rules for the day of your visit, as they can change due to temporary exhibitions or special events.
Last admission is usually allowed around 20–30 minutes before closing; the ticket desk, shop and cloakroom commonly remain open until closing time. The museum also offers audio guides (available in several languages) and the option of guided tours by prior arrangement.
In practice: plan to arrive with at least an hour for a relaxed viewing of the rooms, and if you want to visit the terrace — add a few extra minutes for any arrangements at the elevator or with staff.
The Main Market Square offers many dining options across different price ranges. Around the Sukiennice you’ll find cozy cafés and long‑established restaurants. If you want places with good reputations, choose venues recommended by locals and visitors — during peak times a table reservation can be useful.
If you need a quick break after visiting, well‑rated cafés near the Market are a convenient option for coffee and cake. For a full meal, consider restaurants serving traditional Polish cuisine or places known for quality and service. Remember that areas directly on the Market can be more expensive than side streets — if you want to combine good quality with reasonable prices, look a few streets away from the Square.
Not checking opening hours and rules on the day of your visit. Even museums change hours for openings or events; it’s worth checking before you go.
Assuming everything in the museum is barrier‑free — although many improvements were made, not all exhibition areas are step‑free; visitors with limited mobility should notify staff of their needs at the entrance.
Leaving valuables in easily reachable places — even though cloakrooms are secure, it’s better to keep small valuables on you. Use lockers if you plan a longer visit with large luggage.
Not asking staff for help — museum employees are there to assist. For problems with the elevator, cloakroom access or route questions, ask staff right away.
Is there an elevator in the Sukiennice? - Yes, an elevator giving access to the gallery and terrace was installed during modernization and is adapted for wheelchair users.
Where can I leave a coat or larger luggage? - The Sukiennice operate a cloakroom for visitors; additionally there is a cloakroom accessible without stairs for visitors with mobility impairments and luggage lockers.
Are toilets available in the museum? - There are toilets in the museum and public city toilets in the immediate vicinity of the Sukiennice and the Main Market Square.
Do I have to book a guided visit? - It’s not required, but a guided tour with an official museum guide provides more historical context and often helps plan the route, especially for visitors needing adjustments.
What if I need help with the elevator or ramp? - Contact staff at the entrance or security; they will help operate the elevator, point to the suitable cloakroom and organise assistance if needed.
Sukiennice are not only about trade and galleries — modernizations from past decades transformed them into a modern museum with access for visitors with different needs. That means parts of the terrace and exhibitions that used to be hard to reach can now be seen with far fewer barriers.
The museum offers audio guides in several languages — a great option if you want to tour at your own pace and return to favorite exhibits from time to time.
If you plan to visit several places in central Kraków in one day, check opening hours for each — many sites are closed on Mondays or have limited hours on Tuesdays and special days. Also plan short breaks for coffee and restroom stops — it’s better to schedule them than to look for facilities in a crowd.
For families with children: toys, snacks and a changing table in the restroom can make a visit much easier. If you travel with a stroller, ask in advance about a step‑free route.
There are many cafés and restaurants with good reviews around the Market — if you want a classic coffee atmosphere, choose one of the popular Market cafés; if you prefer traditional Polish cuisine, consider well‑rated restaurants near the Old Town. Prices directly on the Market can be higher, but many visitors appreciate the convenience and view.
If you prefer a quieter place after an intense visit, walk a few steps off the Market toward the smaller streets — you’ll find charming cafés with a relaxed atmosphere and positive reviews.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on your social media — you’ll help them prepare for a visit to the Sukiennice and the Main Market Square.
If you want to explore the Sukiennice and the surrounding area with a guide, consider using the services of the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — her contact and offer are available on the guide’s website. A professional guided tour can greatly enrich the experience and help plan the route taking into account accessibility, breaks and individual needs.
Thank you for reading — I wish you a pleasant and comfortable visit to the Sukiennice!
