The Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) is the heart of the Old Town - both historically, as a trading place since the Middle Ages, and today, as a convenient starting point for walks around Krakow. For a family with one child it’s ideal: short distances between attractions, plenty of space on the square for running around, and views that spark a child’s imagination. The gallery on the upper floor is a pleasant, relatively short visit that lets you experience 19th-century Polish art without a full-day museum commitment. The Sukiennice terrace also offers a nice panorama of the Market Square - plan a short photo break for that.
The Sukiennice connect well with other nearby points: Wawel Castle is within walking distance, St. Mary’s Basilica is right next door, and there’s an archaeological museum beneath the Market. That makes it easy to build a balanced day so the child doesn’t get bored and adults still enjoy the sights. When planning, remember not to overpack the schedule - leave time for a rest and an ice cream.
9:00 - Breakfast near the Market. Start slowly: a café with a good breakfast and space for your child will recharge everyone before the day’s attractions. In the center you’ll find several family-friendly places; pick one with comfortable chairs and short waits for food.
10:00 - Sukiennice (Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art). A visit to the upper floor takes about 60–90 minutes at a relaxed pace with a child. If the little one needs a break, the terrace above the Cloth Hall and the Market arcades provide room to move.
11:30 - Short walk around the Market: St. Mary’s Basilica (view from outside and listen to the hejnał), circle the Sukiennice, and stop for an ice cream or snack. This is a good moment for the child to rest and watch pigeons or street musicians.
12:30 - Wawel. The walk from the Market to Wawel takes about 15–20 minutes. Choose a maximum of one or two highlights to visit (for example the courtyard and the Cathedral, or the Armory). Remember some attractions require entrance at a specific time.
14:30 - Lunch around Kazimierz or by the Market. Pick a family-friendly restaurant - shorter waits and a children’s menu help a lot. After lunch let the child run a bit in the Planty park or a nearby green area.
16:00 - Alternatives: the Underground Market (a short, very interesting archaeological tour if the child enjoys stories), the Vistula Boulevards for a short stroll, or a short boat trip if the weather is nice.
18:00 - Dinner or a gentle end to the day: a café with desserts or a light meal before returning to your accommodation. If the child is tired, shorten the evening and save more for the next day.
If it’s raining - focus on indoor places. The Sukiennice and the Underground Market are great options, and you can add a short visit to one of the nearby museums that are family-friendly and have interactive displays. Cafés and restaurants with space and a children’s corner will help you weather bad weather. Plan breaks every 45–60 minutes so the child doesn’t get exhausted from sitting too long.
The gallery in the Sukiennice is part of the National Museum and has set opening hours and different ticket types: full-price, reduced and family tickets. On certain weekdays (often Tuesdays) some permanent exhibitions may be free - that can save money but usually means larger crowds and busier visits.
Prices and opening hours change from time to time, so it’s best to check current information before you leave. If you plan to visit Wawel or Schindler’s Factory, remember that some attractions require advance reservations and some tickets have assigned entry times.
If you use a stroller or have mobility limitations, check the availability of entrances and lifts on the day you plan to visit. Many central museums have solutions to make moving around with a child easier, but access can vary between institutions - it’s wise to call ahead.
In the center you’ll find both elegant restaurants with Market Square views and casual family-friendly places. Choose venues with good reviews - they usually offer faster service and children’s menus.
A few well-known options nearby that are considered family-friendly: Wentzl (beautiful Market view), Pod Nosem (atmospheric interior and traditional flavors), and Wierzynek (tradition and special atmosphere). There are also many pizzerias and burger places near the Market if you prefer a quicker meal.
Don’t forget the small cafés and ice-cream parlors around the Market - ice cream is often the best motivation in the afternoon. When choosing a place, check reviews about baby-changing facilities and children’s corners if you need them.
After visiting the Sukiennice, the most popular direction is Wawel - the castle, cathedral and courtyards offer a lot of attractions within a short walk. For history lovers consider the Underground Market, which presents archaeological layers of the old city.
If you have time and the child is up for more, consider a walk along the Vistula Boulevards, a short trip to MOCAK (Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow) or a visit to Oskar Schindler’s Factory - note that these last places often require advance ticket reservations.
For relaxation we recommend the Błonia meadow and selected playgrounds (for example the so-called Dragon Square), where the child can burn off energy after a museum-filled day.
Trying to “tick off” too many places in a single day - instead pick 2–3 highlights and leave space for breaks and spontaneous pleasures. Children need short rests and a change of activity.
Not reserving where tickets have fixed entry times - check in advance, especially for Wawel and popular seasonal museums.
Neglecting food and snacks. Long waits for food or not having familiar, reliable dining spots can lengthen the day and upset the child. Bring small snacks and a bottle of water for the walk.
A lightweight, folding stroller (if you use one) - it makes moving around the center and taking quick breaks easier.
Snacks and a water bottle - it’s better to have them on hand than to hunt for something when energy is low.
Documents for discounts (student card, school ID, etc.) - if you plan to use reduced fares, carry them with you.
A small hygiene kit: wipes, hand cream, a small plaster and a spare shirt for the child in case of spills.
Are the Sukiennice good for small children? Yes - the upper floor visit is usually not long, and the Market area offers plenty of space for short breaks and watching city life.
Can you bring a stroller inside? Many places in the very center offer accessibility options, but availability varies. The safest approach is to check for lifts and entrance access before your visit.
Is Tuesday worth choosing because of free entry? It depends: Tuesdays are sometimes free for permanent exhibitions, which saves money but brings larger crowds and longer lines. If you prefer quieter visits, pick another weekday.
Sukiennice are not only about commerce: since the late 19th century a permanent exhibition of 19th-century Polish art has been on the first floor, making the place a unique combination of market and museum.
Some museums require tickets with a fixed entry time - buying online saves time and reduces the risk of sold-out slots on popular dates.
Although the Market is the city’s heart and full of attractions, just a few steps away local life pulses differently: for a more intimate feel, choose an evening walk through the Planty or a short dinner on a side street off the main tourist routes.
When planning a day around the Sukiennice, keep priorities in mind: your child’s comfort, the pace of visiting and flexibility. The best memories come when the plan leaves room for small adventures and rest. If you liked this plan, share it with friends and tag it on social media - travelers always appreciate practical tips.
If you’d like help from a local, experienced guide, you are invited to contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact details are available on the guide’s website. Professional guiding helps tailor the pace to your family and discover additional lesser-known spots.
Good luck planning and enjoy your visit to Krakow - may your day by the Sukiennice be a pleasant start to a larger city adventure!
